This course critically engages with theories of uneven spatial development and provides the methodological tools to visualize and explain the evolution of the European space economy. The course will show how changing historical-economic contexts such as globalization, theoretical developments in the fields of urban and regional economics and economic geography, as well as empirical analyses and results have influenced EU spatial policies, moving from policies to promote regional economic convergence and catch-up of peripheral regions to policies based on smart specialization strategies.

A key feature of this course is the translation of theoretical concepts and ideas into empirical research. Students will learn and perform applied spatial analysis! The seminars will introduce students to publicly available spatial data from EUROSTAT and other sources, as well as basic GIS tools for obtaining and manipulating spatial boundary (map) files. Furthermore, students will be taught to independently apply various techniques (e.g. cluster mapping, spatial econometrics) to empirically investigate aspects of regional economic development in the European Union.

- Understand the relevance of a spatial approach to economics
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various theoretical approaches
- Read, present, and discuss academic papers
- Use theory to develop and identify a geographic research problem
- Understand the uniqueness of spatial data
- Learn about and work with publicly available geospatial data
- Learn and apply spatial methodological tools to visualize, identify, and explain spatial patterns and processes of economic change
- Learn about EU spatial economic and social policies
- Understand the concept of SMART specialization as a regional development tool 

Attendance is mandatory: All classes in continuous assessment (PI) courses must be attended.

Up to three missed classes may be made up with additional homework if the absence is for a valid reason such as illness, accident, or death of a close relative. Documentation (such as a doctor's note) may be required. However, missing more than three classes will result in failure of the course.

Absences due to work commitments are not considered valid reasons for missing classes.

In order to pass the course, students are expected to attend and participate in all lectures and computer labs. The total grade will consist of 

- 25% Short presentations of papers, starting from L3/D1
- 15% Participation in class (e.g. in discussions and seminars)
Empirical group work
- 5% Research Proposal I: one-paragraph summary of idea and research question
- 5% Research Proposal II: two-page summary (including topic, literature, data, method, sources)
- 10% Final Report Presentation
- 40% Research Report

Grading:

There is NO EXAM for this module. Instead, there are a number of assessed components, including participation in discussions, brief summaries of readings, a final group presentation, and a group research report.

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