Cohesion Policy Research Articles

The intersection of economic growth and environmental sustainability in China: Pathways to achieving SDG

This study explores the intricate relationship between economic development and ecological degradation in China to find ways to achieve the set goals of sustainable development within the framework of the SDGs. Fueled by the pursuit of sustainable development alongside economic growth, this study includes dimensions like carbon footprint, air and water pollution, and resource consumption in thirty-three provinces of China for the period of 2005–2015.Based on economic, environmental, and political perspectives, the existing research compares one policy measure the Chinese government has adopted to promote sustainable environmental development while continuing economic growth. This study, therefore, highlights the trade-offs and co-benefits between environmental conservation and development, based on an evaluation of large datasets and a review of literature. In analyzing the key findings, the paper notes significant progress and shortcomings in achieving the set Sustainable Development Goals. The findings indicate that sustainable clean water investments synergize with the protection of land-based ecosystems and climate action plans. Therefore, these findings enhance the understanding of China's sustainable development process, providing relevant knowledge to practitioners, policymakers, and scholars to tackle similar issues worldwide. The study demonstrates the need for policy coherence and intervention measures to align economic development with environmental conservation, contributing to the discourse on sustainable development.

Urban sprawl impact assessment on the land surface temperature over the green capital of Gujarat using a geospatial approach.

In developing countries, examining land use land cover (LULC) change pattern is crucial to understanding the land surface temperature (LST) effect as urban development lacks coherent policy planning. The variability in LST is often determined by continuously changing LULC patterns. In this study, LULC change effect analysis on LST has been carried out using geometric and radiometric corrected thermal bands of multi-spectral Landsat 7 ETM + and 8 TIRS/OLI satellite imagery over Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in the years 2001 and 2022, respectively. Maximum likelihood classification (MLC) was applied to assess LULC change while an NDVI-based single-channel algorithm was used to retrieve LST using Google Earth Engine (GEE). Results showed a substantial change in built-up (+ 347.08%), barren land (- 50.74%), and vegetation (- 31.66%). With the change in LULC and impervious surfaces, the mean LST has increased by 5.47 ℃. The impact of sparse built-up was seen on vegetation and agriculture as a maximum temperature of > 47 ℃ was noticed in all LULC classes except agriculture, where the temperature reached as high as > 49 ℃ in 2022. Since Gandhinagar is developing a twin-city plan with Ahmedabad, this study could be used as a scientific basis for sustainable urban planning to overcome dynamic LULC change and LST impacts.

Towards transboundary Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus governance: a comparative governance assessment of the Lielupe and Mesta-Nestos river basins

ABSTRACT In recent years, the conceptualization and application of the WEF and later WEFE nexus in science, policy and practice has progressed significantly. Despite the transboundary nature of sustainability and WEFE nexus issues, research on WEFE nexus governance in a transboundary context is less developed. WEFE nexus governance refers to societal decision-making to address challenges related to goals, actors and actor networks, scales, institutions and resources. In this paper, we explore the governance challenges encountered when implementing WEFE nexus governance in a transboundary setting. To identify these challenges in practice, we conducted a WEFE nexus governance and policy coherence assessment in two transboundary case studies: the Lielupe river basin and Mesta-Nestos river basin. Our analysis shows that in both cases the governance arrangements are restrictive towards WEFE nexus governance. Based on the factors contributing to the degree of restrictiveness, we identify four key conditions to overcome the transboundary governance challenges: (1) awareness of WEFE nexus interlinkages at all governmental levels; (2) local cross-border and sectoral communication and trust; (3) addressing issues at the appropriate level; and (4) adequate resources and natural resource monitoring across sectors. These conditions lead to recommendations to proceed towards more integrated approaches to transboundary WEFE nexus governance.

Asymmetric effects of EU cohesion policy on EU regional growth: The role of macroeconomic uncertainty

Cohesion policy and the EU funds have been key elements for territorial integration in Europe. Evidence shows that EU funds support the growth performance of regions. However, less has been discussed about the potential impact of macroeconomic uncertainty on the effectiveness of EU funds. Our analyses confirm that EU funds are important in understanding regional economic growth differences. However, the extent of macroeconomic uncertainty decreases the effectiveness of the EU funds. Our results are robust in including local controls, non-linearity of the EU funds’ effect, different EU fund categories, and regional heterogeneity in the EU.

Government strategy to revive SMEs from post-COVID-19 collapse: Analysis of economic improvement for lower class communities in Jakarta, Indonesia

This research aims to determine the strategy of the Jakarta Provincial Government in increasing the resilience and growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within a collaborative governance framework post-COVID-19. This study explores the effectiveness of SMEs and facilities in accessing financing and fostering collaborative partnerships between SMEs, government agencies, and financial institutions by utilizing USAID’s Theory of Change (TOC). This research uses a qualitative approach supported by in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions to enrich the insights of SME stakeholders, large companies, and SME actors and assess the impact of their roles. The results of this research highlight the critical role of SME Cooperative Banks (SCB) in improving SMEs’ access to credit and financial services, including collaborative governance frameworks and partnerships between SMEs, government agencies, and banks, which were identified as necessary to improve policy coherence and encourage conducive SME business environment conditions. The main findings of this research underscore the importance of the SCB model, demonstrating its potential to improve SME resilience and economic sustainability. This SCB model enriches the TOC indicators introduced by USAID. The study identifies gaps in digital infrastructure and market access that hinder SME growth and recommends targeted interventions to address these challenges. This study shows that SCB offers a promising pathway to increase the resilience and growth of SMEs in Indonesia, especially if accompanied by effective collaborative governance strategies. These initiatives can encourage inclusive economic development and strengthen the role of SMEs as drivers of the local economy. Recommendations include expanding the SCB model to other regions, encouraging digitalization, facilitating market access, advocating for a supportive policy framework, and integrating these strategies to advance the principles of USAID’s Theory of Change, fostering sustainable SME development and economic resilience.

What role for sustainability in post-fossil regional transition processes? Exploring governance conditions, actors, and transition projects in a German coal phase-out region

ABSTRACT While the coal phase-out is progressing in many countries, formerly fossil-dependent regions receive transition funding for substitute economic activities. This can steer these regions into a sustainable future, yet it is not clear from the outset whether governance conditions and actors’ preferences are conducive to a genuinely sustainable transition. The present study examines to what extent sustainability goals shape the transition process following the coal phase-out in a German coal region (Lusatia), and the guiding logics observed therein. Three key aspects for regional transition processes are considered: enabling conditions for sustainability governance (policy coherence, participation, reflexivity, intergenerational equity); key actors and their sustainability conceptions; and the role of sustainability in selecting and funding transition projects. Based on expert interviews, policy documents, project lists, and sustainability declarations, our findings indicate that sustainability is a rather low priority for key actors. In combination with ambivalent governance conditions, this manifests as a weak sustainability focus among most resulting projects. Nevertheless, our analysis also reveals several projects focusing on selective aspects of sustainability. The phase-out therefore appears to follow the logic of signaling, and it remains unclear whether this might revert to mere energy system substitution or else aspire to comprehensive regional transformation.

From niche support to system building—Perceptions of the transformation potential of policy measures on packaging reuse

Reuse is suggested as a strategy to reduce mounting single-use packaging consumption and the related pollution. In this exploratory study, we investigated how governance can create conditions for the uptake of reusable food packaging in Finland when phasing out the existing single use system is not viable. We identified policy instruments addressing packaging reuse and analyzed how key stakeholders perceive the ability of these instruments to induce systemic change. The results indicate that the current policy mix entails mainly niche support measures and that its transformational power is relatively weak; to strengthen it, further measures on single use regime destabilization should be jointly implemented with reuse system building and niche support. However, addressing all three simultaneously may create tensions between different instruments within a policy mix or between policy mixes targeting separate goals. This requires paying more attention to directionality, policy coherence, consistence, and congruence when designing transformative policy mixes.

New development: Addressing wicked policy problems through cross-government collaboration—Insights from the UK context

IMPACT The article identifies the policy behaviours that are related to either taming complexity or coping with complexity. Analysing these policy behaviours at different levels within central and local governments can help policy-makers to navigate the constantly changing landscape of global policy challenges, understanding how each one of them can enable a shift towards either encouraging them to explore the complexity of policy issues by coping with complexity or moving towards taming such complexity in order to, for example, encourage policy coherence. In turn, this leads to highlighting the importance of further developing the policy capabilities needed to deal with the complexity of wicked problems. The empirical data collected in this study will allow for a deeper exploration of such policy implications.

What are the impacts of Cohesion Policy on the trade-off between employment and productivity?

ABSTRACT This paper examines the heterogeneous effectiveness of European Union (EU) Cohesion Policy in fostering regional growth, considering the potential trade-off between productivity improvement and job creation. By analysing the impact of European Structural and Investment Funds on regional development at the NUTS-2 level, the study contributes to the literature on productivity and employment trade-offs at the regional level. A novel empirical approach, based on a multi-input multi-output transformation function, is employed to explore the differing impacts of EU Cohesion Policy on gross domestic product (GDP) per employee and employment rate. The findings suggest that there exists heterogeneity (across different funds and regions) in the effects of Cohesion Policy on the trade-off between employment and productivity. Striking a balance between productivity-boosting investments and job creation is crucial in ensuring sustainable economic development and social inclusion and in reducing regional disparities.

Research on the experience and lessons of ethnic and religious governance in the EU under the rise of populism

As a community of multicultural and religions, the effective governance of ethnic and religious affairs is of great significance for maintaining the stability within the EU and promoting the harmony and cooperation among member states. The EU has strengthened ethnic and religious governance by promoting multicultural policies, implementing regional policies, establishing conflict prevention and mediation mechanisms, promoting cross-border cooperation and integration process, focusing on protecting the rights and freedom of citizens, establishing a legal and policy framework, and strengthening dialogue. However, under the rise of populism, the EU is severely challenged, including the intensification of immigration and refugee problems, the insufficient response to religious extremism and terrorist threats and the lack of coherence and consistency of policies, the lack of effective communication and dialogue mechanisms, and insufficient regulation.The article suggests vigilance the dangers of populism, strengthening the rule of law, focusing on education and publicity, preventing and responding to extremism, and promoting the integration of economic development and society. The EU has taken measures, such as promoting legal policy making, strengthening dialogue mechanisms and the governance of migrants, but it still needs to focus on social integration to maintain stability and solidarity. Other countries can learn from the EU experience and develop religious governance strategies adapted to their own situation.

Mainstreaming Adaptation to Climate Changes: A Comparison between Sardinia, Italy and Valencia, Spain

Climate change is a major concern and many regions, such as the European Union, are promoting the development of adaptation to climate change (ACC) strategies. This study examines the legislative contexts of Spain and Italy to guide the integration of climate adaptation measures into regional spatial planning. It specifically evaluates ACC strategies in Valencia (Spain) and Sardinia (Italy), focusing on adapting transportation infrastructure to flood risks. Through comparative analysis, the study identifies strengths, gaps, and opportunities in regional planning, emphasizing the importance of policy coherence and cross-sectoral collaboration to align strategies with global sustainability goals. Methodologically, the study employs a comparative assessment approach to analyze planning documents systematically, revealing complex relationships between sectors. We report that Valencia’s landscape strategy and Sardinia’s ACC strategy demonstrate coordinated planning efforts. Valencia sets clear policy objectives and actions, enhancing implementation effectiveness, while Sardinia’s approach shows ambiguities that could compromise policy outcomes. The proposed methodology is applicable to other regions with developed ACC strategies, offering a way to evaluate how well objectives and actions are integrated across relevant sectors. It aims to assist planners in assessing coordination among various planning sectors effectively.

Climate smart agricultural policy in sub-Saharan Africa: a case study of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality of North West Province, South Africa

ABSTRACT This paper analyses climate-smart agricultural (CSA) policies and strategies in sub-Saharan Africa, using a case study of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in South Africa. It is argued that the development and implementation of coherent policies is one of the approaches to offering effective responses to adaptation and to mitigating the influences of climate change. The results of the study, which drew on qualitative data gathered through participatory research, showed that 30%, 70%, 50%, and 60% of the community members, farmers, NGOs, and government participants were unaware of or did not understand climate-smart agriculture practices. Additionally, this study highlighted the absence of awareness and knowledge of CSA policies across all participants, indicating a significant gap in information dissemination and education on sustainable agricultural practices. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted education and awareness initiatives to promote climate-smart agriculture in the region. Without a proper understanding and implementation of CSA practices, communities in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality struggle to adapt to the changing climate and its impacts on agriculture. The results emphasise the necessity of raising awareness among different stakeholders in order to enhance the efficacy of agricultural practices’ adaptations to climate change. In order to ensure sustainable agricultural practices in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, it is imperative that practices like collaboration, CSA technology, integration, financing, increased private sector involvement in CSA promotion, and sector-specific policies foster an environment that is favourable to CSA practices.

Cohesion Policy in the European Union and Its Impact on the Regulatory Framework in Bulgaria

The cohesion policy in the European Union aims to reduce regional disparities and stimulate economic development through the application of various financial instruments. The synchronization of national legal regulations with the European regulatory framework necessitates the amendment and supplementation of applicable and existing legal acts specifically related to the management of funds from European funds under shared management. This article presents the cohesion policy of the European Union and the impact of its implementation on regional policy in Bulgaria. The study pays special attention to the application of the regulatory framework regarding the “cohesion policy” in the context of implementing local self-government and local administration. Following Bulgaria‘s accession to the European Union in 2007, the country has utilized the European Union‘s structural funds to reduce regional disparities, enhance economic growth, and promote sustainable development. This research evaluates the effectiveness of these policies, their role in the regional transformation of Bulgaria, and the latest challenges and future prospects.

The state of British policymaking: How can UK government become more effective?

Abstract How can UK and devolved governments be more effective when addressing chronic problems like inequalities or crises like climate change? The dominant story is of pessimism: policymaking is bound to a Westminster tradition of short-termism, elitism, and centralization, and reform efforts are doomed to failure. We present a more cautiously optimistic account about the prospects for a more effective government, grounded in theory-informed lessons from two decades of UK and devolved government reform efforts. We describe a potentially more innovative and less blundering state and present a coherent Positive Public Policy agenda that can help to realize this potential.

Implementation of Self-Perceived Identity for Gender Change: Issues of policy coherence and relevance towards transgender welfare in Pakistan

The gender change is legally permitted by Transgender (Protection of Rights) Act 2018, where the use of self-perception for the gender change remains controversial. The self-perception relevance, suitablility and coherence has the legal policy impact on the future of transgender act.This qualitative research using semi-structured interviews is conducted,as part of policy evaluation with the thematic analysis through NVivo software showing implementation of self-perception test lacking coherency and relevancy. The results highligted that socio-cultural, biological conditions, Islamic injunctions and principles as the main considerations that all parties consider before permitting gender change.Future research on evaluation of the self-perception identity is recommended.

Pan-europski kriteriji i indikatori održivog gospodarenja šumama: Institucionalni aspekti i mogućnost primjene u šumarstvu Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine

Overexploitation of natural resources have caused serious environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, and soil and water pollution. The Pan-European criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management offer a tool to monitor progress and report on the sustainability of forest resources at sub-national, national, and regional levels. This paper examines the institutional aspects and possibilities of application of these criteria and indicators in the forestry sector of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), aiming to improve forestry conditions and develop a coherent forest policy. A survey of 360 forestry experts from FBiH revealed that the majority support the positive impact of implementing the Pan-European criteria and indicators in the forestry sector. It was determined that the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management, and Forestry of FBiH should be responsible for developing and collecting data related to these criteria and indicators. However, the primary barriers to implementation include a lack of financial resources, expertise, and commitment. While the public forest administration is formally prepared to apply these criteria, its current capacities are inadequate for effective implementation. Strengthening the capacity of the public forest administration is crucial to ensure the application of the Pan-European criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management. This would enable consistent and systematic monitoring and improvement of forest resource conditions and the overall state of the forestry sector in FBiH.

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining governance and cross-sectoral policy coherence in Ghana

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining governance and cross-sectoral policy coherence in Ghana

The Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Agreement need a joint work programme for climate, nature and people

Abstract The global climate and biodiversity crises are closely intertwined, yet no policy instrument currently tackles both jointly. This is problematic, as the lack of international platforms for designing coordinated and coherent policy frameworks that align targets across the nexus of biodiversity and climate change poses risks to nature and people. Here, we argue that the successful implementation of both the Paris Agreement and the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) requires a joint work programme between the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Such a joint work programme could fill the current global governance vacuum and address critical implementation gaps, while fostering innovation and synergies in climate and biodiversity action. Based on a review of existing work programmes under the UNFCCC and interagency and joint work programmes established with the CBD, we provide a concept of how this joint programme could be set up, ideas on the type of issues it should tackle and recommendations for successful implementation. Policy implications: The UNFCCC and CBD are unique platforms for providing the evidence to, and guiding the way through the changes we need, but higher levels of integration between the biodiversity and climate change agendas are needed to plug the implementation gap between the GBF and the Paris Agreement. The upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP) for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) present a clear policy window for the two conventions to introduce a formal governance structure, such as the one proposed in this contribution, that brings together ideas, people, organizations and processes necessary for joining the dots on how to both stabilize our climate and recover our nature.

Conservation and Promotion of Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species in West Africa: Policy and Governance

Neglected and underutilized crop species (NUCS/NUS) are claimed to contribute to sustainable development. However, many scholars argue that enabling policies and appropriate governance are needed to operationalize such a potential contribution. Therefore, this systematic review analyzes the literature dealing with the relationships between policy and governance aspects and the promotion of NUS in West Africa. It draws upon 45 eligible articles identified through a search conducted on the Web of Science in December 2023. The existing literature focuses on Nigeria and a few NUS, especially cassava. The addressed policy domains include biodiversity conservation; subsidies; seed systems; food security, self-sufficiency and sovereignty; trade and import substitution; food safety and health; climate change and energy; land use; research, innovation and development; and support and assistance systems. Meanwhile, the main governance domains are (1) inclusiveness and participation and (2) institutional capacity. The analysis suggests that NUS development is also affected by sectoral policy coherence and consistency as well as the policy–governance interplay. Future studies should widen the scope in terms of geographical coverage in West Africa and NUS addressed to allow for more comparisons. Furthermore, there is a need for further research to understand the synergies and trade-offs between sectoral policies affecting NUS promotion and development.

Ekonomi Politik Energi Terbarukan: Peluang dan Tantangan di Indonesia

This study explores the political economy of renewable energy in Indonesia, focusing on the opportunities and challenges inherent in transitioning to sustainable energy sources. The research addresses critical questions regarding the effectiveness of current policies, the role of political and economic stakeholders, and the barriers to large-scale implementation of renewable energy projects. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study combines quantitative data analysis of policy impacts and energy outputs with qualitative interviews of key stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and environmental advocates. The findings indicate that while Indonesia possesses significant potential for renewable energy, substantial obstacles remain, including regulatory inconsistencies, insufficient infrastructure, and economic dependencies on fossil fuels. The study concludes that for Indonesia to fully realize its renewable energy potential, a cohesive policy framework that integrates economic incentives and political support is essential. This research provides actionable insights into how Indonesia can overcome these barriers and outlines strategic recommendations for fostering a more sustainable and resilient energy sector.