Economic Competitiveness Research Articles

Exploring the impact of technology on traditional Chinese medicine in the RCEP framework: innovation, sustainability, and economic growth

ABSTRACT The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) brings together Asia-Pacific nations to enhance economic ties. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) faces changes due to Technological Innovation (TI), presenting economic opportunities and challenges for member states. This study explored the impacts of technology on TCM production and exportation within the RCEP framework. A purposive sampling technique is used in this study to choose the samples for data collection. Utilizing a mixed method approach, valid responses were gathered from 450 participants. The collected data were subjected to analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The study revealed that TI in TCM production indeed has significant positive implications for RCEP member states. The study found that the adoption of advanced technology in TCM production promotes innovation and sustainability within the industry, driving long-term growth for RCEP member states. The study highlights the potential for RCEP member states to leverage their collective expertise and resources to establish themselves as leaders in the global TCM industry, creating new avenues for economic development and cooperation. The study’s contribution lies in highlighting how technology in TCM production can boost economic resilience and competitiveness within the RCEP framework, emphasizing its role in fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among member states.

PROSPECTS FOR DEEPENING INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC COOPERATION IN THE CONDITIONS OF BIOECONOMY DEVELOPMENT: THEORETICAL TRAPS VS INSTITUTIONAL COLLISIONS

The purpose of the study is to determine the substantive features of the bioeconomy as an environment for implementing international economic cooperation in the context of the institutionalization of the green agenda. The bioeconomy paradigm rethinks the traditional economy based on fossil fuels and limited resources. With the emergence of new political and economic incentives, new enterprises in the bioeconomy sector began to actively form, which prompted many countries to develop specific programs, strategies and approaches to stimulate it. Institutionally, the concept of bioeconomy was first proposed in the form of the concept of a knowledge-based bioeconomy - as a vision for the development of the European bioeconomy by 2030. The aim of this concept was to combine economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability through the implementation of circular bioinnovations that take into account climate neutrality, environmental efficiency, safety and social acceptability within planetary boundaries. Subsequently, this approach was supported by international organizations, which also proposed official programs to promote the bioeconomy. There are different approaches to the bioeconomy in academia that consider resources, processes, and implications for economic and biophysical systems. One approach classifies the bioeconomy into the following categories: bioresources, which include products created from biomass; biotechnology, which concerns innovations in the life sciences; and bioecology, which is based on sustainable processes and sustainable products. Other classifications divide the bioeconomy into an ecological economy that is compatible with the limits of the biosphere, an economy based on science and industrial biotechnology, and a biomass-based economy. Additional approaches offer a vision of the bioeconomy through socio-technical regimes, including a biotechnological bioeconomy that focuses on health, food, and the industrialization of living systems, and a biomass-based bioeconomy that aims to replace oil with biomass. Since 2012, the European Union has been implementing a strategy that combines the economy with natural resources for sustainable growth. Since then, a number of countries around the world have actively promoted the development of bioeconomy activities at the national level. These include the Netherlands, Sweden, the United States, Malaysia, South Africa, Germany, Finland, France, as well as Brazil and China, which have implemented their national programs or included the bioeconomy in state planning. The acute problem remains the coordination of various bioeconomy participants with different interests and goals in implementing the strategy, which brings the problem of effective management to the forefront. Against this background, the development of the bioeconomy is stimulated by the increasingly active participation of interregional and international organizations, which will allow coordinating the desire of countries for regionalization and specialization to achieve the goals of bioeconomy strategies.

The Effectiveness of Environmental Legal Instruments in Addressing the Dynamics of International Trade

The era of economic globalization requires Indonesia to adapt its environmental legal instruments to the increasingly complex dynamics of international trade. The regulatory transformation through Law No. 6 of 2023 on Job Creation has shifted the paradigm from an “environmental permit” system to an “environmental approval” system, while the implementation of carbon taxes through Law No. 7 of 2021 and various related conservation regulations presents new challenges in balancing economic competitiveness and environmental protection. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of Indonesia's environmental legal instruments in meeting international environmental standards such as the EUDR and CBAM. The research method employs a normative legal approach using library research techniques, examining primary legal sources such as the latest laws and their implementing regulations, as well as secondary sources from academic literature and international reports. The results of the study show that environmental regulatory transformation creates a paradox between deregulation to attract investment and increasing environmental standards demanded by the global market. The implementation of a carbon tax at a rate of Rp30,000 per ton of CO2e and a carbon trading mechanism shows progressive steps but is still limited in scope. The development of synergies between conservation and trade requires strengthening the Payment for Environmental Services scheme and sustainable product certification. The study's conclusions emphasize the need for a more balanced policy reorientation and a holistic approach to integrate economic, social, and environmental aspects in addressing the dynamics of international trade that prioritize sustainability principles.

The Coming but Uneven Storm

This article investigates the state of AI regulations from diverse geopolitical contexts including the European Union, the United States, China, and several African nations, and their implications for learning analytics (LA) and AI research. We used a comparative analysis approach of 11 AI regulatory documents and applied the OECD framework to classify core priorities. The findings showed that the European Union and China have adopted the most comprehensive and strict AI regulations, potentially setting global standards once developed into legal instruments. In contrast, the United States has experienced a significant policy shift: the previously established AI Bill of Rights and Executive Order 14110 were revoked in early 2025 and replaced by a new Executive Order focused on economic competitiveness and deregulation. While the EU, UK, and China prioritize safety and avoiding algorithmic bias, Japan and some African countries emphasize AI systems’ economic and societal potential. Certain data types (e.g., Biometric sensors) might become challenging to use for education due to strict guidelines (particularly within the EU), necessitating careful consideration of data nature and privacy risks before use and when transferring data across jurisdictions. As regulations shift, researchers and practitioners must adapt to changing regulations across international boundaries, the legal benefits and risks of using open-source licenses, and regulatory sandboxes to minimize the risks for learners and developers and ensure ethical and legally compliant AI-driven LA systems.

The Impact of Tariff Policies on International Trade Relations and Economic Competitiveness: A Comparative Study of Developed and Developing Economies

There has been substantial progress in the international trade sector between 2018 and 2025 for several reasons. These improvements have been made over several years. The primary factors contributing to this crisis were trade conflicts and the implementation of high tariffs by significant countries, especially between the United States and China. These disputes were particularly important as they occurred between the two nations. These disagreements were especially consequential as they transpired between the two nations. In 2018, several long-standing trade agreements were terminated due to an increase in protectionism targeting regional traders. This was a consequence of the rise in protectionism. It was specified in the scope of these agreements that a variety of different commercial transactions were covered. Because of this, several distinct industries, notably new enterprises all over the world, have been significantly impacted around the world. The goal of this research is to determine the impacts that tariff policy has on international commerce and the economy by examining the changes that occur in trade flows, market access, and competitive positions between the years 2018 and 2025. This research examines the effects of governmental trade policies, particularly tariffs, on economic growth, the development of supply chain models, and the progression of novel concepts in global commerce. To clarify this, we must combine extensive trade and tariff data with an analysis of representative national case studies. This article examines the advantages of various economies, considering present trade conflicts and the changing global environment. According to this study, these characteristics have different impacts on developing economies and nations. Even though they're meant to protect local firms, import tariffs can wind up making things more expensive, messing with supply chains, and making it harder to compete. This research asserts that two critical ways to alleviate negative effects are enhancing trade relations and advancing technical skills. This paper clarifies how tariffs obstruct trade in an uncertain environment and offers policy suggestions to improve economies and promote sustainable trade relationships.

Optimalisasi Sumber Daya Manusia dan Manajemen Waktu untuk Pemberdayaan E-Commerce di Desa Tanjung Laut

Tanjung Laut Village holds significant potential in the songket handicraft sector. However, local artisans face challenges in utilizing digital technology for marketing. This community engagement project aims to optimize human resources and time management to support the adoption of e-commerce among local MSMEs. The methods include time management training, e-commerce workshops, international HR management socialization, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The results show an increased understanding of digital marketing strategies and production time planning. These trainings also encouraged collaboration and technology adoption, expected to enhance the village’s economic independence and competitiveness.

Encampment policy and public perception: a cross-country analysis of host community responses to Rohingya refugees

This study examines the influence of encampment policies on host community perceptions towards Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and Nepal, with an emphasis on how these perceptions shape the future of the refugees. Bangladesh, which has implemented an encampment policy, contrasts with Nepal, where no such policy exists. The research employs ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis to evaluate host community attitudes towards government policies, citizenship for newborns, and access to essential services like healthcare, jobs, education, and social security. The findings reveal that in Bangladesh, wealthier community members perceive less economic competition from refugees, particularly in job markets, due to the restrictions imposed by the encampment policy. However, social media in Bangladesh exacerbates negative perceptions, particularly concerning citizenship for Rohingya newborns, potentially hindering social cohesion. In Nepal, the absence of an encampment policy correlates with more negative perceptions among younger and economically vulnerable groups, who view refugees as competitors for limited resources. The study concludes that while encampment policies may mitigate immediate economic tensions, they risk deepening social divisions. Conversely, the lack of such policies in Nepal may lead to heightened resource competition and social tension. The research highlights the need for adaptive policy strategies that balance economic integration with social cohesion, ensuring sustainable refugee-host relations in both countries.

Discursive Competition in the Tourist Platform Economy of a Large City (Madrid)

This research analyzes the discourses and narratives surrounding the platform tourism economy in a highly touristified city, using Madrid as a case study. Rather than focusing on the socio-economic or spatial transformations themselves, the study examines how these processes are discussed, identifying the discursive strategies employed by different actors and ideologies, along with the power relations embedded in these narratives. A corpus of literature was compiled from twelve newspapers with varying ideological orientations and categorized according to political stance, access mode, and ideological radicalism. Using the LancsBox concordancer, a quantitative analysis was conducted to identify key discursive categories and preferred lexical items across ideological positions. These findings informed a subsequent in-depth qualitative analysis aimed at uncovering the rationalities behind each discourse: who speaks, how, and with what intent. The results reveal a dominant left-wing narrative that emphasizes institutional and economic mechanisms underlying platform tourism, highlighting associated social and urban harms. In contrast, conservative and liberal narratives are divided into two strands: a ‘heretic’ discourse that promotes and defends this new economic model, but also its urban results (e.g., gentrification), and a more institutional narrative framing platform tourism as inevitable and benign, thereby concealing the underlying structures of power.

Legal Aspects of Digital Business Licensing: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of the OSS-RBA in Indonesia's Batam Free Trade Zone

The global trend of digital transformation in public administration has prompted significant legal and institutional reforms aimed at enhancing economic competitiveness. In Indonesia, this is exemplified by the 2021 launch of the Online Single Submission Risk-Based Approach (OSS-RBA), a centralized digital platform for business licensing. This study investigates the implementation of this system within the complex legal environment of the Batam Free Trade Zone (FTZ), a strategic economic hub characterized by regulatory dualism. The aim of this research is to critically evaluate the legal and commercial implications of the OSS-RBA's implementation in a Special Economic Zone. Its novelty lies in employing a rigorous mixed-methods approach to move beyond a simple efficiency analysis, providing a nuanced examination of the tensions between digital administrative reform and the foundational commercial law principles of legal certainty, procedural justice, and regulatory harmonization. This study utilized a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. The doctrinal legal analysis involved a systematic content analysis of Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution, Law No. 11 of 2020 (Omnibus Law), and Batam-specific regulations. The empirical component included a quantitative analysis of 245 licensing applications (2022-2023), three distinct surveys of business representatives and applicants (n=156, n=189, n=198), and qualitative data from structured interviews with 56 regulatory officials and legal practitioners, alongside focus groups with 45 business actors. A novel Business Legal Certainty Index (BLCI) was constructed and validated to measure regulatory predictability. The findings demonstrate that the OSS-RBA has yielded significant administrative efficiencies, reducing licensing processing times by up to 83.9% and increasing approval rates to 92.7%. This correlates with a 67.3% increase in Foreign Direct Investment in Batam post-implementation. However, the system is fraught with challenges. The study identified 23 specific legal inconsistencies between national and FTZ regulations, leading to jurisdictional ambiguity. Furthermore, the opacity of algorithmic decision-making raises significant administrative justice concerns, with only 45% of automated decisions providing a clear rationale, thereby limiting access to effective legal remedies. In conclusion, the OSS-RBA represents a critical step toward modernizing Indonesia's investment climate, but its success is contingent on substantial legal and institutional reform. To realize the full potential of digital governance, policymakers must prioritize comprehensive regulatory harmonization, amend administrative procedure laws to safeguard due process in an automated era, and strengthen institutional capacity.

The Employment Trilemma in the European Union: Linking Academia, Industry, and Sustainability Through Dynamic Panel Evidence

Amid growing concern about labour market resilience in an era of digital and green transitions, this study carries out an investigation on how academic innovation and industrial transformation jointly shape sustainable employment outcomes across EU-27 member states. We frame this inquiry within the emerging concept of the “employment trilemma”, which posits inherent tension between competitiveness, innovation, and social inclusiveness in modern economies. Drawing on a dynamic panel dataset (2005–2023) and employing System SMM estimations, we test the hypothesis that the alignment of academic innovation systems and industrial transformation strategies enhances long-term employment sustainability. Our results reveal a nuanced relationship: academic innovation significantly supports employment in countries with high knowledge absorption capacity, whereas industrial transformation contributes positively only when embedded in cohesive, inclusive economic frameworks. Thus, these findings provide valuable insights for international business due to their emphasis on the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, policy synchronisation, and investment in human capital for firms navigating increasingly volatile labour markets. Likewise, the study offers actionable insights for business leaders, policymakers, and universities striving to balance innovation with equitable labour market outcomes in an integrated European economy.

Cost-competitive offshore wind-powered green methanol production for maritime transport decarbonization

Stringent emission reduction goals and rising demand for clean maritime fuels have elevated green methanol as a promising low-cost alternative, which is supported by a mature and easily replicable technology. Here, we investigate the technical feasibility, economics, and development of offshore wind-powered green methanol production and supply to maritime transport within the European Union (EU). We analyze various system configurations, incorporating diverse electricity sources and carbon capture technologies, optimizing them to minimize the levelized cost of methanol (LCOM). The impact of the EU Emissions Trading System and FuelEU Maritime Regulation on the greenhouse gas emissions costs of conventional fuels is also assessed to evaluate the economic competitiveness of green methanol. Additionally, we forecast future LCOM changing trends based on technology trends and regulation restrictions. Results indicate that the produced green methanol can fully meet the EU regulations for renewable fuels. Furthermore, it has the potential to become cost-competitive with conventional fuels after 2030 and is expected to be uniformly less expensive by 2035. For different stakeholders, we present a series of technical and policy recommendations.

CHALLENGES OF TRANSFORMING INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL INTO GLOBAL COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

This article examines intellectual capital as a key driver of sustainable development and global competitive advantages. It identifies the role of human, structural, and relational capital in enhancing economic systems' wealth and competitiveness. Intellectual capital is essential for long-term competitiveness, enabling innovation, technological progress, and knowledge creation. The study aims to analyze how the development and management of intellectual capital can support the transition to a post-industrial society and help achieve sustainable development goals. It emphasizes the integration of intellectual capital components to improve economic resilience and competitiveness in a globalized economy. The paper also addresses challenges in utilizing intellectual capital and proposes strategies for enhancing innovation, education, and research. Through an analysis of intellectual capital’s formation and application, the study offers insights into how emerging economies, like Azerbaijan, can strengthen their global competitive position. Recommendations are provided for policymakers and organizations seeking to leverage intellectual capital for sustainable growth.

STRATEGIC AND ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF HYDROGEN INTEGRATION IN AIRPORTS: A CASE STUDY OF TIRANA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are increasingly recognized as strategic tools for decarbonizing the aviation sector, offering not only environmental benefits but also operational and economic value. However, their effective integration within complex airport ecosystems remains underexplored, particularly concerning investment planning and infrastructure management. This study evaluates the technical, environmental, and economic feasibility of deploying hydrogen technologies at Tirana International Airport (TIA), focusing on both stationary and mobility applications powered by rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems. Scenario-based modeling shows that allocating 25% of TIA’s PV output could produce approximately 5,750 kg of green hydrogen annually—sufficient to supply 96 MWh of clean electricity or support 63,889 km of hydrogen-powered vehicle travel. The environmental assessment reveals a net annual CO₂ reduction of 58,576 kg, primarily from mobility uses, which alone account for 70,181 kg of avoided emissions. Economic analysis estimates the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) at €6.91/kg under current conditions, with potential to decline to €4.45/kg in a lower-CAPEX scenario. The corresponding cost for hydrogen mobility ranges from €1.16/km to €0.85/km, depending on technology and investment assumptions. These results highlight the importance of capital planning, utilization rates, and cost optimization strategies for real-world deployment. A SWOT analysis is used to identify strategic enablers and barriers, revealing key opportunities such as access to EU funding, public-private partnerships (PPPs), employment creation, and the potential to position TIA as a green infrastructure leader in the Western Balkans. The study concludes that hydrogen integration, if paired with targeted investment, institutional support, and coordinated stakeholder engagement, can significantly enhance airport resilience, energy autonomy, and economic competitiveness, aligning with both national policy priorities and broader European sustainability goals.

Analysis of the innovative potential of investment activities of companies in Kazakhstan

This article analyzes the innovative potential of investment activities of сompanies of Kazakhstan, which are brought to the forefront in terms of the country's desire to modernize the economy and improve the investment climate, established by the president of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the 34th plenary session of the Council of foreign investors. The purpose of the study is to identify and evaluate factors that contribute and hinder the implementation of innovative potential within the framework of investment activities, as well as develop proposals for its activation. To achieve the set goals, a set of methods was used, which included the analysis of statistical data, qualitative and quantitative analysis, comparative analysis and document analysis. The results of the study show that despite the current challenges, such as insufficient development of innovative infrastructure and limited funding, Kazakhstan has significant opportunities to accelerate innovative development by optimizing investment policy and strengthening integration with international scientific and technological networks. The article presents specific proposals for improving institutional support for investment activities in the direction of innovations that contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the national economy at the global level.

Exploring Innovation Performance in OECD Countries: The Impact of Economic, Institutional, and Social Factors

This study examines the economic, institutional, and social factors influencing innovation performance in OECD countries, employing a Panel Quantile Regression model with a dataset covering 38 OECD countries from 2013 to 2023. Innovation is widely acknowledged as a key driver of economic growth and competitiveness, yet its determinants vary significantly across countries. The findings highlight that economic growth has a positive and significant impact on the global innovation index. Additionally, carbon emissions, green technology diffusion, and government stability are found to have positive and significant effects on innovation. In contrast, foreign direct investments and urban population density exert negative and significant influences on innovation. The study also reveals that variables such as foreign trade deficit, logistics performance, and income inequality do not show statistically significant effects on innovation. With a Pseudo R² value of 0.7169, the model explains 71.69% of the variation in the dependent variable. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of addressing economic, social, and institutional factors in a comprehensive manner to enhance innovation performance. Specifically, boosting investments in green technology, fostering economic growth, and ensuring greater governmental stability can enhance innovation efficiency. Additionally, managing the negative effects of urban population growth on innovation highlights the necessity of innovative solutions for urbanization.

Анализ и оценка устойчивой конкурентоспособности регионов Республики Казахстан со слабым экономическим потенциалом

The article examines the analysis and assessment of the sustainable competitiveness of a region with weak economic potential in the context of the sustainable development of the Kyzylorda region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The stability of any administrative-territorial unit is characterized by its competitive advantages or economic potential, which are realized in the process of its development. The economic potential of a region is determined by the state of the ecological system, the wealth of the mineral resource base, the degree of development of processing industries, and so on. Unfortunately, the assessment of the competitiveness of the territories of the Republic of Kazakhstan indicates that, having good potential advantages for increasing competitiveness, these regions are still in a "successful" range of development. There has long been a period when it is necessary to fully use the above resources to the fullest extent and effectively. A decrease in the competitiveness of a particular region of the country will directly have a negative impact on the socio-economic situation and well-being of the region's population. That is why the issues of ensuring and increasing the competitiveness of regions should be the primary tasks that need to be addressed in a timely and fast manner. Based on the assessment, taking into account the established methodological approaches to assessing the state of sustainable development of the regions, the weakest competitive advantages of the region are identified, which are directly interrelated with the sustainable state of the regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Ensuring the sustainable competitiveness of a region with weak economic potential is an important strategic task, occupies an important place, and plays an important role in the national policy of any state. The analysis carried out in the scientific work revealed the most vulnerable places in the development of potential opportunities for ensuring economic growth and competitiveness of the territories of Kazakhstan

The Future of Worker Enhancement

Announced in 2016 and concluded in 2023, the Future of Work at the Human-Technology Frontier was one of the 10 Big Idea initiatives of the National Science Foundation, built on convergence of many fields of engineering and also some social and cognitive science that served primarily a supportive rather than critical role. Drawing upon extensive data from the NSF online grant abstracts system, this article considers how the United States seeks to enhance the productivity of workers, but possibly limited to abilities that enhance national economic and military competitiveness in an unstable world, rather than improving worker prosperity and social well-being. Some research exploring the wider implications of artificial intelligence and related technologies did emerge, so it receives emphasis. The data required for this study were entirely public, and further research focused on particular topics can be conducted by downloading new and expanded data from the NSF website.

CAPTACIÓN DE CLIENTELA MEDIANTE PAGO DE COMISIONES EN EL SECTOR DE LA ABOGACÍA Y DERECHO DE LA COMPETENCIA EMPRESARIAL

This paper analyses, from the perspective of competition law, an increasingly widespread practice in the legal sector. It is the attraction of clients through the payment of commissions to third parties.It is expressly referred to in Article 18 of the Code of Ethics of the Spanish Legal Profession of 2019, which provides that this conduct may not be carried out unless the client is informed of it. Consequently, one of the main purposes of these pages is to analyze and interpret this rule in accordance with the guidelines established in article 3.1 of the Civil Code and taking as a guiding light the requirements derived from the market rules that regulate economic competition.

Assessing the impact of government spending on education on economic growth

Government spending on education is an essential component of social investments, influencing the future development of a country. Funding education contributes to the formation of high-quality human capital by fostering civic consciousness, critical thinking, and key professional skills, which in turn promotes economic development and strengthens social stability. Educated and skilled human capital drives productivity, innovation, and adaptation to economic changes, thereby impacting economic growth. At the same time, insufficient government spending on education significantly hinders the development of human capital necessary for economic growth. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of government spending on education on the economic growth of Kazakhstan from 2008 to 2023. The study also includes foreign direct investment and the overall unemployment rate as control variables. The results of the correlation analysis indicate a positive relationship between gross domestic product (GDP) and education spending, demonstrating that increased government spending on education fosters GDP growth through the development of human capital. The findings of the study confirm that government spending on education represents a strategic investment with a significant impact on economic growth through the development of human capital and the creation of an innovative and competitive economy. Sustainable investment in education for long-term economic development and global competitiveness should be a priority within public administration.

Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Masyarakat Terintegrasi dan Berdaya Saing di Desa Pelem, Kecamatan Kertosono

This community service research is motivated by the urgent need for an integrated and competitive economic activity center in Pelem Village, Kertosono District, Nganjuk Regency, due to the lack of effective economic hubs that has resulted in limited income growth, insufficient local employment opportunities, and low village economic competitiveness. The primary objective of this study is to explore untapped local economic potential, identify barriers to community economic development, and design and implement a sustainable, citizen-driven economic center model. The research employs Participatory Action Research (PAR) using a qualitative approach. Data were collected through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation involving 25 MSME actors, 10 community leaders, and 5 village officials. The findings indicate that the village’s main potential lies in the food processing, handicrafts, and local tourism sectors; however, development is hindered by limited market access, low product innovation, and weak financial management capacity. These findings support Community Development Theory and the Local Economic Cluster model. The study recommends establishing a village digital marketplace, providing product diversification training, and forming a village cooperative as strategic steps for local economic empowerment. The implications of this research include contributions to the literature on community-based economic development and opportunities for ongoing evaluation of the long-term impact of the implemented empowerment model.