Knowledge is the most important driver of economic and social change. Human capital, as the main driver of innovation, is the critical factor shaping regional development. However, disparities between the center and the periphery—especially in island regions such as the Aegean—remain pronounced due to geographical isolation, lack of economies of scale, and limited access to markets.
In this context, the concepts of labour flexibility και precariousness take on particular importance, especially after the successive crises of the last fifteen years (economic, COVID-19 pandemic, etc.). The need for new tools to analyze and understand labor markets is more pressing than ever.
On January 25, 2022, the Labour Geography Research Lab of the Department of Geography at the University of the Aegean presented its new project:
The Observatory of Technologies and Analyses for Labour and Resilience in the Mediterranean European South (e-Aegean ResLab Observatory).
The Observatory aims for the systematic study of the phenomena of employment flexibility and resilience, by using modern geospatial tools and composite indicators at regional and urban level. Through the observatory, researchers can compare areas with different geographical and socio-economic characteristics, providing valuable data for the development of labor policies.
The Observatory is implemented within the framework of the institutional Action [e-Aegean R&D Network] and is based on GIS technologies (ESRI’s ArcGIS), offering interactive data visualization for Greece and the wider Mediterranean European South.
During the online presentation, the Former Rector of the University of the Aegean, Professor Chrisi Vitsilaki, emphasized the importance of the project as a bridge for cooperation between research, social, and development institutions.
The research team, led by Professor Stelios Gialis and coordinated by Dr. Konstantinos Gourzis, presented the structure and capabilities of the Observatory. Also, interventions were made by members of the team and collaborators, who highlighted:
the spatial dimension of labour flexibility,
the connection between tourism and employment, and
the assessment of the resilience of local labour markets.
After the presentation, the e-ResLab Aegean Observatory team proceeded with:
dissemination activities and annual reports focusing on the uneven impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment,
the expansion and automation of the database.
the development of interactive tools for users,
and the continuous production of new research based on composite indicators and geospatial methods.
After the presentation, the e-Aegean ResLab Observatory team proceeded with:
dissemination activities and annual reports focusing on the uneven impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment
the expansion and automation of the database
the development of interactive tools for users,
and the continuous production of new research based on composite indicators and geospatial methods.
The aim is to provide data, studies, and analyses on regional labour markets to public and private entities, as well as to expand the Observatory on a EU level.
🌐https://reslab.aegean.gr/observatory
📧e-ResLab@aegean.gr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReslabE
X: https://x.com/ReslabE
The University of the Aegean’s “Aegean Archipelago Research and Technology Network – e-Aegean R&D Network” initiative promotes regional innovation, entrepreneurship, and excellence.
Its goal is to create a Network of Knowledge and Innovation Communities, that brings together researchers, businesses, and social partners, thereby strengthening knowledge and the social impact of research.