HYPERION ECONOMIC JOURNAL

Hyperion University of Bucharest
Blue Colour Green Colour Orange Colour Red Colour

HYPERION ECONOMIC JOURNAL

April 2026
Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su
30 31 1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 1 2 3

Assessing Regional Disparities in the Digital and Energy Transition: Construction and Analysis of the Regional Preparedness Index in Romania

Keywords: sustainable development , digitalization , regional development , energy poverty , climate

 FULL TEXT

Authors:
  • Georgiana Anamaria DUNĂ, PhD, Affiliation:  School of Advanced Studies of the Romanian Academy, , National Institute for Economic Research "Costin C.Kirițescu", Romania, Institute of Economic Forecasting, Romania;
  • Sorin Alin OPREA, PhD, Affiliation:  School of Advanced Studies of the Romanian Academy, , National Institute for Economic Research "Costin C.Kirițescu", Romania, Institute of Economic Forecasting, Romania;
  • Maria-Magdolna MACULA, PhD, Affiliation:  School of Advanced Studies of the Romanian Academy, , National Institute for Economic Research "Costin C.Kirițescu", Romania, Institute of Economic Forecasting, Romania;
Pages:  79 : 86
Abstract: This paper analyses how persistent regional disparities in Romania, as expressed in (SDG 10), reduce progress towards Clean and Affordable Energy (SDG 7) and Climate Action (SDG 13). The analysis highlights the role of Digital Infrastructure (SDG 9) in regional development, showing how digital divides intensify economic and environmental inequalities.
The study compares SDG indicators 7, 9, 10 and 13 in the eight NUTS 2 regions, by applying an econometric method, through indicators such as energy poverty, broadband internet coverage, GDP per capita and carbon emissions. Correlation Tehe PCA model confirm the theoretical hypothesis that underdeveloped digital infrastructure slows down progress by reducing sustainability indicators and deepening regional inequalities.
The results highlight quite strong correlations between low digital literacy and high energy poverty, low GDP and higher vulnerability to climate change. Based on these findings, the paper proposes policy recommendations that position investments in digitalization as a strategic element for regional cohesion and a successful green transition.
JEL classification: Q01,O33, P25, O13, Q54

 FULL TEXT

 

Q01,O33, P25, O13, Q54

  • Print