Local e-governance applications in support of entrepreneurship policy: the case of Thessaloniki metropolitan area

A mapping of the local landscape concerning online services to businesses within the study area, revealing certain patterns across the different stakeholders.

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICT) affect many aspects of the contemporary communities and constitute a powerful means for the implementation of policies at the urban-metropolitan level. Using data both from bibliographic survey and from interviews of representatives of selected stakeholders responsible for the formulation, regulation/coordination and implementation of entrepreneurship policy at the metropolitan area of Thessaloniki, we seek to draw conclusions on the level of relevant ICT use, the existence – and level of development – of e-governance applications, the benefits and problems related to their adoption/use, patterns of horizontal and vertical cooperation among stakeholders, etc. In addition, we provide a mapping of the local landscape concerning online services to businesses within the study area, revealing certain patterns across the different stakeholders.