2024 RSA Annual Conference

Important Dates

• Special Session submission deadline 8th January 2024
• Early Career plenary speaker deadline 17th January 2024
• Conference Bursary application deadline 30th January 2024
• Abstract submission deadline 30th January 2024
• Registration opens 14th February 2024

The Regional Studies Association’s Annual Conference 2024 #RSA24 is being held in partnership with the Department of Economics and Business Sciences and Department of Architecture, University of Florence, Italy. This four-day conference brings together academics and policymakers to exchange news, views and research findings from the fields of regional studies and science, regional and economic development, policy and planning.  There will be representation from around 50 different global territories as we gather both established experts and early career researchers in the beautiful city of Florence.

The conference will feature presentations, high-profile plenary speakers, a number of specially convened sessions, workshops, professional development and networking sessions, walking tours and field trips. The social programme will include a reception, side events, exhibitor stalls and post-conference tours to explore Florence.

Call for Abstracts:
Much recent focus has been on the great global challenges of the twenty-first century. From the financial crisis to the Covid pandemic, through to the uncertain futures caused by climate change, geopolitical instability, and technological change, the backdrop for regional studies continues to be a global context marked by turmoil, transition and transformation. It is often easy to be drawn in by this allure, framing regional studies or policies in relation to one or more global challenges – be it alignment to Sustainable Development Goals, in response to one global crisis or another, and so on. But what are the connections between regional studies and these global challenges? More importantly, what are the connections between regional studies, these global challenges and the people and places affecting change and being impacted by change?

The RSA Annual Conference 2024 presents a timely opportunity to discuss and debate the place and role of regions and regional research in this context. At a time when in different contexts the need for regional policy and planning is being contested, the conference organizers invite you to consider the role for regions, regional policy and planning, and regional research. Moreover, how are the connections being made or unmade, and what is the role for regional collaboration – be it among researchers or policy communities, between researchers and policymakers, across geographic or disciplinary contexts – in all of this?

The organizers are keen to attract papers and sessions with contributions from any discipline offering relevant insights at local and regional levels. Papers which are highly innovative, collaborative, international or multi-disciplinary are especially welcome, and from researchers or practitioners at any career stage.

 Submission Details
We welcome papers from all – academics, researchers, students and those working in policy and practice. The event is inclusive and offers networking opportunities for all in our field. The organisers welcome proposals for special sessions, themed workshops and innovative forms of networking and collaboration.