Researchers from the Faculty of Economics, University of Niš (FEUN) participated in the 15th World Congress of the Regional Science Association International (RSAI), 15th World Congress of the Regional Science Association International (RSAI), held from 9–12 June 2026 in Quito, Ecuador. Hosted by the Escuela Politécnica Nacional, the Congress brought together leading scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world to discuss contemporary challenges in regional and urban development, sustainability, innovation, social inclusion, and territorial resilience.
The scientific programme featured distinguished keynote speakers, including Marta Encinas-Martín (OECD Education Gender Ambassador and Senior Advisor for Latin America), who discussed social mobility and inequality through insights from international education and skills assessments, and Carlos Moreno (Sorbonne University), internationally recognised for his work on proximity-based urban development and sustainable cities. The Congress also hosted a high-level panel on “Sustainability, Innovation, and Welfare in Cities,” bringing together Pabel Muñoz López (Mayor of Quito), Sergio Allebrandt (UNIJUÍ), Álvaro Orbea (Inter-American Development Bank), and Sandra Andrade (CEO of Banco Codesarrollo). Together, they explored the challenges and opportunities of building more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable urban futures. The event provided a unique platform for dialogue between academia, policymakers, financial institutions, and local governments on the future of cities and regions.
As part of the Congress programme, Marina Stanojević presented the paper “Comparative Urban Perceptions Across Cities and Stakeholders”, co-authored with Jelena Stanković, Vesna Janković-Milić, Ivana Marjanović, and Marina Stanojević. The paper was presented within a session dedicated to wellbeing, one of the central themes of this year’s Congress.
The research explores how different stakeholder groups perceive urban quality of life and development across cities, highlighting the importance of integrating citizens’ perspectives into urban policymaking and city assessment frameworks. The study contributes to ongoing UR-WISE activities focused on data-based policy analytics, quality of life measurement, and the development of innovative tools for evidence-based urban governance.
Participation in the RSAI World Congress provided an important opportunity to disseminate FEUN research results, engage with the international regional science community, and exchange knowledge with researchers working on urban development, territorial competitiveness, and wellbeing from across the globe.
During the Congress, representatives of the Faculty of Economics met with Ana Viñuela, Executive Director of RSAI, as well as other representatives of the Regional Science Association International. The delegation also exchanged experiences with Carolina Guevara, Chair of the Local Organising Committee and President of RECiR. Discussions focused on strengthening future cooperation, expanding international academic partnerships, and further integrating FEUN into global regional science networks.
Participation in the RSAI World Congress confirms the Faculty of Economics, University of Niš's continued commitment to international scientific cooperation, research excellence, and active engagement in global discussions on urban and regional development. It also contributes to the broader objectives of the UR-WISE project, which seeks to strengthen research capacity and advance evidence-based policymaking through international collaboration and knowledge exchange.