Greek Prefectures Research Articles

Public investment and regional growth and convergence: Evidence from Greece

AbstractThis paper estimates the impact of public investment on regional economic growth and convergence at the NUTS 3 level in Greece. Using a new database of public expenditure per region for the period 1978–2007, it proposes a model which captures not just the impact of public investment in Greek prefectures, but also the spillover effects related to the existence of externalities from neighbouring regions. The results point to a positive long‐run impact of public investment per capita on regional economic growth – but not on convergence – which also generates considerable spillover effects. However, the returns vary according to different types of public investment, with education and infrastructure spillovers having the highest impact. In general, public investment externalities seem to be more relevant for regional growth than direct public investment in each region. Finally, the impact of different types of public investment in Greece is mediated by politics and political factors, but the effect of politics disappears once we control for political‐period‐specific spatial‐invariant variables.ResumenEste artículo estima el impacto de la inversión pública en el crecimiento económico regional y la convergencia a nivel NUTS 3 en Grecia. Haciendo uso de una nueva base de datos de gasto público por región para el periodo 1978–2007, se propone un modelo que identifica no solamente el impacto de la inversión pública en las prefecturas griegas, sino también los efectos de spillover relacionados con la existencia de externalidades procedentes de regiones vecinas. Los resultados apuntan a un impacto positivo a largo plazo de la inversión pública per cápita en el crecimiento económico regional – pero no en la convergencia – el cual genera unos efectos de spillover considerables. Sin embargo, los retornos varían de acuerdo con los diferentes tipos de inversión pública, siendo la educación y los spillovers de infraestructura los de mayor impacto. En general, las externalidades de inversión pública parecen tener una mayor relevancia para el crecimiento regional que la inversión pública directa en cada región. Para terminar, el impacto de los diferentes tipos de inversión pública en Grecia se ve influido por sus políticas y otros factores políticos, pero el efecto de las políticas desaparece una vez que se controlan las variables espacialmente‐invariantes de tipo político ligadas a un periodo específico.

Tetracycline resistance genes in Pasteurella multocida isolates from bovine, ovine, caprine and swine pneumonic lungs originated from different Greek prefecturesa

The aim of the present work was to analyze the antibiotic resistance of Pasteurella multocida isolates from sheep, goats, cattle and pigs originated from eight different Greek prefectures, to determine the class(es) of the tet genes, to investigate any possible association with plasmids or/and chromosomes and to study the geographical distribution of the resistant isolates. Eighteen out to one hundred isolates were resistant to tetracycline with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) higher than 128 μg/ml. The tetH gene was found in thirteen (72.2%) and the tetB gene was found in four isolates (22.2%). After treatment with the restriction enzymes EcoRV, EcoRI, PstI and BspHI, the tetB gene showed a new polymorphism. Partial sequencing of the tetH and tetB genes revealed five polymorphisms in the tetB gene and two polymorphisms in the tetH gene; phylogenetic and molecular evolutionary analyses were also conducted. Both tetB and tetH genes revealed patterns clearly differentiated from the rest of Pasteurella species meaning thatthe genes could be transferred from a non Pasteurella species. The results presented provide further knowledge and evidence of the role played by commensals as of resistance determinants. Key words: Pasteurella multocida, tet genes, multiple sequence analysis.

Capital allocation in the Greek regions

The present study analyses the location of new economic activities in the 51 Greek prefectures (NUTS III level) as the outcome of agglomeration economies and other factors that are acknowledged as determinants of new firm location. Cross-section data referring to the location choices of firms in manufacturing, commerce, services and tourism within 2005 are used. Results indicate that agglomeration effects largely determine a region's attractiveness and appropriateness as an investment location. In addition, the effect of other factors such as demand, expected profit and cost conditions is identified as important. Interestingly, regional characteristics seem to affect in different ways the location of start-ups belonging to different industries.

A conditional nonparametric analysis for measuring the efficiency of regional public healthcare delivery: An application to Greek prefectures

Objectives The purpose of this study is to measure the Greek public healthcare delivery efficiency from a regional perspective by applying conditional nonparametric models. Methods The study reviews the existing literature on performance measurement and proposes models on these grounds. By using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and free disposal hull (FDH) models, the performance of public health delivery services of the Greek prefectures is evaluated. The efficiency levels of the Greek prefectures are compared and analyzed in a regional context. By using convex and non-convex models alongside with bootstrap techniques and conditional full frontier applications the paper develops models for regional public health delivery policy evaluation. Results The paper shows that higher levels of GDP per capita (GDPc) have a negative influence on the efficiency of regional healthcare delivery, indicating that regional economic growth does not ensure better healthcare delivery service. Furthermore the results reveal that population density increases the prefectures’ efficiency of public health provision, indicating the over-supply of health services by urban hospitals. Finally, several healthcare delivery inefficiencies have been reported among the Greek prefectures emphasizing a poor state of healthcare delivery. Conclusions The results indicate that after the reform of the Greek national healthcare system in 2000–2002, the absence of a unified healthcare policy was accompanied with misallocation of healthcare resources among the Greek prefectures creating socioeconomic health inequalities.

Regional determinants of manufacturing start-ups in Greece: evidence on the effect of agglomeration economies

This article analyses the regional determinants of manufacturing start-up ratios in Greece. Emphasis is placed on the effect of agglomeration economies, which are distinguished between urbanization and localization economies. The data refer to the establishments realized in the 51 Greek prefectures (NUTS III level) in 2005. Results indicate that negative urbanization economies prevail. Localization economies in the form of positive Marshallian and negative Jacobian externalities are observed and constitute important determinants of start-up ratios. Results regarding the effect of other factors such as expected demand and profit, cost and human resources factors are as anticipated.

An exploratory research on the factors stimulating corporate entrepreneurship in the Greek public sector

PurposePractice demonstrates and research validates that entrepreneurship is moving from the individual to the organization and from the private sector to the social and not‐for‐profit sectors. The present study endeavors to complement the emerging public entrepreneurship literature by aiming to identify which of those factors that stimulate corporate entrepreneurship in the public sector are preferred by entrepreneurial civil servants.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was completed by a random sample (n=247) of public servants across 15 Greek prefectures. Results are based on Bayesian factor analysis, conjoint analysis and cluster analysis.FindingsResults provide preliminary evidence about entrepreneurial civil servants' preferences and make available a well‐documented framework for addressing corporate entrepreneurship in the public sector.Research limitations/implicationsThe reported research relied on self‐reporting. In addition, because the sample consisted entirely of public servants across Greek prefectures, findings may not be applicable to other public sector contexts (such as hospitals) and other countries. Data are cross‐sectional and alternative relationships may exist. Future research should be multinational and longitudinal to test the assumptions of the present study.Practical implicationsThe results of the study are useful both to academics and policy makers interested in formulating a strategy that fosters corporate entrepreneurship in the public sector.Originality/valueDuring the last 15 years, considerable effort has been devoted to developing more effective, more efficient, and more flexible public organizations. Using qualitative methods, the results of the present exploratory research identify which factors that foster corporate entrepreneurship in the public sector are preferred by entrepreneurial public servants.

A tornado and waterspout climatology for Greece

The results of a systematic investigation and recording of tornado and waterspout occurrence in Greece for the 10-year period 2000–2009 are presented. This is the first database developed in Greece in an attempt to collect and record comprehensive information about tornadoes, waterspouts, funnel clouds, dust devils and other whirlwind phenomena. The primary research purpose of this database is to search, diagnose and record tornado and waterspout occurrences and identify their morphological and climatological features. Based on the 10-year data, a mean annual number of 1.1 tornadoes per unit area of 10 4 km 2, is depicted for Greece. The seasonality appears differently for various parts, with winter most active tornado season for western Greece and summer for northern Greece. Spatial distribution showed that tornadoes are more frequent over western Greece and the Ionian coasts with a local maximum over northwest Peloponnese. Waterspouts occur in both the Aegean and the Ionian Sea mostly in summer and autumn, with a peak in September, while a considerable geographical maximum is located over north off the shore of Iraklion, Crete Island. A preliminary estimate of probability of tornado occurrence for each of the 51 Greek prefectures plus the Mount Athos area, showed highest values for Kerkyra Island and Elias prefectures, western Greece. Analysis based on intensities as assessed by damage data, indicated that the majority of tornadoes reached T4 of the T-scale or F2 of the F-scale. Short wave trough is found as the most relevant synoptic circulation pattern to tornadic activity. Thermodynamic and wind parameters showed a wide range of values, suggesting that threat levels should be adjusted for various areas since tornadoes and waterspouts can occur in different environments.

Activity-Based Costing in the Public Sector

Problem statement: In the modern economic environment, the Public Sector aims at the continuous improvement of quality of the provided services. Thus, detailed information with regard to the cost of services is essential along with capable ma nagement to take advantage of this information. Approach: The study discussed the basic beginnings, the proce sses of activity-based costing and whether this costing method can be applied in the P ublic Sector, where the need for precise cost estimating information increases continuously. Results: It referred to the structure of a Greek Prefecture, with all the organized divisions and de partments. At first, the new method of cost accounting is analyzed as mentioned in the internat ional bibliography. Thereafter, the advantages of this method were pointed and then, follow the appli cation in a specific Department of the prefecture where the results were delivered to the Administrat ion of department under review, for the decision- making. Conclusion: Having analyzed the department of the prefecture, t he management can depend on the results to comment on the study done and dec ide on future plans.

Farmers' views and attitudes towards the reformed common agricultural policy in Greece

The agricultural industry constitutes a productive sector that plays a vital role in the financial, social and ecological balance of any agricultural area. Therefore, the support for an intended complete development of agriculture is – and it will always be – a primary duty of all governments worldwide. In the present study, the results of a research, which was conducted in five Greek Prefectures (Chania, Korinthia, Trikala, Grevena and Evros) during the period 2005–2007, focused on the assessment of farmers’ views towards the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are presented. In particular, the aims of the research focused on the ways by which farmers may be informed and the level of their knowledge with regard to the CAP, farmers’ views and attitudes towards the new measures suggested by the CAP, the advantages and disadvantages of the present productive system and finally, the contemporary trends of agriculture and some farmers’ attributes. The research was conducted by use of questionnaires which were filled out by each farmer during an interview. In total, 1,200 farmers were interviewed (300 in every prefecture, except Trikala and Grevena where the sample included 150 farmers each). The questionnaire consisted of 41 specific questions in total. The data processing was carried out by using the SPSS statistical package. The research led to the conclusion that farmers’ awareness with regard to the CAP, its revision, the procedures which are foreseen by it and the benefits which can result from its provisions for farmers’ income was restricted. Therefore, it is obvious that there is a need for applying more effective methods with regard to the circulation of relevant information. For these methods, some proposals have been presented. An attempt is undertaken to present certain proposals aiming at further improvement.

Regional inequalities and spatial economic interdependence: learning from the Greek prefectures

Interregional trade constitutes a major factor of creating spatial economic interdependence. Both within and outside the national borders, spatial economic interdependence can be extremely strong. The interregional trade fl ows can infl uence decisively the economic development of each region. They can also formulate the size of the regional multipliers. In this article, the characteristics of spatial economic interdependence among the 51 Greek administrative prefectures are analyzed and evaluated by using the estimations of the regional multipli- ers. In particular, an interpretation of the interregional inequalities by connecting the interregional multipliers is attempted with certain economic as well as other characteristics of the prefectures of the country. In the last few decades, the varying levels of development observed among the Greek administrative regions and prefectures have certain repercussions on the prosperity of the local communities and on the development of the country as a whole. Therefore, these inequalities constitute a fundamental consideration of the currently applied economic policy. Investigating the magnitude and course of regional inequalities as well as the driving forces that induce unequal development patterns is of great importance in the confi guration of an effective regional policy. State intervention towards reducing regional inequalities is considered to be a necessity as long as both the current economic trends and a great deal of empirical evidence reveals the inherent weakness of the market mecha- nisms for mitigating regional inequalities. Investigating economic issues on a sub-national level (i.e., regional of prefectural level in the termi- nology of the present study) requires a different approach in relation to analyzing the same issues on a national level. This is justifi ed, at least, due to the high degree of economic interdependence between the regions or prefectures of a country (as this interdependence is mainly depicted, by the interregional trade fl ows) in comparison to the degree of economic interdependence between countries. A suitable context for analysis regional differences and interdependencies and for confi guring a coherent regional policy can be the use of regional multipliers. The regional multipliers provide a relatively accurate indication of the real size of a regional economy and can contribute to the analysis of the infl uences to the size of regional economy coming from strategic policy schemes such as public and private invest- ments, structural funds and fi nancial support to regional economic activities. In two previous studies (1, 2), a multiregional input-output model (MRIO) was constructed and the regional multipliers for unit vector of fi nal demand, consumption vector and investment vector were esti- mated, on a prefectural level for the 51 Greek prefectures. This was done by using the existing statistical information from National Statistical Service of Greece (NSSG). Subsequently, the regional multipli- ers were used for simulating the distribution of an extensive investment scheme aimed at achieving convergence of the different levels of development found among the Greek prefectures. In the present article, a further analysis of the regional multipliers' results is pursuit, in order to illustrate some of the critical characteristics of spatial interdependences among the prefectural economies of the country.

Measuring regional economic efficiency: the case of Greek prefectures

This paper, using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), measures for the first time the economic growth policies of the Greek prefectures. Based on the neoclassical model of growth it uses private and public investments and labour force as inputs and GDP per capita as output for the time period of 2003–2006. The results indicate that there are significant regional policies inefficiencies among the Greek prefectures. Additionally, growth inefficiencies within the 13 administrative regions are reported. Finally, the analysis provides benchmarks for policy evaluation and suggestions for region-based approaches to growth problems.

Towards a strategy for control of suburban informal buildings through automatic change detection

The problem of informal settlements is of significant importance and has similar causes worldwide. In Greece, such buildings are relatively well built and number nearly 1,000,000 across the country. This social and economic issue requires a combined approach. In this paper, a proposed solution to this problem is developed at a technical and administrative level, taking into consideration the criteria of least possible cost and maximum benefit from usage of modern technology. The basic idea is the development of a system that allows for periodic, automatic monitoring and detection of new buildings. With additional field control applied only to specific locations, immediate detection of informal construction projects prior to completion is enabled, at which time measures to halt their development can be more easily taken. The suggested procedure is based on the use of high resolution images and the application of automatic change detection by computation and comparison of digital surface models and building extraction techniques. Results from a pilot application of the proposed procedure are given together with an estimated cost for application of this method to the coastal zone of eastern Attica, a Greek prefecture with many existing and emerging informal constructions.

Avian Flu: How Informed are Children in Greece?

The current cluster of avian influenza outbreaks in birds has occurred in areas where humans live in proximity to poultry. Dissemination of accurate information may be the cornerstone for proper community preparation. In the herein presented study, we attempted to asses the information level among Greek children regarding avian flu. A descriptive study was carried out in 2006 in ten Greek prefectures to determine the information level among students about transmission ways, symptoms and prevention measures of avian flu. A total of 1400 Greek students participated in the study. Approximately 75% of the students reported to know what bird flu is and 53% reported to know that there has been at least one case of avian flu in Greece. More than half (55.6%) reported that an effective vaccine against avian flu does exist; of the students asked, 47% reported that avian flu can be transmitted from human to human whereas 21.4% believed that humans can suffer from avian flu. Media contribution in providing information was very high among students. The level of information about avian flu among Greek students was found inadequate especially in some questions regarding serious aspects of avian flu. This study highlights the need for adaptation of health programs in Greek schools, which should include the provision of accurate information.

Determinant factors of tourist attractiveness of Greek prefectures

Tourism constitutes one of the most dynamic and rapidly developing sectors of the Greek economy, making a decisive contribution to the growth of many Greek regions. The increase in tourist fl ows to all regions of the country is a vital pursuit of its regional policies, and a means for achieving regional economic development. The intense differentiation in tourist arrivals at each individual prefecture of the country constitutes an issue that is related to the more general characteristics and factors that shape the degree of tourist attractiveness of each area. The present article examines the tourism characteristics of Greek prefectures and the factors that affect related tourist fl ows and defi ne the structure of the country’s internal tourism. Furthermore, a proposal is made as to the typology of the prefectures according to their tourist resources. The determination and the analysis of factors are performed by using the multiple regression statistical model, which calculates the impact of each individual determinant on the tourist attractiveness of the prefectures. Moreover, by using hierarchical cluster analysis, two uniform territorial units of tourist attractiveness are formed, thus giving the opportunity to decision-makers to exercise a more effective tourism and regional policy. The basic conclusion that results from the article is that the presence of sandy beaches and the sea vitally contributes to the confi guration of each prefecture’s overall tourist attractiveness.

Examining the consistency of spatial association patterns across socio-economic indicators: an application to the Greek regions

This paper addresses an important empirical question for spatial economics that has so far attracted little attention in the literature, namely, how patterns of spatial association differ across socio-economic indicators. This issue is examined here with a large socio-economic dataset from the Greek prefectures. We start by identifying spatial patterns of association in the data through an exploratory spatial data analysis and then explore the persistence of spatial clustering across socio-economic indicators through the application of a number of simple statistical tests. Greece presents an interesting case for examination, given its complex nature of geographical disparities and spatial heterogeneity. The derived results are important for Greek regional policy, as they help highlight yet another dimension of the challenges it faces for regional development, but they are also of particular relevance for applied spatial analysis, as they offer new insights in the analysis of spatial processes.

Public Spending Patterns: The Regional Allocation of Public Investment in Greece by Political Period

The spatial dispersion of public investment constitutes one of the principal elements and also one of the key issues concerning a country's strategic regional development. Public investment expenditure represents in part the 'social wage' citizens receive, while at the same time it generates external economies for the productive sectors of the economy. Using a dataset that includes total outlays by all central, regional and local authorities, this paper traces the distribution of public investment in Greek prefectures (NUTS 3) over the period 1976-2005. It seeks to highlight the spending pattern governments of that period had followed, to compare the changes (if any) between different periods, and to explain whether redistribution of national wealth or other factors, including political ones, could be contributing to explaining the pattern and its temporal changes.

Assessing the level of awareness of avian influenza among Greek students

Current concern regarding avian influenza, the so-called 'bird flu', concerns H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza form that has spread across Asia, into Western Europe and Africa. The wide spread of bird flu makes it a serious threat to humans. A key factor in reducing the risk of an influenza pandemic is adequate preparedness, including providing prospective, accurate information to the public. In our study, we attempted to assess the level of information among Greek students aged 8 to 15 years, regarding avian influenza. A descriptive study was carried out in 6 Greek prefectures to determine the information level regarding avian influenza among students, concerning methods of transmission, symptoms and prevention measures. In total, 2805 Greek students participated in the study (47% male and 53% female). Approximately 90% of the students reported knowing what 'bird flu' is, and 25% wrongly answered that there had been at least one human infection from avian influenza in Greece. Nearly half the students (46.2%) reported that an effective vaccine exists against avian influenza, and almost all the study participants (95.7%) believed that they should not touch an ill or dead bird. Forty-two per cent of the students reported that avian influenza can be transmitted from human to human, and only 11.9% believed that humans can present symptoms after being infected. The media was their main source of information. The level of information about avian influenza among Greek students was found to be satisfactory, if not ideal. These findings, along with the potential for a future avian influenza pandemic, highlight the need for intensified health education programs in Greek schools, in order to deal with this serious public health problem.

The attractiveness of archaeological sites in Greece: a spatial analysis

This paper deals with the attractiveness of the archaeological sites, historical monuments and museums found in Greek prefectures. The object of this paper is to analyse and describe what influences this attractiveness. Several factors are examined, which are related to the characteristics or uniqueness of each site, its scientific or historical value, the state and attractiveness of the surrounding natural environment, the site's accessibility, its archaeological or tourist potential, etc. A statistical model is proposed, using actual data from Greece, in order to estimate the influence of each factor on the total attractiveness of archaeological sites or museums. Finally, conclusions are drawn based on the quantitative analysis provided.

Web Candidates in the 2002 Greek Prefecture Elections

ABSTRACT This paper attempts to analyze the web sites of party candidates in the October 2002 prefecture elections in Greece. Candidate web sites regarding the 2002 prefecture elections are analyzed in terms of their political content, level of interactivity, use of multimedia techniques and level of professional appearance in their web campaign. Findings reveal that candidates are likely to present personal and political information on the web, without making negative statements regarding their opponents, make limited use of interactivity and multimedia techniques and rely less on professional web experts and more on the enthusiasm of volunteers or friends. The Greek prefecture election systems allow us also to make some tentative remarks about the impact of web campaigns in elections, comparing results between candidates with and without web sites in the second round of elections, where only two are the competitors.

Ethnic Characteristics and Geographical Distribution of Immigrants in Greece

This paper examines the geographical dimension of immigration in Greece. More particularly, this study presents the distinctive economic, demographic and settlement features of the different groups of immigrants in the Greek prefectures. The majority of immigrant workers in Greece come from the Balkan countries, the most populous ethnic group being the Albanians who account for almost 60 percent of the total immigrant population. There are significant disparities between different ethnic groups regarding their educational level and occupational characteristics. The profile of the average immigrant worker in Greece is young, from an ex-communist country; men migrate mainly for economic reasons while women migrate mostly for family reasons; women often have a higher level of education than men. There are also significant differences as far as the spatial distribution of the various ethnic groups is concerned. Some groups, such as the Philippinos, Georgians, or the Poles, show high geographical concentration, while other ethnic groups, for instance the Albanians, follow, more or less, the spatial distribution of the Greek population. One of the most interesting findings of this research is that settlement patterns are mostly dictated by geography: immigrants from neighbouring countries tend to have similar preferences or installation criteria. This is the case for immigrants from Eastern European countries. In contrast, Albanians seem to follow their own settlement pattern.