The Faculty of Economics at the Technical University of Košice invites academics, researchers, practitioners, and representatives of public administration to participate in the scientific seminar Future-Proof Towns and Regions 2026: Seminar on Local Sustainability and Governance Challenges, taking place on 3 December 2026.

The seminar will provide a platform for discussion of contemporary challenges and emerging trends in local and regional development, with particular emphasis on the environmental, economic, social, and cultural dimensions of sustainability. It aims to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue and strengthen the exchange of knowledge and experience between academia and practice.

Key Topics

Submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following areas:

• sustainable local and regional development,
• climate change adaptation in towns, cities, and regions,
• local environmental policy and management,
• sustainable urban development,
• local implementation of the circular economy and the development of reuse centres,
• quality of life, well-being, and citizen satisfaction,
• local governance and public administration,
• technological and social innovation in local and regional policies,
• culture-led urban regeneration, local cultural policy, and creative sector development,
• gender equality in municipal governance,
• fiscal sustainability, responsible local finance, and budgeting.

We welcome scientific articles, case studies, and policy papers from economics, public administration and public policy, sociology, urban and regional development, and other related disciplines.

Important Dates

15 November 2026 – Abstract submission deadline
23 November 2026 – Notification of abstract acceptance
27 November 2026 – Publication of the programme
3 December 2026 – Seminar date
12 December 2026 – Full paper submission deadline
January 2027 – Publication of the proceedings

The seminar language is English, and participation is free of charge.

Peer-reviewed contributions will be included in the seminar proceedings. Selected accepted articles may, following an additional review process, be considered for publication in the Journal of Economics and Social Research.

The seminar is supported by the project VEGA No. 1/0702/26.

More information:

Registrtion of abstract
Contact: krvm.ekf@tuke.sk

We warmly invite you to submit your work and join the discussion on how towns and regions can respond to future sustainability and governance challenges.