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Intelligent transport systems and regional digital convergence in Greece

Sistemas de transporte inteligentes e convergência digital regional na Grécia

Abstracts

This paper investigates the aspects of regional digital convergence, i.e. the capability of the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) among all people living in the peripheral areas of a country, in relation to the ICT applications into the transport sector, known as Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). It also examines the interdependent relationships between the digital and physical accessibility. Firstly, the ICT infrastructures and their access via the households and enterprises set the conditions for the use of ITS. On the other hand, the expansion of transport networks and decentralization of transport flows can contribute to the widespread adoption of ITS and ICTs in general, and the higher specialization and diversification of digital services. These interactions are analyzed in Greece, through investigating the spatial allocation of public expenditure, at a regional level, for the Information Society and the transport sector, during 2000-2009. The findings indicate that the increased concentration of public investments in road projects in peripheral areas does not imply the bridging of the digital gap between the metropolitan areas (Athens and Thessaloniki) and the rest of Greece. The need for designing a comprehensive regional investment policy is suggested to jointly reinforce the digital convergence and physical accessibility.

intelligent transport systems; digital convergence; public investment; regional development; Greece


Este trabalho investiga os aspectos da convergência digital regional, ou seja, a capacidade de uso das Tecnologias de Comunicação e Informação (Information and Communication Technologies, ICTs) entre a população que habita as áreas periféricas de um país, em relação às aplicações destas tecnologias no setor de transporte, mais conhecido como Sistemas de Transporte Inteligentes (ITS). Também são examinadas as relações entre a acessibilidade física e digital. O acesso à infraestrutura de ICT nas residências e nas empresas é a condição primária para o uso do ITS. Por outro lado, a expansão da rede de transporte e a descentralização dos seus fluxos contribuem com a adoção difundida do ITS e ICTs, além de promover uma maior especialização e diversificação dos serviços digitais. Estas interações são analisadas na Grécia através da investigação da alocação espacial dos gastos públicos em nível regional pela Sociedade de Informações e pelo setor de transporte, durante os anos de 2000-2009. Os resultados indicam que o aumento da concentração dos investimentos públicos em projetos de vias nas áreas periféricas não implica na superação das diferenças de acesso digital entre as áreas metropolitanas (Atenas e Thessalonica) e o restante da Grécia. A necessidade de projetar políticas de investimentos regionais sugere um esforço conjunto entre a convergência digital e a acessibilidade física.

sistemas de transporte inteligentes; convergência digital; investimento público; desenvolvimento regional; Grécia


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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    11 Oct 2013
  • Date of issue
    Apr 2013

History

  • Received
    06 Aug 2012
  • Accepted
    09 Sept 2012
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