Interregional Disparities Research Articles

Incidence and mortality of prostate cancer in France from 2010 to 2021, using a real-life database (National Health Data System - SNDS) - the CaPCo Study.

Prostate cancer (PCa) was the leading incident cancer and 3rd leading cause of cancer death in men in France in 2015 with inter-regional disparities. The objectives were to describe PCa incidence and mortality in France and by region, using real life data from the National Health Data System and to identify the factors associated with all-cause or PCa-specific mortality. Men aged ≥ 18years hospitalized and/or on long-term care for PCa (ICD-10 code C61) in France between 2010 and 2021 were included. An incident case was defined by the absence of any cancer in the five years preceding the first coding. Incidence and mortality estimates were age-standardized: France 2018f standardized rates (FSR), all-cause mortality (SMR) and PCa-specific mortality (SMRspe). Factors associated with death were identified using cause-specific Cox models. The mean annual incidence was 47,081cases/year (FSR:179.6/100,000men), increasing over the period except 2020. All-cause mortality was 20,259 deaths/year (77.3/100,000men), and PCa-specific mortality was 7,265 deaths/year (27.7/100,000men). A PCa-specific mortality excess was found in Centre-Val-de-Loire (SMRspe = 1.21), Bretagne (1.18), Hauts-de-France (1.17) Normandie (1.15). After adjustment, significant PCa mortality excess was observed in Bretagne (HR = 1,29;95%IC[1.09-1.46]) and Hauts-de-France (HR = 1.19[1.03-1.34]). The other factors associated with death were an age ≥ 60years, an increasing comorbidity index, metastatic disease at onset (major weight in specific mortality with hazard ratio HR = 16.1[15.2-17.0]), precariousness, affiliation to the agricultural scheme, and the COVID period in all-cause mortality. This study updated incidence and mortality data in France. It showed differences in mortality between regions in France. The adjustment moderates regional findings based on raw mortality data.

Factors influencing regional disparities in online shopping

Online shopping has grown exponentially in the Russian Federation (hereinafter referred to as RF, Russia) in recent years. This growth has significantly accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, data shows that there are inter-regional disparities in the use of online shopping. This includes intergenerational and rural-urban disparities. This study investigates the factors responsible for inter-regional differences in the development of online shopping in Russia. The author has identified 5 main factors that can influence the development: internet infrastructure (measured by regional expenses for the introduction of digital technologies and the number of connected mobile subscribers), economic wealth (measured by gross regional product), standard of living (measured by the population income), rate of poverty, and the region’s population. The research uses data of the Federal State Statistics Service and Association of Internet Trade Companies to analyse 85 regions in the RF. A multi-level regression analysis has enabled examination of the 5 factors and the contextual influence of 8 federal districts of Russia in level 2. The results show that internet infrastructure, economic wealth, population size, and the 8 federal districts has influenced the development of online shopping in the RF, but standard of living is not statistically significant. The author recommends that policymakers pay attention to these underlying factors.

Coupling and Coordination Analysis of High-Quality Agricultural Development and Rural Revitalization: Spatio-Temporal Evolution, Spatial Disparities, and Convergence

The coupling and coordination of high-quality agricultural development (HQAD) and rural revitalization is an inevitable choice to accelerate the realization of Chinese-style agricultural and rural modernization. Based on system theory, this study reconstructs the indicator systems of both and conducts measurements by applying the improved AHP–entropy weight method. This study has extended the analytical methods of kernel density estimation, Dagum Gini coefficient, σ convergence, and spatial β convergence to further investigate the spatio-temporal evolution, regional disparities, and convergence effect of the coupling coordination degree (CCD) of HQAD and rural revitalization in China from 2010 to 2020. The results show that the CCD has a tendency to increase year by year, presenting the characteristics of ‘high coupling degree–low comprehensive development level–low coupling coordination degree’, and also has the spatial distribution pattern of ‘high in the east and low in the west’. In addition, most of the provinces have a tendency to jump to a higher stage of coupling coordination; the overall trend of the kernel density curves is favorable; the results of Dagum’s Gini coefficient show that inter-regional disparities contribute the most to regional spatial disparities; and there is a significant tendency towards σ convergence and spatial β convergence of the CCD in China and the four regions. This study stimulates a broader discussion of rural revitalization, with potential implications for decision making in practice.

The role of chief medical officers in the Italian context: managers or clinicians?

PurposeDespite the advent of New Public Management theories over three decades ago, doubts persist regarding the practical implementation of these principles in the public health-care context. Challenges arise particularly from the type of system where this phenomenon is analyzed. In the Italian context, for instance, it can be arduous to define universally applicable organizational behaviors, given the interregional disparity that characterizes such a system. Furthermore, the professional identity of clinician-managers influences the perception of what “being a manager” means. This paper, thus, using the Italian context as a reference, aims to delineate what is the perception of Italian public hospitals clinician-middle-managers in terms of their responsibilities and tasks.Design/methodology/approachA survey-questionnaire was distributed to 6,011 Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) in Italian public hospitals, representing 100% of such role holders in the country. With a response rate of 16.7%, 1,005 responses were obtained. The questionnaire assessed CMOs' attitudes toward specific activities relevant to clinician-management, ranked from most to least important. Activities were derived from literature and categorized to discern management styles. Subgroups based on geographical location and professional orientation were also identified to isolate regional effects and professional identity influences.FindingsResults suggested that activities associated with a collaborative approach are perceived as most important. Furthermore, it clearly emerges the difference based on professional orientation of CMOs. However, it could not be appreciated the same level of difference basing the analysis on regional disparities.Originality/valueThe interest in the role of middle management in healthcare organizations has increased over the years. Nevertheless, currently the authors believe that not many studies are focused on defining what “being a manager” means for clinician-managers themselves, rather than explaining what clinician-managers shall do.

Subnational Differences in Inequality Perceptions and Demand for Redistribution in Russia

The article presents the results of inequality perception assessment for the Russian macro-regions (Federal districts) and the demand for redistribution in the context of gender, age, and socio-economic characteristics. The assessment is based on data from the eighth wave of the European Social Survey (2016). The findings show that people in the Central Federal District were more accepting of inequality, while those from Siberia and the Far East were less tolerant. The perception of inequality plays a significant role in shaping the demand for policies aimed at reducing inequality (redistributive policies). Macro-regions fall into three clusters: 1) a cluster with a high tolerance for inequality and a moderate demand for redistribution (southern Russia, central regions, and the North Caucasus), 2) regions with an average tolerance and moderate demand (the Volga region and the North-West), 3) regions with a low tolerance and high demand (Siberia and the Far East). The results of the study confirm that there is interregional differentiation in the assessments of the importance of social equality and justice, as well as in the demand for redistribution within the regions of the Russian Federation. These differences can contribute to increased interregional disparity, reduced investment attractiveness for regions, and an increase in the concentration and centralization of resources in specific territories, potentially harming uniform spatial development efforts.

Beyond disaster: investigating the varied responses of regional entrepreneurship to natural disasters

This study investigates the intricate relationship between natural disasters and regional entrepreneurship in Türkiye, a developing nation highly vulnerable to earthquakes, floods, and other hazards. The study extends Hierarchical Multiple Regression (HMR) analysis (1990–2020, 81 NUTS-III regions), beyond existing literature focused on physical damage. Our findings reveal a counterintuitive effect: while the number of disasters and total property damage correlate positively with regional entrepreneurship, human life loss has a negative impact. This suggests a complex interplay between destruction and entrepreneurial spirit. Further analyses using Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) and MANOVA-ANOVA for robustness check explores regional characteristics that contribute to entrepreneurial resilience against natural disasters. By comparing regions categorized by entrepreneurial performance and disaster exposure, the study identifies key differentiators. Regions with supportive business environments demonstrate greater resilience, highlighting the crucial role of fostering a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in mitigating disaster effects. This research fills a critical gap by examining the understudied relationship between natural disasters and regional entrepreneurship, going beyond individual firm-level studies. By analysing interregional disparities and resilience factors, this paper provides valuable insights for both regional development and entrepreneurship & resilience literature. It emphasizes the importance of human capital alongside disaster preparedness and institutional quality in building regional resilience.

Selected Socio-Economic Aspects of the Last Two Economic Crises in Slovenia Assessed through a Three-Stage Territorial Model

The aim of this paper is to provide a systematic insight into the socio-economic aspects of the last two economic crises in Slovenia: the Economic crisis between 2009 and 2013, and the COVID-19 crisis in 2020. A three-stage territorial model was developed as a theoretical tool for this study. The data for the analyses came from various statistical sources and from the available literature. The socio-economic aspects of both economic crises were analysed in 11 categories and at three territorial levels: macro (national), meso (regional) and micro (locational). Both economic crises differ fundamentally in many aspects. Compared to the Economic crisis, the COVID-19 crisis was much shorter and less severe, and had relatively little impact on the socio-economic structure of Slovenia and its regions. Both economic crises had some common features: reduction of interregional disparities and different development paths of regions during the crisis, as well as strong economic growth in the first year of recovery. The proposed model can be extended by additional territorial levels and by adding additional social and political-geographical aspects.

Inter- and intra-regional tourism disparities in Greece: trends and impacts for balanced regional development

ABSTRACT This paper builds on the literature on whether tourism promotes balanced regional development (BRD) by examining intra-regional disparities as part of total tourism inequality, an issue that is rarely addressed, and then not for a developed country. To that end, Mean Log Deviation (MLD) indices of tourism demand and supply indicators are compared in the case of Greece. The results indicate that inter-regional disparities are the main driver of total inequality, apart from the case of domestic tourism. The latter can be a more effective tool for BRD, which is not accomplished under the current tourism spatial pattern. The paper, lastly, provides recommendations at which level (national or regional) tourism policy becomes more essential to effectively reducing inequalities.

Evaluation and Regional Differences of Urban Green Development in Henan Province

As an extension of ecological concepts, urban green development has gradually become a new bridge for various countries or regions to achieve sustainable development. Based on the panel data of 17 cities in Henan Province, China from 2007 to 2022, this article uses the entropy method to measure the green development level of cities in Henan Province, and uses the Dagum Gini coefficient method to analyze the green development differences between cities. The results show that: first, urban green development in Henan Province is generally at a lower-middle level and tends to be balanced. Second, there are obvious regional gaps in urban green development in Henan Province. Third, inter-regional disparity is the main reason for the differential distribution of urban green development levels in Henan Province. In order to promote the improvement of urban green level and narrow the spatial development gap in Henan Province, this study puts forward corresponding policy suggestions from the aspects of green investment, green technology innovation, industrial structure upgrading and green life. This also provides reference for other less developed regions in China to achieve balanced urban green development.

Financial Development and Subnational Export Performance: Evidence from the Indian States

The present study investigates the relationship between export performance and the level of financial development for 30 Indian states and union territories (UTs) from 2011–12 to 2020–21. The study first ranks the states and UTs on the parameters of financial development and physical infrastructure using the robust principal component analysis method. By applying the instrumental variable fixed effects panel data technique, the study observes that the level of financial development has a significant positive impact on the export performance of the states. The study also finds a positive effect of the availability of physical infrastructure, quality of governance and fiscal position on states’ export performance but does not observe a significant role of political stability in this context. The results suggest that export growth in the economically laggard and Himalayan states can come through policy interventions to improve financial development. In contrast, landlocked states need better physical infrastructure to facilitate easier production and transportation of export goods. The study lends new perspectives to the nascent literature on inter-regional disparities in India’s export performance and is expected to provide insights into improving the sub-national export performance of other developing countries as well. JEL Codes: F14, F36, F4

Study on Spatial-Temporal Disparities and Factors Influencing Electricity Consumption Carbon Emissions in China

Investigating the factors influencing the spatial-temporal disparities in China’s electricity consumption carbon emissions (ECCEs) will be of great help to advancing the reduction in carbon emissions on the consumption side of electricity. Based on the measurement of the ECCEs in 30 Chinese provinces between 2005 and 2021, we utilized the natural breakpoint method and the Dagum Gini coefficient to analyze the spatial-temporal disparities in ECCEs at the provincial and regional levels, and then we used Geodetector to explore the factors influencing the spatial-temporal disparities in ECCEs. The results revealed the following: (1) There were obvious inter-provincial spatial disparities in ECCEs, with coastal provinces such as Jiangsu and Guangdong consistently ranking at the top of the country and inland provinces such as Qinghai and Yunnan having relatively low carbon emission values. (2) The overall disparities in China’s ECCEs fluctuated and rose, with inter-regional disparities being the primary source of the overall disparities. (3) Economic development, industrialization level, population density, and foreign direct investment all had strong explanations for the spatial-temporal disparities in China’s ECCEs. When all these influencing factors were spatially superimposed, their effects were enhanced.

Temporal and spatial heterogeneity of resource misallocation in Chinese banks and its influential factors

This study measures the degree of resource misallocation in Chinese banks and investigates its temporal and spatial variations. Our findings suggest that resource misallocation is prevalent in Chinese banks. The primary source of this misallocation is inter-regional disparities, but both regional imbalances and the misallocation of resources have decreased over time. Multiple factors contribute to the heterogeneity of resource misallocation within banks. While financial development, human capital, and ownership structures exacerbate the misallocation, fiscal decentralization, financial openness, industrial structure, and urbanization levels alleviate it. However, the intensity and direction of these effects differ across regions, leading to visible spatial disparities.

Unbalanced Industrialisation and Geographic Peculiarities: A Study of India?

The inter-regional disparity in economic indicators in India has increased by a considerable amount over the years. The current study is an attempt to highlight the inter-state industrialisation disparities in India. The study, based on the theoretic exposition of new economic geography, argues that the initial geographical (historical) advantage to the southern part of India has locked in industrial activities in that region (core), depriving the northern (periphery) regions of the similar benefits. Based on the Annual Survey of Industries data, the study validates that the southern regions are geographically advantageous in India and are better industrialised than the geographically disadvantaged northern regions. The study points towards the negligence of the union government in acknowledging and intervening into the industrialisation and developmental divides rampant in the latter regions. The study concludes by laying grounds open for the furtherance in the recognition of economic geography as one of the fundamental determinants of inter-regional inequalities across India, demanding immediate policy attention. JEL Codes: J61, O14

Evidence of Development Inequality in Papua

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to identify and analyze disparities in per capita income between regions/areas in the Papua Mountain Province, analyze and compile recommendations regarding efforts to overcome development disparities between regions/areas in the Papua Mountain Province. Method: The research utilizes a comparative analysis approach to examine the disparities in per capita income between regions/areas in the Papua Mountain Province. Data from the last ten years (2013–2022) are analyzed to assess economic growth gaps and inter-regional economic disparities between districts in the Central Papua Province Region. Result and Conclusion: The study reveals significant economic growth gaps between regions/areas within the Papua Mountain Province over the past decade. These disparities indicate the need for efforts to address and overcome development discrepancies among districts. To promote equitable development across regions, district/city governments in the Papua Mountain Province must focus on improving community welfare and regional competitiveness. Implication of the Research: The research underscores the importance of addressing development disparities between regions/areas in the Papua Mountain Province. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and local governments to develop targeted strategies and policies aimed at reducing economic disparities and promoting balanced regional development. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of development disparities within the Papua Mountain Province. By highlighting the economic growth gaps and inter-regional disparities, the research offers practical recommendations for fostering inclusive and sustainable development in the region.

Regional differences, source decomposition and formation mechanism of urban digital economy and energy market integration in China

The digital economy (DE) has profoundly transformed social production and life. With its characteristics of high efficiency, high productivity, and low emissions, it plays a significant role in the low-carbon transition of the energy market (EM). This study scientifically evaluates the integration level between urban digital economy and energy market (DEI) using panel data from 281 Chinese cities between 2011 and 2020. The Dagum Gini coefficient, variance decomposition, and QAP methods are employed to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and reveal the sources and formation mechanism of integration differences. The findings are as follows: ①The integration level between China's urban digital economy and energy market exhibits an apparent upward trend, but significant differences exist among the four major regions. ②Inter-regional disparities serve as the primary spatial source of the integration differences between China's urban digital economy and energy market. ③The difference in integration efficiency is the primary structural source of the integration differences, with the western and northeastern regions experiencing the greatest impact. ④The four structural-layer factors, namely integration efficiency, integration foundation, integration structure, and integration scale, contribute positively to integration differences, with the effect intensity decreasing in sequence. Accordingly, several policy implications derive. These include implementing targeted measures to address inter-regional disparities and promote balanced integration across different region, efforts to enhance integration efficiency in underperforming regions, and prioritizing investment in infrastructure to enhance the overall integration level. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the integrated development between China's urban DE and EM, offering guidance for countries seeking to optimize DE and EM.

Spatial disparities and internal subsystems'coupling coordination analysis of green development in Chinese animal husbandry.

This study establishes an indicator system encompassing economic, social, and environmental dimensions to assess the level of green development in animal husbandry from 2010 to 2020. It further examines the coupling coordination degree within each dimension. The Dagum Gini coefficient is employed to scrutinize the regional disparities in coupling coordination degree of the economic benefit, social benefit, and environmental benefit of the green development in Chinese animal husbandry. Additionally, Moran's I is utilized to identify the degree of spatial autocorrelation and aggregation types. The results demonstrate the following: (1) From 2010 to 2020, the level of green development in the animal husbandry in China has steadily improved. Among the three dimensions, economic benefits exhibit the highest performance, followed by environmental benefits and social benefits. There are obvious regional disparities in the green development of animal husbandry, which are "strong in north and weak in south" and "strong in west and weak in east." The Gini coefficient for green development in the animal husbandry in China experienced a fluctuating upward trend. (2) From 2010 to 2020, the overall coupling coordination degree of the economic benefit, social benefit, and environmental benefit of green development in the animal husbandry in China remains at a rudimentary level and demonstrates a steady upward trend. Spatially, it manifests an agglomeration pattern primarily centered around Beijing, with the northeastern region being the main focus. (3) The Gini coefficient for the coupling coordination degree experienced a slight fluctuating upward trend. In terms of inter-regional disparities, significant differences are observed between the northeastern region and the central region, as well as between the northeastern region and the eastern region. In terms of contribution to disparities, inter-regional contributions were the most substantial, followed by super-variable density, with intra-regional contributions being the smallest. (4) The coupling coordination degree displayed spatial autocorrelation, with "high-high" aggregation areas predominantly concentrated in the northeastern region.

The Sino-US trade friction would exacerbate global inequalities in achieving SDGs

Trade has given rise to global inequalities in sustainable development, while the occurrence of trade frictions between China and the US has led to changes in the global trade market landscape. Whether these changes will exacerbate disparities in sustainable development between regions remains uncertain. Quantifying the impact of changes in the trade market landscape is of significant importance in accelerating global progress towards sustainable development. Therefore, this article, based on the GTAP 10.0 database and using the GTAP model, calculates the extent to which changes in tax policies affect the global achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) by assessing the impact of alterations in trade patterns. The research findings are as follows: (1) The decoupling of China and the US has intensified these inequalities. Economically advanced regions have made significant progress in sustainable development compared to relatively underdeveloped regions, such as the US and Sub-Saharan Africa. (2) Regions closer to China and the US are more affected by changes in trade taxes, with economically advanced regions in close proximity to China and the US benefiting more than those farther away. (3) Environmental aspects of SDGs have shown the lowest growth rates, with marginal variations across different regions. (4) Global inequalities in achieving SDGs primarily stem from inter-regional disparities. Over time, inter-regional inequalities decrease while intra-regional inequalities increase, with underdeveloped regions experiencing higher levels of intra-regional inequality compared to developed regions. The growth in tax rates between China and the US contributes to a comprehensive increase in both inter-regional and intra-regional inequalities. Based on these conclusions, this study aims to provide a scientific basis for promoting global sustainable development and reducing regional disparities in the process.

Kvantifikácia medziregionálnych disparít v EÚ pomocou metód beta a sigma konvergencie

This paper is focused on the examination of the development of interregional disparities in all EU member states and their regions. The aim is to confirm or refute the formulated hypothesis about the divergence of individual EU member states and their NUTS 2 and NUTS 3 level regions. The motivation for this research is the relatively extensive redistribution of financial resources of the EU 27 countries in an effort to reduce excessive and unjustified interregional differences from the aspect of the key macroeconomic aggregate – GDP. In the research we have applied the neoclassical concept of β-convergence and σ-convergence that allows identification of the convergence/divergence tendency over a long-term horizon of more than 20 years. Since the GDP is a key macroeconomic aggregate that indicates the allocation of resources to individual member states and their regions, we have conducted a long-term quantitative comparative analysis, which will allow us to fulfill the set objective and confirm or refute the formulated hypothesis. As the NUTS 2 and NUTS 3 regions are the object of interest of ESIF (European Structural and Investment Funds), it is not sufficient to carry out any analysis or comparison only at a country level, but also at a lower, regional level. Statistical data from EUROSTAT allowed us to do this for a period of 21 years, which we consider long enough to draw conclusions. The results of the beta and sigma analysis of interregional differences showed a clear, long-term, continuous divergence at all three examined levels – the level of the country, as well as at the level of NUTS 2 and NUTS 3 regions.

Relationship Between Inter-regional Disparities in Educational Resources and Economic Development

The connection between interregional differences in educational resources and economic development has drawn the attention of educational researchers This paper carries out correlation analysis and linear regression analysis on the relationship between educational resource input and economic growth in 31 provinces of China. Taking human, material and financial resources as independent variables, and GDP, talent resources and tax revenue as dependent variables, it is concluded that the level of teachers has a significant positive correlation with the input of educational resources and talent resources and GDP. As a result, this paper puts forward the suggestions to improve the level of teachers, cultivate excellent teachers and expand the financial expenditure on education and optimize the input of education funding structure. The purpose of this paper is to examine how educational resources affect economic development and to make policy recommendations. The adequacy of educational resources may have an impact on a country's human capital, economic growth, technological innovation, employment levels, and the equitable and stable development of a society, which in turn affects the development of the economy, and has important implications for both social equity and sustainable economic development. By examining the impact of educational resources on economic development, this paper serves as a reminder of the importance of educational resources and provides policy recommendations for improving the quality of education and promoting sustainable economic development, thereby contributing to the development of education, economic growth and social progress in our country globally.

Sustainable regional development and peripherality and innovation in the conditions of globalization

Purpose: The main aim of the article is to characterize and analyze the issue of sustainable development in the regional dimension, with particular emphasis on peripherality and innovation as a context of modernization changes in the conditions of globalization. Design/methodology/approach: The article uses a method of analysis of literature in the field of regional studies, referring to the problems of regional development in the perspective of conditions and changes in the macroscale. The thematic scope of the article includes an analysis of the theoretical foundations of regional development, the issue of regional disparities and developmental distances, the characteristics of peripherality and innovation as phenomena determining opportunities and barriers to development in the conditions of the globalization process. Social implications: The impact of the characteristics and analysis contained in the article can mark itself in terms of the goals and directions of regional policies formulated and implemented by public authorities at different levels. It can contribute to increasing the awareness and scope of knowledge of the regional community, especially its decision-making circles, with regard to the main goals and directions of development at the regional level, taking into account the role of innovation in overcoming the state of peripherality and marginalization under the prevailing global development trends. Originality/value: The value of the article is based on a focused analysis of the issue of sustainable regional development and showing its determinants in a new perspective, determined by the phenomena of peripherality and innovation as a context of changes on a global scale. The characteristics and analyses of the issue in question contained in the article are part of the trend of regional studies oriented towards the search for ways to overcome inter-regional disparities and disparities in order to achieve regional balance and convergence. Keywords: sustainable regional development, peripherality, innovation, globalization. Category of the paper: General review