Special Topics in Spatial Economic Analysis

Course Description

Objectives

This course provides advanced knowledge of key issues related to regional development, such as the determinants of regional growth, convergence and divergence patterns, regional poverty, and regional policy design.

To deepen students' understanding of theoretical concepts, particular emphasis is placed on the analysis of real-world challenges at both inter- and intra-regional levels using spatial statistics and spatial econometrics.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

– Understand the main concepts and theories related to regional growth, development, and convergence.

– Analyze regional policy issues and propose strategies to reduce regional inequalities.

– Investigate spatial economic relationships using appropriate methods in spatial statistics and econometrics.

Content

– The role of space in economic analysis

– Theories of regional growth and development (typology, determinants, convergence/divergence)

– Geography and economic growth

– Regional inequalities in Greece and the European Union

– Spatial dimensions of poverty

– Regional/spatial analysis indicators (simple and composite)

– Spatial statistics and spatial econometrics

– Regional policy analysis

Teaching & Assessment

The course combines lectures, lab-based exercises, case study presentations, and class discussions. Student performance is assessed through a final written examination. An optional assignment may contribute up to 50% of the final grade.