« Building for the Future: The Economics of Infrastructure and Sustainable Development »

The workshop “Building for the Future” will take place at UCLouvain (Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium) Louvain House - Espace du Lac. The event is co-organized by the University of Luxembourg and UCLouvain, with the support of the FNR and FNRS through the ROAD project.

Keynote Speakers

• Rémi Jedwab (George Washington University)
• Dzhamilya Nigmatulina (HEC Lausanne)

Theme and Scope

Infrastructure development is a crucial determinant of economic and social outcomes—shaping market access, environmental sustainability, spatial mobility, and welfare. As developing countries pursue economic transformation, understanding the multifaceted impacts of infrastructure is more important than ever.

The workshop brings together junior and senior researchers in development economics to explore the consequences of infrastructure expansion in low- and middle-income countries. We welcome contributions from empirical, theoretical, and policy perspectives.

Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):

• Transport infrastructure
• Environmental and sanitary impacts of infrastructure
• Political economy of infrastructure planning and financing
• ...

Submission Guidelines

• Deadline: March 31, 2026
• Format: Full papers are preferred; extended abstracts (min. 1,000 words) will also be considered.
• Submission link/email: jean-francois.maystadt@uclouvain.be

Authors will be notified of decisions by mid-April 2026.

Call for paper

Workshop Format

To foster rich interaction and constructive feedback, the workshop is intentionally kept small—around 40 participants with approximately 12 presentations.

Presenters are expected to attend the full workshop and discuss another paper.

All sessions will be plenary.
Each presentation slot consists of:

• 30 minutes for the presentation
• 5 minutes for discussion
• 10 minutes for Q&A

Practical Information

The organizers will provide:

• Accommodation for all presenters
• Meals and refreshments during the workshop

Travel costs remain the responsibility of presenters.

Louvain-la-Neuve is well-connected by train to Brussels and Brussels Airport; the workshop venue, hotels, and restaurants are all within walking distance in the pedestrian town center.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

The organizers are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment. We strongly encourage submissions from researchers of all backgrounds, including early-career scholars, women, and underrepresented groups in the economics profession. We aim to promote a respectful and supportive atmosphere benefiting the entire research community.

Organizing Committee

• Jean-François Maystadt, UCLouvain
• Silvia Peracchi, UCLouvain
• Evie Graus, University of Luxembourg
• Luisito Bertinelli, University of Luxembourg

Contact

For questions, please contact: severine.devisscher@uclouvain.be

Additional information will be provided on this event webpage