Yannis Psycharis

Regional allocation of public infrastructure investment: The case of Greece

Lambrinidis M., Psycharis Y. and Rovolis A. (2005) Regional allocation of public infrastructure investment: the case of Greece, Regional Studies 39 , 1231–1244. This paper develops a model on the determinants of the regional allocation of public infrastructure investment and applies it to Greece for 1982–94 using panel methods of estimation. The principal conclusions are that regional allocations of infrastructure investment (1) were negatively associated with regional product per capita as well as with population size and population density, (2) were positively associated with the existing stock of infrastructure capital as well as with the share of agriculture in regional Gross Domestic Product, and (3) were increased across prefectures in years preceding national elections. These results are related to national and European regional policy.

Economic aspects of urban green space: a survey of perceptions and attitudes

Urban green space constitutes a crucial element of all cities. It affects the overall physical and built environment of the city, making cities attractive places not only to their own citizens, but also to external visitors and investment. In this respect, urban green space may have a role to play for economic development in terms of improving the quality of urban life, building a desirable city image and advancing the position of the city in respect to its competitiveness. This article draws on a questionnaire survey conducted in 11 European cities in order to explore positions and perceptions with regard to urban green space. Emphasis is given to issues related to the economic aspects of urban green, including an evaluation of the demand for urban green and its importance for economic development. The survey explores attitudes towards alternative uses of urban green space and addresses the – critical for land use policy – issue of financing its provision, maintenance and expansion.

Public Spending Patterns

The spatial dispersion of public investment constitutes one of the principal elements and also one of the key issues concerning the countrys strategic regional development. It is evident that public investment expenditure represents in part the ‘social wage’ citizens receive, while at the same time it generates external economies for the productive sectors of the economy.