Economic Shifts Research Articles

Globalization, Automation, and the Welfare State: Evidence from the OECD and South Korea

How do subjective economic threats from globalization and technological changes shape social policy preferences? In this article, we argue that structural economic shifts increase subjective job insecurity. Consequently, individuals are more likely to seek immediate compensation for anticipated income and job losses, leading to a preference for short-term social consumption policies over social investment policies focused on long-term education and skill development. We find strong evidence of the effects of automation threats in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Risks that Matter 2020 survey. In addition, an original survey experiment conducted in South Korea shows that globalization threats have an even stronger impact than automation threats on support for social consumption policies. Our study demonstrates that rising economic insecurity, driven by structural changes, is increasing the demand for social consumption policies at the expense of social investment in an era of austerity. This suggests a potential reshuffling of pro-welfare coalitions.

The Role of Lifelong Learning in Labour Market Competitiveness

Technological advancements and global economic shifts increasingly necessitate lifelong learning to adapt to dynamic labor market conditions. This study aims to investigate the role of lifelong learning in enhancing labor market competitiveness, professional development, and societal progress, while integrating the principles of the circular economy to highlight sustainable education practices. The research focuses on how continuous skill development fosters resilience and adaptability among workers and supports resource efficiency and sustainability goals. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining primary and secondary data. The primary research included qualitative interviews with individuals who successfully transitioned through retraining, as well as a quantitative survey targeting employed adults. These methods provided comprehensive insights into the motivations, challenges, and outcomes of lifelong learning. Secondary research involved an extensive literature review and analysis of relevant statistical data to contextualize the findings. The results emphasize the critical importance of lifelong learning in mitigating barriers to employability, such as skill obsolescence and labor market disruptions. The study reveals that integrating circular economy principles into education fosters resource-conscious decision-making and equips workers with the competencies required for sustainable development. Despite obstacles like limited time and financial constraints, participants consistently reported enhanced professional value, increased employability, and greater personal fulfillment through lifelong learning. The added value of this research lies in its interdisciplinary approach, bridging human resource development and sustainability. By linking lifelong learning with the circular economy, the study provides actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and businesses aiming to create a resilient, innovative, and sustainable workforce. This alignment supports not only individual career advancement but also broader societal and environmental goals, contributing to long-term economic growth and stability.

The Arab Dynamics of the Confusing U.S. Dilemma: the Struggle for Valuable Territories

The current stage of US policy towards the states of the Arabian Peninsula is unfolding in an extremely challenging situation that has been developing for decades. This situation is chronic and shaped by forces of various origins, generated by both internal and external impulses. The Arabian direction of US foreign policy is facing a number of challenges in the areas of regional security, economic shifts, and oil-related changes, all of which have a significant impact on the global financial and economic environment, imposing serious consequences on both Eastern and Western countries. Clearly, this trend is further complicated by the difficult demographic, economic and political situation in the region, including the ongoing conflicts in Yemen and Syria. The deterioration of relations between the Gulf States and the United States is a complex issue involving many different factors. The ongoing conflict in Yemen and the involvement of the United States in it perpetuate the situation of unresolved previous positive initiatives for Washington in this region, which hinders American foreign policy strategists from finding rational solutions to the growing problems that pose new challenges and dangers.

Exploring the Relevance of Values Generated by Music Organisations in Consumers

Abstract The digital revolution has significantly changed the way music is consumed, particularly among young people. This technological transformation, coupled with economic and sociocultural shifts, has heightened interest in studying music consumption across various scientific disciplines. However, the identity of music consumers, demographic influences and the diversity of consumption in today’s context remain areas ripe for exploration. To contribute to this line of inquiry, this paper employs the arts and cultural organisation (ACO) model (Addis & Rurale 2021) to conduct exploratory research on music values from the consumer perspective. An electronic survey was utilised as the data gathering technique among music listeners. The results highlight the significance of music in fostering personal joy and creating community, along with the considerable value attributed to music as a catalyst for discussion and innovation. Moreover, the well-being value is associated with entertainment, joy and relaxation derived from listening to music. Finally, age emerges as a variable capable of elucidating trends in the assessment of creativity and well-being values.

Macroeconomic Factors and their Impact on Stock Market Volatility: Trends, Drivers, and Policy Recommendations

The study investigates how key macroeconomic factors contribute to stock market volatility from 2015 to 2024, a period marked by significant economic fluctuations and policy shifts. Focusing on variables such as GDP growth, inflation, interest rates, and economic policy uncertainty, this research examines their impact on market stability across developed and emerging economies. Using quantitative analysis and secondary data, the study highlights periods of heightened volatility in response to economic shocks, particularly around events like the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent policy responses. Findings reveal that rising inflation and policy uncertainty are primary drivers of volatility, often exacerbating market instability during economic downturns. Additionally, GDP growth and interest rate changes are shown to influence investor sentiment and asset pricing, underscoring the importance of macroeconomic stability for market resilience. While these macroeconomic fundamentals are crucial in understanding market dynamics, this study also addresses challenges in maintaining stability, such as varying policy responses and global economic interdependence, emphasizing the need for adaptive policy frameworks to mitigate volatility risks. This analysis contributes to the broader understanding of how macroeconomic factors shape financial markets, offering valuable insights for policymakers and investors aiming to navigate uncertain economic landscapes.

Cultural heritage tourism and urban regeneration: The case of Fez Medina in Morocco

After Morocco gained independence in 1956, the country's historic cities, including Fez, Marrakesh, and Meknes, experienced rapid urban growth, decay, and the destruction of their rich cultural and architectural heritage. The rise in urbanisation, redevelopment projects, and tourism has raised concerns related to the urban gentrification and social sustainability of local communities. In addition, the influx of large-scale foreign investments and the conversion of traditional Moroccan houses into riad hotels have sparked tensions over land use, economic shifts, and the ongoing exploitation of historic cities. This research presents a case study of the world heritage city of Fez in Morocco, where these dynamics are particularly significant, as efforts are made to balance conservation and modern needs. The main question to be addressed is how can the surviving historic centres be regenerated while ensuring social sustainability for their inhabitants? The primary objective of this study is to explore the multifaceted urban regeneration strategies in Fez, focusing on urban planning, conservation efforts, economic revitalisation, and social development. Employing a mixed-method approach, this study draws on desk research, content analysis, fieldwork, observations, and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders. The findings suggest that the previous strategies focused on physical development and riad hotels to boost cultural tourism and tourist accommodation, exacerbating the gentrification and socioeconomic stratification of the local community. This study emphasises the “Ziyarates Fez” project, which provides an innovative approach to rehabilitating and reusing traditional houses for tourism accommodation without displacing local occupants. Furthermore, this project represents a holistic strategy for balancing economic and social sustainability in urban regeneration. This paper contributes to the expanding body of research on sustainable urban regeneration in historic cities. These results are anticipated to benefit academic research and the implementation of regeneration strategies in historic cities in Morocco and worldwide.

Conceptualizing agile business practices for enhancing SME resilience to economic shocks

This paper examines the role of agile business practices in fortifying small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) against economic shocks, emphasizing resilience as a critical factor for sustainable growth. Given SMEs' vulnerability to unpredictable economic shifts, the study explores how agility — defined by rapid adaptation, flexibility, and innovation — enables these enterprises to navigate and recover from disruptions effectively. Through a review of resilience-building frameworks, the paper identifies core agile practices, such as adaptive decision-making, lean management, and iterative product development, as pivotal to enhancing SMEs' operational and strategic resilience. Findings indicate that SMEs leveraging agile methodologies experience improved responsiveness to market changes, reduced operational risks, and greater capacity to maintain continuity during crises. Additionally, the study discusses the integration of digital tools, cross-functional teams, and customer-centric approaches as enablers of agility that strengthen resilience. Conclusions underscore the necessity for SMEs to adopt agile frameworks not only as a response mechanism but also as a proactive strategy for long-term stability and competitiveness in volatile markets. This research contributes to the growing discourse on SME resilience, offering actionable insights for stakeholders seeking to embed agility as a fundamental attribute in organizational practices.

The Hidden Pandemic: School Counselors’ Insights on Post-Pandemic Socialization

Background The role of school counselors has undergone a considerable evolution in response to societal, economic, and cultural shifts, with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic standing as a particularly significant period of change. With students reentering formal school environments after prolonged isolation, disruptions in learning, and potential trauma, the importance of social skill development has become paramount. Objectives This study aimed to explore school counselors’ perceptions and experiences related to students’ social skills after the pandemic. To understand the multifaceted role of school counselors in supporting this development, we drew on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, emphasizing the interconnected layers of influence on a child’s development. Research Questions 1. How do school counselors’ experiences in post-pandemic classrooms relate to students’ social development? 2. How do school counselors perceive students’ social needs in post-pandemic classrooms? Methods The study employed a qualitative constructivist grounded theory approach to gather in-depth data. We conducted focus groups with 48 school counselors across the United States, organized into nine groups based on grade levels (elementary, middle, high) and school settings (rural, suburban, urban). Results Two major themes emerged: (a) interpersonal/communication skills and (b) online communication, with school counselors highlighting the need for targeted interventions in both areas. Conclusion The findings underscore the common social challenges faced by school counselors nationwide with K–12 students in post-pandemic classrooms. They emphasize the need for adapting classroom lessons to address students’ evolving social needs. Future research should further explore this topic, particularly in online contexts, and incorporate culturally responsive approaches.

Community Leaders’ Financial Literacy Towards Sustainable Community in Malaysia

In the fast-paced world of the 21st century economic landscapes evolve rapidly and financial literacy has become vital for leaders across all sectors. It equips them to navigate complex financial environments, make informed decisions and adapt to economic shifts. In Malaysia, the government has formed the Community Leaders under the rural development program for village development. As a result of that, the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development has allocated resources to assist community programs. Therefore, these community leaders should be equipped with financial literacy to ensure that the financial resources are managed efficiently and effectively. Financial literacy is one of the most important requisites to financial well-being. It is also described as the measurement of how well an individual can understand and use information related to finance to make decisions. The objective of this study is to examine the needs of the Financial Literacy Model for community leaders. Further, it will also determine the components to be included in developing the Financial Literacy Model to enhance the public financial management system among community leaders. A mixed method research design, which combined qualitative (focused group interviews on selected community leaders) and quantitative (questionnaires) data will be employed in this research. Data analysis in qualitative research focuses on the process of systematically searching and arranging the interview transcripts. Interview sessions are crucial for gaining a thorough understanding of financial knowledge and skills among leaders. The research is anticipated to assist policymakers, community leaders and the government in improving sustainable community development.

The new spirit of capitalism and artisan work: professionalization, autonomy and identity in the brewing industry

The craft beer market in Brazil has experienced significant growth over the past decade, reflecting a global trend towards craft brewing as a counterpoint to industrial standardisation and mass production. This comprehensive study explores the professionalization and identity formation within the dynamic craft beer industry, emphasising the essential role of craftsmanship and authenticity. Through qualitative interviews and participant observation, the research highlights how microbrewery owners navigate the complex challenges of the competitive market, balancing passion with precarious working conditions. The study draws on Boltanski and Chiapello's framework of the new spirit of capitalism, examining how brewers' narratives reflect broader cultural and economic shifts. Craft brewers are portrayed as innovative cultural entrepreneurs who priorieise creativity and autonomy, often at the expense of job security and financial stability. The findings suggest that the craft beer market is a site of economic activity and a space for personal expression and identity construction, where passion and practical knowledge are fundamental to building beer entrepreneurship.

Does Structural Transformation Foster Economic Growth? Empirical Evidence from Indian States with Reference to Assam

This study examines the association between structural transformation and economic growth for a panel of 19 states and UTs focusing on Assam. Employing dynamic panel econometric models from 1977–1978 to 2017–2018, the study indicated that the association between economic growth and structural transformation among the 19 states/UTs panel seems to be random. However, parametric techniques such as DOLS suggest a significant long-term relationship between structural change in output and economic growth across Indian states. Assam, being a key player in north-east India’s economy, holds particular importance in India–South Asia trade dynamics. However, the state has been experiencing a simultaneous structural economic shift and adverse economic situation, evident from the existing literature. Thus, it is pertinent to examine the structural change-economic growth linkage for Assam, which will be helpful for policy-making to ensure sustained economic growth. For Assam, the vector auto regression and Granger causality test reveal significant results, showing a bi-directional causality between structural change and economic growth, supporting the Kaldor–Verdoorn’s law.

Digital Sovereignty: A Descriptive Analysis and a Critical Evaluation of Existing Models

Digital sovereignty is a popular yet still emerging concept. It is claimed by and related to various global actors, whose narratives are often competing and mutually inconsistent. This article offers a mapping of the types of national digital sovereignty that are emerging, while testing their effectiveness in response to radical changes and challenges. To do this, we systematically analyse a corpus of 271 peer-reviewed articles to identify descriptive features (how digital sovereignty is pursued) and value features (why digital sovereignty is pursued), which we use to produce four models: the rights-based model, market-oriented model, centralisation model, and state-based model. We evaluate their effectiveness within a framework of robust governance that accounts for the models’ ability to absorb the disruptions caused by technological advancements, geopolitical changes, and evolving societal norms. We find that none of the models fully combine comprehensive regulation of digital technologies with a sufficient degree of responsiveness to fast-paced technological innovation and social and economic shifts. This paper’s analysis offers valuable lessons to policymakers who wish to implement an effective and robust form of digital sovereignty.

Uganda’s post-colonial privatisation policy in higher education: an integrative literature review and case study analysis

Globally, the trend toward privatizing higher education has been accelerating, driven by economic and policy shifts. Uganda has aligned with this movement, becoming one of the African countries implementing privatization to enhance accessibility and efficiency in its universities. However, the benefits and challenges of higher education privatization in Uganda remain underexplored. This study assesses them through two private universities as case studies. An integrative literature review identified challenges in Uganda’s privatization policy. This was followed by qualitative interviews with sixteen (16) stakeholders (students, n = 10; parents, n = 3; employers, n = 3) to assess its impact on accessibility, quality, funding, and employment. Semi-structured interviews involving students, parents, and employers revealed that although the policy led to the massification of higher education, it also led to the commodification and academisation of education, whereby business principles have been imported into the country’s higher education sector, thus focusing more on profit maximisation other than quality education delivery. The study recommends that the Ugandan government and policymakers, such as the Ministry of Education and Sports and the National Council for Higher Education, do more to safeguard the education system from being too commercialised, commodified, and over-marketised.

Improving Equipment Maintenance—Switching from Corrective to Preventative Maintenance Strategies

This paper explores different building maintenance strategies in commercial buildings in Sydney, Australia, focusing on corrective maintenance (CM) and preventive maintenance (PM). While CM involves rectifying issues after they occur, PM aims to enhance productivity by anticipating potential issues. Although PM seems more logical, the decision to implement this type of maintenance strategy are typically made based on item reliability, failure frequency, and downtime cost, commonly found in manufacturing facilities or critical environments. However, as found in the selected/surveyed commercial real estate buildings, CM was more frequently adopted in aged facilities with older infrastructure, and PM was favoured for buildings without structural deficiencies; however, operating equipment failures were common. However, in many cases, decision makers did not consider the broader effects of downtime beyond direct financial losses, costs associated with customer satisfaction, worker efficiency, rent abatements, and reputation damage. While each building is unique and may require a bespoke maintenance schedule, this study’s insights may help managers select the most appropriate maintenance strategy. Nonetheless, further research is needed to investigate the role of innovative technologies (such as machine learning and artificial intelligence) in enhancing maintenance efficacy and explore the influences of economic shifts, corporate and financial objectives, and the availability of technical resources.

Sea-level changes and human economic development in the northern flank of the Yangtze River Delta during the Middle to Late Holocene

The environmental dynamics in coastal regions are inevitably influenced by fluctuations in sea levels and human interventions. Evidence derived from archeological site remains and sediment cores indicates that sea-level change has been the primary driving force behind the continuous relocation of human settlements since the Holocene epoch. However, the understanding of the Holocene land formation process and its relationship with human activities in the northern flank of the Yangtze River Delta remains limited. The Guoqing Temple, located in southwest Juegang and serving as a hub for sea salt production during the Sui and Tang Dynasties, was established in the Tang Dynasty and served as one of the pivotal points along the Maritime Silk Road. A sedimentary core was obtained in close to the Guoqing Temple, and the sedimentological and micropalaeontological data were analyzed to investigate the process of sedimentary evolution from marine to terrestrial environments, as well as the environmental factors facilitating the development of the salt industry. Analysis results explained that: Between 6360 and 1750 cal yr BP, the study area was situated in a shallow sea on the outermost periphery of the sandbank, with a maximum water depth of 20 m. After 1750 cal yr BP, it underwent a transition to a supratidal low-salinity shallow marsh environment that continued to be influenced by marine conditions. The climate in the study area is primarily influenced by the Asian monsoon: Before 3000 cal yr BP, the overall climatic conditions were characterized by warm and humid conditions; After 3000 cal yr BP, climate stability prevailed in the region. Meanwhile, due to the newly formed wetlands that facilitated extensive salt production, economic shifts toward southern regions, and reforms in salt laws during the Tang Dynasty, Juegang emerged as a flourishing commercial trade hub and a prosperous center for Buddhist culture.

CHALLENGES TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN THE CONTEXT OF INTERNAL MIGRATION IN UKRAINE

The article addresses the challenges faced by public administration in managing internal migration in Ukraine, driven by large-scale population movements due to the Russian-Ukrainian war, and the necessity of maintaining the stability of state institutions amidst social, economic, and demographic shifts. The purpose of the article is to identify the primary challenges confronting public administration in the context of internal migration and propose strategies to address them. To achieve this, the study employs an integrated approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The article identifies the causes of internal migration and the key factors contributing to internal displacement: armed conflict, economic hardships, and social and environmental issues. It analyzes the main challenges to public administration in this context, including organizational difficulties, coordination problems between different levels of government, a lack of resources for effectively managing migration processes, and socio-economic challenges. It is demonstrated that there is insufficient infrastructure to provide housing, employment, and social services for internally displaced persons (IDPs), along with inadequate funding for support programs, and difficulties in integrating IDPs into new communities and fostering interaction with the local population. The article reviews state policy on internal migration, evaluates existing programs and strategies, assesses the effectiveness of current state initiatives, and highlights the barriers to implementing effective IDP policies, such as underfunding and lack of coordination. The author proposes solutions to enhance coordination and management, develop a unified migration management system, engage local communities in addressing IDP issues, increase funding and resources, expand state support programs, attract international assistance to tackle internal migration challenges, and implement legal reforms. Recommendations for improving migration management are also provided to overcome these challenges.

Understanding Deflationary Trends in China: Internal and External Factors Analysis

This paper investigates the recent deflationary trend observed in China, exploring its underlying causes from both internal and external perspectives. Since the 1970s, China has undergone significant economic reforms, embraced market principles and experienced a substantial expansion in its money supply. Despite expectations of inflation due to the substantial money supply relative to GDP, China has experienced a period of low or negative inflation rates since April 2023. This study examines potential factors contributing to this deflationary period, including exchange rate fluctuations, monetary policy dynamics, economic structural shifts, and external shocks. Furthermore, the paper evaluates the development of transmission routes of monetary policy and possible impacts on the responsiveness of price level to money supply, particularly within the context of China's evolving financial system. Additionally, it analyses shifts in the key drivers of the Chinese economyinvestment, net exports, and consumptionand their role in exacerbating deflationary pressures. The study extends its analysis to February 2024, observing potential signs of a transition away from deflation. It emphasizes the risks associated with deflation and the Chinese government's efforts to balance inflation targets with economic stability and employment objectives, particularly in light of challenges in the real estate sector.

Stitching Tradition and Fashion

This study explores the evolution of ferâces, traditional outer garments worn by both Muslim and non-Muslim women in the Ottoman Empire from the sixteenth to the early twentieth centuries. Analyzing sources such as archival records, visual depictions, memoirs, travel accounts, and surviving ferâces, it examines ferâces’ sartorial characteristics (e.g., form, fabric, and color) across different groups and locations over three centuries. The study reveals the interplay between tradition and fashion, demonstrating how ferâces evolved in response to economic shifts and cultural exchanges, including the influence of Western fashion trends. It highlights the similarities and differences in ferâces, reflecting inter-religious and inter-ethnic interactions within Ottoman society. The study also shows how these garments served as mediums of expression, resistance, and conformity to sumptuary laws and societal norms. Thus, it contributes to the scholarship on Ottoman women’s dress and fashion, as well as to studies of fashion and dress history beyond Eurocentric narratives.

Integrating carbon reduction and ecological resilience strategies in the silk road economic corridor

The Silk Road Economic Belt has become a pivotal region for China's sustainable development, focusing on the balance between carbon emissions and ecological resilience. Understanding the coordination between these factors is crucial for advancing China's westward economic shift and optimizing urban and demographic structures. This study investigates the coupling and coordination dynamics between carbon emissions and ecological resilience across 15 key cities in the Silk Road Economic Belt, using data from 2008 to 2018. By applying a "pressure-state-response" framework, the ecological resilience of the region is quantitatively assessed. Spatial disparities and the dynamic evolution of coupling coordination are analyzed through the Gini coefficient and kernel density estimation. The findings reveal significant regional variations in ecological resilience and a decline in coupling coordination over time. Shifts in the patterns of coordination indicate opportunities for enhancing resource utilization and environmental management. This research provides theoretical insights for policymakers to improve green development strategies, optimize industrial structures, and plan urban green spaces more effectively within the Silk Road Economic Belt.

Linguistic Diversities in Nepal: A Glimpse of Past and Present

Nepal is known m as a multilingual nation; however, language policies and statistics of languages spoken in Nepal showed the challenges to maintain linguistic diversities in Nepal. In this context, aim of this study is to outline the language policies of Nepal. Constitutional provisions and arguments of the participants were analyzed with geographical and historical contexts. The study also presents the current population census and highlights the statistics of languages on the basis of mother tongue, second language and ancestor language. Government reports, law and rules related language policies, published between 1950 to 2013 were analyzed with the opinions and perceptions of the participants. Throughout history, the language politics in Nepal has undergone significant shifts and changes due to various political transformations. Current statistics of languages show that it is difficult to preserve minority languages because he numbers of speakers is very low. Except that lack of sufficient resource mobilization on the preservation of minority languages, confusing government policies, socio economic and cultural shift of the respected language community creates problems to sustain minorities language in Nepal. Finding of this study can be apply to formulate the policies and programs related to the preservation and promotion of endangered language because the study analyzes the present linguistic polices and statistics of the language spoken in Nepal.