*Message sent from a system outside of UConn.*
[Webinar banner] Dear RSA Community, Friends and Colleagues, Many of us currently work from home with limited interactions to the outside world, which in turn significantly limits the possibility for knowledge exchange and critical debates that are so important for scientist, researchers and practitioners, perhaps now more so than ever. In light of these developments, the Regional Studies Association (RSA) Board decided that it will take extra measures to support the membership and wider global RSA community via two newly set up webinar series: A Regions Cities Industry Webinar Series and a “How to” Professional Development Webinar Series. We hope you will take advantage and enjoy our RSA webinar series and until I meet you there, please stay safe and healthy. Dieter F. Kogler (RSA Board Member – Events & Conferences) Regions Cities Industry Webinar Series Global megatrends are transforming the way we live, work, interact, finance, produce and consume. At the same time, the increasing environmental impacts of human activities have sharpened the focus on sustainability of further development. New technologies potentially provide an opportunity to address, perhaps for the first time in the history of mankind, a substantial majority of the fundamental societal challenges, from nutrition, energy availability and sustainability, to access to products, services and information. However, these same global megatrends can also be highly divisive and therefore represent one of the biggest challenges for a global social, political and economic cohesion and even peaceful coexistence in more than a generation. In addition, we have newly remembered our global vulnerability to shocks such as the coronavirus and there can be no doubt that this will change the world in which we live prompting new questions and new priorities. This RSA Webinar Series will present acclaimed researchers and policymakers addressing these questions. Open to all and free to attend, this webinar series aims to bring experts in the field of regional studies, science and policy to you. The webinar can be watched live but will also be available on demand. The webinars will run live once a month and feature researcher and policymaker experts. They include time for discussion, questions and comments. Forthcoming Webinars in this Series: APRIL Regional Studies Journals Annual Lecture Regional Worlds: From Related Variety in Regional Diversification to Strategic Coupling in Global Production Networks<https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.regionalstudies.org%2Fevents%2F2020-regional-studies-annual-lecture%2F&data=02%7C01%7CECONOMICGEOGRAPHY-L%40LISTSERV.UCONN.EDU%7C48f3aed971814b9add9208d7e140d863%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637225540939694776&sdata=T5DVdoeAWFJ8qsfd5KT%2BzCIkvm%2F%2BQDkF1rkn%2F4NwE6Y%3D&reserved=0> 29th April 2020, 7am EDT, 12 noon BST, 1pm CET, 7pm SGT Chair/ Introduction: Prof. Jennifer Clark, The Ohio State University, USA Speaker: Prof. Henry Wai-chung Yeung, National University of Singapore, Singapore Discussant: Prof. Andres Rodriguez-Pose, London School of Economics, UK The recent literature in regional studies has at least two influential but parallel tracks. In the evolutionary economic geography (EEG) track, much has been written on and debated about knowledge and innovation in regional path development and the role of related variety in regional diversification. In the second and relatively smaller strand of literature linked to the global production networks (GPN) approach, researchers are concerned with how regional actors and assets can be strategically coupled with the competitive dynamics of global production networks. This lecture intends to serve as an initial and sympathetic attempt to pave a “sidetrack” to connect these two parallel strands that can enable researchers on both tracks to engage more explicitly with each other. To do so, I offer a reconceptualization of “regional worlds” as a central concept in regional studies. I argue that both strands of literature are premised on their different conceptions of “regional worlds” of innovation and production – a more endogenous view of regions as “specialized worlds” of production in the EEG track and a more relational view of regions as “interconnected worlds” of production in the GPN literature. Extending further Boschma’s (2017) Regional Studies annual lecture, I believe this reconceptualization of “regional worlds” can allow analytically the possibility of strategic coupling with GPNs as a new form of related variety in regional diversification by highlighting the importance of extra-local/regional linkages and network dynamics. By relating related variety to strategic coupling, this view can potentially reconcile the coexistence of endogenous and exogenous sources of regional transformation. I will end the lecture with some future agenda for theory and practice in regional studies. To register, please go to https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fzoom.us%2Fwebinar%2Fregister%2F2015863395513%2FWN_WPzFM9BzS7KzxQWJMZzgRg&data=02%7C01%7CECONOMICGEOGRAPHY-L%40LISTSERV.UCONN.EDU%7C48f3aed971814b9add9208d7e140d863%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637225540939694776&sdata=W5Ln9W2jnwuv1t6mltqIRy5y%2FC48sexgP3y46gk6VHs%3D&reserved=0. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. MAY “Nothing new under the sun”<https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.regionalstudies.org%2Fevents%2Fplenarypanel%2F&data=02%7C01%7CECONOMICGEOGRAPHY-L%40LISTSERV.UCONN.EDU%7C48f3aed971814b9add9208d7e140d863%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637225540939694776&sdata=KJuTxLt77EIgsu88lxjcfnsE%2BAgL5OgNfDsjnUuu3HI%3D&reserved=0> How the past informs today’s policy responses: Crisis and (missed) opportunities<https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.regionalstudies.org%2Fevents%2Fplenarypanel%2F&data=02%7C01%7CECONOMICGEOGRAPHY-L%40LISTSERV.UCONN.EDU%7C48f3aed971814b9add9208d7e140d863%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637225540939694776&sdata=KJuTxLt77EIgsu88lxjcfnsE%2BAgL5OgNfDsjnUuu3HI%3D&reserved=0> 27th May 2020, 12 noon CET, 11am BST Presentations and discussions in this webinar will analyse how history has shaped arguments in regional development and policy, the context for debate and provides reflections on what might be useful avenues for research looking forward. Chair: Prof. Simona Iammarino, LSE, UK Speakers: Dr Joaquim Oliveira Martins, OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, France Prof. Elisa Giuliani, University of Pisa, Italy Dr Sergio Petralia, Utrecht University, The Netherlands To register, please go to https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fzoom.us%2Fwebinar%2Fregister%2F1015869535207%2FWN__4j1vR-bRPK5-OSs3-5jyA&data=02%7C01%7CECONOMICGEOGRAPHY-L%40LISTSERV.UCONN.EDU%7C48f3aed971814b9add9208d7e140d863%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637225540939694776&sdata=mDbc5N%2BIyTMeePZgmeokG6oVJ9CP5yjcq0auYqiU7eg%3D&reserved=0. JUNE – To be announced JULY- To be announced Professional Development Webinar Series This new webinar series offers RSA members training and support for skills, knowledge and professional development on a variety of topics. Run by experts in their field, this ‘how to’ professional development webinar series aims to support RSA members at different career stages and from different geographies. Each webinar will be 30 minutes long, feature one or two presenters and allow for live questions and answers. We will run weekly webinars on topics of interest members have told us they would like support on. This webinar series will run weekly from 6th May 2020. To register, please go to https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.regionalstudies.org%2Fevents%2Fprofessional-development-webinar-series%2F&data=02%7C01%7CECONOMICGEOGRAPHY-L%40LISTSERV.UCONN.EDU%7C48f3aed971814b9add9208d7e140d863%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637225540939694776&sdata=a5KqRheFsAmf12RWqy1OcGWH710b6b45pHnoKIVxcU0%3D&reserved=0. Webinar Series archive Past webinars from both series will be available on demand to RSA members via the RSA Members’ Lounge.We welcome new members to the RSA. More information on membership benefits and how to join the Association can be found at https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.regionalstudies.org%2Fabout%2Fmemberships%2F&data=02%7C01%7CECONOMICGEOGRAPHY-L%40LISTSERV.UCONN.EDU%7C48f3aed971814b9add9208d7e140d863%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637225540939694776&sdata=P%2FGnumMpuGh4qj2%2B2vJD8aDf00GESRWXZNH6A4u1AGY%3D&reserved=0<https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.regionalstudies.org%2Fabout%2Fmemberships%2F&data=02%7C01%7CECONOMICGEOGRAPHY-L%40LISTSERV.UCONN.EDU%7C48f3aed971814b9add9208d7e140d863%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637225540939694776&sdata=P%2FGnumMpuGh4qj2%2B2vJD8aDf00GESRWXZNH6A4u1AGY%3D&reserved=0>. The Regional Studies Association (RSA) is a learned society and membership organisation bringing together academics and policymakers working in regional research, development and policy. The RSA publishes five journals, two book series, an online magazine and blog<https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.regionalstudies.org%2Fpublications%2F&data=02%7C01%7CECONOMICGEOGRAPHY-L%40LISTSERV.UCONN.EDU%7C48f3aed971814b9add9208d7e140d863%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637225540939694776&sdata=%2B5vEIVfK%2FoxNx5lxXJGzjkwq8MWGLEVqfaCG4rrO7Xc%3D&reserved=0>, funds research and awards excellence<https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.regionalstudies.org%2Ffunding-awards%2F&data=02%7C01%7CECONOMICGEOGRAPHY-L%40LISTSERV.UCONN.EDU%7C48f3aed971814b9add9208d7e140d863%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637225540939694776&sdata=3RBULOttoSNdeSwMf3sClX95qknj39BopG4Ns4FvRpg%3D&reserved=0> in the field, delivers knowledge exchange and provides networking opportunities and training<https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.regionalstudies.org%2Fevents%2F&data=02%7C01%7CECONOMICGEOGRAPHY-L%40LISTSERV.UCONN.EDU%7C48f3aed971814b9add9208d7e140d863%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637225540939694776&sdata=vLEZqTk%2BD6tKTqjcBKCfle05VR9RpovBX4L44g7%2B3aA%3D&reserved=0>s for the global regional studies and wider community. More on the RSA at https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.regionalstudies.org%2F&data=02%7C01%7CECONOMICGEOGRAPHY-L%40LISTSERV.UCONN.EDU%7C48f3aed971814b9add9208d7e140d863%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637225540939704775&sdata=Zz2ZU5hAuzobHGb1EPzsR7Dpsso%2FXa58Ix2P0kJ2klg%3D&reserved=0<https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.regionalstudies.org%2F&data=02%7C01%7CECONOMICGEOGRAPHY-L%40LISTSERV.UCONN.EDU%7C48f3aed971814b9add9208d7e140d863%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637225540939704775&sdata=Zz2ZU5hAuzobHGb1EPzsR7Dpsso%2FXa58Ix2P0kJ2klg%3D&reserved=0>.
