Issue 17: Regional Development at a time of uncertainties: The Widening Social Divide of Climate Change
By Eduardo Oliveira, Robert Bowen and Stefania Fiorentino
The Year 2023 conclude with the publication of Issue 17: Regional Development at a time of uncertainties: The Widening Social Divide of Climate Change. Issue 17 delves deep into the pressing topic of climate change and its profound impact on regional inequalities and divisions. This thought-provoking edition unravels the intricate relationship between climate change and social inequalities, shedding light on how environmental shifts exacerbate existing disparities.
Articles published in Issue 17 (final Issue of 2013):
Decolonising Economic Geography by Diana Morales. In this paper, Diana Morales argued that decolonising economic geography is an imperative better addressed not as another strand or school of thought but as a transversal principle that cuts across the discipline and challenges how we contribute to its progress (Spotlight Section, co-edited by Stefania Fiorentino).
New RSA Research Network: Transformative Knowledge Regions by Jesper Manniche, Anna Butzin, Luis Carvalho, Hugues Jeannerat, Pauline Lavanchy and Kerstin Meyer. A new RSA research network, Transformative Knowledge Regions (TRAKR), has been formed. It aims to explore a proposed shift from “knowledge-intensive” to “transformative knowledge” regions and renew the understanding of knowledge as an asset in regional development, taking into consideration the inescapable agenda of sustainability transition (Frontline Section, co-edited by Robert Bowen).
Green patents: instruments against climate change and related social inequalities by Fernando H. Taques and Coro Chasco. Authors highlight that green patents can play an essential role in reducing the social divide produced by climate change, but they are insufficient. They must be complemented with other measures that foster cooperation and diffusion of sustainable technologies among different actors and stakeholders, such as governments, businesses, civil society, and academia, to address the common challenges and opportunities of climate change (*Regional Insights Section, co-edited by Eduardo Oliveira)
Converging in Zero Waste: Divergent Paths in Bogotá (Colombia) and Kiel (Germany) by Angela Vejarano-Jiménez. This article’s initial segment delves into theoretical aspects drawn from political ecology and theories of practice, providing a foundation to underscore the significance and evolution of the forthcoming comparison. Subsequently, the article will delineate the conceptual distinctions between Zero Waste (ZW) and the Circular Economy (CE), shedding light on the potential implications of these concepts on the public policies of both cities. This discussion will incorporate the global guidelines the United Nations and the European Commission set forth concerning Zero Waste and CE. The ensuing section will explore the parallels and variances between Bogotá and Kiel in their transitions toward becoming Zero Waste cities (*).
Bridging the Technological Divide: Expanding Investment Horizons in Africa to Foster Technological Development by Tafara Chibebe, Lavonia Efe-Oviahon and Paul N. Ngang. The historical relationship between Africa and the United States dates back to the 1500s when trade involved exchanging weapons, alcohol, and other goods for Africans, marking the beginning of a complex history. The legacy of slavery, which persisted until the 1900s, disrupted Africa’s economic and technological progress as many Africans were displaced from traditional trade routes. The consequences of this historical exploitation continue to impact the developmental gap between Africa and the United States (*).
Rwanda’s National Trading Policy: Guiding Socio-Economic Development Toward Prosperity by Judith Akinyi Ogolla, Theresia Bihtekum, Abida Sultana and Paul N. Ngang. Rwanda’s economy demonstrated resilience, growing from Frw 2,758 billion in 2021 to Frw 3,583 billion in 2022. The country’s major trading partners, Kenya and Uganda, played a crucial role in this growth, emphasising the significance of trade for economic development. Scholars argue that trade fosters competition, innovation, and specialisation, leading to domestic industry growth (*).
A Personal Reflection on the Sustainability of Regions by Elena Sadovnikova. This note attempts to consider possible ways to increase the stabilisation of the regional situation in the context of the emergence of crisis phenomena leading to acute negative consequences of industrial, economic, social, and other natural factors accompanying such crises. The sustainability of a region presupposes its stable development following appropriate plans and programs for the interests and quality of life of the people living in it. The implementation of such programs is highly dependent on their financial support (*).
How to Manage International Multidisciplinary Research Projects by Linda Hantrais. The Elgar guide, How to Manage International Multidisciplinary Research Projects, featured in this article and the RSA Professional Development Training Webinar series, was designed primarily to meet the needs of early and mid-career academic and non-academic researchers from across the disciplinary spectrum in a wide range of international and sectoral settings. The guide and the Elgar web companion support researchers preparing to manage international multidisciplinary projects by facilitating methodological learning and knowledge exchange (Research Hacks, co-edited by Eduardo Oliveira).
Forthcoming 2024 Issues (18, 19 and 20): New Frontiers in Regional Studies
Regions eZine, the vanguard of cutting-edge discussions in Regional Studies, is poised to propel the discourse further into uncharted territories. The stage is set for 2024 as we unveil a compelling lineup that delves into “New Frontiers in Regional Studies,” presenting thought-provoking themes to the esteemed audience of the Regional Studies Association. Call for Papers available via https://regions.regionalstudies.org/
Issue 18: Navigating AI and New Technologies in Regional Policy and Practices: Opportunity or Challenge?
As we navigate the intricate landscape of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, this issue invites contributors to explore the confluence of innovation and regional policies. Is this technological wave an opportunity to enhance regional practices, or does it pose unprecedented challenges?
- Submissions are welcome until April 19th via office@regionalstudies.org.
- The publication is scheduled for the first week of May 2024.
Issue 19: Exploring Green Growth, De-Growth, and Post-Growth: Heterodox Frameworks in Regional Development
In our pursuit of understanding sustainable regional development, Issue 19 beckons authors to delve into green growth, de-growth, and post-growth. Embracing heterodox frameworks, we invite contributors to unravel the complexities of environmentally conscious regional strategies.
- Submissions are open until August 26th via office@regionalstudies.org.
- The publication is slated for the first week of September 2024.
Issue 20: Global Challenges, Regional Solutions: Rethinking Regional Development Policies
As the year unfolds, we confront global challenges that demand regional solutions. Issue 20 aims to stimulate discourse on rethinking regional development policies in response to overarching issues.
- Submissions are accepted until November 25th via office@regionalstudies.org.
- The publication is scheduled for the second week of December 2024.
Regions eZine: A Synopses of the 17th Issues (2018-2023)
In 2018, the research and discourse focused on “Early Career Researchers & Regional Studies,” followed by “Engaging, Exchanging and Impacting: Regional Research for All.” The year 2019 brought attention to critical topics such as “Smart Specialisation for Research and Practice,” “EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 for Cities and Regions,” and “The Brexit Issue.” As the calendar turned to 2020, the narrative unfolded with discussions on “Urban and Regional responses to Climate Emergency,” “Financialization of the Urban and Regional Domains,” and “Housing Issues in Contemporary Urban Regions.” The year 2021 explored the theme of transition in various aspects. “Regions in Transition I” delved into sustainability challenges and opportunities in cities and regions, followed by “Regions in Transition II,” which focused on redefining urban-rural balance in changing times. The trilogy concluded with “Regions in Transition III,” addressing recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moving forward into 2022, the spotlight shifted towards “Sustainable Regional Futures.” The exploration continued with “The transition towards a green economy and deals,” “Pathways to a regional circular economy,” and “Smart regions, sustainability-driven regional policies, and the use of technology.” The narrative unfolded in 2023 with a thematic series on “Regional Development at a Time of Uncertainties.” Part I delved into “Global Economic Uncertainties and the Challenges for Structurally Weak Regions.” This was followed by Part II, focusing on “Regional Development in the Shadow of Political and Social Change: Charting Economic and Social Futures Amidst Uncertainty.” The trilogy concluded with a reflection on “The Widening Social Divide of Climate Change.” Thus, the research journey evolved chronologically over these years, capturing the dynamic landscape of regional studies and urban development.
Thank you for considering Regions e-zine.
Editorial Team
