Utrecht, The Netherlands: 6th-12th July 2020

We are happy to announce that in collaboration between the Standing Group on Local Government and Politics (ECPR) and the European Urban Research Association (EURA) this year’s EUROLOC Summer School, will be organized by NIG – the Netherlands Institute of Governance (the Dutch-Flemish Graduate School for Public Administration and Political Science). 

The 2020 edition will be held in Utrecht under the topic ‘The Study of Local Governance: Looking backwards and forwards Achievements and emerging trends in the study of local politics and administration (on the occasion of EUROLOC’s 25th anniversary).

The main theme of this year’s EUROLOC Summerschool is closely related to EUROLOC’s 25th anniversary celebrated in 2020. On this occasion it is appropriate to look 

• backwards and consider: what were the main developments in different subfields in the study of local governance and democracy? 
• forwards and map emerging trends in studying this subfield.

The Summer School invites applications from PhD-candidates who want to participate. Applicants should be preparing a dissertation in the domain of local governance / local democracy.

Deadline for applications: 15th April 2020 (24:00 hrs.) 

Click here to get more information.

Next stop: Smart Country Convention 2019!

Berlin, Germany: 22nd-24th October 2019

The Smart Country Convention brings together all players from the digital economy, politics, administration, associations and science to face the challenges of digitisation. Take your chance to get first-hand knowledge, technology and contacts!

The Smart Country Convention is based on closely interconnected Congress, Workshops, Expo and Networking segments. The curated exhibition area in the CityCube creates a unique event experience. On two levels specially designed for the event, our partners can present a comprehensive showcase of digital solutions, engage directly with trade visitors on one of the three interactive stages, and spotlight your brand. The CityCube also offers you options to use specially-equipped workshop and congress spaces.

Take a look at the program and the convention trailer.

150 years of RWTH Aachen University and 1st Aachen Urban Planning Conference.

The REAL CORP 2020 is on the way and will be held in Aachen, Germany, in April 2020. The theme will be: Cities 20.50: Hot & Cool – Shaping smart change for dynamic 21st Century City Regions.

Details on conference topics are going to be announced soon. The Call for Papers will be opened from September 2019 until mid of December 2019.

Please save the date: 15th-18th April 2020

Next year’s EURA conference “Contradictions Shaping Urban Futures” will be held in the Norwegian capital 15th to 17th June 2020. We look forward to seeing you!

The website for the EURA Confernece 2020 in Oslo is online. Visit the website to get more information about the tracks and deadlines.

We would like to call your attention to the Dortmund Conference on Spatial Planning and Planning Research 2020, which will take place on the 17th and 18th of February 2020 under the theme “Rethinking Spaces – Planning in a Changing World”. Until July, 31th 2019 you can submit an abstract (max. 3,500 characters) or with a concept for a roundtable (max 3,500 characters). You can also submit several contributions for your own session. Please submit your contributions via the following web portal.

Tracks are:

1. Neighbourhood development
2. Urban development
3. Spatial development and monitoring
4. International and European perspectives of spatial planning
5. Planning theory
6. Mobility and transport
7. Green and blue infrastructures
8. Climate change and public health

Further information can be found on the website.

This year’s topic is: Is Local Always Better?

All over the world, local authorities are significant players in the provision of public services. In recent decades, decentralization has become an important reform strategy in many countries, usually with the support of international organizations. Traditional sources suggest that efficiency and quality gains in the provision of public services are achieved through decentralization, along with greater expectations for accountability and responsiveness. Some scholars have warned, however, that decentralization is not without its dangers. For example, local administrations may be understaffed, financially challenged, or feel pressure from local political elites, which can affect the quality of public service provision. There is also a risk of inequality between poorer and richer municipalities. (read more)

Further information, facts and the program can be found here or on the website.

Winterthur, Switzerland: 6th-12th July 2019

Deadline for application: 20th April 2019

Deadlines for registration: 1st March 2019 (Early Bird Registration)

The registration for the conference is online. Register here.