Competitive Sector Research Articles

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE COMPETITIVENESS OF UKRAINE'S ICT SECTOR: AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

The purpose of the paper is to examine the international competitiveness of Ukraine's ICT sector through a comparative analysis with 30 countries, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and provide actionable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders and investors to improve Ukraine's position in the global ICT market. Methodology. The research employs the composite index methodology to assess the international competitiveness of Ukraine's information and communication technology (ICT) sector. The original ITSIC comprises 35 indicators; however, this has been expanded to 58 in order to provide a comprehensive view of the competitive advantages and position of the ICT sector in the global ICT market. Results. The article presents the findings of a comparative study of the ICT sector of Ukraine with global and regional leaders in the global ICT market. In order to identify the factors influencing the formation of competitive advantages, the following groups of factors were taken into account: the state of ICT infrastructure, the availability of qualified and competent IT professionals, the state and favourability of the political and business environment, the innovative potential of the ICT sector and its involvement in international trade and cooperation. The calculations have yielded the ratings for each group of indicators and the composite index as a whole, which identify the leaders in both global and regional dimensions. Specific consideration is given to the positioning of Ukraine's ICT sector within the context of the surveyed countries, with a focus on the identification of its competitive advantages and disadvantages within the global ICT market. Consequently, it has been determined that the international competitiveness of the domestic ICT sector between 2018 and 2022 was most significantly influenced by the extent of its involvement in international trade and collaboration, the availability and proficiency of the talent pool, and the quality of the ICT infrastructure. In conclusion, this study has identified the factors and trends that have the potential to impede Ukraine's ascension as a global leader in the ICT sector. Practical implications. The findings of the study may prove beneficial to a number of parties, including public authorities, ICT companies, investors and venture capitalists, educational and research institutions, international organisations and development agencies, IT entrepreneurs and the general public. The value and originality of the study can be found in its comprehensive, data-driven, and context-specific analysis, which provides actionable insights and strategic recommendations to enhance the international competitiveness of Ukraine's ICT sector.

Analysis of Industrial Performance Indicators Effects On Enhance The Competitiveness of The Food Sector and The Possibility Of Support in The Iraqi Economy (2003-2020)

This study was aimed on analyze the competitiveness of the food industry sector, and showed the level of industrial and competitive performance of these industries, and the possibility of supporting and enhancing their competitiveness in the Iraqi economy for the period 2003-2020. Competitiveness is considered one of the most important indicators of the efficiency of the food industry tool in local and foreign markets, as competitiveness represents the ability of productive sectors of different types to distribute their products and increase their sales level. Therefore, the food industry in Iraq is considered one of the most important sectors of the manufacturing industries that suffer from problems and obstacles including a decrease in the level of competitive and industrial performance. It is believed that the problem of the research is the weak competitiveness of the food industry in Iraq due to the decline in the quality of manufactured products and the weak level of competitiveness of these products compared to imported products. The results of the study showed a decrease and fluctuation in the contribution of the manufacturing sector to the gross domestic product (GDP) in Iraq. The economic policy was not providing the possibility of an investment climate to support and enhance the private sector in industrial investment. The indicators of production requirements such as labor productivity, worker productivity, and the value added index of the food industries sector began to fluctuate between decrease and increase, and to measure the extent of the reciprocal effects between all parts of the standard model and the extent of its contribution to developing the competitive capacity of this sector.

Industrial policy and State-business relations in Brazil: the governance of productive development policies

This article deals with the new productive development policies in countries that, like the case of Brazil, have political systems permeable to business elite particularistic interests. In this regard, the analysis of industrial policies is important because public-private coordination use to be needed. The establishment of a new cycle of industrial policies between 2003 and 2016 was accompanied by the construction of a governance structure to increase coordination with companies, supposedly in more innovative and competitive sectors. However, using historical institutional analysis, it is intended to demonstrate that these governance structures, as formal institutions, were supplanted in practice by the traditional rules of the game in the relationship between the State and businessmen. These rules of the game tend to promote enterprises and sectors that are already well established. In this way, policies that were designed to favor a structural transformation, ended up having a protectionist and defensive bias of traditional industries.

Emerging Trends in E-Commerce in Bangalore Urban District: Opportunities and Challenges for Local Businesses

The rapid growth of e-commerce in India has cemented Bangalore Urban District as a vital area for digital commerce, fueled by its advanced technological infrastructure and consumer base. This study investigates emerging trends such as mobile commerce, omnichannel retail, and social commerce, and examines their impact on local businesses. Through analyzing secondary data and industry insights, this paper identifies factors driving these trends, including high smartphone penetration, an expanding digital economy, and the unique tech ecosystem in Bangalore. The findings underscore the opportunities and challenges for businesses in Bangalore to navigate this competitive sector effectively, providing recommendations on leveraging digital innovations to foster growth.

СТРАТЕГІЧНІ АЛЬТЕРНАТИВИ ВІДНОВЛЕННЯ КОНКУРЕНТОСПРОМОЖНОСТІ СФЕРИ ГОСТИННОСТІ УКРАЇНИ

Introduction. The field of hospitality is the basis for the development of the economies of many countries of the world. Ukraine is no exception. Although the full-scale invasion of the territory of Ukraine left its mark on this sector of the economy, causing great damage to it, the global situation has not changed and its development remains one of the priorities, especially in the context of Ukraine's vector for European integration. However, in today's conditions, appropriate strategies and tools for their implementation are necessary to preserve and restore the competitiveness of the hospitality industry. The purpose of the article: to justify strategic alternatives for restoring the competitiveness of the hospitality sector of Ukraine Results. The article substantiates that since the field of hospitality is a complex socio-ecological-economic system, which is characterized by significant regional differences, it is advisable to apply combined strategic sets formed on the basis of a hierarchical approach. The application of three levels of strategic alternatives is substantiated: Level I as a market positioning strategy (globalization, deep market penetration, adaptation, anticipatory development); Level II as strategic directions for ensuring competitive advantages (creating new competitive advantages, increasing competitive advantages, maintaining a competitive position, restoring lost competitive advantages); Level III as typical competitive strategies (diversification, differentiation, focus, specialization, cost leadership). The results of the study were used to justify the correlation of the specified strategies with the identified trends in the development of the hospitality industry in the world and in Ukraine. The sets of alternative strategies will be identified in the coordinates "Level of competitive advantages" / "Level of competitiveness", according to which the regions of Ukraine will be grouped and the specifics of the implementation of each of the sets will be determined. In the conditions of the current situation, the proposals are characterized by a high level of speculation, but they can serve as a reference point for the development of the hospitality industry in the regions of Ukraine, the basis of regional programs and strategies, which is a perspective for further research. Conclusions. A strategic approach to restoring the competitiveness of the hospitality sector of Ukraine ensures the prediction and achievement of expected results, obtaining competitive advantages for the long-term perspective, is the basis for the development of regional strategies and programs, which is of practical importance.

Bankruptcy Reform and Breakthrough Innovation: Evidence from the Quasi-Experiment in China

Using the quasi-natural experiment of staggered bankruptcy court establishment across China, this study examines the impact of bankruptcy reform on corporate breakthrough innovation. Results show that bankruptcy courts significantly facilitate breakthrough innovation, with particularly pronounced effects among firms in high-tech industries and competitive sectors, firms with prior innovation advantages, and non-state-owned firms. Mechanism analysis reveals that bankruptcy courts boost the supply of credit resources, especially long-term credit, providing stable financial support for technological breakthroughs. Additionally, stronger legal protection promotes R&D alliances, fostering breakthrough innovation.

Comparison of the Competitiveness for Danish, Dutch, and German Piglet Producers under Consideration of Country-Specific Methods of Piglet Castration with Anesthesia

Pig producers in Europe adopt different production methods for male pig fattening. More than half of the animals are surgically castrated. The different interpretations of animal welfare in different countries lead to market differentiation and economically different production conditions, which do not restrict trade, but economically lead to drastic competitive changes for local producers. While the Netherlands has already implemented surgical castration for the export market, using CO2 narcosis (NL), Denmark and Germany are each introducing their strategies with local anesthesia (DK) and isoflurane anesthesia (DE), respectively. Using typical pig farms from the agri benchmark Pig Network, the additional costs and economic impacts of animal welfare regulations are calculated. In Germany, isoflurane anesthesia increases costs by EUR 28.54 to EUR 49.86 per sow, or EUR 1.93 to EUR 3.81 per male piglet. This corresponds to a cost increase of around 5% per piglet. In Denmark, the costs of local anesthesia with procaine increase more moderately by EUR 3.55 to EUR 5.05 per sow, or around EUR 0.30 per male piglet. The cost increase here is less than 1% per piglet. The additional costs are leading to a loss of competitiveness for Denmark and Germany compared to the Netherlands. However, Germany is also losing profit significantly compared to Denmark. This study highlights that animal welfare regulations can negatively impact the competitiveness of the pig sector. It emphasizes the need for countries to implement such regulations carefully, ensuring that they do not lead to the loss of production or international competitiveness. A balanced approach that supports both animal welfare and economic sustainability is essential.

New Challenges in Times of Crisis

In the decades since the European Union’s energy policy was established, we have witnessed a process of development which has resulted in the field being regulated by the Treaty in its own legal framework and has continued to evolve to the present day. Governance at the EU level has become more important in the field of energy policy, but the crises have led to an increasing role for Member States. The EU’s single rule aims to ensure a level playing field for market players in the competitive sector, while preventing unfair competitive advantages for companies created by or benefiting from public or state resources. The EU state aid rules have undergone significant changes in the last few years. State subsidies are part of competition policy, which aims to ensure an efficient economy and consumer welfare. Among the market failures in the energy sector, the most significant disadvantage is the presence of externalities and natural monopolies. These need to be addressed through government assistance and its direct and indirect regulatory instruments. Competition law also covers economic services of general interest, which are closely linked to the issue of state subsidies. Member States have discretion to define services of general economic interest, subject only to the limits set by EU law, and to avoid manifest error of assessment. The energy packages include the term “universal service” for electricity, but not for gas, leaving it to the discretion of the Member State to decide on the latter. The crises have brought with them a breakdown of neoliberal ideas and, as a consequence, a strengthening of the tendencies in favour of state regulation. In most Member States, we are witnessing a closure, voices critical of the EU in many respects (e.g. Hungary and Poland in the context of the Art. 7 procedure) and Brexit has had a negative impact on communitarisation policies.

The Influence of Social Media Marketing, Brand Image, and Word of Mouth on Purchasing Decisions of Arak Bali Beverages in Bali Province

As a regional staple that is of considerable cultural and economic significance in the Bali region, Arak Bali is the subject of this study, which aims to investigate the influence that social media marketing, brand image, and word of mouth have on the decisions that customers make about the purchase of Arak Bali. In a preliminary study with 10 participants, it was discovered that twenty percent of respondents were more interested in purchasing Arak Bali, while eighty percent preferred alcoholic beverages that were imported from other countries. This was the finding of the survey. For the purpose of this investigation, a quantitative methodology is applied, with a specific emphasis placed on the positivist paradigm. In addition to that, a survey that is comprised of questionnaires and random sampling is utilized. This study is centered on individuals who are wine drinkers and who reside in the province of Bali. These individuals are the focus of the investigation. For the purpose of this experiment, the sampling was carried out using the method of random sampling, and samples were gathered from as many as one hundred different individuals. Subsequent to the implementation of a double linear regression analysis strategy, the data is processed with the help of SPSS software version 29, which is the method that is utilized for the purpose of data analysis. The conclusions of this study indicate that the significance value of social media marketing is 0.001 less than 0.05, the significance value of brand image is 0.007 less than 0.05, and the meaning value of word of mouth is 0.001 less than 0.05. As a result, it is possible to draw the conclusion, on the basis of the analysis of the data, that social media marketing, brand image, and word of mouth have a substantial positive influence on the decision to purchase Bali Beverages in the province of Bali. Based on the data, it can be concluded that good marketing through social media, the building of a powerful brand image, and positive word of mouth all have a significant impact on the decisions that consumers make regarding their purchases. These findings provide essential information that can be utilized by Arak Bali in the development of its marketing strategy in highly competitive sectors.

Open innovation for the competitiveness of the construction sector

Open innovation for the competitiveness of the construction sector

Marketing in agribusiness: an analysis of digital marketing in strengthening the agricultural sector

This course completion work addressed the impact of digital marketing on Brazilian agribusiness, highlighting the growing importance of digital marketing as a vital tool for strengthening the brand, in addition to providing connections between rural producers and other companies. The objective was to analyze how digital marketing with effective strategies positively impacts agribusiness companies, covering areas such as sales, visibility, brand strengthening and positioning, increasing credibility and the role of social networks in communicating with rural producers and other companies in the sector. This study not only highlighted the importance of digital marketing in adapting agribusiness to new consumer standards, but also emphasizes its urgency, complementing traditional marketing to face contemporary challenges, boosting innovation, competitiveness and sustainable development of the Brazilian agricultural sector.

Vigilancia Inteligente del Comercio Exterior: Detección de Anomalías en las Importaciones del Ecuador con Minería de Datos

This study employs advanced data mining techniques to comprehensively analyze Ecuador's import data spanning three decades, from 1990 to 2021. By leveraging the k-means clustering algorithm, we meticulously identified anomalies within tariff items. The study utilized a comprehensive dataset that encompassed tariff items, years, and critical variables such as import volume, CIF and FOB values, import cost, and trade attractiveness. The data mining model generated insightful reports that accurately pinpointed an omalous patterns in tariff items. These reports empower experts to delve into the underlying causes of these anomalies, enabling them to make well-informed decisions to optimize Ecuador's import strategies. Our research underscores the transformative potential of data mining in detecting import anomalies, providing valuable intelligence for the strategic management of Ecuador's foreign trade. The findings contribute significantly to the prevention of customs fraud and unfair trade practices, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness of the country's import sector.

The Investigation on the Application of Digital Technologies for Logistics Business Competitiveness

The logistics sector's performance is integral to nations' economic and industrial progress. The advent of digital technologies marks a monumental historical shift, impacting worldwide transformations in structural organization, business strategies, economic principles, and regulatory frameworks. The landscape of logistics management provides a fertile ground for integrating these digital advancements, as exemplified by the dynamic emergence of logistics 4.0. This study evaluates how implementing digital technology profoundly influences logistics management's competitiveness in the business context. The study investigates applying digital technologies within the logistics sector using multi-stage methodology, which integrated different methods: the formation of hierarchy of quantitative methods and the application of statistical data analysis methods. Statistical data analysis helps to collect knowledge about logistics business, the application of digital technologies and its performance within European Union (EU) countries. The application of hierarchy of quantitative methods allows to compare the applications of various technologies with digital technologies and the competitiveness of various sectors with logistics sector competitiveness. These findings accentuate the intricate interplay between technological advancement and competitiveness within the logistics sector. The study contributes to a deeper comprehension of how digital technologies reshape competitive dynamics and lays the foundation for refined logistics practices in an increasingly digital-driven world.

Bridging the Gap: Unveiling the Factors of Government Support Influencing the Success of Vietnamese Agricultural SMEs Post-COVID-19

This study investigates the essential role of government aid in enhancing the resilience and success of small and medium-sized agricultural firms in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research fills a gap in the existing literature by concentrating on strategies for long-term recovery rather than immediate reactions. Using a structured survey and multivariate linear regression analysis, the study engaged 200 proprietors and executives from the Red River and Mekong Delta areas. The results exhibit a favorable association between governmental support and the success of small and medium-sized enterprises, emphasizing the necessity of tailored governmental interventions to enhance sector competitiveness. While offering valuable insights for policymakers, the study’s geographical and sectoral scope is restricted, indicating the need for more extensive research and qualitative evaluations to deepen comprehension of the effects of governmental support in diverse settings. This research has the potential to significantly influence policy formulation and further scholarly investigation in the economic landscape post-pandemic.

Measurement of Competitiveness and Determinants of Coal Output in East Kalimantan

The coal sector has the highest share and contribution to the economy in East Kalimantan Province. The importance of the existence of coal to the economy of East Kalimantan must be followed by high competitiveness and supportive policy direction. For this reason, this study aims to measure and identify the competitiveness and factors that affect the output of the coal sector in East Kalimantan Province using the competitiveness analysis (LQ) method and panel data regression. The results of the analysis identified that East Kalimantan occupies the first position with the highest coal sector competitiveness in Indonesia. This is evidenced by a consistent competitiveness index value of more than 1 from 2021 to 2024. Meanwhile, the results of the panel data analysis also identified that the variables of total investment and the number of workers in the coal sector with long roads are estimated to have a positive and significant effect on the output of the coal sector in East Kalimantan Province. Meanwhile, the road length variable is predicted to have a negative and significant effect on the output of the coal sector.

Effect Of Funding Structure And Liquidity On The Financial Performance Of The Sugar Industry In Kenya

The main aim of this study was to determine the effect of funding structure on the financial performance of the sugar industry in Kenya. The relationship between funding structure and financial performance is crucial within Kenya's sugar industry, as it directly impacts resource allocation, expense management, and overall profitability. Inadequate financial management can result in liquidity challenges, affecting the sector's competitiveness and sustainability. Conversely, a well-balanced funding structure, incorporating both debt and equity, has the potential to strengthen financial stability. Stockholder, Trade-offs, and Pecking order guided the study. The study employed a correlational research design. The study's target population consisted of 16 sugar companies operational in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used to select 9 sugar companies. A total of 324 secondary data points from 2014 to 2022 were collected, including the cost of equity, debt, retained earnings, and economic value added, derived from financial statements and cash flows. The results showed a significant positive relationship between funding structure and Economic value added (coeff=0.863126, p=0.000<0.005). This reveals that Companies that maintain an appropriate funding structure are more likely to achieve higher Economic Value Added (EVA) over the long run. Given the positive long-term correlation between funding structure and EVA, it can be inferred that Kenyan sugar companies should prioritize maintaining a balanced funding structure to improve financial performance. The study concludes that funding structure has a significant relationship with economic value added

BEYOND THE HORIZON: FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES TRANSFORMING MARITIME NAVIGATION

The shipping industry is constantly evolving to meet today's demands and challenges. This article explores how innovations and trends in shipping are influencing the efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness of this vital sector of the global economy. Analysing technological transformations and emerging practices, the paper reveals how new technologies and cross-company collaborations are shaping the future of the maritime industry. The example of the BYD Explorer fleet, the first Ro-Ro vessel specialised in transporting electric cars, underlines the adaptability and innovation in response to the current needs of the automotive industry and sustainability requirements. At the same time, the collaboration between MOL and Bearing, which has led to the development of advanced solutions based on artificial intelligence, demonstrates the positive impact of innovation in optimising maritime operations.

Formal Institution Networks and Coopetition: Insights from the Brazilian Private Healthcare Industry

This study demonstrates that formal institution networks are antecedent to firms adopting coopetition to improve performance. The influence of formal institution agents to foster coopetition within an industry is driven by fragilities in the institutions of emerging economies. We studied the Brazilian healthcare sector, which is characterized by strong regulation and government support. We analyzed how and to what extent coopetition relates to formal institution agents and the performance of private healthcare operators. The study employs a quantitative methodology with a sample of 149 firms from the Brazilian private healthcare system through partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Our findings highlight that networks facilitated by formal institution agents precede firms’ adoption of coopetition to enhance performance. They also underscore the impact of regulatory policy on firms’ strategies and behaviors in the healthcare sector. Our findings emphasize that formal institution networks alone do not guarantee performance improvement. Healthcare firms must develop coopetitive strategies to create and capture value within these relationships. Our study sheds light on the organizational dynamics within the Brazilian private healthcare sector and provides insights for managers and policymakers. For policymakers, it highlights opportunities and challenges in enhancing healthcare sector competitiveness, emphasizing the importance of considering the institutional environment. For healthcare firm managers, it details opportunities for developing coopetitive strategies. Finally, the study is subject to boundary conditions potentially limiting the generalizability of its findings to a broader global context. Additionally, it is also limited by the cross-sectional design since respondents’ replies are specific to the current scenario in the healthcare sector.

Конкурентоспособност на българския зеленчуков сектор на световния пазар

Depending on the scope of the concept of competitiveness, it is used in a variety of contexts in economic research, although there is a lack of a precise and generally accepted definition of what exactly it entails. In this study, competitiveness is considered from the point of view of market performance, using the developed theoretical framework for measuring the performance of an individual country or sector of the national economy, based on the definition of the Canadian Competitiveness Group: “The ability to sustainably win and maintain market share”. Two concepts are laid down in it – about the dynamics of market share and profit formation in order to achieve sustainable development over time. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the competitiveness of the Bulgarian vegetable production sector on the world market, to clearly note its change in a dynamic aspect. The research specifically adopted the methodology developed by B. Ivanov for calculating a composite index of competitiveness, containing two main components - production and value. The analysis shows the place of Bulgarian vegetable production in the national agriculture and in the world vegetable market, the dynamics and changes that reflect in the competitiveness of the sector during the years of EU membership – 2007 – 2021. The comprehensive assessment of the competitiveness of the vegetable crop sector in Bulgaria on world markets defines it as relatively low. The results obtained from the research confirm and complement the assessment of the competitiveness of the “Vegetable production” sector in Bulgaria, made by other Bulgarian researchers. Despite the favorable climate and natural features in our country, as well as our traditions in the production of vegetables, the sector is deteriorating its market position and the dynamics of competitiveness are rather negative. The research clearly shows that Bulgaria is losing positions in the production of vegetables, while at the same time its dependence on imports and foreign prices is increasing. The sector of vegetable production is among the vulnerable sectors of the Bulgarian agriculture, as the permanent negative trends of reduction of areas and production are projected in the inability to meet consumer needs in our country from high-quality domestic production. The future development of the sector and the increase of its competitiveness will depend on many factors, some of the most important of which are the extent to which vegetable producers will be able to be flexible and adapt to achieve the new environmental policy objectives; to what extent they will be able to respond to modern trends in agricultural production – digitalization, ecological/biological agriculture, new technological solutions.

Capital Structure and Profitability of Non-Life Insurance Company in Nepal

Purpose: The study aims to find out the non-life insurance firms in Nepal that create profit using capital. The research closely examines several important factors like business size (Size), liquidity ratio (LQ), total debt to total assets (TDR) and equity to total assets (ETA).Methods: Secondary data were gathered from annual reports and financial statements of twelve non-life insurance firms in Nepal which provided basis for this descriptive and explanatory research design with quantitative research approach. This study used multiple regression analysis and Pearson correlation to find important impact and associations by SPSS data analysis.Results: Debt ratios and ROA and ROE have a negative association that implies too much leverage reduces profitability. Although lowering risk depends mostly on liquidity, it also lowers assets returns. This is seen by the liquidity ratio and it greatly reduces ROA but has little effect on ROE. The equity ratio reveals how difficult it is to deploy equity correctly with a strong negative connection with ROA and a great negative link with ROE. Further illustrating the advantages of economies of scale, organizational size positively links with returns on Assets (ROA). All academics, legislators and practitioners agree that the expansion and competitiveness of the insurance sector depend on a sound capital structure.Conclusion: According to the study, non-life insurance firms need to improve profitability by means of strategic capital structure management. Managers need to monitor whether the company has adequate liquidity and a good debt equity ratio or not if the company wants to improve overall financial success.