PRODUCTIVE SPECIALIZATION AND CLUSTERS IN THE AGRI-FOOD SYSTEM OF NORTHERN PORTUGAL

Ana Paula DELGADO

Retired Professor, Faculty of Economics (FEP), University of Porto (UP)

a.p.delgado@sapo.pt

Teresa SEQUEIRA

Assistant Professor, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD); Researcher at the Centre for Transdisciplinary Development Studies (CETRAD).

tsequeir@utad.pt (Corresponding author)

Abstract

The Região Norte of Portugal is a region where the primary sector has historically played a significant role. It is generally an aging region, with a large area considered as low-density and with a low level of purchasing power, revealing deep asymmetries in terms of economic and social cohesion. This study aims to analyse the profile of the agri-food industry, that is, the food and beverage industries, in the north of Portugal in terms of productive specialization. This work started by collecting a set of variables such as employment, people employed, GVA and value of sales and services provided, depending on the level of disaggregation of the classification of economic activities and the availability of data. Based on this statistical data, location and specialization indicators were calculated, namely the location quotient. Then, using statistical software, clusters were built that enabled us to draw a picture of the agri-food system. This work was relevant to identifying the relative specialization of Norte NUTs III regions, the relative location of activities and the outlining of productive areas. It is expected that it will contribute to the definition of effective policy instruments to be developed in the region by the responsible organisation for regional development, based on the region’s profile and with the aim of an intelligent specialization strategy.

Keywords: productive specialization, clusters, regional development

JEL classification: R12, R58

pp. 11-24

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CATALYZING ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL INSIGHTS: APPLICATIONS OF IMPLAN’S ENVIRONMENTALLY EXTENDED INPUT-OUTPUT (EEIO) MODELING FOR ENERGY PRODUCTION SCENARIOS

Tuyen PHAM

Assistant Professor of Research, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service Ohio University, Athens Ohio, United States of America

tuyen.pham@ohio.edu

G. Jason JOLLEY

Professor of Rural Economic Development, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service Ohio University, Athens Ohio, United States of America

jolleyg1@ohio.edu

Paul VALENTINE

Assistant Professor of Instruction, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service Ohio University, Athens Ohio, United States of America

valentine@ohio.edu

Joshua C. HALL

Milan Pusker Dean, John Chambers College of Business and Economics West Virginia University, West Virginia, United States of America

Joshua.Hall@mail.wvu.edu

Abstract

In the United States, regional scientists and economists frequently employ IMPLAN, a proprietary input-output (I-O) software, for assessing the economic ramifications of diverse interventions on the local economy. IMPLAN has recently incorporated the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmentally Extended Input-Output (EEIO) modeling as an optional extension within their subscription service. In this paper, we compare coal vs. solar production scenarios in Ohio (a state in the United States) as a case study to illustrate the seamless integration of EEIO modeling with traditional I-O modeling, showcasing its enhanced capabilities for evaluating economic and environmental impacts. In the case of Ohio, we found that the state’s plans to increase solar energy capacity and decrease coal energy capacity have a net positive impact on its economy when considering both economic and environmental aspects.

Keywords: Input-output, coal, solar, environmental impact

JEL classification: C67, R15, E01, P18

pp. 99-106

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ESG INTEGRATION IN EVALUATING AND FINANCING LOCAL GOVERNMENT: A NEW PROSPECTS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND MODERN SOCIETIES

Anastasios SEPETIS

Assistant Professor, Business Administration Department, University of West Attica, 12241 Egaleo, Athens, Greece

tsepet@uniwa.gr

(CorrespondingAuthor)

Dimitrios TSIRIGOTIS

Researcher, Department of Digital Studies, University of Piraeus,

dimtsirigotis@outlook.com

Ioannis NIKOLAOU

Professor, Business and Environmental Technology Economics Lab,Department of Environmental Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, 67100 Xanthi, Greece

inikol@env.duth.gr

Yannis MANIATIS

Professor, Department of Digital Systems, University of Piraeus, GR-18534 Piraeus, Greece

maniatis@unipi.gr

Abstract

The discourse on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors in the financial markets brings a prime opportunity for local governments to the fore. This opportunity pertains to their efforts to reduce their environmental impact, improve the living conditions of local communities and reform their decision-making processes. This paper is an attempt to capture the said perspective of the Local Government through the critical overview of the relevant theoretical background and much more of the existing successful practices. The supreme challenge is to find the optimal ratio between economic growth, socially fair development and the preservation of natural resources. In this equation, one could argue that the independent variables are human resources, finite natural resources, the institutional framework (that should set limits to depletion), as well as the financing of activities aimed at Sustainable Development. Urban sustainability derived from ESG factors can provide a more comprehensive approach to the above equation by challenging the central authority to establish appropriate rules and approve good practices and the markets to further insist on sustainable investments. In order to perform comprehensive research for the synergies ESG criteria in the Local Government, we chose to use the systematic literature review’s guidelines. Furthermore, the purpose of this paper is to shape an ESG integration model for Greek local authorities by utilizing the existing literature.

Keywords: Sustainable Finance, Environmental Social and Governance (ESG), Sustainable Regions, Sustainable Cities, Municipal Green Bonds

JEL classification: R10, Q01, Q50, G10, G30, H10, H30, H70

 pp. 81-97

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