Category: Published

Yuzuru MIYATA

Graduate School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology

miyata@ace.tut.ac.jp

Hiroyuki SHIBUSAWA

Graduate School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology

hiro-shibu@tut.jp

Shamsunnahar KHANAM

Graduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Toyohashi University of Technology

shamsunnahar_khanam@yahoo.com

Abstract:

In this paper we explore economic impact of promotion and realization of an electric vehicle society (EVS). More concretely, this paper emphasizes on a computable general equilibrium (CGE) modelling approach to evaluate the following issues: economic impacts of subsidies for promotion of an EVS, the possibility of prices reduction, industrial structure change towards an EVS,  and model shift occurs towards an EVS.

Our simulation results demonstrate that after applying 20% subsidies to five industries, such as electric vehicles (EVs) manufacturing and transhipment, solar, cogeneration, and other transhipment the total industrial output and city GDP increase. A large growth rate is found in industries where subsidies are introduced alone with non-ferrous metal industry. However, it is motivating that decreasing proportions are found in oil, coal product, mining, heat supply and gasoline vehicles (GVs) transhipment industries.

Moreover, all the commodity prices decrease though in industries where subsidies are presented prices shrink appreciably. Hence, Toyohashi City’s economy shows a direction where the demand for conventional vehicles and energy use are decreased, conversely, the demand for EVs and renewable energy are increased that displays different lifestyles from the current.

Thus, introducing 20% subsidies to EVs manufacturing and transhipment, solar, cogeneration, and other transhipment can really represent a realistic alternative society to EVS, both in terms of economic development and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions reduction.  In this study therefore it is clear that model shift occurs to EVS, and thus we suggest for promotion of new industrial structure to introduce an EVS in Toyohashi city, Japan. The proposed model even can be expanded to the other cities in Japan and other countries in the world which are similar to this area.

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Elpianna EMMANOUILIDI

Athens University of Economics and Business, Dept. of Economic Science, Athens, Greece

elpemman@aueb.gr

Abstract

This paper presents an environmental application, investigating land use changes of forests and semi-natural areas in the Greek region of Western Attica. Its objective is to estimate the spatial equilibrium distribution of individual deforestation actions and determine the degree of coordination in individual behaviour. For this purpose, the paper starts by creating a virtual economic network of 156 agents, by laying an ad hoc square grid over the region. Next, the dominant forest land use changes have been determined for each land parcel, using CORINE land cover maps for the years 1990 and 2000. The economic model used is a discrete choice model, with endogenous spatial interactions. Even though spatial interactions produce multiple equilibria, the present research proposes a two-stage fixed point estimator, yielding a unique solution. Empirical findings suggest that equilibrium deforestation actions are strategic substitutes for the environment and complements for agriculture, and are characterized by a relative lack of coordination in individual behaviour.

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Evangelos ASPROGERAKAS

Urban & Regional Planner, National Technical University of Athens

v.aspro@uclmail.net

Abstract

Following the demands of contemporary economy, public administration gradually adopts the applications of information and communications technology. This paper deals with the policy concerning the development of electronic governance (eG) applications and how their use is affected by and determines spatial correlations. The adopted methodology includes a bibliographical approach and a case study analysis based on the use of taxation electronic applications, particularly popular as eG applications, in Greece.

In the EU, ICT in fact functions merely as a means of realisation within pre-existing political, social and economical structures a fact posing restrictions in terms of the results of their potential use. E-Government applications are a more immediate way for the citizen to get in contact with public services and a mechanism of accelerating administrative procedures. There is a lack of contribution to the cohesion of policies and actions.

The constitution of telematic nets and the use of technological applications are the main mechanisms leading to the notion of “electronic space” challenging at the same time the traditional view of accessibility and the functional organisation of space. The inferior position concerning conventional accessibility as well as the multifragmentation of a spatial unity are distinguished as major factors for the development of eG applications together with the existence of a major urban centre. Moreover there is at least some evidence that the use is related to the predominant activity of the area in question with tourism acting as a familiarisation tool with the internet and its applications.

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