Cooperation Initiatives Research Articles

Identifying opportunities and risks from green hydrogen: a framework and insights from a developing region in Brazil

ABSTRACT Green hydrogen is often considered as an opportunity for developing countries to advance their economies while contributing to the global goal of climate change mitigation. Many international cooperation initiatives are being established to promote green hydrogen projects in developing countries. However, the extent to which the benefits would be localized in developing countries remains uncertain. Additionally, the risks of a massive expansion of a green hydrogen industry, including potential trade-offs with other societal goals, have been largely overlooked. To address these gaps, this study proposes an analytical framework to assess the risks, opportunities, synergies and trade-offs from international initiatives, both regarding goals and across geographical scales. The study then applies the framework to an empirical case study of the green hydrogen hub in the Brazilian state of Ceará, where a green corridor is being created with Europe. The analysis is based on triangulation of data collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews, field work, industry reports, as well as official documents and communications. This framework shows that opportunities and risks, including global distributional impacts, will depend on the interplay between technology-, project-, and context-specific factors that span multiple geographical scales. Findings suggest that a global green hydrogen economy could bring negative distributive effects and trade-offs, especially in the short-term. Benefits like decarbonization of end-use sectors and increased industrial output would be primarily mobilized by developed countries who import the green hydrogen and export the technologies, while risks regarding delaying the local energy transition and increased external dependency would be borne by developing countries. Longer-term opportunities related to learning and diversification are both more uncertain and more challenging to realize in places with lower capabilities due to path-dependencies in economic and technological trajectories. Promoting both economic development and sustainability transitions would require local governments to implement strategic policy approaches, international cooperation to build local capabilities and help establish governance mechanisms, and developed country importers of green hydrogen to more systematically address such risks in their own policy making and investment strategies.

Critical Discourse Analysis of the Portuguese Media’s Coverage of the Belt and Road Initiative: The Case of Portuguese Mainstream Media, Público

Since 2013, when the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed by China, this transnational cooperation initiative has attracted a lot of attention and discussion on a global scale. Portugal has been one of the EU countries actively supporting the Belt and Road Initiative and has signed a formal cooperation agreement with China. Coverage of the Belt and Road initiative has become a window into Portugal’s attitude and impression of China. This work uses newspaper-based data from Público to deconstruct the attitudes of the main Portuguese media towards the Belt and Road Initiative in terms of language use, discursive practices, and social practices, using content analysis and critical discourse analysis. The results show that Público uses both positive and negative terms in its coverage of the Belt and Road initiative, reflecting a complex attitude towards it. Criticism of the Belt and Road initiative reflects concern that Chinese policies could affect Portugal’s national interests, including concerns about human rights and environmental protection, among others. In general, media coverage of the Belt and Road initiative in Portugal has been both approving and supportive, as well as critical and challenging, and this attitude is closely related to Portugal’s international policies, economic interests, and social values. Analysis of this coverage provides a better understanding of the complex global impact of international cooperation projects such as the “One Belt, One Road” initiative and the way they are presented in the media of different countries.

Zachowując wspólne więzi: dyplomacja publiczna Turcji w Azji Środkowej

This article aims to analyse and assess the effectiveness of activities undertaken by Turkish public diplomacy organisations in Central Asia. Since the Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power in Turkey in 2002, the state’s foreign policy doctrine has changed profoundly. The new government has adopted a program of active and multifaceted diplomacy, seeking to improve mutual relations with neighbouring regions (i.e. Middle East, North Africa, Balkans, Caucasus, Central Asia). Historical, social and cultural references play an extremely important role in the AKP’s political strategy, and numerous public diplomacy organisations promote Turkish regional cooperation initiatives on behalf of the authorities in Ankara. In Central Asia, institutions such as the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, the International Organisation of Turkic Culture, the Yunus Emre Institute, the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, ensure that ties between Turkey and countries of the region are being preserved. By utilising Turkish soft power potential, these organisations support traditional diplomatic services in implementing Turkey’s foreign policy objectives.

Societal Bond: Nature and growth of Indigenous cooperative initiatives in Gusii Land

This paper surveys of the nature and growth of indigenous cooperative initiatives in Gusii land before the colonial period. It sought to contribute to the efforts of the Abagusii community towards the innovation of indigenous cooperative initiatives as an initiative for the transformation of the majority of the people in Gusii land. The paper employed the principle of modernization theory which asserts that a break from primitive customs was the basis for the development of any society. To him, development is ‘white’ and the only way developing countries can develop is to follow the footsteps of European countries. Nevertheless, the paper intentionally utilized the criticism of modernization theory to advance the objective of indigenous cooperative initiatives in Gusiiland. The study was done in Kisii County. The population of the study was sampled from the nine sub-counties of Kisii County using the snowballing sampling technique. The study further used primary sources of data collection which included oral interviews and archival evidence. In addition, internet sources and libraries were widely utilized as secondary materials. A descriptive method was used to analyse data collected from the field thereafter. The justification of this study was the rationale for the emergence and sprouting of indigenous cooperative initiatives in Gusii land. It was concluded therefore that -laziness was considered a disease and hence prohibited in the community and that the unity of purpose ensured not only food security but also ensured love for one another was bound and relative peace and security maintained. Further, findings were also evident that indigenous cooperative initiatives in the long run created a chain of bonds among the Abagusii which still exists to date

The Role of University Community Engagement Programs in Influencing Higher Education Outcomes and Community Development: An Insight from Uganda

A specialised approach to academic research, teaching, and learning known as community engagement entails actively involving communities in cooperative initiatives that improve university teaching, learning, and research objectives while also addressing the needs and opportunities of the community. In this paper, we investigate how university community involvement positively impacts higher education results and community development, primarily using one Ugandan public university and one Ugandan private university as examples. The concept of university community engagement, as well as its advantages and drawbacks for the institution, students, and community at large, were addressed in the present study. Communities gain from university community engagement as members and organisations from the community share and integrate their knowledge with that of faculty and students, resulting in an improved understanding of community issues and the development of collective capacity to address them, producing either or both short-term impacts and long-term transformational change. University community participation benefits students by enhancing learning possibilities that can result in new and improved outcomes in terms of academic learning, development of skills and competences, leadership, and good citizenship. Enhancing teaching and learning possibilities, growing student enrolment and retention, co-creating new information and ideas, providing opportunities for research, and improving the university's reputation are all advantages for the higher education institution. Despite the aforementioned advantages, community participation is associated with a reproach of being more difficult, expensive, and possibly problematic than conventional approaches of knowledge and instruction. Better methods for recording and communicating academic progress are required, and there’s need to expand our awareness of important community engagement outcomes outside of the academic sphere. To promote sustainable community development and improve higher education outcomes, established and future higher education institutions must completely embrace and strengthen their community participation to a global scale.

BIMSTEC at a Crossroads: Enhancing Regional Cooperation through Institutionalization and Leadership

BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) represents a significant framework for regional cooperation, linking South Asia and Southeast Asia. Despite its potential, BIMSTEC has historically faced challenges in institutional development, struggling to distinguish itself from other regional organizations such as SAARC and ASEAN. However, recent geopolitical shifts and the stagnation of SAARC have positioned BIMSTEC as a more viable platform for regional integration. This study explores strategies to rejuvenate BIMSTEC by focusing on institutionalization and leadership dynamics, particularly in light of India’s growing influence within the organization. It examines how effective institutionalization can enhance BIMSTEC’s operational capacity, with particular emphasis on the role of formal and informal leadership. The study also analyzes the economic and political motivations of member states, highlighting the critical need for robust institutional frameworks to support sustainable cooperation. Through a comprehensive review of secondary data, including academic research and official documents, this paper provides policy recommendations for strengthening BIMSTEC’s role in regional cooperation.

The Impact of Renewable Energy Industry Amidst the Tense Relationship Between America and China

The challenges and risks exist in every industry under the context of China-US competition. Although both countries use different approaches, significant potential for collaboration and challenges to effective cooperation still exist. By delving into the differences in policy, cooperation initiatives, and competitive dynamics, they have highlighted the interdependence of China and the US in the global renewable industry overall. It is essential to understand the evolving relationship between these two nations in the renewable energy sector, in the context of escalating geopolitical tensions and the requirements of sustainable development. The study concludes that while competition can reduce costs and spur technological advancement in renewable energy, cooperation through leveraging each countrys strengths can significantly contribute to global climate change efforts. Despite the tense relationship, fostering constructive engagement and finding common ground in the renewable energy sector can benefit both economies and promote global sustainable development.

Regional Collaboration Strategy to Overcome Geopolitical Threats in the ASEAN Maritime Region

The ASEAN maritime region is a strategic area that faces various geopolitical threats, such as piracy, smuggling and territorial disputes. Overcoming this threat requires effective regional collaboration among ASEAN member countries. This research aims to analyze regional collaboration strategies that can be implemented to improve maritime security in ASEAN. The research methods used include qualitative analysis of existing cooperation initiatives, evaluation of the effectiveness of collaboration mechanisms, as well as interviews with experts and stakeholders in the field of maritime security. The research results show that strengthening dialogue mechanisms, increasing the capacity of member countries, developing maritime infrastructure, and collaborating with external partners are key elements in the regional collaboration strategy.

Analysis of International Cooperation Management Strategies of Enterprises under the Background of the “Belt and Road”

With the deepening of the “Belt and Road” initiative, Chinese enterprises are facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges for international cooperation. This paper mainly analyzes the current situation, existing problems, and coping strategies of enterprise international cooperation management in the context of the “Belt and Road”. This article expounds on the importance of the “Belt and Road” initiative for international cooperation of enterprises and analyzes the key links of international cooperation management of enterprises from the aspects of internationalization strategy, cross-cultural management, risk prevention and control, and resource integration. Finally, combined with the case, this paper puts forward the management strategies and suggestions that enterprises should adopt in international cooperation, to provide a useful reference for Chinese enterprises in international cooperation in the construction of the “Belt and Road.”

Development of the Patient-Reported Indicator Surveys (PaRIS) conceptual framework to monitor and improve the performance of primary care for people living with chronic conditions

BackgroundThe Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Patient-Reported Indicator Surveys (PaRIS) initiative aims to support countries in improving care for people living with chronic conditions by collecting information on...

Inter-organisational cooperation networks: a strategy for the knowledge-sharing and performance of higher education institutions

PurposeThis study aims to present how an inter-organisational cooperation network can contribute to the competitive performance of higher education institutions (HEI) and also to students’ academic performance. The intention is also to examine how knowledge-sharing processes should develop to meet the needs of maintaining cooperation networks.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a qualitative approach, using the case study (network) method. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews, group interviews and documentary analysis. The convenience sampling technique was used. Data analysis was carried out through a data triangulation process.FindingsThe general benefits arising from cooperation networks are encouraging. The HEIs improved not only through creating an environment that supports learning processes and knowledge-sharing efficiently, but also through cooperation between students and lecturers.Practical implicationsThe cooperation network experience studied here can be used by other universities or HEIs as an approach/strategy to launch a cooperation initiative in order to increase levels of knowledge, learning, innovation and competitiveness. The results also help university or HEI leaders to understand the importance of academic cooperation networks, letting them form innovative teaching strategies that stimulate academic and competitive performance, as well as economic growth.Originality/valueThe central elements of originality lie in advancing a new vision of cooperation networks, creating a new, innovative framework that considers the dimensions presented from the theoretical and practical point of view. The framework helps to understand what is necessary for network cooperation to develop and create value for HEIs. Combining different perspectives of the cooperation network inevitably represents a significant innovation.

A cooperative learning-aware dynamic hierarchical hyper-heuristic for distributed heterogeneous mixed no-wait flow-shop scheduling

The distributed heterogeneous mixed scheduling mode in the manufacturing systems emphasizes the cooperation between factories for the entire production cycle, which poses enormous challenges to the processing and assignment of jobs. Discrepancies in the processing environment and types of machines of each factory during various production stages cause diverse processing paths and scheduling. The distributed heterogeneous mixed no-wait flow-shop scheduling problem with sequence-dependent setup time (DHMNWFSP-SDST), abstracted from the industrial scenarios, is addressed in this paper. The mathematical model of DHMNWFSP-SDST is established. A cooperative learning-aware dynamic hierarchical hyper-heuristic (CLDHH) is proposed to solve the DHMNWFSP-SDST. In CLDHH, a cooperative initialization method is developed to promote diversity and quality of solutions. A hierarchical hyper-heuristic framework with reinforcement learning (RL) is designed to select the algorithm component automatically. Estimation of Distribution Algorithm (EDA) guides the upper-layer RL to select four neighborhood structures. A dynamic adaptive neighborhood switching constructs the lower-layer RL to accelerate exploitation with the dominant sub-neighborhoods. An elite-guided hybrid path relinking achieves local enhancement. The experimental results of CLDHH and six state-of-the-art algorithms on instances indicate that the proposed CLDHH is superior to the state-of-the-art algorithms in solution quality, robustness, and efficiency.

When regional energy cooperation fails: learning from the struggles of Northeast Asia’s joint oil import mechanism

The question of why some regions reject energy cooperation initiatives that aim to improve their overall security of supply puzzles scholars and policymakers advocating for deeper regional integration through energy trade. This was the case in Northeast Asia, where efforts to create a joint oil import mechanism to improve China, South Korea and Japan’s collective bargaining power against Middle East suppliers repeatedly failed and turned instead into competing bilateral contracts at higher prices for all three countries. This article offers two explanations for this puzzle. First, the unique technical challenges and costly logistics of establishing reliable oil and gas supply routes make bilateral agreements more credible than multilateral guarantees in regions characterised by geographical remoteness and high differential vulnerability to disruptions among its members. Second, the tendency of policymakers to securitise their country’s energy supply pushes them to overemphasise their relative vulnerabilities and fear any loss of autonomy over their supplies.

Concurrent use of Radiotherapy and Ribociclib: Preliminary Results and Review of the Literature.

In the recent MONALEESA-2, MONALEESA-3, and MONALEESA-7 clinical trials, the addition of ribociclib, a CDK4/6 inhibitor, to standard endocrine therapy significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared with hormone therapy alone in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic estrogen receptor-positive (ER) and HER2-negative breast cancer. However, its toxicity raises concerns when administered concomitantly with radiotherapy, leading most radiotherapists and medical oncologists to prefer to discontinue Ribociclib during radiotherapy (RT). Although there are insufficient published data on this combination, our preliminary experience with the first 2 patients treated at Institut Curie suggests promising results when using Ribociclib with Letrozole or Fulvestrant concurrently with palliative radiotherapy in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Our study aimed to evaluate the safety of combining Ribociclib with palliative radiotherapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer, providing crucial insights for clinical decision-making. A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients treated for hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer with Ribociclib and concurrent radiotherapy at the Institut Curie (Paris, France) between September 2023 and April 2024. Among 38 patients who received Ribociclib and underwent irradiation, 36 temporarily suspended Ribociclib during radiotherapy, while 2 continued Ribociclib concurrently and were included in the analysis. Palliative radiotherapy was administered using volumetric modulated arc therapy, delivering 20Gy in 5 fractions to bone metastatic sites. Ribociclib was given at 600mg/day with hormonotherapy. Follow-up was conducted from the last day of RT until the last medical consultation. Toxicities were graded using CTCAE V5.0. Two patients received Ribociclib concomitantly with radiotherapy, experiencing pain relief without interruptions in RT. However, Ribociclib treatment was halted in both cases due to grade 3 neutropenia and grade 1 QTc interval prolongation, respectively. One patient had a dose reduction to 400mg due to neutropenia, with favorable outcomes observed. Both patients continued Ribociclib treatment, with one achieving complete remission and the other partial remission of bone disease. No late toxicities were observed. Despite the need for further investigation, our results suggest safety consistent with pivotal trials, advocating for a prospective cooperative data collection initiative to explore this combined strategy further, potentially revolutionizing metastatic breast cancer management.

Cooperative Collection Development: Current Practices among ARL Libraries for Area Studies Collections

abstract: This study examines cooperative collection development (CCD) for area studies and foreign language collections at Association of Research Libraries (ARL) libraries, based on a 2020 survey. Respondents provided details about cooperative collection initiatives (CCIs) at their libraries and their attitudes toward CCD. Most respondents had a favorable opinion of CCD, citing access to a broader collection of materials and cost savings as primary reasons. Challenges include the work and time involved in managing CCIs. This composite picture of how libraries build collaborative collections and the perceived benefits and challenges of CCD will inform librarians and administrators alike as they consider how best to build area studies and foreign language collections.

WMO Typhoon Landfall Forecast Demonstration Project (2010–22): A Decade of Transition from Track Forecasts to Impact Forecasts

Abstract The Typhoon Landfall Forecast Demonstration Project (TLFDP) (2010–22) was an international cooperative scientific project conducted under the framework of the WMO. The primary objectives of the TLFDP were to enhance the capability of tropical cyclone (TC) forecasters and support related decision-makers in effective utilization of the most advanced forecasting techniques for the ultimate purpose of reducing and preventing disasters associated with TC landfall. Forty agencies/organizations/projects globally participated in the activities of the TLFDP following its inception in 2010, although the primary focus was on landfalling TCs in the western North Pacific. The TLFDP facilitated collaborations and workshops that realized notable achievements in four key areas: 1) the collection, production, and sharing of TC data; 2) the development and application of TC forecast verification metrics; 3) research on TC forecast skill; and 4) development of new techniques for TC forecasting. An obvious outcome was the shift from prediction of TC features, including track and intensity, toward prediction of TC impacts with more probabilistic conception. The final years of the project also promoted increasing application of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques in various techniques for analysis and forecasting of TCs. Although the TLFDP ended in 2022, its core activities have continued to be extended through new WMO projects and regional cooperative initiatives.

Financial Technology (Fintech) and Financial Inclusion: Analyzing the Role of Innovative Technologies in Expanding Access to Financial Services

This study examines the crucial role of Financial Technology (Fintech) in improving financial inclusion, with a specific focus on how innovative technologies are increasing the availability of financial services for marginalised communities. The report commences by providing a clear definition of Fintech and its extent, followed by a summary of financial inclusion, emphasising its importance in promoting economic expansion and mitigating inequality. A thorough literature analysis examines the historical background of financial inclusion, the development of Fintech, and the current study on how they cross. The report explores significant Fintech advancements, including mobile banking, digital payments, blockchain, and AI-driven services. It assesses how these innovations decrease transaction costs, enhance accessibility, and tackle the obstacles encountered by conventional financial institutions. The study additionally evaluates the impact of Fintech in reaching individuals without access to banking services and those with limited access, improving their understanding of financial matters, and providing assistance to microfinance and small enterprises. The report also examines the legislative obstacles, cybersecurity risks, the disparity in digital access, and the difficulties of trust in the adoption of Fintech. Lastly, it examines possibilities for future growth, such as developing technology and cooperative initiatives, and offers suggestions for policymakers and stakeholders to effectively utilise Fintech's potential in promoting financial inclusion.

Examining the Relationship between Human Rights Laws and Government Accountability in Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze examining the relationship between human rights laws and government accountability. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicates that the effectiveness of human rights laws in promoting government accountability relies on strong enforcement, institutional reforms, and civic participation. To enhance accountability, recommendations include bolstering judicial independence, improving transparency in government operations, and empowering civil society to hold officials accountable for rights violations. These measures are crucial for cultivating a culture of human rights respect and fostering democratic governance in Nigeria. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Institutional theory, principal-agent theory & critical legal theory may be used to anchor future studies on examining the relationship between human rights laws and government accountability. Conduct in-depth case studies and comparative analyses across different legal systems, political contexts, and socio-cultural settings to identify best practices and contextual factors influencing the implementation and effectiveness of human rights laws. Promote international cooperation and peer-learning initiatives among countries to share experiences, lessons learned, and best practices in implementing human rights laws and fostering government accountability.

Research on "The Belt and Road Initiative" report of think tank based on theme evolution and identification--Taking 2013-2020 as an example.

China's "the Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI) is a top-level cooperation initiative among countries proposed by China, which has promoted China's cooperation with relevant countries in various aspects and fields. Research reports from think tanks and experts on the evaluation, analysis, and research conclusions of the BRI can reflect the stance, opinions, and demands of various countries abroad regarding the initiative. This paper takes the BRI reports of important think tanks in the " Global Go To Think Tank Index Report 2020" as the subject of its research, and analyzes the key points and development trends of foreign think tank research on the BRI by using text mining, topic evolution, and social network analysis. It provides reasonable suggestions and ideas for promoting the construction of the BRI and deepening related cooperation in China. Research shows that the thematic distribution of research reports on the BRI by think tanks is mainly focused on the fields of politics, economy, and military. The research areas are relatively stable, and there is not a strong trend of thematic evolution. The evolution paths are also mainly distributed in the fields of politics, economy, and military. There are not many expansions in the thematic evolution directions over the years, and there is a strong inheritance of themes. The connection between research themes and the main purpose of the BRI is somewhat inadequate, indicating a certain limitation in the understanding of the BRI.

When Value is Created but There is No Record: An Eyewitness Account of Public Value Creation in a Student Resource Officer Program

Conceptualizing and measuring public value presents many challenges for researchers, particularly in those cases where the program being evaluated has visible expenses and hard to quantify outputs or outcomes. Program stakeholders might not even recognize the public value (PV) they are creating. PV theory lacks empirical research and faces the possibility of theoretical stagnation. Efforts at measuring PV have not yielded consensus. This study employs ethnography to investigate how an external observer sees the PV being created by the school resource officer (SRO) program. This paper reports the key findings from a case study into the value delivered by a controversial public program, a co-operative initiative between a regional police service and the region’s educational system. This evaluation comprised ten ride alongs with SRO program officers over a five-month period. Forty-one stories of PV being created were observed, which were then grouped into six themes/focused codes. In addition to the program’s desired outcome of building safer schools, this paper identifies five other types of PV creation. These outcomes represent important contributions to the public and allow for the potential comparison of how tax dollars are spent, informing future allocation of funds and potentially saving good programs.