AGGLOMERATION PROCESSES ON THE RUSSIAN EUROPEAN NORTH: VOLOGDA REGION EXPERIENCE

Sergey KOZHEVNIKOV

Candidate of Sciences (Economic), Senior Researcher head of laboratory, Vologda Research Center of the RAS, Russia

kozhevnikov_sa@bk.ru

Abstract

The article presents the key features of the development of urban agglomerations at presents. There are shown the agglomeration processes features which are currently taking place in the Vologda region.  It is justified that the monocentric Vologda agglomeration is being formed in the region. This is based on the research of the scientific literature, the main strategic documents and the use of the existing methodological tools. The tightness of the connection between the core and the reference territories has been proved on the basis of an analysis of key trends in the socioeconomic development of these municipalities in 1991-2016. On the basis of conducted sociological surveys of the inhabitants of Vologda and adjacent municipal districts, as well as heads of these municipalities, there were identified socio-economic, industrial, cultural and other links of these territories. There were identified the key challenges and threats for the further development of agglomeration processes and substantiated the priority directions for managing the development of the Vologda agglomeration.

Keywords: city, urban agglomeration, sociological survey

JEL classification: R12
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THE IMPACT OF THE ECONOMIC CRISIS IN THE PROCESS OF CONVERGENCE OF THE GREEK REGIONS

Panagiotis KOUDOUMAKIS

Dr. Civil Engineer, Democritus University of Thrace (DUTh), Department of Civil Engineering, Greece

pkoudoum@civil.duth.gr

George BOTZORIS

Assistant Professor, Democritus University of Thrace (DUTh), Department of Civil Engineering, Greece

gbotzori@civil.duth.gr

Angelos PROTOPAPAS

Professor, Democritus University of Thrace (DUTh), Department of Civil Engineering, Greece

aproto@civil.duth.gr

Vassilios PROFILLIDIS

Professor, Democritus University of Thrace (DUTh), Department of Civil Engineering, Greece

vprofill@civil.duth.gr

Abstract

In this paper, the impact of the economic crisis on the convergence of the Greek region’s economy to the European average is examined. In particular, it is being considered the condition of absolute β-convergence using the econometric model of Barro and Sala-i-Martin. The dependent variable was represented by the average value of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in Purchasing Power Standards (PPS). Additionally the hypothesis of the σ-convergence of the regions of the EU and Greece is being considered, based on the coefficient of variation weighted by population. The results of both absolute β-convergence and σ-convergence suggest a declining trend of convergence and persistence of inequalities for the regions of the EU, following the outbreak of 2008 economic crisis. Regarding the regions of Greece, the results indicate, on the one hand, their deviation from the average income of the regions of the EU and, on the other, a significant increase in the regional disparities in the period 2000-2016.

Keywords: Convergence, Disparities, Economic Crisis, Regions

JEL classification: O41, R11, R12
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REGIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT DYNAMICS IN TURKEY

Hasan ENGIN DURAN

Izmir Institute of Technology, City and Regional Planning Department, Associate Professor of Economics, Gülbahce Kampüsü, Izmir Yüksek Teknoloji Ensitüsü, Mimarlık Fakültesi, Şehir ve bölge Planlama Bölümü, Urla-Izmir,  Tel: +90 232 750 70 66

enginduran@iyte.edu.tr

Abstract

Aim of the study is to investigate region specific causes of unemployment for Turkish 26 Nuts-2 regions between 2004-2017. We aim at contributing to the literature by analyzing (i) whether regional unemployment and sub-groups (with respect to gender, age, education) is driven by excessive labor supply or shortage of labor demand, (ii) which sub-groups have higher unemployment in regions. In terms of methodology, we employ descriptive and exploratory analyses, spatial tests and panel regressions. Our findings indicate three main results: First, there is a sizable difference in unemployment rates across regions and the dispersion is getting stronger over time. Second, there are extremely low and high unemployment rates in various sub-groups and regions. Third, changes in unemployment is mostly driven by changes in labor supply rather than demand. Among the 208 cases (26 regions x 8 sub-groups), in 154 cases, the major driver of unemployment is the excessive labor supply.

Keywords: Regional Unemployment, Labor Supply, Panel Data Regression

JEL classification: R11, R23, R12
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