Tag: clusters

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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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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