Institutional Conditions Research Articles

The Black (W)hole of Dysphoria

This essay returns to Evelynn Hammonds’s field-changing essay “Black (W)holes and the Geometry of Black Female Sexuality,” with a focus on the labor of knowledge production under fraught institutional conditions, characterized in this essay as languaging. The simultaneous desire for and impossibility of accurate language to describe racialized, gendered, and sexual subjectivity drive Hammonds’s essay as well as a number of other key texts in Black feminist sexuality studies. This essay (re)introduces the diagnostic category of dysphoria to speak to this paradox: here, dysphoria describes the affective and psychic condition of institutional illegibility and fungibility for racialized and gendered people. Using the analytic of dysphoria to characterize and connect the political economy of Black feminist knowledge production and the life narrative of A. Dionne Stallworth, a Black trans woman activist, this essay directs urgent attention to the simultaneously material, spiritual, psychic, and affective dimensions of self-, knowledge-, and world-making.

Evaluation of financial strategies for balancing the investment climate in Ukraine

Introduction. Evaluation of financial measures to stabilize the investment climate in Ukraine is an extremely important topic in the conditions of modern economic development of our country. Investments play an important role in strengthening our economy. However, in order to achieve stable economic growth, effective financial strategies are needed, which will contribute to the improvement of the investment climate and its balance. The purpose of this paper is to study financial strategies for balancing the investment climate in Ukraine. To achieve the goal, the following tasks were performed in the research process: the concepts of investment and investment climate were considered; the main financial strategies for balancing the investment climate in Ukraine were investigated. Results. It is noted that the country’s investment climate is a set of political-legal, financial-economic, social, institutional, infrastructural, innovative and other conditions affecting investment activity. Creating a favorable investment climate is a key factor for attracting investments and ensuring further economic growth of the country. It was also noted that investments are the main tool for forming both microeconomic and macroeconomic proportions that determine the rate of economic growth. Availability of a sufficient volume of investments in vital areas is a guarantee of effective development and increase of the country’s investment attractiveness. In order to improve the investment climate in Ukraine, it is necessary to implement balanced and transparent financial strategies that will contribute to the stability of the economic environment, reduce risks for investors and ensure the efficient use of resources. It is critical to improve the regulatory environment by reducing bureaucratic barriers and increasing the transparency of procedures. Ensuring reliable protection of investors’ rights and fighting corruption is the basis for creating a trusting investment environment. Fiscal stability, including inflation control and effective public debt management, are important to maintain investment attractiveness. The development of financial markets, support for innovations and technological start-ups, as well as attracting international financial assistance will contribute to the stabilization of the economic environment and the reduction of risks for investors. Conclusion. Implementation of these strategies can help Ukraine increase its investment attractiveness even in difficult current conditions and ensure sustainable economic development in the long term.

Sociocultural activity as an integrative technology of active socialization of students with special needs in the conditions of higher educational institution

Sociocultural activity as an integrative technology of active socialization of students with special needs in the conditions of higher educational institution

Institutional space of sustainable development: Structure, motives, and conditions of development in Ukraine

The massive destructive processes and security challenges faced by Ukraine in defending its right to choose a development model have heightened the problem of defining institutional conditions for the structural transformation of the economy and aligning its parameters with sustainable development priorities. The purpose of this study was to model scenarios for the development of the business environment under various types of institutional structures and to determine the possibility of creating an institutional basis for Ukraine’s sustainable development in the face of global security challenges. The study was based on the conceptual framework of the institutional environment. The study identified institutional gaps in the business environment that distort the motivational foundation of Ukraine’s sustainable development concept and lead to the dominance of corrupt elements in the decisions and actions of economic actors. The consequences of the influence of extractive institutional factors on the choice of behaviour strategies by economic entities were systematised. The study characterised the differences in the impact of extractive and inclusive institutions on economic processes. Using the motivation vectors of business representatives, government authorities, and the public, scenarios for the development of the business environment were modelled, and their results were presented from the perspective of sustainable development goals. The concept of developing an environment of “entrepreneurial inclusivity” as an institutional basis for sustainable development was conceptualised, emphasising its role as a stimulator of proactive and effective innovative activities. The goals of developing innovative infrastructure were defined as a set of institutions of collective action that enable the reduction of risks in the innovative activities of enterprises and enhance their efficiency. The conditions under which the business community will be motivated to develop such institutions were identified. The role of civil organisations in institutional change processes and the development of institutions of collective action was emphasised. The findings of this study have practical significance for shaping the institutional mechanism to implement innovation and technological structural shifts in Ukraine’s economy in the context of sustainable development goals during its post-war revival

Industrial and innovation policies in times of crisis: a widening technological divide?

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the ongoing revival of industrial and innovation policies across developed and developing economies. Design/methodology/approach The paper compare the scale and scope of recent industrial and innovation policy initiatives across developed and developing economies. Also, it analyzes recent data regarding R&D investments and other innovation indicators. Findings There are enormous disparities across economies in their capacity to implement industrial policies, particularly those to support science, technology and innovation. Most developed economies, and a few developing economies, are implementing bold, ambitious and medium-term innovation policies towards bolstering R&D investments, supporting advanced manufacturing and green energies and strengthening technological capabilities. Amid lack of fiscal policy space and vulnerable debt sustainability positions, institutional deficiencies and weak innovation ecosystems, developing economies – particularly in Africa and Latin America – face enormous challenges to implement strategic industrial and innovation policies. Research limitations/implications Under the current economic, financing and institutional conditions, together with subdued global trade and ongoing geopolitical fragmentation, the technological divide and innovation asymmetries across economies will likely widen even further, paving the ground for a “development divergence” in the coming decade. Originality/value The paper analyzes the implications of the current industrial and innovation policy trends across developed and developing countries. Under the current economic, financing and institutional conditions, together with subdued global trade and ongoing geopolitical fragmentation, the technological divide and innovation asymmetries across economies will likely widen even further, paving the ground for a “development divergence” in the coming decade.

NEET youth in central and eastern European countries: a panel model approach

ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study was to examine macro-determinants of the Not Engaged in Employment, Education, or Training Young People (NEET) in Central and Eastern European Countries. Data from 16 countries were collected from Eurostat –, UNESCO – and Word Bank Database 2013–2021 by using the panel data analysis method. Early school leaving rate, vocational education and training enrollment rate, unemployment rate, labour market regulation, gross domestic product, education expenditure and human development index were used for explaining the NEET in selected area. The relationship between variables was analyzed using the Panel Data Methods via Fixed-Effects Model. Therefore, according to the findings of Driscoll and Kraay Estimator – One-Way Fixed Effects Model, gross domestic product, labour market regulation, early school leaving rate, vocational education, and training enrollment rate variables have a high and statistically significant effect on NEET as the dependent variable, while unemployment rate and human development index have a marginal but significant effect on NEET. The findings of the present study showed associations between socio-economic and institutional conditions (labour market regulation) and the NEET rate at the country level and may indicate appropriate policy measures to promote a decrease in the NEET rate.

The State of Public-Private Partnerships in Times of Global Economic Disruption

Growth in large private business enterprises in the 20th century established an environment that enabled a competitive relationship through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) with the public sector, which historically suffered from inefficiencies and an over-reliance on projects and services, especially in emerging economies. PPPs can positively impact public safety, quality of life, new economic opportunities, poverty reduction, and benefit from long-term private capital and outside expertise. However, PPP investment is sensitive to critical factors such as: the macroeconomic environment, institutional and regulatory conditions, market size, rule of law, and enforceable contracts, among others. Thus, managing PPP projects is a very complex task, due to its multidisciplinary characteristics and the involvement of multiple stakeholders. In times of global economic disruption, this task becomes even more challenging. This study presents threats and opportunities for the execution of PPPs in times of global crises and their relationship with globalization trends.

The performance of emerging markets during the Fed’s easing and tightening cycles: A cross-country resilience analysis

We investigate the determinants of emerging markets performance during five U.S. Federal Reserve monetary tightening and easing cycles during 2004–2023. We study how macroeconomic and institutional conditions of an Emerging Market (EM) at the beginning of a cycle explain EM resilience during each cycle. More specifically, our baseline cross-sectional regressions examine how those conditions affect three measures of resilience, namely bilateral exchange rate against the USD, exchange rate market pressure, and country-specific Morgan Stanley Capital International index (MSCI). We then stack the five cross-sections to build a panel database to investigate potential asymmetry between tightening versus easing cycles. Our evidence indicates that macroeconomic and institutional variables are associated with EM performance, determinants of resilience differ during tightening versus easing cycles, and institutions matter more during difficult times. Our specific findings are largely consistent with economic intuition. For instance, we find that current account balance, international reserves, and inflation are all important determinants of EM resilience.

The aftermath of fatal violence incidents: Why organisational measures were successful and why they their effects diminished

In 2013, an employee at a human service office in Norway was killed by a service recipient. Fast forward to 2021, another murder took place.As is often the case after recurring unwanted events, questions arose in the public debate regarding the human service organisation’s measures to counteract violence and why it could still occur, even after thorough evaluation and efforts made to improve working conditions. This article addresses these questions by delving into safety measures and efforts within the organisation and adopting an organisational perspective on the complexities of maintaining a robust violence prevention framework over time. 82 qualitative interviews were conducted with 101 managers and employees from different organisational levels and locations nationwide, in addition to a few with employees from partner organisations. A perceived effect of implemented measures and fewer violence incidents indicate a successful initiative. Nevertheless, the focus on violence prevention diminished gradually and safety issues were not addressed in new plans for organising and developing the organisation and its services. The work against violence was also characterised by fragmentation. This decline is attributed to shifting priorities caused by both internal and external conditions. The study illustrates the importance of studying safety improvements over a time span long enough to consider whether short-term effects are lasting when faced with shifting priorities originating from institutional conditions and focusing events influencing public debate and political legitimacy.

Bouncing forward better – micro-foundations of combinatorial innovation

This article theoretically investigates the conditions that empower actors (entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs) to pursue combinatorial innovation processes, and thereby contribute to transformative activities with a high degree of novelty and complexity. We argue that the possibility for combinatorial innovation depends on agents’ time perspective and combinatorial capabilities. We elaborate why institutional incentive structures and knowledge bases condition actors’ time perspective and why network structures and firm routines condition actors’ combinatorial capabilities. We illustrate our arguments with examples and show their practical relevance for policy and innovative actors.

Collective co-production of health and care services – a systematic review of research from the United Kingdom, Germany and Norway

This article reviews all published English-language articles concerning collective co-production of welfare services in the United Kingdom, Germany and Norway, which are countries representing different welfare regimes. The review identifies facilitators for collective co-production and inductively identifies four themes that are important for successful collective co-production: (1) the motivation individuals have for engaging in collective co-production, (2) the institutional contextual conditions for co-production, (3) the relational conditions for co-production, and (4) the facilitation of different effects of co-production. No studies have investigated why public sector entities or voluntary sector organisations choose to engage in co-production, and we lack studies that compare sectors with different institutional settings.

Unequal Autonomy: An Investigation of Individual and Societal Determinants of Individuals’ Sense of Autonomy in Europe

ABSTRACT This paper explores the social structure of individual autonomy in Europe. Drawing on the capability approach and human empowerment theory, it investigates how individuals’ sense of autonomy is structured by individual means and conversion factors as well as economic, cultural, and institutional context conditions. Using data from the European Social Survey and the European Quality of Life Survey, these relationships are analyzed for 107,070 individuals in 18 European countries and four points in time between 2006 and 2016. Multilevel analyses reveal financial security, health, and social connectedness as the most important drivers of individuals’ sense of autonomy. On the macro level, national wealth, civil liberties, and an emancipative value climate are all found to be positively linked to individuals’ sense of autonomy, albeit weakly. Considering the value individuals attach to leading an autonomous life and the beneficial effects autonomy has been shown to have on people’s well-being, these findings shed first light on the unequal distribution of autonomy and autonomy resources on the individual and macro levels. Concluding, the paper highlights the potential for future research and policy implications.

Peran Kelembagaan Pertanian dalam Pengembangan Usaha Tani Biofarmaka (Studi Kasus di Desa Trosono, Kecamatan Parang, Kabupaten Magetan)

<p><em>Biopharmaceuticals are a type of plant that can be used as medicine. Developing farming for a commodity requires the role of various parties, one of which is agricultural institutions. Agricultural institutions are an important element in agricultural modernization and supporting farming in Trosono Village, which is known as a producer of biopharmaceutical commodities, especially ginger and turmeric. This research aims to determine the system, the role of institutions, and the impact of institutional roles on agriculture in the development of biopharmaceutical farming in Trosono Village. The research used a qualitative descriptive method and the determination of informants was carried out purposively and snowballing with a total of 13 informants consisting of administrators of agribusiness microfinance institutions, farmer group administrators, extension workers, middlemen, farmers and village heads. Data analysis used Miles and Huberman’s interactive analysis, then data validity was carried out using source triangulation and method triangulation techniques. The results of the research show that Trosono Village has an institutional system for both agricultural input and output, namely the Agribusiness Microfinance Institution, the Association of Farmer Groups, the Agricultural Extension Center and middlemen who work with each other in relation to biopharmaceutical farming. Each institution has a role that is demonstrated in the activities of each institution. However, in terms of institutional conditions in Trosono Village, it is still not optimal in accordance with the existing ideal conditions. The role of institutional activities in developing farming has a social impact on farmers such as improving relations, harmony and economic impacts in the form of easy access to capital, subsidies and marketing, so there has been no improvement in economic conditions. Coordination and assistance between agricultural institutions for biopharmaceutical commodities is needed so that a synergy arises in the implementation of programs and activities in the context of increasing biopharmaceutical commodities.</em><strong></strong></p>

AI, Radical Ignorance, and the Institutional Approach to Consent

More and more, we face AI-based products and services. Using these services often requires our explicit consent, e.g., by agreeing to the services’ Terms and Conditions clause. Current advances introduce the ability of AI to evolve and change its own modus operandi over time in such a way that we cannot know, at the moment of consent, what it is in the future to which we are now agreeing. Therefore, informed consent is impossible regarding certain kinds of AI. Call this the problem of radical ignorance. Interestingly, radical ignorance exists in consent contexts other than AI, where it seems that individuals can provide informed consent. The article argues that radical ignorance can undermine informed consent in some contexts but not others because, under certain institutional, autonomy-protecting conditions, consent can be valid without being (perfectly) informed. By understanding these institutional conditions, we can formulate practical solutions to foster valid, albeit imperfectly informed consent across various decision contexts and within different institutions.

Strengthening village forest management strategies in East Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Setiawan MR, Nurrochmat DR, Purwawangsa H. 2024. Strengthening village forest management strategies in East Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2945-2959. The livelihoods of village communities in East Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, are intricately linked to managing forest resources for production, protection, and conservation. A key form of this community-based forest management is the Village Forest, a unique concept that encircles the forest. This study is particularly important as it evaluates the institutional conditions of Ueesi Village Forest management, Ueesi Sub-district, East Kolaka District, Southeast Sulawesi Province. It also proposes alternative strategies and strategic priorities for strengthening village forest institutions, strategies that are not just beneficial but also urgently needed for the sustainability of the communities. The study's findings underscore the need for the active participation of all stakeholders in this process. The study employed a qualitative approach and structured interviews with stakeholders or critical informants involved in the Ueesi Village Forest management. Technical analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) and Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) were used to identify the necessary management strategies. The study reveals that the most suitable strategy for strengthening village forest management institutions for Ueesi Village is a turn-around (WO) strategy, which leverages all external opportunities to address internal weaknesses. The main strategic priority is to create role models who can mobilize and encourage administrators of village forest management institutions and community members to actively participate in the Ueesi Village Forest's management actively, fostering a sense of shared responsibility. The low knowledge and capacity of village forest Management Institutions (LPHD) administrators and members and the lack of systematic government support are the reasons why LPHD Ueesi is not yet optimal. In addition to government support, support is also needed from NGOs, universities, and the business sector (BUMD and private). Therefore, it is crucial to design a strategy to strengthen appropriate management institutions to support the management of the Ueesi Village Forest, with the active involvement of all stakeholders.

Особенности обучения иностранному (английскому) языку студентов языкового вуза в полилингвальном образовательном пространстве (на примере Республики Татарстан)

The purpose of this study is to identify the features of teaching English-speaking speech to students of a language university in a multilingual environment. In the work, special attention is paid to the positive and negative factors of the interaction of languages, as well as the influence of the multilingual educational environment of the university on the language abilities of students. The article analyzes Russian and foreign developments devoted to the specifics of the multilingual educational environment of the university when learning English; identifies the features in teaching a foreign language in modern conditions in higher education institutions; The authors have conducted research to understand how students at a language university feel about having three languages in their curriculum. The analysis of theoretical and practical material on multilingualism is devoted to the phenomenon of the multilingual educational environment, as well as the influence of the multilingual environment and bi- and polylinguism on English language learning. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the study and disclosure of the features of the organization of foreign language teaching in the multilingual educational space of a language university. Therefore, using a multilingual educational approach that takes into account all the benefits and drawbacks identified during this study can help learners feel more comfortable when acquiring a foreign language and improve their interlanguage communication skills.

Strategic flood risk management over time. Applying a temporal lens to see how flood risk management measures are (or are not) implemented

ABSTRACT Strategic flood risk management of river catchments involves significant increases in the complexity both of the contents (e.g. the aims and measures) of a given strategy and also its social, spatial, and temporal scales. Conceptually, flood risk management research to date has underestimated the importance of time and temporality. This paper, which is based on ‘historical Institutionalism,’ introduces a temporal lens to focus on strategic flood risk management; it highlights issues of duration and timing as well as tempo and change in tempo with respect to the implementation of measures to reduce flood risk at catchment level. The application of a temporal lens is illustrated through empirical research into strategic flood risk management for the medium-sized Aist river catchment in Austria. The paper uses a longitudinal qualitative research design to analyze the changes in strategic flood risk management in the catchment. The analysis shows that strategy efforts in reaction to an extreme flood event in the catchment in August 2002 can be differentiated into three phases. Phase 1 is characterized by the design of ambitious catchment-wide management; Phase 2 by struggles to implement the strategy due to institutional conditions and protests by citizens; and Phase 3 by redesign of the initial strategic plan to make it less ambitious and by changes to the actor constellation supporting the plan. The present paper offers a process-oriented institutional explanation for this pattern of phases, and it highlights issues of timing and tempo. It concludes with general suggestions for enhancing the temporal dimension in flood risk management.

Тенденции распределения доходов между трудом и капиталом в странах с высокой долей труда в ВВП

The work provides quantitative estimates of trends in the distribution of income between labor and capital in countries in which the share of labor in GDP exceeds the average level. The work used UN data for a set of European countries, postSoviet countries, the USA, Canada and Israel. To assess trends, linear econometric models were built depending on the share of the labor force in the GFP for the period 2012–2021. The highest level of labor share was observed in Belgium, Iceland, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The study found that Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, Finland and France have seen a decline in labor’s share of GDP. In the Netherlands and Portugal this trend is weak. Germany, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Estonia have seen an increase in the labor share of GDP. In Germany and Switzerland this trend is weakly expressed. There are no significant trends in the redistribution of income between labor and capital in countries such as Austria, Armenia, Italy, Canada, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Croatia and Sweden. Trends in the redistribution of income between labor and capital can be determined by institutional conditions in the country’s economy.

Institutional Factors in Reproductive Decision-Making Among Large Families in Russia

Amidst pressing global challenges and internal demographic threats, it is crucial to understand the institutional dynamics shaping the well-being of large families. This study delves into the intricate web of institutional factors that influence the prosperity of such families, examining key theoretical frameworks including institutional theory, human and social capital theories, and concepts of family. The empirical investigation draws upon extensive data sources, encompassing population censuses spanning five decades (1970–2020) and the comprehensive 2021 All-Russian sociological study Demograficheskoe samochuvstvie regionov Rossii [Demographic Well-Being of the Regions of Russia]. We conducted 22 in-depth interviews with members of large families across 10 regions. These interviews gave us a nuanced picture of the trends in family structure and the reasons behind reproductive decisions within these families. While institutional support is viewed as a “bonus” rather than a decisive factor in reproductive decisions, parents require various resources, including material, temporal, socio-psychological, informational, and educational resources, to develop necessary family and human capital skills. Furthermore, the study identifies the institutional conditions and resources crucial for bolstering the well-being of large families as well as the importance of effective family policies.

On knowledge and economic transformation: Joseph Schumpeter and Alfred Marshall on the theory of restless capitalism

ABSTRACT Joseph Schumpeter and Alfred Marshall pioneered the study of innovation and entrepreneurship as key forces of economic development. This article offers an overview of key ideas developed by these influential economists in works published between 1890 and 1944. We argue that while our own time presents a partly different set of challenges, opportunities and institutional conditions than those of that age, many insights championed in their work remain highly relevant for our time and day. Noting how analysis of markets is relatively absent from some of the strands of contemporary innovation research, we suggest that re-visiting the foundational work of Schumpeter and Marshall can help stimulate deep insights relevant to societal transformation and the potential role of technical innovations.