Issue 20: Global Challenges, Regional Solutions: Rethinking Regional Development Policies

Issue 20: Global Challenges, Regional Solutions: Rethinking Regional Development Policies

Welcome to Issue 20 of Regions, the e-zine that amplifies the voices of the Regional Studies Association membership.

We are reminded of the complexities and interconnections between global challenges and regional solutions as we close another year. This issue, titled Global Challenges, Regional Solutions: Rethinking Regional Development Policies, highlights the urgent need for innovative approaches to regional development, particularly in the face of environmental, economic, and social transitions.

In our Spotlight Section, we delve into urban crime and environmental preservation intersections by mapping urban crime in Proximity to Madrid’s Largest Environmental Protection Zone: the Lucero Neighbourhood Case. This thought-provoking piece explores how proximity to green spaces impacts urban challenges, providing valuable insights for urban and regional planners.

The Frontline Section brings diverse perspectives on global issues shaping regional dynamics. From Japan’s approaches to financing social infrastructure to Africa’s ongoing journey toward regional integration, intra-continental trade, and a counter-hegemonic exploration of spatial narratives in Chongqing, China, these contributions underline the importance of contextualized yet globally informed policies.

In the Research Insights Section, we explore how coworking spaces can act as catalysts for regional development and examine how policy can amplify their impact. Such insights are vital for policymakers and regional stakeholders as we navigate hybrid work trends and new economic realities.

Finally, the RSA Highlights Section celebrates the vibrant intellectual exchange the Regional Studies Association fostered. Reports from recent events, including the KIRDSA workshops on the geographical economy of innovation and interdisciplinary econometrics, showcase our research networks’ continued growth and interdisciplinary engagement.

This issue underscores the importance of rethinking regional development policies through the lenses of localized knowledge and global relevance. We hope it inspires new ideas, collaborations, and discussions within the RSA community and beyond.

Thank you for your continued engagement with Regions.

Table of Contents Issue 20

Spotlight Section

Logistics city-regions in transition: New spatial imaginaries in Spain and Italy

Mapping Urban Crime in Proximity to Madrid’s Largest Environmental Protection Zone: The Lucero Neighbourhood Case

Frontline Section

Financing and Provision of Social Infrastructure – Insights from Japan

External Factors, Dependency and Threats To African Regional Integration and Intra-African Trade

Grassroots Spatial Narrative Production of Chongqing: Counter-hegemony for China’s Urbanisation?

Research Insights Section

Coworking spaces and regional development: a role for policy

RSA Highlights Section

Event Report – Regional Studies Association Research Network – KIRDSA: Workshop on the Geographical Economy of Innovation

Event Report – Regional Studies Association Research Network – KIRDSA: Interdisciplinary Workshop on ‘Econometrics and Complex Networks’.

Wishing you a wonderful and fulfilling 2025!

We will publish three issues throughout the year and eagerly anticipate your valuable contributions.

Best regards,

Editorial Team

Eduardo Oliveira | Stefania Fiorentino | Robert Bowen