SS1. Territories in transition: regional dynamics in the green and digital transformation

Coordinator: María Jesús Ruiz Fuensanta

The simultaneous transitions towards more sustainable and digitalised economies – the so-called twin transition – are deeply mediated by territorial dynamics. Far from being homogeneous processes, these transitions take different forms depending on the socio-economic, institutional and cultural configurations of each region.

This special session proposes to reflect on how territories not only receive, but actively shape the processes of change associated with sustainability and digitalisation. Local capacities – such as knowledge, social cohesion, productive base or governance – condition the adoption of green technologies, the reconfiguration of production models and the social acceptance of new energy and circular solutions. At the same time, transition strategies can reinforce or undermine these territorial assets, generating differentiated trajectories of adaptation and resilience. We invite contributions that analyse in an integrated way how the environmental, technological and social dynamics of transition are intertwined in a territorial key. The aim is to improve our understanding of the factors that enable – or hinder – a just, inclusive and territorially equitable transition.

SS2. Input-output models in regional analysis: Theory and applications

Coordinator: Carmen Ramos

Input-output analysis is a methodology commonly applied in economic studies, both at a theoretical level, in the construction and development of new models, and at an applied level, enabling the resolution of practical problems.

The expansion of this methodology is undeniable, allowing for increasingly complex conceptualizations, including the construction of social accounting matrices and the development of computable general equilibrium models. Furthermore, the consideration of multiple input-output tables that relate not only sectors but also territories allows for the creation of multiregional models and, therefore, the study of interrelated spaces.

On the other hand, and from a more applied perspective, we can refer to the extension of the input-output methodology to the study of problems related to energy, the environment, or the impacts of natural disasters, among others.

This session aims to serve as a forum for discussion and reflection on the latest research (theoretical or applied) in input-output analysis, as well as to serve as the seed for new research in this field.

SS3. Music and Folklore as Agents of Territorial Transformation: Intangible Heritage in the Construction of Regional Identities

Coordinators: María Ángeles Carabal Montagud (Universitat Politècnica de València), Guillem Escorihuela Carbonell (Universitat de València).

Music and folklore are essential elements of the intangible cultural heritage of regions, fundamentally contributing to the construction of regional identities and social cohesion. This forum aims to explore how musical societies and folklore groups not only preserve traditions and customs but also act as agents of territorial transformation, strengthening the social fabric, promoting community well-being, and fostering the creation of local economic value.

The impact of music and folklore on regional transformation will be analyzed, addressing how these cultural manifestations can be a catalyst for social, political, and territorial change. Musical societies and folklore groups have the capacity to unite communities, strengthen a sense of belonging, and promote citizen participation, which in turn favors the development of inclusive public policies, greater commitment of residents to their region, and the creation of economic opportunities through cultural tourism and the creative industry.

This forum will also analyze the role of these cultural expressions in creating spaces for intergenerational exchange, cultural sustainability, and the economic revitalization of territories. Music and folklore, as part of cultural heritage, can contribute to economic diversification, with the potential to enrich communities and improve their well-being.

Priority will be given to studying the phenomenon of musical societies in the Valencian Community as a model of how music can become a driving force for territorial transformation, cultural identity, and local development. The widespread implementation, active citizen participation, and international reach of these musical societies make them a benchmark, and therefore an analysis and reflection are proposed.

The objective is to generate a space for dialogue that allows for the sharing of experiences and strategies to harness the potential of music and folklore in building more inclusive, sustainable, culturally rich, and economically dynamic territories.

SS4. Territorial employment policies as a response to local and regional challenges in Europe

Coordinators: Juan Carlos Rodríguez Cohard (Universidad de Jaén) y José Antonio Camacho Ballesta (Universidad de Granada)

The challenges faced by territories are diverse and have different origins. Local administrations, together with other regional, national and European authorities, have, since the 1990s, been articulating economic policy responses to contribute to a better inclusion of territories in spatial competitiveness. This special session aims to provide a framework for discussion for researchers interested in territorial employment policies that seek to address the challenges of global competition, technological change and the social inclusion of workers coming from different places, with the objective of maintaining and increasing the economic and social well-being of local areas from a territorial perspective.

Multiple and varied approaches are welcome, among which we highlight those that seek to improve entrepreneurship, the training of workers and employers, local cooperation and collaboration with other tiers of government, efforts in the fight against depopulation of territories at risk of exclusion, the inclusion of disadvantaged groups and any other perspective that deals with employment policies from a territorial approach.