Spatial disparities, convergence and economic development: a global and local orientation

This editorial introduces the Special Issue of the Annals of Regional Science titled Regional Disparities in the 21st Century: Evolution, Causes and Perspectives, which brings together 17 original research articles exploring the persistence, transformation, and policy responses to spatial inequality in the context of global change. The issue offers a multidisciplinary examination of regional disparities through economic, institutional, environmental, and social lenses, spanning diverse geographical contexts across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the USA. The collection is structured into four thematic parts: (1) the structural drivers of regional growth and divergence; (2) the interaction between labor markets, inequality, and public policy; (3) the impact of innovation and digitalization on regional development; and (4) the role of crises and external shocks in shaping regional trajectories. Across these sections, the papers provide insights into how institutional quality, governance capacity, technological change, demographic shifts, and environmental vulnerabilities contribute to growing regional inequalities—or, in some cases, to convergence and resilience. This editorial synthesizes the key findings and argues for a new policy paradigm that goes beyond traditional development tools, calling for adaptive, place-based strategies that address not only economic disparities but also social well-being, institutional strength, and environmental sustainability. As globalization, digitalization, and climate change redefine regional competitiveness, understanding the multifaceted nature of regional disparities has never been more urgent.