Policy Approaches Research Articles

Entrepreneurship and SME Policies in Guinea: An Exploratory Analysis

This study examines the policies supporting entrepreneurship and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Guinea, focusing on their adequacy in fostering economic and entrepreneurial activities in a developing country context. Using the Lundström and Stevenson framework, we differentiate entrepreneurship and SME policies based on their objectives, targets, and instruments through documentary analysis. We also assess their alignment with the developmental phase and specific entrepreneurial needs. The study identifies four categories of policy instruments. These are business financing, improving the business climate, support and networking, and entrepreneurship education. However, actions favoring SMEs are more widespread than those supporting entrepreneurship. The findings underscore the importance of a holistic policy approach that balances enhancing entrepreneurial motivations, skills, and opportunities, thus fostering an ecosystem conducive to sustainable entrepreneurial growth and innovation. Additionally, the study highlights the role of entrepreneurship education in developing the necessary skills for new ventures. It suggests integrating such education into university programs to foster an entrepreneurial culture. This action could enhance employability and economic resilience, particularly among youth. By shedding light on these aspects, the research extends the theoretical framework proposed by Lundström and Stevenson to the context of lowincome countries. The practical implications suggest that policymakers should consider a balanced approach to supporting nascent and established enterprises, emphasizing the need for policies that foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all stages of business development.

The Gulf States’ Decade

ABSTRACT The books by Dina Esfandiary, Cinzia Bianco, and Tobias Borck delve into the shift in Gulf politics over the past decade. This change saw in particular Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar playing a more prominent role in regional affairs, which was influenced by the Arab Spring uprisings and Gulf states’ concerns over American commitments to regional security. The books also highlight the diverging foreign policies of Gulf states, challenging the notion of a unified Gulf entity, as reflected by the 2017 boycott of Qatar. The dynamics of Gulf assertiveness is a central theme in these analyses, with the UAE exemplifying a more proactive and interventionist foreign policy approach. However, recent developments suggest a recalibration of foreign policies by Gulf states, with a renewed focus on economic cooperation and regional de-escalation. The once tense relations between Gulf states have thawed, hinting at a period of optimism and reduced regional tensions. However, as the authors point out, one needs to be cautious on the long-term implications of this recent rapprochement.

Discourse Around the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Features of Formation and Institutionalization

The purpose of the article is to identify the features of the formation of the discourse around the ethics of artificial intelligence, as well as to characterize the main legal acts that set out its key principles. Research methods. The methods of analysis and synthesis, generalization and abstraction were applied, which made it possible to achieve the set goal. The scientific novelty lies in identifying the features of the public (determined by the strategies and limitations characteristic of the media arena) and academic (long, deep and reasoned discussions of researchers) discourses around the ethics of artificial intelligence, clarifying the main approaches (risk-oriented, according to the areas of application) to setting out its key principles in legal acts at the international level, emphasizing the need to improve the tools for managing AI technologies, in particular the creation of global governance structures to prevent their misuse. Conclusions. It is emphasized that, given the steady growth in the scale of data and AI use worldwide, it is necessary to systematically make efforts to increase literacy, awareness and education about the ethical consequences of the use of AI technologies. Ethical challenges associated with different ways of using AI require interdisciplinary interaction and interaction with many stakeholders, as well as cooperation between cultures, organizations, academic institutions, etc. By directly addressing the ethical issues surrounding the development and use of AI, collaboration between policymakers, technologists, and ethicists can ensure that AI serves humanity responsibly and fairly. It is emphasized that, despite the promotion of policy approaches to regulating AI by some countries and international organizations, the impact of corporate investment in AI and the political responses associated with governance have yet to be assessed.

Evolution of the UK Tilt to the Indo-Pacific Region

The article explores the conceptual foundations of the UK “tilt to the Indo-Pacific”, its evolution and the transformation of the strategic narrative ensued therefrom as it is impacted by a number of factors from both outside and within. The author notes that the flagship proposal of the Conservative cabinet for indivisible Euro-Atlantic and IndoPacific security is twofold: to extrapolate the principles of transatlantic security to the new region, and to present Britain in the emerging multipolarity in a new ambitious role as a link between two mega-spaces. It is highlighted the continuity of the foreign policy approach of the new Labor government, which, based on the conceptual framework of the Conservative cabinet, seeks to strengthen London’s position in the Indo-Pacific. It is shown that the strategy of the Conservative government in the Indo-Pacific is limited not only by resource scarcity but also by heated internal debates as to an ultimate goal of its presence in the region (the degree of involvement in the economic and defense ecosystem), as well as the nature of future relations with China. Moreover, London’s position is also weakened by the contradictory attitude of regional actors towards the UK’s role in the region, as well as broad inter-party discussions on adjusting the foreign policy strategy in the region.

MSME Taxpayer Compliance Based on Fiscal Policy (Study on MSMEs in the Cracker and Salted Fish Industries in Kenjeran, Surabaya)

This research aims to analyze how MSMEs (Micro/Small/Medium Enterprises) taxpayers comply with their tax payment obligation based on Fiscal Policy. The research population consists of MSME taxpayers living in Surabaya. The sample includes 52 respondents, selected using a purposive sampling method. A questionnaire was used as the instrument, and the data were analyzed using the SEM Approach with Warp PLS 6.0. The results showed that the compliance behavior of taxpayers, their willingness to negotiate, and the preparation of financial reports based on profit management have significant positive impacts on tax obligations, as measured by voluntary tax compliance. However, the tax morale of taxpayers also has some negative impacts on tax obligations, as measured by voluntary tax compliance. Novelty has found that the compliance of the taxpayers in running their tax obligation is influenced by the taxpayers’ behavior itself. Not because of the rules, but because they running it judging from their economic and financial condition using the Fiscal Policy Approach for MSMEs and the Conceptual Approach viewed from the opinion developed by that tax policy.

Problem case evaluation of structural innovations

While Dr Roland Staples (FAU Nuremberg) raised the fundamental question at the preconference seminar of this year's DKVF as to whether the initiators of the innovation fund were using the wrong definition of the term innovation, Prof. Dr Holger Pfaff (IMVF Cologne) and Prof. Dr Jochen Schmitt (ZEGV Dresden) presented their findings. Dr Jochen Schmitt (ZEGV Dresden) presented a proposal for a new evidence-based approach in healthcare policy in the 'State of the Art' session by explaining how to move from 'theoretically best to practically best evidence'.

Predicting particulate matter ( ) levels in Morocco: a 5-day forecast using the analog ensemble method.

The accurate prediction of particulate matter ( ) levels, an indicator of natural pollutants such as those resulting from dust storms, is crucial for public health and environmental planning. This study aims to provide accurate forecasts of over Morocco for 5days. The analog ensemble (AnEn) and the bias correction (AnEnBc) techniques were employed to post-process forecasts produced by the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) global atmospheric composition forecasts, using CAMS reanalysis data as a reference. The results show substantial prediction improvements: the root mean squared error (RMSE) decreased from 63.83 in the original forecasts to 44.73 with AnEn and AnEnBc, while the mean absolute error (MAE) reduced from 36.70 to 24.30 . Additionally, the coefficient of determination ( ) increased more than twofold from 29.11 to 65.18%, and the Pearson correlation coefficient increased from 0.61 to 0.82. The integrating reanalysis data and the utilization of the AnEn substantially improved the accuracy of 5-day forecasting in Morocco. This is the first application of this approach in Morocco and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and has the potential for translation into early and more accurate warnings of pollution events. The application of such approaches in environmental policies and public health decision-making can minimize the health impacts of air pollution.

Privacy during pandemics: Attitudes to public use of personal data

In this paper we investigate people’s attitudes to privacy and sharing of personal data when used to help society combat a contagious disease, such as COVID-19. Through a two-wave survey, we investigate the role of personal characteristics, and the effect of information, in shaping privacy attitudes. By conducting the survey in Norway and Sweden, which adopted very different strategies to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, we analyze potential differences in privacy attitudes due to policy changes. We find that privacy concern is negatively correlated with allowing public use of personal data. Trust in the entity collecting data and collectivist preferences are positively correlated with this type of data usage. Providing more information about the public benefit of sharing personal data makes respondents more positive to the use of their data, while providing additional information about the costs associated with data sharing does not change attitudes. The analysis suggests that stating a clear purpose and benefit for the data collection makes respondents more positive about sharing. Despite very different policy approaches, we do not find any major differences in privacy attitudes between Norway and Sweden. Findings are also similar between the two survey waves, suggesting a minor role for contextual changes.

Intersectional Inequities in Maternal Mortality: Examining the Compounded Risks for Black Birthing Individuals with Physical Disabilities

BackgroundPeople who are Black and have physical disabilities likely face a dual burden of risk for maternal mortality due to enduring systemic oppression rooted in racism and ableism. ObjectiveTo investigate maternal mortality risks among Black birthing individuals with physical disabilities in the United States and assess the potential compounding effect when these marginalized identities intersect. MethodsWe conducted a historical cohort study using the 2004-2021 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample. The study included 8,263,997 delivery hospitalizations. We used modified Poisson regression to estimate unadjusted and adjusted relative risks (RR) of maternal mortality by race and physical disability status. We calculated the Relative Excess Risk due to Interaction (RERI) and Attributable Proportion (AP) to assess additive interaction between Black race and physical disability status. ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, compared to their White birthing individuals, their Black peers experienced about 2.5 times (RR=1.48,95%CI:2.08-2.96) the risk of maternal mortality. Compared to birthing individuals without physical disabilities, those with physical disabilities experienced nearly 11 times the (RR=10.72,95%CI:8.15-14.10) risk of maternal mortality. Our adjusted additive interaction analysis revealed a significant super-additive effect (RERI=11.3;AP=0.47); suggesting that the combined effect of having both marginalized identities was greater than the sum of the individual effects of each identity. ConclusionsOur findings provide evidence for substantial inequities in maternal mortality by Black race and physical disability status, with evidence of a compounding effect when these marginalized identities intersect. These results underscore the urgent need for intersectional approaches in maternal health interventions and policies.

Land Parcel-Based Land Valuation System Development Strategy in Indonesia with The Concept of Multi-Purpose Cadastre

Abstract Currently, the Land Value Zone (ZNT) Map provides information about land values in Indonesia. The main problem with using Land Value Zones is that there is no difference in the value of land parcels in one zone even though they have different locations and access. This causes the value of land obtained from Land Value Zones to not reflect the actual conditions in the field, so it is often not used by related institutions, especially in tax collection. This study aims to formulate a practical land valuation policy approach that follows Indonesia’s objectives. The research method used in writing this article is a descriptive qualitative method. The primary data collection method used was in-depth interviews with key stakeholders related to the land valuation system in Indonesia. To find out the situation that is being carried out in the land valuation system in Indonesia, a SWOT analysis is used. The research has produced 5 policy recommendations to build a land valuation system in Indonesia regarding man, method, machine, material, and money.

The innovation–inclusion nexus in countries of Latin America: foresight for shaping new policy approaches

Abstract Latin America improved poverty and inequity conditions in the past decades. Despite such progress and the adoption of new policies, inclusive development remains a major challenge. To attain inclusive development, it is crucial to advance toward renewed policies that explicitly include transformative innovation and close existing gaps in the innovation–inclusion nexus. Foresight promises to help bridge such gaps, but the practice of literature on addressing this role is scarce. For our analysis, we adopt a three-level conceptual and analytical framework, focusing on (1) the evolution of policies for inclusive development; (2) the evolution of research and innovation policy approaches to inclusive development; and (3) the extent to which foresight has been used in underpinning a more systemic policy approach. Using this framework, we examine the situation of four Latin American countries that adopted different approaches to innovation and inclusive development and discuss the potential of foresight to contribute to policies that effectively address the innovation–inclusion nexus.

Urban Policy and Governance for a Circular Economy: Opportunities and Challenges

As sustainability gains global attention, the circular economy (CE) emerges as a key strategy for cities facing resource shortages, waste, and environmental issues. In the urban context, city governments play a pivotal role in the transition to a circular economy by shaping policies that influence resource use, waste disposal, and material recovery. This perspective article explores the role of urban policy and governance in promoting or hindering the shift towards a circular economy. Furthermore, it analyzes the opportunities presented by forward-thinking governance structures and policies that support circularity, as well as the challenges that arise from political, economic, and social factors. Case studies from Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and London showcase different policy approaches, highlighting successes and the complexities of implementing circular practices across various governance levels.

Food, nutrition and sustainability education in Australian primary schools: a cross-sectional analysis of teacher perspectives and practices

BackgroundHealthy eating patterns from sustainable food systems are crucial for population and planetary health. Primary schools are opportune settings for teaching children about food, nutrition and sustainability (FNS) though little is known about the delivery of FNS education in this sector. This study aimed to analyse current approaches to FNS education in Australian primary schools.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey with closed- and open-ended questions collected data about (i) teacher perceptions and attributes regarding FNS education; (ii) FNS teaching practices; and (iii) factors influencing FNS education. Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA including descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses to test for associations between categorical variables. Qualitative content and thematic analyses of open-ended questions were conducted using NVivo 14.ResultsParticipants were 413 Australian primary school teachers. Teachers considered FNS education as equally important to most curriculum subjects, though frequency of FNS education was low. Less than a third of teachers were trained in FNS education, had access to funding for FNS-related activities or were from schools with policies about including FNS education in the curriculum. There was a significant association between frequency of FNS education and teacher training, access to funding and presence of FNS curriculum policies (all p < 0.001). Teachers who were trained to teach nutrition, food skills or food sustainability (all p < 0.05) were more likely to teach this as both stand-alone and cross-curricular subjects. Teachers described personal factors (workload, stress, scope of practice) that influenced their FNS teaching practices, as well as factors related to students’ families (family responsibility for FNS education, family food practices, family engagement in FNS activities), the curriculum (overcrowding, prioritisation, access to resources) and the broader school environment (time, facilities, funding, training).ConclusionsStrengthening the position of FNS education in the primary school sector is an important next step for public health research, policy and practice. Researchers and policy makers should explore future opportunities for training, funding and policy approaches that prioritise FNS within the primary school curriculum and in everyday teaching practice.

Stochastic convergence of renewable energy intensity across US States: evidence from a panel unit root test with asymmetries and common factors

ABSTRACT This study examines the stochastic convergence of renewable energy intensity (REI) across US states. We test for the stationarity of relative REI (stochastic convergence) using a recently developed quantile panel unit root test that accommodates both cross-sectional dependence and asymmetric behaviour. Our overall finding is that most states exhibit convergence, which implies that economic growth is sustainable with a higher share of renewable energy in the energy mix. This result provides support for those advocating that state governments should increase investment in renewable energy in advancing the clean energy transition. However, over half of the states display asymmetric stochastic convergence, which implies that how effective policies will be in promoting renewable energy efficiency will depend on the size and type of shocks impacting REI. Our results imply that in states that encounter relatively large positive shocks to REI, it may be necessary to invest more in the diffusion of renewable energy technologies and set long-term targets. Asymmetric convergence behavior also makes it difficult to coordinate policy responses across states, providing support for a decentralized approach in which each state invests in renewable energy technologies specific to their unique economic circumstances, rather than adopting a mandated overall national policy approach.

Racial health disparities in the United States

Abstract Disparities between Black and White Americans in health care coverage and health outcomes are pervasive in the United States. In this paper, we describe the evolution of the market-based approach to health insurance and health care delivery in the United States and its implications for racial disparities. First, we discuss the history of the United States’ predominantly private health insurance system. Second, we illustrate the persistence and pervasiveness of disparities through three present-day epidemics: maternal mortality, opioid use, and Covid-19. Through the epidemic case studies, we highlight the systemic roots of racial inequality in health care. Finally, we conclude with a brief discussion of potential policy approaches for reducing disparities in the health care system.

An Analysis of Biden's Administration Stark Opposite Approaches in Humanitarian Crises

This paper examines the different approaches of the United States foreign policy towards the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts by comparing similar cases in both of the conflicts. The United States, who have been actively criticizing Russia for violating rules-based order and humanitarian values in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have not done the same to Israel even though there is mounting pressure for similar allegations. The comparisons are analyzed through cases of the United States' aid towards Ukraine and their criticism towards Russia’s international norms violations, Continuing with their military aid to Israel while they are attacking Gaza and staying silent with Israel’s violations. We would also see how international institutions that are supposed to prevent such a crisis are unable to do much to stop the crisis, As well as Israel’s influences in the US foreign policy-making process, which resulted in persistent pro-Israel foreign policies. By analyzing the United States' actions through the concepts of Humanitarian Diplomacy, Hegemon, and Rules-Based International Order, this paper finds that the United States' national interest’s alignment with Ukraine has used humanitarian values and rules-based international order as a political instrument. On the other hand, Israel’s great influence in the United States foreign policy process has made them silent in numerous cases of international law violations committed by Israel. United States’ concern and alignment towards the Middle East and Eastern European regional hegemon has also played an important piece in their vocal criticisms of Russia’s international norms violations and their normative response towards Israel’s norms breaches.

Stuck in the driver’s seat: a conceptualisation for understanding car dependence and its determinants

ABSTRACT Car dependence brings along many negative social and environmental externalities that policymakers and stakeholders need to consider. Nonetheless, the concept is not well defined and lacks a clear framework regarding its determinants and mechanisms, which also leads to problems in terms of its operationalisation. Therefore, this paper proposes a conceptualisation and operationalisation of car dependence, which can serve as a basis for further research and policy. We define car dependence as the extent to which an individual is incapable to participate in location-based activities without a car in a satisfactory way. This definition is based on the theoretical background of the capabilities approach and the concept of motility and also linked to the concept of accessibility. Our conceptual model consists of seven components, most of which have been considered separately in previous conceptualisations, namely the land use system, transport system, natural environment, temporal component, social environment, and individual objective/subjective characteristics. These components range from being external to the individual (e.g. the land use system) to internal (e.g. individual features). Considering these components jointly emphasises the importance of looking at car dependence in a holistic, unifying way. This approach contributes to a better understanding of car dependence that goes beyond the explicit analysis of components in previous research. In addition, we provide a systematic approach to operationalising car dependence that contributes to a more comparable approach to measuring car dependence. Researchers have to decide whether they want to examine car dependence via its components or via self-report by individuals, whether they want to study the full set of components or only a subset, and whether they want to consider perceptions or factual information about external components. Therefore, our conceptualisation and operationalisation provide valuable new insights into car dependence regarding new research directions and policy approaches.

Alcohol-related injuries from e-scooter and e-bike use in the US (2019–2022): a retrospective study

BackgroundThe use of electric-powered scooters and bikes (e-scooters/bikes) is rising, but little is known about associated injuries and substance use. This study analysed the trends and factors associated with e-scooter/bike-related...

Nepal’s Status‐Seeking Endeavors: Between Normative Convergence and Geopolitical Interests

Due to limited material and geopolitical factors, the agency of small states is limited in international politics. As such, these states may seek to mitigate such weaknesses through status-seeking, adopting peculiar foreign policy approaches or international commitments to signal to more powerful actors about specific political or normative affinities. In this article, the conceptual framework of social identity theory, specifically social mobility, is used to assess Nepal’s foreign policy choices. It is argued that Nepal pursues the identity management strategy of social mobility in the form of normative conformance with more powerful actors to reinforce its status in the international community but not necessarily to rise up in the hierarchy of states. Social mobility through normative conformance not only allows Nepal to elevate its status with higher-status groups like the EU, the UN, and US (which are the country’s primary development partners), but it also reinforces Nepal’s interest in maintaining (and if possible, expanding) its agency as a sovereign state which is constrained due to its geopolitical location in between much larger neighbors, India and China. Nepal’s normative convergence efforts are broadly categorized into two specific types of commitments: (a) multilateralism and (b) normative congruence with development partners. Both of these normative conformance approaches seek to emulate the values and practices of the higher-status group—the US, the UN, and the EU.

Industrialization meets sustainability: Analysing the role of technological innovations, energy efficiency and urbanisation for major industrialized economies

Considering how crucial environmental quality is to development, production often takes precedence over the development process when certain macroeconomic policies are being implemented. This phenomenon has been the subject of several studies conducted in various regions and nations. In this context, the recent article explores the nonlinear effects of industrial output, renewable energy, technological innovations, energy efficiency, and urbanization on CO2 emissions in the top ten industrialized countries. It recommends contradictory policy approaches due to its reported conflicting outcomes, opening up new research directions. To this end, the study relies on advanced econometric tools such as panel QARDL (Quantile Autoregressive Distributed Lag) and the nonparametric quantile Granger causality (NPQGC) test to attain robust results. The findings suggest that industrial output and urbanization significantly deteriorate environmental quality by increasing CO2 emissions across various time horizons. However, renewable energy, technological innovations, and energy efficiency have a significant influence towards enhancing environmental quality. Notably, industrialization and urbanization become environmentally friendly when energy efficiency is integrated with these variables. Additionally, the NPQGC test supports the main results by confirming the Granger causality between the modelled series. Based on the outcomes, the study suggests that the integration of energy efficiency with industrialization and urbanization can significantly contribute to achieving a sustainable environment.