Economic Competitiveness Research Articles

Free Milieus, Creative People: An Investigation of Creative City Policy in Istanbul from the Perspective of Governmentality

This paper analyzes the creative city policy for Istanbul, which has recently become a popular throughout the world. Cities are expected to be creative milieus that foster free circulation of people, ideas, and interactions for economic growth, global competitiveness, and social development. Drawing on Foucault and governmentality studies, this paper first argues that the creative city policy is a neoliberal political rationality that seeks to stimulate individuals' creative capacities through structuring urban space. Neoliberalism includes the de-governmentalization of state and the active participation of non-state actors in the governing processes. Second, using examples from street gentrification, industrial heritage re-functioning, and co-working spaces in Istanbul, this paper dissects how creativity, freedom, and economic growth intersect in urban space and how a broad coalition of political parties, state agencies, local authorities, non-governmental organizations, small-scale cultural entrepreneurs, and creative professionals have been formed around the creative city. As a result, creative city policy is a form of governmentality that includes official documents as well as spatial strategies of a heterogeneous coalition of state and non-state actors.

Empirical Insights - Mapping the Key Factors that Have an Influence on Clusters Competitiveness

In today's global economy, clusters have emerged as crucial drivers of regional economic development and competitiveness. This article presents a comprehensive literature review that sheds light on the factors that influence the competitiveness of clusters. Drawing upon a broad range of scholarly sources across various fields, including economics, geography, and management, we synthesize existing research to identify and analyze the key determinants that shape cluster competitiveness. The review highlights the importance of several factors such as industry specialization, knowledge spillovers, innovation networks, infrastructure, and institutional support in enhancing the competitive performance of clusters. Furthermore, the paper critically examines the methodological approaches employed in studying cluster competitiveness, providing valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. By analyzing and evaluating the literature, this paper provides a deeper understanding of the dynamics of cluster competitiveness. Therefore, the research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on this important subject and underscores the significance of clusters in shaping regional economic development and competitiveness.

Sustainability implications of the EU's bioeconomy transition along global supply chains

The EU has set ambiguous targets for the development of a bioeconomy (BE) that not only ensures sufficient production of high-quality foods but also contributes to decarbonization, green jobs and reducing import dependency through biofuels and bio-based chemical products. However, the various and complex interrelations between the BE, the natural environment as well as wider economy and society risk that the EU's targets might indirectly compromise achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) globally. Here, we assess the impacts of the EU's BE on the achievement of a broad range of SDG indicators using the hybrid econometric input-output model that covers 64 countries plus a region rest of world with 36 industries and 28 agricultural production sectors each. We compare the impacts of the EU's BE across three different scenarios based on SSP2 combined with corresponding IEA and FAO scenarios describing different futures of population and GDP growth, climate policy and structural changes in the energy and agriculture sector. Our results show that, especially without further measures focusing on the circular use of biomass, the EU's BE is likely not contributing to a general improvement in SDG indicators. Instead, there are major trade-offs between various SDGs. Firstly, between the goals of climate change mitigation, on the one hand, and preservation of ecosystems through the protection of natural land, especially forests, and water bodies on the other. The second major trade-off is between the EU's goals of fostering the economic competitiveness and lowering the import dependency of fossil energy and food security especially in low income countries outside Europe.

Analysis Of Motivation, Market Introduction, Innovation, And Entrepreneurial Commitment Towards The Performance Of Tomang Khas Fakfak Craft Micro Business Group

The research aims to determine the entrepreneurial mental readiness of tomang craftsmen in Gewerpe village towards increasingly open creative economic market competition; in order to foster and accelerate the economic development of Fakfak regency. Descriptive research uses a semi-qualitative approach through the application of weighting techniques and presenting the analysis results in a compilation between the spider diagram method and the gap analysis method. The 73 respondents were tomang craftsmen and community leaders in Gewerpe village, Fakfak district. The research results show that innovation to create tomang products is good, but the products produced have not been able to enter the competitive global creative economy market. Weak business motivation, recognition of the craft market, and commitment to doing business that is acceptable in the global market; is something that still needs to be improved

IMPACT OF GST ON INDIAN BUSINESSES

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime in India, implemented in July 2017, represents a transformative overhaul of the country's indirect tax system. This research paper extensively analyzes the multifaceted impact of GST on Indian businesses across various sectors. By harmonizing numerous central and state levies into a unified tax structure, GST aims to simplify compliance, boost economic growth, and cultivate a common national market. The study delves into the intricate aspects of GST, encompassing its objectives, statutory framework, and implementation challenges. It evaluates the profound implications for diverse business entities, ranging from large corporations to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Key areas of focus include supply chain optimization, pricing strategies, working capital management, and transitional complexities. Furthermore, the paper scrutinizes sector-specific ramifications, shedding light on industries experiencing seismic shifts due to GST, such as manufacturing, services, e-commerce, and real estate. It also examines the role of technology in facilitating GST compliance and the digital transformation catalyzed by this tax reform. Through empirical analysis and case studies, the research paper assesses the extent to which GST has achieved its intended objectives, identifying areas of success and ongoing challenges. It provides valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academics, contributing to the discourse on optimizing the GST framework for enhanced economic competitiveness and ease of doing business in India. Keywords: GST, Indian Businesses, Tax Reform, Supply Chain, Compliance, Digital Transformation, Sectoral Impact, Economic Growth, Policy Implications.

A Company Analysis and Risk Assessment of Nike

This paper offers a detailed examination of Nike's current strategic initiatives, both internal and external, aimed at addressing potential challenges and ensuring sustained market leadership in the dynamic sportswear industry. Internally, the company's commitment to innovation, effective marketing, and product differentiation reflects a proactive approach to maintaining competitiveness. Collaborative efforts with athletes and influencers contribute to increased brand awareness and market share. Additionally, Nike's research and development data guide the brand in understanding consumer preferences, reinforcing its market leadership. Externally, Nike adeptly navigates economic fluctuations, global competition, and technological changes through a diversified supply chain, strategic financial instruments, and an openness to technological advancements. The company's social responsibility objectives further bolster its brand reputation, mitigating potential threats from labor and environmental concerns. This paper suggests that Nike can enhance its risk management by prioritizing sustainable practices and ethical sourcing, aligning with the rising demand for environmentally conscious products. Strengthening collaborations with regulatory bodies, embracing emerging technologies, and closely monitoring consumer trends will be crucial for maintaining agility in adapting to market shifts and securing continued success and growth.

Extermination and excess: Martial economies of poison

Engaging the thinking of Georges Bataille, this article examines the international politics of poison as a category of death-dealing that defies distinctions between war/not war and weapon/not weapon. Refraining from splitting poison into pesticides and chemical weapons, the article analyses political ecologies and affective economies of poison both historically and today, to illuminate which desires and strategies poison, as a technology of death, lends itself to. Taking its departure in Bataille’s writing on fascism and ending with his main theory of a general economy, the article weaves through nerve agent assassinations, fumigation, and ideas about gardening, to arrive at the conclusion that poison is not so much an excessive response as it is a response to excess. Following Bataille in viewing ecology as economies of consumption and competition, the article develops a rubric of martial economies of poison to encapsulate how poison, as mode of martial expenditure, makes spaces vacant by death, and room for organisms deemed worthy.

Study on the mechanism of the impact of the digital economy on regional coordinated development

The implementation of the "East counts, West counts" project can promote the cross-regional flow of data elements between the East and the West, forming a new pattern of coordinated development in the East, Central and West regions with data as a link. On the basis of theoretical guidance, this paper measures the digital economy competitiveness index and regional coordinated development index by constructing the relevant index system based on the data of 31 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in 2016 and 2020, establishes a regression model and introduces the intermediary effect test, in order to explore the mechanism of the digital economy to promote the coordinated development of the region. The study finds that the digital economy effectively promotes regional coordinated development through industrial structure upgrading. The "East Counts West Counts" project is able to break down spatial barriers and realise rapid cross-domain mobility of computing power, which is more powerful in promoting coordinated regional development and narrowing the gap between the East, the Middle East and the West.

Law on Bidding in Capital Construction: Current Status of Regulations, Limitations and Proposed Solutions

Bidding is part of procurement activities between businesses, between businesses and state agencies. This is a form of civilized competition in the market economy, a special transaction method for large-scale transactions that require efficiency and transparency. The nature of bidding is a form of civilized competition in a market economy. Bidding activities are carried out in many fields such as construction, equipment procurement, project implementation, etc. Therefore, all professional businesses, whether Vietnam or foreign, no matter what field, any model, if it has enough capacity, cannot be ignored in bidding. Laws on bidding in the field of capital construction play an important role in managing and regulating bidding activities in the construction industry. Currently, Vietnam law has documents regulating public procurement such as Bidding Law 2013 effective from July 1, 2014, Decree No. 63/2014/ND-CP stipulates detailed implementation of several articles of the Bidding Law on contractor selection, etc. Some issues related to the current status of provisions of Vietnam law on public bidding and procurement activities are the selection of bidding form, bidding process, healthy competition, openness, and transparency in public bidding activities. This study analyzes the regulations and limitations of the law on bidding in the field of capital construction, thereby proposing solutions to improve the law on this issue.

World experience of legislative regulation for Lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries considering their second-life application in power sector

Understanding and incorporating global regulatory experiences and standards related to battery management is of greatest importance, particularly when considering the rapid evolution of the electric vehicle (EV) market and its implications for energy storage and sustainability. This is especially relevant for Ukraine, where the burgeoning secondary market for EVs and a keen interest in renewable energy sources underscore the need for proactive policy-making and standardization to address the challenges of battery second life and recycling. This article delves into the role of Electric Vehicle Lithium-Ion batteries within the ambit of the circular economy, underscoring the significance of legislative frameworks across the globe with a particular focus on European initiatives in light of Ukraine's EU integration ambitions. This encompasses extending battery life through recycling and repurposing, thereby ensuring both economic viability and minimal environmental footprint. The narrative outlines the varied legislative landscapes internationally, noting the differences in strategies from Asia's technological and safety emphasis to Europe's robust regulatory directives aimed at battery lifecycle management. In Europe, the drive towards sustainable battery utilization is marked by comprehensive policies like the EU Battery Directive and the emerging Regulation on Batteries and Waste Batteries, which set forth ambitious recycling targets and introduce innovative concepts like the battery passport. Drawing from this global overview, the article posits a set of recommendations for Ukraine, suggesting the development of extensive battery management legislation, adoption of European standards to smooth the path towards EU membership, investment in recycling infrastructures, fostering of public-private partnerships, and public awareness initiatives. These recommendations are designed to elevate Ukraine's position in the sustainability, promoting environmental stewardship and economic competitiveness. The growing importance of secondary lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles in supporting and harmonizing renewable energy sources is emphasized, and accordingly, the need for adequate legislation and standardization to support a closed-loop economy. Keywords: Lithium-Ion Batteries, Second-Life Application, EV Battery Life Cycle, Circular Economy, Repurpose, Reuse, Recycling, Standards, Regulation, Legislation.

Analysis Of the Current Situation and Prospective Study of Hydrogen Preparation and Storage

The research, development, and practical application of renewable energies are becoming a major trend with environmental problems such as increasingly serious global warming and the depletion of oil resources. Hydrogen is an ideal alternative energy source due to its cleanness and high combustion ratio. It is recognized as the most likely replacement for the existing coal and oil systems as the future energy base of the global economy. But as things stand, the hydrogen reserve technology and hydrogen storage technology at the current stage all have certain advantages and disadvantages. Based on this background, the study summarizes the current state of the art of hydrogen energy production technologies such as direct hydrogen production from fossil fuel, hydrogen production from electrolysis of water, hydrogen production from biomass, as well as four types of hydrogen storage methods, namely, high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage, low-temperature liquid hydrogen storage, solid hydrogen storage, and organic liquid hydrogen storage, and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of each technology. Among them, hydrogen production from electrolyzed water and bio-hydrogen production are the technologies with higher potential but still need to improve economic competitiveness. The high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage technology can also be brought to market on a wide scale after cost reduction.

KL-SG High-Speed Rail – a catalyst for national economic development

PurposeIn an increasingly interconnected world, transportation infrastructure has emerged as a critical determinant of economic growth and global competitiveness. High-speed rail (HSR), characterized by its exceptional speed and efficiency, has garnered widespread attention as a transformative mode of transportation that transcends borders and fosters economic development. The Kuala Lumpur – Singapore (KL-SG) HSR project stands as a prominent exemplar of this paradigm, symbolizing the potential of HSR to serve as a catalyst for national economic advancement.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is prepared to provide an insight into the benefits and advantages of HSR based on proven case studies and references from global HSRs, including China, Spain, France and Japan.FindingsThe findings that have been obtained focus on enhanced connectivity and accessibility, attracting foreign direct investment, revitalizing regional economies, urban development and city regeneration, boosting tourism and cultural exchange, human capital development, regional integration and environmental and sustainability benefits.Originality/valueThe KL-SG HSR, linking Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, epitomizes the potential for HSR to be a transformative agent in the realm of economic development. This project encapsulates the aspirations of two dynamic Southeast Asian economies, united in their pursuit of sustainable growth, enhanced connectivity and global competitiveness. By scrutinizing the KL-SG High-Speed Rail through the lens of economic benchmarking, a deeper understanding emerges of how such projects can drive progress in areas such as cross-border trade, tourism, urban development and technological innovation.

Sustainability of heritage buildings reuse between competition and integration case study (Fuwwah and Rosetta)

AbstractUrban development in historic cities frequently faces the dilemma of balancing preserving cultural heritage with meeting economic competition and modernization requirements. This study investigates the long-term viability of repurposing heritage buildings in the urban areas of Fuwwah and Rosetta, Egypt. It specifically examines the intricate relationship between competition and integration in achieving sustainability. This study examines the present condition of heritage conservation in these cities by analyzing the factors that impact the sustainability of repurposing buildings and evaluating the effectiveness of strategies that balance the pressures of urban competition with the need to incorporate heritage into the changing urban environment. The research examines the practices and difficulties associated with repurposing heritage buildings in Fuwwah and Rosetta. Examine the economic, social, and environmental factors that impact the long-term viability of heritage preservation. Assess the equilibrium between urban development influenced by competition and the inclusive methods of repurposing heritage buildings. The research methodology comprises two approaches: the first involves conducting a literature review on heritage building reuse, sustainability in heritage conservation, and competition and integration in urban development. The analysis approach focuses on assessing heritage conservation in case studies by examining competition and integrating investment in heritage buildings. The ultimate goal is to draw conclusions and determine the results of these assessments.

Renewable hydrogen production through electrolysis: An analysis of the cost gap for its economic competitiveness in Italy

With global policies targeting greenhouse gas emission reduction, renewable hydrogen produced by water electrolysis powered with renewable electricity appears a promising alternative to fossil fuels. However, still high capital costs, reliance on intermittent renewable electricity sources, and high electricity cost hinder the economic viability of electrolyzers. This work develops a comprehensive analysis for assessing the need of an incentive to make renewable hydrogen economically viable, identifying different archetypes of electrolysis plant representative of a wide range of applications. A techno-economic optimization model is set up that minimize the average hydrogen production cost and compute the cost gap that makes hydrogen economically competitive with the fossil alternative, defining the optimal size and operation of the plant components while satisfying the hydrogen demand. The model is applied to the Italian case study. Sensitivity analyses investigate the impact of economy of scales, renewable electricity availability and introduction of the emission trading system. Cost gaps ranging between 8.1 €/kg and 29.9 €/kg highlights the need of an incentive to allow the deployment of this technology, thus meeting the hydrogen penetration targets.

Toward a Sustainable Development of E-Commerce in EU: The Role of Education, Internet Infrastructure, Income, and Economic Freedom on E-Commerce Growth

The emergence of e-commerce reshaped the traditional trade models, also playing a significant role in meeting the UN sustainable development goals. According to the UN, sustained growth and social development must include resilient infrastructure, foster innovation, allow for better access to information and communications technology, and universal and affordable internet infrastructure. This study explores a multidimensional analysis of e-commerce development in the EU generated by the following factors: education, internet infrastructure, income, and economic freedom. We use an ARDL econometric model and Eurostat data. Additionally, we analyze the time responsiveness of e-commerce growth to changes in these factors. In the long run, our findings identify a stable and positive relationship between e-commerce and all these factors. However, in the short run, our results illustrate significant dynamics between two variables and e-commerce. Specifically, the level of internet access and the percentage of individuals who use the internet daily exhibit a positive short-run impact on e-commerce sales, with the system absorbing shocks within a short period. This research advocates for targeted policies that support innovation, fair competition, and consumer protection in the digital economy. This research provides valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders in improving the institutional framework to promote a sustainable development of e-commerce in the EU.

Research on matching supply of power and cold energy of liquid hydrogen cold chain logistics vehicles

Liquid hydrogen cold-chain logistics vehicle (LHCCLV) is a special vehicle using liquid hydrogen (LH2) as the source of both power and cold energy. A significant weakness of LH2 is its high energy consumption during the hydrogen liquefaction process, thus the utilization of cold energy in LHCCLV can improve the economic performance and competitiveness of LH2. Because of the high energy storage density of LH2 and the relatively high efficiency of fuel cells, we find that cold energy can not meet the demand of LHCCLV. Therefore, we consider enlarging the cold energy by efforts including the para-ortho hydrogen conversion (POC), whose reverse reaction consumes an energy level exceeding 20% during the hydrogen liquefaction process. In this paper, numerical models of discharging hydrogen from the LH2 and subcooling hydrogen tank are established, and the influence of POC and other efforts on the supply of cold energy is analyzed. The changes in instantaneous and total cold energy supply under different working conditions are analyzed, and the important influence of POC and other efforts is confirmed. The beneficial effect of POC is quantified in the paper, especially for the cold energy supply. This paper provides an essential reference for the research and development of LHCCLV. Also, it guides the comprehensive utilization of cold energy in other situations to promote the improvement of the economy of hydrogen energy utilization routes in the form of LH2.

Wirkung staatlicher Maßnahmen zur Sicherung der Rohstoffversorgung

Abstract This paper underscores the importance of securing strategic mineral raw materials for economic competitiveness, particularly in Germany. It highlights the dependency on imports, leading to reliance on resource-rich countries. The paper discusses the risks of this dependency, including supply disruptions from exogenous shocks. It explores national economic policies to increase supply security and presents a quantitative analysis showing that active resource policy can significantly reduce supply risk for national companies.

Comparative exergy and economic analysis of deep in-situ gasification based coal-to-hydrogen with carbon capture and alternative routes

The deep in-situ gasification based coal-to-hydrogen (deep IGCtH) is attracting attention for its unique advantage in utilizing unrecoverable coal seam. In this paper, its improvement scope in energy conversion and utilization is analyzed using advanced exergy analysis, and the efficiency from cumulative exergy consumption (CExC) perspective and economic competitiveness with Lurgi surface gasification based coal-to-hydrogen (Lurgi SGCtH), coke-oven gas-to-hydrogen (COGtH) and natural gas-to-hydrogen (NGtH) are compared. Results indicate 39.9 % and 25.1 % of the exergy destruction of deep IGCtH and Lurgi SGCtH are unavoidable, while steam methane reforming and coal gasification possess the largest improvable potential, with avoidable endogenous/exogenous destruction of 96.63 MW/81.58 MW and 162.52 MW/151.19 MW, suggesting thermodynamic improvement can also be achieved by improving other components or optimizing process structure in addition to increasing its own efficiency. The CExC of deep IGCtH outputting 1 kg hydrogen is only 83.6 % that of Lurgi SGCtH, indicating it is more efficient route with significantly energy consumption reduction and can better demonstrate its efficiency advantage under large production capacity condition. The deep IGCtH shows only 68.7 % that of Lurgi SGCtH in investment and also presents significant advantage in cost. However, its profitability advantage over NGtH loses with hydrogen price increasing and there exists lower limit on capacity of 0.46 billion Nm3 to maintain cost and profitability competitiveness over COGtH. Furthermore, deep IGCtH shows emission reduction cost advantage over Lurgi SGCtH when capture rate exceeds 80 %, and profitability will not be limited by carbon tax and coal seam thickness within the considered range.

Penerapan Pendampingan Kompetisi Sains Nasional Bidang Ekonomi dalam Upaya Meningkatkan Kompetisi Siswa SMAN 1 Prambanan Untuk Menghadapi KSN Bidang Ekonomi

The National Science Competition (KSN) in Economics is a national scale event that talented and outstanding high school students throughout Indonesia attend. KSN activities are an annual agenda of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology which is an opportunity for all students to show their best abilities in science and technology. Competition among students is getting tighter, the breadth and depth of material also requires students to study hard, not just from textbooks. To increase students' competence in dealing with KSN in the Economic Sector, the Community Service Team (PkM) of the Digital Business Study Program at AKPRIND University provides assistance and training to students at SMAN 1 Prambanan, Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta using sharing, discussion and question and answer methods. Through an integrated, harmonious, and synergistic approach, this activity involves internal and external stakeholders. The method of mentoring, guidance, refreshment material, and training to answer KSN Economics questions is practiced by a team of lecturers who have areas of expertise in the material presented. Evaluation of activities shows positive responses from students and success in improving their ability to understand Economics material and preparing themselves to face national-level competitions. The PkM implementation model has proven to be effective and needs to be continued, while future improvements can be focused on increasing cooperation between related parties and optimizing study time.

Moving Up Trainees’ Motivation for Using On-job Training: Relationship between Leaders’ Support and Trainees’ Motivation for Learning

"Research Aims: This study examined the relationship between leaders’ support and trainees’ learning outcomes and the relationship between leaders’ support, trainees’ motivation for learning, and trainees’ motivation for using on-job training. Design/Methodology/Approach: A cross-sectional research design was employed to collect 226 self-report questionnaires from employees at military healthcare organisations in Peninsular Malaysia. The SmartPLS was used to assess the quality of the measurement model and test the structural model. Research Findings: This study confirmed that trainees’ motivation for learning is an essential mediating construct in the relationship between leaders’ support and trainees’ motivation for using on-job training. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study disclosed that trainees’ motivation for learning can indirectly affect the relationship between leaders’ support and trainee’s motivation to use on-job training. This outcome was consistent with and extended the prior studies conducted in Southeast Asia and other countries. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian context: The findings can help leaders understand the multidimensional perspectives of trainees’ motivation for learning construct and the importance of leaders and members at various hierarchical levels to maintain and enhance their organisational performance and competitiveness in 21st-century globalisation and uncertainty economy. Research Limitations & Implications: Methodological and conceptual constraints must be considered to improve future studies."