The Summer Institute in Economic Geography represents a unique approach to advanced training, mentoring, and professional development for early-career researchers entering the field of economic geography, broadly defined, oriented to the highest standards of international practice. By bringing together a group of active young researchers from around the world and a small group of internationally renowned faculty, the Summer Institute seeks to make a distinctive contribution to the ongoing development and social and intellectual "reproduction" of economic geography as a diverse research community, complementing existing graduate training and faculty mentoring programs

The Summer Institute seeks to invigorate discussions across the diverse community of economic geographers concerning enduring issues like ethics and research methods, while constructively exploring contemporary controversies and debates in this fast-moving field. And it has actively facilitated network-building and mutuality of respect and understanding amongst the rising generation of economic geographers, many of whom have transitioned into successful careers in universities, research institutes, and the public and private sectors

The Summer Institute is open to: (a) advanced doctoral students, (b) postdoctoral researchers, and (c) recently appointed faculty and lecturers from around the world. 

The local costs of participating in the meeting, including accommodation, are met by the organizers. For those that need them, travel stipends are available.

Now a fixture in the international academic calendar, the Summer Institute has been meeting on a biannual cycle since the inaugural meetings held in Wisconsin and Bristol in 2003 and 2004.

The 11th meeting of the Summer Institute will take place in Singapore in July, 2024.