99-111

• Σδρόλια, Ευαγγελία
• Ζαρωτιάδης, Γρηγόριος

Global economic crisis, along with domestic structural inefficiencies, weakens growth perspectives for the less developed and/or the financially weaker economies of Europe. On the other hand, the relevant literature that technological innovations, especially with respect to the ecological aspects of products and processes, could be an effective way-out. The present paper contributes to this discussion in two ways: first, we discuss relevant case studies of certain mulitnationals. Second, we proceed with a panel data analysis of recent intra-EU data, estimating the effect of enviromental expenditures and investments on exporting activity, considering also "gravity" - explanatory variables. We conclude that "green" - investments seem to have a positive effect, both, in the micro - as well as macro - dimension, while expenditures could affect extroversion and competitiveness adversely.

• Economics and Business
• Computer and information sciences

• Economic policy
• Environmental economics
• Statistics

green economy, Southern Europe, competitiveness

Περιέχει πίνακες, σημειώσεις και βιβλιογραφία, The paper was presented at the plenary session of the 2012 annual ASESU Conference in Rzeszow. The initial title was: “Green Entrepreneurship & Green Economy as a Way-Out: Insights from the EU”., JEL Classification: Q56, F14