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ItemImplementing circular economy in a regional context: A systematic literature review and a research agenda(Journal of Cleaner Production, 2022-07-11)Regions are the most important administrative units of the EU’s development policies and so far, have been extensively used for framing and implementing strategic priorities. However, when it comes to regional implementation of the circular economy (CE), there is lack of systematicity both in academic literature and policy documents. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to improve the understanding of the regional adoption of CE, by systematically reviewing and synthesises the current academic literature in this emerging field, unveiling research gaps and discussing a future research agenda. The review was conducted by identifying relevant academic papers from leading journals using the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Overall, 82 relevant papers were identified through the review, which proceeded to descriptive, bibliometric and content analysis. This study has found that generally, the adoption of the circular economy on the regional level is underexplored, which was supported by the dearth of relevant academic contributions detected at the beginning of the process. To the best of the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to provide a holistic systematic literature review in the regional circular economy domain. Hence, the present study is considered as a crucial initial contribution in the direction of establishing robust conceptual frameworks which involve the constructs of regional circular economy and laying the groundwork for future studies in this field.
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ItemThe EU green deal: Spreading or concentrating prosperity?(Resources, Conservation & Recycling, 2021-04-21)Perspective paper - no abstract
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ItemImplementing Regional Circular Economy Policies: A Proposed Living Constellation of Stakeholders(Sustainablity MDPI, 2021-04-27)The transition towards the circular economy (CE) entails transformative and system‐wide changes, implying involvement, alignment, and cooperation between all stakeholders at all levels. However, debate continues around how best to achieve this. Additionally, little attention has been paid to developing models for identifying and mobilising all relevant stakeholders to implement CE policies at the regional level. This study sought to remedy these issues by analysing the relevant academic literature and policy documents and making the first attempt to adjust existing models— not only for the purpose of stakeholder mapping, but also for the proposition of a living constella‐ tion of stakeholders who should be considered when designing the transition towards a CE in a regional scenario. The CE‐centric quintuple‐helix model developed and proposed here promotes the emergence and deployment of trilateral networks, hybrid organisations, and development/co‐ operation platforms. This model adopts a balanced, participatory approach that requires a new con‐ stellation of stakeholders. Its foundations are built on the traditional industry–government–aca‐ demia nexus and enlarged by the inclusion of the civil society sphere and the environmental sub‐ system. The environment is represented as the nucleus of the model, inspiring and triggering ac‐ tions by the remaining four subsystems. The model is then implemented into two European regions with CE initiatives (Spain and Greece) to demonstrate its practical application.
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ItemGreece and EU structural funds: what do the choices made by Greece regarding the allocation of structural funds over the past three decades imply for the developmental model of the country?(Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V., Sankt Augustin/Berlin, 2015)Greece has been a net recipient of EU structural funds for the past 28 years, starting with the Integrated Mediterranean Programmes (1986–1989) and progressing through four programming periods (1st Community Support Framework – CSF 1989–1993, 2nd CSF 1994–1999, 3rd CSF 2000–2006, 1st National Strategic Reference Framework –NSRF 2007–2013). The country is now engaged in intensive preparations for the design and implementation of its strategy for the 6th consecutive programme: the 2nd NSRF 2014–2020. This paper examines the macro-level choices made by consecutive Greek governments throughout this period, focusing on investment in three major areas: public infrastructure (with special reference to transportation infrastructure); education and human resources; research and innovation and support for private investment in the secondary and tertiary sectors. It attempts to map the investment priorities in these three areas, analysing their implications for the country’s development pattern and providing insights and explanations for the choices made (or the design rationale). Finally, the paper attempts to offer an initial opinion on planning for the new programming period (2014-2020) and the potential contribution towards Greece’s attainment of the EUROPE 2020 goals.
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ItemReflections on a study visit to Silicon Valley: What lessons can a South East European Region learn from the San Francisco Bay Area Innovation System?(International Conference for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Regional Development, 2013)Based on a study tour to San Francisco organized by the INNOPOLIS, INTERREG IVC project, an attempt is made to identify the main elements of the Bay Area’s innovation system and draw up lessons for regions in the EU and especially the South-Eastern part of the EU. The paper examines the role of the higher education system, the role of culture and the role of the public sector in relation to creation and promotion of innovative entrepreneurship in the area and proceeds to compare them to the region of Central Macedonia in Greece. An attempt is also made to define the main characteristics that make the “Silicon Valley ecosystem” unique and provide useful insights for stakeholders and policy makers in regions with less well developed innovation ecosystems. The question whether the Silicon Valley ecosystem can be duplicated is answered in a negative way, but it is argued that nevertheless valuable conclusions and recommendations valid to any innovation ecosystem may be drawn.