Regional Economy Research Articles

Study on the Impact of Entrepreneurship on Enterprise Performance in the Manufacturing Industry

Purpose: The study aims to explore the impact of entrepreneurship on the performance of manufacturing enterprises in China, focusing on specific traits of entrepreneurship such as innovation, risk-taking, and competitiveness. Additionally, it examines the relationship between entrepreneurship and regional economic growth, with an emphasis on how entrepreneurship drives enterprise performance, particularly in economically underdeveloped regions. Approach/Methodology/Design: The research uses empirical analysis based on sample data from listed manufacturing companies on China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share markets. It employs regression models to assess the impact of entrepreneurship on enterprise performance. Indicators such as R&D investment, market share, and firm size serve as proxies for entrepreneurship traits, while principal component analysis is used to calculate scores for both entrepreneurship and enterprise performance. Control variables include regional economy and leadership structure. Sub-regional analysis is conducted to compare the impact of entrepreneurship across different economic regions. Findings: The results show that entrepreneurship, innovation spirit, risk-taking spirit, and competitive spirit all have significant positive impacts on enterprise performance. Additionally, in different economic regions, entrepreneurship generally has a positive impact on enterprise performance, with a greater effect observed in areas with lower economic development. Practical Implications: The study provides valuable insights for enterprises and policymakers. It suggests that enterprises can enhance their competitiveness by fostering entrepreneurial traits, increasing R&D investment, and efficiently managing financial leverage. Furthermore, governments should support entrepreneurship in underdeveloped regions through training and policy measures to stimulate regional economic growth. Originality/value: This study constructs a unique evaluation system for entrepreneurship from a micro perspective and verifies its positive impact on enterprise performance. This study innovatively explores the differential impact of entrepreneurship across various economic regions, providing new perspectives for future research on the relationship between regional economies and entrepreneurship.

Methodological approach to assessing the digital infrastructure of the northern regions of the Russian Federation

The northern territories of Russia need high-quality strategic digital changes in the structure of the regional economy. Digitalization and the introduction of digital technologies in the medium term will be able to transform economic relations in the old industrial and raw materials regions of the North, improve the quality of life of local communities. The growth of digital inequality among the regions under study leads to disproportions in their socio-economic development. The purpose of this study is to develop and test a methodology for assessing the level of development of the digital infrastructure of the Russian northern regions, including classification of an indicators system for each level of digital infrastructure, calculation of an integral index and typology of the territories under study. The objects of the study were 13 northern regions of the Russian Federation, the entire territory of which is classified as regions of the Extreme North and equivalent areas. The methodology made it possible to determine the level of technical, technological and personnel readiness of the northern regions for digitalization, to identify regions with the best solutions at each level of digital infrastructure development. The analysis of the results in dynamics helped to assess the effectiveness of regional policy for managing digitalization processes. As a result, the authors came to the conclusion that increasing the competitiveness of northern regions in the era of rapid digitalization is possible through investments in human capital and the creation of a network of scientific and technological clusters. The presented approach to assessing the development of individual levels and elements of digital infrastructure will allow for the diagnosis of priority needs of territories under study in the field of digitalization. The results of the study can form the basis for regional policy in the field of sustainable digital development of Russia.

Implementing regional blue economy research and innovation strategies: a case study for the Black Sea

The Black Sea is a vital resource with vast potential to boost the societal value of the Blue Economy for its surrounding countries. Improved knowledge and enhanced infrastructure together with better coordination and alignment of research and innovation efforts are critical for the better management of the deteriorated Black Sea ecosystem to help restore and maintain its resilience and enable sustainable use of natural resources. In 2019, the Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (Black Sea SRIA), was developed by the Black Sea experts, in cooperation with European marine institutes and organizations, with the support of the European Commission. Black Sea SRIA presents the priorities and ecosystem-based management options needed for a healthy, sustainable, and resilient Black Sea. Since 2019, efforts focused on developing concrete actions under the Black Sea SRIA Implementation Plan (IP) to contribute to the national blue economy strategies, better structuring of the relevant funding mechanisms for solution-oriented implementation and the international and regional strategies, supporting the co-funding mechanisms. In this study, we present a transnational process that has led to the development of the IP which utilized a bottom-up, co-design and co-creation-based approach. The SRIA and its IP support better governance of the blue economy principles towards sustainable development and conservation of unique Black Sea ecosystems. The Black Sea SRIA and IP address the fundamental research challenges of the region, promote the blue economy, and also build vital support systems and innovative research infrastructure and capacity together with academia, funding organizations, industry, policy, civil society and local communities. The IP is a long-lasting guide to catalyze new ideas and innovations towards and with the Black Sea community with strong implications for other sea basins.

Regional Disparities, Economic Development, and Neonatal Mortality and Hospital Delivery in China.

A negative association between neonatal mortality and hospital delivery has been found in some low- and lower-middle-income countries but not in rural settings characterized by poor quality of maternal and child health care. To examine the association between neonatal mortality and hospital delivery in China across urban and rural regions, regional disparities, and varying levels of economic development. This retrospective cohort study used county-level data from 2008 to 2020 from the National Maternal & Child Health Statistics across mainland China. Statistical analysis was conducted from March to December 2023. Since 2008, China has strategically leveraged hospital deliveries with national subsidies to diminish neonatal mortality, particularly in rural areas. Neonatal mortality and hospital delivery rates were calculated, and their association was estimated using multivariable fixed-effects linear models of county-level cohort data to adjust for time-invariant differences across counties and controls for gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, women's years of education, hospital beds, and health workers. The analysis included data from 2930 counties, with 198.7 million live births across 36 255 county-year records between 2008 and 2020. The mean (SD) neonatal mortality rate per 1000 live births decreased in rural areas from 12.3 (7.5) in 2008 to 3.9 (2.7) in 2020 and decreased in urban areas from 5.0 (3.1) in 2008 to 2.0 (1.3) in 2020. Hospital delivery rates increased in rural areas from a mean (SD) of 93.4% (11.8%) in 2008 to 99.9% (0.6%) in 2020 and increased in urban areas from 97.7% (6.1%) in 2008 to 100.0% (0.1%) in 2020. In rural areas, an increase of 10 percentage points in hospital deliveries was associated with a neonatal mortality rate of -1.4 (95% CI, -1.9 to -1.0; P < .001) per 1000 live births, whereas this negative association was not observed in urban areas. When the analysis was stratified by regions and incomes, the negative association became considerably stronger in the western and central regions of China, as well as in counties with lower GDP per capita. This cohort study of more than 2900 counties in China suggests that an increase in hospital deliveries was associated with reduced neonatal mortality in rural and economically underdeveloped areas in China. To further reduce neonatal mortality and improve newborn health, it is imperative to increase the accessibility of hospital delivery services.

Elevating citizen engagement in the process of territorial development through digitisation

The purpose of the study is to examine the digitisation of the state system involving local executive bodies to identify effective strategies for engaging citizens in territorial development decision-making. The following methods were applied in the study: hermeneutic, statistical, structural-functional, and comparative methods. During the study, the main problems associated with the implementation of digital technologies in the territorial development system involving the country's citizens were examined, such as technological barriers, issues of confidentiality and data security, and uneven distribution of resources. This allowed formulating recommendations for problem resolution, namely, ensuring access to education, developing digital literacy among the population, devising effective measures to protect data, and guaranteeing the confidentiality of personal information. The paper also explores the prospects and threats to the economies of regions in the process of transitioning to a digital economy. Special attention is given to studying the indicators of the current state of digitisation in Kazakhstan, considering data from annual international ratings. The obtained research results can be used in the development and implementation of digital technologies in the territory management system at the international-regional level for the benefit of citizens.

Regional Economic Growth in Colombia: the role of Fiscal corruption and the Armed conflict

This research explores the impact of armed violence and corruption on the economic growth of Colombia’s departments from 1991 to 2017. Using models of spatial panels, statics and dynamics, we detect positive space-time indirect effects on departmental growth, including evidence of beta-convergence. Specifically, fiscal corruption exhibited a significant negative impact on short-term economic growth. Moreover, corruption primarily affected growth at the local level, with limited spillover effects observed from neighboring regions. Interestingly, our analysis did not yield statistically significant evidence regarding the impact of armed violence on economic growth.

ECONOMY OF THE SERVICES OF COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS

This paper surveyed ecosystem services in coastal regions, seeking to build the concept of the economy of coastal ecosystem services in Brazil, especially the contribution of the function of the sea to the regional economy. The interest in the economic dynamics of coastal regions has attracted worldwide attention. In Brazil, the coastal zone covers 8,500 km in 17 federative units, counting more than 400 municipalities distributed from the North (Oiapoque/AP) to the extreme South (Santa Vitória do Palmar/RS). Such regions have abundant natural resources and biodiversity with a great capacity to generate economic gains. In this sense, coastal services were divided into six economic dimensions: energy; ports and logistics; fisheries and aquaculture; sociocultural dimension; Sports; and tourism. Finally, it is suggested the need for studies that quantify the relationship between the economic dynamics of coastal regions and environmental sustainability.

The “Simultaneous Development of Quantity and Quality”: Research on the Impact of the Digital Economy in Enabling Manufacturing Innovation

The digital economy is the future direction of global development, and its innovation-driven effect has become the focus of scholars. This study takes China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed manufacturing enterprises from 2012 to 2022 as research samples and uses a text-analysis method to measure the comprehensive index of the regional digital economy. Based on the dual dimensions of quantity and quality, we empirically test the actual impact of the digital economy on manufacturing innovation. The results show the following: (1) The internal components of the digital economy include data elements, digital technology, and digital infrastructure, which have a significant role in promoting manufacturing innovation. (2) There are significant differences in the release of digital economy innovation dividends among enterprises with different growth stages, property rights, and technology endowments. (3) From the macro-regional level, the rational allocation of R&amp;D personnel and R&amp;D funds is an effective way for the digital economy to enable manufacturing innovation. In addition, from the micro-enterprise level, factor-combination and information-optimization effects are also effective ways for the digital economy to drive manufacturing innovation. (4) Further, the impact of the digital economy on manufacturing innovation is nonlinear, with changes in internal composition. This study helps to break through the obstacles of the digital economy to achieve innovation empowerment and provides a theoretical reference for the manufacturing industry to continue to spur innovation vitality.

Improvizing West Java MSMEs Using Quality Service Gaps Model

This study aims to understand the challenges and opportunities for the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in West Java. With a very large number, MSMEs in West Java have great potential to drive economic growth. However, various obstacles such as access to capital, information, and technology are still an obstacle. This research proposes the application of the Service Science framework to map the MSME ecosystem and identify opportunities for service innovation. Thus, it is expected to increase the competitiveness of MSMEs and make a greater contribution to the regional economy. This research reveals that MSMEs in West Java face significant constraints in terms of access to capital, information, and technology. Through in-depth interviews with 8 MSME owners, this research aims to understand in-depth the challenges and opportunities faced by micro, small and medium enterprises. Thematic analysis of the interview data identified a gap between the ideal conditions that MSMEs desire and the actual conditions they experience. Using the Service Quality Gap Model, this study created four action plans to improve MSMEs in West Java. By addressing the identified gaps and encouraging collaboration between MSMEs, government, academia and industry, the Sadulur platform can catalyze the sustainable growth and development of MSMEs in West Java. These gaps, which we refer to as 'customer gaps', are manifested in four main themes: 1) the potential for MSMEs to create innovative products more easily, 2) the need to develop a strong business foundation and build sustainable brand value, 3) the importance of improving business processes and management to increase efficiency, and 4) the need to build good relationships with external parties to expand networks and business opportunities. These findings form the basis for formulating an action plan to improve the quality of services provided to MSMEs.

Causes and Impacts of Flood Events in Emilia-Romagna (Italy) in May 2023

On 1–3 May 2023, severe hydro-meteorological events occurred in the Italian Emilia-Romagna region. Such events caused extensive flooding, landslides, isolation of many areas, evacuation of many families, and severe damage to infrastructure, agriculture, buildings, and essential services. Several municipalities were affected, thousands of civilians had to be evacuated, and losses of life occurred. The consequences beyond the recorded immediate impacts on infrastructure and life were impressive, and extended to the regional economy, specifically in the Fruit Valley, where, in addition to immediate yield losses, long-term damage to orchard production is expected due to persistent flooding. The civil and cultural building heritage has also been heavily affected, both in the countryside and in inhabited centers. Some of the damage, direct and indirect, caused by flooding on buildings will also see an evolution in the medium- to long-term that needs to be addressed. This paper analyzes the manifold aspects of such an atmospheric phenomenon and its impacts to understand the potential increasing occurrence of similar events in the climate change context.

Thailand’s Kra Canal: economic feasibility and expert perspectives on its complexity

PurposeAsia is one of the most important economic regions of the world. The Kra Canal is considered as a potential maritime transportation node in global trade. Indeed, for centuries, a canal across the Kra isthmus in Thailand has been proposed as holding significant economic and logistical benefits through goods transfer and exchange, yet it remains unconstructed. Common tools in feasibility studies are PESTELE and SWOT analyses, which incorporate cost-benefit and value analyses. The purpose of this paper is to assess the feasibility of the Kra Canal using approaches to complement existing studies.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, we combine quantitative and qualitative methodologies to holistically assess the feasibility of the Kra Canal. Quantitatively, we consider the economic feasibility of the canal using Net Present Value to evaluate its potential financial benefits. Qualitatively, we then present expert perspectives gathered from in-depth interviews with field experts (n = 20) to identify key aspects of complexity related to the economic, political and overall feasibility of the canal.FindingsWe discuss the possibility of the canal’s construction and describe possible future impacts the canal could have on the region geopolitically, for example, in its role in China’s One Belt One Road initiative and also in how Singapore and Tanjung Pelapas in Malaysia might react. Ultimately, we find significant complexities with the Kra Canal project, ones which anyone contemplating its construction would, we argue, be wise to consider.Originality/valueThis paper combined qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the economic, political and overall feasibility of the Kra Canal. The methodologies and findings supplement past relevant studies and help evaluate the economic, political and overall feasibility of the Kra Canal’s investment project. This is particularly timely considering its potential ability as a route given recent geopolitical events and, for example, as part of China’s Belt and Road initiative and its ability to reduce carbon and sulphur emissions.

Enterprise digitization and marine economic performance: An empirical study of listed enterprises in China's maritime economy.

The scale and connectivity of marine resources make them more complex than land resource management. Although digitization has been recognized as an organizational change process that can effectively improve resource efficiency and enhance network resilience, however, gaps remain in establishing the theoretical links between digitization and marine economic performance. Based on a panel fixed-effects model, this study evaluates the interrelationships and potential mechanisms of different firms with data from annual reports of listed firms in the marine economy in the eastern coastal region of China. The results indicate that there is a 'U-shaped' relationship between digitalization and enterprise efficiency in the maritime sector, and significant heterogeneity exists in the characteristics of these enterprises. Notably, firms' technological innovation capability can modulate the 'U-shaped' relationship through the interaction of economies of scale and economies of scope. This paper highlights how digitization mitigates the fragmentation and sectionalization of marine information and addresses the digital overload and productivity paradox that firms may face in the early stages of digitization. The study suggests that institutional diversity shapes resilience. Governments need to promote top-down regulation and industry collaboration, while marine enterprises need to coevolve collaboratively with them through bottom-up internal communication and external interaction to enhance the value chain of marine enterprises.

The Sustainability Role of Women Entrepreneurs through the Digital Financial Literacy Movement

This study discusses how financial technology and financial literacy play a crucial role in supporting the sustainability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in East Java. The utilization of financial technology, which includes various digital services such as online payments and access to financing, along with financial literacy, which refers to the understanding and ability to manage finances wisely, has been proven to be essential in maintaining the competitiveness and growth of businesses, especially among female entrepreneurs.The research was conducted using a survey involving 390 female entrepreneurs in East Java, selected through purposive sampling. Using multiple linear regression analysis, the findings indicate that both financial technology and financial literacy significantly impact the sustainability of women’s businesses in the region. However, this study is limited by its focus solely on female entrepreneurs in East Java, which may restrict the generalizability of the results to other cities. Therefore, a larger sample size across various regions would provide more comprehensive insights. This study suggests that the East Java government should pay closer attention to this sector, given its significant contribution to the regional and national economy.

PENINGKATAN PEREKONOMIAN PETANI MELALUI PEMBUATAN BENIH PADI KELAS SEBAR (EXTENSION SEED)

The economy of farmers in Indonesia can be said to not be in good condition. Only a small number of farmers have been financially successful. The government's role in improving the welfare of farmers has been carried out by paying great attention to the agricultural sector. Sukoharjo Regency is a major contributor to the regional economy through the agricultural sector. In order for the economy of farmers in Sukoharjo Regency to be optimal, training is provided on making rice seeds in the distribution class. The method used in the community service program is through Asset Based Community Development (ABCD). Training and counseling are carried out for the "Ngudi Rejeki" farmer group as a partner. Making good seeds will make plants grow well and the harvest is maximized. Maximum harvest results will directly improve the economy of farmers and increase purchasing power. Deflation in various regions can be suppressed by improving the economy from below, especially farmers.

Price Spread, Marketing Efficiency and Postharvest Losses in Marketing of Selected kharif Vegetables in Palghar District of Maharashtra State, India

Vegetables play an important role both in the regional and national economy of the agricultural sector. These crops are generally of short duration. The post-harvest losses in kharif vegetables due to insufficient storage, packaging, transportation, and handling technologies for perishable crops, such as vegetables, lead to significant wastage. The present study was undertaken to estimate these losses at various stages and price spread of selected vegetables in study area. The study was conducted in Palghar district of Maharashtra, involving 90 farmers, 6 commission agents, 9 wholesalers and 30 retailers, that the study involves multiple groups of stakeholders (farmers, commission agents, wholesalers, and retailers), with specific numbers from each group. The sampling technique used in this case likely purposive sampling. The important kharif vegetables were identified for the detailed analysis. In of case brinjal the total postharvest losses were 12.62 kg/q. out of which maximum postharvest losses of brinjal vegetables was observed to be highest (4.62 kg/q), at retailer level followed by (3.2 kg/q) at wholesaler level and (1.65 kg/q) at commission agent level. Similarly in case of okra, postharvest losses in kharif season was estimated to 13.52 kg /q, out of which the retailers level postharvest losses was highest at (5.12 kg/q), followed by (3.78 kg /q) at wholesaler level, (2.87 kg /q) at farmer level and (1.75 kg/q) at commission agent level .Whereas for cowpea total postharvest losses was workout to 12.73 kg/q out of which 4.12 kg /q postharvest losses was observed at retailer level, 3.65 kg /q losses at wholesaler level, 3.08 kg /q at farmer level and 1.88 kg /q postharvest losses at commission agent level. In study were identified channel-I (Producer-Commission agent-wholesaler-Retailer-Consumer), channel-II (Producer-Wholesaler-Retailer-Consumer) and channel-III(Producer-Consumer). For brinjal, the price spread was Rs. 2962.91 in Channel-I and Rs. 2634.72 in Channel II, with marketing efficiency of 1.01, 1.24, and 33.76 in Channels-I, II, and III, respectively. Channel-III exhibited the highest marketing efficiency, while Channel II had the lowest price spread. For okra, the price spread was Rs. 1939.70 in Channel-I and Rs. 1733.20 in Channel II, with marketing efficiency of 1.51, 1.85, and 28.84 in Channels-I, II, and III, respectively. Channel II demonstrated the highest marketing efficiency and lowest price spread. In the case of cowpea, the price spread was Rs. 4000 in Channel-I and Rs. 3260 in Channel-II, with marketing efficiency of 0.91, 1.76, and 29.76 in Channels -I, II, and III, respectively. Again, Channel III provided the highest efficiency, while Channel II had the lowest price spread. Channel-III emerged as the most efficient channel for all crops due to the direct sale to consumers, resulting in the highest marketing efficiency. Channel-II also showed better efficiency, especially in okra, while Channel-I consistently had the lowest efficiency across all crops.

Measurement and spatiotemporal differentiation of green water resources utilization efficiency in the Yellow River Basin

ABSTRACT To further explore the green water resources utilization efficiency (WRUE) in this basin, a corresponding method was designed. Firstly, a measurement index system for WRUE was studied and constructed. With this indicator system, the study introduced a data envelopment analysis model to analyze it, and then combined the relaxation variable analysis strategy to comprehensively analyze the accuracy of WRUE. The experiment outcomes indicated that in the WRUE of the Yellow River Basin (YRB), the pure technical UE changed the most and was in an effective utilization state. However, overall, the average values of scale efficiency and green UE within the basin were both below 1, indicating that it has not been fully utilized effectively. Besides, the average utilization efficiency of water resources in the upper, middle, and lower reaches was 0.51, 0.63, and 0.85, respectively. The analysis results prove that the measurement method designed in the research can effectively analyze the WRUE of the YRB, provide effective support for the efficient and circular development of the regional economy, and promote regional economic development.

Spatiotemporal Variations in Gross Ecosystem Product and Its Relationship with Economic Growth in Ecologically Vulnerable Watershed Areas: A Case Study of Yongding River Basin

Ecosystem service value is crucial for balancing economic growth and ecological preservation in ecologically vulnerable watershed areas. Although Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) has received significant attention, most existing studies have focused on how to measure it. Few studies have explored spatiotemporal variations in GEP and how land-use changes affect these variations regarding ecological restoration at the river basin level. Additionally, while many studies have examined the relationship between ecosystem service value and economic growth, there is little research on how components of GEP influence economic growth. Analyzing the spatiotemporal structure of GEP and its components could offer new insights into optimizing ecological restoration strategies and promoting sustainable development in vulnerable watershed regions. In this study, we used ArcGIS, InVEST, SPSS, and Python to analyze spatiotemporal variations in GEP in the Yongding River Basin within the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Economic Region from 1995 to 2020. Moran’s Index and variance decomposition were applied to analyze the spatiotemporal structure. The grey prediction model forecasted GEP trends from 2025 to 2035. The random forest model was used to assess land-use changes’ impacts on GEP. Paired T-tests were used to compare GEP and GDP, and a dynamic panel model was used to examine how ecosystem service value factors influenced economic growth. The results show the following: (1) Regarding values, GEP accounting and variance decomposition results indicated that ecosystem cultural service value (ECV) and ecosystem regulating service value (ERV) each contributed about half of the total GEP. Ecosystem provisioning service value (EPV) showed an upward trend with fluctuations. Regarding the spatial distribution, Moran’s I analysis showed significant positive spatial correlations for EPV and ERV. The grey prediction model results indicated significant growth in GEP from 2025 to 2035 under current ecological restoration policies, especially for ERV and ECV. (2) In terms of the influence of land-use changes, random forest analysis showed that the forest land area was consistently the most influential factor across GEP, EPV, and ERV. Unused land area was identified as the most significant factor for ECV. (3) Before 2010, GEP was larger than GDP, with significant differences between 1995 and 2000. From 2010 onwards, GDP surpassed GEP, but the differences were not statistically significant. Dynamic panel regression further showed that the water conservation value significantly boosted GDP, whereas the water purification value significantly reduced it. This study highlights the importance of integrating GEP into ecological restoration and economic development to ensure the sustainability of ecologically vulnerable watershed areas.

COMPLEXIDADE GEOECONÔMICA E AS ANÁLISES GEOGRÁFICAS REGIONAIS

The goal of the paper is to unravel the geo-economic complexity of regional agglomeration economies. For this one, the spatial focus is on the western region of Santa Catarina. The main result of cross-referencing the literature with empirical research data was to break the stereotype that the region under analysis is specialized purely and simply in agro-industrial production. In fact, it is a complex, specialized and diversified geo-economic dynamic; given the overflow of agro-industrial capital into other productive sectors, such as machinery and equipment, mechanical metal, renewable energy, meat production technologies, real estate investments and others. This led to the identification of four agglomeration economies with differences and similarities from a production point of view: Chapecó and Xanxerê, Concórdia and Joaçaba, Videira and Caçador and, finally, São Miguel do Oeste. Methodologically, the research considers three steps: 1) bibliographic and data collection; 2) fieldwork and technical visits; 3) organization, cross-referencing and qualification of the data collected. Keywords: Geo-Economics Complexity; Agglomeration of Economy; West of Santa Catarina.

The evolution of spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall erosivity in Henan Province, central China

With the advancement of urbanization, there has been a significant reduction in cultivated land, accompanied by soil erosion. Concurrently, the regularity of rainfall in recent years has been erratic, adversely impacting the grain economy and agricultural development in certain regions. Henan Province, spanning the basins of the Yangtze River, the Yellow River, the Huaihe River, and the Haihe River, possesses complex hydrological conditions and serves as a pivotal agricultural zone in China. Therefore, this paper utilizes daily rainfall data collected over 54 years (1969–2022) from 112 rain measuring stations in Henan Province to calculate the rainfall erosivity using the Zhang model and the erosivity model from the first national water survey. Meanwhile, spatial analysis was performed using the Kriging interpolation method in the ArcGIS Geostatistical Wizard, resulting in detailed spatial distribution maps of rainfall and rainfall erosivity. The study also employed Wavelet and Mann–Kendall tests to analyze the abrupt changes, trends and periodicity of rainfall and rainfall erosivity within the target region. The findings indicate that the average rainfall (1969–2022) in Henan province was 718.26 mm, while the average rainfall erosivity (R) was 3213.46 MJ mm/(hm2 h). R values are positively correlated with rainfall intensity and volume, displaying an annual upward trend. Spatially, R values increase gradually from northwest to southeast, closely aligning with topographical variations. Additionally, the analysis revealed a predominant periodic cycle of 54 years in the precipitation patterns. These results offer valuable insights for environmental and agricultural management in other regions of central China.

Determinants of ICT Adoption in Business for Emerging SME Entrepreneurs in Indonesia

This study investigates the factors of ICT adoption by early-level small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia after the pandemic. The study was conducted among 237 new SME entrepreneurs from Indonesia's sixth-highest economic growth regions, with a confirmatory analysis of ICT adoption constructs in a structural equation model (SEM) analysis. This study showed that the benefits and integration with consumers are SMEs' main determinants when adopting ICT when starting their business. This condition is a rational response from SMEs when they begin their business in Indonesia's post-pandemic economic recovery conditions, which need to immediately emerge to capture the market with the efficiency and effectiveness of business processes. The study's results empirically provide a valid and reliable description of the determinants of ICT adoption for strengthening post-pandemic SME business practices and theoretically offer empirical evidence of factors for improving and strengthening digital transformation in business through usefulness and integration with consumers.