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