Representatives of the Faculty of Economics, University of Niš (FEUN) and members of the UR-WISE project team, Marina Stanojević and Ivana Marjanović, took part in the 64th ERSA Congress, held in Athens from 26–29 August 2025. This prestigious event gathered leading scholars and experts in the field of regional science from across Europe and beyond. Among the highlights of the scientific programme was the keynote lecture by Professor Michael Storper, Professor of Economic Geography at the London School of Economics and member of the UR-WISE Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).
As part of the congress agenda, the regular annual meeting of the ERSAC board, chaired by Prof. Roberta Capello, was convened. A key item on the agenda was the establishment of a new Section of the European Regional Science Association (ERSA) in Serbia. During this meeting, an important decision was reached: the Serbian association will be included in the European ERSA network, representing the first and crucial step toward full integration into the Regional Science Association International (RSAI).
The active participation of FEUN representatives in this process underscores the Faculty’s strong commitment to advancing international cooperation, supporting the development of regional science and policy, and strengthening its research excellence and visibility within the European and global community.
This development builds on earlier steps taken toward the establishment of ERSA Serbia, where FEUN and the UR-WISE consortium have played a central role. From hosting preparatory meetings to facilitating exchanges with ERSA leadership, these efforts reflect UR-WISE’s mission to foster regional scientific cooperation, build new research networks, and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient academic landscape in Europe.