Development Partners Research Articles

Connect, collaborate and tailor: a model of community engagement through infographic design during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundAcross the globe, racial and ethnic minorities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 with increased risk of infection and burden from disease. Vaccine hesitancy has contributed to variation in vaccine uptake and compromised population-based vaccination programs in many countries. Connect, Collaborate and Tailor (CCT) is a Public Health Agency of Canada funded project to make new connections between public health, healthcare professionals and underserved communities in order to create culturally adapted communication about COVID-19 vaccines. This paper describes the CCT process and outcomes as a community engagement model that identified information gaps and created tailored tools to address misinformation and improve vaccine acceptance.MethodsSemi-structured interviews with CCT participants were undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of CCT in identifying and addressing topics of concern to underserved and ethnic minority communities. Interviews also explored CCT participants’ experiences of collaboration through the development of new partnerships between ethnic minority communities, public health and academic researchers, and the evolution of co-operation sharing ideas and creating infographics. Thematic analysis was used to produce representative themes. The activities described were aligned with the levels of public engagement described in the IAP2 spectrum (International Association for Public Participation).ResultsAnalysis of interviews (n = 14) revealed that shared purpose and urgency in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic motivated co-operation among CCT participants. Acknowledgement of past harm, present health, and impact of social inequities on public service access was an essential first step in establishing trust. Creating safe spaces for open dialogue led to successful, iterative cycles of consultation and feedback between participants; a process that not only helped create tailored infographics but also deepened engagement and collaboration. Over time, the infographic material development was increasingly directed by community representatives’ commentary on their groups’ real-time needs and communication preferences. This feedback noticeably guided the choice, style, and presentation of infographic content while also directing dissemination strategies and vaccine confidence building activities.ConclusionsThe CCT process to create COVID-19 vaccine communication materials led to evolving co-operation between groups who had not routinely worked together before; strong community engagement was a key driver of change. Ensuring a respectful environment for open dialogue and visibly using feedback to create information products provided a foundation for building relationships. Finally, our data indicate participants sought reinforcement of close cooperative ties and continued investment in shared responsibility for community partnership-based public health.

“What do you mean by that?”: solidarity in Canadian development practice

PurposeWith the launch of the Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), the Canadian government named solidarity as a shared value and a driving motivation behind the FIAP. This paper explores how development workers understand and apply solidarity to their work, uncovering the opportunities and constraints they face.Design/methodology/approachIn-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 42 development workers from Canada’s federal development agency between 2019 and 2020. Transcribed data were coded by the author to identify how workers made sense of solidarity within the development industry.FindingsThe majority of workers were unsure of how to define or operationalize solidarity, demonstrating confusion. Commonality was routinely mentioned as a facet of solidarity, but workers understood this term in diverse ways, with some considering commonality as a precondition that inhibited a sense of solidarity with development partners in the global South due to differences in living conditions. About a quarter identified power and privilege as necessary considerations in the process of building solidarity, showing potential for bonds across the inequalities that define development. About 40% of workers identified the institutional structure of the organization as an obstacle to solidarity.Originality/valueThis paper presents original data from Canadian development workers, providing the first study of their understanding of solidarity as a development ethic. It shows the gaps between rhetoric and practice while recommending ways for development organizations to meaningfully engage with solidarity in their work.

Investigating the Key Drivers in the Transition to Sustainable Hydrogen Transportation Fuel

Introduction. Hydrogen is a promising energy carrier that can achieve net-zero carbon emissions and decrease fossil fuel dependency. However, the importance of the driving forces in hydrogen adaptation and acceptance during the transition to this technology should be emphasised. When assessing hydrogen as a sustainable transportation fuel, defining the success criteria is vital to comprehend the benefits of hydrogen in the transition process. The transport sector is a priority area for the transition to zero emissions, which requires an understanding of the links between the key drivers of hydrogen adoption in transportation. Aim and tasks. This study aims to identify the key drivers of the hydrogen transition and explore the relationship between the transition drivers to hydrogen as a sustainable transport fuel based on a comprehensive literature review and an interpretative structural modelling approach to determine the relationship between the above-mentioned key drivers. Results. This study identified key drivers for the transition to hydrogen as a sustainable transport fuel using the Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) approach. This study examines the potential of hydrogen transition, analyses the driving forces, and examines their interrelationships in terms of driving force and dependent force. The role of technological development and transition awareness in achieving the SDGs is revealed. Robust regulatory agendas and supportive strategies, Workforce development and training based on hydrogen deployment, and Industry partnerships and collaboration are the most fundamental drivers for achieving the transition to hydrogen as a sustainable transport fuel. In addition, the advancement of hydrogen technologies in production, storage, and transportation, as well as hydrogen production and use, aligns with environmental aims, which are key factors that depend mainly on the actions of other driving forces. However, the limitations of this study include subjectivity and potential differences in the driving forces across countries and sectors. Conclusions. The deployment of green hydrogen transition for a clean energy source is critical in carbon-intensive sectors of the economy, which are characterised by key drivers and their interlinkages, such as regulatory strategies, workforce development, and industry partnerships. This has increased the flexibility of energy systems with the collaboration of the stakeholders for developing hydrogen technologies and infrastructure, considering the environmental safety, economic efficiency, and social acceptability of hydrogen.

DEEP-C Consortium: Carbon sink or methane source – local to global scale assessment of lentic waters’ role in the climate system

Lentic waters are biogeochemical reactors, producing and receiving carbon (C) originally fixed by the terrestrial and aquatic biosphere, which is then buried in sediments or respired back to the atmosphere in the forms of carbon dioxide (CO2) and one of the more potent greenhouse gas (GHG) methane (CH4). Additionally, lakes serve as archives of terrestrial and aquatic carbon processes within their sediments, enabling the reconstruction of historical changes spanning thousands of years. These changes encompass alterations in land cover, indicated by pollen records, soil carbon erosion and shifts in lake productivity resulting from changes in land use and climate. Both the burial of C in lakes and the emissions of GHGs are recognised as important components of Earth's climate system, yet they remain poorly understood and constrained due to inadequate quantities and qualities of observations. In the case of GHG emissions from lakes, observations are often sporadic, failing to capture the significant spatial and temporal variations in emissions across diverse lentic systems. To address this challenge, process-based models that incorporate the interconnected biogeochemical processes occurring within lakes and their watersheds would arguably be the best tool to extrapolate from site-level observations to regional and finally global scales, to quantify the anthropogenic impact on these fluxes and to reconstruct long-term shifts in emissions and burial due to changes in land cover and climate. However, the development and evaluation of such models is hampered by the lack of observations in sufficient quality. In this project, we bring together a unique consortium of specialists in aquatic ecology, biogeochemistry, palynology, sedimentology and modelling of terrestrial and aquatic biogeochemistry. This project will put forth a national programme of systematic, long-term observations of lake GHG and C cycling processes of unmet detail, consistency and quality. First, at 40 pilot sites spanning typological and environmental gradients, there will be a comprehensive data acquisition endeavour to evaluate biological processes and mesological factors influencing the sequestration or recycling of organic carbon. This effort will be complemented with a synthesis of existing data (WP1). Second, based on well-dated sediment records, which include both newly-acquired and synthesised existing data, variability of lake C burial and their climate and land-use controls will be reconstructed over the past 150 years (WP2). For 15 of these pilot sites, reconstruction will go back until the mid-Holocene (5,000 years BP), allowing us to shed light on the anthropogenic perturbation of the C cycle in this earlier part of human history, which is commonly excluded from this type of research due to lack of information. The activities of these first two WPs will result in an open-source national database, guaranteeing valorisation of our research far beyond this project. In WP3, we will use the land surface model (LSM) ORCHIDEE C-lateral to assess C cycling in the terrestrial biosphere and the mobilisation of biospheric C into lakes, which is possible due to an explicit representation of soil C leaching and erosion processes and a downscaling scheme permitting us to assess C exports from watersheds at sub-grid scale. While LSMs are used to assess evolution of biospheric C budgets from the beginning of the Industrial Period, we will use it to hindcast the evolution since the mid-Holocene, using lake sediment records for model validation. Moreover, we will develop a new process-based lake C model supported by the database established in WPs 1 and 2, which we will couple to ORCHIDEE C-lateral to simulate lake C burial and GHG emissions in response to climate and processes in the lake watershed. This model set-up will first be used to better constrain contemporary large-scale lake GHG emissions and to disentangle the anthropogenic perturbation of these fluxes from the natural background flux. These estimates will be revolutionary, as they will allow attributing part of lake GHG emissions to anthropogenic emissions for national GHG budget reporting. Then, these models will be emulated to reconstruct evolution of lake GHG budgets and C budgets of the whole lake watershed since the mid-Holocene. While simulations will first be performed at the scales of France and Europe, the development of international partnerships to implement observations from other biomes (WP4) will finally support simulations at the global scale.

Saudi Digital Library Services in the Light of the National and International Sustainable Development Goals

The study aimed to identify the concept of sustainable development, and to explore the role of digital libraries in achieving SDGs, by shedding light on the reality of the SDL in terms of financial, technical and human capabilities to achieve the Kingdom’s 2030 vision for sustainable development. The study revealed that digital libraries play an active role in achieving SDGs through secure and diverse technical infrastructure, and a variety of digital information sources. Digital libraries enhance the level of information awareness among users. Among digital libraries worldwide, SDL is distinguished in terms of knowledge resources acquired, its platforms, and through the large number of beneficiaries of its services, representing all segments of the academic community in Saudi Arabia's higher education institutions. Based on a solid network, and Saudi Arabia vision 2030, SDL succeeded to link higher education institutions through a huge amount of information sources, and facilitated their access, and provided equal opportunities for all. The study recommended that in order to be the national digital platform and effective development partner, SDL must expand the scope of services to include trade and industrial private and public sectors, and raise the level of research awareness and ethics among Arab scholars and researchers.

Universities as cities of flows: decoding cross-regional university partnerships for sustainable development in China

Universities as cities of flows: decoding cross-regional university partnerships for sustainable development in China

Impact of Human Resources in Indian Oil Companies: Evolution, Challenges, and Future Trends

This study analyses the evolution, current challenges, and future human resource (HR) management trends within Indian oil companies. It seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of how HR practices have developed over time, the obstacles faced by HR departments today, and the strategic directions necessary for future growth and adaptation. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data. Primary data were collected through surveys and interviews with HR professionals and employees in major Indian oil companies. Secondary data were drawn from industry reports, academic literature, and company records. The study utilizes thematic analysis to identify critical trends and challenges and statistical analysis to quantify the impact of various factors on HR practices. The study finds that HR practices in Indian oil companies have evolved from traditional administrative roles to strategic partners in business development. Current challenges include managing a diverse and technologically evolving workforce, adapting to global economic fluctuations, and addressing regulatory compliance issues. Future trends suggest an increased focus on digital transformation, diversity and inclusion, and strategic workforce planning. The findings offer valuable insights for HR practitioners and policymakers in Indian oil companies. They highlight the need for innovative HR strategies to address emerging challenges, such as integrating advanced technologies and fostering an inclusive work environment. The study also recommends improving HR practices to enhance organizational performance and employee satisfaction.

Modern Factors of Influence on the Formation of Strategic Partnership in the Russian Federation

Scientific approaches to defining the essence of the concepts “globalization,” “intellectualization,” and “digitalization” have been identified and characterized. A descriptive approach to the formation of strategic partnerships in globalization, intellectualization, and digitalization has been developed; the proposed approach represents a set of structural and logical connections between modern factors of influence, socio-economic transformations, and determinants that ensure the further development of strategic partnerships. It is substantiated that the development trends of world economies and the transition to a multipolar world influence the forms, content, and nature of the strategic partnership, entailing structural transformation in all spheres of the economy of the Russian Federation. We have identified the key elements of transformational changes in the strategic partnership format, including information and intellectual components. As a result of a systematic analysis of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of informatization and intellectualization processes, the priority role of knowledge was determined. The substantiation of the relationship between the knowledge system and direct entrepreneurial activity made it possible to establish the basic importance of knowledge management in intellectualization as a factor of influence on the formation of strategic partnerships. Based on a study of theoretical and scientific-practical approaches to the digital transformation of business and the country’s economy as a whole, the forms of strategic partnership in the Russian Federation are characterized, and their advantages and limitations are determined.

Going farther, together: completing literacy professional development as peers

PurposeIn the Fall of 2019, Marietta College and Marietta City Schools, in Marietta, Ohio, piloted a program to improve literacy knowledge and pedagogy through completing LETRS training, a two-year literacy professional development based on the science of reading, as peers.Design/methodology/approachThis project was aligned to effective professional development research that states better trainings are content-specific, allow support and collaboration and are ongoing throughout the school year (Blank and de las Alas, 2009; Darling-Hammond, Hyler, and Gardener, 2017) and respect participants work/life schedules (Bigsby and Firestone, 2017).FindingsSome benefits of this collaboration were that teachers, college faculty and teacher candidates were able to communicate more effectively about literacy because we all had shared background knowledge and spoke the same language when it came to literacy. We were also able to make more meaningful clinical experiences for our teacher candidates because we created a stronger connection between the knowledge and pedagogy taught in students’ literacy courses and the practices they saw in real classrooms. Inservice teachers saw the college faculty and teacher candidates as strong partners, which greatly strengthened our clinical preparation.Practical implicationsThe paper includes implications for the development of stronger partnerships between teacher preparation program faculty and school partnership faculty and more authentic and meaningful clinical experiences for teacher candidates.Originality/valueThis project shows how meaningful partnerships and clinical experiences can be created when partnership faculty are seen as peers.

Challenging exclusion: bringing the human rights to water and sanitation to Europe

ABSTRACT Research and advocacy on water and sanitation in low-income countries often consider the human rights to water and sanitation as the basis for improving access to these essential services. But how often is the spotlight turned on high-income countries? Do the predominantly Global North researchers, advocates, donors and development partners who explore failures to meet the human rights in Accra or Jakarta ever ask if the same rights are realized at home in Berlin, London or Paris? Exclusion and marginalization similar to that faced by various populations in low-income countries are present in the lived experiences of individuals and groups in Europe, including homeless people, Roma communities, incarcerated people and refugees. Yet, the same human rights that are invoked in low-income countries are all too often ignored in Europe. Meanwhile, high-income countries cannot point to insufficient financial resources to justify failures in human rights realization. Against this background, this short communication outlines some of the inequalities in access to water and sanitation that exist and persist in high-income countries through the lens of human rights, and proposes that invoking these human rights can support the ideals of equity and justice contributing to re-imagining universal access to services across Europe.

The War Against Ukraine and the EU: Facing New Realities, edited by Claudia Wiesner and Michèle Knodt. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. XIII, 230 pp. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35040-5.

This book discusses the multiple implications of the war against Ukraine for the EU political system. It draws on a number of different authors to analyse the main dimensions of the Russian attack on Ukraine and the subsequent large-scale war, which impact the global order and EU foreign policy. In the context of war and Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EU needs to position itself in a changing world order, internal and external challenges to liberal democracy and the development of its strategic autonomy. In various chapters of the book, the development and strengthening of strategic partnership and friendship with Ukraine is considered by the EU as one of the central foreign policy priorities. Without the support of the Ukrainian partner, it is difficult for the EU to achieve positive results in European politics and play the role of an influential power in the international arena. In this context, various authors note that only the formation of political and economic ties between the EU and Ukraine will be the optimal way out of the full-scale war and crisis that Ukraine has found itself in. Only the combination of opportunities and efforts will allow the Ukrainian political elite and society to eventually stand on par with leading European countries.

Hospital Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts: Perspectives of Patient and Family Advisors.

Patient and family advisory councils are common within children's hospitals. However, lack of diversity among patient and family advisors (PFAs) may result in exclusion of crucial perspectives and perpetuate inequities. We sought to understand PFA perspectives on how children's hospitals should approach: (1) recruitment and support of PFAs from groups at greater risk of health inequities; and (2) development of meaningful partnerships with PFAs or patient and family advisory councils on institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. We conducted a qualitative study of PFAs of children's hospitals from communities at greater risk for health inequities based on self-identified race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, disability, language, or other factors. Focus groups were virtual and group discussions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive qualitative analysis. In total, 17 PFAs participated across 5 focus groups (4 in English, 1 in Spanish). We identified 6 themes: (1) PFA diversity is necessary to understand existing health inequities; (2) diversity needs to be considered broadly; (3) recruiting for diverse PFAs requires intentionality, visibility of PFACs within and outside of the hospital, and deliberate connections with families and communities; (4) efforts to increase PFAC diversity must be accompanied by work to develop inclusive environments; (5) diversity efforts require meaningful engagement and equity; and (6) diverse PFACs can enrich DEI efforts but require organizational commitment and follow-through. Insights from our qualitative study of PFAs can be used by healthcare systems to foster diversity and inclusion in PFACs and advance hospital DEI efforts.

An Analysis of Factors That Influence the Success of Flood Risk Management in Selected River Basins (FMSRB) Program in Banten Province and Maluku Province

FMSRB Program, under CPIU Directorate General of Regional Development Ministry of Home Affairs has successfully built 2,907 units of infrastructure, consisting of: (1) 152 units of retaining walls; (2) 24 units of reservoirs; (3) 265 units of drainages; (4) 56 units of rainfall harvesting system; (5) 46 units of retention wells; (6) 2,351 units of biopori; and (7) 13 units evacuation routes. The construction of infrastructure is in collaboration with the establishment of 4 KMSB forums in the regency, 140 KMSBs, and 140 waste banks in the community level. The success of program is primarily determined by 4 factors, including the success in the human resources management, collaboration among stakeholders, collaboration of structural and non-structural approaches, as well as the partnership development. Quantitatively, it is discovered that 55.70% of impact value indicates a very significant influence on flood control, whereas 36.80% states influential. For the construction of reservoir 57.50% of respondents state that it is high influence, whereas 33% state influential. In terms of rainfall harvesting system, 54.70% of respondents state highly influential, while 31.10% state influential. In Biopori, 60.40% of respondents state highly influential, whereas only 28.30% state influential. For retention well, 52.80% of respondents state very influential and only 38.70% states influential. In the meantime, the status of constructed infrastructure assets indicates that 65.10% are very good and 17.90% are good. Furthermore, the human resources management contributes β 0.141 with the influence of p-0,038 to the sustainability empowerment mediation. Collaboration among stakeholder is very good (59.40%) and good (25.50%). About gender and empowerment-based collaboration model, 65% of respondents fully agree and confirm, whereas only 35% agree. Meanwhile, collaboration among stakeholders is very helpful according to 65% of respondents and only 35% state helpful. As for structural and non-structural approaches collaboration, 82% of respondents state very helpful, and only 18% state helpful. For partnership, 59% of respondents fully agree with the partnership developed by FMSRB Program that uses the collaboration principle, and 41% agree. For sustainable program, advanced facilitation from the stakeholders to KMSB Forum, KMSB and Waste Bank is necessary. They will oversee utilization, maintenance, and development of the infrastructure for controlling flood.

Unlocking Pakistan’s digital potential: A roadmap for workforce digitalization and economic transformation

This paper explores the various aspects of workforce digitalization in Pakistan. Through an exploratory case study, it examines key trends of workforce digitalization, and the multifaceted impact of digitalization on the workforce in Pakistan, highlighting the opportunities, challenges, and economic benefits. Moreover, it analyzes the government policies and initiatives for the promotion of digitalization in Pakistan. Finally, it suggests a roadmap for workforce digitalization and economic transformation in Pakistan. Workforce digitalization and economic transformation entail a multifaceted approach to modernizing labor practices, leveraging digital technologies, and fostering economic growth. The digitalization of the workforce in Pakistan reflects the country’s evolving socio-economic landscape and technological advancements. However, workforce digitalization and economic transformation in Pakistan present significant opportunities and challenges. Embracing digitalization can enhance productivity, create new job opportunities, and drive economic growth. Further, modernizing government services through digitalization initiatives, including e-governance platforms for improved efficiency, transparency, and accountability fosters a more conducive environment and accelerates digital transformation across different sectors. However, addressing challenges related to digital literacy, cybersecurity, and access to digital infrastructure is essential to ensure that all segments of the population can benefit from the digital economy. As Pakistan seeks to strengthen its economy, digitalization is key to unlocking new opportunities, driving sustainable development, and becoming a digital nation in the future. Workforce digitalization and economic transformation in Pakistan require a comprehensive strategy that addresses digital skills development, infrastructure improvement, entrepreneurship support, government digitization, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, industry collaboration, and international partnerships. By prioritizing these areas, Pakistan can unlock its digital potential and drive sustainable economic growth in the digital age.

Africa-China Relations and the Issue of South-South Cooperation

Africa-China or Sino-African relations continue to grow stronger. Africa sees China as a partner in development with the global South-South Cooperation. As a measure of friendship, China constructed the African Union headquarters at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for free. There has been cooperation between China and African countries. China’s role in Africa during the independence struggles is well noted and its development assistance to the continent has been phenomenal over the years. As Africa and China relations continue, several bottlenecks continue to mar the relationship. This paper highlights the bottlenecks of Africa-China relations by tracing the historical ties between China and African states. It delves into Africa-China relations in terms of South-South Cooperation and China’s foreign policy of non-interference in internal matters of other states. It uses 2019 data to analyze China-Africa trade, investments and revenues accruing to both partners. It concludes with how China-African states can achieve mutual benefits.

How do food safety technical working groups within a One Health framework work? Experiences from Vietnam and Ethiopia

BackgroundPersistent challenges of fragmented, food safety management in low- and middle-income countries underscore the need for more robustly coordinated mechanisms. National food safety technical working groups, operating under a One Health framework, offer potential in streamlining coordination efforts to effectively address these challenges. However, more clarity regarding their formation and functioning is important for understanding how to best establish and support such groups. The aim of this study is to systematically document the development process of established groups in Vietnam and Ethiopia.MethodsWe assess the process used to establish and support the technical working groups against six critical success factors for multisectoral collaboration: drive change, define, design, realise, relate, and capture success. To do so, we review meeting minutes, Terms of Reference, and other related publications.ResultsThe analysis underscores the importance of financial and technical support by development partners in initiating working groups while also highlighting the challenge posed by the absence of legal frameworks to secure government commitment. Embedding the technical working groups within existing government structures – such as One Health platforms – from the outset could help to ensure the active participation and sustainability of such groups.ConclusionBoth Vietnam and Ethiopia have established operational and institutionalized technical working groups to bolster national food safety efforts under a One Health framework. The approaches employed in these countries could serve as valuable models for others seeking to establish comparable multisectoral collaborative mechanisms to address emerging health risks.

Advancing global antibiotic research, development and access.

The pipeline of new antibiotics is insufficient to keep pace with the growing global burden of drug-resistant infections. Substantial economic challenges discourage private investment in antibiotic research and development (R&D), with a decline in the number of companies and researchers working in the field. Compounding these issues, many countries (from low income to high income) face a growing crisis of antibiotic shortages and inequitable access to existing and emerging treatments. This has led to an increasing role for public and philanthropic funding in supporting antibiotic R&D via the creation of nonprofit public-private partnerships, including Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X) and the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP), industry support for the AMR Action Fund, and pilot schemes to evaluate and reimburse antibiotics in innovative ways. Now is the time to raise the urgency, ambition and commitments of the world's leaders to fully support the antibiotic R&D ecosystem, incentivizing all sectors to conduct public health-driven antibiotic R&D and make effective antibiotics accessible to all who need them.

Unlocking Local Private Capital to Finance the Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) Sector – a Look at East African Local Financial Institutions (LFIs)

This paper explores opportunities in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to mobilize and scale up financing for the fast-growing PURE sector, which drives energy access and economic growth. It highlights the critical role of local financial institutions (LFIs) in accelerating PURE lending to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and end users in East Africa. Recommended interventions in this paper focus on eliminating existing barriers and galvanizing interest from investors, entrepreneurs, development partners, and local governments.

Efficiency analysis of the innovation-driven sustainable logistics industry

The logistics industry is at the heart of socio-economic development. Disruption in the logistics and supply chain industry grounded many sectors to a halt at the height of COVID-19 with economic and environmental implications. This study examines the efficiency and interconnections among innovation, energy, infrastructure, and logistics performance as the logistics industry strives to attain a green supply chain while maintaining economic growth and environmental sustainability. To capture these relationships, a network data envelopment analysis model is designed for efficiency analysis. 36 % of the evaluated countries had below-average efficiency. Results also indicate innovation and energy sustainability as drivers of efficiency and sustainability in the logistics industry. This implies the need for innovation in logistics energy infrastructure by decarbonizing the logistics industry. Regional and national partnerships in the technological development of green energy to power the logistics industry are recommended.

ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP UKRAINE–EU: RETROSPECT AND CHALLENGES OF FURTHER ENHANCED COOPERATION

Ukraine has been a priority partner of the EU since the signing of the Association Agreement in 2014. It was the significant financial and economic support of the EU as a whole and, in particular, of individual EU member states that became a key tool for avoiding catastrophic consequences in the financial and economic system of our country at the beginning of a full-scale war and for the current financing of the state budget deficit. Today, the European Union's support for Ukraine is extremely significant, although it is accompanied by a number of problematic issues that require an in-depth study of certain aspects of economic partnership in terms of finding ways and directions to improve the use of the potential of bilateral economic relations with the European Union as a whole and with individual EU member states.The methodological basis of the study is based on general scientific and special methods of economic theory, in particular, methods of theoretical generalization and comparative analysis for a comprehensive consideration of the research issue, and statistical methods of analysis. In the course of the study, the statistical materials of the European Union and the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine on foreign trade in goods were used.Modern scientific views on the content and prospects of Ukraine's economic partnership with the EU are studied. The key stages of the development of Ukraine's economic partnership with the European Union are summarized and schematized, with details of the areas of sectoral cooperation. The main indicators of trade relations and their role in the economies of the studied countries are analyzed. The key obstacles to further deepening of the economic partnership are substantiated, the elimination of which should be the primary goal of our country on the way to European integration.The obtained results can serve for further study of trade relations and their role in the economies of the studied countries.