Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. This book addresses the function of learned societies through the history of one field of intellectual enquiry, region studies. The role and functioning of contemporary learned societies comprise one of key themes in this book. The Regional Studies Association (RSA) was established in Britain in 1965, promoting interdisciplinary and interprofessional regional research. The field of regional studies is best viewed as the overlapping and intersecting components of its core disciplines as they relate to regions and their application in practice and policy. The volume and scope of contemporary learned societies are astounding. The RSA was established for, and has largely adhered to, the general aims of providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information and the dissemination of the results of research.