Foreign Technology Research Articles

The effects of climate change technology spillovers on carbon emissions across European countries

To unravel the challenges in the global diffusion of climate-friendly technologies, this investigation analyzes the diffusion of climate change-related technologies across countries. By using an unbalanced panel of selected European countries over the period 1990-2020, this investigation quantifies the carbon dioxide (CO2) emission effects of the diffusion of climate change-related technologies that are mediated by imports, geographical and technological proximity and free diffusion of technologies. In this study, the effects of domestic development of climate change-related technologies, population and affluence are also accounted for, and the emission effects are estimated using a fixed-effects panel model with instrumental variables. The instrumental variable for foreign technology spillovers is based on the technology support policies adopted in foreign countries. As expected, international spillovers of climate-friendly technologies are negatively linked to CO2 emissions, thus promoting emission reductions across the region. Importantly, emission reductions in Europe are more strongly influenced by international technology spillovers than by domestic innovation activities. Moreover, while all the analyzed technology diffusion channels appear relevant, the results are the most robust regarding import-mediated technology spillovers. Insights from this study support policy recommendations, especially in the trade policy context.

Technological sovereignty as a factor of competitiveness of oil and gas companies of the Russian Federation

Aim. To investigate the importance of technological sovereignty for strengthening the competitive positions of Russian oil and gas companies.Objectives. To identify the key factors that determine the level of technological independence of oil and gas companies; to assess how these factors affect their ability to compete successfully at the national and international levels.Methodology. The research uses general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis using a systematic approach.Results. The essence of technological independence as a factor in the development of competitiveness of companies in the oil and gas sector was analyzed. The assumption is formulated that the achievement of technological sovereignty allows companies to mitigate risks arising from external factors, including international sanctions and restrictions on access to advanced foreign technologies. Several strategic initiatives have been proposed to strengthen the technological sovereignty of the domestic oil and gas industry: training of highly qualified personnel, introduction of tax incentives and subsidies from the state for companies, creation of special economic zones or technology parks, protection of intellectual property and support for patent activity.Conclusions. Technological independence is the most effective method in the context of the struggle of Russian industrial companies against external challenges: sanctions and changes in global energy markets. The development of national technologies in the oil and gas sector due to the synergetic effect has a positive impact on strengthening the competitive advantages of Russian national companies in both domestic and international markets. In order to ensure technological sovereignty, special attention should be paid to the development of strategic risk management mechanisms, as well as effective communication models between the state, industry, and science.

Can financial development help alleviate the resource curse? Evidence from 286 cities in China

The resource curse adversely affects the sustainability of economic growth. A sound financial system helps improve capital rational allocation, which may be an effective path for alleviating the resource curse. Thus, from both theoretical and empirical perspectives, using Chinese 286 cities panel data from 2003 to 2018, this study examines the effects and potential mechanisms of financial development on the resource curse. For this purpose, a two–sector endogenous growth model is first constructed for the theoretical analysis, while panel vector autoregression, Hansen's threshold regression, and dynamic panel models are used for further empirical investigation. The results show that the resource curse is widespread across Chinese cities. Financial development can alleviate such a curse when it passes the threshold value; however, most cities have not passed this value yet. Foreign direct investment, education, and technology have a positive mediating effect on financial development and its impact on the resource curse.

Macrolithic retouched blades from Kałdus and Stare Marzy: foreign technology and new ideology in the lithic traditions of the TRB communities in the Lower Vistula region

At the turn of the 20th and 21st century, over a dozen macrolithic retouched blades or their fragments were obtained from archaeological sites at Kałdus and Stare Marzy, located in the Lower Vistula region in northern Poland. The context of deposition links the blades to the settlements of the younger Funnel Beaker culture (3650/3500–3300/3100 BC). This article presents and discusses the results of morphological, technological, and raw material investigations of the macrolithic retouched blades or their fragments from Kałdus and Stare Marzy and relates them to the patterns of use and cultural significance of the macrolithic industry in the local TRB communities. The obtained results show that the retouched blades were made of high-quality flint materials sourced from the Polish and Ukrainian Uplands, namely Świeciechów, Volhynian and Jurassic flints. The results, furthermore, indicate that production technology of macrolithic retouched blades is very specific and, what is more important, it is not rooted in the lithic traditions of the region. Archaeological evidence from this study suggests exceptional patterns of use of macrolithic retouched blades in the Lower Vistula region and their perception by local TRB people, which can be traced to the Eneolithic milieu located southeast of the Polish Lowlands.

Rethinking diversification: Assessing the impact of energy concentration on climate change in rentier and non-rentier countries

Energy diversification, a critical strategy for environmental protection, has been surprisingly understudied in academic discourse. This paper seeks to address this gap by investigating the relationship between energy diversification and climate change in 76 countries from 1990 to 2020. We employ panel data techniques, and the system generalized method of moments (SYS-GMM) to analyze the impact of energy diversification, as measured by the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, on CO2 emissions. Additionally, control variables such as economic growth, trade openness, foreign direct investment, information and technology adoption, natural resource rents, and urbanization are included in the model. The analysis is re-estimated for various country groupings based on income level and resource dependence (rentier vs. non-rentier). The findings reveal a significant positive association between energy concentration and CO2 emissions across all country groups, with the most pronounced impact is observed in middle-income, resource-rich economies (i.e., middle-income rentiers). The study also highlights differing effects of diversification on CO2 emissions between high-income and middle-income nations, which reflects the prevalence of non-rentier economies among high-income countries and rentier economies in middle-income countries. The causal relationship between CO2 emissions and energy diversification in different groups of countries is tested using the panel Granger causality test. The results reveal strong bidirectional causality between CO2 emissions and energy diversification in all country groups analyzed, except for middle-income rentier countries. By elucidating the multifaceted relationship between energy diversification and climate change, this study aims to provide valuable policy recommendations to advance sustainable development and environmental management.

Life cycle management of critical refurbishable parts of ship equipment

To ensure the product life cycle (PLC), foreign and domestic information technologies have been developed that mainly ensure the stages of design and manufacture of products, but they do not allow for automation of the design of technologies for restoration and strengthening of parts. The relevance of restoration of critical parts of ship equipment is due to dependence on foreign supplies of equipment and spare parts (SP), as well as sanctions from unfriendly states, which complicated the acquisition of SP, and the need for import independence arose. The paper shows that life cycle management of a restored part has a significant impact on the efficiency of marine fleet operation, and provides stages and main sub-stages of the life cycle of restored parts of ship equipment. Restoration of parts is considered appropriate if the required durability and savings are ensured compared to manufacturing or purchasing a new part. The concept of life cycle management of restored parts is provided. Life cycle management of restored parts includes planning, control and management of all stages, as well as decision-making to ensure the durability of the part through the use of advanced materials and coating formation technologies. The stage of the life cycle of the restored part, determining the service life of the part, the economic efficiency of its restoration and subsequent operation, is the technological process that ensures the optimal chemical composition, mechanical and structural parameters of the coating. All the properties of the restored part are laid down at the stage of designing the technological process. The prospects of using the life cycle management of the restored part are shown using the example of restoring precision parts of the fuel equipment of marine diesel engines. The use of various technologies for the same type of restored precision parts allows obtaining coatings with different chemical composition, mechanical properties, structure and, accordingly, different values of durability and cost price to ensure the specified service life of the tribological unit at an acceptable price.

Foreign investment screening mechanisms and emergent geographies of (post)globalization

Technologically advanced states and large emerging economies increasingly use foreign investment screening mechanisms (FISM) to block inward foreign investment targeting sectors considered critical. Is the proliferation of FISM auguring an era of deglobalization, a re-assertion of national-state sovereignty over globalized economic ties, and the end of neoliberal orthodoxies of liberalized investment regimes? To answer these questions, the article draws upon geographic political economy and legal geographies. It argues that the multiplication of FISM is a response to a strategic context defined by three macrogeographic trends: (1) contemporary industrial restructuring and the salience of intellectual property-based monopolies; (2) a historic episode of centralization of capital driven by strategic mergers and acquisitions; and (3) evolving landscapes of state capitalism under conditions of intensified geoeconomic competition. Although FISM reproduce the fiction of state power as expressing the will of the sovereign nation to defend itself against foreign interference, market distortion, and technology theft, they consist of legally enshrining state authority to support national champions, and making sure they engage favorably with competitive dynamics of capital centralization, notably by conserving their monopoly over key intangible assets and strategic resources. FISM are best seen as tools that explicitly mobilize state power and coercion to aggressively (re)negotiate globalization.

Measuring technological development and sovereignty

The article discusses the issue of measuring technological sovereignty, which is essential for developing a scientific and technical strategy to enhance Russia’s technological independence. Index methods do not provide an accurate representation of the level of technological sovereignty. Solving this problem requires assessing the efficiency of economic technologies. The aim of the study is to explain the direct (non-indexed) method of measuring technology sovereignty, taking into account qualitative features of technologies. The study employs the theory of technological change and empirical regression analysis and uses statistical data from the Russian economy as its information base. A general algorithm for measuring technological independence is proposed. It is applied to each technological area separately, considering the qualitative characteristics of the technologies used. An indicator for assessing the level of producibility is calculated based on the ratio of innovative to non-innovative products and services. The impact of investments in new and old technologies on this indicator is assessed, allowing to obtain a structural picture of Russia’s technological development and renewal. The general conclusion is that investments in new technologies have not been a determining factor in increasing the level of producibility for the Russian economy. The measurement of technological sovereignty requires changes to the federal statistical system for tracking technological development. This would not only allow for a more accurate quantification of the superiority of domestically produced technologies over imported ones but would also reflect the qualitative aspects of potential dependence on foreign technologies in a more comprehensive way. It is important to identify the balance between new and obsolete technologies, as well as between domestic and foreign-produced technologie

Global value chain embedding and enterprise energy efficiency: A worldwide firm-level analysis

Global value chain embedding brings growth opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, despite their continuously controversial environmental effects. This study examines the impact of global value chain embedding on the energy efficiency of small and medium-sized enterprises using a worldwide firm-level micro data. Results support that global value chain embedding significantly improves enterprise energy efficiency, and this conclusion holds even after self-selection and endogeneity are considered. Global value chain embedding promotes enterprise innovation and labor productivity through market scale and induced learning effects and improves the energy efficiency. Moreover, the evidence only supports the lock-in effect of low value-added, while the lock-in hypothesis of pollution link and foreign technology is invalid. The positive impact of global value chain embedding on energy efficiency is greater for non-high-tech industries, mainly coming from export learning effect and innovation effect. Furthermore, there is no industry heterogeneity in the lock-in effect. Country heterogeneity in the effect of global value chain embedding on energy efficiency characteristics of regional embedding and industrialization, but not to economic development and human capital.

Model test and analyses for a mixed-flow pumping system in the S-to-N Water Diversion Project of China

Abstract Baoying Pumping Station as the first station built in the East Route of the S-to-N Water Diversion Project in China, due to the importance of water source project and its 5000 hours yearly operating time, a serial of model tests and other measures were taken to secure its safety and high efficiency operation. Through the comparative model tests in the preliminary design stage, it was made clear that mixed-flow pump was the right direction of pump selection. The acceptance model test indicated that all performance requirements were satisfied and the head-weighted efficiency of the pumping system reached 80.5%, which was about 7 percentages higher than that obtained in the preliminary research and a good foundation for its efficient and economical operation was laid. The optimization design of inlet and outlet flow passages was not significant for improve the efficiency of pumping system. The verification test results were very close to the acceptance test results, and have been confirmed each other. The international bidding and mechanism of joint venture in purchasing main equipment for Baoying pumping station proved to be a success in introducing advanced foreign technology, and its construction experience can provide a useful reference for similar pumping stations.

Стратегирование развития малого бизнеса в Российской Федерации

At the present stage of development of the Russian economy, under conditions of increasing external and internal challenges, such as sanctions and limited access to foreign technologies, there is an increasing need for the development and implementation of strategies that promote the sustainable development of small businesses. These circumstances are of particular relevance in the context of the desire to ensure economic independence and increase the competitiveness of the national economy. In this regard, this study is aimed at identifying and systematizing the basic principles of strategic management, adapted to the operating conditions of small businesses in Russia. The authors of the article focus on the theoretical foundations of strategic management, including SWOT analysis, macro-environmental analysis and strategic planning, and their applicability to small businesses. Based on an analysis of scientific literature, monographs and practical studies, the authors identified key aspects that should be taken into account when formulating development strategies for small enterprises. The article highlights and details the main practical recommendations for increasing the sustainability and competitiveness of small businesses, including adaptation to changing external and internal conditions, as well as optimal allocation of resources and innovative development. In conclusion, it is concluded that strategic planning and management, based on in-depth and comprehensive analysis, play a key role in ensuring the long-term development of small businesses in Russia.

CHINA’S LEADERSHIP IN NEW ENERGY VEHICLES: STRATEGIES AND GLOBAL IMPACT

This article examines the transformative effect of China’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) initiatives, highlighting its importance in global automotive innovation and environmental sustainability. While the term NEV is exclusively associated with China, it also encompasses electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cells, as a result of the country’s strategic push to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. China’s dominance in the NEV sector is attributed to its policies, which include substantial subsidies and tax benefits, as well as a rapidly expanding domestic market and robust infrastructure investments. The article examines the way these policies have facilitated domestic production, pushed technological advancements, and improved production efficiency. It emphasizes China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, which aims to increase the market share of NEVs and develop infrastructure while aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060. The analysis suggests that other nations could be benefited by adopting similar strategies, which include government support, R&D investment, and infrastructure expansion, to create their own NEV industries. The issue of integrating foreign technology and developing local expertise is also addressed, along with potential challenges and solutions. Keywords: new energy vehicles, charging infrastructure, battery technology, sustainable transportation, market expansion, international partnerships.

Evaluating efficiency of foreign object detection technology based on the use of passive infrared thermography

A new method for detecting subsurface solid objects buried in farmlands, such as plastic bottles, wasted cans, etc., has been proposed by applying the technique of infrared (IR) thermography to monitor the temperature of soil surface subjected to solar irradiation. Through both experimentation and simulation, this study parameterizes the influence of environmental factors on IR images and validates the detection capabilities of the method. To verify the feasibility of IR thermography testing, the experimental section of the work is devoted to monitoring aluminum and polyethylene terephthalate cans buried in sand with varying grades of moisture. The dependencies between the efficiency of foreign object detection and their depth are derived. A restoring pseudothermal flux algorithm was used to reduce the impact of lateral diffusion on IR thermographic detection of foreign objects buried in soil. Variations of soil temperature caused by varying solar radiation during multiple day-night cycles are used to improve the detectable diameter-depth ratio. The described technique is efficient and provides no harm to human beings.

Imported inputs and productivity: Unraveling the dynamics in India's manufacturing sector

AbstractThis study investigates effects of imported intermediate inputs on firms' productivity in the Indian manufacturing. We use a panel data of manufacturing firms from 2001 to 2021 and adopt the production function approach for analysis. Our results confirm the crucial role of all three imported input types at aggregated and disaggregated levels. However, the productivity effect of imported raw materials is the largest, followed by finished goods and capital inputs. Results show the role of imports is marginally higher for high innovation, specialist‐suppliers and science‐based industries. We also show that spillover effects of foreign technology embodied in imported capital goods.

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY

The article is devoted to the study of the main trends in the development of digital technologies in the financial sector of the economy, namely, the topic is relevant in the context of rapid globalization, digitalization and transition to digital ecosystems. The modern financial sector of the economy at different stages of its life cycle cannot function without the use of digital technologies. In addition, online activity, browsing social networks, and web pages, and using various applications are essential for civil society. The purpose of this paper is to study the changing impact of advanced technologies on digital security, as well as to substantiate the trends in the development of digital technologies in the financial sector of the economy.The article characterizes the risks arising from the digitalization of the economy - the results of the analysis show that the effective use of these factors can stimulate the competitiveness of financial institutions. The level of threat in data management is investigated, which should be taken into account when forecasting potential threats of digitalization in the financial sector of the economy, which allows the management of institutions to optimize: financial, human and technological resources for risk management and take measures to offset possible losses from cyber threats and restore the stable development of economic systems.The article identifies trends in the development of digital technologies in the financial sector of the economy that require detailed study and provide for the transition to a modern digital financial platform. This transition will not only strengthen the country's domestic market, increasing the level of independence from the import of foreign technologies but will also contribute to improving the global importance of the economy. Therefore, the use of digital technologies in the financial sector of the economy is of key importance, and effective financing in the new economic reality largely ensures the success of the country's socio-economic development.

Capital Inflow and Technical Efficiency: A Comparative Analysis Between India and China

This article empirically investigates the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the technical efficiency of manufacturing firms in India and China. We apply the first-stage, stochastic frontier analysis (SFA), to the translog production frontier. The first-stage method estimates simultaneously consider exogenous technical efficiency determinants and translog production function factors. We take foreign ownership and foreign inputs as exogenous determinants of technical efficiency with control variables and foreign technology input in the production frontier. Empirical results find that foreign technology shifts the production frontier by enhancing productivity for Chinese firms, not for Indian firms. Furthermore, domestic firms which use foreign inputs and foreign firms are more efficient. JEL Classification: F14, O31, O32

Foreign Direct Investment and Technology Licensing in a Polluting Industry

We consider a firm’s incentive for foreign direct investment (FDI) and international technology licensing in a polluting industry. We explain the rationale and the welfare implications of complementarity between FDI and licensing, i.e., the firm’s strategy of “FDI and licensing” (FL), which is empirically relevant but ignored in the literature. When the environmental tax cannot be committed, the firm adopts the licensing strategy if the pollution intensity is not high, and the licensing strategy may create lower consumer surplus and welfare compared to both FDI and FL. However, if the pollution intensity is high, the firm undertakes FL, which provide higher consumer surplus and welfare compared to both licensing and FDI. When the government can commit to the environmental tax, the firm always prefers FL. The host-country welfare is higher but the consumer surplus and world welfare may be lower under the committed tax policy compared to the non-committed tax policy. These results hold under Cournot competition and Stackelberg competition. We further show that FL can be the equilibrium strategy of the foreign firm if there is fixed-fee licensing instead of a two-part tariff licensing, which is considered in the main analysis.

The middle technology trap: China in a comparative perspective

This article examines the concept of the "middle technology trap" as a critical challenge for China in transitioning from a middle-income to a high-income economy. It argues that overcoming this trap is essential for China to achieve high-quality economic development and sustain its growth momentum. The study compares China's technological landscape with that of both developed economies and those stuck in the middle-income trap, identifying the necessity of transitioning from applied to original technology for economic leapfrogging. Through comprehensive analysis, it is highlighted that China's current technological capabilities, although leading in certain areas, predominantly remain at an intermediate level, characterized by a significant reliance on foreign core technologies and a lack of original technological innovation. The paper further explores historical contexts, policy implications, and strategic reforms required to navigate this trap, emphasizing the importance of an open policy, the cultivation of a robust innovation ecosystem, and the strategic role of government in facilitating technological progress and industrial upgrading. It draws on the experiences of developed economies and successful latecomers, advocating for a "new whole nation system" that embraces openness and global integration, rather than isolation. By analyzing the complex interplay between technology diffusion, talent migration, industrial policies, and the global geopolitical landscape, this study provides insights into the systemic reforms and strategic initiatives China must undertake. It stresses the need for a balanced approach between leveraging external technologies and fostering domestic innovation capabilities to escape the middle technology trap and secure a position as a global technology leader. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on technology-led development strategies and offer policy recommendations for economies facing similar technological and developmental challenges.

Intelligence and safety: research progress and trends in multiphase flow separation technology and equipment

At present, with the rapid development of industrial automation and information technology, intelligence has become a key trend to improve the efficiency and safety of industrial equipment. Multiphase flow separation technology is an important link in the energy, chemical, and other industries, and the intelligent upgrade of its equipment and the study of safety technology are of great significance for improving the energy savings, environmental protection level, and production safety of the whole industry. This paper carries out a comprehensive study of domestic and foreign multiphase flow separation technology and equipment, combines the current scientific research background, future research trends, and the structural integrity and safety technology of pressurized equipment, analyzes the current challenges, and puts forward reasonable development suggestions for comprehensively upgrading the intelligence, stability, and reliability of separation equipment.

Russia and China: Motives, Opportunities, and Risks of Technological Partnership

After external trade restrictions were imposed on Russia and China in recent years, their access to foreign technologies decreased. This created new incentives for scientific and technological partnership between the two countries. In addition, an analysis of strategic documents indicates that the US and the EU are likely to increase economic and technological pressure in the future. This article analyzes China’s experience in shoring up technological sovereignty under sanctions, an exercise which can be instructive for many countries. China’s long-term scientific and technological policy follows a catch-up development model, which has enabled a transition from borrowing simple technologies via specialized institutions (joint ventures, special economic zones, etc.) to global leadership in R&D and technologies that has been made possible through developing human capital and applying preferential treatment to local innovative businesses. Although Russia is one of the world’s leading scientific and technological centers, to some extent it lags in developing high-tech businesses and exports. Moreover, for some time it has been importing advanced products and technologies, some of which are now being quickly replaced by Chinese versions as Western companies have exited. The article applies a SWOT analysis to Russian-Chinese scientific and technological cooperation in order to highlight the benefits of this collaboration, especially concerning machine tools, microelectronics, and aerospace. The benefits from such partnership will materialize for most high-tech industries over the long run by means of joint scientific research. However, one cannot ignore the risks for Russia due to increased technological dependence on a single partner and the potential outflow of personnel and technology, as well as risks for China related to potential secondary sanctions.