The Regional Studies Association Research Network on Urban policy for the Sustainable Urban Manufacturing (UP-SUM)
Global challenges, such as climate crisis, digitalisation, are reshaping urban manufacturing and its spatial configurations in cities. The aim of this research network is to explore and discuss the evolving characteristics of urban manufacturing and the urban policies that promote sustainable urban manufacturing. Within this framework, the network seeks the diverse practices across different countries. UP-SUM is a comparative, practice-oriented research network that examines how urban policy and governance can enable sustainable urban manufacturing. We adopt a multidimensional lens to understand transitions in manufacturing districts across technology-intensive and labour-intensive contexts. Comparative case studies trace distinct pathways: Industry 4.0 and digital upgrading (Germany); design- and knowledge-based upgrading (Italy); urban resilience and industrial protection (United Kingdom); and metropolitan policy and land-use strategies (Turkey). Activities include field-based workshops, ECR/PhD training; outputs include open-access papers, policy briefs, and two RSA Special Sessions. The network has researchers from Turkey, Italy, Slovenia, Germany, UK and Australia.
Future Events
Future Field Visits and Case Studies:
November 2026: UK/online
March/April 2027: Milan, Italy
November 2027: Germany
April 2028: Istanbul,Turkey
Future Outputs and Publications
Working Paper 1: March 2027
Conceptual Position Paper: September 2027
Working Paper 2: June 2028
Comparative Journal Paper: September 2028
Research Project Proposal and Final Report: October 2028
Past Events
RSA 2026 Annual Conference Special Session – Urban Manufacturing and Productive City
Gothenburg, Sweden
17 June 2026
Read the report on the RSA26 UPSUM Special Session
RSA 2026 UPSUM Research Network Kick off Meeting
Gothenburg, Sweden
17 June 2026