RSA Central and Eastern Europe Conference, 14-16 September 2026, Poznań University of Economics and Business, Poland

Resilience, Realignment, and Renaissance: Territorial Transformations in Central and Eastern Europe
14-16 September 2026

Poznań University of Economics and Business, Poland

The Regional Studies Association’s fifth Central and Eastern Europe Conference 2026 is being held in partnership with Poznań University of Economics and Business, Poland. This three-day event will bring together academics, policymakers, and researchers to share insights, perspectives, and the latest findings in regional studies, economic development, policy, and planning.

Central and Eastern Europe is having to navigate geopolitical turbulence and economic realignment at the national level, while recognising and operating through a complex mosaic of subnational regions with deeply varied prospects, vulnerabilities, and opportunities. Current developments be they political, economic, demographic, or environmental are producing highly differentiated territorial impacts. A sustained focus on regional and subnational dynamics reveals both the persistence of old divides and the emergence of new growth poles or lagging peripheries, calling for truly place-based strategies. What’s more, on the eve of budgetary shifts in the EU understanding the role of regions should be studied and debated to the even bigger extent.

Conference Themes

1. Geopolitical Realignment and Regional Security

2. Economic Resilience, Recovery & Inequality at the Territorial

3. Green Transition: Place-Based Impacts and Opportunities

4. Demographic Shifts: Local Challenges and Regional Responses

5. Digital and Innovation Divides

6. Societal and Civic Resilience at the Local Level

7. Spatial Inequalities and Regional Development Pathways

8. Territorial Governance and Multi-Scalar Policymaking

The event is inclusive and offers networking opportunities for all in our field. The organisers welcome proposals for special sessions, themed workshops and innovative forms of networking and collaboration. For more detailed information on the conference, themes and special sessions already submitted:

Conference Webpage: https://www.regionalstudies.org/events/2026cee/

Submission Details:

Special Sessions: 12^th May 2026
Abstracts: 19^th May 2026 (up to 250 words and text only)

Please click here to submit your abstract, special session proposal and for more information on the conference.