Tag: R58

MEASURING THE PERFORMANCE OF EXPORT ECONOMIC BRANCHES LOCATED INSIDE CLUSTERS: EVIDENCE FROM GREECE

Andreas GKOUZOS

Department of Regional and Economic Development, School of Applied Economics and Social Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Amfissa, Greece

agkouzos@aua.gr

ORCID ID: 0000-0003-3905-9205

Manolis CHRISTOFAKIS

Department of Business Administration, School of Business, University of the Aegean, Chios, Greece

mchri@aegean.gr

ORCID ID: 0009-0005-7416-0378

Abstract

The paper investigates the impact of clusters on the performance of export economic branches in Greek NUTS-2 regions for 2008 and 2018. The study employs a Cluster Index, statistical techniques and Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis, unveiling the intricate relationship between clusters and the competitiveness of export-driven economic branches. The findings illuminate the pivotal role clusters play in shaping export outcomes, indicating that regions in both mainland and insular space host multiple clusters that significantly influence export performance of economic branches. The outcomes of the research offer valuable insights for policy formulation, emphasising the need for custom-tailored strategies that harness sectoral-spatial patterns. In a broader context, the study’s insights provide valuable implications for enhancing overall economies by leveraging agglomeration effects and promoting growth in export-driven branches. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between clusters and export performance, offering a roadmap for policymakers and stakeholders to foster economic advancement.

Keywords: clusters, export economic branches, Greek NUTS-2 regions, Cluster Index, economic base theory

JEL classification: C18, R12, R58

pp. 71-84

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MARGINALISED ZONES AS STATISTICAL INSTRUMENTS TO NAVIGATE PERMACRISIS IMPACTS IN EUROPEAN REGIONS

Cristina LINCARU

PhD, FeRSA, Department of Labour Market, National Scientific Research Institute for Labour and Social Protection, Bucharest, Romania

cristina.lincaru@yahoo.de

ORCID ID: 0000-0001-6596-1820

Gabriela TUDOSE

PhD, Senior Researcher, II-nd degree, National Scientific Research Institute for Labour and Social Protection, Bucharest, Romania

gabriela_tudose@yahoo.com

ORCID ID: 0000-0002-340-9987

Adriana GRIGORESCU

PhD Full Professor, SNSPA; Director of Global Economy & Governance Interdisciplinary Research Platform; AOSR; INCE; LEAD Cambridge, MA; UCLM Spain

adrianagrigorescu11@gmail.com

ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4212-6974

Speranța PÎRCIOG

PhD, Scientific Director, National Scientific Research Institute for Labour and Social Protection, Bucharest, Romania

pirciog@incsmps.ro

ORCID ID: 0000-0003-0215-038X

Cristina STROE

Senior Researcher II-nd degree, National Scientific Research Institute for Labour and Social Protection, Bucharest, Romania

cristina.radu@incsmps.ro

ORCID ID: 0000-0001-8384-6084

Abstract

In the context of overlapping and interrelated crises—economic, ecological, social, and geopolitical—European regions are confronted with new governance challenges. Marginalised zones, often treated as residual spaces in policy discourse, must be reimagined as analytical and governance instruments in the transition toward sustainability and territorial resilience. This article explores how marginalised areas can be conceptualised and operationalised through spatial statistical methodologies and policy frameworks that support just transition processes. Drawing on a critical review of empirical studies and strategic European and Romanian documents, we synthesise the main tools used to identify territorial disparities, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), clustering algorithms, fuzzy logic, spatial econometrics, and machine learning. We confirm that these methods allow for more nuanced territorial diagnostics and typologies, which are essential for evidence-based and place-based policies. The article advances a transdisciplinary framework that repositions marginalised zones as strategic levers in adaptive territorial governance. Ultimately, we argue for a paradigm shift: from periphery to policy, where marginalised regions evolve from passive recipients of aid to active instruments of just transition.

Keywords: Marginalised regions, Just transition, Spatial inequality, Territorial resilience, Governance instruments, PCA, Clustering, Fuzzy logic, Regional typologies, Permacrisis

JEL classification: R11, R58, O18, Q56, C38

pp.155-165

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PLACE-BASED POLICY RESPONSES TO SPATIAL INEQUALITIES

Daniela- Luminița CONSTANTIN

Professor at the Department of Administration and Public Management, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies; Bucharest, Romania

danielaconstantin_2005@yahoo.com

Clara-Alexandra VOLINTIRU

Professor at the Department of International Business and Economics, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies; Bucharest, Romania

clara.volintiru@gmail.com

Abstract

This paper aims to contribute a review of the recent literature on spatial inequalities at subnational level, building on the main foundations of regional studies and specific preoccupations with this subject. The overview of the literature has sought to derive key trends and to identify current knowledge frontiers and debates. It has been deployed on a comprehensive and systematic research of the relevant sources of the past decades and has been structured into three main parts, namely: (1) basic contributions and recent and state-of-the-art literature, (2) current debates, open issues or questions and (3) policy implications. The undertaken inquiries point to a variety of approaches, from those which bring into the spotlight the ‘left-behind places’, the ‘places that don’t matter’ (and their revenge), the ‘geography of discontent’, etc. to those proposing an entire typology for the lagging regions, revealing the interest of both academic community and policy-makers in this subject. The policies gravitate around place-based solutions, which, without neglecting the strongest European regions, aim to support the weaker regions as well. They go beyond simple compensatory measures, concentrating on the turning to good account of the untapped potential of the left-behind places. Moreover, building on the up-to-date findings and useful lessons, the current orientations regarding the future of the Cohesion Policy and the European growth model point to the need of a deeper integration of place-based and people-based approaches, in accordance with the spatial justice desideratum, as well as to the ambition “to bring EU closer to citizens and to leave no one behind” (European Commission, 2023, p.5), in the complex context generated by the ongoing transitions – energy, digital, industrial ones – and COVID-19 recovery.

Keywords: spatial inequalities, European Union, spatial justice, place-based solutions, people-based approaches

JEL classification: R10, R11, R28, R58,

 pp. 43-62

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