Special Session at 64th ERSA Congress

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Special Session: Twin Transition & Its Unequal Geography

The 64th ERSA Congress will focus on “Regional Science in Turbulent Times: In Search of a Resilient, Sustainable, and Inclusive Future.” As part of the event, a Special Session on "Twin Transition & Its Unequal Geography", organised by the ST4TE and Mobi-Twin projects, will examine how green and digital transformations are reshaping regional economies, labour markets, and communities.

As new digital technologies and sustainable solutions emerge, they are profoundly altering the nature of work, industries and regional economies. The impacts of these transformations, both immediate and in the long run, will differ depending on regional and social contexts. Understanding the interconnected dynamics of the green and digital transition is crucial for designing policies that can mitigate negative outcomes, such as job displacement and widening inequalities, while fostering inclusivity in this new era. The session will explore how these shifts impact urban and rural areas differently, creating new spatial, economic, and social divides.

The session will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to discuss strategies for ensuring that the benefits of the Twin Transition are distributed equitably across regions. Discussions will focus on creating ecosystems that foster local entrepreneurship, sustainable industry, and resilient infrastructure. The goal is to identify opportunities for ensuring that the benefits of the Twin Transition reach diverse regions and groups, fostering a balanced and inclusive approach to spatial development in an era of rapid technological and ecological change.

Key Topics:

  • Green and Digital Innovations Driving the Twin Transition: Exploring technologies that are at the intersection of sustainability and digitalisation, and how these are shaping regional labour markets and development trajectories.
  • Integration of Digital and Green Solutions: Examining synergies between digital technologies and green innovations, such as smart grids and eco-friendly transportation systems, and their implications for regional economic sustainability.
  • Equitable Access to Green and Digital Technologies: Addressing the barriers faced by underserved regions in adopting green and digital innovations and exploring strategies to bridge the urban-rural divide.
  • Best Practices for Sustainable Innovation Ecosystems: Sharing successful case studies of regions that have effectively integrated green and digital innovations into their economic strategies, promoting balanced and inclusive growth.

ERSA