Background

Over the last two decades the countries of South Eastern Europe (SEE) have been undergoing lengthy structural reforms as a consequence of the combined processes of economic transition, social change, administrative reform, post-conflict reconstruction, state-building and preparations for accession to the EU. Moreover, these countries are located within a region that over the last twenty years has suffered from political instability, multiple economic crises, growing social polarization, ethnic fragmentation and increasing spatial inequalities, all of which has been exacerbated by the ongoing economic crisis that began at the end of the last decade.

Despite the importance of these issues, the study of social and economic inclusion and cohesion has not developed sufficiently in SEE in comparison with Western Europe or the Central East European countries. In most SEE countries the consequences of growing social problems have been underestimated and social issues have generally remained in the shadow of other priorities on the policy agenda. At the same time, questions of growth and economic integration within the region and within the EU remain as important as ever. This brings to the forth issues of economic governance and of managing the multiple challenges facing the region – from democratic backsliding and credible commitment to reforms, to migration pressures and to stimulating cohesive, inclusive and sustainable growth.

The 3^rd LSEE Research Network Conference will be held on Friday, 7 April 2017, the day after the 6^th Annual Research Conference of the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia (NBRM), and it is organised in cooperation with the NBRM and University American College Skopje (UACS). The LSEE Research Network Conference participants are invited to take part in the proceedings of the NBRM’s conference and to the conference dinner, taking place in the evening of Thursday, 6 April 2016.

Aims

The conference aims to provide a forum for the presentation, dissemination and discussion of the latest research findings on topics related to questions of social and economic cohesion and economic governance in South Eastern Europe and in countries in the wider ‘transition’ region. Researchers from all social science disciplines including social policy, political economy, economics, political science, public administration, sociology, and socio-legal studies are invited to submit abstracts of their papers. Papers submitted for the conference may be considered for publication in an edited volume encompassing the event’s themes.

Conference Themes

• Exclusion and inequality in the labour market
• Poverty, inequality and social protection
• Education attainment, exclusion and inequalities of opportunity
• Health inequalities, health deprivation and health policy
• Inclusion/exclusion of minorities / Roma
• Socio-economic cohesion and the SEE 2020 Strategy
• Trade, development and the macro-economy
• Decentralisation and regional development

Important dates

• Deadline for submission of abstracts: Extended to Friday, 10 February 2017
• 20 February 2017: Notification of acceptance
• 24 March 2017: Delivery of full conference paper; circulation to discussants
• (6 and) 7 April 2017: Conference in Skopje

How to apply

Please fill in the application form at this link. The abstracts, of no more than 300 words, should clearly state the aims of the paper, the methodology used and the conference theme to which the paper is addressed. Applications should be submitted by 10 February 2017.

In case of any questions, please contact LSEE (European Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science) at the following email address: EUROINST.LSEE@LSE.AC.UK. 

Travel, accommodation and catering

There is no fee for participation at the conference, but conference participants will have to cover their accommodation and travel costs themselves. A limited number of rooms will be reserved for conference participants at a local hotel (details to follow on the conference website), but delegates are welcome to make their own accommodation arrangements. Coffee/tea and buffet lunch will be provided on each day of the conference.

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Organisers and supporters

The conference is organised by the LSE Research on South Eastern Europe (LSEE) at the London School of Economics in cooperation with the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia (NBRM) and the University American College Skopje (UACS). LSEE acknowledges the financial support of the National Bank of Greece (NBG). 

About LSEE

LSEE (LSE Research on South Eastern Europe) is a research unit established within LSE's European Institute. Drawing on the strength of existing and new academic expertise at the LSE, and complementing the work of the Hellenic Observatory and the Contemporary Turkish Studies Programme, LSEE provides a significant platform on which to build high quality, independent research and facilitating public dialogue and dissemination of information on the region. Through its Network on Social Cohesion and Development in SEE, LSEE provides a forum for research collaboration not only within the LSE and the UK, but also with external partners in South Eastern Europe and beyond. LSEE furthermore organises regular series of public events related to its research - lectures, seminars, workshops and conferences – both at the LSE and in the region.