Regional Development

Course Description

Objectives

This course aims to introduce students to the core concepts, theories, and policies related to regional development and regional inequalities. It explores how these issues intersect with socio-economic and geographical dynamics at national, European, and global levels. Emphasis is placed on linking theory with policy practice and on assessing the effectiveness of interventions in various regional contexts.

Special emphasis is placed on linking theory with policy practice and evaluating the effectiveness of regional interventions.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand key theories and models of regional development and inequalities, and their relevance for policy design and implementation
• Identify and analyze the main factors influencing regional inequalities over time and across spatial scales
• Use statistical indicators and datasets to interpret patterns of regional disparities in Greece and the European Union
• Comprehend the functioning of regional policy instruments at both theoretical and empirical levels
• Evaluate the effectiveness of regional policies under conditions of socio-economic transformation, considering local and national specificities
• Appreciate the role of local, regional, and national authorities in shaping development and cohesion policies
• Develop critical thinking regarding contemporary strategies and dilemmas in regional policy, and propose improvements or interventions to reduce inequalities

 Content

The course contains the following topics: 

• The notion of regional development
• Theories of regional development
• Regional inequalities in Greece and the European Union
• The determinants of the regional problem
• Necessity, objectives, dilemmas, and framework of regional policy implementation
• Means for the implementation of regional policy
• Greek regional policy 

EU regional policy 

 Teaching & Assessment

The course includes lectures, case study analysis, and policy document review. Student assessment is based on:

1. Final written examination (60%), which includes:

Short-answer questions

Essay-type questions

Multiple-choice questions

2. Written assignment with oral examination (40%)

Assessment criteria are communicated at the beginning of the semester.