Module Objectives

This module aims to provide students with advanced knowledge about key approaches and issues related to regional economies. In order to achieve this aim, a number of key issues are addressed including determinants of regional growth and development, regional convergence vs. divergence, regional poverty and policy.

In addition to this, particular attention is paid to understanding and analysis of practical issues at regional and intra-regional levels, using spatial statistics and spatial econometrics.

By the end of the course students should be able to:

– Identify the core concepts and principles of regional economic growth and convergence.
– Understand key factors informing regional policy and pinpoint policy options to overcome regional inequality and uneven development.
– Analyze spatio-economic relationships employing appropriate empirical methods and techniques.

Course Content

The course contains the following topics: The importance of space in economic analysis – Regional development theories (typology, determinants, convergence vs. divergence) – Geography and economic growth/development – Regional/spatial inequalities in Greece and EU – Regional/spatial dimensions of poverty – Single and composite indicators in regional/spatial analysis – Spatial statistics and econometrics – Regional economic policy.

Teaching and Assessment

The teaching method consists of lectures, lab work and class discussions. The assessment of the module will be based on one three hour written examination. An optional assignment could contribute up to 50% to the final grade.

The module is also available through eclass platform (http://eclass.hua.gr/courses/GEO187/).