Economic Competitiveness Research Articles

Science and technology fiscal expenditure and urban green innovation——Mechanism analysis based on Fintech

ABSTRACT This paper examines the role and underlying mechanisms of science and technology fiscal expenditure in fostering urban green innovation. As global environmental challenges intensify, urban green innovation has emerged as a critical factor in optimizing resource efficiency, improving economic competitiveness, and promoting sustainable development. Utilizing panel data from Chinese cities spanning from 2005 to 2021, we used the two-way fixed effects model to find that fiscal expenditure on science and technology has a significant positive effect on urban green innovation. Further analysis reveals that fintech is critical to this process. A heterogeneity analysis using the same approach described above demonstrates that cities that are non-resource-based, have higher fiscal decentralization, and larger populations are more likely to benefit from science and technology fiscal expenditures. Additionally, moderation effect analysis reveals that environmental regulation substantially amplifies the supportive influence of science and technology fiscal expenditure in driving green innovation, suggesting that stronger environmental regulations can further augment the effect.

Global innovation cooperation and governance: evidence from China

Abstract Global innovation cooperation and governance have become increasingly critical against the backdrop of rapid digital transformation and evolving international dynamics. The purpose of this special section is to examine the pivotal role of collaborative innovation frameworks amid the swift proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, emphasizing the importance of harmonized international regulations and institutional arrangements with evidance from China at the firm, industrial, and regional levels. By situating AI as both a driver of economic competitiveness and a potential source of regulatory challenges, the special section underscores the need for robust global partnerships and policy coordination. Such initiatives not only facilitate shared research and development efforts but also foster an environment conducive to ethical, transparent, and sustainable innovation. Drawing on recent advancements and ongoing policy debates, this special section provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms and strategies necessary to enhance cross-border collaboration. Ultimately, the findings highlight the imperative of building an inclusive, adaptable, and future-oriented governance system, ensuring that innovation and technological progress contribute to equitable and enduring global development.

The Impact of Talent Attraction Policies on Housing Prices in Haikou, Nanjing, and Wuhan

In the context of escalating global urban competition, attracting top talent has become essential for cities to boost economic competitiveness. Talent attraction policies significantly impact local economies and real estate markets by driving population growth and enhancing urban innovation. Talent attraction programs profoundly influence local economies and real estate markets by stimulating population expansion and fostering urban innovation. This study focuses on Haikou, Nanjing, and Wuhan, using empirical methods to analyze the impact of talent attraction policies on housing prices. Through parallel trends tests and group regression analyses, results show that these policies significantly affect housing prices, with policy implementation leading to notable price increases. Additionally, mediating effects analysis indicates that research and development levels and patent grants mediate the relationship between talent attraction policies and housing prices, highlighting innovation as a key mechanism. Placebo tests confirm the validity of these policy effects, revealing no significant impacts outside the implementation periods. This paper advises governments to refine policy measures, balance real estate market health with talent attraction, and enhance investments in research infrastructure for sustainable urban economic growth.

EXPRESS: From Bytes to Biases. Investigating the Cultural Self-Perception of Large Language Models

Large language models (LLMs) are able to engage in natural-sounding conversations with humans, showcasing unprecedented capabilities for information retrieval and automated decision support. They have disrupted human-technology interaction and the way businesses operate. However, technologies based on generative artificial intelligence (genAI) are known to hallucinate, misinform, and display biases introduced by the massive datasets on which they are trained. Existing research indicates that humans may unconsciously internalize these biases, which can persist even after they stop using the programs. This study explores the cultural self-perception of LLMs by prompting ChatGPT (OpenAI) and Bard (Google) with value questions derived from the GLOBE project. The findings reveal that their cultural self-perception is most closely aligned with the values of English-speaking countries and countries characterized by economic competitiveness. It is crucial for all members of society to understand how LLMs function and to recognize their potential biases. If left unchecked, the "black-box" nature of AI could reinforce human biases, leading to the inadvertent creation and training of even more biased models.

Charting the Path to Electrification: Analyzing the Economic and Technological Potential of Advanced Vehicle Powertrains

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office (DOE-VTO) is driving advancements in highway transportation by targeting energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and cost reductions. This study investigates the fuel economy potential and cost implications of advanced powertrain technologies using comprehensive system simulations. Leveraging tools such as Autonomie and TechScape, developed by Argonne National Laboratory, this study evaluates multiple timeframes (2023–2050) and powertrain types, including conventional internal combustion engines, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Simulations conducted across standard regulatory driving cycles provide detailed insights into fuel economy improvements, cost trajectories, and total cost of ownership. The findings highlight key innovations in battery energy density, lightweighting, and powertrain optimization, demonstrating the growing viability of BEVs and their projected economic competitiveness with conventional vehicles by 2050. This work delivers actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders, underscoring the transformative potential of vehicle electrification in achieving sustainable transportation goals.

Elite Fragmentation in the United States: Global or Domestic Phenomenon?

The actions of societal elites exert a disproportionate impact on events and outcomes in their home societies. These actions are driven by a combination of factors internal and external to their nation. Using the leaders of large American corporations—the group I call the American corporate elite—as an example, I examine the extent to which these two forces affected the character and orientation of the group, from the period immediately following World War II to the present. I argue that this elite was both constrained and enabled by a series of domestic and global forces, and I attempt to disentangle the role of both. Globally, American corporations benefited from the unique strength of the United States following the war, but their actions were constrained by both the Cold War with the Soviet Union and domestic forces, including an active and highly legitimate federal government and a relatively strong labor movement. An increase in foreign economic competition, along with domestic turmoil, in the 1970s helped trigger a decline in American strength and a conservative shift among the corporate elite. Although observers have attributed the group’s increasing conservatism and fragmentation in recent years to the end of the Cold War and the rise of globalization, I argue that neither of these factors can account for these outcomes. I conclude by discussing the implications of this argument for the corporate elite, and American society as a whole.

Environmental Certification, Consumer Greenness, and Greenwashing

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the welfare effects of imperfect environmental certification and its efficacy as an environmental policy tool within a partially covered product market and price competition among firms. Using a game‐theoretic model, I find that a truth‐revealing certification mechanism – that emerges for a sufficiently precise certification mechanism or high certification fee – can enhance welfare while consistently outperforming a pooling mechanism. While greenwashing cannot benefit the economy in price competition, it may have different implications in quantity competition. The study highlights that a truth‐revealing certification mechanism is crucial for effectively reducing environmental damage, offering valuable insights for policymakers.

Innovation and Digitalization: Driving Forces for Corporate Competitiveness and Longevity

In the face of rapid technological advancements and market shifts, companies must adapt and enhance their competitiveness to ensure long-term survival. This study explores the impact of innovation, digital transformation, productivity, and employment on organizational competitiveness and their influence on corporate longevity and sustainability in the Bangka Belitung Islands, Indonesia. Employing survey methods and analyzing data using double regression, simple regression, smartPls, and SPSS, the study surveyed 120 respondents from various industrial sectors. The results reveal that innovation, productivity, and jobs significantly and positively impact companies' competitiveness, while digital transformation has a lesser effect. Additionally, the study found that a company's competitiveness positively and significantly influences its existence and survival. The research significantly contributes to understanding the factors affecting competitiveness and long-term viability in the digital economy, highlighting the crucial role of innovation, productivity, and job quality in enhancing competitive advantage. The findings provide a basis for strategic decision-making at the company level and the development of public policies that foster business growth and resilience within the Belitung Framework

Determining and Quantifying Urban Sprawl Drivers: A Delphi-DANP Approach

Urban sprawl poses a significant and escalating challenge in developing countries, including Iran, leading to substantial transformations in urban areas. Despite efforts to manage urban spatial development, uncontrolled urban sprawl exerts considerable pressure on resources, infrastructure, and the environment. This study aims to identify and quantify the drivers of urban sprawl and investigate their interrelationships within Iranian metropolises. To achieve this objective, the study employs a mixed-method approach, commencing with a review of the existing literature and expert surveys based on PESTEL analysis and the Delphi method. This stage identified and categorized 40 key drivers (sub-factors) into six main categories (factors): political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal. Subsequently, the DEMATEL-based Analytic Network Process (DANP) method is utilized to explore the internal interrelationships among factors and sub-factors and to determine their relative weights, offering deeper insights into their relationships and relative importance. The findings reveal a complex interplay of political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors driving urban sprawl in Iran. Key drivers include political fragmentation, economic competition, social preferences for suburban living, rural-to-urban migration, increasing housing demand, weak legal regulations, natural constraints, inadequate transportation infrastructure, and the impact of technological advancements. Based on these findings, the study recommends a holistic approach to sustainable urban development in Iran, emphasizing the need for stakeholder engagement, participatory decision making, legal reforms, and significant investments in public transportation infrastructure.

Sustaining Infrastructure Firm Performance Through Strategic Orientation: Competitive Advantage in Dynamic Environments

Indonesia’s pursuit of the Indonesia Emas 2045 vision emphasizes sustainable economic growth and equitable prosperity, with strategic initiatives such as establishing a new national capital and enhancing infrastructure to bolster economic competitiveness. This study examines the relationship between Strategic Orientation and Sustainable Firm Performance, with Firm Competitive Advantage as a mediator and Dynamic Environment as a moderator. Using data collected from 474 private companies affiliated with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry between September and December 2024, and analyzed via Structural Equation Modeling with SmartPLS4, the findings demonstrate that Strategic Orientation significantly enhances Firm Competitive Advantage, which partially mediates its impact on Sustainable Firm Performance. Moreover, Dynamic Environment amplifies the Strategic Orientation–Firm Competitive Advantage relationship. The study contributes to the Resource-Based View and Dynamic Capability Theory, providing actionable insights for private firms to enhance strategic adaptability and for policymakers to foster private sector sustainability amidst market dynamics.

University digital media co-occurrence networks reveal structure and dynamics of brand visibility in the attention economy

As universities compete for visibility to attract student enrollment and build scientific reputation, the management of institution of higher education (IHE) brand has emerged as an important strategic endeavor. Yet our understanding of the factors that condition the structure and dynamics of brand stratification within regional IHE ecosystems is limited. Instead, our best approximation for brand equity derives from widespread IHE rankings, which lack contextual and relational features for understanding the patterns of engagement in the fast-moving attention economy, and in particular how institutional partnerships can generate brand equity by leveraging ecosystem network effects. To this end, here we develop a framework for measuring two dimensions of brand equity, namely visibility, and association, according to the frequency of digital media articles featuring a university’s official name. We demonstrate this approach for 29 universities in California and Texas based upon 2 million media articles published between 2000 and 2020 and validate our approach by correlating university digital media visibility with ARWU Shanghai rankings and freshman enrollment growth. As roughly 10% of the article sample features >1 university, longitudinal analysis of institutional co-occurrence reveals the extent to which brand association stratifies according to regional proximity, institutional specialization, and prestige. Interestingly, despite the shared value generated from media co-visibility, the frequency of multi-university media articles has declined over time, which we attribute to paradigm shifts in media content production following the 2007–08 financial crisis and the COVID-19 infodemic, in addition to increased competitiveness of the attention economy. Topic classification of media article titles shows how specialized institutions may strategically manage their brand equity by aligning content production with dominant media topics to reinforce brand visibility with broader social, technological, and environmental narratives.

Empowering Micro and Small Enterprises through Interest-Free Credit: Lessons from Kredit Kukar Idaman

Traditional market traders in developing economies often face significant financial challenges, including limited access to formal credit and dependency on high-interest informal loans. This study evaluates the Kredit Kukar Idaman (KKI) program in Kutai Kartanegara, Indonesia, an initiative providing interest-free loans to empower micro and small enterprises (MSEs). Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions with 81 market traders. Results reveal that KKI substantially enhanced financial stability, with 87% of participants reporting increased working capital and 62% expanding their business operations. However, barriers such as limited awareness, administrative complexities, and inadequate digital skills hinder program accessibility and efficiency. Comparisons with global best practices highlight the need for integrated capacity-building measures, including financial literacy training and digital adoption initiatives. The study concludes that while KKI demonstrates the potential to foster economic resilience and market competitiveness, addressing implementation challenges is critical for its long-term sustainability. This research contributes to the discourse on inclusive credit policies and provides actionable insights for policymakers aiming to optimize similar programs.

Mapping Research Variables with the Big Theme Innovative Product New Universe

Innovative Products combine the latest technology and creative ideas to create efficient, sustainable, value-added solutions. With new features and a more personalized user experience, product innovation drives economic growth competitiveness and addresses global challenges. This research aims to identify articles that examine the role of innovative products in the context of the new universe and provide an understanding of innovative products as a creative approach to marketing. In addition, this research aims to show and explain research mapping that is relevant to this theme. This research uses qualitative methods with bibliometric techniques by utilizing Similarity Visualization (Vosviewers) as an application. By entering keywords such as Goods, Service, Event, Experience, People, Place, Ownership, Organization, and Information, The idea was to search for articles via Publish or Perish with a total of 468 articles, which were then processed using VosViewers. The results of the analysis found the scientific mapping and the possibility of future research regarding product innovation that could be used as a recommendation variable for future researchers as a reference for subsequent articles.

Co-worker dynamics among Canadian sex workers in a stigmatised and criminalised environment

Social support from colleagues is important for workers’ health and wellbeing and provides both instrumental support through material assistance, and expressive support through emotional validation. Numerous structural barriers to supportive work relationships exist, especially in service jobs located at the bottom half of today’s ‘care economy’. In this paper, we present descriptive findings from sex workers’ evaluation of the quality of their co-worker relationships. In-person interviews were conducted in 2013 with sex workers (n = 218) from six municipalities in Canada, under Canada’s (then) sex work legislation which criminalised most aspects of sex work. Although sex workers’ collegial relationships were negatively impacted by economic competition, criminalisation, and stigmatisation, nevertheless, in certain contexts, supportive relationships with co-workers were found that help sex workers perform their work and provides emotional support. We identify social factors that help reduce peer conflict between sex workers and enhance peer support.

Work-based learning: a catalyst for leadership, organizational development and economic growth in Tennessee.

This paper explores the significance of work-based learning in the context of leadership development, organizational growth and the promising economic success in Tennessee organizations. It aims to investigate the practical implications of work-based learning, focusing on its role in enhancing leadership capabilities, fostering innovation and contributing to a prosperous economic future. The research employs a systematic literature review to examine existing studies on work-based learning, leadership development, organizational growth and economic success in Tennessee. It also involves data collection from various sources, including government agencies, colleges and organizations in the state. The collected data are rigorously verified and cross-referenced to ensure reliability and relevance. The findings emphasize the transformative potential of work-based learning initiatives in Tennessee. They reveal that work-based learning programs are vital in developing influential leaders, fostering a culture of learning and innovation and contributing to economic competitiveness. The research also highlights the interconnectedness of leadership development, organizational growth and economic success, emphasizing the critical role of work-based learning in driving positive outcomes in all these dimensions. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by emphasizing the practical applicability of work-based learning findings. It provides insights into the unique context of Tennessee organizations and their motivations, challenges and opportunities related to work-based learning. The research also outlines recommendations and future research directions to bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing the impact of work-based learning initiatives in Tennessee and beyond. The insights gained can assist other states and industries in developing effective work-based learning programs tailored to their specific economic needs and industry demands, fostering broader economic prosperity.

The Impact of Digital Inequality on IT Identity in the Light of Inequalities in Internet Access

This article investigates the relationship between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Internet access, focusing on how digital connectivity influences the achievement of these global objectives. This research examines digital inequalities in access, usage, skills and outcomes through a mixed-methods approach, including statistical analysis and case studies. The findings indicate a strong correlation between Internet access and progression towards the European sustainability goals related to education quality, gender equality and industry innovation. In particular, it can be shown that where Internet access indicators are lower, digital literacy and IT identity scores are also lower for society as a whole, impacting both the quality of education and social mobility, while simultaneously reducing the economic competitiveness of the respective state. We can also see that these societies have a more patriarchal approach, negatively impacting the social status of women (although the COVID-19 epidemic negatively impacted social resilience, too) while further harming progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal associated with education. Significant disparities are also identified, particularly affecting rural areas, women, children and marginalised communities. The article futher explores IT identity, revealing that a strong IT identity enhances digital inclusion and empowerment. Article results highlight the necessity of addressing digital inequalities to ensure the equitable distribution of digital benefits and advocating for Internet access as a fundamental right essential to achieving global sustainability and Internet equality.

Risking delay: the storylines of (bioenergy with) carbon capture and storage in Swedish parliamentary discourse

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), along with Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), feature heavily in climate mitigation scenarios. Nevertheless, the technologies remain controversial within the broader mitigation discourse, in part for their potential to excuse delay in more ambitious emissions reductions in the short term. Sweden has included BECCS and CCS as proposed “supplementary measures” to enable the country to meet its ambitious target of achieving net negative emissions by 2045. Hajer’s Argumentative Approach to Discourse Analysis is applied to Swedish parliamentary speeches, motions, and written questions and answers, to uncover the storylines and attendant assumptions constituting Swedish policy deliberation regarding CCS and BECCS. This study finds that by problematizing climate change as an issue of emissions, actors position CCS and BECCS within a dominant neoliberal discourse and characterize them as tools to facilitate a green transition centering on industrial and economic competitiveness. This discourse lacks detail, and risks delay by oversimplifying the needs and requirements for CCS and BECCS deployment. Meanwhile, a CCS-critical discourse acknowledges the need for negative emissions but challenges storylines portraying the technology as inexpensive or easy to deploy rapidly. If pursued, this discourse could serve to sharpen the debate about the technologies and bring planning in line with aspirations, helping to avert risks of delay.

Challenges Faced by the WTO Framework in Addressing Unilateral Economic Sanctions: The Case of US Sanctions Against Huawei

In the context of increasing economic sanctions among countries and the prevalence of trade protectionism, the choice of trade partners by governments has shifted away from aligning with free market competition principles. Instead, they now prioritize collaboration with allied nations within their respective blocs to ensure security and stability. This shift has undoubtedly posed significant challenges to all multilateral international economic organizations, particularly the WTO. Due to the mutual imposition of sanctions between nations, the existing legal frameworks and institutional structures are inadequate in effectively guiding countries to redirect economic competition away from resource consumption. On the contrary, they fail to constrain the unilateral actions of hegemonic states that infringe upon the sovereignty and human rights of sanctioned nations, thereby inflicting harm on the global economy. This article discusses the characteristics and evaluations of unilateral economic sanctions and analyzes the intellectual property aspects of the Huawei sanction case. By examining the legality of Articles 27, 28, and 40 of the TRIPS Agreement, the study assesses the actual impacts of these sanctions. Furthermore, it identifies existing deficiencies within the WTO concerning international intellectual property law and highlights the challenges posed by technological advancements, the maintenance of global supply chains, and the need to steer competition away from a Thucydides Trap towards a trajectory more conducive to global economic development.

Higher Education and Its Contribution to Economies of African Countries: Move Towards Competence-Based and Skills Demand-Driven Standards in Collaboration with Industry

This study explores the ecosystemic impacts of higher education (HE) on the economies of African countries, emphasizing the need for competence-based, and skills-demand-driven standards in collaboration with industry. HE is vital for equipping individuals with essential knowledge and skills for socio-economic transformation. However, in Africa, this role has weakened, with industry assuming a leading position. Curricula in HE institutions are slow to adapt to the skills needed by industries, leading to a range of challenges such as outdated curriculum delivery, desertion of technical and vocational training, inadequate research resources, insufficient collaboration frameworks between HE and industries, minimal support for entrepreneurship, and poor infrastructure. Aligning HE curricula with industry skills requirements is crucial for enhancing African economic development and competitiveness. Unfortunately, there is a notable lack of partnerships and practical mechanisms for curriculum integration among African HE institutions, which results in graduates possessing skills that do not meet industry demands. This paper reviews the extensive literature on HE's role in African economies, advocating for in-depth collaboration between HE and industry in order to tackle skills mismatches. Accordingly, establishing a healthy partnership between HE institutions and industries could facilitate work-integrated learning, encourage industry-led curriculum development, and prepare graduates with applicable skills and relevant knowledge for the job market. Thus, developing a proactive framework that can facilitate and enforce collaboration between higher education and industries could be critical in addressing the challenges faced by African economic development.

The Role of Critical Raw Material Imports in Shaping Economic Competitiveness within the European Union

Critical raw materials (CRMs) represent essential resources for several strategic sectors in the European Union and strategies are necessary to reduce dependence on imports and improve the efficiency of their use. The European Union is facing significant challenges in diversifying supply chains, implementing effective sustainability standards, and reducing strategic dependencies on imports. Our study investigates the impact of critical raw material (CRM) imports on the competitiveness of the European market, addressing significant gaps in the existing literature regarding this relationship. Utilizing quarterly import values of CRMs for the EU during the period 2023-2024, the research employs a linear regression model to explore the correlation between CRM imports and economic competitiveness. The findings underscore the complexities of the relationship between CRM imports and EU competitiveness, highlighting the need for strategic policy frameworks that enhance recycling rates, promote research into alternative materials, and ensure sustainable practices in raw material extraction. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics between resource dependency and market competitiveness, providing insights for policymakers aiming to secure a sustainable and competitive European economy.