Tag: R1

EVOLVING REGIONS IN EUROPE: APPLICATION OF SPATIAL MODELS TO THE VARIOUS FORMS OF THE EUROPEAN SPATIAL CONCENTRATIONS

Luigi CAPOANI

Adjunct professor at the Department of Economics, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice

luigi.capoani@unive.it

Csaba LAKÓCAI

Research fellow at ELTE Centre for Economic and Regional Studies, Institute of World Economics

lakocai.csaba@krtk.elte.hu

Abstract

The “Blue Banana”, spanning from the United Kingdom to Italy, has been symbolizing economic vitality in Europe. This paper reassesses its contemporary relevance by analyzing economic indicators and regional dynamics, particularly in Eastern and Mediterranean Europe, within the NUTS 2 framework. Leveraging Stewart’s concept of demographic energy and Moran’s spatial statistics, it introduces a robust methodology interweaving territorial and economic dynamics. By examining data layers, this study provides novel insights into the Blue Banana’s significance and its economic impact on Europe during the late 2010s and early 2020s. Furthermore, it illuminates the core area’s interconnections with adjacent economic zones and the emergence of prospective alternative spatial paradigms. The findings indicate that the majority of the Blue Banana regions have remained part of the prominent core area of Europe in terms of the most conventional regional economic indicators. However, emerging alternative spatial concentrations and a partial eastward shift are also visible.

Keywords: Blue Banana, Mediterranean Europe, Eastern Europe, spatial development, productivity

JEL classification: C1, N1, N9, R1, Y1

pp. 63-78

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THE TRANSPORT SYSTEM IN BUCHAREST-ILFOV REGION IN ROMANIA: THE PATH TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

Corina-Cristiana NASTACĂ

PhD, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Department of Administration and Public Management, Bucharest, Romania

corina.nastaca@amp.ase.ro

(Corresponding Author)

Claudiu-Emanuel SIMION

Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Management Doctoral School, Bucharest, Romania

simionclaudiuemanuel@gmail.com

Abstract

The study analyses the transport system in Bucharest-Ilfov, the most developed region in Romania in order to identify the challenges in managing its development and solutions for improving urban mobility and promote a more sustainable transport system infrastructure in the area. The objectives of the research are: (1) To investigate citizens’ opinions in Bucharest-Ilfov region regarding the transport infrastructure in the area; (2) To analyse citizens’ degree of satisfaction regarding public transport in Bucharest-Ilfov region; (3) To investigate the main problems and challenges of the public transport system and transport infrastructure in the region and propose solutions for improving urban mobility in a sustainable manner. The methodology of the study consists of an opinion survey conducted by the authors within the citizens of Bucharest-Ilfov region in Romania, in order to find out their opinions regarding the transport infrastructure and the local transport system in the region. The research emphasizes the need for the strategic implementation of sustainable transport solutions that promote environmentally friendly mobility, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ease traffic congestion. Furthermore, in the context of the accelerated urbanization of the Bucharest-Ilfov region, the development of a sustainable transport system is becoming a key factor in ensuring balanced, resilient and environmentally friendly urban growth.

Keywords: urban mobility, sustainability, Bucharest-Ilfov region, local public transport system

JEL classification: R0, R1, R4

pp. 53-70

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INVESTIGATING THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THE TOPOLOGY OF BUS TRANSPORT NETWORKS AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN GREECE

Thomai TASOPOULOU

Researcher, Department of Regional Development and Planning,

University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece

thtassopoulou@gmail.com

Dimitrios TSIOTAS

Assistant Professor, Department of Regional and Economic Development,

School of Applied Economics and Social Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Amfissa, Greece

tsiotas@aua.gr (Corresponding Author)

Serafeim POLYZOS

Professor, Department of Regional Development and Planning,

University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece

spolyzos@uth.gr

Abstract

Bus companies are transport operators that support the demand in local markets for transport and at the same time promote regional development. This paper studies the topological and geographical characteristics of the Greek Bus Transport Network (GBTN) of the Joint Reciepts Fund of Buses (KTELs) of five regions of Greece in relation to their socio-economic environment, aiming at studying the effectiveness of the GBTN in comparison to the inter-regional road transport network in Greece. For this purpose, we apply complex network and econometric analysis to delve into the interaction between the topology of bus transport networks and regional development, focusing on the case of Greece. The methodological approach promotes the analysis of complex spatial networks, as a modeling tool in spatial planning. Overall, this paper highlights and evaluates the contribution of the interurban network to the overall road network of the country and the support and promotion of the economic profile of local markets.

Keywords: public transport, regional and local economy, network science, spatial networks, network analysis,

JEL classification: R41, R42, R1

 pp. 25-46

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