2026 RSA Regional Futures Conference

Key Dates and Deadlines

• Abstract submissions: 4th August
• Registration opens: Beginning September
• Programme ready: Mid-September

As global interdependence deepens, regions continue to face uneven development trajectories and widening socio‑spatial divides. These realities demand new framings of regional futures that recognise both the vulnerabilities and the innovative capacities embedded within localities. This said, understanding regional futures requires more than forward‑looking imagination. Regional futures depend on a grounded awareness of the regional pasts and regional presents that shape the conditions from which future possibilities emerge. The historical trajectories of uneven development, socio‑spatial divides, and local vulnerabilities form the backdrop against which new regional strategies must be conceived. Equally, present‑day dynamics – ranging from technological change and demographic shifts to environmental pressures and evolving patterns of governance – constitute the lived realities that influence what kinds of futures are feasible or justifiable. Only by recognising how past legacies and current transformations intersect can researchers and practitioners more effectively imagine, design, and advocate for regional futures that are informed, equitable and resilient. This begins by understanding what we know, but equally what we should know that we have forgotten, and questions that we have all-too-often neglected to ask.

The RSA Regional Futures Conference 2026 presents an important opportunity to champion a positive agenda for regional change and development based on a deep knowledge and understanding of what we can learn from knowing about regional pasts and regional presents. The event will provide an important platform to discuss and debate regional futures, establish new connections, and assess options for practitioners and policymakers working towards brighter regional futures.

The conference organisers are keen to attract papers and sessions which identify new connections, address broad research and policy agendas, and include contributions from any discipline offering insights at local and regional levels. Papers which are highly innovative, collaborative, international or multi-disciplinary are especially welcome.

Conference themes

Broad themes and key agendas the organisers are keen to facilitate discussion around include, but are not limited to:

The past, present and future of:

Session proposals: We invite scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to submit session proposals for inclusion in the upcoming conference programme. We offer closed sessions for the Regional Futures Conference

• Closed Session – the session organiser proposes the complete session including all speakers. Other delegates may not submit their abstracts for this session. Please note that all speakers need to register to be able to present.

If you would like to submit a closed session, please email your complete session proposal, with confirmed speakers to nicola.pilling@regionalstudies.org Please note all speakers need to register to be able to present.

Abstract Submission Details: Please submit your abstract (up to 250 words and text only) through the RSA conference portal at: https://lounge.regionalstudies.org/Meetings/Meeting?ID=589 

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 innovative forms of networking and collaboration.