Drivers of convergence: the role of first- and second-nature geography

Arvanitopoulos, Theodoros, Monastiriotis, Vassilis and Panagiotidis, Theodoros (2021) Drivers of convergence: the role of first- and second-nature geography. Urban Studies, 58 (14). pp. 2880-2900. ISSN 0042-0980

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Abstract

The analysis of regional convergence often stays at the level of documentation, with limited attention placed on the drivers of convergence/divergence dynamics. This paper offers a systematic analysis of this, examining the role of first-nature (location, proximity, physical geography) and second-nature geography (economic structure, agglomeration, economic potential) in accounting for regional synchronicity in growth trajectories (stochastic convergence). Utilising historical data for Greece at the prefectural level and up-to-date time-series econometric techniques, we test for the presence of stochastic convergence in the country over the last three decades prior to the crisis; identify the pairs of regions which exhibit co-movement in their growth dynamics; and examine the covariates of this. Our results unveil a picture of limited-only and clusterlike convergence, driven predominantly by factors related to accessibility, sectoral specialisations, labour market dynamism, market potential and selected locational characteristics. This supports two propositions: (a) convergence is an endogenous process, related to shared and incongruent characteristics of regions; and, by implication, (b) regional disparities are structural (in the sense that they are linked to economic and spatial structure) and thus require targeted policies in order to be addressed.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://journals.sagepub.com/home/usj
Additional Information:	© 2021 Urban Studies Journal Limited
Divisions:	European Institute
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology J Political Science > JS Local government Municipal government
Date Deposited:	13 Nov 2020 12:48
Last Modified:	02 Nov 2021 00:11
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/107438

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