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Economies
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Demographics and Regional Economic Development
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Demographics and Regional Economic Development

A special issue of Economies (ISSN 2227-7099).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 9808

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Kostas Rontos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Sociology, University of the Aegean, 81100 Mytilene, Greece
Interests: demography; quantitative research methods; statistics; regional science; information systems; rural development

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Population dynamics and demographic transitions are key components of both the development and long-term survival of a society. On a local scale, economic development contributes to the improvement of natural and migratory population balances (positive natural growth and positive net migration), resulting in the evolution of both places and living communities. Nevertheless, on a regional scale, events such as demographic shrinkage create new sources of inequalities and imbalances that negatively affect the functioning of economic systems.

In this context, this Special Issue aims to investigate the interdependence that is present between demographic dynamics and regional (economic and social) development, as well as respond to complex questions such as the following:

  • In what ways does a demographic situation contribute to economic growth and the well-being of the inhabitants of a region?
  • What regional development strategy will support the demographic development of disadvantaged areas in particular and thus reduce regional disparities?
  • What links internal and external migration to demographic evolution and economic activity?
  • How do local societies and regional/local authorities occupy roles as active actors in demographic and/or economic development?
  • Are the social characteristics of a population a necessary factor for the long-term sustainability of a region’s development and its healthy demographic situation?
  • What are the main demographic characteristics of developed countries/regions compared to less developed countries, and how do they contribute to their economic development?

Against this background, the Economies journal invites researchers, academics, practitioners, and other stakeholders to submit their work and offer their contributions to this Special Issue, titled “Demographics and Regional Economic Development”. The contributions could be empirical or methodological; papers suggesting new theoretical approaches or integrated strategies related to the topic are also welcome. Quantitative research methods and statistical analyses are more suited to the exploration of economic development, demographic analysis, and regional science; however, original and interesting qualitative research approaches will also be suitable for inclusion in this Special Issue.

Dr. Kostas Rontos
Guest Editor

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

  • population dynamics
  • demographic transitions
  • inequalities and imbalances
  • internal and external migration
  • demographic characteristics
  • regional economic development or growth

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

29 pages, 1548 KiB  
Article
Reimagining Sustainable Development and Economic Performance Indicators: A Human-Centric Maslow–Bossel Blueprint
by Panagiotis Panagiotopoulos, Ioannis Vardopoulos, Marco Maialetti, Clio Ciaschini, Phoebe Koundouri and Luca Salvati
Economies 2024, 12(12), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12120338 - 9 Dec 2024
Viewed by 431
Abstract
Reflecting the shift from purely quantitative economic growth to broader socio-environmental sustainability, this study proposes a framework for assessing sustainable development (SD) by integrating Maslow’s hierarchy of needs with Bossel’s classification system. As economic development increasingly emphasizes sustainability, numerous organizations and agencies, including [...] Read more.
Reflecting the shift from purely quantitative economic growth to broader socio-environmental sustainability, this study proposes a framework for assessing sustainable development (SD) by integrating Maslow’s hierarchy of needs with Bossel’s classification system. As economic development increasingly emphasizes sustainability, numerous organizations and agencies, including the United Nations, have developed indicators to measure sustainable progress. However, subjective dimensions of SD, grounded in individual values and needs, remain underexplored. This study operationalizes Maslow’s “pyramid of needs” alongside Bossel’s system to establish an “SD pyramid”, distinguishing dimensions and indicators that capture social, economic, and environmental complexity. By mapping human needs onto the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this study contributes to delineating (i) the research areas uncovered (or partly covered) with relevant indicators, (ii) a significant lack or partial shortage of pertinent information, and (iii) a combination of a few basic indicators summarizing the necessary information into a unique measure of SD. The outcomes offer a foundation for a quali-quantitative assessment of SD, enhancing the monitoring tools focusing on subjective and contextual needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Demographics and Regional Economic Development)
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12 pages, 3066 KiB  
Article
Shifting Sands: Examining and Mapping the Population Structure of Greece Through the Last Three Censuses
by Kleomenis Kalogeropoulos, Dionysios Fragkopoulos, Panagiotis Andreopoulos and Alexandra Tragaki
Economies 2024, 12(11), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12110294 - 29 Oct 2024
Viewed by 580
Abstract
This paper aims to facilitate a more nuanced understanding of regional disparities in the population age structure at a local scale by applying a recent method for visualizing these disparities. Utilizing data from the three most recent population censuses in Greece, this method [...] Read more.
This paper aims to facilitate a more nuanced understanding of regional disparities in the population age structure at a local scale by applying a recent method for visualizing these disparities. Utilizing data from the three most recent population censuses in Greece, this method applies advanced data visualization techniques to map age distributions, highlighting significant variations in aging patterns across municipalities, towns, and districts. Traditional demographic analysis often overlooks local heterogeneities, leading to broad policies that often fail to address the unique needs of specific regions. Detailed maps are created by integrating geographic data with census data (using R and GIS), enabling policymakers to pinpoint areas with specific demographic challenges and opportunities. This localized approach reveals critical insights, such as regions experiencing rapid population aging, areas with younger population profiles, and zones undergoing demographic transitions. The visualization tool significantly improves the formulation of targeted strategies, enhancing the effectiveness of policies related to healthcare, workforce planning, and social services distribution. Through case studies and comparative analysis, we demonstrate the practical applications and advantages of this method in shaping public policy and strategic planning. This paper contributes to the field of geodemography by introducing and demonstrating a visualization method that enhances the accuracy of demographic analysis, providing policy makers with useful information to better address local demographic challenges and tailor strategies to specific regional needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Demographics and Regional Economic Development)
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26 pages, 2186 KiB  
Article
Regional Workforce Dynamics in West Virginia: Insights from Shift-Share and Location Quotient Analysis
by Saman Janaranjana Herath Bandara
Economies 2024, 12(11), 290; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12110290 - 28 Oct 2024
Viewed by 718
Abstract
West Virginia, home to approximately 1.77 million residents, has been grappling with significant economic challenges characterized by persistent poverty and sluggish growth. Despite ongoing development efforts, the state’s Gross State Product (GSP) has seen only a modest increase of 0.1% over the past [...] Read more.
West Virginia, home to approximately 1.77 million residents, has been grappling with significant economic challenges characterized by persistent poverty and sluggish growth. Despite ongoing development efforts, the state’s Gross State Product (GSP) has seen only a modest increase of 0.1% over the past five years, reaching USD 71.7 billion, while the unemployment rate remains at 4.0%. The annualized employment growth rate of 0.7% lags behind the national average, and only about 54% of West Virginia’s adult population is either employed or actively seeking employment, resulting in one of the lowest labor force participation rates in the nation. In contrast, certain industrial sectors, such as healthcare, social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation and food services, have shown intermittent growth at the county and regional levels. To explore the unique characteristics and significance of these regions in relation to employment growth, this study examines regional employment patterns in West Virginia from 2001 to 2020, focusing on the main regions of the state: Metro Valley, Mid-Ohio Valley, New River/Greenbrier Valley, Mountain Lakes, and Potomac Highlands. Utilizing shift-share and location quotient (LQ) analyses, this research identifies the sectors driving regional employment and assesses their performance. Key findings reveal strong sectoral performance in mining, manufacturing, and finance in the Mid-Ohio Valley; wholesale trade, transportation, and utilities in the Metro Valley; agriculture and administrative services in the New River/Greenbrier Valley; agriculture and manufacturing in the Potomac Highlands; and scientific services, healthcare, and utilities in the Mountain Lakes region. Based on these insights, this study recommends targeted policy interventions to address regional disparities, enhance sectors with significant short- and long-term benefits, and foster balanced economic development across the state. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Demographics and Regional Economic Development)
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22 pages, 3864 KiB  
Article
Demographic Change and Regional Specialisation: The Case of Greek NUTS II Regions
by Manolis Christofakis, Andreas Gkouzos and Eleni Gaki
Economies 2024, 12(11), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12110284 - 24 Oct 2024
Viewed by 814
Abstract
This paper investigates the impact of demographic changes on regional specialisation across Greek NUTS2 regions from 2001 to 2021. It explores the relationship between age-specific variations in the economically active population and gross value added (GVA) across different economic sectors. Using demographic and [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the impact of demographic changes on regional specialisation across Greek NUTS2 regions from 2001 to 2021. It explores the relationship between age-specific variations in the economically active population and gross value added (GVA) across different economic sectors. Using demographic and GVA data alongside spatial analysis techniques such as spatial regression models, median Local Moran’s I, and location quotient, the study identifies spatial autocorrelation patterns. Findings reveal strong correlations between the economically active population and GVA, highlighting demographic factors’ crucial role in regional economic performance. Over the period 2001 to 2021, the 15–24 and 25–34 age groups generally experienced declining growth rates in total, male, and female economically active populations, while the 45–54 and 55–64 age groups saw increases. Regions adjacent to those with higher economically active populations showed high–high clustering. Especially, Attiki and Kentriki Makedonia, the two metropolitan regions of Greece, influence neighbouring regions through economic spillover effects, fostering economic sector clustering and emphasising regional specialisation. These findings highlight the complex interplay between demographic shifts and regional economic outcomes, noting spatial disparities and the need for targeted policy interventions. The study provides empirical evidence demonstrating how demographic changes influence regional economic development across different regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Demographics and Regional Economic Development)
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20 pages, 10990 KiB  
Article
Accessibility and Older and Foreign Populations: Exploring Local Spatial Heterogeneities across Italy
by Massimo Armenise, Federico Benassi, Maria Carella and Roberta Misuraca
Economies 2024, 12(9), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12090248 - 16 Sep 2024
Viewed by 786
Abstract
The interplay between accessibility and population change is a relatively new subject in Italian academic research. Along with social and economic factors such as regional economic prosperity, the ease of movement inside and outside an area can play a pivotal role in shaping [...] Read more.
The interplay between accessibility and population change is a relatively new subject in Italian academic research. Along with social and economic factors such as regional economic prosperity, the ease of movement inside and outside an area can play a pivotal role in shaping population dynamics. This study seeks to explore the spatial distribution and spatial relationships of three indicators, including one related to real accessibility (RAI) and two others related, respectively, to the shares of the older population (SOP) and of the foreign population (SFP). An exploratory spatial data analysis is, therefore, conducted at the local level using Italian municipalities as the statistical units for the empirical analysis. Local univariate spatial autocorrelation analysis is used together with a regression analysis based on ordinary least squares (OLS) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) models. The results provide valuable insights into the local heterogeneity that characterizes the distribution of each indicator and the local relationship between them, highlighting the importance of thinking locally in quantitative social sciences. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Demographics and Regional Economic Development)
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14 pages, 1315 KiB  
Article
Revisiting the Spatial Cycle: Intra-Regional Development Patterns and Future Population Dynamics in Metropolitan Athens, Greece
by Kostas Rontos, Dimitrios Antonoglou, Luca Salvati, Marco Maialetti and Georgios Kontogiannis
Economies 2024, 12(8), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12080202 - 6 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1032
Abstract
Being intertwined with economic development, urbanization determines the present and future development path of regions and countries. The intimate relationship between urban expansion and economic development is of particular interest in the case of large regions with complex (and mostly non-linear) socio-demographic dynamics [...] Read more.
Being intertwined with economic development, urbanization determines the present and future development path of regions and countries. The intimate relationship between urban expansion and economic development is of particular interest in the case of large regions with complex (and mostly non-linear) socio-demographic dynamics and a relevant primacy in the metropolitan system of a given country. Typical examples of advanced economies with settlement systems characterized by a high degree of city primacy are peripheral and disadvantaged European countries such as Portugal and Greece. For instance, the administrative region of Attica—centered on Athens, the Greek capital city—represents the largest metropolitan area of the country, hosting almost 3.8 million inhabitants in 2021 (36.2% of the Greek population). In this context, this study investigates the internal redistribution of the resident population in metropolitan Athens and the progressive development of satellite cities over a relatively longtime interval, testing the assumptions of the Spatial Cycle Theory (SCT) between 1951 and 2021 and predicting future development paths up to 2051. To investigate past, present, and future intra-regional population trends, we used data released from decadal (1951–2021) censuses and demographic forecasts for the years 2031, 2041, and 2051. Being in line with the SCT, the empirical results of our study document how demographic dynamics of individual centers influence largely—and independently—the long-term development of metropolitan regions, both with policy/planning regulation and in conditions of non-intervention (spontaneous urban growth). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Demographics and Regional Economic Development)
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14 pages, 893 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Gastronomic Tourism on the Regional Economy of Thailand: Examined by the Dynamic I-O Model after the Decline of COVID-19
by Banjaponn Thongkaw, Nattapan Kongbuamai, Warattaya Chinnakum and Chukiat Chaiboonsri
Economies 2024, 12(7), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12070180 - 9 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1495
Abstract
It is reasonable to state that gastronomic tourism is an efficient tool that has the potential to refresh Thailand’s macroeconomic viability. With the aim of becoming a hub of tourism in Southeast Asia, Thailand’s tourism industry must urgently address and sustainably integrate gastronomic [...] Read more.
It is reasonable to state that gastronomic tourism is an efficient tool that has the potential to refresh Thailand’s macroeconomic viability. With the aim of becoming a hub of tourism in Southeast Asia, Thailand’s tourism industry must urgently address and sustainably integrate gastronomic activities to navigate the troubled situation caused by its decline after the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led the authors to conduct a deep study on a regional input–output (I-O) table analysis for Thailand’s tourism system, specifically focusing on gastronomic activities and tourism industries. The tourism I-O data used in this study come from the official source provided by the Thailand Ministry of Tourism and Sport. Empirically, the results of the dynamic regional I-O model predict that Bangkok and its surrounding areas are the heart of gastronomic tourism development, driving income into Thailand’s economy. The eastern region stands as the second-largest area of gastronomy tourism, generating a positive impact on Thailand’s economy. On the other hand, the Northeast of Thailand receives less income from gastronomy tourism despite being the largest area in the country. Ultimately, there should be a greater emphasis on gastronomy tourism policies in order to fully maximize their potential for tourism development, stimulating every part of Thailand during the economic depression caused by COVID-19. Moreover, gastronomy tourism has the potential to play an important role in driving economic growth through the combination of cuisine and tourism development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Demographics and Regional Economic Development)
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14 pages, 1131 KiB  
Article
Water For Food in Euphrates–Tigris River
by Abdelmoneim Bahyeldin Mohamed Metwally, Mai M. Yasser and Merna Ahmed
Economies 2024, 12(5), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12050107 - 3 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3170
Abstract
Water scarcity is an important threat to food security in the Euphrates–Tigris river. Water scarcity is a huge worldwide problem that results from the rapid increase in water demand, which exceeds the amount of available water. The most significant problems currently affecting countries [...] Read more.
Water scarcity is an important threat to food security in the Euphrates–Tigris river. Water scarcity is a huge worldwide problem that results from the rapid increase in water demand, which exceeds the amount of available water. The most significant problems currently affecting countries are food insecurity water scarcity. The Euphrates–Tigris river countries suffer from different political issues, such as the Syrian war and internal civil conflicts in Iraq. In addition, this area consists of only three countries: Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, but it affects the entire Middle East. Turkey has established many irrigation projects compared to Iraq, which still suffers from the previous American invasion. Therefore, this study examines the Euphrates–Tigris river (using two countries) to examine the relationship between water scarcity and food security from 1992 to 2020. This study will be conducted using a fixed and random regression approach over 18 years. The results show a negative relationship between water scarcity and food security in the short run, at a 10% significance level, and a long-term positive relationship of 1%. Thus, the use of research and development and the encouragement of investments will help policymakers to develop a nexus between water scarcity and food security. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Demographics and Regional Economic Development)
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