Introduction: Regional Studies Association’s Annual Conference 2024 #RSA24

The Regional Studies Association’s Annual Conference 2024 #RSA24 was held in partnership with the Department of Economics and Business Sciences and the Department of Architecture, University of Florence, Italy. This four-day in-person conference brought together academics and policymakers to exchange news, views and research findings from regional studies and science, regional and economic development, policy and planning.  There was representation from around 50 different global territories as we gathered established experts and early career researchers in the beautiful city of Florence.

The conference featured 700+ presentations, high-profile plenary speakers, several specially convened sessions, workshops, professional development and networking sessions, walking tours and field trips.

This special section features the following reports:

Report 1: Laura Sariego, Session E. Sustainability, Technology & Just Transitions

Report 2: Astrid Krisch, Session M. Environment, Energy & Sustainability

Report 3: Patricia Marquez, Session D. Digitalisation, AI & Technological Innovation

Report 4: Diana Prelorenzo, Session H. Regional Upgrading & Urbanisation in Developing & Emerging Economies

Report 5:Adela Juntian CHEN, Session P. Developing Rural, Peripheral, Remote & Marginal Regions

Report 6: Daniel de Oliveira Vasconcelos, Session I. Regions, Culture & Creativity

Report 7: Tanja Potezica, Session Q. Globalisation, Value/Supply Chains & Trade

Report 8: MD ANWAR HOSSAIN, Session R. Agglomerations, Industrial Districts, Clusters & Networks

Report 9: Ellen Hjort, Session V. Historical & Futures Studies for Regional Planning & Design

Cover photo (Free for use under the Pixabay Content License): pixabay.com by spalla67