In the era of the ‘Internet of Everything’ and amid growing demands for high-quality economic development, public data has emerged as a new core factor of production, establishing itself as a pivotal force behind regional economic growth. However, existing research rarely clarifies the multi-dimensional impact and influence mechanism of public data openness on regional development, and there are still deficiencies in the research on transforming the advantages of data elements into sustainable economic driving forces. This study, in conjunction with the interpretation of data elements, employed a fixed-effects model to empirically investigate the impact and path of public data opening on the high-quality development of regional economies, using panel data from 31 provincial regions in China from 2017 to 2024. Empirical findings provide clear evidence that public data openness acts as a significant catalyst for high-quality economic development, thereby solidifying its role as an indispensable engine for sustainable growth in the digital era. Analysis of the underlying mechanisms reveals two primary channels: business environment optimization and improved factor allocation efficiency, with the latter proving to be the more significant driver. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis reveals that the positive effects are most pronounced in fostering economic structural optimization, advancing the low-carbon environment and expanding shared public welfare, while their influence on innovation dynamism remains comparatively modest. The research results support the government in increasing the openness of public data, establishing and improving a data opening mechanism oriented towards the business environment, and deepening the integration and application of data to enhance the efficiency of factor allocation.

The creative economy, particularly in the tourism sector, plays a vital role in strengthening regional economies, with cafés and restaurants being essential components of this ecosystem. This study aims to explore the factors influencing service quality for café visitors in Bandung, as the culinary sector significantly impacts the city's economy. Utilizing a survey approach, data will be collected from a sample of 300 café and restaurant visitors affiliated with the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) in Bandung. The research will employ Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to identify key dimensions of service quality. The expected outcome is to enhance service quality in cafés and restaurants, ultimately improving customer satisfaction. This research addresses the urgent need for specific indicators related to service quality in the café industry, contributing valuable insights for stakeholders to optimize their service offerings.

This research discusses the role of local traders in marketing Bajakah herbal medicine at the Kahayan Market in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan. Bajakah (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk.) is a typical Kalimantan plant which has health benefits and has long been used by the Dayak people as traditional medicine. This research aims to find out how local traders play a role in introducing, promoting and maintaining consumer trust in Bajakah herbal products. The research method used is descriptive qualitative through observation, interviews and documentation of traders and consumers at the Bajakah Jati Herbal Shop. The research results show that local traders play a role not only as sellers, but also as promoters, educators and liaisons between producers and consumers. The marketing strategy is carried out through direct sales and simple, trust-based promotions using social media such as WhatsApp and Facebook. The main obstacles faced include limited digital promotion, lack of product legality, and dependence on forest products for raw materials. However, the increasing trend of natural lifestyles opens up great opportunities for the development of local herbal products. With the support of training, packaging innovation and official legality, local traders have the potential to expand the market and contribute to the regional economy and preserve local wisdom.

Abstract Asianism, the idea that Asian nations should unite and overcome Western imperialism, was thought to have faded as the Second World War ended. At that point, China appeared embroiled in a civil war, India in Partition. Yet their visions for Asia’s future have been overlooked. This article examines how they envisioned Asia’s economic revival through the UN Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE). It argues that the Chinese diplomat P. C. Chang, frustrated with a Eurocentric UN, led UN members in the Global South to advocate an institution that supported Asia’s developmental aims. Although China and India believed that ECAFE should help Asian economies surpass their pre-war levels, they disagreed on how to achieve that object. ECAFE was not simply an example of the neglected post-war Asianism and non-Japanese Asianism. Chinese and Indian ideas about ECAFE helped redefine Asia’s self-identity: from a shared cultural heritage to prosperity and ‘modernity’. However, despite the rhetoric of unity, the disagreements between China and India over ECAFE indicate that Asia in the late 1940s lacked international solidarity. As Nationalist China declined, India supplanted its leadership of Asianism. The competition between different strands of Asianism helped lead to alternative post-war visions, such as Afro-Asian internationalism.

ABSTRACT This study critically examined the implications of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for economic regionalism in West Africa. Despite increasing BRI engagements in West Africa, the alignment of such projects with ECOWAS’s regional integration vision remained poorly understood. The study adopted the post-neo-functionalism theoretical framework, which emphasises external actors’ roles in driving or distorting regional integration in the Global South. A mixed qualitative method combining qualitative data from elite interviews and secondary data sources. The findings revealed that while BRI transport projects enhanced physical connectivity, their contribution to deeper regional integration was uneven due to limited ECOWAS oversight, fragmented implementation, and disparities in trade facilitation. China’s BRI in the sub-region has therefore deepened the emerging trajectories of structural dependence, vertical integration, and unequal economic relations. The study recommended that ECOWAS member states should adopt a unified ECOWAS-China Infrastructure Protocol, mandating that all BRI-funded projects undergo regional review and approval.

Workforce reductions, such as those implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency, can have far-reaching effects that extend beyond immediate job losses. This study employs a systems-based modeling approach, combining traditional Input-Output (IO) analysis with the inoperability Input-Output Model (IIM), to investigate how staffing cuts impact economic activity and erode institutional functions across interconnected sectors. The study reveals that reductions in federal staff have a significant impact on industries that rely heavily on government contracts and infrastructure, including aerospace, transportation, and high-tech services. These disruptions create ripple effects throughout supply networks and regional economies, resulting in delays, cancellations, and reduced operational capacity. Notably, the extent and pattern of losses identified here align with findings from independent reports, which highlight hidden costs such as declines in productivity, contract terminations, and maintenance backlogs that often offset the expected savings from workforce reductions. Unlike models that only focus on output, the IIM framework captures functional degradation, providing a more accurate breakdown of impacts on various economic sectors. These findings underscore the limitations of cost-cutting measures that overlook systemic interdependencies, highlighting the need for policies that strike a balance between fiscal objectives and institutional resilience. An adaptive, risk-aware approach to workforce planning can help maintain essential services while managing organizational change.

Disparities in cancer-related financial toxicity across economically diverse provinces in China: A multi-center cross-sectional study.

abstract: One of the American South's oldest industrial clusters is a collection of approximately 100 firms in Elbert County Georgia which mine granite and craft it into burial monuments. Stable demand for the end product as well as the maturity of the cluster makes it an ideal subject for a case study of Evolutionary Economic Geography (EEG), specifically, it's temporal framework of Path Dependence. This research uses document reviews, fieldwork and unstructured interviews of industry stakeholders to identify the mechanisms which create transitions between phases of path dependence and strategies used to ward off decline. Using the Elbert County granite cluster as a case study we found several blind spots in EEG. Notably the difficulty of separating cluster change at the firm level from broader macroeconomic and cultural trends. In addition, we identify mechanisms that allow for change in the Elbert region's economy, along with local choices which actively prevent the development of alternative economic specialization and limit the adaptability of the regional economy. We conclude with several recommendations for further research to improve the explanatory power of EEG particularly its ability to explain regional adaptability.

Path development politics: contesting regional hydrogen economies in Northern Europe

Tourism is a key driver of regional economies, but concerns are often raised about the effectiveness with which public resources are managed and translated into tangible outcomes. Despite its importance, research on the efficiency of public spending on tourism remains scarce and mostly confined to national scales. Therefore, this study examines how Apulian municipalities (Italy) convert public tourism expenditure into measurable tourism results, providing new evidence on the efficiency of local governance in this sector. The analysis applies a two-step econometric framework combining Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) and Multiple Linear Regression to data from 247 municipalities over the period from 2020 to 2023. The results reveal generally low average efficiency levels, with only a few coastal destinations achieving high performance. The regression analysis identified key structural and territorial drivers of efficiency, including accommodation capacity, cultural production, coastal and environmental quality, and the presence of agritourism and campsites. The findings suggest that efficiency depends more on the ability of local administrations to coordinate tourism, cultural, and environmental policies than on the amount of spending. Overall, the study provides empirical evidence that an efficient allocation of tourism funds is crucial for achieving long-term sustainability goals, offering practical insights for designing more effective tourism policies.

Industrial Clusters, Financial Flow of Enterprises, and the Enhancement of Regional Economic Resilience

New quality productivity, labor quality and corporate high-quality green development.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a crucial role in strengthening Indonesia’s regional economy and preserving cultural identity through creative industries. One of the prominent local cultural products is Tanjak Melayu, a traditional Malay headpiece produced in Rokan Hulu Regency, Riau. However, inconsistent market demand often leads to production inefficiencies and unstable marketing performance. This study aims to forecast the sales of Tanjak Melayu using the Trend Moment method integrated with seasonal adjustment analysis to support sustainable MSME marketing strategies. The dataset used consists of monthly sales records from January 2023 to December 2024, analyzed using quantitative forecasting techniques. The resulting trend equation, Y = 145.55 + 1.4087X, indicates an average monthly increase of 1.4 units in sales volume. Model validation produced a MAPE value of 3.78%—categorized as excellent accuracy—and an RMSE value of 9.08, reflecting a low prediction error compared to actual sales. The findings demonstrate that the Trend Moment method effectively captures both the upward sales trend and seasonal fluctuations, with demand peaks occurring in November and December. This research provides practical insights for MSME actors in optimizing production planning and marketing schedules, and theoretical contributions by highlighting the applicability of simple statistical forecasting for culture-based small enterprises toward sustainable economic development.

Zangezur Corridor: Historic Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Integration and Regional Synergy in the New Era

As a versatile shrub, sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) plays a significant role in restoring degraded ecosystems and supporting regional economies. However, its cultivation faces increasing risks from climate change and pest infestations, particularly from Rhagoletis batava and Cossus cossus. This study aimed to evaluate potential suitable planting areas for H. rhamnoides under current and future climate conditions while accounting for pest risks. The MaxEnt model was employed to predict species distributions and their overlap with pest habitats across multiple climate scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585) for the periods 2041–2060 and 2081–2100. The results indicate that currently, 61.95% of the suitable areas for H. rhamnoides face threats from pests. Under future scenarios, the total suitable area showed an increasing trend under SSP126 and SSP245, but a significant decrease under SSP585 by the 2090s. Notably, the area severely threatened by both pests was projected to reduce dramatically, by up to 85.40% under the high-emission scenario (SSP585–2090s), suggesting a potential ecological window for cultivation expansion in certain regions. The study introduces a dual-constraint model incorporating both climate and pest variables, providing a more accurate assessment of optimal planting areas. These findings offer critical insights for the sustainable management of H. rhamnoides cultivation by highlighting regions where pest control strategies should be prioritized and informing future policy and management decisions.

This research focuses on the strategic role of the people's market as a driver of the regional economy and a source of Regional Original Income (PAD), by taking a case study of the arrangement of the people's market by the Ciamis Regency MSME Office. Using a qualitative approach, data was collected through observation, interviews, and documentation studies. The results of the study show that the Regional Government of Ciamis Regency implements five main strategies in structuring the people's market, including optimizing development and revitalization with ease of access, market development based on potential and local characteristics, cooperation with investors, facilitation and guaranteeing the ease of capital lending through banking, and market promotion using digital technology. This strategy has a significant impact on the achievement of PAD. The achievement of PAD from the people's market sector of Ciamis Regency was recorded to exceed the target in the period of 2015 to 2017, reaching 113.4%, 128.0%, and 121.9%, respectively, although it decreased in 2018 to 87.2%. To optimize regional levy revenue, these findings conclude the need to improve and improve the regional levy management system to support the performance of the apparatus, the implementation of routine activities such as coordination between agencies and socialization to business actors, as well as increasing the discipline, dedication, and honesty of fiscal officials in carrying out their main duties and functions proportionately.

Kasepuhan Ciptagelar is part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Ciletuh– Pelabuhanratu Sukabumi, which has great potential as a cultural and ecotourism destination. The uniqueness of ancient Sundanese traditions that remain preserved makes this area attractive to tourists, while also providing opportunities to contribute to the regional economy. This study aims to map the contribution of Kasepuhan Ciptagelar tourism to regional income and community economy using the K-Means Clustering method. Data was obtained through questionnaires and interviews from three main groups, namely the local community, tourists, and government and MSME elements. The analysis shows that the involvement of the local community (58%) is a dominant factor, while tourists (31%) and the government/MSMEs (11%) play an important role in consumption, policy, and business support. The clustering results produced three contribution categories, namely C1 (high) with 216 data points, C2 (medium) with 195 data points, and C3 (low) with 186 data points. The high cluster shows a significant contribution to regional income, the local economy, and infrastructure, despite facing challenges in terms of socio-cultural sustainability. The ANOVA test confirmed significant differences in economic contribution, infrastructure, and socio-cultural sustainability between clusters, while destination appeal was relatively uniform. In conclusion, Ciptagelar tourism has made a positive contribution to the regional economy. The research recommendations focus on strengthening infrastructure, empowering local communities, and innovating tourism packages that preserve culture and enhance destination competitiveness.

The Malaysia-Thailand border region, specifically, the Northern Corridor and Economic Region (NCER), is confronted with non-traditional security threats that have significant impacts on both security and development. The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of non- traditional security threats on the NCER to develop comprehensive strategies and policies that effectively address the challenges faced by this region. The SIAM model has been used to analyse the Phenomena approach through data analysis to gain insights into complex phenomena and understand the dynamics of the conflict in Southern Thailand. Using the SIAM analysis model, it was possible to get a wide range of insights into the threats and their potential effects on the security of the Perlis and Kedah NCER regions. The findings of this study indicate that there is a significant economic impact resulting from militant extremism in Southern Thailand, as well as instances of smuggling, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration occurring along the border shared by Malaysia and Thailand. This research will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the security challenges facing the region and aid in formulating evidence-based policies and interventions to enhance security measures, mitigate risks, and promote the overall well-being of the communities.

One of the priorities of development in the Government Work Plan is the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This research aims to formulate a marketing strategy for the MSME engaged in processing rengginang in Mojopitu Village, Slahung District, Ponorogo Regency, in order to enhance competitiveness and expand market reach. MSMEs play a strategic role in the regional economy, especially in creating jobs and driving economic growth. One of the MSMEs in Mojopitu Village produces rengginang, which still faces various challenges in marketing. The method used is the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) supported by Microsoft Excel to analyze the best marketing strategies based on interviews with experts and MSME practitioners. Primary data was obtained through direct interviews, while secondary data was collected from literature reviews and related reports. The research results indicate that the main factor with priority is the product with a maximum weight of 0.666, showing that product innovation and quality play a key role in business success. Regarding the objectives, it is argued that increasing sales with a weight of 0.818 is the top priority, and that marketing strategies should focus on increasing sales volume. The most effective alternative strategy is digital marketing with a maximum weight of 0.620. This suggests that the use of technology and digital platforms is a key step in enhancing competitiveness and achieving marketing goals. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize product innovation, increase sales, and trigger digital marketing strategies to enhance competitiveness and sustainable growth.

This study provides an in-depth empirical analysis of the determinants of regional economic growth in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, focusing on the roles of financial industry agglomeration, innovation, environmental regulation intensity, urbanization, and population density from 2007 to 2021. Utilizing a comprehensive panel dataset across 21 cities and employing advanced econometric techniques including the Method of Moments Quantile Regression this research uncovers robust evidence that financial development and innovation are consistent and powerful drivers of economic growth, regardless of city size or developmental stage. The findings indicate that, although advancement and innovation in the financial sector are universal drivers of economic performance, the impacts of environmental regulation and urbanization are more complex and highly heterogeneous across various quantiles of economic growth. Specifically, environmental regulation tends to promote growth in less developed cities but may impose constraints in more developed urban centers, whereas urbanization is more influential at early stages but diminishes as a city grows. The supported long-term cointegrating relationships between the variables also highlight that the regions involved require uniform, region-specific measures to maintain balanced, sustainable, and innovation-driven growth. These findings contribute to existing research in regional economics and offer transparent, applicable policy insights for decision-makers aiming to facilitate inclusive and resilient urban growth within one of China's most vibrant metropolitan areas.