European Regional Science Association

01/07/2026

We are excited to announce the Round Table at the ERSA 65th Congress in Sofia (Bulgaria) on 26 August, organized by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission:

“Reviving Industrial Policy: Data for Mapping Competitiveness and Cohesion”

This session will bring together leading researchers and policy experts to discuss how data, evidence, and new analytical approaches can inform smarter, more targeted industrial policy across European regions.

📍 ERSA 65th Congress | Sofia
📅 26 August
🎤 JRC (European Commission)

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a key policy debate shaping the future of regional development in Europe.

We look forward to welcoming you in Sofia!

27/06/2026

🎉 The 39th ERSA Summer School has successfully come to an end!
Over the past week, young researchers from around the world gathered in Covilhã, Portugal, to exchange ideas, present their research, and learn from distinguished scholars in regional science.

The programme concluded with an inspiring lecture by Erik Stam entitled “Rigorous Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Research that Matters: Towards a Transdisciplinary Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Research Program.”

Providing a fitting conclusion to a week dedicated to this year’s theme:
“Circular Cities, Clusters, Ecosystems and Regions: Public Policies for Sustainable Regional Development.”

Throughout the week, participants attended lectures by internationally renowned scholars, engaged in research project presentations and discussions, and strengthened their academic networks while experiencing the unique environment of the Universidade da Beira Interior and the Serra da Estrela region.

The European Regional Science Association (ERSA) extends its sincere gratitude to all participants, lecturers, and partners for making the 39th ERSA Summer School such a rewarding and inspiring experience.

A very special thank you to Prof. Dr. João Leitão, Chair of the Local Organising Committee, for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment throughout the organization of this year’s Summer School. We also warmly thank our partners — the Universidade da Beira Interior (UBI), NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences UBI , APDR . – Associação Portuguesa para o Desenvolvimento Regional, and the Regional Science Association International (RSAI) — for their invaluable collaboration and support.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to another successful edition of the ERSA Summer School.

We look forward to welcoming the next generation of regional scientists at the 40th ERSA Summer School!

26/06/2026

📍 Day 5 of the 39th ERSA Summer School | Covilhã, Portugal 🇵🇹

The fifth day of the 39th ERSA Summer School featured an insightful lecture by Rui Baptista, Full Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, entitled:

📊 Clusters, Ecosystems and Regions: Human Capital Mobility and the Labour Force of New Firms

The afternoon continued with participants’ research project presentations and discussions, providing an excellent opportunity for young researchers to exchange ideas, receive valuable feedback from faculty members, and strengthen their academic networks.

The 39th ERSA Summer School is hosted by the Universidade da Beira Interior (UBI) and organized in collaboration with the NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences UBI and the APDR . – Associação Portuguesa para o Desenvolvimento Regional, with the support of the Regional Science Association International (RSAI).

A special thank you to Prof. Dr. João Leitão (University of Beira Interior), President of the Portuguese Section (APDR .) and Chair of the Local Organising Committee, for his dedication and leadership in organizing another successful edition of the ERSA Summer School.

25/06/2026

📍 Day 4 of the 39th ERSA Summer School | Covilhã, Portugal 🇵🇹

The fourth day of the 39th ERSA Summer School featured an inspiring lecture by Christina Theodoraki, Full Professor in Entrepreneurship at IAE Aix-Marseille University, entitled:
"The Power of BEES: Building Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Sustainably"

Following the morning lecture, participants travelled to Manteigas, in the heart of the Serra da Estrela region, where they took part in outdoor activities and had the opportunity to experience the natural and territorial assets of the region firsthand.

These social and field activities complement the academic programme by encouraging networking, knowledge exchange, and a deeper understanding of regional development in practice.

The 39th ERSA Summer School is hosted by the Universidade da Beira Interior (UBI) and organized in collaboration with the NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences Centre for Business Sciences UBI and the APDR . – Associação Portuguesa para o Desenvolvimento Regional, with the support of the Regional Science Association International (RSAI).

A special thank you to Prof. Dr. João Leitão (University of Beira Interior), President of the Portuguese Section (APDR) and Chair of the Local Organising Committee, for his leadership, dedication, and commitment in making this Summer School possible.

25/06/2026

📍 Day 3 of the 39th ERSA Summer School | Covilhã, Portugal 🇵🇹

On the third day of the 39th ERSA Summer School, participants attended a lecture by Rosella Nicolini from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Spain, entitled:
🌍 The Sustainability Challenges of an Ageing Society: A Regional Ecosystem Perspective

The afternoon continued with research project presentations and discussions, providing participants with valuable opportunities to receive feedback, exchange ideas, and engage with fellow researchers and faculty members.

The 39th ERSA Summer School is hosted by the University of Beira Interior (UBI) and organized in collaboration with the NECE – NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences UBI and the APDR . – Associação Portuguesa para o Desenvolvimento Regional, with the support of the Regional Science Association International (RSAI).

23/06/2026

📍 Day 2 of the 39th ERSA Summer School | Covilhã, Portugal 🇵🇹

Yesterday, participants of the 39th ERSA Summer School had the privilege of attending a lecture by Sébastien BOURDIN, Full Professor of Economic Geography & Environmental Management, entitled:

🌍 Geography of Green Discontent and the Social Acceptance of Renewable Energies

The lecture explored how territorial dimensions shape the energy transition and influence the acceptance of renewable energy projects.

In the afternoon, participants engaged in the first sessions of project presentations and discussions. These sessions, which will continue throughout the week, provide a unique opportunity for young researchers to exchange ideas and receive feedback from peers and distinguished scholars.

The 39th ERSA Summer School is hosted by the University of Beira Interior (UBI - Universidade da Beira Interior) and organized in collaboration with the NECE – NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences UBI and the APDR . – Associação Portuguesa para o Desenvolvimento Regional, with the support of the Regional Science Association International (RSAI).

Special thanks to João Leitão Chair of the Local Organising Committee for making this event possible.

22/06/2026

📍 Covilhã, Portugal | 21 June 2026

The 39th ERSA Summer School has officially begun!

Yesterday, participants from across the world were welcomed to the University of Beira Interior (UBI) in Covilhã, Portugal, for a week dedicated to exploring:

🌍 “Circular Cities, Clusters, Ecosystems and Regions: Public Policies for Sustainable Regional Development.”

The Summer School opened with an inspiring lecture by Prof. André Torre, Distinguished Professor of Economics at University Paris-Saclay, INRAE, and AgroParisTech, who presented on the topic of Territorial Circular Economy.

Hosted at the UBIMedical Incubator and organized by the European Regional Science Association (ERSA) in collaboration with the University of Beira Interior (UBI), the NECE – Research Centre for Business Sciences, and the Associação Portuguesa para o Desenvolvimento Regional (APDR .), the Summer School brings together young researchers and distinguished scholars to discuss regional science and sustainable development.

Special thanks to the Local Organising Committee, chaired by Prof. Dr. João Carlos Correia Leitão, and to all partners and sponsors supporting this initiative.

We look forward to an exciting week of lectures, discussions, and academic exchange!

12/06/2026

📢 Confirmed Plenary Speaker at

We are pleased to announce that Prof. Peter Nijkamp will deliver a plenary lecture at the 65th ERSA Congress in Sofia.

🎤 “THE URBANOMETRICS OF WELLBEING: MODELING CITY LOVE, SPATIAL COMFORT ZONES AND PROSILIENT PANARCHY”

📅 26 August 2026
📍 Sofia, Bulgaria

Join leading scholars and practitioners from around the world for four days of discussion, networking, and new insights in regional science.

👉 Register now: https://ersa.eventsair.com/ersa2026/congress-registration

Ekaterina Zaharieva serves as European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation at the European Commission. She leads the EU’s strategy to place research, science and technological innovation at the centre of Europe’s competitiveness, security and sustainability. Her portfolio include...

10/06/2026

🚨 Final Reminder for Authors –

The deadline for presenting authors to complete their registration and/or payment is 15 June 2026.

⚠️ Papers without a registered and paid presenting author cannot be included in the final Congress programme.

Additionally, the same deadline applies for full paper submission for:
✔️ Young Scientists Sessions (YSS) participants
✔️ Epainos Award candidates

If you have not yet completed your registration or payment (either via bank transfer or credit card), now is the time.

👉 Register here: https://ersa.eventsair.com/ersa2026/congress-registration

📍 Sofia, Bulgaria | 25–28 August 2026

See you in Sofia!

04/06/2026

📢 Important Reminder for Authors –

To have your paper included in the final programme of the 65th ERSA Congress, presenting authors must complete both their registration and payment by 15 June 2026.

⚠️ Papers without a registered and paid presenting author by the deadline cannot be scheduled in the programme.

Please note that the same deadline applies to the submission of full papers for:
✔️ Young Scientists Sessions (YSS) participants
✔️ Epainos Award candidates

📍 Sofia, Bulgaria | 25–28 August 2026

👉 Complete your registration today: https://ersa.eventsair.com/ersa2026/congress-registration