Regional Competitiveness Research Articles

Methodological approach to assessing the digital infrastructure of the northern regions of the Russian Federation

The northern territories of Russia need high-quality strategic digital changes in the structure of the regional economy. Digitalization and the introduction of digital technologies in the medium term will be able to transform economic relations in the old industrial and raw materials regions of the North, improve the quality of life of local communities. The growth of digital inequality among the regions under study leads to disproportions in their socio-economic development. The purpose of this study is to develop and test a methodology for assessing the level of development of the digital infrastructure of the Russian northern regions, including classification of an indicators system for each level of digital infrastructure, calculation of an integral index and typology of the territories under study. The objects of the study were 13 northern regions of the Russian Federation, the entire territory of which is classified as regions of the Extreme North and equivalent areas. The methodology made it possible to determine the level of technical, technological and personnel readiness of the northern regions for digitalization, to identify regions with the best solutions at each level of digital infrastructure development. The analysis of the results in dynamics helped to assess the effectiveness of regional policy for managing digitalization processes. As a result, the authors came to the conclusion that increasing the competitiveness of northern regions in the era of rapid digitalization is possible through investments in human capital and the creation of a network of scientific and technological clusters. The presented approach to assessing the development of individual levels and elements of digital infrastructure will allow for the diagnosis of priority needs of territories under study in the field of digitalization. The results of the study can form the basis for regional policy in the field of sustainable digital development of Russia.

Capacity planning of storage batteries for remote island microgrids with physical energy storage with CO2 phase changes

Energy storage devices based on the CO2 thermal cycle (CTC) lose competitiveness in cold regions because of the decreased energy volume density and charge–discharge efficiency at low ambient temperatures. The CO2 hybrid thermal cycle (CHS) combines the CTC with the CO2 hydrate thermal cycle (CHT) to maintain a high energy volume density and charge–discharge efficiency regardless of the ambient temperature. The CHS-based energy storage system has been shown to have an energy volume density of 80–140 kWh/m3 and charge–discharge efficiency of 60 %–106 %. However, the economic feasibility of this system has not been considered. In this study, a numerical analysis was performed on the practical application and economic feasibility of CHS-based energy storage for the 100 % renewable energy microgrid of a pair of remote islands. In a case analysis of CHS installation in a microgrid for a remote island with 100 % renewable energy, the construction cost of CHS was 2/3 of that of pumped storage; the equipment cost reduction of CHS strongly depends on the type and amount of renewable energy to be interconnected, and therefore, the overall optimization of the power system is necessary.

HORTICULTURE DEVELOPMENT AS A STRATEGIC DIRECTION OF THE REGIONAL ECONOMY OF TRANSCARPATHIA

Horticulture, a beacon of resilience, is essential for bolstering the economic stability and competitiveness of regions. This article sets out to gauge the current state of horticulture in Transcarpathia and explore avenues for its fortification, drawing from the experiences of European countries.The study's methodology is rooted in scenario modelling, trend assessment, and forecasting of horticulture development, leveraging the comparative experiences of European countries.The research results underscore the efficacy of automated systems and storage infrastructure in horticulture, as observed in Transcarpathia, Finland, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, and Germany. The findings reveal that agricultural technologies can boost the yield of fruit and berry crops by 20% through enhanced fertility of sown areas. Despite the significant setbacks inflicted by the ongoing war in Ukraine, the horticultural sector has shown remarkable resilience, a testament to its strength and adaptability. One of the critical consequences of the war was a 27% reduction in capital investment in Ukrainian agriculture - from UAH 68 billion in 2021 to UAH 49.6 billion in 2022. The war has led to the loss of controlled territories and the destruction of the infrastructure that supports the agricultural sector. The article proposes strategies to enhance horticultural practices, advocating for corporate sector involvement and government support for lending.The practical significance of the work lies in formulating recommendations for implementing effective horticultural methods adapted to local conditions. Further research on horticultural practices should focus on improving sown land with the latest tillage tools.

The Influence of Leading Sectors, Domestic Investment and Population on Regional Original Income (PAD) in Bengkulu Province

This research aims to analyze the influence of leading sectors, domestic investment, and population on Regional Original Income (PAD) in Bengkulu Province. Regional economic development is measured through Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), which reflects resource management capabilities and fiscal independence. The data used in this research is secondary data covering the 2019-2023 periode and analyzed using the Location Quotient (LQ) technique and multiple regression methods. The research results show that leading sectors and domestic investment have a significant influence on PAD, while the influence of population varies depending on the sector studied. These findings emphasize the importance of optimizing potential economic sectors and increasing domestic investment to strengthen fiscal independence and regional competitiveness in Bengkulu Province.

Fostering innovation in the perspective of the independent curriculum of Boyolali regency

Innovation can be applied in every aspect of life. Similarly, innovation can support the implementation of an accountable education system and support regional competitiveness. Innovation is easy to echo, but difficult to implement. Especially with regard to the Education curriculum which is based on many teaching norms. For this reason, the independent curriculum is a bridge for students and teachers in pouring their innovative ideas through projects that link and match with the world of Education. The problem is that not all schools in Boyolali Regency dare to experiment. There are only 20 schools that seem to be making innovations from the total number of schools as many as ± 400 school units. Qualitative descriptive study method with analysis through problem trees. The result of the study is that an innovation model will be created three concepts, namely Training model, professional Development and Capability Development using problem-based learning methods, project-based learning and discovery learning.

Innovative Model of Creative Tourism as a Factor of Sustainable Development in the Context of Modern Challenges

The aim of this study is to develop an innovative model of creative tourism as a key driver of sustainable development in response to modern challenges. In a world where globalization and technological advancements are reshaping traditional tourism approaches, creative tourism emerges as a novel strategy to attract visitors and foster economic growth. This study employs a data-driven analytical approach (BIG DATA analysis) to examine creative tourism, recognizing the need to manage, systematize, classify, and draw insights from large datasets enabled by digital technologies. Creative tourism systems leverage advanced neural networks with multiple hidden layers to intelligently process and extract maximum value from data, providing essential insights for tourism service consumers. This positions creative tourism as both a critical business asset and a valuable tool for improving the human experience. Research Objectives: 1.To develop a model of creative tourism that supports sustainable development. 2.To examine the daily practices and impact of creative tourism on sustainable development. 3.To identify ways to enhance the effectiveness of creative tourism models and their contribution to sustainable development. The study highlights the essential components of an innovative creative tourism model, integrating local culture, environmental responsibility, digital technologies, and the creation of unique tourism products. Special focus is given to sustainable development principles, which not only protect environmental resources but also promote the social well-being of local communities. The paper also presents successful examples of creative tourism practices, showcasing their potential to open new market opportunities and increase regional competitiveness. The findings underscore that this innovative model of creative tourism holds the potential to revolutionize the tourism industry, advancing economic, social, and environmental progress.

Development of the global competitiveness of Russian regions: the concept and configuration of the "smart" complementarity

Purpose: is to work out the scientifically sound theoretical and methodical framework for the «smart» complementarity of trade flows, aimed at selecting and substantiating potential commodity niches in trade of Russian regions with foreign countries.Methods: the general methodological basis of the study is the critical analysis of the scientific literature that forms the theoretical and methodological basis for the global competitiveness of individual regions of a country presented in the theories of regional and spatial economy. The study has been carried out by methods of system, structural-logical and abstract-logical analysis.Results: the research resulted in some fundamental scientific novelties such as: the scientifically grounded theoretical concept of “smart” complementarity, which makes it possible to identify the presence of specific foreign trade niches in a geographical (country, region) and commodity contexts, based on an analysis of the complementarity of trade flows at the level of a Russian region and a foreign country, and assessment of the global competitiveness of the regional economy, as well as “fine” criteria that determine the activity of participants in foreign economic activity. The applied results included a specific configuration of "smart" complementarity – the algorithm for determining promising economic specializations of the region, allowing to combine trade statistics of a foreign country with data regional statistics, indicating the presence of foreign trade potential, taking into account regional economic specializations. The developed algorithm is intended for the use in an information and analytical system to support management decisions in the field of foreign economic activity of the region.Conclusions and Relevance: the concept and configuration of «smart» complementarity in their practical implementation in the form of an information and analytical system are proposed in the article to provide the participants of foreign economic activity with data on promising export groups for selected countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. This approach allows moving the «center of gravity» of building trade and economic relations with foreign countries from the federal to the regional level.

Innovative Development of Regional Industry: analysis, problems, and prospects (on the example of the Udmurt Republic)

Purpose: the study aims to analyze industrial development in the Udmurtia and propose measures to foster innovation. These efforts may enhance regional manufacturers' order portfolio and enhance the region's competitiveness both nationally and internationally.Methods: the research employs a complex of methods including factual, dynamic, causal, correlation-regression and structural analysis, alongside generalization, comparison, logical analysis, and graphical visualization.Results: the article analyzes the development of the industry in the Udmurtia, known for its strong presence in the military-industrial complex (MIC). The study delves into current industry trends, innovation indicators, and practices of MIC enterprises. It highlights obstacles to innovation and suggests measures to boost innovation, increase output volumes, and bolster the industry's adaptability to emerging challenges.Conclusions and Relevance: the regional enterprises of the manufacturing industry and MIC are the leading producers of innovation in the region. However, the proportion of innovative industrial products in the overall regional output is limited to 10%. Correlation and regression analysis showed the significance of the level of innovative activity of organizations and the share of organizations carrying out technological innovations in the effectiveness of innovative activity in the manufacturing industry. Innovation can be encouraged through various means, such as attracting investments, establishing a regional Agency for Innovation Development, digital platformization, and fostering integration among innovation entities with the help of an innovation accelerator, taking advantage of new market niche opportunities, stimulated by promoting corporate entrepreneurship. The region’s future prospects are closely tied to the development of the high-tech sector of unmanned aerial systems, what is the subject of scientific interest of the author's future research.

A County-Level Analysis of the Economic Performance in Romania and Bulgaria Using Hierarchical Algorithms

The EU Regional Competitiveness Index 2.0 measures a region’s ability to provide an attractive environment for businesses and residents to work and live. According to this indicator, countries in the southern and eastern regions of the European Union are reported to have the lowest values. As it measures the performance of NUTS-2 regions, it was desired to study the problem in more detail, reaching the NUTS-3 level. Thus, within the current research, Romania and Bulgaria are studied by means of a county-level analysis of the economies of the two states established through the prism of the labor market, the field of health, transport, enterprises, tourism, education, and research. Through eight indicators, a series of maps designed to present the situation of the two states was illustrated, and the investigation continued with a cluster analysis carried out by the implementation of hierarchical algorithms. During the course of the current study, a classification and a ranking of the counties of the two countries were performed to determine the areas with the best or, in contrast, the poorest performance.

Концептуальні засади визначення ефективності виконання завдань і заходів державних цільових програм розвитку для підвищення ефективності управління автомобільними дорогами

Introduction. Effective functioning of road transport is only possible when the quantitative growth, quality level, and technical condition of roads meet the demands of road transport. This combination of road network characteristics can only be achieved with adequate funding to implement all planned works. Investments in road infrastructure can become a catalyst for economic recovery and growth, as they will improve logistics capabilities, reduce freight and passenger transportation costs, and enhance regional competitiveness. Problem Statement. In the first decades of independence, the road industry faced chronic underfunding, which negatively affected its development. The situation worsened with the full-scale military aggression of the Russian Federation in 2024. According to the World Bank's “Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA3)” report, post-war recovery needs for public roads and bridges alone are estimated at around USD 28.8 billion. For the rapid and quality restoration and development of Ukraine, this issue is critically important, as the state of the roads affects transportation costs, prices, employment levels, and the overall pace of economic development. Furthermore, the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation raises questions about ensuring reliable logistics routes, prompt transportation of humanitarian aid, and the country's defense capabilities.

Macroeconomic Factors and Policy Dynamics Influencing FDI Flows from Arab Countries to Malaysia: A Qualitative Analysis (2018-2023)

This study examines the macroeconomic factors and policy dynamics influencing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows from Arab countries to Malaysia during the period 2018-2023. Employing a qualitative research design, the study utilizes semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, analysis of policy documents, and examination of economic data to provide a comprehensive understanding of this evolving economic relationship. The research reveals that Malaysia's economic resilience, robust GDP growth, and effective fiscal policies have been instrumental in attracting Arab FDI, despite global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategic policy initiatives, including targeted FDI incentives and bilateral trade agreements, have played a crucial role in facilitating investment flows. The study identifies key sectors attracting Arab investment, including real estate, Islamic banking and finance, oil and gas, and tourism. Malaysia's position as a global hub for Islamic financial services and halal industries emerges as a significant factor in its appeal to Arab investors. However, the research also highlights persistent challenges, such as regulatory hurdles, cultural and language barriers, and increasing regional competition. The study concludes that while Malaysia has successfully positioned itself as an attractive destination for Arab FDI, continued policy refinement and focus on high-value, knowledge-intensive sectors are necessary to maintain this position. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on South-South economic cooperation and provide valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and researchers. Future research directions, including the need for quantitative analysis and comparative studies with other Southeast Asian countries, are suggested to further enhance understanding of these complex investment dynamics.

Measuring Regional Competitiveness Through The Regional Development Index

This research aims to conduct an analysis focusing on measuring the level of regional competitiveness by utilizing the regional development index as a measure of regional development performance in Luwu Raya. This measurement examines several indicators considered influential, namely economic, social, infrastructure, and environmental aspects. The sample in this research includes all regions in Luwu Raya, comprising Palopo City, Luwu Regency, North Luwu Regency, and East Luwu Regency. The method employed in this research is quantitative analysis using the composite performance index as the analytical technique. The primary steps in constructing a composite index involve weighting, literature studies, trend determination, alternative index determination, and composite index determination. The results reveal that the regional competitiveness in Luwu Raya is unevenly distributed. Palopo City is the region with the highest level of competitiveness, while two regencies, North Luwu and Luwu, have the lowest levels of competitiveness. The most influential aspect of regional competitiveness is infrastructure, as measured by data on the condition of paved roads and clean water distribution. The problem that needs to be addressed in almost all regions of Luwu Raya is poverty. Infrastructure is a pioneering indicator that can have a significant positive or negative impact on development in Luwu Raya. Therefore, it is expected that the government can focus its development policies on infrastructure to provide multiplier effects on economic and social aspects through inclusive economic growth and job creation.

Association Between Regional Market Competition and Early Femoropopliteal Interventions for Claudication

ObjectivesRegional market competition is known to impact practice patterns in surgical care. We aimed to investigate the association of regional market competition with the utilization of early peripheral vascular interventions (PVI) for the treatment of claudication, and the subsequent impact on clinical outcomes. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 100% Medicare fee-for-service claims data from 01/2019 to 12/2021 to identify patients with a new diagnosis of claudication. We calculated the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index for all sites of service performing PVI according to Health Service Area. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association of regional market competition with early (<6 months) PVI for claudication, and progression to chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), repeat PVI, and major amputation. ResultsWe identified 300,492 patients with a new diagnosis of claudication (mean age 73.8 years, 51.6% male, 11.1% Black), of which 6.1% underwent an early PVI for claudication. Most patients (72.4%) were treated in low-competition markets. After adjusting for patient characteristics, patients treated in moderate-competition markets had the highest odds of receiving an early PVI. Regional market competition was not associated with conversion to CLTI or repeat PVI (P>0.05), but patients treated in high- (aHR 0.70, 95%CI 0.56-0.86) and moderate- (aHR 0.82, 95%CI 0.69-0.92) competition markets had lower hazards of major amputation compared to patients treated in low-competition markets. Early PVI was significantly associated with worse clinical outcomes after adjusting for all factors including market competition (all, P<0.05). ConclusionsThere is a complex interplay between regional market competition, early PVI utilization, and subsequent clinical outcomes for patients with claudication. Early PVI continues to demonstrate a strong association with unfavorable clinical outcomes even when accounting for market competition.

ANALYZING INTERGENERATIONAL SOCIAL PERCEPTIONS IN AN ENERGY CLUSTER LOCATION

This article focuses on the multi-generational social analysis of a region in Mexico that represents an important energy cluster. In general, social participation in energy sector projects needs to be strengthened to increase regional competitiveness. Data collection was carried out through a representative sample survey. Important findings on social confidence and energy poverty were obtained, which serve as a starting point for the design of new competitiveness initiatives for the energy cluster.

How higher education institutions may catalyse regional innovation ecosystems: The case of polytechnics in Portugal

This article explores the crucial role of higher education institutions in catalysing regional innovation ecosystems. In particular, it aims to study how polytechnics in Portugal have been involved in this process. The research utilizes an exploratory and reflective case study approach to present real-world evidence of collaborative efforts within innovation networks that involve both businesses and the social economy. Thus, the study raises awareness of collaborative innovation and entrepreneurship networks, emphasizing genuine interactive learning and knowledge exchange. Polytechnic institutions can enhance regional competitiveness by providing education and training for future entrepreneurs and highly skilled professionals, as well as offering technological and managerial solutions that drive value creation and the emergence of new businesses and markets, potentially even on an international level. The study also emphasizes the fourth mission of higher education institutions, particularly polytechnic institutes, focusing on empowering communities through social innovation projects for sustainable local and regional development.

China's provincial optimum population sizes under SSP‐RCP scenarios

AbstractClimate change poses new challenges to achieving a balanced population distribution. Predicting the impact of development patterns using climate change scenarios can offer more precise insights into environmental and social risks. By adopting the possibility–satisfiability (P–S) model, this study investigates the optimum population sizes for the 31 provincial districts of China by 2035 and 2050 under seven shared socioeconomic pathway‐representative concentration pathway (SSP‐RCP) scenarios. Results indicate that under SSP2‐4.5 scenario, which maintains current development patterns, the optimum human population (OHP) ranges from 985 million to 717 million in 2035 and from 902 million to 623 million by 2050 at different P–S values, respectively. The SSP1‐1.9 and SSP1‐2.6 scenarios offer promising prospects by carrying the largest optimum population size. Therefore, China's future development depends on choosing a sustainable path that prioritizes the growth of the OHP. The optimum population sizes of provinces under unbalanced development routes SSP4‐3.4 and SSP4‐6.0 scenarios are mainly limited by economic development, while those of the regional competition route SSP3‐7.0 scenario are limited by both economic and climatic pressures. Under the fossil fuel route SSP5‐8.5 scenario, climate deterioration imposes severe constraints on optimum population size. The optimum population scales of the eastern coastal area with high urbanization levels and the northwest area with harsh environments are subject to natural conditions. In addition, the central and western regions encounter population size limitations due to insufficient economic development. Notably, China's population distribution remains concentrated in the east and sparse in the west, flanking the Hu Huanyong Line (Hu Line), with minimal expected changes in the future. By studying the spatial distribution of the optimum population under different SSP‐RCP scenarios, this study provides theoretical support for government decision‐making in the context of future climate change.

A TOPSIS analysis of regional competitiveness at European level

PurposeThe measurement of regional competitiveness is becoming essential for policymakers to address territorial disparities, while considering the issue of correlations among indicators. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to measure regional competitiveness using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) by considering different distance measures and two levels of analysis to provide a comparative and comprehensive measurement of regional competitiveness in Europe.Design/methodology/approachThe authors apply TOPSIS based on three different distance measures (the Manhattan, the Euclidean and the Mahalanobis distance measures) to the regions of the EU Regional Competitiveness Index (RCI) 2019, which is taken as the frame of reference.FindingsThe authors replicate the RCI by using TOPSIS with a less preferred choice of distance measure, indicating TOPSIS as a valuable method for policymakers in the analysis of regional competitiveness. The authors argue in favour of the Mahalanobis distance measure as the best of the three, as it considers correlations among macro-economic indicators.Originality/valueThis study aims to make three contributions. Firstly, by replicating the RCI by means of TOPSIS with a less preferred choice of distance measure, the paper provides a benchmark for future research on regional competitiveness. Secondly, by suggesting the use of TOPSIS with the use of the Mahalanobis distance measure, the authors show how to measure regional competitiveness by taking into account correlations among pillars. Thirdly, the authors argue in favour of considering clusters of regions when measuring regional competitiveness.

How does regional GDP manipulation affect livelihood investment?

People’s livelihood serves as the primary impetus driving all social activities. Faced with intense regional competition and stringent assessment, regional governments often resort to manipulating GDP figures. This study investigates the repercussions of such economic distortion on residents’ welfare. Our findings reveal a significant negative relationship between regional GDP manipulation and investment in livelihood improvements. This correlation is particularly pronounced during the initial phase of officials’ tenure and diminishes when officials serve in their hometowns. Moreover, we observe that the reduction in livelihood investment is exacerbated during periods of economic downturn. These conclusions contribute to the existing literature on regional GDP manipulation and livelihood investment, shedding light on the potential implications for residents’ welfare.

Determinants of the Root Causes and Success Factors for the East African Community Regional Force Intervention in Managing Intractable Intrastate Conflicts in the DRC

Globally, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has had one of the most intractable conflicts. Several attempts, ranging from global, continental, and regional levels, have been made to address these conflicts with little success. The deployment of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) in 2022, a period characterized by the emergence and intensification of the March 23 Movement (M23) — a rebel group that seeks to advance the interests of the Congolese Tutsi ethnic group within the DRC military and political system — was envisaged to change the fortunes regarding the conflicts in the DRC. This was because it would be the first localized attempt at intervention. However, since the intervention of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) in the DRC, there seems to have been little progress regarding the management of intractable conflicts. This paper sought to investigate the determinants of the success of the EACRF intervention in the management of the DRC’s intractable intra-state conflict. The study is underpinned by the interpretivism research philosophy, and the paper was anchored on Conflict Transformation Theory to sustain the study variables. The researcher adopted two research designs — descriptive survey and historical longitudinal research designs — to ensure valid research results. The target population was 297, from which a sample of 177 was derived, including EACRF ground personnel, military attachés, members of the local community, leaders of rebel groups, and refugees, who were sampled using census, simple random, snowballing, and purposive sampling techniques. The study findings established that EACRF's success was inhibited by a number of factors: 91 (60.66%) respondents acknowledged that institutional weaknesses in East African Community (EAC) states contribute to prolonged conflicts in the DRC. Additionally, 43 (28.66%) respondents stated that regional security competition, namely power rivalry, affects the management of the DRC conflict. Furthermore, 8 (5.33%) respondents cited the informal economy, and 8 (5.33%) respondents mentioned trans-border social networks as additional factors contributing to the complexity of internal conflict in the DRC. The paper concludes that the EACRF has had limited success due to several factors, thereby inhibiting its management of intractable intra-state conflicts in the DRC. The paper recommended that the EAC strategically focus on region-centric intervention in New Warfare in eastern DRC, especially in the Republics of Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda, given that rebel groups originating from these nations frequently operate in the Eastern Region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Strengthening good governance in these states, including the DRC, is necessary to quell ethnic unrest that fuels internal and regional conflicts within the EAC.

Approaches to understanding the competitiveness of regions in the development of the economy: a comparative analysis of the countries of Europe and Ukraine

Approaches to understanding the competitiveness of regions in the development of the economy: a comparative analysis of the countries of Europe and Ukraine