Themes The globalization of capital, labor and product markets have made it increasingly challenging for regional economies and the communities within them to achieve the economic, social and environmental goals that constitute sustainable development. During the past decade, the University of Massachusetts Lowell has mounted a major effort to engage with labor, community organizations and businesses to confront the pressures of globalization. At the same time, we recognize that an understanding of the problems and possibilities of a single region requires both a deep knowledge of its historical evolution and a broad knowledge of the comparative experiences of other regions.

This conference provides an opportunity for participants engaged in regional development to share experiences and analyses and to find creative ways to enhance the economic and social development of the regions in which they are located. It is designed to provide a forum for researchers and practitioners from a wide variety of disciplines to share knowledge of models and experiences about how universities can promote sustainable regional development.

Presenters
The conference features an international array of presenters from as far away as Malaysia, Cambodia, India, Mexico, Norway, Sweden, South Africa and Slovenia.

About the Committee on Industrial Theory and Assessment
Established in 1993, CITA is an interdisciplinary body within the University of Massachusetts Lowell charged with understanding the process of regional development and evaluating the social and economic outcomes of those processes. CITA's role is to develop a systematic understanding of the institutions, community and neighborhood organizations, and industries that can enable the region to experience sustainable development. Issues of workplace health, environmental sustainability, incorporation of diverse populations into the workforce and the development process, and community empowerment are all relevant here.