Regional Studies Association session “Beyond ‘Left Behind Places’: Findings of a Cross-National Research Project”

On July 10th, 2024, Re-Place principal investigator Jennifer McGarrigle participated in the RSA Regions Cities Industry Webinar Series, contributing to the session entitled “Beyond ‘Left Behind Places’: Findings of a Cross-National Research Project.” This online seminar was based on a cross-national research project that aimed to move beyond the broad label of ‘left behind places’ to explore the actual processes of change in these areas, with in-depth research conducted in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

During the first part of the seminar, the research team presented key emerging findings from the project, organised around three central themes: residential mobility and immobility, the evolving role of place, and governance and policy. The second part of the session featured insights from leading researchers and policymakers, who offered reflections and proposed new policy approaches to address the ‘left behind’ condition. Jennifer McGarrigle had the opportunity to present the Re-Place project, and take part in the discussion on future directions for research and action in this critical field.