ERSA HR Conference 2026

The ancient, sun-warmed stone walls of Diocletian's Palace, the gentle rustle of palm trees along the lively Riva Promenade, and the bright spark of intellectual innovation are coming together in beautiful fashion along the Adriatic coast. This autumn, the Dalmatian capital is set to welcome some of the most influential minds in spatial economics, territorial management, and public policy. The highly anticipated annual gathering of the Croatian Section of the European Regional Science Association, widely known as the ERSA HR Conference 2026, is officially locked in to take place in Croatia's second largest city.

Taking place on September 28 and September 29, 2026, this premier two-day event will bring a vibrant ecosystem of international scholars, European Commission representatives, and local policymakers together under a singular, powerful theme: EU Regional Development Dialogues: From Policy to Research. Moving away from rigid, isolated academic symposia, this unique gathering serves as a direct bridge between theoretical research and practical, real-world governance. Whether you are a local urban planner from neighborhoods like Split 3 or Gripe, a European development officer tracking regional resilience, or a young doctoral student eager for high-level mentorship, this conference offers an unparalleled sanctuary for professional growth and collaborative network building.

Connecting Innovation and Regional Policy at Technology Park Split

The physical backdrop for an event sets the direct tone for its collaboration, and the choice of venue for this year's conference highlights the region's forward-looking spirit. The entire two-day program will unfold within the state-of-the-art facilities of the brand-new Technology Park Split located in the rapidly growing Dračevac precinct. Developed as a major hub for digital transformation and industrial modernization, this impressive facility represents a multi-million euro investment co-financed by the European Union, making it the perfect symbolic setting to discuss the future of cohesion policy and territorial resilience.

The event is organized with immense institutional pride by the Croatian Section of ERSA, recognized internationally as HR ERSA. To ensure the highest level of academic rigor and practical relevance, the association has joined forces with an exceptional lineup of co-organizers:

• The Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism at the University of Split: One of the region's leading academic institutions driving research in spatial economics and sustainable tourism.
• The Institute for Development and International Relations: A prominent national research hub focused on international affairs, public management, and economic transitions.
• The European Commission's Joint Research Centre: The official science and knowledge service of the European Union, bringing immense analytical depth and data-driven perspective to the conference floor.

By uniting these diverse forces, the conference creates a high-energy platform where local challenges are analyzed through global frameworks, and macro-level European Union strategies are adapted to serve regional realities.

Understanding the Core Architecture: A Dynamic Two-Day Program

To maximize the impact of the gathering, the organizers have structured the schedule into two distinct, highly focused days. This brilliant architectural blueprint allows attendees to examine regional development from both a high-level policy perspective and a deep, methodological angle.

Day One: Policy-Oriented Dialogues and Industrial Transitions

The first day of the conference, Monday, September 28, 2026, centers heavily on high-level dialogue among practitioners, decision-makers, and researchers. The morning kicks off with registration and opening remarks, leading directly into the highly anticipated Opening Plenary Panel running from 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM.

This headlining session, titled Making sense of regional development and regional policies in the age of uncertainty, features an elite roster of global figures:

• Andrea Conte: The Head of the Territorial Economic Data, Analysis and Modelling unit at the Joint Research Centre.
• Andrés Rodríguez-Pose: The Princesa de Asturias Chair and Professor of Economic Geography at the London School of Economics, widely considered one of the world's foremost authorities on spatial economics.
• Francesco Molica: The Director at the European Association of Development Agencies.
• Blanka Šimundić: An Associate Professor at the University of Split, who will expertly moderate the complex conversation.

Following a relaxing mid-day coffee break, the dialogue shifts to a dynamic Roundtable discussion from 12:45 PM to 2:00 PM, exploring The future of cohesion policy amid persistent and emerging territorial challenges. This session brings together prominent local and regional leaders, including Sébastien Bourdin of the IESEG School of Management, Goran Batinić, the CEO of the Split Development Agency RaST and Technology Park Split, and Jakša Puljiz, the Director of the Institute for Development and International Relations.

After a catered lunch networking block, the afternoon features a specialized Joint Research Centre Session from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This intensive track dives deep into Industrial transitions and open strategic autonomy: implications for regional development, featuring expert insights from Sandro Montresor, Katerina Ciampi Stankova of the OECD, Roberto Antonietti, and Camilla Lenzi. The first day concludes with a grand get-together dinner and networking reception from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM, giving attendees a chance to connect casually under the stars.

Day Two: The Regional Science Research Incubator Workshop

The second day of the conference, Tuesday, September 29, 2026, transitions into a highly collaborative, research-oriented incubator format. This day is specifically designed as a Regional Science Research Incubator Workshop, providing early-career scholars and senior researchers with an intimate platform to engage in methodological debates and refine works in progress.

The morning opens with back-to-back masterclass keynote lectures that deliver immense practical value for academic writing and data analysis:

• Özge Öner: An Associate Professor in Spatial Economics and Real Estate at the University of Cambridge, who will deliver a methodological roadmap titled How to Ask Good Questions.
• Katarzyna Kopczewska: An Associate Professor at the University of Warsaw, presenting a technical lecture titled Turning Data Into Insight: Methodological Approaches for the Next Generation of Regional Scientists.

Following these masterclasses, a highly relevant roundtable session titled Publishing Regional Research That Matters: Editors on Trends, Biases, and Opportunities will feature current journal editors sharing insider tips on how to navigate peer-review processes successfully and get cited in major international publications. The afternoon is dedicated entirely to the core Incubator Workshop sessions. During these small-group tracks, doctoral students and junior researchers present their ongoing papers and receive highly detailed, constructive feedback from assigned senior discussants, helping them elevate their research to international publication standards.

Blending High-Level Science with Dalmatian Culture and Coastal Living

What makes traveling for the ERSA HR Conference 2026 a truly exceptional lifestyle experience is the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and relaxed tempo of Split. The conference organizers have intentionally built breathing room into the schedule, encouraging international delegates to step outside the Technology Park Split walls and discover why this coastal city is considered a premier Mediterranean destination.

Discovering the Magic of the Historic Old Town

• Take a slow, peaceful morning walk through the labyrinthine stone alleys of the Varoš or Radunica neighborhoods, observing how traditional Dalmatian lifestyle thrives alongside modern urban adaptations.
• Visit the majestic Cathedral of Saint Domnius and climb its historic bell tower to enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the red-tiled roofs, the harbor, and the nearby islands.
• Engage in the sacred local ritual of kava, which involves sitting at a sun-drenched cafe along the Riva Promenade for hours, sipping espresso, and engaging in unhurried conversations while watching the boats drift past.

Savoring Authentic Dalmatian Gastronomy

• Head into a traditional, rustic tavern, known locally as a konoba, to experience the absolute best of coastal slow food.
• Indulge in local culinary masterpieces, including fresh sea bass grilled over olive wood, savory black risotto packed with fresh cuttlefish, and pašticada, a rich, slow-braised beef dish served with handcrafted gnocchi.
• Pair your evening meals with world-class indigenous Croatian wines, such as a crisp white Pošip or a bold, robust red Plavac Mali, discovering why the region's viticulture is earning international acclaim from top sommeliers.

Practical Travel Tips and Event Logistics for Attendees

Planning your journey to the Dalmatian coast can be a smooth and straightforward process when you implement a few smart logistical strategies.

• Air Travel Connections: Split Airport is well-serviced by major international carriers and regional airlines, offering excellent connectivity to primary transit hubs across Europe. The airport terminal is located roughly 25 kilometers west of the city center, and reliable airport shuttle buses or taxis can transport you to the old town center in approximately 30 minutes.
• Navigating Public Transport: While Split's historic core is entirely pedestrian-friendly and easily explored on foot, reaching the Technology Park Split venue in Dračevac is most efficient via local transit. The regular Promet Split public bus network offers affordable citywide lines, while private hire car apps like Uber operate widely across the metropolitan area for quick door-to-door transit.
• Choosing Your Accommodation Base: For the ideal balance of work and leisure, secure your lodging within or just outside the old town center. This keeps you within walking distance of the finest restaurants, historic landmarks, and coastal beaches like Bačvice, while allowing for an easy morning commute out to the tech park.
• What to Pack: Late September weather in Split is generally spectacular, featuring mild Mediterranean sunshine and comfortable evening breezes. Pack smart-casual attire for the conference presentation days, lightweight layers for the evening networking dinners, and comfortable flat walking shoes to safely navigate the polished, slippery historic stone paving of the old town.

The brilliant energy of live policy debates, the invaluable mentorship shared by world-class journal editors, the inspiring architecture of a revitalized innovation park, and the unmatched charm of a Dalmatian sunset are all waiting to be experienced. The ERSA HR Conference 2026 stands as a monumental highlight of the autumn calendar, offering an exceptional sanctuary where scientific research meets practical governance. Whether you are seeking to secure international research partnerships, learn the latest methodological tools from Cambridge and LSE faculty, or simply connect with fellow builders of regional science, this two-day gathering promises to elevate your professional horizon. Make your definitive plans to join your international peers in Split this September, and immerse yourself in the premier regional development conversation of the year.

Verified Information at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions About the ERSA HR Conference 2026

What is the primary focus of the ERSA HR Conference 2026 and who should attend?

The conference centers on bridging the gap between high-level European regional development policies and academic regional science research. The ideal audience includes spatial economists, human geographers, urban and regional planners, policymakers, development agency representatives, and academic researchers. It is also an incredibly valuable event for PhD students and early-career scholars working within regional science, economic policy, and territorial development.

Is there a registration fee to attend the sessions at Technology Park Split?

No, there is absolutely no participation or attendance fee for the ERSA HR Conference 2026. Admission to all keynote lectures, panel discussions, roundtables, and the incubator workshops is entirely free of charge for registered delegates. However, because venue seating capacity inside the Technology Park Split is strictly capped, advanced online registration via the official platform is mandatory to secure your delegate badge and access benefits.

What unique opportunities does the Day Two Research Incubator Workshop offer to young scholars?

The Regional Science Research Incubator Workshop is a specialized mentors' platform running throughout the second day of the conference. It gives early-career researchers and doctoral students the rare opportunity to present their ongoing draft papers or research ideas live on the floor. Each presenter is assigned an eminent international professor who acts as a dedicated discussant, providing deep, personalized feedback and tactical advice on how to improve the paper's methodology and prepare it for publication in top-tier international journals.

Which prominent international institutions and speakers are featured on the program?

The 2026 program features an impressive lineup of world-renowned institutions and spatial scientists. Keynote lectures and panel sessions will be delivered by elite faculty members including Andrés Rodríguez-Pose from the London School of Economics, Özge Öner from the University of Cambridge, and Katarzyna Kopczewska from the University of Warsaw. The event also features high-level experts from the European Commission's Joint Research Centre and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.

How do I travel to the Technology Park Split venue from the historic old town center?

The Technology Park Split is located within the developing Dračevac district of central Split. If you are staying in the pedestrian old town core, you can easily access the venue by boarding the local public city buses operated by Promet Split, which service the Dračevac zone on regular schedules. Alternatively, digital private hire vehicle apps and local taxi stands provide direct, comfortable door-to-door transit to the tech park gates in approximately fifteen minutes.

What benefits are included for registered conference delegates?

In addition to gaining full entry to all presentations and keynote masterclasses across both days, registered delegates receive a comprehensive package of amenities. This includes complimentary access to the coffee breaks and curated lunch spreads on both Monday and Tuesday, entry into the evening social get-together dinner on Monday night, and access to all digital conference abstract materials and institutional networking portals.

In what language will the conference presentations and panel roundtables be conducted?

To accommodate the diverse network of international guest speakers, editors from major European scientific journals, and foreign delegates traveling to Croatia, the official working language of the entire conference is English. All plenary addresses, roundtable panel discussions, keynote methodological lectures, and incubator feedback workshop sessions will be conducted entirely in English, ensuring seamless global communication.