Dear members of the Valencian Territorial Headquarters of Regional Science,

Four years have passed since we stood for election. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to all the people who make up the board of directors of the Valencian Territorial Headquarters, for the support and trust they have always given me.

During this time, the Valencian Territorial Headquarters has stood out for its active participation in a wide variety of scientific activities. These activities have addressed several current issues that are setting the agenda for the regional economy. Our active participation in events, conferences and round tables has enriched the scientific debate and encouraged the exchange of ideas with other relevant actors in the regional field.

But the highlight of these years has been the organization of the European Congress of Regional Science (ERSA). During the days of August 28 to September 1, 2023, the Faculty of Economic and Business Sciences of the University of Alicante became a European and international reference center in the field of regional science. Almost 1000 communications were presented, along with lectures by prestigious international academics. The scientific quality of all the sessions was recognised and valued by the participants. In addition to the scientific quality, the organisation of the congress was impeccable. I would like to thank the local committee and its president, Paloma Taltavull, for their commitment and dedication to this event.

The year 2025 marks the beginning of a new electoral cycle for both the AECR and its territorial headquarters, including the Valencian one. A new stage begins with new challenges and opportunities for our association and for the field of regional science in general. In this context of changes and new scenarios, it is essential that regional science positions itself as a key instrument to address emerging challenges and contribute to the analysis and study of these new environments.

From the Valencian territorial headquarters, it is essential to continue moving forward in the direction we set ourselves four years ago. In addition, we must be willing to face new challenges that allow us to consolidate ourselves as a reference in the field of Valencian regional economy and science. The active participation of the Valencian Territorial Headquarters in all the spaces where the issues related to the Valencian regional analysis are rigorously addressed is essential. Therefore, one of our strategies will be to continue collaborating with scientific entities dedicated to the study of regional science, with the aim of transforming the Valencian Headquarters into a meeting and coordination point for various initiatives, both academic and research-related. We will also set as a priority the consolidation of the relationship with other associations and institutions, both public and private, in the Valencian Community. In addition, we will promote collaboration with the various institutional Chairs to facilitate the transfer of innovative knowledge.

Kind regards

Luisa Alamá Sabater