The Spanish Association of Regional Science (AECR), together with the Catalan Association of Regional Science (ACCR), cordially invite you to participate in the 50th International Conference on Regional Science, which will take place from 21 to 23 October 2026 at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) in Barcelona.

This edition is especially meaningful, celebrating five decades of uninterrupted scientific exchange, debate, and community-building in the field of Regional Science. Barcelona, the city where the AECR was founded more than fifty years ago, offers a highly symbolic setting that connects the origins of our Association with the challenges of the present and the future.

As in previous editions, the Conference will serve as a multidisciplinary forum bringing together academics, professionals, and policy-oriented experts to discuss the main advances in regional and territorial analysis. The scientific program will include keynote lectures, panel discussions, special sessions, and paper presentations, and remains the main annual meeting in Spain devoted to the study and debate of regional and territorial issues, with a strong international projection.

The slogan chosen for this landmark edition is: “AI-Driven Territories for a Sustainable Future: 50 Years Building Knowledge for Regional Development.”

In line with this theme, the Conference will focus on two closely interconnected topics of major relevance: sustainability, understood from a broad and multidisciplinary perspective, and artificial intelligence and digital transformation. The discussions will address how digitalisation and AI are reshaping territories, economies, and societies, as well as the role that regions, cities, and rural areas play in advancing more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development paths.

We warmly encourage you to take part in this special 50th anniversary edition, which offers a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen professional networks, and collectively reflect on both the achievements and future directions of Regional Science.

We look forward to welcoming you to Barcelona.

Organizing Committee of the 50th International Conference on Regional Science
Barcelona, 2026