Effective Regional Policy Research Articles

New Evidence on Price Effects of Transparency Regulations in European Fuel Markets

This paper analyses the impact of transparency regulations on Super 95 and Diesel prices in Austria, France, and Germany to shed new light on the price effects of regulatory policies. To identify the effects of regulation, we use publicly available data from January 2005 to the end of December 2018 and estimate synthetic difference-in-difference models. In summary, our findings reveal notable differences. While prices in France did not change significantly, the results for Austria suggest that the price-reducing effect of the 2011 Price Fixing Act was offset by the transparency policy, ultimately leading to a price increase for Super 95 prices. In Germany, the Market Transparency Unit (MTU) has a price-reducing effect of two to three cents per litre, especially in the long term.

Trends, challenges, and research pathways in emerging contaminants: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis.

The growing concern over environmental pollution has spurred extensive research into various contaminants impacting ecosystems and human health. Emerging contaminants (ECs), including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, nanomaterials, and microplastics, have garnered significant attention due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of EC research, aiming to detail the research landscape, highlight significant contributions, and identify influential researchers and pivotal studies. Data were sourced from the Web of Science, encompassing 62,670 documents from January 2000 to May 2024. Advanced bibliometric tools, including Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace, were employed to analyze publication outputs, citation metrics, and collaboration patterns. The analysis revealed an exponential increase in EC research, with annual publications growing from fewer than 1,000 before 2006 to nearly 7,000 by 2022. Environmental Science & Technology emerged as the most influential journal. Based on the number of publications and citations as a country, China and the United States led in research outputs. Co-authorship and collaboration networks highlighted key hubs and prominent researchers, with significant contributions from environmental sciences, chemical engineering, and toxicology. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified core themes, such as degradation, removal, and the impacts of ECs, reflecting evolving research interests and emerging topics. This bibliometric analysis provides valuable insights into the development and current state of EC research, serving as a resource for guiding future research efforts and fostering collaborations. The study indicates the critical need for continued research to address the challenges posed by ECs and develop effective regulatory policies and remediation strategies.

ИНВЕСТИЦИОННАЯ ПРИВЛЕКАТЕЛЬНОСТЬ РЕГИОНОВ ПРИВОЛЖСКОГО ФЕДЕРАЛЬНОГО ОКРУГА: ТИПОЛОГИЯ И РИСКИ

The article studies the investment attractiveness of the regions of the Volga Federal District (VFD) of Russia through the prism of their typology and associated risks. The first stage of the study analyses a wide range of socio-economic indicators, including GDP per capita, unemployment rate, investment in fixed capital and other relevant factors. Institutional conditions, such as the quality of regional governance, the degree of openness to innovation and the level of bureaucratic obstacles for business are also taken into account. Based on the data collected, the regions of the Volga Federal District are classified into several typological groups that differ in terms of investment attractiveness. Each group is characterised by its unique features that make the regions more or less attractive to investors. A comparative analysis is provided to highlight the key advantages and disadvantages of each group. An important part of the study is the assessment of risks associated with investing in specific regions of the district. Economic and political risks are considered, as well as specific regional risks, including infrastructure constraints and environmental concerns. Strategies to minimise these risks are proposed for each type of region, which can be useful for strategic planning for both private investors and government agencies. Practical recommendations are given to improve the investment climate in the Volga Federal District. The authors emphasise the need for an integrated approach combining infrastructure development, improvement of the regulatory environment and promotion of innovation. The findings of the study can become a basis for the development of more effective regional development policies aimed at attracting investment and stimulating economic growth in the Volga Federal District.

INTEGRATED STUDY OF INVESTMENT PROCESSES IN THE TURKESTAN REGION

The article presents key indicators that allow ranking regions by the level of their investment attractiveness and activity. An effective regional investment policy is possible only with the development of a specialized mechanism that combines methods, tools, techniques, rules and technologies, as well as communication and organizational links. Such a mechanism allows regional authorities to purposefully regulate investment processes in accordance with set strategic priorities and development goals, ensuring sustainable economic improvement and capital attraction.

Will China's Carbon Emission Trading Regulation Really Decrease the Green Investment of Firms? A Microperspective on Corporate Governance

ABSTRACTAlthough China initiated pilot carbon emission trading (CET) regulations in 2014, systematic research specifically examining their impact on corporate green investment expenditure (GIE) and the underlying mechanisms from an internal and external perspective remains limited. To this end, we conducted a quasinatural experiment to investigate how CET regulations affect the GIE of firms in eight high‐emission industries. Using a difference‐in‐differences (DID) approach and propensity score matching (PSM‐DID) on 4117 year‐firm observations of listed A‐share firms located in China's covered areas from 2010 to 2019, we found that CET regulations have a negative impact on firms' GIE. Further, from the microperspective of internal and external mechanisms of corporate governance, we also find negative moderators of corporate innovation capability and carbon trading market efficiency, respectively. The detailed heterogeneity impacts of the CET policy on the GIE of CET‐covered firms in different regions, industries, and ownership types are illustrated. This study systematically analyzes the impact of CET policy on GIE in high‐emission industries in China, focusing on the internal and external mechanisms of corporate governance. By doing so, it contributes to the literature in environmental economics and corporate green investment, offering new insights into the effects of regulatory policies on corporate behavior in high‐emission sectors. Enterprises should properly deal with the relationship between carbon emission quotas and green investment to realize a virtuous cycle of reasonable GIE and carbon emission reduction targets and ultimately achieve a win–win situation for both the economy and the environment.

THE ROLE OF THE KARAWANG GOVERNMENT IN ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (AIR POLLUTION) CAUSED BY COMPANIES IN THE KARAWANG AREA

Environmental pollution, especially air pollution, has become a serious problem in many countries including Indonesia. Industrial cities such as Karawang City have a big challenge in overcoming air pollution problems, which are mostly caused by the industrial sector and motorized vehicles. This research aims to find out what the Karawang government should do to overcome the pollution produced by factories in Karawang City and how effective the Karawang Regency Regional Regulation Number 14 of 2012 concerning Environmental Protection and Management is. In 2023, Karawang experienced very high levels of air pollution until the air quality index value reached 178. The impact of this was that many people were affected by ARI, even the smoke produced by factories in Karawang had an impact on Jakarta and surrounding areas. To address this air pollution problem, the Karawang government has a major role in accordance with the local regulation (Perda) on Environmental Protection and Management, that the government is responsible for establishing effective regulatory policies, taking firm action against business owners whose factories do not comply with government regulations, and supervising factories that have the potential to pollute the air. Although there are local regulations that deal with air pollution problems, in reality these regulations are not fully effective, because there are still many factories that do not comply with the rules and the sanctions given are not burdensome and provide a deterrent effect, so the government needs to evaluate the regional regulation in dealing with air pollution problems in Karawang City.Keywords: air pollution; government; industrial area

Sulfur isotope anomalies in coal combustion: Applications to the present and early Earth environments

The observation of mass-independent sulfur isotope fractionations (S-MIF) in Archean-Paleoproterozoic rocks has been instrumental in constraining oxygen levels on early Earth. The S-MIF effect, experimentally demonstrated to result from photochemical reactions, has now been observed in coal combustion, expanding our understanding of this phenomenon. Our study reveals that the negative Δ33S anomalies produced by coal combustion are consistent with similar anomalies observed in present-day sulfate aerosols in Beijing, China, and the black crust sulfates formed on building stones, monument walls, and sculptures in Europe that contribute to carbonate stone deterioration and cultural heritage damage. This finding provides independent evidence for a critical role of atmospheric sulfate from coal combustion in maintaining isotopic balance and offers an effective method for tracing sulfate aerosol sources. These insights are vital for developing more effective regulatory policies to control air pollution and protect public health. Given that coal energy production remains a significant issue in climate science, accurately mapping the global distribution of its by-products is imperative.

Nexus between Insurance Sector Development and Economic Growth in South Asian Countries

Purpose: This study examines the impact of insurance sector development on economic growth in South Asian countries.Design/methodology/approach: Using annual data from five South Asian countries over 31 years (1990-2020) and comprising 137 observations, this study draws data from the Global Financial Development Database (2023). The unit root test,cointegration test, and vector error correction model are employed to test stationarity, long-run relationships, and short-run and long-run dynamics, respectively, in South Asian countries. Findings: The findings are significant, revealing that long-term dynamics prevail between the LNGDP and LIPTGDP for five South Asian countries. The coefficient valueof ECTt-1 is -.765, indicating that deviation from the long-run relationship is correctedat 76.5% in the present period. This study further reveals long-term dynamics betweenthe LNGDP and NLIPTGDP for five South Asian countries. The coefficient value of ECTt-1 is -.654, implying that deviation from the long-run relationship is corrected at65.4% in the present period. Similarly, this study reveals long-term dynamics between the LNGDP and TPC for five South Asian countries. The coefficient value of ECTt-1 is -.765, implying that deviation from the long-run relationship is corrected at a rate of76.4% in the present period. While no short-run dynamics are observed between the LNGDP and LIPTGDP, between the LNGDP and NLIPTGDP, and between the LNGDP and TPC. Conclusion: The results showed that the LNGDP and TPC had long-term relationships in five South Asian countries. However, no short-run dynamics prevail between the LNGDP and LIPTGDP, between the LNGDP and NLIPTGDP, and between the LNGDPand TPC. Implications: Policymakers can use these findings to promote economic growth by implementing effective regulatory policies, educating the public and SMEs about insurance benefits, providing tax incentives for insurance uptake, and encouraging financial openness for foreign investors to improve consumer choice and quality. JEL Classification: G22, O12, O40

Associations between Kratom risk perceptions and intention to legalize in Malaysia

ABSTRACT Background or Objective This paper delves into the dichotomy of Kratom in Malaysia, designated as an illegal substance under the Poison Act 1952. Amidst heightened concerns regarding Kratom usage, debates revolve around balancing perceived benefits and potential adverse effects, particularly in pain management. Employing the perceived risk theory, the study aims to scrutinize the intention to legalize Kratom. Methods Data from 335 respondents form the basis of the study. The perceived risk theory serves as the framework for understanding the complexities of Kratom legalization to legalize in Malaysia. The study employs a structured questionnaire to assess social, financial, physical, psychological, and performance risks. Results The findings indicate significant impacts of social, financial, physical, and psychological risks on behavioral intentions toward Kratom legalization. However, performance risk does not exhibit a significant impact on the intention to legalize Kratom. Conclusions This study contributes crucial insights for policymakers, highlighting the intricate dynamics of Kratom legalization. Addressing various risk factors is deemed essential for the formulation of effective regulatory policies. The results emphasize the need for nuanced considerations in understanding and managing the legalization of Kratom in the Malaysian context.

Bright and dark sides of green consumerism: An in-depth qualitative investigation in retailing context

This study aims to enhance the understanding of green consumption behavior dynamics by exploring the influencing factors, perceptions, motivators, barriers, and consequences of green consumerism. The study utilizes a qualitative approach, collecting data from 68 respondents from the USA and UK with the help of open-ended essays from a representative sample of informants recruited through the Prolific Academic to contrive an inductive understanding of (dynamics of) green consumption behavior using the grounded theory approach. The study employs the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework as the theoretical underpinning to identify, categorize, and synthesize stimuli that shape consumer perceptions, the consumer being the organism processing the information about green consumption, and the consumers’ response, either adopting or averting green consumerism. The findings reveal a comprehensive view of influencing factors, customer perceptions, motivators, barriers, and pitfalls resulting from identified barriers. The study significantly advances the theoretical landscape of green consumption by utilizing the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework to broaden the understanding of consumer perceptions and responses towards green consumerism while also making substantial contributions to the Behavioral Reasoning Theory (BRT) framework, identifying reasons that influence or deter green consumption behaviors. Our study provides valuable insights for policymakers to develop effective regulatory frameworks and policies to encourage sustainable consumer behavior. It offers guidance for marketers to adjust their strategies, focusing on transparency and authenticity to foster consumer trust and promote positive perceptions of green initiatives.

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.

Assessment of the effectiveness of management at the regional level based on the analysis of the activities of authorities

Relevance. The problem of effective management of regional development is becoming more and more urgent due to the emergence of new conditions (obstacles) of functioning, which pose the task of creating programs for the most effective management of subjects to the regions of Russia and executive authorities. It is important to note the choice of the subject: the Kursk region is an important region of the Central Federal District due to its potential and geographical location.The subject has a specialization in important sectors of the entire Russian economy, but at the same time may face inefficient management, which will cause a decline in the regional economy. The purpose is to assess the effectiveness of management of an economic entity on the example of the Kursk region by analyzing the activities of executive authorities.Objectives: to establish the parameters of effective management; to study regional policy as a means of increasing the effectiveness of regional development; to study methods for assessing the effectiveness of regional development through the prism of actions of public authorities; to compare the economic structures of the Kursk region and neighboring regions of the region using specific methodologies; to identify the main problems in the development of the Kursk region.Methodology. To carry out the research, methods of system analysis and synthesis, statistical data processing, as well as comparative and expert analysis are used. The results of the study include an analysis of the effectiveness of regional policy in the Kursk region and the identification of the main problems in the activities of government agencies that affect the economic growth of the subject.Conclusions. The Kursk Region is an ambiguous region regarding the quality of regional economic management. Studying the state support of subjects, their management by authorities, we can say that in the field of ecology and industrial development, the state supports the region sufficiently, since these areas are specialized in the region, which cannot be said about other areas. Despite the weak development of other industries, the state needs to provide significant support to such specialized sectors as agriculture and industry.

ТЕОРЕТИЧНИЙ АНАЛІЗ ПОНЯТТЯ РЕГУЛЯТОРНА ПОЛІТИКА У ПЛАНУВАННІ ТА ЗАБУДОВІ МІСТА: ОСНОВНІ ПІДХОДИ ТА СУЧАСНІ ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ

Regulatory policy in the field of urban planning and development is a key element of public administration aimed at ensuring economic stability, social welfare and sustainable development. In the conditions of globalization and intensive technological progress, effective regulation of urban planning processes is becoming more and more important for solving modern challenges. The purpose of this study is to carry out a theoretical analysis of the concept of regulatory policy in urban planning and development, to study the main approaches to its implementation, as well as to determine modern trends and opportunities for adapting international experience for Ukraine. In particular, the research aims to identify effective models of regulatory policy that can be integrated into national legislation and practice to improve the management of urban development. The research uses a comprehensive approach, which includes the analysis of scientific publications, comparative analysis of regulatory policies of different countries, methods of critical literature review and data synthesis. Special attention is paid to the experience of countries such as the USA, Germany and Singapore, where various approaches to the regulation of urban planning processes are used. The analysis showed that regulatory policy in urban planning and development is a multifaceted phenomenon, which includes such basic approaches as zoning, strategic spatial planning, energy efficiency, integration of transport infrastructure and active involvement of the public in the decision‒ making process. Modern trends in regulatory policy have been identified, including innovative approaches to planning, the use of digital technologies, an emphasis on sustainable development and environmental safety. A comparative analysis of the regulatory policies of the USA, Germany, and Singapore made it possible to identify effective models that can be adapted to the conditions of Ukraine. The study confirmed that an effective regulatory policy is an important prerequisite for sustainable economic development, social stability and protection of citizens' rights. Further research should focus on the integration of digital technologies into regulatory processes, improvement of control and monitoring mechanisms, which will contribute to the sustainable development of cities in Ukraine.

A systematic review of information literacy models in Yunnan province’s physical education faculty

This research aimed to explore the concerning characteristics of information literacy in the physical education faculty of higher education institutions in Yunnan Province. This study provides a systematic meta-analysis of 33 peer-reviewed papers from 2019 to 2023. It discusses that information literacy includes basic research skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which include their application in the learning process. The paper describes some approaches that can be used to implement information literacy into teaching and learning, including courses with learning objectives, learner-centered approaches, and institutional support. The study also explored technology and its relation to adopting competencies for the growing technologies’ evolution within the region’s education sector. In addition, the following factors could have enhanced the process: time constraints, differences in discipline, and variations in the usage of information technology. The results indicate the need for context-specific professional learning and policy intervention to facilitate the practice of physical education faculty in Yunnan. The information collected here serves as the framework for effective regional policies regarding education, curriculum, and teacher training, among other related aspects.

The prevalence of kratom use and association with co-occurring substance use among adolescents: a 2022 Bangkok behavioral surveillance survey, Thailand

Thailand removed kratom from the list of prohibited substances in 2021, possession and consumption of Kratom is now legal. It is prohibited from selling Kratom to anyone under the age of 18 and/or who is pregnant or breastfeeding. While there are benefits from kratom use with few reported adverse effects, escalating dose and increased use frequency raise the risk for toxic events in the setting of polysubstance use or development of a use disorder. We utilized data from the Behavior Surveillance Survey in Bangkok (n = 5,740) to examine the use of kratom with other substances use in the 12 months before the survey. The prevalence of past-year kratom use among students was 9.3% (95%CI = 8.7–9.9), with higher proportions of males (12.4 versus 6.1%, p < 0.001). The factors associated with past 12-month kratom use were academic performance (Medium GPA; AOR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.76–3.29; Low GPA; AOR = 4.15, 95% CI = 2.94–5.87), close friend use substance (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.44–2.59), cannabis use (AOR = 6.84, 95% CI = 4.61–10.15), consumed alcohol (AOR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.77–3.02), smoked conventional cigarettes (AOR = 4.20, 95% CI = 3.16–5.58), used e-cigarettes (AOR = 4.37, 95% CI = 3.30-5.79) used illicit opioids (AOR = 8.13, 95% CI = 4.35–15.18), and other illicit drug use (AOR = 9.15, 95% CI = 3.78–22.14). These findings may be useful for the initial targeting of efforts to reduce adolescent consumption of kratom. Future studies should examine the effect of regulatory policies or other Thai FDA-related policies use of illicit drugs and e-cigarettes on kratom use.

Crafting effective regulatory policies for psychedelics: What can be learned from the case of cannabis?

The turn of the century brought a resurgence of interest in psychedelics as a treatment for addiction and other psychiatric conditions, accompanied by extensive positive media attention and private equity investment. Government regulatory bodies in Australia, Israel, Canada and the United States now permit use of psychedelics for medical purposes. In the United States, citizen action and corporate financing have led to petitions and ballot initiatives to legalize psilocybin and other psychedelics for medical and recreational use. Given this momentum, policymakers must grapple with important questions that define whether and how psychedelics are made available to the public, as well as how companies produce and promote them. The current push to broaden the production, sale, and use of psychedelics bears many parallels to the movement to legalize cannabis in the United States and other nations-most notably, the use of poorly-evidenced therapeutic claims to create a de facto recreational market via the health care system. Experience with cannabis highlights the value of debating the question of legalization for nonmedical use as such rather than misrepresenting it as a medical issue. The lessons of cannabis policy also suggest a need to challenge hyping of psychedelic research findings; to promote rigorous clinical research on dosing and potency; to minimize the influence of for-profit industry in shaping policies to their economic advantage; and to coordinate federal, state, and local governments to regulate the manufacture, sale and distribution of psychedelic drugs (regardless of whether they are legalized for medical and/or recreational use).

Towards definitive categories for online video game money laundering

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate how best to classify money laundering through online video games (i.e. virtual laundering). Currently, there is no taxonomy available for scholars and practitioners to refer to when discussing money laundering through online video games. Without a well-defined taxonomy it becomes difficult to reason through, formulate and implement effective regulatory measures, policies and security controls. As such, efforts to prevent and reduce virtual laundering incidence rates are hampered.Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposes three mutually exclusive virtual laundering categorizations. However, instead of fixating on the processes undergirding individual instances of virtual laundering, it is argued that focusing on the initial locale of the illicit proceeds provides the appropriate framing within which to classify instances of virtual laundering. Thus, the act of classification becomes an ontological endeavour, rather than an attempt at elucidating an inherently varied process (as is common of the placement, layering and integration model).FindingsA taxonomy is proposed that details three core virtual laundering processes. It is demonstrated how different virtual laundering categories have varied levels of associated risk, and thus, demand unique interventions.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first taxonomy available in the knowledge base that systematically classifies instances of virtual laundering. The taxonomy is available for scholars and practitioners to use and apply when discussing how to regulate and formulate legislation, policies and appropriate security controls.

An Agent-Based Market Analysis of Urban Housing Balance in The Netherlands

The Dutch housing market comprises three sectors: social-rented, private-rented, and owner-occupied. The contemporary market is marked by a shortage of supply and a large subsidised social sector. Waiting lists for social housing are growing, whereas households with incomes above the limit do not or cannot leave the social sector. Government policy and market regulations change frequently, not least for political reasons. In view of commonly recognised problems in the housing market, this article considers the ‘internal demand’ of those households that are dissatisfied with their current residence. We examine the effects of regulatory policy by means of an exploratory agent-based simulation. The results provide perspectives on how internal demand is impacted by regulations in a housing market that is suffering from a shortage, and allow decision makers to weigh the pros and cons of policy measures.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ВЛИЯНИЯ ГЛОБАЛЬНЫХ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИХ ТЕНДЕНЦИЙ И ГЕОПОЛИТИЧЕСКИХ СДВИГОВ НА ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ РЕГИОНАЛЬНОЙ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОЙ ПОЛИТИКИ

The purpose of the article is to investigate the processes of influence of global economic trends and geopolitical shifts on the formation and implementation of regional economic policy. Discussion: theoretical research and practical aspects of research, identification and justification of directions for the formation and implementation of effective regional economic policy are very complex and contradictory, which confirms the importance and significance of the issue under consideration. Results: the article attempts to study the processes, trends and geopolitical shifts that have a significant impact on the effectiveness of regional economic policy, as well as analyze specific areas that should be formed to achieve strategic goals. The relevance of this article is determined by the fact that in order to form an effective economic policy in the regions, taking into account the ongoing global economic trends and geopolitical shifts, it is necessary to analyze and monitor processes, as well as identify deviations and possible weaknesses that require additional research at the meso level. This article serves as a starting point for a deeper understanding of the vectors of implementation of regional economic policy in the Russian Federation. Analyzing the ongoing processes and ongoing reforms, the degree of their impact on macro and meso-economic indicators and processes taking place in the external environment, the author makes a modest contribution to the scientific discourse on regional economic development. The scientific approach, combined with data and digital support from reputable sources, emphasize the importance of implemented strategies, taking into account the specifics of the region, to solve problems and use the existing potential and the transforming economic landscape. Thus, the study of the impact of global economic trends and geopolitical shifts on the formation of regional economic policy remains at the forefront of the regional economic agenda of the state.

From waste to wealth: Policies to promote the circular economy

This policy article addresses the urgent need for a comprehensive policy framework to advance the circular economy, a crucial strategy in mitigating the global waste and pollution crisis. It seeks to bridge the research gap by evaluating and structuring circular economy policies across various governance levels, employing an ecological economics perspective. Through a synthesis of literature and case studies, the article examines the effectiveness of regulatory policies, economic incentives, and voluntary measures, and confronts the cultural, behavioral, economic, regulatory, technical, and logistical barriers to implementation. The findings underscore the importance of integrated policy approaches, such as extended producer responsibility, environmental taxes, and corporate sustainability practices, offering actionable insights for stakeholders. This contribution is significant for its strategic recommendations, which are vital for transitioning towards sustainable development and operationalizing the circular economy in practice.