SPATIAL PLANNING FOR URBAN RESILIENCE. ASSESSING CURRENT PROSPECTS THOUGH A MULTILEVEL APPROACH AND A USE CASE IN NORTHERN GREECE

Margarita ANGELIDOU

Dr. Architect-Urban Planner, School of Spatial Planning and Development Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

mangel@auth.gr

Christina BALLA

Dipl. Civil Engineer, School of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

chrimpal@civil.auth.gr

Anna MANOUSARIDOU

Dipl. Civil Engineer, School of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

annamanous@civil.auth.gr

Stylianos MARMELOUDIS

Dipl. Civil Engineer, School of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

marmelou@civil.auth.gr

Dimitrios NALMPANTIS

Dr. Civil Engineer, School of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

dnalba@civil.auth.gr

Abstract

This paper presents a part of ongoing research into the resilience potential of the western coastal front of Thessaloniki, a medium sized city in northern Greece. It aims to assess whether and to what extent the western coastal front of Thessaloniki, Greece, currently a partially developed area, features elements of resilience and what opportunities can be harnessed to this end. We set out by describing the concept of ‘urban resilience’ drawing upon recently published literature. As primary principles of resilience-driven development, we identify (i) the existence of resilience-focused spatial planning attributes (redundancy, modularity, buffering, connectivity, existence of legally binding land-use or zoning plans) (ii) the presence of a highly adaptive urban spatial management mix, (iii) reflectiveness and the ability to learn from past experience and resilience challenges and (iv) civic engagement, largely facilitated by means of smart city applications. We then shift our focus to the characteristics of the study area. In order to investigate the extent to which the identified from the literature factors affecting urban resilience apply in this area, a profiling of the study area is made, followed by an in-depth analysis of whether and how the identified principles of resilience-driven development are realized through the current urban, regional, transportation and environmental planning and management frameworks applicable to the area. We close with highlighting specific aspects of resilience that call for urgent attention and by making comments and recommendations regarding policy integration needs.

Keywords: Urban, Regional, Transport, Environment, Planning, Management

JEL classification: R00, R1, R4, R5, R11, R14, R19, R40, R49, R52, R58
read more

PATTERNS OF SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT: EVIDENCE FROM RUSSIA

Veronika MASLIKHINA

Ph.D. in Economics, Associate Professor of  Department of Management and Law, Volga State University of Technology, Yoshkar-Ola, Russia

Maslikhina_nika@mail.ru

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to analyze the trends of spatial inequality in Russia in 1994-2015 based on the convergence concepts. Russia faced the problem of inter-regional inequality as well as most countries. The situation is aggravated by the external economic and domestic factors in recent years. The fall in energy prices and Western sanctions had a negative impact on the country’s economic development. Russia is compelled to take into account geopolitical interests in the implementation regional policies in some regions (the Far East, the Crimea, the Kaliningrad region, the republics of the North Caucasus, the Arctic). Many regional budgets have budget deficit, highly debt load. They optimize spending on the social sphere and reduce investments in the real economy. Russia is emerging from the crisis despite the difficult situation. A review of the theoretical positions of the four types of convergence concepts (σ-, β-, γ-, ρ-convergence) was made. The spatial inequality evaluation was carried out on the basis of σ-convergence and absolute β-convergence concepts. The Williamson coefficient, the Hoover index, the Theil index and the Atkinson index were used to analyze spatial inequality based on the σ-concept. Differentiation has increased over the analyzed period, but gap decreased after 2005. The  convergence speed  is 1.79% in Russia. Regions with a low initial level of development have higher growth rates than regions with a higher initial level of development

Keywords: spatial inequality, spatial development, β-convergence, σ-convergence, Russia

JEL classification: D63, O52, R1, R58
read more

TRENDS AND PROSPECTIVE MODELS FOR THE FORMATION OF INNOVATIVE CLUSTERS IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Nina I. LARIONOVA

Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor of the Department of Management and Law, Volga State, University of Technology, Russia, Yoshkar-Ola

nina_larionova@mail.ru

Tatyana V. YALYALIEVA

Candidate of Economic Sciences, Professor of the Department of Management and Law, Volga State, University of Technology, Russia, Yoshkar-Ola

yal05@mail.ru

Dmitry L. NAPOLSKIKH

Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Management and Law, Volga State University of Technology, Russia, Yoshkar-Ola

NapolskihDL@yandex.ru

Abstract

Paper deals with the dynamics of clusterization of the Russian economic space, reveals the main stages and prospects for the generation of the “fourth wave” of clustering. The purpose of this research is to offer a quantitative approach to identify regional clusters and their further parametrization within the framework of an integrated model of clustering the region’s economic space. Particular attention is given to organizational aspects of the clusters of microelectronics and information technologies in the Russian regions. The paper offers models for the organizational development of clusters based on the values of the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index and the concentration coefficients. The result of the analysis shows: successful cluster initiatives combine a developed innovative core, an essential industrial basis and a significant number of small and medium-sized forms of innovative entrepreneurship. Promising for the development of the high-tech industry in the Russian Federation is the conclusion that it is possible to synthesize organizational forms of economic development of forest industrial clusters and existing territorial production complexes in regions. Modeling of the development processes of innovative clusters made it possible to conclude that the state support of cluster policy remains relevant. The findings of the study are of scientific and practical interest in the framework of the problem of improving sectoral and regional clusterization strategies.

Keywords: industrial clusters, innovative multiclusters, cluster policy, regional economy, economic development

JEL classification: O1, R58
read more