Tag: F15

SPATIAL DISPARITIES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION: A MACROSCOPIC REVIEW

Serafeim POLYZOS

Professor, Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece

spolyzos@uth.gr

Dimitrios TSIOTAS

Assistant Professor, Department of Regional and Economic Development, School of Applied Economics and Social Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Amfissa (Phocis), Greece

tsiotas@aua.gr

(Corresponding Author)

Abstract

The European Union (EU) is a unique and challenging project aimed at integrating countries with diverse languages, cultures, and histories. While economic cohesion is a key objective, reducing inequalities between Member States and ensuring balanced development for all citizens remains a significant challenge. Despite the progress made, Europe continues to face considerable geographical and economic disparities, impacting living standards, productive capacity, and technological advancement. Analyzing these inequalities, their determinants, and their mitigating policies is crucial for understanding the EU’s challenges. The allocation of EU financial resources and strategic initiatives, such as the Structural Funds, strive to reduce disparities and promote social cohesion, while also tackling emerging issues such as migration and reliance on public expenditure. This article reviews the root causes of inequalities in Europe, the policies designed to mitigate them, and the future obstacles in achieving a more united and socially just European Union.

Keywords: spatial inequalities, European Union’s enlargements, economic indicators, European growth, cohesion.

JEL classification: O18, R11, I38, D63, F15

pp. 13-36

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CENTRAL ASIA: DRIVERS, DYNAMICS AND PROSPECTS OF TRADE AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION

Aliya AKHMET

Doctoral Student at the Department of Regional Studies, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Nur-Sultan, Republic of Kazakhstan

aakhmet07@uohk.com.cn

Zhanar MEDEUBAYEVA

Associate Professor at the Department of International Relations, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Nur-Sultan, Republic of Kazakhstan

zh.medeubayeva@tanu.pro

Raikhan TASHTEMKHANOVA

Professor at the Department of Regional Studies, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Nur-Sultan, Republic of Kazakhstan

raikhan-tasht@uohk.com.cn

Maira IYEMBEKOVA

Associate Professor, School of Society, Technology and the Environment, Narxoz University, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan

miyembekova@tanu.pro

Rauilya AITBAYEVA

Associate Professor at the Department of Regional Studies, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Nur-Sultan, Republic of Kazakhstan

r.aitbayeva@ust-hk.com.cn

Abstract

The following article is devoted to the analyses of condition and expansion of trade and economic cooperation in the Central Asian Region (CAR). The positive change in the region began with the coming to power of the second President of Uzbekistan that’s why the country of Uzbekistan is the central object of analysis in the article. In fact, the reforms of partial deregulation of the economy and building beneficial cooperation in the region were initiated by the former President of the Republic of Uzbekistan I. Karimov. But it was Sh. Mirziyoyev who gave impetus to the warming of the international climate in Central Asia. The reassessment of the regional policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan is dictated by the interests of the development of the Uzbek economy in the frame of new geopolitical and geoeconomic conditions. Using the comparative potential of cross-national analysis, it was compared the dynamics of establishing relations, expanding trade and economic ties of Uzbekistan with Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Within a year the establishment of interstate cooperation since 2016 has given effect in the sphere of economy and trade within. This result was possible due to the fact that other countries of the CAR realized the necessity of close diverse ties with their neighbours.

Keywords: trade turnover, regional cooperation, bilateral relations, international relation

JEL classification: D78, F02, F13, F15

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INVESTMENT IN INNOVATION AND EDUCATION: AN EFFICIENCY BENCHMARKING ANALYSIS IN EUROPE

Aikaterini KOKKINOU

Higher Hellenic Military Academy

aikaterinikokkinou@gmail.com

George KORRES

Department of Geography, University of the Aegean

gkorres@geo.aegean.gr

Panagiota DIONYSOPOULOU

Director of General Directorate of Tertiary Education, Ministry of Education, Greece

yoldi63@gmail.com

Abstract

As technical efficiency enhancement becomes an increasingly important issue within Europe and worldwide, policy planning should draw attention towards a wide range of production ideas, component technologies and complementary socio-economic capabilities. Within this framework, it is rather difficult for any single economy to incorporate and take advantage of the relevant technological advances in economy, as well as the underlying conditions in innovation and education investments. This means that the actions of policy planning involve the targeted development of specialized knowledge assets, which are integrated from a wider range of investment areas. This paper analyses, through a benchmarking approach, investment in innovation and education in Europe, creating a spectrum of policy implications.

Keywords: Productive Efficiency, Innovation, Education, Investments

JEL classification: F13, F47, F15, R15
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