Sierdjan Koster appointed as professor in Economic Geography and Labour Market Dynamics

The Faculty of Spatial Sciences is pleased to announce that Dr. Sierdjan Koster has been appointed as professor in Economic Geography and Labour Market Dynamics. As of September 2022, he will also take on the position of chair of the Economic Geography department.

E conomic trajectories of regions differ vastly with some regions reaping the benefits of a changing society whereas others struggle to adapt to new circumstances. Particularly more peripheral regions, including the North of the Netherlands, have been shown to struggle and be left behind. This professorship is aimed at addressing regional differences in socio-economic development and the challenges that come with this. Koster holds that although these challenges involve prime economic dimensions, they can only be meaningfully addressed by including notions of well-being, inclusiveness and regional identities and images. This focus places the chair at the core of current debates in Economic Geography.

Inclusive labour markets

Regional labour markets are key arena’s where economic change impacts on the lives of people, households and communities. As such, the chair engages with current debates on increasingly flexible labour markets with temporary contracts and self-employment spells becoming more and more common. This provides opportunities for those with the appropriate skills and an appreciation for the flexible organization of work. At the same time, a sizeable group of people is struggling to obtain and hold their desired positions on the labour market. The chair contributes to debates on inclusive labour markets where everyone of working age can participate in paid work, especially vulnerable and disadvantaged people.

Talentmonitor

The chair actively seeks to engages with societal partners to achieve sustainable socio-economic development in the North of the Netherlands and beyond. This aim is materialized, for example, in the Talentmonitor , which provides up-to-date labour market information for SMEs, policy makers but also students in search of information in support of their career development. Sierdjan Koster is project lead for the Talentmonitor, which is part of the overarching ‘Talent in the Region’ project spearheaded by Hanze University and supported by Nationaal Programma Groningen.

New role

Sierdjan Koster has an excellent scientific track record in the field of Regional Science; he has published in top journals in the field and he is an editor for TESG. In addition, he has had a prominent role in the organization and innovation of the educational programmes at the Faculty of Spatial Sciences. In his new position and in his role as chair of the department of Economic Geography, he will remain a strong advocate for excellent education and facilities for all students and PhD-candidates.