Print

Print
Message
Hi there 
 
apologies for any cross posting, but this conference might be of interest to list-members.
 
regards
Paul.
 
 
CALL FOR PAPERS

REGIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2005

THURSDAY 24th NOVEMBER 2005

London Voluntary Sector Resource Centre
Holloway Road
London, UK

SUSTAINABLE REGIONS:  MAKING REGIONS WORK

The imperative to create sustainable regions is rapidly rising up the political agenda. As a counterweight to debates about economic growth and productivity, there is increasing awareness of the importance of regional strategies in which social, political and environmental considerations are fully integrated into economic development. The problems of creating regions ‘that work’ is evident across all regions where unbalanced growth is associated with economic ‘hotspots’ alongside areas of continuing social deprivation. Whilst areas such as London and the South East are beset by chronic strains on infrastructure (particularly relating to housing and transport) alongside growing social polarisation, large scale redevelopment and renewal programmes - in the north of England, Scotland and Wales they take place alongside continuing social decay, marked by poor labour market activity rates and massive ‘hidden’ unemployment. At the same time, the growing need to confront environmental problems at both the global and local levels is putting new pressures on those involved in urban and regional development. This context leads to a number of issues about the nature of current forms of economic development and the extent to which they are compatible with a broader agenda of creating sustainable regions. As environmental and social justice become more important, the issues of democratic renewal and community engagement also come to the fore.  In the wake of the failed referendum on the North East Assembly especially, questions about the future direction of regionalism and regional policy in the UK have taken on a particular urgency.

Trends towards greater global and European integration and multi- layered governance are likely to accentuate the difficulties facing regions in resolving these tensions and pose important strategic and practical challenges for policymakers, academics and communities. This conference aims to explore the issues surrounding creating sustainable regions and invites papers in the following areas:


The conference format will involve several key-note speakers from the academic and policymaking communities along side breakout sessions for workshops. Speakers are required to provide a summary of their paper for inclusion in the conference book which is given to all conference participants on the day. Workshop contributors are asked to provide 1500 word summaries and Plenary speakers, 3000 word summaries by Monday, 12th September 2005.

Please send offers of papers in the form of 200 – 400 word abstracts to Sally Hardy at the Regional Studies Association by Monday 8th July, 2005.

Submissions should include telephone, fax and e-mail details.

Proposals will be considered by the Conference Programme Committee against the criteria of originality and interest, subject balance and geographical spread.

Regional Studies Association
PO Box 2058
Seaford BN25 4QU
Tel: +44 (0) 1323 899 698
Fax: +44 (0) 1323 899 798
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
The Regional Studies Association is a registered charity (No 1084165) and a company registered in England (No. 4116288)