The 14th European Meeting of the Urban Economics Association (UEA), held at the School of Business and Economics at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin on March 28–29, 2025, marked a significant milestone with 295 participants, making it the largest in-person European meeting to date. Over 200 papers were presented, selected from more than 500 submissions—a clear sign of the thriving global urban economics community. Co-organized by Gabriel Ahlfeldt of Humboldt University and Jan S. Nimczik of ESMT Berlin, both affiliated with the Berlin School of Economics, the conference fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas on pressing urban economic issues.
The program featured rich and diverse research across topics such as:
The conference featured compelling keynote lectures by Esteban Rossi-Hansberg from the University of Chicago and Nina Pavcnik from Dartmouth College. Rossi-Hansberg's presentation, titled "Firms and Plants Across Space," delved into the strategic decisions firms make regarding the number, size, and location of their plants. He discussed how companies balance the benefits of being close to customers with the costs of establishing and managing multiple facilities, and how these choices influence urban economic landscapes.
Nina Pavcnik's lecture, "Race to the Bottom or Ladders to Prosperity? Trade, Multinationals, and Workers," examined the complex relationships between international trade, multinational corporations, and labor markets. She explored how global trade policies and the operations of multinational firms impact workers' livelihoods, wage structures, and economic inequality, particularly in developing countries.
A highlight of the event was the Student Prize awarded to Vincent Rollet from MIT for his paper, "Can We Rebuild a City? The Dynamics of Urban Redevelopment." Rollet's research delves into the complexities of urban redevelopment, focusing on how zoning regulations and redevelopment costs influence the transformation of city areas over time. By analyzing detailed data from New York City, he developed a model that predicts how changes in zoning laws can lead to varying outcomes in different neighborhoods, depending on factors like existing density and property values. His findings offer valuable insights for policymakers aiming to balance growth and community preservation in urban planning.
The conference also emphasized the importance of informal interactions. A major highlight was the reception at ESMT Berlin, which provided a fantastic setting for networking and informal exchange—we expect many new collaborations to grow from those conversations. Reflecting on the event, co-organizer Gabriel Ahlfeldt remarked, "The atmosphere throughout the weekend was dynamic, open, and collegial—thanks to all who contributed to making this an inspiring and rewarding event!" Co-organizer Jan S. Nimczik added, "For the first time, we had a dedicated social committee that developed a creative social program, enriching the conference with more opportunities for interaction and academic spillovers beyond the formal sessions."
The Urban Economics Association seeks to promote participation and excellence in academic research in urban and regional economics. By organizing conferences like #UEA2025, the association provides a platform for scholars to share their research, engage in meaningful discussions, and foster collaborations that advance the field.
The 14th European Meeting of the Urban Economics Association in Berlin not only showcased cutting-edge research but also fostered a vibrant community dedicated to understanding and improving urban life. The insights gained and connections made during the conference are poised to influence the field of urban economics for the year to come.
