Regional Studies research

Key research themes in Regional Studies include:

• Place-based development and policy: We study local and regional communities as well as their resilience in diverse urban and regional development contexts.
• Regional economy and innovation: We analyse policy instruments, smart specialisation, and strategic partnerships, as well as their impact and implementation from regional development perspective.
• Artificial intelligence and digitalisation in regional development: We explore the impacts of AI and hybrid environments on regional development and knowledge creation.
• Regional transitions: We focus particularly on regional development pathways, agency, and place-based solutions to advance sustainability and energy transitions.

The methodological expertise of the Regional Studies team is multi-method, with a primary emphasis on qualitative research. In addition to interview-based research, we apply methods such as geoinformatics, survey research, document analyses, futures studies, visual research, and systems mapping.

We work in close collaboration with several ministries, municipalities and cities, regional councils, international organisations, as well as universities and research institutes. Our key regional partners include the City of Vaasa, the Regional Council of Ostrobothnia, and the Kvarken Council.

Geography Days 2026 in Vaasa, 29–30 October 2026

Geography Days 2026 will be held at the University of Vaasa on 29–30 October 2026. The arrangements for this year’s Geography Days are the responsibility of the Regional Studies team at the University of Vaasa. The theme of the event is The Power of Place 2.0. Read more about the event on the website: sites.uwasa.fi/mtp2026