In a world emerging from widespread crisis, some regions thrive and have been strengthened whilst others struggle to recover.  Unforeseen events affect regions unevenly, presenting at once opportunities and challenges, prosperity and deprivation. How regions emerge from negative or positive shocks depends on their capacity to learn from their own experience and from that of others, as well as their ability to adapt to new environments in a global economy.The RSA 2014 International Conference in Brazil will focus on thinking about paths, policies and ideas to strengthen vulnerable places and to develop cohesive and resilient territories. We acknowledge that only adaptive and flexible regions can succeed in an ever-changing world. This conference offers to all those who share an interest in regional and urban issues an opportunity to explore and discuss these key issues. Our discussions will be stimulated and enriched by the RSA’s well established tradition of embracing and accepting diverse perspective, disciplinary backgrounds and ideas.Conference Themes:Clusters and Smart SpecialisationInnovation and KnowledgeCulture and Creativity as a Driver of Regional Growth and EmploymentDeveloping Rural and Peripheral RegionsThe Geography of CrimeLabour Markets and MigrationLand Use and the Real Estate MarketMega Events and Regional DevelopmentRegional Challenges in Health and EducationPolicies for Regional Growth and DevelopmentRegional Integration and SpilloversSpatial Justice and InequalitiesSpatial Planning and InfrastructureSustainability – Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Food SecurityThe Geography of FinanceUrbanisation and CitiesRegional Policy in Emerging EconomiesLeading RegionsRegion to Region TradeEconomic Development Strategies and Planning