Celeste Amorim Varum

Scientific productivity paradox: The case of China's S&T system

SummaryIn 1985 China began the reform of its Science & Technology (S&T) sector inherited from the planned economy. To disclose the impact of the drawn-out reform on the efficiency of the whole sector, we measure the scientific productivity of Chinas S&T institutes. The analysis is based on R&D input and output data at the country aggregate and provincial level. We utilize Polynomial Distributed Lag model to uncover the structure of the lag between R&D input and output. The findings reveal that the growth rate of scientific productivity of Chinas S&T institutes has been negative since the 1990s.

Scenarios and possible futures for hospitality and tourism

Purpose – This paper seeks to discuss the process and results of a scenario exercise applied to the Portuguese tourism and hospitality industries with a 2020 horizon.Design/methodology/approach – Through an intuitive‐logical process adapted to the specific purposes of the research, four alternative scenarios of the evolution of the industry were developed. The exercise involved three workshops, with the participation of a group of experts, academics, representatives from industry and local government.Findings – Based on the nature and dynamics of the key forces and trends, the four scenarios identified are: southern experience; global emotions; “sin surprise”; and non‐charming Portugal. In all scenarios there is increased global competition amongst tourist destinations. A desire for authenticity opens the opportunity for Portugal as a tourist destination but it also poses challenges for managers and policy makers. These scenarios are of practical use for managers, policy makers and other practitioners as ...

R & D, structural change and productivity: the role of high and medium-high technology industries

Este artigo investiga o potencial impacto do aumento deI & D e de mudancas estruturais na produtividade do trabalho em Portugal. Com base na literatura sobre a relacao entre despesas emI & D, mudanca estrutural e produtividade, avaliamos a contribuicao daI & D e das industrias de alta tecnologia neste cenario durante os ultimos 30 anos. Os resultados obtidos confirmam a importância dos investimentos emI & D das empresas de industrias de alta e media-alta tecnologia eI & D publico no crescimento da produtividade. Nao obstante, nao podemos afirmar que este fenomeno tenha como esteio principal o crescente relevo destas industrias.

Determinants of the Internationalization of Regions: The Role and Effectiveness of Public Policy Measures

Bannò M., Piscitello L. and Varum C. Determinants of the internationalization of regions: the role and effectiveness of public policy measures, Regional Studies. This paper assesses the role of public policy measures on outward internationalization of regions. By including financial and non-financial incentives among the determinants of the international competitiveness of regions, it is found that the former are important to enhance their active internationalization, but that variables related to the knowledge and competence base of regions are even more so. Financial incentives related to equity participation as well as non-financial incentives related to the provision of information come out highly significant in stimulating outward internationalization. The empirical analysis is conducted for the twenty Italian NUTS-2 regions over the period 2003–2008.

Public policy for innovation and internationalization: are they worth it?

This study contributes to the debate about the role of industrial policies for innovation and internationalization on local economic performance. A panel data analysis on Italian regions examines the interrelationships between public grants, level of innovation and internationalization and economic performance. The main findings are that (1) the impact of pro-innovation policies on economic performance is higher in internationalized regions and (2) the level of local R&D expenditures does not contribute to the effectiveness of subsidies for internationalization.

International tourism and exports of agro-food products: a causality analysis

Abstract This study analyses the relationship between inbound tourism and exports of agro-food products with respect to Portugal and its major tourism and trade markets by recurring cointegration and causality tests. The results confirm that there is a relationship between the variables in supporting the argument that international tourism may contribute to overcoming informal barriers to trade and promoting exports of agro-food. They also confirm that internationally sold products may act as a tourism marketing tool, stimulating curiosity in foreigners about such products’ country of origin. The results reveal that the dynamics differ according to the partner that is analysed. This paper ends with theoretical and empirical implications and a discussion of the potential factors that may contribute to these differences.

Under What Conditions Do Structural Funds Play a Significant Role in European Regional Economic Growth? Some Evidence from Recent Panel Data

Abstract: Strengthening economic, social, and territorial cohesion is a central objective of the European Union. However, disparities between European regions are considerable, and there are doubts as to whether they are likely to be attenuated. In recent years, there has been a growing body of literature that examines the effectiveness of the European Union’s funds for promoting growth and reducing asymmetries among members. We contribute to this literature by examining the conditions under which the European Union’s financial aid may be affecting regional growth. We explore the interactions between transfers and income and other regional characteristics, such as human capital or innovation. We apply this study to a panel of 137 European regions, covering the period from 1995 to 2009. Our conclusions suggest a positive and significant marginal impact of funds only in regions with low levels of human capital and innovation.

Determinants of leisure expenditure: Do low income families behave any differently from others?

Abstract Tourism is not accessible to all individuals and households. Low income specifically constrains participation in tourism and affects households’ level of Leisure and Tourism Expenditure (LTE). This study uses micro-data available regarding 9489 Portuguese households, deepening the understanding of the Portuguese reality concerning the households’ LTE, its determinants, and how these differ according to the households’ income level. Studies analysing leisure and tourism in low income families are scarce. Low income families have significantly lower LTE and important differences in the determinants of LTE arise between the groups of families. This deeper knowledge about the households’ LTE can form the basis for actions aiming to reduce constraints and encourage leisure and tourism, maximizing the benefits low income families can obtain from that participation.

Exports and Tourism: Testing the Causality

ABSTRACT This article analyzes the interaction between exports of local processed agro-food products and inbound tourism. On the one hand, international tourism promotes the knowledge about local agro-food products and direct contact with them. On the other hand, the exports of these products, which are linked to the attractiveness and authenticity of the destination, may induce international tourism arrivals. The empirical research is conducted with respect to Portugal and some of the local agro-food products for which it is internationally known. Data for the period between 2000 and 2012 are analyzed using Johansen’s maximum likelihood method and the Granger causality test. The results of the Granger short-run causality test reveal that a relationship exists but the significance and direction of causality differs between the products.

The promotion of local agro-food products through tourism: a segmentation analysis

In order to analyse the role of inbound tourism in the promotion of future exports of agro-food products, this paper presents a segmentation study of the international tourism market of Portugal, based on visitors’ intentions to consume, and likelihood to recommend to friends and relatives, specific local products when they return to their home country. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted on a sample of inbound visitors and the responses were subjected to a hierarchical cluster analysis. From this analysis, three clusters were established and several statistical differences among them were identified concerning behavioural intentions regarding local food products, socio-demographic profile, consumption and purchase behaviour during and after the trip. The findings obtained have both theoretical and practical implications. On the one hand, this study analyses the importance of inbound tourism in the promotion of Portuguese exports of local food, an issue not previously explored. Additionally, this study applies as its basis of segmentation, variables that have so far been neglected in the literature: the visitors’ intentions to consume and to recommend to friends and relatives. On the other hand, the findings provide relevant inputs for the development of better marketing strategies to promote the local products to various target groups.