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Economies
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Regional Development: Opportunities and Constraints
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Regional Development: Opportunities and Constraints

A special issue of Economies (ISSN 2227-7099). This special issue belongs to the section "Economic Development".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 January 2024) | Viewed by 27371

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Katarína Vitálišová

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Economics, Matej Bel University, Banska Bystrica, Slovakia
Interests: strategic planning of territories; public service marketing; marketing of public administration offices; innovations and creativity; local production systems in territories; creative economy; creative industries; smart cities; social responsibility
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Anna Vaňová

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Economics, Matej Bel University, Tajovského 10, 975 90 Banská Bystrica, Slovakia
Interests: marketing; partnership; competitive advantage; creative economy
Dr. Jan Nevima

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Guest Editor
Department of Economics and Public Administration, School of Business Administration in Karvina, Silesian University in Opava, Univerzitni nam. 1934/3, CZ-73340 Karvina, Czech Republic
Interests: competitiveness; public administration; brownfields; SMART; econometrics; international trade

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cities and regions have always been among the most dynamically developing territories and have played a significant role throughout human history. They have been centers of progress, education, culture, and commerce, centers of economic and social development, and their role in society is constantly growing. The approaches to their development change with the needs of society. Today’s globalizing society is characterized by intense transformation. The rapid changes and dynamics of societal development in the economy, technology, and techniques, as well as social and lifestyle changes, have undermined the concept of the supposed stability of the social and business environment. These changes are reflected in the current local and regional development trends, where sustainable cities and regions; green, or eco-cities and regions; sunny cities; creative cities and regions; smart cities and regions; resilient cities and regions; cities as living labs; slow cities and regions; and agile cities and regions belong.

This Special Issue “Regional Development: Opportunities and Constraints” invites researchers and academicians to submit their work dedicated to the current opportunities and constraints of urban and regional development based on the various drivers and concepts of development reflecting global challenges. The papers can be in the form of theoretical contributions moving forward theoretical knowledge, as well as empirical work, presenting original research results on the topic.

Dr. Katarína Vitálišová
Dr. Anna Vaňová
Dr. Jan Nevima
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Economies is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • regional development
  • local development
  • new trends
  • drivers
  • obstacles

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 993 KiB  
Article
Urbanization and Health Expenditure: An Empirical Investigation from Households in Vietnam
by Hang Thu Nguyen-Phung and Hai Le
Economies 2024, 12(6), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12060153 - 16 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1495
Abstract
This study examines the effects of urbanization on household health expenditure. Using a unique bi-annually household-level dataset from 2012–2016 from Vietnam, we obtain key findings as follows. To mitigate possible endogeneity concerns, we utilize a two-stage least squares regression (2SLS) approach, employing the [...] Read more.
This study examines the effects of urbanization on household health expenditure. Using a unique bi-annually household-level dataset from 2012–2016 from Vietnam, we obtain key findings as follows. To mitigate possible endogeneity concerns, we utilize a two-stage least squares regression (2SLS) approach, employing the development of information and communication (ICT) infrastructure at the province level as an instrumental variable (IV). The key findings can be summarized as follows. First, urbanization significantly reduces Vietnamese households’ inpatient and outpatient health expenses. Second, the self-treatment expenses of households increase as the process of urbanization advances. In addition, we perform various robustness checks, encompassing different measures of urbanization, the use of lag of urbanization as an additional IV, and the plausible exogenous IV. The outcomes derived from these rigorous sensitivity analyses substantiate the reliability and consistency of our key results. Finally, we propose different ways to explain these results, including health insurance expenses and household income. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Development: Opportunities and Constraints)
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26 pages, 2282 KiB  
Article
European Funding for Sustainable Transport Systems—Influencing Factor of Regional Economic Development in Romania
by Ana Maria Bocaneala, Daniel Sorin Manole, Elvira Alexandra Gherasim, Bianca Motorga and Livia Cristina Iliescu
Economies 2024, 12(3), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12030051 - 20 Feb 2024
Viewed by 2083
Abstract
Sustainable development is a core concept in regional development. Sustainability is characterized by supporting the building of resilient infrastructure and promoting the sustainable industry. In this context, sustainable transport is particularly important as it represents an opportunity for regional development. This research aims [...] Read more.
Sustainable development is a core concept in regional development. Sustainability is characterized by supporting the building of resilient infrastructure and promoting the sustainable industry. In this context, sustainable transport is particularly important as it represents an opportunity for regional development. This research aims to quantify the impact of investments through structural instruments, specifically EU funds, on promoting a sustainable transport system and eliminating barriers from large-scale transport networks. This study focuses on the impact of these investments on regional economic development in Romania. The analysis used data from all eight development regions of the Romanian economy between 2014 and 2020. Panel data regression models, including the generalized difference method of moments (Dif-GMM) and the system GMM method (Sys GMM), were employed. This study confirms the idea that European structural and investment funds (ESIFs) play a positive role in promoting sustainable transport for regional economic development. Additionally, the quality of regional governance is identified as a key factor in economic development. This study, therefore, reveals a convergence effect between regions. Regions with a lower initial GDP per capita develop quicker compared to regions with a higher initial GDP per capita, indicating a “catch-up” effect. From a policy perspective, these issues can guide decision making and resource allocation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Development: Opportunities and Constraints)
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22 pages, 2336 KiB  
Article
Revitalizing from Ashes: Economic Development and Business Resilience in the City of Vukovar
by Jakša Puljiz, Marina Funduk and Ivana Biondić
Economies 2024, 12(2), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12020043 - 8 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1854
Abstract
The paper examines a paradigmatic example of post-conflict economic development of Vukovar, Croatia. It represents a pertinent case study for localities encountering analogous challenges, most notably urban areas in Ukraine in the near future. The war that broke out in 1991 brought significant [...] Read more.
The paper examines a paradigmatic example of post-conflict economic development of Vukovar, Croatia. It represents a pertinent case study for localities encountering analogous challenges, most notably urban areas in Ukraine in the near future. The war that broke out in 1991 brought significant human casualties, population displacement, and extensive destruction of residential, social, and economic infrastructure. The completion of the peaceful reintegration of Vukovar into Croatia’s legal system in 1998 marked the beginning of the socio-economic revitalization process. The research scrutinizes the primary impediments and prospects for Vukovar’s economic growth, probing why substantial investments in reconstructing housing, transport, communal infrastructure, and fiscal incentives for businesses have not paralleled its economic performance. It concentrates on the local business climate and influential factors as potential explanations for this discrepancy. The topic was designed as a case study and was covered by document analysis, survey method, and semi-structured interviews. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study collates perspectives from entrepreneurs and business support institutions. The results confirmed that reconstruction of housing and social infrastructure is necessary, but more conditions are needed for successful post-conflict economic development, and that the business climate in lagging local units highly depends on state- and locally designed business-support measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Development: Opportunities and Constraints)
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25 pages, 4464 KiB  
Article
Which Economic Sectors Influence Average Household Income? A Spatial Econometric Study of Thailand’s 76 Provinces
by Viriya Taecharungroj
Economies 2024, 12(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12020036 - 31 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3196
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of various economic sectors on household income in Thailand. It is conducted in light of the substantial “digital wallet” scheme initiated by the Thai government, with the goal of providing empirical evidence and suggesting alternative policies for regional [...] Read more.
This study investigates the impact of various economic sectors on household income in Thailand. It is conducted in light of the substantial “digital wallet” scheme initiated by the Thai government, with the goal of providing empirical evidence and suggesting alternative policies for regional development informed by sectoral and spatial insights. The research aims to deepen the understanding of how different economic sectors affect household income, filling a gap in the current understanding of the relationship between sectoral productivity and income. Utilising spatial lag models (SLM), the study analyses data spanning from 2005 to 2021, testing the effects of 19 economic sectors comprising the Gross Provincial Product (GPP) of Thailand’s 76 provinces on the average household income. The findings indicate direct associations between agriculture, real estate, professional services, support services, and leisure sectors and household income, alongside pronounced spatial autoregression. This implies that income levels in one province can substantially influence those in neighbouring provinces. This research extends the understanding of economic influences at the regional level and highlights the importance of considering spatial factors in economic policymaking. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Development: Opportunities and Constraints)
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16 pages, 1161 KiB  
Article
Relevance of Territorial Identity in the Rural Development Programs—The Case Study of Tajo-Salor (Extremadura, Spain)
by Francisco Javier Castellano-Álvarez and Rafael Robina-Ramirez
Economies 2024, 12(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12020034 - 30 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1939
Abstract
Since their origins, rural development programs have considered the county level as the axis on which to implement their development strategies. Taking Tajo-Salor County (Extremadura, Spain) as a reference, this research analyzes the assessment that some of the agents directly involved in the [...] Read more.
Since their origins, rural development programs have considered the county level as the axis on which to implement their development strategies. Taking Tajo-Salor County (Extremadura, Spain) as a reference, this research analyzes the assessment that some of the agents directly involved in the implementation of these programs make of the suitability of the configuration of their territorial scope, as well as the achievement of their objectives. For it, the case study methodology is used, in which fieldwork is carried out where the main source of information will be interviews with promoters of tourism projects. The results show that Tajo-Salor County can be considered as a paradigmatic example of an “artificial” configuration of the territory, showing that, among those interviewed, there is no feeling of county. This has consequences on the assessment that local actors make of the implementation of the development program: those areas that do not feel part of the county have a much more negative assessment of the results obtained than the rest. This is a lesson that this case study offers; the political and technical managers of these programs should bear in mind in the future definition of the territories that apply this type of development strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Development: Opportunities and Constraints)
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17 pages, 349 KiB  
Article
The Dynamics of Fund Absorption: Evaluating the Efficacy of EU Structural Funds in Mitigating Regional Inequalities—Calabrian Case
by Guzmán A. Muñoz-Fernández, Angela Bertucci, José E. Ramos-Ruiz and Maria Luisa Garo
Economies 2024, 12(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12010010 - 27 Dec 2023
Viewed by 2010
Abstract
The European Union aims for territorial cohesion, with human capital as a key factor. Assessing how investment in regional human capital enhances this cohesion is therefore essential. This study assesses the impact of the EU Structural Funds (ESFs) in Calabria (Italy), a region [...] Read more.
The European Union aims for territorial cohesion, with human capital as a key factor. Assessing how investment in regional human capital enhances this cohesion is therefore essential. This study assesses the impact of the EU Structural Funds (ESFs) in Calabria (Italy), a region grappling with economic challenges and a brain drain phenomenon. Aimed at fostering regional cohesion, ESFs have been directed towards supporting Calabrian graduates’ pursuit of master’s degrees, intending to incentivize their retention or return postgraduation. A comprehensive survey of the beneficiaries of these subsidies was carried out to determine their employability in the region and the probability of the return of migrants, analyzed by logistic regression of the data. Results demonstrate a dual effect: while the quality of education and EU funding positively influence graduates to work in Calabria, acquiring advanced skills paradoxically diminishes this propensity. Moreover, although the likelihood of returning to Calabria for those working elsewhere does increase, ESF support counterintuitively reduces this probability. The findings reveal a vicious cycle; they equip graduates with high-level skills that facilitate their access to the labor market but simultaneously encourage their migration due to more favorable conditions elsewhere. It is suggested that synergies between ESF-funded policies and those supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) should be encouraged. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Development: Opportunities and Constraints)
21 pages, 1188 KiB  
Article
Accelerator for Agglomeration in Sequencing Economics: “Leased” Industrial Zones
by Akifumi Kuchiki
Economies 2023, 11(12), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies11120295 - 6 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1793
Abstract
This paper identifies the importance of reducing fixed costs for establishing industrial zones as part of an agglomeration policy. China’s economic growth has been driven by the agglomeration of manufacturing firms via industrial zones that attract foreign direct investment. This investment enables the [...] Read more.
This paper identifies the importance of reducing fixed costs for establishing industrial zones as part of an agglomeration policy. China’s economic growth has been driven by the agglomeration of manufacturing firms via industrial zones that attract foreign direct investment. This investment enables the export of products by importing intermediate capital goods. According to the new trade theory of spatial economics, the number of firms in an agglomeration is inversely proportional to the fixed costs. The main accelerator of agglomeration after the master switch is the formation of segments that reduce firms’ fixed costs. Via a factor analysis of manufacturing agglomeration segments in sequencing economics, this paper finds that “leased” industrial zones are accelerator segments in the formation process of manufacturing agglomerations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Development: Opportunities and Constraints)
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20 pages, 2871 KiB  
Article
Border Proximity, Ports, and Railways: Analyzing Their Impact on County-Level Economic Dynamics in Hungary, 2001–2020
by Roman Fedorenko, Galina Khmeleva and Marina Kurnikova
Economies 2023, 11(11), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies11110278 - 13 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1862
Abstract
In this research, our primary objective is to dissect the influence of specific locational elements—proximity to international borders, substantial ports, and significant railway junctions—on the economic vitality of Hungary’s counties from 2001 to 2020. The aim is to reveal how these factors individually [...] Read more.
In this research, our primary objective is to dissect the influence of specific locational elements—proximity to international borders, substantial ports, and significant railway junctions—on the economic vitality of Hungary’s counties from 2001 to 2020. The aim is to reveal how these factors individually contribute to economic disparities and to demonstrate their compounded effect on regional prosperity. This analysis is particularly timely and pertinent as regional inequalities are becoming more pronounced globally, making understanding such disparities crucial for effective policy formulation and regional planning. Utilizing GDP per capita as a fundamental indicator of economic health, we meticulously categorized counties, revealing a clear correlation between these locational advantages and economic performance. We innovatively employed Python to script a unique code, creating a matrix that enriches the presentation of our results, thereby facilitating a more nuanced understanding of these correlations. Our findings are significant in the current socio-economic climate, highlighting the need for tailored strategies considering unique regional attributes. This study is instrumental for policymakers and stakeholders in formulating informed, targeted strategies to harness these locational advantages, fostering balanced development, and narrowing the economic divide within the nation. The actuality of our research lies in its immediate relevance, offering insights critical to current discussions and decisions in regional development planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Development: Opportunities and Constraints)
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27 pages, 639 KiB  
Article
Application of Successful EU Funds Absorption Models to Sustainable Regional Development
by Marko Šostar, Vladimir Ristanović and Chamaru de Alwis
Economies 2023, 11(9), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies11090220 - 22 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2545
Abstract
The research paper comprehensively and consistently addresses all relevant theoretical areas related to the topic and includes an extensive empirical analysis of the absorption of EU funds and their impact on the sustainable development of Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, and Poland. The analysis aims [...] Read more.
The research paper comprehensively and consistently addresses all relevant theoretical areas related to the topic and includes an extensive empirical analysis of the absorption of EU funds and their impact on the sustainable development of Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, and Poland. The analysis aims to investigate the efficiency of the absorption of funds from the EU, the impact of these funds on regional development of countries, and the reasons for such impacts. The “Regional Development Model Based on EU Funds” was tested with the aim of applying the model to the Republic of Croatia, countries in the region, and other European countries, to achieve a higher level of absorption of financial resources from the available EU funds. Data for the empirical analysis were collected using a highly structured survey questionnaire completed by a sample of 244 respondents involved in the preparation and implementation of EU-funded projects. The contribution of economic science in theoretical terms arises from the development of scientific knowledge and ideas about the importance of increasing the number of development projects that will increase the absorption of funds from the European Union, thereby increasing economic activities in Croatia and the region. The expected contribution of economic science in the applied sense is based on the formulation of the “Regional Development Model Based on EU Funds”, which is based on the application of knowledge, good practices, and stakeholder experiences, considering relevant indicators from available sources. The greatest contribution is demonstrated through testing the “Regional Development Model Based on EU Funds”, which is applicable to the Republic of Croatia, countries in the region, and other European countries over a longer period. Finally, research into the impact of EU funds on the regional development of recipient countries is considerably less represented and very modest, and is only in the “upswing” of systematic scientific research. The research aims to fill the gaps in research and to encourage the thinking of key stakeholders responsible for regional development, who should eventually realize the importance of defining a regional policy aimed at EU funds as a key to regional development and reducing regional disparities within countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Development: Opportunities and Constraints)
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19 pages, 3330 KiB  
Article
The Effect of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem of Universities on the Innovative Activity in Russian Regions
by Olga A. Myzrova, Tatyana V. Goryacheva, Olga V. Sysoeva and Victor V. Sysoev
Economies 2023, 11(7), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies11070190 - 12 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1680
Abstract
The entrepreneurial ecosystem of universities is frequently recognized to have a key influence on the innovative activity of the related regions. However, these relationships have not been explored in the scientific literature regarding Russia. Therefore, the current study aims to determine and identify [...] Read more.
The entrepreneurial ecosystem of universities is frequently recognized to have a key influence on the innovative activity of the related regions. However, these relationships have not been explored in the scientific literature regarding Russia. Therefore, the current study aims to determine and identify the contours of the entrepreneurial ecosystem of domestic universities in terms of the innovative activity of subjects in Russian regions. The methodological toolkit covers methods for information processing such as monographic desk research, hierarchical cluster and correlation analyses, and comparative analysis. Applying a hierarchical cluster analysis, we grouped universities according to the level of entrepreneurial activity with the allocation of the average value in order to determine the existing correlations and elucidate the problems in involving university innovations in the ratings of innovative activity of regions. The results contribute to the development of existing approaches toward the study of the entrepreneurial ecosystems of universities through a deeper understanding of their role in stimulating the innovative activity of regions and transformation processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Development: Opportunities and Constraints)
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16 pages, 630 KiB  
Article
Issues of EU Member Nations’ Shared Sovereignty, Institutions, and Economic Development
by Ismatilla Mardanov
Economies 2023, 11(4), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies11040128 - 21 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5558
Abstract
To investigate the effects of the European Union’s (EU) member nations’ shared sovereignty on economic growth. The member nations have lost substantial political and economic independence (sovereignty) and democracy. Therefore, their governments cannot facilitate rapid economic growth in their countries, affecting the EU [...] Read more.
To investigate the effects of the European Union’s (EU) member nations’ shared sovereignty on economic growth. The member nations have lost substantial political and economic independence (sovereignty) and democracy. Therefore, their governments cannot facilitate rapid economic growth in their countries, affecting the EU as a whole. Data from the World Bank, institutional research entities, and the EU were utilized. The dependent variable is economic growth, and the independent and moderating variables are mainly institutions and the European Sovereignty Index. Shared sovereignty and its specific categories and foreign direct investment (FDI) outflows negatively impact economic development in the EU. Shared sovereignty negatively moderates the relationship between political rights and economic development and between FDI outflows and economic development. Democracy in member nations is formal rather than real. The present study focused on the EU’s problems rather than its achievements and empirically investigated the direct and moderating effects of national sovereignty and member-country institutions on member-country economic growth. This focus and the nature of the investigation constitute the originality of the present study and reduce the gap in the literature about the effects of sovereignty, institutions, and capital spillovers (FDI outflows) on economic growth in Europe. The value of the study is in its findings, which should trigger holistic research efforts on the pros and cons of the EU for Europe, democracy, the economy, and the world. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Development: Opportunities and Constraints)
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