The Spanish section of the European Regional Science Association (ERSA), the Spanish Association of Regional Science (AECR), celebrated its 50th anniversary during the 50th International Conference on Regional Science, held in Barcelona from 21 to 23 October 2026.
The Spanish Association of Regional Science (AECR), the Spanish section of ERSA, celebrated five decades of scientific exchange, academic collaboration and contributions to regional development at the 50th International Conference on Regional Science. Organised by AECR together with the Catalan Regional Science Association (ACCR), the conference took place at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) in Barcelona, Spain.
This landmark edition was held under the theme “AI-Driven Territories for a Sustainable Future: 50 Years Building Knowledge for Regional Development”. It brought together researchers and members of the Regional Science community to discuss contemporary challenges and emerging perspectives on territorial development, sustainability, artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
ERSA President Roberta Capello Joins the Anniversary Celebrations
ERSA President Roberta Capello participating in the Barcelona 2026 Regional Science Meetings, celebrating the 50th anniversary of ERSA´s Spanish Section, the Spanish Association of Regional Science (AECR).
ERSA was represented at this important milestone by its President, Roberta Capello, who joined colleagues from across the international Regional Science community in Barcelona to celebrate the anniversary of AECR, ERSA’s Spanish section.
A highlight of the conference was the commemorative plenary session entitled “AECR: 50 Years Building Knowledge for Regional Development”. Moderated by Fernando Rubiera, President of AECR, the session reflected on the origins and evolution of Regional Science in Spain and the role of scientific associations in advancing the discipline at national, European and international levels.
The session brought together representatives of the international Regional Science community, including Roberta Capello, President of ERSA, and Janet E. Kohlhase, Incoming President of the Regional Science Association International (RSAI).
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Roberta Capello and Janet E. Kohlhase received commemorative plaques marking the occasion. This recognition highlighted the connections between Regional Science associations and their shared commitment to promoting research, academic exchange and international cooperation.
ERSA President Roberta Capello and RSAI Incoming President Janet E. Kohlhase receive commemorative plaques marking the 50th anniversary of ERSA´s Spanish Section, the Spanish Association of Regional Science (AECR).
Their participation reflected the importance of maintaining strong links between national, European and international associations and of working together to advance the field of Regional Science.
Honouring Five Decades of AECR History
The conference also provided an opportunity to look back on the history of AECR and recognise the people who have contributed to the Association’s development over the past five decades.
Josep M. Carreras, a long-standing member of AECR, shared insights into the Association’s origins and early years. This was followed by a session exploring its history through the experiences of former presidents.
The discussion brought together five former presidents of AECR:
- Juan R. Cuadrado (1979–1983)
- Pere Antoni Salvà (1993–2000)
- Martí Parellada (2000–2008)
- Vicent Soler (2008–2012)
- Jordi Suriñach (2012–2020)
Former presidents of the Spanish Association of Regional Science (AECR) come together to reflect on the Association’s history during its 50th anniversary celebrations in Barcelona.
Their participation offered an opportunity to reflect on the Association’s evolution, the contributions of successive generations of researchers and the institutional foundations that have supported the development of Regional Science in Spain.
The anniversary celebration honoured this collective legacy while looking ahead to the future of the discipline and its contribution to understanding and addressing regional development challenges.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening the Regional Science Community
AECR’s 50th anniversary represents an important milestone not only for the Association itself, but also for the wider ERSA community. As ERSA’s Spanish section, AECR has contributed to the development of Regional Science in Spain and to the exchange of knowledge and ideas across national and international networks.
The conference reaffirmed the value of collaboration between scientific associations and the importance of bringing together researchers to address shared challenges. Its anniversary theme also highlighted the need to examine how artificial intelligence, digital transformation and sustainability are reshaping territories and influencing regional development.
ERSA congratulates AECR on its 50th anniversary and warmly acknowledges the work of everyone who has contributed to the development of Regional Science in Spain over the past five decades.
We look forward to continuing our collaboration with AECR, RSAI and the wider Regional Science community to foster scientific exchange, support researchers and advance our shared understanding of regional and territorial development.
About the Conference
The 50th International Conference on Regional Science was organised by the Spanish Association of Regional Science (AECR), ERSA’s Spanish section, together with the Catalan Regional Science Association (ACCR). It took place at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) in Barcelona, Spain, from 21 to 23 October 2026.
Explore the conference programme: Barcelona 2026 Regional Science Meetings