Forging a sustainable future together: Cohesion for a competitive and inclusive Europe | Lecture Prof. Rodriguez-Pose

In this lecture, Prof. Rodriguez-Pose will discuss insights from the recent High-Level Report on the Future of Cohesion Policy, a critical document guiding how the European Union can foster balanced and inclusive development across its diverse regions. The report addresses the evolving role of Cohesion Policy in tackling pressing structural challenges —such as economic inequality, social inclusion, and regional competitiveness— against a backdrop of (de)globalisation, technological change, and geopolitical tensions. Prof. Rodriguez-Pose will explore key proposals for transforming Cohesion Policy to strengthen institutional capacity, promote sustainable growth, and deepen cross-border cooperation, ultimately ensuring that no region or citizen is left behind as Europe advances.

Bio

Andrés Rodríguez-Pose holds the Princesa de Asturias Chair and is a Professor of Economic Geography at the London School of Economics (LSE). He currently directs the Cañada Blanch Centre at LSE and has previously served as Head of the Department of Geography and Environment. He also chairs the European Union’s High-Level Group on the Future of Cohesion Policy, which is responsible for shaping the EU’s Cohesion Policy beyond 2027. Additionally, Rodríguez-Pose has held distinguished positions in regional science, including President and Vice-President of the Regional Science Association International (RSAI), as well as Vice-President and Secretary of the European Regional Science Association.

His research covers regional growth and inequality, fiscal and political decentralisation, institutions, discontent and populism, innovation, migration, and development strategies. His work is highly influential, frequently informing policy decisions, and he regularly advises international organisations and governments. He is also widely cited in academic circles. For three of the last four years, he has been recognised as the top scientist globally in urban and regional studies by the Stanford ranking, which identifies the top 2% of scientists across all disciplines. He has also appeared on Clarivate’s Web of Science list of Highly Cited Researchers for the past five years.

Among his many honours, Rodríguez-Pose received the 2018 ERSA Prize in Regional Science, considered the most prestigious accolade in the field. He also holds honorary doctorates from Utrecht University (Netherlands) and Jönköping University (Sweden).

In collaboration with the international Erasmus Mundus research Master programme ISLANDS and the Rudolf Agricola School for Sustainable Development.