Regional Studies is a leading international journal covering the development of theories and concepts, empirical analysis and policy debate in the field of regional studies. The journal publishes original research spanning the economic, social, political and environmental dimensions of urban and regional (subnational) change. The distinctive purpose of Regional Studies is to connect insights across intellectual disciplines in a systematic and grounded way to understand how and why regions and cities evolve. It publishes research that distils how economic and political processes and outcomes are contingent upon regional and local circumstances. The journal is a pluralist forum, which showcases diverse perspectives and analytical techniques. Essential criteria for papers to be accepted for Regional Studies are that they make a substantive contribution to scholarly debates, are sub-national in focus, conceptually well-informed, empirically grounded and methodologically sound. Submissions are also expected to engage with wider debates that advance the field of regional studies and are of interest to readers of the journal. Urban and Regional Horizons is a periodic section dedicated to agenda-setting work that stimulates new thinking and novel approaches to addressing the big intellectual questions, issues and challenges in regional studies. Policy Debates is a periodic section that provides a forum for analysis and debate about important policy issues of international relevance in urban and regional development. Special Issues draw together contributions around key themes in regional studies from established and emerging researchers in the field. Book Reviews provide analysis and comment on key recent publications in regional studies. Peer Review Statement All research articles in this journal have undergone rigorous peer review, based on initial editor screening and anonymized refereeing by at least two referees.