Call for Papers
Marche Polytechnic University and the University of Banja Luka, in collaboration with the University of Udine and the University of Nova Gorica, are organising the 13th REDETE Conference 2026.
2026 Theme
Geopolitical Shifts, Supply Chains, and Regional Resilience in the Adriatic–Ionian Region
REDETE26 marks an important milestone in the long-standing series of conferences dedicated to advancing research on economic development, entrepreneurship, and territorial cohesion in transition economies. Bringing together academics, policymakers, practitioners, and business leaders, the 13th edition of REDETE will provide a platform for critical reflection and forward-looking dialogue at a time of profound geopolitical and geo-economic transformation.
The conference takes place against a backdrop of growing uncertainty shaped by geopolitical tensions. These developments are reshaping global production systems, industrial strategies, and regional development models, creating new challenges and opportunities for countries and regions seeking to strengthen their resilience and competitiveness.
With a particular focus on the Adriatic–Ionian Region and the Western Balkans, REDETE 2026 will explore how geopolitical shifts, nearshoring dynamics, innovation policies, and entrepreneurial ecosystems are influencing regional development trajectories. Special attention will be given to the role of the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) and broader processes of European integration and enlargement. In this context, the conference will serve as a forum for examining how regional cooperation can contribute to stronger economic performance and sustainable development.
Over two days, participants will engage in plenary discussions and thematic sessions addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the macro-region today. These include geopolitical risk and geo-economics, supply-chain restructuring and industrial resilience, smart specialisation and innovation ecosystems, the future of entrepreneurship and SMEs, digital transformation and data governance, energy security and the green transition, labour market transformation, skills development, and the free movement of goods, services, and workers.
Beyond the exchange of academic research, REDETE 2026 seeks to foster meaningful dialogue between research, policy, and practice. By bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences, REDETE26 will contribute to a deeper understanding of how the Adriatic–Ionian Region and the Western Balkans can navigate current transformations and build more resilient futures.
Research Topics
Topics of Interest
Topics include but are not limited to:
- → Geopolitical risk and geo-economics
- → Supply-chain restructuring, nearshoring, and industrial resilience
- → EU enlargement, Europeanisation, and macro-regional strategies
- → Smart Specialisation Strategies and innovation ecosystems
- → Entrepreneurship and SMEs: future perspectives
- → Digital transformation, data governance, and economic sovereignty
- → Energy security, green transition, and sustainable development
- → Youth, skills, and labour-market transformation
- → Free movement of goods, services and workers
Both theoretical and empirical papers are welcome, as are policy-oriented and applied contributions.
Deadlines
Important Dates
Extended abstract (up to 400 words) submitted to redete@unibl.org.
Complete paper submitted following the Author Guidelines.
Ancona, Italy — Università Politecnica delle Marche, Facoltà di Economia "Giorgio Fuà".
How to Submit
Submission Instructions
Submit by e-mail
The submission must be sent by the deadline to:
redete@unibl.org
Participation is free of charge — no conference fee applies.
Guidelines