Another look at regional convergence in Greece

TSIONAS E. G. (2002) Another look at regional convergence in Greece, Reg. Studies 36, 603-609. The present paper examines regional convergence in Greece using beta- and sigma-convergence concepts as well as Markov chain analysis for a NUTS-3 classification. The beta- concept indicates convergence at the rate 2% (1971-81) and 4% (1982-93). Markov chain analysis, however, provides strong evidence in favour of club formation, duality and polarization for Greek regions for the 1971-93 period. It also indicates the presence of structural change in the regional distribution of income. However, structural change was not strong enough to stop the polarization process.