Indeed this interest in actors, institutions and organisations in regional development needs to be properly grounded in the wider contexts of global change in economic imperatives, transnational working and cooperation and environmental concerns. To some regions, these contexts provide favourable and timely frameworks for action and initiatives. Other regions may find these contexts increasingly challenging and threatening. Taken together, understanding better these broader contexts can provide important insights into regional development potential, planning and practices and establish the agenda for research and policy.

We welcome papers from all – academics, students and those working in policy and practice. The event is inclusive and offers major networking opportunities for scholars in our field. As well as the conference abstract volume, opportunities for publication are strong with anthologies, special editions of journals and other publications often following from these sessions. Formal networking and collaboration meetings to promote journals, the development of applications for transnational programmes and other partnerships are being encouraged in Pécs. All abstracts are usually accepted provided that they address the conference themes and meet quality thresholds. We reserve the right to enter into discussion with the authors about possible revisions to the focus and approach of any paper in order to improve its fit within the session or its overall quality.