Welcome to Regions e-Zine
It is often remarked that human development is a lifelong process, so is the development of an expert publication such as Regions. Changes in the editorship are a good moment to step back and reflect on the past trajectory of this publication and an also opportunity to look forward and chart a new course. As of this issue, both the editorship and the format of Regions changes.
In 2017, Sally Hardy (CEO) and the board of the Regional Studies Association, presented this editorial team with a challenge; to lead the transformation of Regions from a members only printed magazine to a fully online and open access digital format (Regions e-Zine). Although well aware of the hazards this transformation could entail, we were so excited to champion this ambitious transformation that we simply could not refuse. Thus, we proudly inherit the responsibility of editing Regions from Frank Peck, Gail Mulvey (University of Cumbria, UK) and Ignazio Cabras (Northumbria University, UK), who have guided the editorship of Regions for nearly a decade. They have truly made Regions a significant publication and a vital space in which the regional studies community can converse. We can safely say that they have made history, but history must continue to be made.
We are therefore pleased to announce, that for the first time Regions will now fully embrace the knowledge dissemination opportunities of the internet and present the latest developments in regional studies to both the membership and the general public. Working closely with Taylor and Francis and the RSA office team over the past months, we have developed this platform with the aim of enhancing the RSA’s mission of being a leading and impactful society. We aim to use Regions to actively reach out to new audiences, whilst maintaining its legacy of advancing debates in regional studies in a way that is rigorous, informative and accessible.
To achieve these goals we have redesigned Regions in a dynamic, born digital format.
We have created new sections:
Regional Insights, a selection of articles providing a fresh take on regional studies.
Spotlight, an in depth look at key issues for regional studies.
Research Frontline, for articles demonstrating breaking and cutting edge regional research.
RSA Highlights, for news and reports from the RSA community.
Must Reads, for reviews of the RSA’s Regions and Cities book series.
We have also sought to introduce more multimedia content, such as videos and graphics, and incorporated content sharing facilities through a myriad of social media platforms. We believe this new, interactive platform will make Regions a critical medium for the communication and sharing of regional knowledge. Whereas Regions might once have been found in the relatively secluded confines of a senior common room, or on the shelves of an aspiring regional scholar, we hope that this new iteration will take flight and mobilise regional knowledge across a globally networked world.
This first issue is dedicated to early career research, a subject which we the editors, as early career researchers ourselves, take very seriously! We present a number of contributions from early career scholars whose innovative research offers a glimpse into the aims and interests of an emerging generation of regional scholars.
In our first issue we would also like to welcome Professor Mark Tewdwr-Jones as incoming Chair of the RSA Board and to pay thanks to the outgoing chair Andrew Beer.
By combining the best of the old with the excitement of the new, we will strive to ensure the Regions e-Zine becomes a vital tool to showcase the excellent research carried out by all members and friends of the Regional Studies Association.
Regions e-Zine editorial team
By Eduardo Oliveira, Stefania Fiorentino and Robert Bowen
