Regional Development Toward Sustainable Growth

Dear Colleagues,

Regional development has emerged as a critical paradigm in contemporary economic and environmental policy, representing the intersection of spatial economics, sustainability science, and governance theory. As global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality intensify, the traditional growth-focused development models are increasingly recognized as insufficient for long-term prosperity. This research area addresses the fundamental question of how regions can achieve economic advancement while maintaining ecological integrity and social equity.

The scientific foundation of sustainable regional development draws from multiple disciplines, including ecological economics, urban planning, innovation systems theory, economics, political science, and institutional analysis. Recent scholarship has emphasized the importance of place-based approaches that leverage local assets, capabilities, and knowledge systems while addressing specific regional challenges and opportunities. The concept integrates economic competitiveness with environmental stewardship and social cohesion, recognizing that sustainable growth requires balancing multiple objectives across different temporal and spatial scales.

This Special Issue contributes to the growing body of knowledge by examining innovative frameworks, methodologies, and case studies that demonstrate pathways toward sustainable regional development. The research is particularly timely given the urgent need for evidence-based strategies that can guide policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders in creating resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible regional economies.

We welcome theoretically driven and empirically sophisticated contributions to this Special Issue. These can be general in nature, or regionally focused, comparative case studies, or single cases.

Dr. Mordechai Chaziza
Dr. Carmela Lutmar
Guest Editors

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