The last decade brought radical changes that have affected both living and working multi-locally. Globalization processes, sharing and digital economy, artificial intelligence, information and communication technologies are among the influencing factors. The phenomenon of multi-locality has been investigated by several disciplines, e.g. sociology, geography, urban and regional planning, economy and businesses and organizational studies.

Multi-locality has been manifested in multi-faceted ways in regional, urban and rural contexts and across national borders. For example, residential multi-locality can be associated with varied circumstances (e.g. recreational preferences, post-separation family arrangements, as well as job-related and educational purposes). Additionally, multi-locational work – or multi-local working – has gained greater attention during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. White collar professionals have more freedom and flexibility to choose between working places (e.g. between first home to second and third home, between the office to a coffee shop, public library or shared workspace). These topics have all been researched individually (e.g., in allied fields such as technology, housing, families, architecture, planning, sociology, economy or tourism).

Despite these clearly emerging trends, studies on the socio-spatial, environmental and economic implications of different forms of multi-locality for our society on the international, national and regional levels are still limited. In this context, relevance and need for collaboration and innovation among academics and various stakeholders (from private and public sectors) have recently emerged for several reasons: i) a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomena; ii) new ways of collecting data which provide an overview of the different multi-local trends; and iii) identifying strategies for sustainable urban and regional development, people and mobility.

The 9th annual meeting of the European Network for Multi‐locality Studies on ›Multi-locality and Innovation‹ seeks to exchange within the scientific community on current research and practice. This year, the conference facilitates cooperation and sharing of knowledge beyond the academic  circles by inviting not only researchers but also policymakers and practitioners. In other words, this year’s meeting seeks to discuss current research and the relevance of knowledge on multi-locality (and its various forms) which can be very important for the renewal of both state, region and municipality, as well as the civil sector, and for the development of framework conditions for business and civil society.

The 9th annual meeting invites contributors to (but not limited to):

• Explore the variety of multi-local trends (such as living arrangements and spatial arrangements for working) at the different levels (across countries and regions, both urban and rural contexts, as well as cities) in the context of globalization, new technologies and artificial intelligence.
• Explore innovative ways to conceptualize and research multi-locality (by including a wide range of disciplines that have studied this phenomenon).
• Discuss the implications of different forms of multi-locality for spatial planning, housing, transportation and mobility.
• Explore new paths of collaboration among researchers and stakeholders from the public (regional and municipal authorities, NGOs) and private sectors (such as businesses) to tackle the phenomenon of multi-locality, but also tracking the multi-local trends and providing new ways of collecting data (considering the limited availability of data today).
• Study individual and collective, socio-territorial and cultural innovation provoked by multi- local living and multi-local working.

The outcomes of the conference can contribute to discussion about the legislative and urban planning of work by regulations and administration and organization changes on the state, municipal and organizational level (in Nordic and European countries). The annual meeting is both of great importance at an overall level for societal development, while at the same time, it can provide new sector-specific knowledge, insight through the innovation work, and solutions to complex societal challenges (e.g. digital transformation/innovation and urbanization; regional renaissance of remote areas; interactions with business, civil society and citizens).

Working language of the conference is English

Submission instructions Please submit an abstract of not more than 500 words including references, including 3-4 keywords, and full affiliation of the author/s, including the contact info of the first/corresponding author.

Link to abstract submission https://nettskjema.no/a/426994

Abstract submission deadline: July 3, 2024

Acceptance of the abstract by July 31, 2024

Registration deadline for authors: September 3, 2024

Please note that there is no participation fee. The Organizing Committee does not cover travel and accommodation. We advise future participants to search for potential financial support from their respective institutions, academic exchange programs, etc.

Contacts of the local organizers:

Mina Di Marino / mina.di.marino(at)nmbu.no
Maryam Gorgpour /mariam.gorgpour(at)nmbu.no

Venue: Norwegian University of Life Sciences