Cross-border Regions Research Articles

Academic researchers’ motivations to engage in university–industry collaboration in cross-border regions

AbstractMore than ever, universities and policymakers are paying attention to faculty members’ engagement in industries’ projects because university–industry collaboration (UIC) is seen as the key to economic development. However, the UIC differs from country to country, and researchers may have different motivations. This study explored the relationship between university researchers’ motivations and varied UIC channels. A questionnaire was administered to the relevant faculty in public universities in two cross-border regions of Portugal and Spain. Drawing on data gathered from 841 researchers, the results reveal differences in these academics’ motivations to engage in different channels. Pecuniary motivations (i.e., access to funding and commercialization) drive UIC through joint and contract research, while non-pecuniary motivations (i.e., learning opportunities and access to resources) inhibit cooperation through the same two engagement channels. In addition, joint and contract research involvement also depends on researchers’ age, academic status, department size, and field of study. This study provides empirical evidence on the motivations and channels of UIC in two cross-border regions of Portugal and Spain. Furthermore, it presents important results for universities and policymakers who need to increase motivation and improve UIC channels.

Studying policy transfer and policy learning in border regions. A proposition for interdisciplinary dialogue and a research agenda

ABSTRACT In recent years, research on cross-border cooperation has proliferated, also receiving increased attention from political science. Nevertheless, important insights from the literatures on policy learning and transfer have not been systematically introduced into this field of study so far. In this article, we address this shortcoming by offering an analytical framework for analysing policy learning and transfer in (cross-)border regions, thereby focusing on processes that may help us better capture the evolution and dynamics of cross-border regions. We conceptually discern between four different types, namely policy learning in cross-border regions, horizontal transfer in cross-border regions, horizontal transfer between cross-border regions and vertical transfer between the European or the national and the (cross-)border level. For each case, we discuss potential drivers and give empirical examples to illustrate the conceptual model.

Cross-border regionalism in the EU and ASEAN: another dimension of the “varieties of regionalism”

ABSTRACT This article examines the governance norms of micro-regional cross-border cooperation (CBC) in Europe and Southeast Asia. We ask why world-wide cross-border micro-regional institutions, though at first sight pursuing similar economic and socio-political objectives, markedly differ in their institutional design. Guided by arguments derived from sociological institutionalism, we argue that cross-border institutions adopt the governance norms of the regional organization to which they are linked. Accordingly, while in Europe CBC is characterized by normative ideas, supranational tendencies tamed by subsidiarity, bottom-up processes, liberal participatory norms and legal formality, Southeast Asian cross-border institutions are more material, intergovernmental, hierarchical, state-controlled and informal. Cross-border regions established in countries acceding to a regional organization localize the latter’s governance norms if these deviate markedly from entrenched extant normative arrangements. The diversity of CBC in the two world regions studied suggests that the ‘varieties of regionalism’ concept also applies to micro-regionalism.

Analysis of cross-border free route implementation: A case for Turkish and Ukrainian airspaces

Abstract Free route airspace (FRA) are increasingly widespread in European countries. A step further, cross-border FRA aims to implement FRA in a seamless,defragmented airspace in Europe. This study aims to bring a different perspective by extending the scope of cross-border FRA applications beyond socioeconomic status (SES) countries. In the study, analyses were made using fast-time simulation outputs for one of the busiest days of Turkish airspace in 2022. The simulation models of four cases were created and compared in such a way that airspaces of Türkiye, South East Europe free route airspace (SEEFRA) countries and Ukraine combined under different border operations above FL285. Flight trajectories were assessed in terms of flight distance, fuel economy and environmental impact within the aforementioned airspaces. The participation of Turkish airspace in the cross-border region and opening of Ukrainian airspace are examined. Concluded, among all, cross-border FRA implemented through all aforementioned regions (Case 4) may constitute the best benefit for flight trajectories and related variables.

Building typology of Albanian kulla stone houses in the Balkans

This paper aims to establish a unified typology for the culturally significant kulla stone houses built in the cross-border region of Kosovo, Albania, and Montenegro during the 18th and 19th centuries. Despite some attempts at typological categorisation on the national level, a joint typology for this region currently needs to be improved. Based on existing literature and field research, the paper identifies the specificities of different geographical locations while validating the core attributes common to all typological variations. The findings suggest that the joint typological classification of kulla in the Balkans should primarily be based on architectural elements and, to some extent, setting, building materials and techniques, while functional composition is consistent across all types. The paper argues that defining a common typology for the Albanian kulla stone houses in the Balkans is crucial for evaluating, preserving, and developing kulla as serial properties and for their future regional development.

The Russian–Belarusian Borderland: Contradictions of Integration and Cross-Border Regionalization. From Friendship to Cooperation?

The Russian–Belarusian Borderland: Contradictions of Integration and Cross-Border Regionalization. From Friendship to Cooperation?

An Analytical Framework for Cross‐border Regional Innovation Ecosystems: The Case of Shenzhen–Hong Kong Cross‐border Region

AbstractIn cross‐border regions (CBRs), especially in Cross‐Border Regional Innovation Systems (CBRISs) research, proximity has traditionally served as the primary framework for measuring cross‐border integration and supports the view that the closer the proximity on both sides of the border in terms of physical, functional, cognitive, institutional and other dimensions, the more integration is fostered. Recently, however, this view has been questioned, with both theoretical studies of ‘related varieties’ and empirical results from specific cross‐border cases challenging the adequacy of the proximity framework as a singular dimension for analysing CBR integration. To bridge this knowledge gap, this paper expands the proximity framework to four dimensions of relational proximity, innovation ecological environment integration, complementary advantages and common goals from the perspective of innovation ecosystem, builds an analytical assessment framework of cross‐border regional innovation ecosystem (CBRIE), and conducts an empirical analysis of the Shenzhen–Hong Kong CBR. The results show that the framework accounts well for the development of CBRIEs. Furthermore, the exchange of innovation factors between Shenzhen and Hong Kong has made greater progress and accelerated, and is moving towards building an innovation ecosystem. However, they have not yet formed a complete CBRIE.

Overcoming the dark side of subnational start-up support policies: a pilot project for facilitating cross-border cooperation in Europe

ABSTRACT Business start-up support policies have gained significant attention from policymakers, largely due to their immediate impacts and the positive media coverage they receive. However, the widespread adoption of these policies has often led to a fragmented landscape characterised by limited coordination, especially in countries with multi-tiered governmental structures. As a result, the full potential of public investments is hindered. This study aims to identify and address the key challenges associated with these policies, offering valuable insights drawn from a collaborative initiative within the Galicia–Northern Portugal Euroregion. The findings provide practical and scalable guidance for research institutions, businesses, and policymakers seeking to establish effective partnerships, prioritise objectives and achieve substantial impact in cross-border regions.

Cross-border Paradiplomacy in the Irish Sea: A Socio-spatial Analysis

ABSTRACT: Bilateral relations between the UK devolved administrations and Ireland are a neglected aspect of the 'totality of relationships' among the people of these islands. This is especially true for relations between Ireland and Wales. This article fills this gap by focusing on the paradiplomatic role played by subnational authorities within Ireland and Wales in the construction of effective socio-spatial governance solutions pursuing cross-border cooperation across the Irish Sea. It describes the Ireland–Wales cross-border region as a loose, multi-level structure of economic and political cooperation, and as a product of the interaction between strategies and structures. The article demonstrates that paradiplomacy is not just empowered by cross-border cooperation, but actively shapes it as an opportunity structure through metagovernance. Specifically, the article argues for a better grasp of metagovernance to keep Irish Sea cooperation alive post-Brexit.

LC-FLD Determination of Glyphosate, AMPA and Glufosinate in Surface Water from the Paraná River Basin

Natural waters from the Paraná River hydrographic basin in the Brazil-Paraguay cross-border region were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to a fluorescence detector (LC-FLD) after extraction of the analytes in anion exchange resin IRA-900. The method allowed good recovery (91 to 113%) of the studied species (glyphosate, (aminomethyl)phosphonic acid (AMPA) and glufosinate) precision compatible with the requirements of the National Metrology Institute (relative standard deviation < 18%) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values between 0.2 and 0.8 mg L-1. In most of the samples collected between January and September 2022, it was impossible to detect the presence of herbicides, even in regions of intense agricultural activity, probably due to the high adsorption capacity of the soils of the region and due to the higher LOQ of the method. Under these conditions, the main transport route is estimated to be associated with surface runoff, which is only favored by heavy rainfall events.

Governance in the Free Cross-border Flow of Data

Every part of life, work and friendship has been inseparable from the Internet. When we casually click on the links on the network, when we need to enter personal information on the network due to work and policy, when enterprises are used to storing most of the data in the emerging cloud computing service platform, when the official website of the core departments of the country was maliciously attacked. We are facing more frequent information leakage in the era of big data. Especially with the trend of multinational corporations, regional interoperability, and the integration of the world economy, data and information can flow across borders without obstacles. Undoubtedly, cross-border business trade, project co-operation, geo-location, and server tracking are necessary, but the large amount of data recording, flow, and tracking brings great risks to personal privacy, business secrets, and the maintenance and stability of national security. As a result of the growing awareness of the risks and drawbacks of cross-border data flows, jurisdictions and regions have developed legislation and rules to balance the free flow of data and cross-border security.

European Union Tools for the Sustainable Development of Border Regions

The European Union uses several instruments aimed at reducing disparities between regions and strengthening their competitiveness and sustainability. The border regions have a special relevance, given their position and characteristics, as well as the challenges faced by local actors. The European Commission has introduced the action “b-solutions” to tackle the specific border obstacles along European Union internal borders. The article aims to analyze the integration mechanisms at the micro-regional level, which is considered as a viable and sustainable solution for cross-border regions with resources which can be exploited to attract investment and generate wealth and well-being. The qualitative analysis method involved consulting thematic publications of the b-solution program and extracting data from the presentation sheets of accepted proposals published by the Association of European Border Regions. The collected data were processed according to criteria such as direction of action, types and causes of obstacles, solutions proposed by experts, etc. Addressing the legal and administrative obstacles that hamper cross-border flows proved to be a good initiative, with 120 cases selected. The solutions offered to the particular cases can also be replicated for other obstacles identified at the European Union’s internal borders so that cooperation between border regions is intensified to the benefit of increasing European territorial, economic, and social cohesion.

Managing and controlling diffuse urbanisation in France: Spatial planning practices in cross-border city-regions

Abstract   Managing and controlling “land take” of agricultural and natural land for urbanisation is the target of European and national policies. Although this objective seems to be increasingly understood among the actors, the prioritisation of issues and the measures taken by governments to achieve it are very heterogeneous. The practices of local public and private actors do not necessarily follow the directions established at national level by the instruments. This paper examines the concrete forms, in France, of collective action in the field of spatial planning to limit land take, particularly in French cross-border areas that are experiencing strong urban growth. The survey is based on 60 semi-structured interviews with public actors involved in the spatial transformations of the cross-border regions around Geneva, Lille-Kortrijk-Tournai, Luxembourg and Strasbourg-Karlsruhe. The survey shows that collective action in spatial planning is very diverse in France, depending on the regions and municipalities concerned, even if the legal rules are the same. Local public actors play strategically with the rules and adapt them. Moreover, the organisation of collective action to limit land take is marked by interdependencies between regions, and in our case between neighbouring countries, which are often left unexamined in national planning policies and instruments.

Epidemiological impact of neurodegenerative diseases in the rural Spanish-Portuguese cross-border region.

Epidemiological data indicate that neurodegenerative diseases show a high prevalence with a progressive increasing trend, especially in aging populations, as is the case in rural areas. The objective of this study was to assess the quantitative impact of neurodegenerative diseases in rural areas of the Spanish-Portuguese border region and to describe the epidemiological profile of the most prevalent disorders in one of the most depopulated and aged regions of Europe. A cross-sectional descriptive study was designed to estimate the prevalence of subjects diagnosed with the most common neurodegenerative disorders: dementia (Alzheimer's disease & other dementias), Parkinson's disease & Parkinsonism and Multiple sclerosis in the Spanish-Portuguese cross-border border region in 2020. It includes Bragança and Guarda Districts (Portugal), and Salamanca (Castilla y León, Spain). Neurodegenerative diseases accounted for 1.85% in the Spanish-Portuguese cross-border region in 2020; a total of 5,819 records: 987 (prevalence, 2.51%) were reported in Salamanca (Spain); 2,332 (prevalence, 1.87%) in Bragança; and 2,500 (prevalence, 1.66%) in Guarda. Female population suffered from them in higher proportion (2.35% vs. 1.32%). Dementia represented 1.19% (3,744), Parkinson's disease & Parkinsonism 0.58% (1,823) and Multiple sclerosis 0.08% (252). These disorders impacted older age groups. In the rural border region of Spain, 1 out of 4 cases were institutionalized. The findings reveal the health impact of neurodegenerative diseases in the Spanish-Portuguese cross-border region. The epidemiological data emphasizes the region's circumstances and highlights research priorities. Intervention strategies must be implemented in the region to ensure quality healthcare in rural areas.

SPATIAL-GEOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF THE DEVELOPED REGION "KRAISHTE" IN THE WESTERN PARTS OF BULGARIA

This article is devoted to a particular region in our country, the Craiște. It is a region located in Pernik, Kyustendil and Sofia districts. The region has its important strategic importance as a bridgehead to the capital. The presentation gives a brief historical overview of the chronology of the development of the region and its socio-economic, ethnographic and geographical development. The main economic indicators related to the emerging serious barrier to the economic development of the municipalities of the cross-border region is the low labour productivity and the extremely low cost of labour. The specific features of agriculture and forestry, extractive industries and industrial profile, services and tourism are highlighted. The analysis carried out has its spatial patterns.

TRANSBOUNDARY REGIONALIZATION: TYPOLOGY OF REGIONS AND SPATIAL PLANNING

The relevance of the issue of transborder regionalization, as well as the need to implement spatial development
 goals for the effective use of spatial factors, reveals the importance of improving the theoretical and methodological
 foundations for developing a concept for the development of transborder regions of the Republic of Belarus. The article
 examines the geopolitical aspects of transnational regionalization and the content of emerging regions on the basis of
 existing ideas about regionalization and transnational regions, identifying the basis for classifying regions according to
 geospatial characteristics: spatial scale, geospatial structure. A theoretical analysis of the scientific literature showed
 that transit flows and innovations act as catalysts for the economic development of cross-border regions, along with the
 resource endowment of the regions. The theoretical regional classification of regions is supplemented with the
 “transborder economic development corridor” type. The signs of this type of region are: the formation of the region at
 the macro- and meso-level, intensive foreign trade relations, the influence of transit functions on the production and
 innovation basis of the region’s economy.

Professional Business German as One of the Key Competencies of University Graduates in the Cross-Border Region

Abstract This review article presents a book published in 2021 by the publishing house Frank & Timme called: “Fachlich – Digital – Regional: Perspektiven auf das Sprachenlehren und – lernen” (editors Ines-Andrea Busch-Lauer & Julia Hartinger). The book is a collection of 17 articles focusing on professional language teaching at universities. The contributions relate to the digital conference, where the results of the cross-border project of two universities were presented, and where possible methodological-didactic solutions were outlined in the online teaching of (professional) language during the COVID-19 pandemic. The collection is divided into three parts, each covering a specific area. The first part is devoted to the teaching of professional language and the analysis of educational materials and formats for the concept of examination (Professional) The second part focuses on the use of digital media in teaching foreign languages (Digitally). The third part – as a result of a three-year project (Regionally) – concentrates on the creation of educational and teaching materials focused on the CzechSaxon border region.

Russia–Belarus Borderland: Contradictions of Integration and Cross-Border Regionalization. From Friendship to Cooperation?

Russia–Belarus Borderland: Contradictions of Integration and Cross-Border Regionalization. From Friendship to Cooperation?

The truth of two cities: Trieste, Rijeka and the interplay between nationalism and cosmopolitanism in cross-border regional Europe

ABSTRACT Nationalism structures the representation of identities in museums. However, museums are also places where cosmopolitanism can be circulated. The scope of the current article is to approach the interplay between nationalism and cosmopolitanism in a specific context: cross-border regions. The research is based on a comparative analysis of two exhibitions with an emphasis on women’s history and covering the same topic: the 1919–1920 illegal occupation of Fiume/Rijeka by the Italian poet-soldier Gabriele d’Annunzio, represented in Trieste (Italy) and Rijeka (Croatia). The results show the context and illustrate how national bordering and cosmopolitan de-bordering are circulated by representatives of the curatorship field.

Sustainable Use of Natural and Cultural Resources in the Cross-Border Region Slovenia – Croatia

One example of cross-border cooperation is between the two neighboring Balkan countries of Slovenia and Croatia. Recently, the quality and intensity of this cooperation have been significantly affected by the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic. In this context, this article examines the quality of balanced cross-border cooperation between Croatia and Slovenia, the exploitation of hitherto unexploited potential for increasing the utilization of the region’s natural and cultural resources, and the possibility of rebuilding and developing the tourism sector; in fact, it was in decline as a consequence of the pandemic. Besides, improving the quality of the environment and raising the standard of living and quality of life for the people living in the border areas was another objective. Slovenia and Croatia are promoting a sustainable, safe, and vibrant border area by supporting smart approaches to the protection, mobilization, and management of natural and cultural resources. People living, working, or visiting the area have seen many benefits from this. To provide innovative, smart, and practical solutions that help preserve and enhance the quality of the environment and its diverse identity as well as activate its socioeconomic potential, the main focus has been on harnessing the natural and cultural values of the area. It has been achieved by increasing opportunities for institutional cooperation at all levels to ensure a safe and vibrant environment.