YSI Workshop on Smart Specialization for Sustainability @ NARSC 2024

The Young Scholar Initiative of the Institute for New Economic Thinking (YSI/INET) Urban and Regional Economics Working Group (URE-WG) welcomes submissions to the ‘YSI Workshop on Smart Specialization for Sustainability’, as part of the North American Regional Science Council (NARSC) Annual International Conference 2024, in New Orleans – Louisiana.

Recent years have emphasized the need for sustainable development strategies that align with the advancements in Industry 4.0 and address the pressing challenges posed by climate change. Smart specialization offers a strategic approach to fostering innovation and sustainability, particularly through integrating advanced technologies and environmentally conscious practices.

This workshop will consist of the following special session plus at least one networking meeting fostering a collaborative environment where young scholars can engage with experts and peers, contributing to the broader discourse on Regional Economics.

The special session will explore the intersection of smart specialization and sustainability, focusing on innovative approaches that promote environmental sustainability in the face of climatic emergencies.

We invite submissions from graduate students and young scholars that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• Strategies for smart specialization in sustainable development
• Applications of advanced technologies for environmental sustainability
• Impacts of climate change on regional and urban development
• Policy frameworks for sustainable urbanization
• Case studies of smart specialization in sustainability
• Technological innovations for mitigating climate change
• Economic and social aspects of sustainable development
• Role of public and private sectors in promoting sustainability through innovation

Submission Guidelines

Interested participants should submit their approved abstracts at the NARSC submission portal here (at the YSI/INET portal) as well (Apply Button above).

Deadline for Submission: September 30, 2024

Selected participants may also be eligible for travel stipends provided through the YSI/INET funding.

The YSI Networking Meetings aim to create conducive environments for interactions among young scholars and facilitate their engagement with senior speakers. These meetings provide opportunities for activities such as delivering elevator speeches about their own thesis and/or dissertation research, discussing challenges related to publishing in the field of regional sciences, exploring recent and cutting-edge research methods, and more.

Following the conference sessions, these networking meetings will offer a relaxed setting for young scholars to unwind and engage in discussions related to careers, entrepreneurship, and various professional opportunities. Additionally, a networking lunch with senior conference speakers will be organized to enable exchanges and discussions concerning the challenges and opportunities faced by young researchers in the field.

Applications for the networking meetings will be opened after the paper selections for the NARSC International Conference.

For any queries or further information, please feel free to contact Rafael Campos (rfacampos@ufv.br) or Igor Tupy (igor.tupy@ipea.gov.br).

We look forward to your submissions and to welcoming you to New Orleans!