I had the pleasure of attending an International PhD Summer Course in Economic Geography at Utrecht University, which focused on recent developments in the field, particularly the growing methodological contributions and empirical analysis in regional development. The course had a strong emphasis on “left-behind places,” often referred to as rural or peripheral regions. The course provided a solid overview of key theoretical discussions as well as methodological advancements that different regions can draw on to address challenges such as development traps, understanding the dark sides of innovation, achieving inclusive regional development, and reducing regional inequalities, especially in times of geopolitical crises and digital transitions.
At this summer school, I also had a chance to present the final paper for my PhD dissertation, where I received very useful feedback that will help strengthen my final draft and dissertation write-up. What stood out most was how the course was structured to support junior researchers, in gaining a clear overview of leading theories in economic geography and regional development, while also identifying the theoretical, conceptual, and empirical gaps that still exist in the field. This is not only valuable for positioning my work within the broader literature but also important for my journey beyond the PhD as I move toward postdoctoral research.
One of the most important things I learned from this summer school relates to European regional development. As a Global South scholar, I was not fully aware of the types of challenges faced within Europe. However, during the course, it became clear that despite the success stories often associated with European regional development, there are still significant issues that can offer important lessons. These insights can be useful for the Global South, not only to learn from but also to think more critically about development pathways. Thanks to the funding provided by GSGS and the support of my supervisor, Javier Revilla Diez, I was able to attend this summer school. In addition, I made valuable connections that may lead to future collaborations, which is equally important for my academic development.
Justina Nangolo
PhD Student
Institute of Geography
Presentation title (Oral): Infrastructural Assemblages and Uneven Livelihoods: Roads, Corridors and Communal Conservancies in Rural Namibia.