The Regional Studies Association Research Network on Transformative Regions / TRAKR

This research network explores the conceptual, methodological, empirical, and policy dimensions of the recent shift from knowledge-intensive to “transformative knowledge regions”. By doing so, it seeks to renew the understanding of knowledge as an asset in regional development in light of on-going sustainability transitions. The network brings together scholars of the geography of knowledge and sustainability transitions, as well as established and early career researchers. The objectives are to:

• further conceptualise sustainability transitions and innovation directionality challenges from an explicit knowledge perspective,
• discuss new (or further develop) methodological and empirical avenues to study the spatiality of transformative knowledge, its modes of generation, use and implementation, and
• disseminate results to regional development practitioners, e.g. through a policy forum.

The network is funded by the Regional Studies Association. It is co-coordinated by the Institute for Work and Technology Westphalian University of Applied Sciences with partners from the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, the Centre for Regional and Tourism Research, Denmark), and the University of Porto, Portugal. Follow the link for more information about the network: https://www.regionalstudies.org/network/transformative-knowledge-regions/