Ron Boschma

Prof. Ron Boschma is a full Professor of Regional Economics at Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences, specializing in Human Geography and Spatial Planning. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the UiS Business School, University of Stavanger. His research focuses on Evolutionary Economic Geography, regional resilience, diversification, and Smart Specialization policy. He has held leadership roles, including Director of Lund University's CIRCLE (Center for Innovation, Research and Competence in the Learning Economy) and membership in the Executive Board of the International Regional Studies Association since 2015.

His work emphasizes the geography of innovation, global value chains, and policy impacts on regional development. Notable awards include the 2024 Vautrin Lud Prize (the 'Nobel of Geography') and consistent inclusion in the top 1% of cited researchers (Thomson Reuters, 2014–present). Key research themes include regional diversification, relatedness theory, and sustainability pathways.

Prof. Boschma has authored influential publications on topics like regional resilience, industrial dynamics, and EU policy. He collaborates with institutions globally, leading projects such as ST4TE (Strategies for Just Transitions in Europe) and advising on regional innovation strategies. His teaching includes courses on Economic Geography and Theories of Innovative Regions. He actively engages in policy consultations, contributing to initiatives like the European Neighbourhood Policy and Smart Specialization Strategies.