The DUST team was hard at work presenting research insights and learning from other European projects at the Regional Studies Association’s (RSA) Annual Conference in Florence, Italy! This event provided an exciting opportunity for a network of practitioners, academics, students, and policymakers to exchange ideas on innovation, regional studies, economic development, policy, and planning.
In an era of converging crises—the climate emergency, energy shortages, economic struggles, social inequalities, and distrust in democratic institutions—rethinking sustainability transitions in cities and regions is crucial. The RSA conference offered DUST a platform to collaborate with other Horizon Europe projects such as PHOENIX, UP2030, and BOLSTER. The latter aims to understand how marginalised communities are impacted by European Green Deal policies and whether their involvement in decision-making increases support for transition plans.
In a special session organised by partners from DUST and BOLSTER including Marcin Dąbrowski, Verena Balz, Artur Ochojski, and Michiel Stapper, project findings were discussed with a wider academic audience. The session emphasised the need for inclusive, place-based policies, especially for regions reliant on mining and heavy industries, which face significant challenges in transitioning away from fossil fuels. The session was split into three distinct parts, each offering different perspectives on the importance of inclusive, equitable policies to ensure a just transition for all communities.
Part 1 of the session looked into patterns of participation in place-based sustainability transition policies. Verena Balz examined the involvement of least-engaged communities in the deliberative governance of just sustainability transitions. Meanwhile, Neli Georgieva analysed factors that hinder or facilitate participation of these communities, drawing insights from comparative regional studies. Thomas Verbeek went on to discuss the findings from a European population survey on the role of willingness and ability in citizen engagement. Solange Mifsud explored how inter-territorial cooperation supports systemic and transformative innovation policies, highlighting initiatives like Partnerships for Regional Innovation and Regional Innovation Valleys. Finally, Marcin Baron shared insights into the governance models of four European regions where just transition and transition management intersect.
Part 2 of the session focused on the instruments, policies, measures, and approaches needed to implement place-based just sustainability transitions. Marcin Dąbrowski kicked off part two by reviewing various patterns of citizen participation, such as who is involved in shaping post-gas futures in the Province of Groningen. Artur Ochojski then investigated the fairness of the sustainability transition in Poland’s coal heartland, analysing the participation of the least-engaged communities in Bełchatów and Katowice. Valeria Lingua covered participative, design-oriented activities for planning sustainable urban futures in Florence. Andrea Testi compared context-dependency of green transition pathways in Emilia-Romagna in Italy and Transdanubia Central in Hungary followed. Lastly, John Moodie presented the concept of Regional Future Literacy Labs, showcasing innovative citizen participatory mechanisms for sustainable green transitions across Europe.
Part 3 of the session inquired into the connection between spatial justice and place-based approaches in sustainability policies. Hugo Lopez offered a critical examination of urban sustainability transition plans in ten European cities, emphasising the importance of spatial justice. Gabriel Renault explored the material dimensions of economic development affected by mitigation policies across Europe. Claudia Vecciolini then highlighted the pressing need for levelling up in the context of just transition. Ana-Maria Elian focused on agency and local narratives in Romania’s just transition process, as a way to amplify voices of the unheard. Michiel Stapper closed the session by exploring participatory planning, presenting empirical evidence from seven European regions that showcased the perceptions, impacts, and challenges faced by those often left behind.
Interested in finding out how these insights evolve? Stay tuned on DUST’s social channels to find out more!