European Spatial Research and Policy is an international review concerned with the problems of social and economic space organisation at a local, regional and supranational level. The journal comprising both theoretical and empirical aspects of spatial analyses is aimed at academics, policy-makers and practitioners interested in a broad range of spatial development in contemporary Europe. The scope of the journal is defined by the concepts of space, environment, society and economy rather than by names of specific disciplines. Its main areas of interest include i.a. regional policy, spatial planning, European integration processes, locational studies, labor market developments, foreign investments, environmental problems and other crucial issues influencing the shape of contemporary and future European space.
City branding in a complex and changing world: A combined book review
This is a combined review of three recently published books on city branding. In addition to individual reviews of the three books the article contains an introduction and a conclusion that highlights the books' common thread.
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Evaluation of regional logistics performance for land freight along the developmental Syrian axis: Tartous – AlFarqulus
The study developed a spatial Decision Support System (DSS) to assess the impact of land freight logistics on regional development and create an evaluation map in a GIS environment. By designing a tri-level conceptual framework and applying the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), real stakeholders were involved at each evaluation level according to their roles. The system was integrated into GIS for final analysis and applied to the developmental Syrian axis of Tartous–Homs–Al-Farqulus using 2018 data. The results highlighted the importance of the relationships between evaluation criteria in identifying the role of freight logistics in regional planning and achieving broader developmental outcomes.
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Halfway between London and Ankara: The role of migration in the global integration of Budapest
Budapest’s global city network integration determines its future social and economic development regarding every related dimensions. This position is based on its international labour market flows in a specific way. While unskilled labour provides essential but changeable resources, highly skilled labour has much higher added value and create liveable social and cultural environments. Local regulation tries to balance domestic market needs and deeper economic integration by eliminating low skilled workers in vain according to existing experiences. Their spatial concentration, deeper integration and the diversified sources of immigration both contribute to Budapest strengthening global city connectedness. Our aim is to show and analyse these processes.
Evaluating changes in spatial configuration in Makassar: A space syntax approach
As cities expand, their morphology and spatial configuration evolve, necessitating the integration of new spatial plans with existing ones to preserve urban identity. Understanding these changes is crucial for sustainable urban development and effective spatial planning. This study examines spatial transformations in Makassar, Indonesia, following the implementation of a new spatial plan. Using the space syntax method, specifically Angular Segment Analysis (ASA), key spatial properties – including integration, intelligibility, and accessibility – were assessed. ASA was employed to address the lack of geometric information by weighting segment lines according to their angular connections. The findings indicate that as the city grows, overall intelligibility and accessibility tend to decline. However, an increase in local intelligibility and accessibility suggests that well-planned urban design can mitigate these effects, enhancing spatial intelligibility and accessibility. These insights underscore the role of spatial configuration in shaping urban dynamics and highlight the need for a holistic planning approach to maintain integration, intelligibility, and accessibility.
Importance-performance analysis of the Historic Centre of Krakow’s revitalisation plan through the lens of the Historic Urban Landscape approach
Since 1978, when the Historic Centre of Krakow, Poland, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, it has undergone various developments, largely driven by tourism. In 2008, the Krakow City Hall adopted the “Local Revitalization Program: The Old Town” to address such challenges as heritage management and preservation, gentrification, and tourism development in the area. The purpose of this study is to identify this plan’s proposed strategies based on the historic urban landscape (HUL) approach and to assess the gap between planning and implementation of the strategies. The HUL approach was introduced by UNESCO in 2011 to enable better management of World Heritage by integrating heritage conservation with a broad spectrum of urban development challenges. First, the content of the document was thematically analysed based on the HUL-proposed tools to clarify suggested strategies. Next, an Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) was conducted, referring to 19 local experts. This study offers a framework to serve as a reference to evaluate urban plans. Using the plan as a case study, the paper revealed a general understanding of the current and desired status of the strategies’ implementation.
Development of peripheral regions: A quali-quantitative study of the southernmost areas in America and Europe
This study compares the economic development of Tierra del Fuego (Argentina) and Calabria (Italy), two highly peripheral regions. Despite their remoteness, they exhibit contrasting trajectories: Tierra del Fuego shows industrial growth driven by state-led policies, while Calabria faces stagnation despite EU support. Using a mixed-methods approach (quantitative institutional data and semi-structured direct interviews), we analyse factors influencing these divergent paths. Findings highlight the crucial role of institutional frameworks and sectoral specialisation, challenging the assumption that peripherality inherently hinders development. Remoteness does not necessarily preclude development. We suggest policy and strategic positioning can transform peripheral status into a catalyst for development.
The outermost regions of the European Union: From the beginning to the present
The main objective of this article is to analyse the concept of the outermost regions, which, on the one hand, correspond to areas of the EU located at great distances from Europe and, on the other, promote a positive discrimination between regions by granting specific economic benefits. A literature review and analysis of socio-economic data are the main methods used to achieve the proposed objectives. The research focused on the legal evolution of the ORs in the EU Treaties, the development support programmes under European cohesion policy, and the main indicators that make it possible to characterise the current economic and social situation of these remote areas. From this type of analysis, it was possible to see that the majority of the ORs are still far from the average values of the EU-27, both economically and in terms of the standard of living of their inhabitants, despite the substantial progress that has been made over the last 30 years, as a result of an increasingly consolidated outermost status in European politics.
CPLP of the Sea: Towards a Lusophone Maritime Spatial Data Infrastructure (LMSDI)
This article explores the potential of a Lusophone Maritime Spatial Data Infrastructure (LMSDI) to enhance geospatial cooperation among Portuguese-speaking countries. Grounded in bibliographic and documentary analysis, the study examines how shared oceanic heritage and spatial data interoperability can support marine governance across the CPLP. It proposes the development of a Lusophone Geoportal for monitoring Exclusive Economic Zones, promoting environmental enforcement, and advancing the blue economy through digital integration and multilateral collaboration.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of tourism development in the Lake Neusiedl region
The study analyses tourism in the Lake Neusiedl region, an important tourist area on the Austrian-Hungarian border. It analyses not only its long-term development but also the current state of accommodation capacities and visitor numbers in selected Austrian municipalities in the region. Emphasis is placed on identifying key trends and seasonal fluctuations. The work is based on data for the years 2000 to 2024, which have been processed using appropriate methods and subsequently visualised. The results indicate a concentration of tourism in a few central municipalities, persistent seasonality, and a slight decline in the region’s relative importance within Burgenland. At the same time, the potential for further sustainable tourism development in the area is identified.
At the bottom and top of the educational system: Spatial patterns of highest educational attainment based on the Hungarian census of 2022
This study examines the spatial patterns of educational attainment in Hungary using settlement-level data from the 2022 census, focusing on individuals with at most lower secondary (ISCED 0–2) and tertiary education (ISCED 5–8). A two-stage analysis – bivariate choropleth map-ping and Optimised Hot Spot Analysis – revealed pronounced regional inequalities. A comparison of the 2011 and 2022 census data shows a nationwide decline in low attainment and growth in tertiary education, especially in urban areas. However, peripheral regions remain disadvantaged. These findings highlight the uneven spatial effects of educational expansion, reinforcing the need for territorial-specific education and development policies.
Beyond industrial heritage: Reading the future of post-industrial cities
Exploring the role of regional research and development support in enhancing foreign investment in Poland: A spatial analysis perspectives
This study aims to investigate the nature and drivers of foreign investment in 16 regions of Poland. Using a spatial analysis approach, the study examines the spatial characteristics of the factors that influence foreign investment, namely labour and research and development (R&D) support. The results of the first analysis indicate strong spatial characteristics and interregional correlations in the observed variables, although they are not characterised by spatial dependence. The regression analysis results show that R&D expenditure significantly supports the enhancement of foreign investment alongside the labour factor, which has a more substantial impact.
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EU Cohesion Policy and regional club clustering: A comparative analysis of NUTS2 regions in Europe
This paper assesses territorial cohesion in the EU by examining whether 242 NUTS2 regions converge to a common steady state or form distinct convergence clubs. Using regional GDP per capita data for 2000–2022 and EU Cohesion Policy payments per capita for 2000–2020, we estimate absolute and conditional β-convergence models and apply k-means clustering based on initial income, growth performance, and funding intensity. The results indicate aggregate convergence, but a strongly uneven spatial pattern: regions group into three convergence clubs with different development trajectories. While some initially poorer regions exhibit strong catching-up, other clusters show weak or very slow convergence despite substantial funding. These findings support the Club Convergence hypothesis and underline the need for more place-based cohesion interventions tailored to regional structural conditions.
Planning and practice of the Polish-Czech transborder road network development: From ineffective top-down plans to bottom-up lack of coordination?
In this article, the authors analyse the development policy of the major road network in the Polish-Czech border areas in 1958–2024. The methodology of content analysis covering histori­cal bilateral and European planning documents and GIS spatial analysis of access to border areas via roads crossing the border. The analyses have shown: (1) dominance of political and expert planning, without the use of scientific network models; (2) decentralisation of planning and resignation from common documents; (3) prioritising east-west connections and disregarding the north-south European ones; and (4) the greatest increase in border permeability only after the elimination of permanent border controls within the EU Schengen Area since 2007, but mainly due to the opening of historical roads.
The role of short food supply chains in Kosovo’s agriculture
Short food supply chains (SFSCs) and local markets, where farmers sell directly to consumers, are expanding across the EU, offering alternatives to conventional food chains that limit small farmers’ bargaining power and consumer traceability. In the EU, 15% of farms sell over half of their production directly. For Kosovo’s agricultural sector, SFSCs present new opportunities. This study examines SFSCs in Kosovo using data from 2,500 respondents. The findings show that 54% rely on oral contracts, 20% on written agreements, and distributors use multiple sourcing channels. SFSCs can enhance sustainability, trust, equality and growth in agriculture, business, and rural policy.
Cross-border trade in the European economic convergence system
The article examines cross-border trade dynamics within the framework of European economic convergence, focusing on trade between Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary. It aims to shed light on trade trends, implications in the context of economic integration, and convergence efforts. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of trade channels, outlining the economic convergence goals and principles within the European context and highlighting the importance of trade. It explores specific trade channels between Ukraine and its neighbouring countries, analyses data, and assesses the impact on economic development and convergence efforts. The findings contribute to understanding the role of trade in promoting cohesion.
Regional economic convergence in the euro area
The study of the convergence of the euro area (EA) regions allows to test theoretical hypotheses such as: the ex-post satisfaction of the OCA conditions and the resilience to the crisis of the OCA countries. Related to these facts, it has to be noted the emergence of new centers and peripheries in the European Union and euro area. We considered the per capita GDP over the period 2001–2018, the analysis is carried out by applying different methodologies such as: convergence indicators and spatial statistics models. Our results confirm the presence of divergent processes among the EA regions.
Perception of Space in the Context of Model Visions of Sustainable Urban Development: Evidence from Warsaw
In the presented article, the perception of urban space in the context of the concept of sustainable development (SD) is being addressed. It can be seen as an umbrella term encompassing various model visions of urban development, including green city, creative city, smart city, 15-minute city, just city, participatory city, happy city, inclusive city, and compact city. Based on qualitative research conducted in Warsaw, Poland, key narrative fields for each model have been identified. The article shows how the different model visions are revealed in the expectations and assessments formulated towards urban space. The key conclusions concern the need to change the dominant “flat” narrative of urban sustainability, which is accompanied by a relatively poor language and a one-dimensional view of complex multi-layered issues. The conclusion emphasizes the need to appeal more to the values that are the pillars of the individual model visions of urban SD, as well as issues that appeal to emotions.
Just Green Transitions: Between terminological inexactitudes, conceptual fragmentation, and the exigency for a theoretical framework
The European Green Deal is promoting a twinned transition which is expected to be just and green. Various related terminologies have gained ground without being precisely defined or commonly agreed upon. Following an interdisciplinary exploratory approach, this contribution discusses the terminological inexactitudes which could risk a common conceptualisation, operationalisation, and implementation of the so-called Just Green Transitions. Through a critical interpretative literature review, this contribution highlights the conceptual fragmentation of these three dimensions: just as a polylemma of socio-spatial-temporal justice, green as a non-replication of pseudo-fashionable labels, and transitions as meta, multiple, and multilevel paths of institutional and social changes.
Three Books, One Message: Europe’s Forgotten Regions Can Be Innovative, Too
With a review of: Filipe TELES, Carlos RODRIGUES, Fernando RAMOS and Anabela BOTELHO (eds), Territorial Innovation in Less Developed Regions: Governance, Technologies, and Sustainability, Palgrave Macmillan, London/New York 2023, 305 pages, Matthias KIESE, Rasmus BECK, Dirk FORNAHL and Christian KETELS (eds), Beyond Innovation Hotspots: Clusters for Competitiveness and Transformation in Real Regions, Edward Elgar Publishing, Cheltenham 2024, 216 pages, and María del Carmen SÁNCHEZ CARREIRA, Paulo Jorge Reis MOURÃO and Bruno BLANCO-VARELA (eds), European Regional Policy and Development: Forgotten Regions and Spaces, Routledge, Abingdon 2024, 220 pages
The challenge to develop a border region: German-Polish cooperation
Changes in Central and Eastern Europe have an impact on regional devel-opment in border areas and on cross-national cooperation in favour of these areas. The German-Polish border area illustrates the complexity of regional (re)development, which is related to the interplay between endogenous regional forces and external influences. This paper discusses the German-Polish border area with regard to its adaptability to post-revolutionary socio-economic processes. At the same time it pays attention to the influence of local, regional and national authorities. Finally, it discusses some develop-ment opportunities on the basis of the `Oderlandplan'. We may conclude that the context for regional development in the Polish-German border region is not unfavourable.
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Manufacturing and producer services in the Łódź region of Poland
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Revitalisation committee as a participation tool in urban regeneration processes in Poland: case study of the Lodzkie Voivodeship
The article analyses one of the tools for public participation in urban regeneration processes in Poland, specifically the Revitalisation Committee. The study evaluates the practical implementation of this tool based on an analysis of 20 municipalities in the Łódzkie Voivodeship. The results indicate that this tool is often used in a largely symbolic or superficial manner, with considerable arbitrariness in the selection of committee members and limited influence on actual revitalisation activities at the municipal level. They can be a valuable basis for further research in this field. The conclusions may be useful for municipalities implementing revitalisation, where community involvement is considered crucial.
Stationary traffic as a challenge in the spatial planning of the city of Goražde
Parking shortages increasingly constrain medium-sized post-socialist cities, yet empirical evidence on stationary traffic is scarce. This case study of Goražde (Bosnia and Herzegovina) inventories and GIS-maps parking supply measures weekday occupancy, surveys residents’ perceptions, and proposes a three-zone parking management scheme. Methods combined a field inventory with GIS mapping, hourly manual counts on 1 June 2023 (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) at 11 lots (349 spots), and an online household survey (1–17 June 2023; n=103). Peak network occupancy reached 86.2%, and hotspot sites exceeded nominal capacity (up to 110%). The study provides a replicable baseline for monitoring and policy design in similar medium-sized cities.
Depopulation and population ageing in Europe in the 2010s: A regional approach
The paper analyses European countries and NUTS-3 units to determine which of them experienced depopulation in the 2010s, as well as the causes of this process. The progression of demographic ageing, particularly in countries and NTS3 units with annual population declines, is also examined. European countries and NTS3 units in selected years and periods between 2011 and 2020 are studied based on Eurostat vital statistics, data on migratory movements and population age structures using descriptive statistics, time-series methods, Webb’s method, and cluster analysis. The data and research results are illustrated with tables, graphs, and choropleth maps. In the 2010s, depopulation processes mainly occurred in Eastern and Southern Europe. The study found that between 2011 and 2020, eight countries (Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Romania, Serbia, and Ukraine) suffered population decreases annually, three countries (Albania, Lithuania, and Portugal) had only one or two years without a population loss, and four countries (Bulgaria, Croatia, Latvia, and Romania) were demographically the most disadvantaged as their populations decreased due to natural causes and migration in almost all years in the 2010s. Most of the annually depopulating countries were relatively similar in terms of the population age structure. NTS3 units with annual population declines and a similar population age structures were found within the same country or in neighbouring areas in adjacent countries.
Systematic literature review of workplace environment studies at the Space Syntax Symposia 1-13
This systematic scoping review investigates the influence of spatial design on employee behaviour by analysing workplace research presented at the Space Syntax Symposia (SSS). Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, 37 articles from the 1st–13th SSS were analysed regarding their spatial, social, and methodological components. The study reveals correlations between analysis techniques, syntactic properties, and social behaviours. Although limited to symposium proceedings, the review demonstrates strong representativeness and operational consistency. Two primary contributions emerge: the identification of three contextual patterns mapping the relationship between syntactic metrics and behavioural phenomena across office types, and the establishment of a comprehensive empirical foundation connecting behaviour, perception, and metrics. This work provides a critical baseline for future meta-analyses and theoretical research in the field.
The future of wellness tourism after COVID-19
The tourism industry has drastically reduced its activity since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet there has been an undeniable rise in demand for wellness tourism which now represents one of the fastest growing tourism market segments globally. Admittedly, while the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the forecasted wellness tourism growth trend, this segment has stood fast at USD 4.4 trillion in 2020 while global GDP declined by 2.8%. In 2020, the wellness tourism market was valued at USD 436 billion, projected to rise to USD 816 billion by 2022 with more than 1.2 billion trips being realised and anticipated growth estimated at USD 1.0 trillion by 2025. The main purpose of this study is to ascertain the future trends of wellness tourism, and to investigate the extent to which this upward growth trend can be sustainably maintained post COVID-19. A qualitative structured interview methodology was employed using email interviews comprising six pre-determined questions with three expert wellness tourism participants. These expert interviewees were based in countries that were severely impacted by COVID-19, namely Brazil, USA, and Portugal. NVivo Nudist was used to analyse the primary data collected. In validating previous research findings, this study indicates that despite the challenges facing the sector, upward growth patterns in wellness tourism will continue beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Competing landscapes of commerce and tourism: Critical relations and possible strategies in Venice’s historical city
This article investigates the relationship between tourism-related economic activities and neighbourhood shops in the historical centre of Venice, in terms of both their spatial distribution and the conflictual uses of the city. In questioning how to inhabit and revitalise the city through commercial activities, the paper wishes to contribute to the discussion proposed in the special number, by presenting a specific yet paradigmatic context and by reflecting on urban regeneration and revitalisation bottom-up practices. The research first unfolds the landscapes of commerce in the city and identifies polarised geographies of tourism-related activities focusing on retail and catering businesses; secondly, it interrogates spatialised strategies that local actors are developing to reflect on their relation with urban planning and policy design processes.
Modelling the regional variability of building activity in Greece: A multi-level multinomial logistic regression approach
This paper studies spatial differences in the fluctuations of the regional building activity in Greece, by developing a composite multinomial logistic regression model expressing the building activity’s variability in socio-economic terms. The results show that the variability in building activity is related to economies of scale within the construction sector, along with the performance of two other Greek economy’s major sectors, i.e., tourism and tertiary, in highlighting a dependence on the prime drivers of economic and regional development. Overall, the research provides empirical evidence on the macro-economic modelling of spatial demand, based on a proxy incorporating all aspects of human activity in the geographical space.
AHP and TOPSIS as methods assessing the attractiveness of urban parks: The case of Lodz, Poland
Urban parks are significant elements that improve the quality of life in built-up areas. This research aims to identify the most attractive park in Lodz, Poland, using a set of assessment indicators. In our opinion, the decision-making process in assessing the attractiveness of urban parks may be assisted by Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). Two methods were chosen from the MCDA group, namely the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The research shows that the proposed methods reveal which park needs support and calls for investment.