Governance Framework Research Articles

Navigating the ‘wild west’: governance challenges and solutions in (un)healthy esports sponsorship

ABSTRACT Esports sponsorship lacks an overarching governance framework, particularly regarding the involvement of unhealthy brands. Building on previous literature on sport governance, this study aims to identify the governance challenges presented by unhealthy brands in esports sponsorship and explore how esports sponsorship might best be governed. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with UK-based esports players (n = 11) and fans (n = 10), this study offers original insights into esports sponsorship governance, revealing a thin and ‘wild west’ governance landscape, characterised by a vulnerable financial structure, imbalanced power nexus and a lack of stakeholder representation. Findings highlight that despite concerns about the involvement of unhealthy brands, key stakeholders such as players and fans feel somewhat powerless to influence sponsorship decision-making due to the overreliance of esports on sponsorship revenue. In response, an integrated governance model comprising a multistakeholder approach and individual responsibilisation is proposed to address the challenges. Within such a model, individuals have responsibility for their own consumption choices, but this should be supported by education around healthy consumption of sponsor products and services. Another key feature of this proposed governance model is the representation of all key stakeholders within the sponsorship decision-making process. Consequently, policy makers are recommended to not bluntly remove or ban certain esports sponsorships but learn to trust and empower individuals to make responsible decisions, alongside introducing education initiatives to ensure that sufficient knowledge is provided for informed and guided choices.

From boardroom to sustainability reporting: stakeholder-RBV insights into ESG disclosures among Malaysian banks

Purpose Strengthening ESG strategies in Malaysian banks is necessary as they continue to face difficulties integrating ESG into their strategies and disclosure despite existing government frameworks. This study aims to use stakeholder-resource-based view (RBV) concept to explore how board characteristics and ownership concentration influence ESG disclosure practices in Malaysian banks. Design/methodology/approach The study analysed annual, environmental, social and governance (ESG) and integrated reports of Malaysian banks from 2010 to 2022 to examine the effects of board characteristics on ESG disclosures. Using content analysis and 481 balanced data sets, ordinary least squares (OLS) and robust regressions were applied, with interaction terms testing the moderating effects of ownership concentration. Findings Board independence negatively impacts ESG disclosure in Malaysian banks, suggesting that independent directors may not prioritise sustainability. Board size, diversity and sustainability committees positively influence ESG practices. Ownership concentration interactions reinforce these findings, but board independence remains negatively significant. Research limitations/implications Future research should expand the sample to other emerging markets, explore a wider range of bank board attributes and use advanced econometric methods to increase the generalisability of the results. Practical implications The study impacts theory, financial institutions and policy, redefining ESG practices in Malaysian banking. It highlights the role of board characteristics and the importance of ownership concentration. Several practical recommendations are provided. Social implications The study impacts theory, financial institutions and policy by redefining ESG practices within Malaysian banking. It highlights the significance of board characteristics and ownership concentration, offering several practical recommendations. Originality/value The study fills gaps in the literature by examining the impact of board characteristics on ESG disclosures through content and statistical analyses. It integrates stakeholder theory with RBV to provide novel insights into ESG reporting in Malaysian banks, highlighting the role of high ownership concentration in emerging markets.

A benchmarking and evidence-informed gap analysis of the hemodialysis care provision in Iran

BackgroundPatients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) are increasing worldwide. This is especially paramount in low and middle income countries in which ESRD patients are struggling to access specialist services e.g. hemodialysis (HD). Benchmarking analysis of the offered healthcare packages in several countries and comparison of the utilized alternative healthcare models for ESRD patients may be auspicious for institutional capacity-building in the existing healthcare facilities. Main aim of this study was to perform a benchmarking and evidence-informed gap analysis of the ESRD care provision in Iran and recognize the gaps that cause diversification in care quality for ESRD patients that hinder efforts for care quality improvement in the Iranian National Healthcare System.MethodsDimensions of the Australian Anglicare Southern Queensland Clinical and Care Governance Framework (ASQCGF) were utilized as corner stones of a comprehensive clinical care plan that is essential in responding to HD patients’ needs in Iran. An extensive literature search was performed at the next stage to recognize the gold standard core elements. The ascertained components were assigned to the five separate dimensions of the ASQCGF and a preliminary draft (comprehensive package of care for HD patients) was prepared. A checklist was developed at a later stage which was sent to a panel of expert consisting professional healthcare providers in nephrology and hemodialysis wards for their opinions. A gap analysis was conducted to evaluate current care processes of the Iranian HD patients align with the elements of the gold standard framework.ResultsThe identified deficits were classified in five areas in accord with the elements of ASQCGF as follow: A) supply of resources, medical devices and equipment support B) recruitment and endorsement of clinics and general work force C) infection prevention and controlling procedures D) care effectiveness monitoring and quality improvement E) provision of safe environment for both HD patients and hospitals’ staff.ConclusionsThe study findings revealed considerable gaps in providing quality HD services to the Iranian HD patients that herald their therapeutic unmet needs and the shift that is needed to narrow down the widening organizational failure which fuels the current disenchantment among the both healthcare providers and HD patients.

Reality vs. Expectations in the Implementation of Urban Agricultural Projects—A Polycentric Governance Analysis

Population growth and urbanization are threatening food security. Urban agriculture is therefore a solution for urban food production and distribution. This paper investigates a multi-level governance framework to evaluate how local authorities implement their prescriptions at different levels of decision-making and objectives for urban agricultural projects and their role in building urban resilience. A qualitative assessment based on interviews and fieldwork over two periods in 2023 and 2024 was conducted with stakeholders from different entities in the Normandy Region of France, including the metropolis, the city, and two projects’ presidents. The findings revealed a positive alignment on polycentric governance between different entities in terms of socio-economic integration, climate improvement, and nutritional diversity, all of which were achieved by the cases evaluated. Additionally, local authorities are seeking to achieve urban food self-sufficiency in order to reduce the scale of food imports, thus highlighting a limitation and challenging aspect of this study, given that urban areas are compromised by population density, limited space capacity, and the impermanence of projects. This investigation clearly shows that using this combined systematic approach of interviews and fieldwork provides an in-depth understanding of authorities’ needs and assesses the existence of polycentric governance compliance across multiple units.

Financial Soundness Indicators and Operational Sustainability of Deposit-Taking Savings and Credit Cooperatives (Saccos) in Kenya

Deposit-taking SACCOs play a crucial role in the financial sector, especially in developing economies where access to traditional banking services is limited. The operational sustainability of SACCOs is essential not only for their members' financial well-being but also for the overall stability of the financial ecosystem. However, despite regulatory interventions aimed at strengthening financial position, many Sacco’s have indicated a declining performance as shown by decreasing returns ROA) in the last 6 years. Anchored on Agency Theory, Financial Intermediation Theory, and Pecking Order Theory, this study investigated the relationship between liquidity, capital adequacy, corporate governance, and operational sustainability in SACCOs. Using secondary data from SASRA annual reports and individual SACCO financial statements covering the period 2018-2023, a systematic review was conducted focusing on deposit-taking SACCOs in Kenya. The study also reviewed past studies undertaken in this area. The review highlighted that liquidity, measured by the current ratio, significantly contributes to the operational sustainability of SACCOs by enabling them to meet short-term financial demands. Capital adequacy, represented by the CAR, was found to be crucial for SACCOs in absorbing financial shocks and maintaining operations during periods of economic stress. Corporate Governance, specifically board independence, was identified as a key determinant in enhancing SACCOs' financial stability and operational efficiency. The study concludes that effective liquidity management, strong capital buffers, and robust corporate governance frameworks are essential for the long-term sustainability of SACCOs. From the findings, it is recommended that SACCOs adopt better liquidity management practices, strengthen their capital reserves, and improve governance structures to ensure their continued growth and ability to serve their members effectively.

Open-Source AI-based SE Tools: Opportunities and Challenges of Collaborative Software Learning

Large Language Models (LLMs) have become instrumental in advancing software engineering (SE) tasks, showcasing their efficacy in code understanding and beyond. AI code models has demonstrated their value not only in code generating but also in defect detection, enhancing security measures, and improving overall software quality. They are emerging as crucial tools for both software development and maintaining software quality. Like traditional SE tools, open-source collaboration is key in realising the excellent products. However, with AI models, the essential need is in data. The collaboration of these AI-based SE models hinges on maximising the sources of high-quality data. However, data especially of high quality, often holds commercial or sensitive value, making it less accessible for open-source AI-based SE projects. This reality presents a significant barrier to the development and enhancement of AI-based SE tools within the software engineering community. Therefore, researchers need to find solutions for enabling open-source AI-based SE models to tap into resources by different organizations. Addressing this challenge, our position paper investigates one solution to facilitate access to diverse organizational resources for open-source AI models, ensuring privacy and commercial sensitivities are respected. We introduce a governance framework centered on federated learning (FL), designed to foster the joint development and maintenance of open-source AI code models while safeguarding data privacy and security. Additionally, we present guidelines for developers on AI-based SE tool collaboration, covering data requirements, model architecture, updating strategies, and version control. Given the significant influence of data characteristics on federated learning, our research examines the effect of code data heterogeneity on federated learning performance. We consider 6 different scenarios of data distributions and include 4 code models. We also include 4 most common federated learning algorithms. Our experimental findings highlight the potential for employing federated learning in the collaborative development and maintenance of AI-based software engineering models. We also discuss the key issues to be addressed in the co-construction process and future research directions.

Leveraging Qardhul Hasan Practices from Zakat Funds for Sustainable Development: a Maqasid Sharia Perspective and Its Contribution to SDGs in Malaysia

Objective: This study aims to examine the implementation of qardhul hasan from zakat funds within the framework of maqasid sharia, focusing on its potential contributions to sustainable development, particularly in relation to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, the study explores how zakat funds, when used for qardhul hasan, can contribute to SDGs related to poverty alleviation, economic inclusion, and social justice in Malaysia. Theoretical Framework: This research applies Islamic finance theory, particularly maqasid sharia, in the context of zakat fund distribution. Maqasid sharia emphasizes the protection and welfare of the community, aligning with the principles of sustainable development. The theory of sustainable development is linked to Islamic financial practices, particularly in how qardhul hasan can serve as a tool for economic empowerment and social equity. Method: A qualitative research approach is employed in this study, utilizing content analysis and semi-structured interviews. Data are collected from various sources, including academic journals, articles, and reports on zakat fund practices in Malaysia. The study evaluates the governance of zakat funds, specifically focusing on the implementation of qardhul hasan as a sustainable financial instrument. Results and Discussion: The study finds that qardhul hasan, when implemented effectively with maqasid sharia principles, can play a crucial role in promoting sustainable development by contributing to poverty alleviation, economic empowerment, and social inclusion. However, challenges remain in the implementation process, including the lack of standardized guidelines for zakat fund governance and the need for greater awareness among stakeholders regarding the potential of qardhul hasan. The study emphasizes the importance of clear governance frameworks and strong partnerships between the government, religious institutions, and the community in ensuring the effectiveness of zakat fund distribution. Research Implications: This research offers practical recommendations for policy makers and practitioners in Islamic finance to enhance the governance of zakat funds. It suggests improving transparency, establishing clear parameters for qardhul hasan, and raising awareness about the role of zakat in achieving SDGs. Collaboration among various stakeholders is essential for maximizing the social and economic benefits of zakat funds. Originality/Value: The originality of this study lies in its exploration of qardhul hasan as a tool for sustainable development, offering insights into its role in advancing the SDGs, particularly in the Malaysian context. This study contributes to the literature on Islamic finance and sustainable development, providing a model for integrating maqasid sharia into zakat fund governance to support sustainable and inclusive societies.

The Horizon of the Third Pole: Mapping future scenarios and strategic responses

The Third Pole region, comprising the vast glaciers and water systems of the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH), is emerging as a key indicator of global climate change. Often referred to as the “Water Tower of Asia,” it sustains nearly 2 billion people through its water resources, yet the region is experiencing unprecedented changes. This review examines the region's evolving climate dynamics, focusing on key climate scenarios and potential strategic responses. The paper synthesizes data from the latest climate models, regional governance frameworks, and international climate policy developments to explore future pathways for the Third Pole. It also delves into the region's socio-economic vulnerabilities, water security challenges, and the geopolitical complexities of transboundary environmental governance. Our findings emphasize the need for proactive adaptation strategies, transboundary cooperation, and innovative policy mechanisms to mitigate climate risks. The review provides a roadmap for policymakers, scientists, and regional stakeholders to navigate the looming environmental crises, highlighting pathways that could forge a resilient future for the Third Pole.

TERRITORIAL BRANDING TOOLS IN THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM: THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS

This study addresses the significant role of territorial branding as a strategic tool in public administration, particularly in the context of increasing globalization and regional competition. As regions strive to distinguish themselves on the global stage, the establishment of unique territorial brands emerges as a means to enhance economic growth, social development, and the overall quality of life for local populations. The paper discusses the necessity of territorial branding in fostering a positive regional image, bolstering regional identity, and attracting investments while promoting tourism and local businesses. Despite the growing interest in this field, there remains a gap in the theoretical understanding of territorial branding and practical guidelines for its implementation within public governance frameworks. This research aims to explore the essence, functions, and mechanisms of territorial branding, providing insights into its impact on shaping a region's image and identity. It emphasizes the importance of developing comprehensive branding strategies that consider the socio-cultural and economic nuances of each area. The analysis includes a review of contemporary scholarly works, highlighting contributions from leading researchers in Ukraine. The findings suggest that successful territorial branding relies on local community engagement, effective communication, and the alignment of branding initiatives with the region's unique cultural and economic resources. The study ultimately advocates for the integration of innovative branding practices into public administration to address contemporary challenges and leverage opportunities for sustainable regional development. Through a methodical examination of existing literature and theoretical models, this paper identifies key factors influencing effective territorial branding, such as cultural heritage, natural resources, economic opportunities, infrastructure, and overall quality of life. By synthesizing these aspects, the research offers practical recommendations for policymakers and public administrators to enhance the effectiveness of territorial branding efforts in Ukraine and beyond. This study serves as a foundational resource for further exploration of territorial branding as an essential component of regional development strategies.

Church partnerships: A holistic approach to addressing social issues in South Africa

For South African communities to achieve substantive progress, the establishment of strategic partnerships is essential for effectively addressing their complex social challenges. Churches, given their profound community presence and moral authority, are urged to join forces with other societal sectors, particularly government and business, to promote comprehensive community development. This article examines the potential for church partnerships with these sectors, investigating how such alliances can foster sustainable and holistic transformation. Central questions driving this inquiry include: What distinct contributions do churches bring to community development partnerships? and how can these partnerships efficiently combine their resources to tackle social, economic, and environmental issues? By assessing the role of the church alongside governmental frameworks and business resources, this study underscores the importance of an integrated approach to development. The church’s involvement not only provides essential support to vulnerable groups but also contributes strategically to the long-term empowerment of communities. This article ultimately underscores the need for combined engagement, demonstrating how a unified approach can amplify the collective impact on social well-being and resilience within South Africa. By highlighting the theological and organisational identities of churches, alongside the distinct capital and power each entity holds, the article seeks to identify common grounds for cooperation, with a particular focus on the church’s capacity to exert positive, morally guided influence within these partnerships.Contribution: The article highlights the significance of a holistic approach that utilises the strengths of churches, businesses and the government to boost social development in South Africa, thereby contributing to community development pathways.

The adoption of information technology governance frameworks by universities in Gauteng province, South Africa

Lately, there has been a rise in personal and commercial use of computer devices, be it mobile phones, laptops, or any other computing devices, not forgetting the network, networking peripherals, and software that these devices function with. That being said, it has led organisations and institutions of higher learning to establish and adhere to Information Technology governance frameworks set out by the government and the higher education sector. White and Greiner (2022) defined Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) as an Information Technology (IT) service management framework that outlines best practices for delivering IT services. Kidd (2019) defined Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies (COBIT) as an IT management framework developed by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) to help businesses develop, organize, and implement strategies around information management and IT governance. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ITIL and COBIT, as IT governance frameworks recommended by the higher education sector in South Africa, were adopted by ICT departments in universities in Gauteng province, South Africa. Data collection was done using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent via email to 52 potential respondents from all the higher institutions in Gauteng. A total of 41 questionnaires were returned. The questionnaire for both ITIL and COBIT frameworks was designed using Google Forms. The study findings showed that universities in Gauteng have adopted ITIL and COBIT as ICT governance frameworks recommended by the Higher Education sector in South Africa. The study's results are crucial for university administrators as they might improve comprehension of the factors affecting the adoption, administration, and utilization of ICT resources to enhance the university's capacities

Data Cataloging as a Catalyst for Effective Data Governance and Improved Decision-Making

Data governance is a foundational component for organizations managing data as a strategic asset in today’s data- driven environments. Effective data governance ensures data quality, security, accessibility, and regulatory compliance, all of which are crucial for maintaining organizational integrity and competitive advantage. This paper explores how data cataloging, as a core tool within data governance frameworks, facilitates metadata management, data lineage tracking, and role-based access control (RBAC). We analyze the technical mechanisms through which data cataloging contributes to governance objectives, such as maintaining data quality and enabling regulatory compliance. Additionally, this study examines the impact of data cataloging on decision-making within organizations, highlighting improvements in decision accuracy, speed, and accountability. By drawing from examples in sectors such as finance and healthcare, this paper outlines the challenges associated with data cataloging implementation, including integration complexity and scalability issues. The paper concludes with future directions, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI)- enabled metadata tagging and cloud-native cataloging solutions, which promise to enhance data cataloging capabilities and make governance frameworks more agile and scalable. Keywords Data Governance, Data Cataloging, Metadata Management, Data Quality, Data Lineage, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Compliance, AI-Driven Cataloging, Cloud-Native Solutions, Data-Driven Decision-Making.

Balancing privacy and public health: The impact of South Africa's cannabis legalization

The Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, enacted in South Africa in 2024, marks a significant shift in national drug policy by legalizing private cannabis use while aiming to balance individual privacy rights with public health and safety. This paper examines the Act’s impacts on socioeconomic dynamics, public health, and crime within South Africa, a context shaped by poverty, inequality, and strained healthcare resources. The study highlights potential economic benefits, such as job creation and formal market opportunities, alongside risks, including increased pressure on mental health services and complex implications for crime and gender-based violence. Drawing from government reports, recent studies, and international case comparisons, the analysis reveals how legalization might reduce the burden on the criminal justice system while also introducing challenges in public safety and healthcare capacity. The findings emphasize the need for robust governance frameworks that prioritize health system preparedness, social protections, and crime prevention. The discussion provides targeted policy recommendations for government agencies, healthcare providers, and law enforcement, addressing the importance of public education, regulatory oversight, and mental health support. This study offers valuable insights into the nuanced consequences of cannabis legalization in an emerging economy, contributing to global discussions on drug policy. By aligning policy with the realities of public health and safety, South Africa can leverage the potential benefits of legalization while mitigating its social costs.

The effects of employee turnover on the loss of organisational knowledge in South African municipalities

Employee turnover poses a significant challenge for South African municipalities, particularly for retaining tacit organisational knowledge. Therefore, this study assessed how employee turnover impacts organisational tacit knowledge retention in South African municipalities. The study uses secondary data analysis to examine employee turnover in critical positions in various municipalities in South Africa, such as senior management and those earmarked as scarce skills. The findings of this study show that employee turnover significantly negatively impacts tacit organisational knowledge. The findings further revealed that turnover exacerbates the retention of the organisational knowledge gap within municipalities, often leading to diminished service quality and increased operational costs such as recruitment and use of service consultants. Furthermore, the study highlights the gap between rhetoric (policies) and actual practice (implementation) in addressing the issues of service quality and operational costs, noting that existing retention strategies and knowledge management approaches often need to be revised. Questioning the effectiveness of retention strategies, the paper suggests that municipalities require more proactive and innovative approaches to manage turnover and organisational tactical knowledge retention to enhance public service delivery continuity and organisational sustainability. Furthermore, municipalities should integrate retention strategies such as succession planning, continuous training, leadership, and mentorship programmes into a broader municipal governance framework.

The Impact of Female Director Background on the ESG Performance of Chinese Technology Firms: A Moderating Effect Based on Risk Appetite

As global focus persists on gender variety and corporate social responsibility, the participation and influence of women in corporate governance, particularly their effect on the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of corporations, have garnered extensive scrutiny. Given the significant differences between China and the West in terms of institutions and culture, it is highly valuable to explore the unique relationship between gender diversity and ESG performance in the Chinese context, especially in the high-risk and fast-growing technology industry. This study explores the impact of female director background on ESG performance and the moderating effect of risk appetite. The findings suggest that the proportion of female directors has a significant positive impact on the ESG performance of Chinese technology companies. Furthermore, the corporate risk appetite has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between the proportion of female directors and ESG performance. Female directors with higher education levels, financial professional background, and long-term tenure can more effectively promote the company’s ESG performance. This study enhances the theoretical framework of corporate governance and ESG studies while also offering innovative guidance for firms to enhance their ESG scores and develop effective risk management strategies.

Foreign Direct Investment, Institutional Quality, and Environmental Pollution in Selected African Countries

African countries increasingly attract foreign direct investment as they strive for economic growth and development. However, there have been concerns over the rising effects of FDI on pollution. These concerns are rooted in the potential for industrial activities associated with FDI to have adverse environmental impacts. Hence, the needs to tackle the problem of pollution cannot be overemphasized. One way to do this is by strengthening the quality of African institutions. This study was conducted to examine the effects of institutional quality and FDI on environmental pollution in selected African countries. Environmental pollution was measured using CO2 emission.The result of the PCSE estimator showed that institutional quality had negative effects on environmental pollution, but the effect of FDI was positive and insignificant. Also, the effect of moderating effect showed that institutional quality has the potential to reduce the positive effect of FDI on environmental pollution. It was recommended that African governments should strengthen the quality of their institutions by strengthening environmental governance frameworks.

Transforming Governance: A Systematic Review of AI Applications in Policymaking

This systematic literature review examines the transformative applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in policymaking, exploring its potential to enhance decision-making, public engagement, and governance effectiveness. Employing a rigorous research methodology, this review analyzed scholarly articles from Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, ensuring methodological transparency and reproducibility. The final dataset of 22 articles was synthesized into four key themes: (i) AI in policy development and implementation, which focuses on data-driven decision support in policy formulation; (ii) AI in public administration and governance, highlighting AI’s role in improving public sector efficiency and resilience; (iii) ethical and regulatory aspects of AI in policymaking, which addresses critical issues like transparency, privacy, and bias; and (iv) applications of AI in specific policy domains, encompassing areas such as public health, environmental sustainability, and education. Findings indicate that AI can support evidence-based policymaking by facilitating real-time data analysis, scenario modeling, and enhanced public participation. However, challenges persist, particularly concerning ethical considerations, algorithmic accountability, and regulatory frameworks that ensure AI is implemented responsibly and equitably. This review underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical standards, and robust governance frameworks to address these challenges and maximize AI’s benefits in policy development and implementation. The synthesis of insights from diverse policy contexts provides a foundation for future research, encouraging exploration of responsible AI integration in policymaking to advance public trust, accountability, and policy effectiveness).

Energy finance strategy and governance nexus with economic growth: Results from emerging economies.

The rapid economic development in emerging economies, particularly in BRICS nations, is closely intertwined with their energy consumption and financial investment in energy sectors. However, the global shift towards sustainability has raised concerns about the continued reliance on fossil fuels and the environmental implications of such practices. Energy finance-particularly the balance between fossil fuel energy finance (FFEF) and renewable energy finance (RENF)-plays a critical role in shaping economic growth trajectories in these economies. At the same time, governance frameworks can either enhance or hinder the effectiveness of energy finance strategies. As the global push for sustainability intensifies, the need to balance these two energy sources becomes increasingly important. This study investigates the impact of energy finance on economic growth in BRICS nations and explores how governance moderates these relationships. Using data from the World Development Indicators (2000-2023) and employing econometric models, including Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) for robustness, the findings reveal that both FFEF and RENF positively impact EGR. However, RENF also offers the added benefit of environmental sustainability, positioning it as a viable alternative for economic development. Good governance emerges as a critical factor that can mitigate the negative environmental effects of FFEF and further amplify the positive impact of RENF on EGR. The study highlights that BRICS nations have the option to shift from FFEF to RENF, as RENF not only promotes economic growth but also aligns with environmental goals. Strengthening governance frameworks will be essential in facilitating this transition and supporting sustainable economic growth.

EyeMatics: An Ophthalmology Use Case Within the German Medical Informatics Initiative.

The EyeMatics project, embedded as a clinical use case in Germany's Medical Informatics Initiative, is a large digital health initiative in ophthalmology. The objective is to improve the understanding of the treatment effects of intravitreal injections, the most frequent procedure to treat eye diseases. To achieve this, valuable patient data will be meaningfully integrated and visualized from different IT systems and hospital sites. EyeMatics emphasizes a governance framework that actively involves patient representatives, strictly implements interoperability standards, and employs artificial intelligence methods to extract biomarkers from tabular and clinical data as well as raw retinal scans. In this perspective paper, we delineate the strategies for user-centered implementation and health care-based evaluation in a multisite observational technology study.

Artificial Intelligence and Information Governance: Strengthening Global Security, through Compliance Frameworks, and Data Security

This study examines the dual role of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing and challenging global information governance and data security. By leveraging methodologies such as Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), the study investigates AI-specific vulnerabilities, governance gaps, and the effectiveness of compliance frameworks. Data from the MITRE ATT&CK Framework, AI Incident Database, Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), and National Vulnerability Database (NVD) form the empirical foundation for this analysis. Key findings reveal that AI-driven data breaches exhibit the highest regulatory scores (0.72) and dependency levels (0.81), underscoring the critical need for robust compliance frameworks in high-risk AI environments. PCA identifies regulatory gaps (45.3% variance) and AI technology type (30.2% variance) as significant factors influencing security outcomes. SEM highlights governance strength as a primary determinant of security effectiveness (coefficient = 0.68, p < 0.001), while MCDA underscores the importance of adaptability in governance frameworks for addressing AI-specific threats. The study recommends adopting quantum-resistant encryption, enhancing international cooperation, and integrating AI automation with human oversight to fortify governance structures. These insights provide actionable strategies for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to navigate the complexities of AI governance and align technological advancements with ethical and security imperatives in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.