Words of welcome from the LOC
Dear colleagues and friends,
On behalf of the Local Organising Committee, it is great pleasure to invite you to Milan for the the 66th ERSA Congress, which will take place from 23 to 26 August at Politecnico di Milano.
At a time when global uncertainty is increasingly shaping regional development, the congress theme invites us to reflect on how places can navigate and respond to profound economic, political, technological, and environmental transformations. Understanding these dynamics, and identifying effective responses, lies at the heart of regional science. Our field can play a vital role in informing policies that promote competitiveness, sustainability, and social cohesion and we are sure that ERSA 2027 will be an outstanding opportunity to discuss these challenges together and to explore new avenues for research and policy.
Beyond the scientific programme, we hope you will enjoy the experience of being in Milano, discover its many attractions and unique atmosphere.
We are already working enthusiastically to make this a memorable Congress. We look forward to welcoming you with the warmth of Italian hospitality and the vibrant spirit of Milan.
So please save the date: 23-26 August 2027. We very much look forward to seeing you in Milano!
Camilla Lenzi (Chair) and the Local Organising Committee
Politecnico di Milano
Plenary Speaker Announcement
David Dorn
We are pleased to announce that Professor David Dorn from UBS Foundation, an internationally renowned economist whose research focuses on globalization, labor markets, and technological change, will be one of the keynote speakers at the 2027 ERSA Congress.
The topic of his keynote lecture will be announced shortly. We look forward to welcoming him and to his contribution to the scientific discussions at the Congress.
Presentation of ERSA 2027 in Milano
The 66th ERSA Congress will be held in Milano, Italy, from 24 to 27 August 2027
The ERSA 2027 edition will focus on “Regions and Cities in an Era of Geopolitical Risks.” Rising geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, and ongoing technological and environmental transitions are reshaping the development prospects of regions and cities across the globe. Understanding how territories are affected by these challenges, and how they can adapt and thrive in an increasingly uncertain world, is among the most pressing tasks for regional science today.
The Congress aims to bring together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to explore the territorial implications of geopolitical risks and the strategies that regions and cities can adopt to strengthen competitiveness, sustainability, and social cohesion. Particular attention will be devoted to the role of place-based policies, multilevel governance, innovation, and international linkages in shaping regional development in a changing global landscape.
With approximately 800 participants from all continents, the ERSA Congress is the world’s leading event in regional science. It offers a unique forum to present research, exchange ideas, receive valuable feedback, and build international collaborations. In 2027, Milan, one of Europe’s foremost centres of innovation, culture, business, and design, will proudly welcome the global regional science community for four days of stimulating discussions, networking, and scientific exchange.
The handing over of the ERSA flag took place on Friday 28 August 2026 during the Closing Ceremony of ERSA Congress in Sofia.
Key Dates
#ERSA2027 Congress in Milan, Italy | Official Teaser
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Contact us
Congress secretariat: congress@ersa.org