East Macedonia and Thrace in Greece
The regions we are focusing on are Central Macedonia (CM) and East Macedonia-Thrace (EMTH) at NUTS 2 level, which are in fact engulfed within the triangle Sofia-Thessaloniki-Istanbul. These two regions are named by the common name "Voreia Ellada". The region of Central Macedonia (CM) dominates the regional economic outlook in all respects mostly due to the metropolitan area of Thessaloniki, which is playing a key role in the regional economics. On the other hand the region of East Macedonia-Thrace (EMTH) is far less developed despite significant progress that has taken place over the last decade, particularly in Thrace. The rest of Central Macedonia (excl. Thessaloniki), as we will see, is in most respects quite similar to East Macedonia-Thrace regarding the level of development. Regarding general infrastructure, the region of Voreia Ellada which is a good approximation of the average between CM and EMTH is generally less equipped with respect to national averages, especially to Attiki, where most of the population and economic activity is taken place.
The region of Central Macedonia covers 19,146 square km or 14,5% of the country with approximately 17,5% of national population and GDP. It is one of the few regions of the country where there is a natural increase of the population, which has risen by over 10% over the period 1991-2001. This high level of increase is partly due to the inflow of foreign workers as well as internal migration. The urban concentration is 76% around nine major urban centers, with Thessaloniki having the dominating role. The rate of participation in the labour force is 39,5% and the employment rate at 43,1% is well below the national average. The GDP per capita is above the national average and places the region sixth in order (out of 13 NUTS 2 regions) in terms of national ranking. The major vehicle of economic development funding comes from the 3rd and now 4th Community Framework Support (CFS) channeled through the Regional Operational Plan (ROP) for CM, which amounts to 1250 million Euro. According to latest information, from the GSRT, the region has been detracted from its characterization as origin 1 together with Attica and Western Macedonia and is now characterized as a region of statistical convergence.
The region of East Macedonia and Thrace produces 4,2% of the country's GDP and accounts for 5,5% of the population, which has increased by 7,1% between 1991-2001. It produces 10% of national primary sector production, 4% of the secondary and 3,5% of the tertiary and regional investment absorbs 6% of the national total. In terms of GDP per capita it holds the twelve positions out of the 13 regions. The region has five major urban centers. Over the last decade total investment has reached €1,5 billion with €1,1 billion constituting public spending. The major vehicle of economic development funding comes from the 3rd and now 4th Community Framework Support (CFS) channeled through the Regional Operational Plan (ROP) for CM, which amounts to €1116 million.
Regarding RTD most of the strengths and opportunities seem to lie in the increasing awareness for the need to open up the system in terms of global and regional networking and create synergies between public and private RTD. The weaknesses and threats lie in the slow domestic response in reforming the education system and commercializing the innovation process as well as factors relating to innovation culture and the structure of the economy.
Links
- South-East European Research Centre
- General Secretariat for Research and Technology
- Incubation for Growth-i4G
- THERMI Business Incubator
- Thessaloniki Technology Park
- CERTH - The Centre for Research & Technology, Hellas
- Technopolis - Thessaloniki High Technology Business Park
- URENIO Research Unit
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
- University of Macedonia
- Democritus University of Thrace
- Περιφέρεια Κεντρικής Μακεδονίας - Κεντρική Σελίδα - (Only in Greek)
- Περιφέρεια Ανατολικής Μακεδονίας - Θράκης - (Only in Greek)