About the Authors

Abstract

Stella Kyvelou is Associate Professor and Deputy Head at the Department of Economic and Regional Development of Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. She holds a diploma of Architect-Engineer of the National Technical University of Athens and a DEA and PhD in Spatial Planning, Regional & Urban Planning of the University Paris I-Panthéon-Sorbonne. Her research activities include European territorial development and cohesion and was Director of the ESPON2013 National Contact Point (2007-2014). Author of books and articles, columnist in electronic media and keynote speaker in numerous conferences, Stella was awarded by the French government as «Chevalier à l’ordre de Palmes Académiques», in 2011.  She is also Special Adviser to the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy on insular policies and maritime spatial planning.

Georgia Gemenetzi is Spatial planner, PhD and Architect with a demonstrated history of working in both the academic area and urban development industry. She is currently adjunct lecturer in Hellenic Open University and Consulting engineer in issues of planning, design and construction of both public and private infrastructures. Skilled in spatial planning, spatial analysis, sustainable development and environmental planning, Georgia participated in numerous research projects and has received awards for her scientific research. Author of articles published in international and national scientific journals and conference proceedings, she is also co-author of the book “Sustainable Cities: Adaptation and Resilience in the era of crisis” (in greek).

Kosyo Stoychev is a PhD and Associate Professor of Economic and Social Geography (Regional Development and Localization Analysis). Author of several publications, including monographs in the areas of regional development, economic geography, geo-economics and strategic planning. Head of the Department of Regional and Political Geography at the Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski "and Deputy Chairman of the Bulgarian Regional Science Association - member of ERSA.

Velislava Simeonova is lecturer, PhD, UNIBA (Centro Universitario Internacional към Universitat de Barcelona; Euroaula University School of Tourism), Department of Geography. Velislava Simeonova research interests are focused on EU & European Studies; European Union; Spatial Planning; European Integration; Regional Geography; Balkans; velislava-simeonova@gmail.com

Kalina Milkova is a PhD, lecturer in Faculty of Geology and Geography, Department “Socio-economic geography”, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. Author of several publications, including monographs ("Natural-Public Areas / Regions - Theoretical Focus and Geographic Identities in Bulgaria") in the areas of the relevance and significance of regional issues in public geography, interpretation of the concepts of region, region, zoning as a method and purpose of geographic research. kalina_milkova@abv.bg

Elena Kalfova is a Ph.D. in Political Science and Chief Assistant in the Department of Public Administration, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski". Elena Kalfova research interests are focused on local and regional governance, regional policy, policy evaluation, policy and regulation impact assessment. She has worked as a consultant for state and local government institutions and has considerable experience. She has participated in numerous scientific and applied projects for elaboration and evaluation of policies, strategic documents, assessment of administrative capacity, impact assessment, etc. in the field of local self-government, the labour market, scientific and educational policy, development of management and administrative capacity at local and central level, impact assessment. She has considerable experience in the management, preparation and implementation of such projects including in international projects and initiatives for the exchange of educational practices and the development of higher education. Member of the Bulgarian Association of Political Sciences and Bulgarian European Studies Association

Desislava Valerieva is an Assistant Professor, Doctor of Political Sciences at St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia, Public Administration Department. Desislava Valerieva research interests are focused on political science, governance, public communication. Author of articles published in international and national scientific journals and conference proceedings.