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Evaluating Experts’ Perceptions on Regional Competitiveness Based on the Ten Key Factors of Assessment

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  • Amalia Kouskoura

    (Management of Technology Research Lab (MaterLab), University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece)

  • Eleni Kalliontzi

    (Management of Technology Research Lab (MaterLab), University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece)

  • Dimitris Skalkos

    (Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece)

  • Ioannis Bakouros

    (Management of Technology Research Lab (MaterLab), University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece)

Abstract

In the contemporary landscape, the foundation of competitive advantage lies in sustainability, particularly within the context of regional competitiveness. This topic explores the impact of sustainability on regional competitiveness. In this study, we assessed experts’ opinions on the impact of the main ten key factors of evaluation on regional competitiveness, namely the economy, labor market, poverty and social inclusion, health, education, environmental and energy considerations, transport infrastructure, science and technology, high-tech industries, and innovation. The study aims to understand how these factors influence regional competitiveness. A sample of 93 experts participated in a questionnaire survey through the Google platform from October to December 2023. This methodology was chosen to gather diverse expert opinions efficiently. The collected data were analyzed with statistical tools, combining cross and chi-square tests. Statistical analysis methods such as cross and chi-square tests were employed to analyze the collected data. Our findings indicate that experts recognize the economy (up to a positive level of 69.1%), the labor market (up to 64.7%), and the health infrastructure (up to 52.9%) as the main impact factors on regional competitiveness. Collective efforts and improvements in these factors are essential to alleviate poverty and social exclusion (up to 50.8%). Investments in education (up to 41.9%) and technological science and the digital society (up to 39.2%) are considered key after the main factors to promoting prosperity and competitiveness. Following them, there is a growing call for creating a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future, reflected in the focus on environmental and energy issues (up to 36.7%) and toward transport developments (up to 35.7%). At the bottom of the list are high-tech industry (up to 32.5%) and the innovation factor (up to 28.2%). These factor groups are highlighted as critical aspects for promoting prosperity and addressing social challenges in the region. The findings underscore the multifactorial nature of regional competitiveness, emphasizing both the important and less critical factors. It becomes apparent that the interpretation of regional competitiveness requires a comprehensive analysis of multiple factors, each contributing differently to overall competitiveness. Further examination and analysis are necessary to fully understand these dynamics.

Suggested Citation

  • Amalia Kouskoura & Eleni Kalliontzi & Dimitris Skalkos & Ioannis Bakouros, 2024. "Evaluating Experts’ Perceptions on Regional Competitiveness Based on the Ten Key Factors of Assessment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:14:p:5944-:d:1433705
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