Call for Papers: Issue 24 – Regions as Connected Systems I – Regional Innovation Systems in Transition

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 – 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙨

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝟐𝟒

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲

Regional innovation systems are experiencing significant transformation due to accelerating digitalisation, the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and big data analytics, the demands of green and just transitions, and the restructuring of global value chains. These developments are altering knowledge production, innovation governance, and regional adaptation to technological, economic, and environmental uncertainty.

This issue of Regions examines the evolving nature of regional innovation systems and their capacity to respond to systemic change. Contributions are invited that critically assess how innovation processes are being reconfigured across diverse regional contexts and how technological change may support inclusive, resilient, and place-based development strategies.

Potential topics for contributions include, but are not limited to, the following themes:

• The reorganisation of knowledge production, technological adoption, and innovation networks within and between regions
• The influence of artificial intelligence, data infrastructures, digital platforms, and emerging technologies on regional innovation dynamics and competitiveness
• Pathways of technological change that promote inclusive growth, sustainability, and regional resilience

Papers that address the institutional and governance dimensions of innovation are particularly encouraged, including those that examine:

• New and evolving forms of innovation governance at local, regional, national, and cross-border levels
• The development and challenges of innovation ecosystems in peripheral, less-developed, and cross-border regions
• Regional technological capabilities and innovation strategies in the context of global uncertainty, disruption, and risk

Submissions may be conceptual, empirical, or policy-oriented and should address the interdisciplinary audience of Regions, including scholars, policymakers, and practitioners involved in regional development, innovation policy, and spatial economic analysis.

Deadline – Issue 24

Issue 24 (Regional Innovation Systems in Transition) will run from February to the end of April 2026. The indicative submission deadline is the third week of April 2026.

Regions operates on a rolling publication basis. Articles are published as soon as they are submitted and finalised, rather than waiting for the formal closing date. We therefore strongly encourage early submissions to maximise visibility and engagement during the issue period.

Regions serves as the voice of the Regional Studies Association‘s membership and offers a platform for accessible, forward-looking, and policy-relevant debate. Prospective contributors are encouraged to contact office@regionalstudies.org. The editorial team collaborates with authors to develop contributions in a format and style that best engage the journal’s audience.

Contributions that align with the broader themes of RSA26 are especially welcome, including regional innovation and technological change, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence and big data in regional studies, and global value chains.