IRS conducts research on the dynamic interrelation between social and spatial development of cities, towns and regions from a social science perspective. Processes of transformation and governance are of particular interest.
Research at the IRS is guided by the following goals: to systematically understand and explain the space-shaping processes of a globally linked and locally embedded economy, society and politics; to identify local and regional development opportunities and to provide expert knowledge in order to prevent and tackle negative developments. In five departments the institute’s research focuses on the dynamics of economic spaces, institutional change and regional public goods, dynamics of communication and knowledge, urban regeneration, pathways of urbanisation and 20th century planning cultures.