This chapter addresses new scientific pathways following the quantitative revolutions in geography and regional science. We observe the rising popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) – specifically machine learning (ML) techniques – in geography and regional science. This chapter sets out...

The emergence of new urban data and digital solutions has given rise to the concept of the ‘smart city.’ However, there remains a critical need to translate it into practical applications, particularly in the context of small towns’ vitality. This chapter addresses the question: ‘ To...

"This thematic Encyclopedia explores the multifaceted world of regional science, presenting a systematic and coherent overview of its central topics. It highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the field, examining the wide range of concepts, theories, methods and models that shape...

Cities, towns, and rural areas form a complex spatial system influenced by governance, economic factors, and the perceptions of their residents. This paper introduces the concepts of 'cityphilia' and 'cityphobia' as metaphors for the spatial attraction and repulsion forces that shape local...