Subject of the Laboratory

The Laboratory of Applied Economics and Sustainable Development specialises in academic and applied interdisciplinary research related to applied economics and sustainable development at local, national, European and international level.

The aim of the laboratory is to study the overall parameters for the efficient management of economic, social and environmental resources at the local, national and international level in order to promote the study and understanding of the principles of Sustainable Development.

In particular, it seeks to:

• the study of the basic factors that determine the development of a destination, such as long-term stability, improving the competitiveness of the economy, increasing productivity, boosting employment, reducing unemployment, empowering creative forces, utilising productive resources, rational use of land and natural resources, exploiting cultural resources, empowering vulnerable social groups, providing and ensuring the basic rights of education, health and quality of life.
• the analysis of the primary, secondary and tertiary production sectors. At the same time, in the context of the modern agricultural economy and the sustainable agri-food supply chain, the collaborative actions between the above sectors are analysed in order to promote the uniqueness and in general the high quality of local products, such as PDO and PGI, as well as the efficient – with sustainable practices – flow of agricultural products “from the field to the shelf”.
• the study of the exploration of consumer needs and behaviour and consequently, in the context of the strong customer-oriented approach of businesses, the ways in which businesses plan and carry out important daily operations, such as Customer Service, Marketing, Order Management, Procurement/Purchasing, etc. The starting point in the design of these processes is the consumer, who is increasingly becoming conscious of socio-environmental issues. Consequently, the business value chain must provide quality products and services in the context of adopting practices and policies aligned with the requirements of sustainable development.
• training in various sectors where business activity is developing, such as education, health, environment, tourism and culture. If students are able to understand the ways in which businesses manage their finances, plan and support their day-to-day operations, such as customer service and logistics in the context of sustainable development, then they can contribute to the value chain of businesses and organisations, while at the same time contributing to the development of various formats, such as green entrepreneurship.

At Harokopio University there are no corresponding laboratories that deal with these objects. Similarly in other Greek universities there are no laboratories that combine applied economics with development.

Necessity – Feasibility of the Laboratory

Feasibility:

The main role of the Laboratory’s mission is to conduct research, design development policies, prepare economic and technical reports, provide advisory support to institutions and organisations, support the educational process and research activity. In particular:

• Participation in national, European and other educational and research funded projects for the purposes of the laboratory.
• Cooperation with homologous research laboratories, research centres and academic institutions in Greece and abroad, as long as the scientific objectives coincide, match and complement those of the laboratory
• Organisation of scientific lectures, workshops, seminars, symposia, conferences and other scientific events, publications and editions and invitation of Greek and foreign distinguished scientists.
• Establishment and management of the necessary equipment and facilities for the above purposes.
• Providing services to individuals and organisations of all legal forms.

The research tools used by the Laboratory include socio-economic and econometric analysis, environmental (energy and pollution), socio-economic and technical evaluation, policy and institutional analysis, integrated development of decision-making tools, etc.

Necessity:

It is now clear to the academic community that the linear model of the economy that has prevailed until recently is no longer sustainable. The circular economy comes as a response to the aspiration for sustainable growth. The circular economy model, however, being a relatively new approach, requires in-depth research and study into new ways of conceiving and designing, processes, policies, production and consumption models of all the actors in economic life, thus making it necessary to have a research laboratory

International Trend

In September 2015, governments around the world signed a historic agreement. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development pledges to promote growth in a balanced way – economically, socially and environmentally – worldwide. The Agenda builds on previous commitments and contains 17 goals such as promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth, ensuring sustainable consumption patterns, ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern forms of energy for all, developing socially and culturally sustainable cities, combating climate change and its impacts, etc.

Research activities are being developed internationally on the relation between applied economics and sustainable development, and many universities in various countries have set up laboratories to research and study these issues.

Sustainability and Development Perspectives

The Laboratory will take specific actions following the planning of growth and sustainability perspectives. Indicatively:

• Creation of a website.
• Preparation of research proposals.
• Participation in innovation competitions related to the fields of economics and sustainable development
• Creation of scientific manuals (printed and electronic versions of books, brochures, journals) related to the subjects of economics and sustainable development.
• Development of a network of partnerships with local, national and international bodies
• Inviting distinguished researchers in the field to collaborate

For the implementation of the above, the Laboratory will use part of the existing infrastructure of the Department, but at the same time it will be able to acquire new technological equipment that will assist its research and educational work. The students and researchers of the Laboratory will have access to advanced equipment and specialised software in order to assist and complete their work.

The Laboratory will be located in the premises of Harokopio University, in compliance to the legal procedures, while the costs of the Laboratory’s operation will be for the support of related courses, laboratory activities, undergraduate theses, doctoral dissertations, departmental service and research activities. In particular, in terms of research activities, the Laboratory will participate in research projects, and will seek involvement in new National and European Programmes, from which it is expected to cover part of its costs in order to be fully self-sustaining. It will also provide assessments and certification of sustainable practices in businesses and destinations, and will seek to undertake all kinds of studies related to the laboratory’s objects.

In particular, the income of the laboratory will come from:

• The execution of Research Programmes conducted for the laboratory’s own account or for the account of third parties.
• The supply of research and scientific services and products in general.
• The delivery of services, in accordance with the provisions of P.D. 159/1984, (A΄53).
• The funding that the HarokopeioUniversity may allocate from its own resources, in accordance with the applicable provisions.
• Special contributions and funding from International Organisations, public or private enterprises and legal or physical persons.
• Bequests, donations and legacies left to the Harokopeio University for its purposes.
• Conferences and Educational Seminars and Certifications.
• Educational or research or training activities in which the Laboratory participates and which provide for compensation for the activities of the Laboratory.
• Income from crowdfunding of scientific Research, as well as scientific Products and Services in general, in accordance with applicable legislation.
• Any other legitimate source.

Potential Collaborations with other Laboratories

The Laboratory may develop collaborations with all other Laboratories of the Department, as well as with laboratories of other Departments of the Foundation, for the implementation of research and educational activities of common interest.