Nikolaos Apostolopoulos

Regional parameters and solar energy enterprises

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between regional factors and investment attractiveness of solar energy production. The aim is to create a rank order of the Greek regions based on their investment attractiveness. Design/methodology/approach – In this research, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was applied in its group choice approach combined with a purposive sampling of experts from the business, governmental and research fields. Findings – A rank order of the regions was developed related to their investment attractiveness based on the experts’ sampling and the specific criteria that were set. Analyzing the criteria, it was found that general macroeconomic performances of the regions are of low priority, while the ones related to the entrepreneurial development such as solar irradiation and land availability are of high priority. Practical implications – This work is practically applicable, as it conduces to the management of companies operating in the solar ener...

SMEs and Green Growth: The Effectiveness of Support Mechanisms and Initiatives Matters

The aim of this chapter is to examine the way in which small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adapt their financial and operational planning in order to develop green entrepreneurship. This is examined through two different practices which may be followed by companies: policies and strategies that lead enterprises to energy upgrade and policies and strategies relating to environmental protection. This chapter draws upon the dataset from 100 Greek SMEs. The process of data collection was conducted by delivering questionnaires to the sample of companies in question. The novelty of this research, in comparison with other surveys, is that the level of adopting green strategies is approached not only in the fields of energy or environmental efficiencies but also attempts to introduce techno-economic parameters with related items in the questionnaires delivered to the SMEs. Hence, a more thorough analysis for the greenness of Greek SMEs is discussed based on 10 (i.e. techno-economic) research hypotheses. The results indicate that the SMEs should be supported more effectively by the Greek government and European Union through funding initiatives. The funding initiatives do not have the expected results so far towards this direction. However, it seems that the SMEs realize the importance of green strategies as they believe the consumers are willing to pay more for green products.

Governance implications of the UN higher education sustainability initiative

This paper aims to review the progress of a sample of (n = 307) signatories in the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative which commits higher education institutions (HEIs) to make smart commitments to achieve one or more of the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs).,A preliminary survey of n = 307 HEIs via online questionnaire and database search was conducted.,Findings reveal a difference between HEI governance, that is “instrumental”, and governance, that is “holistic”, in relation to sustainability.,Implications identified for achieving SDGs in general and for academic–business partnerships, in particular.,Practical implications for enterprise (developing a tool to measure sustainability mindset) and for enterprise education (sharing of best practices from other HEIs).,Improved understanding of the sustainability mindset will inform decisions about approaches to governing and operationalising sustainability in organisations.,The survey is not original but the emphasis on sustainability mindset (compassion, empathy and connectedness to SDGs) is.

A new Europe 2020 strategy adopting an enhanced regional aproach

The European transition to a sustainable economy requires a radical change in the way that European Union targets are set. In particular, targets concerning the environment, energy and entrepreneurship (whose relationship is inseparable) should not only be determined at national level, but at regional level too. After all, the environment and energy are the resources that create sustainable economic activity. In this Policy & Planning Brief, we argue that regional governments should acquire more responsibilities and obligations to achieve and operationalize the aims of Europe 2020 (Commission of European Communities, 2008a). Consequently, the effectiveness of regional governments should come to the fore as an optimal level for delivering sustainable development. In addition, competition among regions regarding sustainability could be the key for driving green economic growth. As the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (2012) highlights, central government alone cannot ensure a green transition; instead, regions and cities can act as key nodes providing political solutions for green growth and innovation. There are six key reasons for shifting the focus from national to regional level within Europe 2020.

Taxes as Barriers to Sustainable Economic Prosperity: The Case of Greece

This chapter aims to explore sustainable economic prosperity in Greece’s taxation system by answering how the increase in taxation affected people’s ability and willingness to pay taxes and if taxes act counter-cyclically or pro-cyclically. As the sustainable economic prosperity is a major priority of the European Union, taxes should influence positively production and growth as well as income distribution. To this extent, this chapter analyzes implicit tax rates (ITR) on labor and consumption. It also advances the analysis through the effective tax rate (ETR) on corporate investment in the European Union and Greece by focusing on effective marginal tax rate (EMTR) and effective average tax rate (EATR). Our multidimensional analysis reveals, among others, that the statutory corporate income tax rate of Greece is higher than the EU averages, while effective tax rates on capital investments appear to be high and dispersed. Consequently, Greece should reform its taxation system by lowering tax rates.