Sustainable Economic Development Research Articles

Spatiotemporal Detection of Ecological Environment Quality Changes in the Lijiang River Basin Using a New Dual Model

Detecting spatiotemporal changes in ecological environment quality (EEQ) is of great importance for maintaining regional ecological security and supporting sustainable economic and social development. However, research on EEQ detection from a remote sensing perspective is insufficient, especially at the basin scale. Based on two indices, namely, the Ecological Index (EI) and the Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI), we established a dual model, combining the remote sensing ecological comprehensive index (RSECI) and its differential change model, to study the spatiotemporal evolutionary characteristics of EEQ in the Lijiang River Basin (LRB) from 2000 to 2020. The RSECI combines the following five indicators: greenness, wetness, heat, dryness, and aerosol optical depth. The results of this study show that the area of good and excellent EEQ in the LRB decreased from 3676.22 km2 in 2000 to 2083.89 km2 in 2020, while the area of poor and fair EEQ increased from 80.81 km2 in 2000 to 1375.91 km2 in 2020. From 2000 to 2020, the change curve of the EEQ difference in the LRB first rose, fell, and then rose again. The wetness and greenness indicators had positive effects on promoting EEQ, while the heat, aerosol optical depth, and dryness indicators had restraining effects. The results of stepwise regression analysis showed that, among the selected indicators, wetness and greenness were the key factors for improving the EEQ in the LRB during the study period. The RSECI approach and the difference change model proposed in this study can be used to quantitatively evaluate the EEQ and facilitate the analysis of the spatial and temporal dynamic changes and difference changes in EEQ.

Integrating Green Management and Economic Development: The Role of Esg Strategies in Regional Sustainability

Green management, incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, addresses the growing need for sustainable economic development amidst environmental degradation and social inequalities. This study examines the integration of green management strategies to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, focusing on regional implications. Through a qualitative approach, including interviews and case studies, the research explores how ESG principles impact business practices and community development. The findings reveal that while green management significantly reduces environmental harm, enhances economic competitiveness, and promotes community engagement, challenges such as financial constraints, low awareness, and weak regulatory frameworks persist. The study's novelty lies in its emphasis on localized ESG strategies tailored to regional socio-economic and environmental contexts, offering insights into how businesses and policymakers can adapt these principles effectively. Results highlight the importance of aligning corporate policies with regional sustainability goals to attract investment and foster equitable growth. Recommendations include providing financial incentives, enhancing capacity-building programs, and strengthening regulatory frameworks to ensure the widespread adoption of ESG practices. These findings underline the potential of green management as a transformative tool for driving sustainable and inclusive regional development.

Contribution to the Analysis of Microfinance Failure in Morocco: An Econometric Analysis, SDG1

Objectives: This article aims to explore the factors contributing to the failure of microfinance in Morocco, a crucial issue for a country where microfinance plays a key role in promoting financial inclusion among vulnerable populations. Theoretical Framework: The study is anchored in the frameworks of financial inclusion and poverty reduction, investigating how microfinance initiatives relate to broader socio-economic goals, particularly in alleviating poverty and fostering economic development. Method: The research uses an econometric approach, specifically the Logit model, to examine the determinants of borrower default. Key explanatory variables, such as age, gender, and the number of loans taken out, are analyzed to assess their impact on default rates. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal that demographic factors and loan history significantly influence the likelihood of default. The analysis emphasizes the importance of improving governance, regulatory oversight, and portfolio management in microfinance institutions to address these issues. Research Implications: The study offers critical insights for shaping public policies and strategies for microfinance institutions, emphasizing the need for robust governance and regulation to enhance the sector's effectiveness. Originality/Value: This article contributes to the literature by providing an econometric analysis of microfinance failure in Morocco. It highlights the role of governance and regulation in improving financial inclusion and supporting sustainable economic development, which is essential for achieving SDG1 (No Poverty).

Pengaruh Literasi Manajemen Bisnis Syariah terhadap Minat Investasi pada Pasar Modal

The main goal of this research is to examine how interest in investing in the Sharia market is influenced by Islamic financial knowledge. A thorough grasp of financial concepts that adhere to Islamic law, such as riba, zakat, and the idea of fairness in financial transactions, is necessary for Islamic financial literacy. Islamic financial literacy may have a significant role in investing choices, as shown by the rising knowledge of halal and Sharia-compliant assets. 200 respondents—both current and potential investors in the Sharia capital market—were given questionnaires as part of this study's quantitative methodology. Higher interest in investing in Sharia capital market products like sukuk and Sharia mutual funds is positively correlated with higher levels of Islamic financial literacy, according to the study's findings. These results underline the need of more comprehensive Islamic financial education initiatives to raise public awareness and aid in the growth of Indonesia's Sharia capital market. In order to stimulate investment interest, it is also determined that improvements in Sharia investment products and supporting regulations are essential. Thus, this research comes to the conclusion that promoting a more inclusive Islamic economy and developing the Sharia capital market may both be greatly aided by increasing Islamic financial literacy. This study shows that interest in investing in the Sharia capital market is strongly influenced by Islamic financial knowledge. Sharia-compliant investment products like sukuk (Islamic bonds) and Sharia mutual funds are more likely to be chosen by investors who have a firm grasp of Islamic financial concepts like riba (usury), zakat (almsgiving), and profit-sharing. The research emphasizes the value of thorough financial education initiatives and easily available information in raising public awareness of Islamic finance. It is anticipated that these initiatives would boost more inclusive and sustainable economic development in Indonesia and raise participation in the Sharia capital market.

Factors Influencing Tourist Satisfaction at a Biosphere Reserve: The Case of Ca Mau Cape, Vietnam

Motivating sustainable economic development is one of the essential functions of biosphere reserves. Ecotourism and responsible tourism are effective tools that enable biosphere reserves to fulfill this function. Tourist satisfaction acts as a crucial catalyst for tourism at biosphere reserve destinations. This study aims to analyze the factors within the biosphere reserve that influence tourist satisfaction. The results of a multivariate regression analysis based on data from 150 observations indicate that multiple factors simultaneously impact tourist satisfaction. These factors include security and safety, tourism facilities, infrastructure, service pricing, tourism resources, and service staff. Based on the research findings, practical implications are proposed to enhance destination quality and improve tourist satisfaction.

Development and Validation of the “Career Confidence for Activities in the Future” to Assess Italian Adolescents’ Self-Efficacy Beliefs in Handling Global Challenges

This paper reports the development and psychometric requisites of the Career Confidence for Activities in the Future (CCAF). This scale of 25 items assesses adolescents’ self-efficacy beliefs about the capacity to learn and execute professional activities necessary to handle six global challenges. These are the safeguard of the environment and life on the planet, health and well-being of all the people, fair and sustainable economic development, the use of technology for the benefit of all, the construction of right-conscious and inclusive societies, and the valorization of culture and education to cosmopolitanism. Two studies were carried out. Study 1 included 706 adolescents (Mage = 17.39; SD = 0.81; 31.9% male and 67.8% female) and examined the factor structure through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Additionally, this study examined the convergent and discriminant validity of the questionnaire with measures of career adaptability and the propensity to sustainability in making decisions about one’s future. Study 2 included 706 adolescents (Mage = 17.31; SD = 0.89; 50% male and 50% female) and provided measurement invariance across genders. Results supported the use of the CCAF in career guidance activities to encourage adolescents to positively contribute to handling the six global challenges considered.

Determinants of Economic Growth in Java: Per Capita Expenditures, Population, and Contribution of Indonesian Democracy

The Golden Indonesia Vision 2045 targets sustainable, equitable and inclusive economic development, with an emphasis on the “Sustainable Economic Development” pillar. Java, as Indonesia's strategic region, is the highest contributor to the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In the 2019-2023 period, the global economic contraction due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of simultaneous regional elections in Indonesia are challenges. This study examines the effect of per capita expenditure, population, and the Indonesian Democracy Index (IDI) on economic growth in Java. Using secondary data from six provinces and panel data regression analysis, the results show that per capita expenditure has a positive and significant effect on economic growth, while population has a negative and significant effect. IDI shows a positive but statistically insignificant relationship. The findings emphasize the importance of increasing purchasing power, population productivity through education and technology, and strengthening substantive democracy to achieve sustainable economic growth. This research provides insights for policy makers in optimizing regional potential to support Indonesia's national economic growth goals.

Analysis of Public Wellbeing as the Determinants of Income Distribution Disparity in North Sumatra in the 2002-2021 Period

Income distribution disparity is one of the challenges in the economic development process in any Indonesian region, especially North Sumatra. The objective of this research is to analyze how public wellbeing serves as one of the determining factors for income distribution disparity in North Sumatra during the 2002-2021 period. This quantitative study uses the Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS), whose result suggest that population and poverty do not significantly influence per capita GRDP and that Human Development Index (HDI) positively and significantly influences per capita GRDP. Further, public wellbeing, which was measured using per capita GRDP, positively and significantly affects income distribution disparity, confirming Kuznets’s inversed U hypothesis. The findings above imply the importance of government policies aimed at enhancing human resource quality through education and health and designing more effective poverty eradication programs to attain sustainable equitable economic development in North Sumatra.

Governing the boundary: between socio-environmental vulnerability and state capacity in Temajuk Village, Indonesia

This research explored the challenges and solutions to governing Indonesian border areas, with a particular focused on Temajuk Village in Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan Province. The research highlighted two critical issues: increased smuggling of illegal goods and socio-environmental vulnerabilities, particularly regarding the conservation of endangered sea turtles. The research identified systemic weaknesses, including inadequate state capacity, limited law enforcement and socio-economic disparity factors that exacerbate transnational challenges. The findings exposed potential national threats caused by geographic isolation, and porous borders that facilitate illicit activities, such as drug and alcoholic drinks smuggling, with serious social consequences, including youth delinquency, early marriage, declining education levels, and increased health risks, such as the spread of HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, unsustainable exploitation of sea turtles for cultural and economic purposes also threatens biodiversity. This article proposes a multifaceted strategy to address these interrelated issues, prioritizing effective border management, sustainable economic development, and strong community engagement. Strengthening institutional and individual capacities at the village level, improving law enforcement and encouraging cross-sectoral cooperation between village, district, provincial and national governments are essential. Highlighting the threats to Temajuk Village, this research promotes evidence-based local strategies that align national security with ecological and social well-being and offers insights into sustainable governance in border areas.

Fueling economies through credit and industrial activities. A way of financing sustainable economic development in Brazil

<p>As an emerging country preoccupied with preserving its resources for the future, Brazil aims to find the right balance between economic advancement and sustainability goals. In this context, we tackled the link between sustainable economic development and macroeconomic indicators related to domestic credit granted to the private sector, CO<sub>2</sub> emissions from industries, and annual inflation rate. By means of time series data analysis run for the period 1996‒2022 via three estimation methods (i.e., least squares, fully modified least squares, dynamic least squares), we found that annual GDP growth rate, control of corruption, and rule of law (as proxies for sustainable economic development) are significantly impacted by GDP growth rate and emissions. Therefore, access to financial resources and intensive industrial activities yielding emissions trigger economic growth, tend to strengthen control of corruption and the rule of law. Additionally, policy implications and future research directions are addressed.</p>

Alignment of the economic policies of the Republic of Moldova to the best practices of neighboring European states

The main goal of this paper is to assess the economic vulnerabilities of the Republic of Moldova at the macro level and to formulate policy proposals for sustainable economic development, taking into account the European path of our country and the relevant experience of European countries. Based on a comparative research method, the paper highlights the differences between the policies of the Republic of Moldova and those of neighboring European countries, particularly regarding indicators of economic stability in crisis situations. A great accent is put on analyzing data between the global crisis of 2009 and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), identifying the economic vulnerabilities of the Republic of Moldova, such as pro-cyclical fiscal policy, low public revenues, a consumption-based economic model, low investments, a shrinking workforce, and exchange rate instability during crises. Additionally, it highlights the differences between the policies of the Republic of Moldova and those of neighboring European countries, such as Poland and Bulgaria, in terms of economic stability indicators during crisis situations. Research demonstrates a strong correlation between the economic growth of Poland and the EU in the pre-accession period. The paper identifies the key areas for sustainable economic development: modernization of the economic structure, counter-cyclical fiscal policy, increasing public revenues, enhancing public services, boosting public investments, developing private pension funds, and promoting financial education. It raises the question, „What should national policies contain?” to ensure sustainable economic development of the Moldovan economy, taking into account the experiences of new EU member states in implementing modern IT systems and digitizing tax administration. If these policies are applied in the first decade following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Republic of Moldova can transition from a consumption-based economic model to a sustainable investment-oriented one.

Hydrogen-powered future: Catalyzing energy transition, industry decarbonization and sustainable economic development, a review

Hydrogen-powered future: Catalyzing energy transition, industry decarbonization and sustainable economic development, a review

Problem of staffing shortage in the Ulyanovsk region of the Russian Federation and some ways to solve it

The article examines the problem of personnel shortage in the Ulyanovsk region in the context of current economic and political transformations. The reasons for the shortage of qualified specialists are analysed, which include both positive factors (rapid economic development and technological changes) and negative ones (demographic changes, industry characteristics, imbalance in the labour market and migration). Statistical data on the level of unemployment, migration, and population structure are provided, which makes it possible to identify the main trends and predict the further development of the situation in the labour market. Particular attention is paid to the problem of migration of graduates of higher educational institutions and their impact on the economy of the region. The article also examines the impact of international and interregional migration on the labour market and demographic situation in the region. Possible ways to solve the problem of the personnel shortage are discussed, including improving the material and technical base of educational institutions, adapting educational programmes to the requirements of the labour market, and introducing a multi-level system of control over the migration. The proposed measures are aimed at creating conditions for attracting and retaining the qualified specialists in the region, which in turn will contribute to its sustainable economic development.

The Effects of Green Energy and CO<sub>2</sub> Emissions on Sustainable Economic Development in Southern African Development Community

The Effects of Green Energy and CO<sub>2</sub> Emissions on Sustainable Economic Development in Southern African Development Community

Atmospheric environmental resources and corporate green innovation: Blessing or curse of the weather?

Green technology innovation is an important way to realize corporate green transformation and sustainable economic development. Regional resource endowments can influence local policies and corporate innovation decisions. This paper examines whether and how atmospheric environmental resources, that is, the capacity of the atmospheric environment to accommodate and purify pollutants, have an impact on corporate green innovation. Using the data of China's A-shares listed heavily polluting firms from 2012 to 2022, we find that the atmospheric environmental resources inhibit corporate green technology innovation, indicating a “resource curse” effect. The mechanism test reveals that regional environmental resources affect corporate green technological innovation by influencing local governments' environmental protection concern, economic concern, environmental enforcement and public concern. Further analysis shows that the impact of atmospheric environmental resources on corporate green technology innovation differs before and after the Paris Agreement, and varies across different levels of financial development, industry competition, corporate characteristics, and executive traits. This paper presents a new perspective of regional atmospheric environmental resources and its impact on corporate green technology innovation, revealing the mechanisms behind corporate green innovation from an external perspective, which has implications for governmental departments and corporate environmental governance decision-making.

Shaping a low-carbon future: Uncovering the spatial-temporal effect of population aging on carbon emissions in China.

With the accelerated development of the aging trend in Chinese society, the aging problem has become one of the key factors affecting sustainable economic and social development. Given the importance of controlling carbon emissions for achieving global climate goals and China's economic transformation, studying the spatial and temporal effects of population aging on carbon emissions and their pathways of action is of great significance for formulating low-carbon development strategies adapted to an aging society. This paper aims to explore the spatial-temporal effects of population aging on carbon emissions, identify the key pathways through which aging affects carbon emissions, and further explore the variability of these effects across different regions. The findings will provide theoretical support and empirical evidence for government departments to formulate policies to promote the coordinated development of a low-carbon society and an aging society. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2004 to 2022, this paper systematically investigates the impact of population aging on carbon emission intensity from both spatial and temporal dimensions by using the spatial Durbin model and the mediating effect model. The direct effect of aging on carbon emission intensity, the spatial spillover effect, and the indirect effect through mediating variables such as residents' consumption, environmental regulation, and new urbanization are analyzed in depth. The study found that population aging in China has significant spatial and temporal effects on carbon emissions. From the spatial dimension, there is a significant spatial spillover effect of the effect of aging on carbon emissions, and aging reduces local carbon emissions but increases carbon emissions in adjacent regions. From the time dimension, the effect of aging on carbon emissions shows a stage characteristic, initially it will reduce carbon emissions, but with the deepening of aging, its effect may tend to weaken. In addition, this study identifies a number of key pathways through which aging affects carbon emissions, including reducing residential consumption, promoting new urbanization, and increasing the intensity of environmental regulations. Finally, this study explores the regional heterogeneity of the impact of aging on carbon emissions and its mechanism of action. This study is instructive: first, the complex impact of population aging on carbon emissions should be fully recognized to formulate a comprehensive low-carbon development strategy; second, attention should be paid to the spatial spillover effect of aging on carbon emissions to strengthen inter-regional cooperation and coordination; and lastly, differentiated low-carbon policies should be formulated to address the characteristics of aging in different regions and stages in order to promote the synergistic development of a low-carbon society and an aging society.

Gross domestic product, savings, investment and inflation, an ARDL approach and Toda-Yamamoto causality: Evidence from Zimbabwe

This study examined the causal relationships between inflation, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), domestic savings, and investment in Zimbabwe using Toda-Yamamoto causality tests and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach with secondary data spanning from 1990-2022. The Granger causality analysis revealed a bidirectional causal effect between inflation and GDP, indicating that inflation significantly impacts the country's economic growth. Additionally, the analysis showed a unidirectional causal relationship from inflation to domestic savings, suggesting that high and persistent inflation can erode the value of existing savings and discourage individuals from saving. Furthermore, the study found a distinct causal flow from savings to investment, without feedback in the opposite direction, highlighting the crucial role of a robust savings culture in providing the necessary foundation for sustained investment and economic growth. The ARDL approach provided further insights into the dynamic relationships between these variables. In the short run, lagged GDP and current and lagged savings positively influenced GDP, while the second lag of savings had a negative impact, supporting the Carroll-Weil hypothesis that savings typically follow, rather than precede, economic growth in the short run. The analysis also found a positive short-run and long-run relationship between investment and GDP, supporting the view that investment is an important factor of economic growth. The study recommends that the policy makers can leverage the synergies between savings, investment, and inflation management to foster sustained economic growth and development in line with the government development policies. Developing policies to attract savings and reduce the cost of savings, as well as promoting long-term savings over transactional savings, can increase the country's overall savings base.

Landslide Evolution Assessment Based on Sequential InSAR Methods in the Kunming Transmission Line Corridor

The security of the transmission line corridor is an important guar- antee for the sustainable supply of electricity and an important prerequisite for the rapid development of the economy. Transmission corridors located in high mountains and valleys are often threatened by geological disasters, which seriously affect their stable operation. This research investigates the landslide in the Kunming transmission corridor using 79 Sentinel-1A SAR images from July 2020 to October 2021. Using interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) methods, deformation changes before the landslide are analyzed. Factors like precipitation, lithology, and vegetation coverage dem- onstrate a correlation with landslide occurrence. Seasonal variations in deformation were related to precipitation. The landslide's primary causes are attributed to precipitation, carbonate karstification, and vegetation coverage. Ultimately, this research establishes a cor- relation between deformation changes and influencing factors in the Kunming transmission corridor, contributing to a deeper under- standing of landslide evolution and ensuring the corridor's security for sustainable electricity supply and economic development.

International investment as a factor of recovery and development of the post-war economy of Ukraine

Introduction: The relevance of the topic of studying international investment in the context of Ukraine's post-war reconstruction is due to the need for rapid economic recovery and sustainable development of our country in the context of global economic instability. Methods: Two types of research methods were used to achieve the main goal: general scientific and unique scientific methods. General scientific methods include analysis, synthesis, explanation and generalisation. Results: As a result of the study, the structure and dynamics of international investment in Ukraine's economy are examined. It is noted that the war in Ukraine has led to significant changes in the direction of international investment, with a decrease in investments in the agricultural sector and a reorientation towards public administration, defence and industry. These changes reflect the need to adapt investment strategies to new conditions and challenges. It is important to continue developing digital technologies and innovative industries, as they have significant potential for long-term economic growth. Conlcusions: The study concludes that international investment is a critical factor in recovering and developing Ukraine's post-war economy. They not only provide additional resources for the implementation of infrastructure and economic projects, but also facilitate technology transfer and the introduction of best management practices. New financial instruments, such as green bonds, will play a unique role in attracting international investments to the sustainable recovery of Ukraine. Ukraine needs to develop the green bond market to diversify investors and attract green investors.

The major integration features of banking system

The internationalization of the banking sector in developing countries brings both significant benefits and challenges. Foreign banks promote competition, efficiency and financial inclusion, which accelerates the integration of local banking systems into the global economy. However, the arrival of large international players may increase risks and force local banks to make significant changes. Studies show that the influence of foreign banks is ambiguous and depends on the level of economic development of the country. When assessing the effects of globalization, it is important to consider the differences between developed and developing countries. In periods of economic crisis, foreign banks can play a stabilizing role, but they can also import shocks from their own countries. To maximize benefits and minimize risks, it is necessary to develop a strategy that ensures a balanced presence of foreign banks, supports competition and innovation, but does not allow excessive concentration of bank capital. In this context, the internationalization of financial services becomes an important tool for strengthening and liberalizing the financial systems of developing countries, opening new opportunities for their economic growth and sustainable development. Since the collapse of the Bretton Woods system and the beginning of the era of financial liberalization, one of the most important manifestations of the process of integration of the banking sector into the world economy has been the expansion of foreign banking capital into foreign markets. Financial sector liberalization is intended to provide equal opportunities for financial institutions to access the international market or reduce restrictions from local regulators. Liberalization of the banking industry is one of the most important financial sector liberalization programs.