National Policy Framework Research Articles

EU Outlook for Biomass Flows and Bio‐based Products

SummaryThe Bioeconomy Strategy Action Plan calls for sustainable extraction, processing, and use of biological resources in Europe as a pathway to achieve environmental, social and economic goals. However, the transition towards sustainable food systems within and across countries is diverse due to the existing heterogeneous land patterns and agricultural production structures, the variety of potential industries competing for specific biomass feedstocks, and the national policy frameworks in place. Therefore, it is key for policymakers to understand how biomass is supplied, and how it flows through the economy and is used for alternative purposes. This calls for tools that can monitor and quantitatively analyse these aspects. BioMAT has projected the annual growth rate of the EU bio‐based chemical production from 2018 to 2030 to be four times higher than its fossil‐based counterpart. The associated net‐availability of industrial sugars in 2030 is quite balanced, but excess demands for starch and plant oils will increase to fulfil requirements of a growing bio‐based chemical sector. As a vast amount of biological feedstock for material use originates from non‐EU regions (e.g. palm oil), sustainable sourcing and a better use of biological residues should be emphasised. Scenario analyses are helpful to consider consequences of assessing different technical pathways or policies.

OP19 Exploring The Environment/Capacity Of South African Citizen Actors To Contribute To Health Technology Assessment Processes, Policy Development And Institutionalization

IntroductionSeveral overarching health policy reform processes are currently underway in South Africa (SA), providing an opportunity to establish health technology assessment (HTA) and value-based assessment (VBA) frameworks that foster patient and citizen involvement (PCI). A mapping of the capacity, knowledge, and skill of SA PCI advocacy actors and understanding of the ‘middle-ground’ and influencing relationships that influence advocacy strategies for PCI in HTA, will allow us to determine the needs of PCI actors to entrench PCI principles in the emerging institutionalization of HTA in SA.MethodsAn analysis of national and international legislative and policy frameworks indicates current gaps and opportunities for PCI institutionalization in HTA in SA. A survey was conducted to determine SA patient and citizen advocacy actors’ capacity, knowledge, and skill across multiple disease areas. An analysis of decision maker’s opinions and positions about PCI in HTA and VBA policy, and their potential influence on the PCI process was undertaken.ResultsThe legislation and policy review indicate that engagement initiatives are positioned at the ‘involvement’ or ‘consultation’ stages of the engagement continuum, rather than higher-level engagement. Five percent of patient advocacy groups (PAGs) interviewed have formalized PCI HTA advocacy strategies. Few PAGs indicated employing processes to actively monitor the HTA and PCI-related activities of decision-makers.The majority of PAGs stated that collaborative efforts within larger networks would generate more success, if they engaged in PCI in HTA advocacy. Over eighty percent of civil society stakeholders face capacity constraints, such as lack of knowledge of the legislative framework and theory of HTA, funding and manpower to engage in PCI. The majority of HTA processes undertaken by funders in SA do not actively include PAGs or formalized PCI.ConclusionsExisting legislative and policy frameworks do not include PCI capacity-building strategies. This is impacted by the lack of coordination amongst patient and consumer groups, the willingness of existing HTA structures to formalize PCI, and the resources of the country’s PCI advocate actors to influence existing HTA processes.

Analyzing Reading Education Reforms in Chinese Schools Using an Ecosystem Model: Insights from China's 2018 PISA Reading Test

This paper explores the imperative of enhancing reading proficiency among Chinese students, particularly for studying abroad. Drawing on the 2018 PISA test, it comprehensively analyzes macro and micro factors in the educational ecosystem. It aims to optimize reading literacy education in China using the PISA and Chinese regional tests. It provides recommendations at systemic and individual learner levels. At the macro level, the study examines national policies, cultural values, and the need for a comprehensive policy framework. Adequate resources, evidence-based practices, and a reading culture are advocated. A comprehensive national policy framework, resource allocation, evidence-based practices, and a reading culture are crucial. At the micro level, the significance of individual factors, curriculum design, and parental involvement are emphasized. An effective curriculum, critical literacy skills, and parental support are essential. In conclusion, this paper acknowledges the need to enhance reading skills among Chinese students studying abroad. By examining macro and micro factors, it offers practical recommendations to optimize reading literacy education. This multifaceted approach considers national policies, cultural values, curriculum design, and parental engagement. By addressing these aspects, China can equip its students with the necessary reading skills to thrive in a globalized world.

Policy framework as a challenge and opportunity for social innovation initiatives in eco-tourism in Colombia

Colombia confronts a multitude of societal and environmental problems, which severely manifest in rural areas, leading to loss of biodiversity, reduced legal income opportunities, marginalization, poverty, etc. Alternatives that can voluntarily mobilize collective agency, such as social innovation (SI), have emerged as a means for addressing the challenges of rural areas due to the potential they proved to have in other countries to enhance outcomes on societal well-being. This study focuses on the current policy conditions (domains and instruments) for the development of SI in eco-tourism in Colombia, both those registered as legal entities or individuals or networks operating informally. A total amount of 25 policy documents from tourism, cohesion, rural and regional development, forest, environment, and innovation policies were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Our results show the slow introduction of SI concepts and the inoperability of instruments into the national policy framework. Formally recognised SI initiatives in eco-tourism bear strict requirements for operating in natural and protected areas with numerous administrative procedures. The SI is not addressed explicitly in most of the explored policies. Its significance and untapped potential are shadowed by other overarching terms such as “entrepreneurship”. Consequently, SI remains informal in practice. This context is challenging for the development of both formal SI initiatives in eco-tourism as well as for the formalization of the informal ones.

The manifestations of universality and cultural specificity in national curriculum policy frameworks: negotiations for culturally reflective practice in early childhood education

ABSTRACT This paper presents findings from a review of 19 national curriculum policy frameworks (NCPFs) across the globe and discusses dominant and culturally specific discourses that shape early childhood education (ECE). We combine two frameworks of developmental universality and specificity and culturally contextualised pedagogy to explore whether and how NCPFs are venues where culturally reflective practice is negotiated. Culturally reflective practice embraces minimum, globally universal standards of children’s rights and evidence-based practice, meanwhile critically reflects on the dominance of global and local discourses that impede a glocalised interpretation of quality in ECE. The paper argues that culturally reflective policy and practice is an alternative framework to cultural appropriateness/relevance in ECE.

Assessing nation‐state‐sponsored cyberattacks using aspects of Situational Crime Prevention

AbstractResearch SummaryThis study utilized a quantitative analysis of 246 cyberattack incidents reported in the Extremist CyberCrime Database to identify significant predictors of nation‐state‐sponsored cyberattacks relative to those performed by non‐nation‐state‐sponsored ideological actors. Clarke and Newman's Situational Crime Prevention framework for terrorism was used to identify differential opportunities to successfully affect targets on the basis of tools, weapons, and the ability to access targets in online settings. The analysis noted nation‐state‐sponsored attacks were less likely to use high‐visibility attack methods and more likely to utilize attack methods leading to data breaches. In addition, they were more likely to target state governments and military entities relative to ideological actors.Policy ImplicationsNation‐state attacks are more difficult to identify or mitigate while in process, requiring a more robust national cybersecurity policy framework to be implemented that moves beyond current practices. There is a need to better utilize all aspects of government, from legislation to grant funding, in order to deter cyberattacks from continuing into the future.

Alignment of India's National Education Policy 2020 with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals: A Path towards Quality Education for All

This research paper endeavors to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the intricate alignment existing between India's National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) and the globally endorsed United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary focus of this analysis is directed towards the concerted pursuit of furnishing universally accessible quality education, transcending all barriers. Through a meticulous dissection of NEP 2020's fundamental tenets and an astute juxtaposition with pertinent SDGs, this paper strives to offer profound insights into the trajectory of India's advancement in its mission to establish an educational landscape characterized by inclusivity and equitable opportunities for all learners. The elucidation of this alignment underscores the symbiotic relationship between national policy frameworks and the overarching global agenda for sustainable development. Moreover, this exploration sheds light on the strategies and paradigms that underpin India's multifaceted efforts to forge a cohesive pathway towards fostering an educational milieu that is not only conducive to learning but also empowers individuals to become active contributors to the sustainable development narrative.

The Difficulties of Making Sport Policy Succeed: A Case Study of Sri Lanka

Although a new Sri Lankan sport policy framework was introduced in 2012, no research has been done to evaluate the implementation of the policy framework. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to evaluate and identify mitigating factors in achieving the strategic goals of the Sri Lankan sport policy framework. Qualitative data and a quantitative approach were used to analyse and investigate the sport policy framework. A questionnaire (N = 240) and interviews (N = 05) were utilised to gather data from sport participants, non-sport participants and top-level sport administrators. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses suggested that the goals of the national sport policy framework have not been achieved. Lack of financial support, deficiency of government provision, institutional structural issues, and negative attitudes of policy actors were identified as mitigating factors in the process of policy implication. Developing an umbrella organisation for coordinating sport and government’s support are vital to resolve those problems.

Comparing two different contexts and approaches to P/CVE policies: Italy and Netherlands

ABSTRACT Based on in-depth qualitative research, this paper compares and contrasts two different policy approaches to Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) within the European context. On the one hand, the Dutch case relies on a holistic and integrated approach in which a national framework underlies a targeted multi-stakeholder approach to preventing and countering manifestations of violent extremism. On the other hand, while lacking an overarching national policy framework, the Italian case study presents a range of mechanisms and projects aimed at combating violent extremism at the local level. The paper traces the different histories of terrorism and radicalization in the two countries to assess the emergence of these divergent approaches. Subsequently, regional case studies of the Delft and Milan areas are explored in-depth to illustrate how the respective policies are put into action, and to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. The research is based on expert interviews and institutional research involving municipalities, education, social work, and civil society actors.

Women Economic Development in Bangladesh: Framework of National Policy and Success

Women Economic Development in Bangladesh: Framework of National Policy and Success

Awareness of Policy Frameworks that Affect the Provision and Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among University Students in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Purpose: the study sought to determine awareness of SRH policy frameworks that impact on the provision and utilization of SRH services among university students.
 Methodology: The study used a cross sectional research design complemented by exploratory research design. The study was conducted in the main campuses of two public universities namely Kenyatta University and Multimedia University and two private universities, United States International University- Africa, KCA-University in Nairobi County in Kenya. The target population were students aged between 18-25 years studying in universities with main campuses in Nairobi County. The total study population was approximately 192,193 students. The study applied stratified random sampling to identify the 370 students who completed the study questionnaires. Purposive sampling was used to select the students and staff who participated in in-depth interviews. The students who participated in focus group discussions were randomly selected. 
 Findings: The study found out that most students, 95 (25.7%) reported to be aware of the Constitution of Kenya (2010) followed by 74 (20%) students who reported to be aware of the National Reproductive Health Policy (2007). When looking at the university level policy frameworks, most students, 229 (61.9%) split in almost equal numbers, male, 120 (32.4%) and female, 109 (29.5%) are aware of the university HIV/AIDS policy. The surveyed students who said they were not aware of any university SRH policies were 94 (25.4%), split in equal numbers between male and female students. The findings indicate low awareness of SRH policy frameworks by either gender which can be interpreted to mean that participation of the students in the development of the policy frameworks and dissemination of the developed policies is poor.
 Recommendations: The study’s recommendation to universities is to regularly disseminate national and university level SRH policy frameworks to the students. This can be done during orientation, as part of their studies and on special days convened to sensitize the students on their health.

Human-modified landscapes driving the global primate extinction crisis.

The world's primates have been severely impacted in diverse and profound ways by anthropogenic pressures. Here, we evaluate the impact of various infrastructures and human-modified landscapes on spatial patterns of primate species richness, at both global and regional scales. We overlaid the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) range maps of 520 primate species and applied a global 100 km2 grid. We used structural equation modeling and simultaneous autoregressive models to evaluate direct and indirect effects of six human-altered landscapes variables (i.e., human footprint [HFP], croplands [CROP], road density [ROAD], pasture lands [PAST], protected areas [PAs], and Indigenous Peoples' lands [IPLs]) on global primate species richness, threatened and non-threatened species, as well as on species with decreasing and non-decreasing populations. Two-thirds of all primate species are classified as threatened (i.e., Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable), with ~86% experiencing population declines, and ~84% impacted by domestic or international trade. We found that the expansion of PAST, HFP, CROP, and road infrastructure had the most direct negative effects on primate richness. In contrast, forested habitat within IPLs and PAs was positively associated in safeguarding primate species diversity globally, with an even stronger effect at the regional level. Our results show that IPLs and PAs play a critical role in primate species conservation, helping to prevent their extinction; in contrast, HFP growth and expansion has a dramatically negative effect on primate species worldwide. Our findings support predictions that the continued negative impact of anthropogenic pressures on natural habitats may lead to a significant decline in global primate species richness, and likely, species extirpations. We advocate for stronger national and international policy frameworks promoting alternative/sustainable livelihoods and reducing persistent anthropogenic pressures to help mitigate the extinction risk of the world's primate species.

European Research Area: opportunities to modernize the research & development system of the Republic of Moldova

The actuality of the research consists in examining the current political framework and the stage of integration of the Republic of Moldova in the European Research Area (ERA). The study combines a retrospective evaluation and a prospective evaluation. While the retrospective evaluation looks at the results and implementation of the national and European policy framework on integration into the European Research Area, the prospective evaluation focuses on the potential benefits or costs of subsequent policy actions. In doing so, the study highlights the opportunities, the results but also the shortcomings due to previous policy actions. The study is based on the analysis and examination of a wide range of national and European Commission policy documents and reports, other information resources available online.

Factors Influencing Biofuel Production in Western Kenya

Biofuel production is at the forefront of the agenda of many countries across the globe in the quest to lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy access. The increase in oil prices and climate change have been the drivers to ensure the adoption of biofuels. With the global consumption of oil projected to increase, biofuel provides a viable option for a clean, affordable, and climate-friendly source of fuel. However, biofuel production is in Kenya faced with various challenges. Therefore, the study sought to assess the factors that influence biofuel production in Western Kenya. The qualitative research design was adopted with both primary and secondary data collected. Data collection was through interviews, focus group discussions, case studies, and a review of secondary data. The results established that there was a link between food security and biofuel production. Factors influencing the production of biofuel in Western Kenya included the lack of a specific national biofuel policy framework that promotes sustainable development and use of biofuels, limited research, insufficient feedstock to increase production, over-reliance on rain-fed agriculture to grow energy crops, inadequate technology and technical expertise and some knowledge among stakeholders regarding the need and importance of biofuel deployment across the country. There is need for alternative sustainable farming methods that can incorporate cane farming and food crop farming to ensure food security, better farming practices to increase the cane yield, and research on consumer attitudes and behaviours towards biofuels to promote the adoption of the technology.

The local market makers: Swedish municipalities as preschool quasi-market organisers

ABSTRACT National policies aiming at marketisation and privatisation in welfare sectors such as Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) require governance and organisation to be realised. In Sweden, the municipalities are key but largely under-researched organisers for preschool quasi-market infrastructures. This study explores the different ways in which Swedish municipalities act as quasi-market organisers in the preschool setting. Following organisational theory, we analyse their market shaping activities in translating national regulations in efforts to influence, support and control their local preschool quasi-market. Documents, websites, and interviews with public officials from 30 municipalities characterised as having either a large (N = 10), medium (N = 10), or small (N = 10) private ECEC sector are analysed. The analysis highlights large variations on how municipalities act as market makers, which is further discussed in the form of three ideal types: the Frontier, the Keeper, and the Endorser. We conclude that municipalities’ varying and hybridised market shaping activities and local characteristics are important to understand the implications that emerge in terms of different rules of the game, stakeholder interdependencies and relationships, composition of market actors etc. Attentiveness to the sub-national/local actors are essential in understanding different welfare quasi-markets within national policy frameworks of marketisation and privatisation.

Local strategies towards 100% renewable energy cities and regions for West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Much of the focus in the global transition towards renewable energy, a key steppingstone towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement, has been on the national and international levels. This focus tends to hide the immense variation present at the sub-national level. Local and regional governments are critical actors in the energy transition, and their involvement is crucial as they are ideally placed to guide their respective communities and to ensure that this transition is just, equitable and inclusive. Even though they may show the ability and ambition, the need for effective multilevel governance and enabling national policy frameworks to channel resources to the local and regional levels is more urgent than ever. Through the 100% Renewables Cities and Regions Roadmap project, the Province of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) in Indonesia has chosen to aim to achieve one hundred percent renewable energy use in its territory by 2050 on the way to net-zero emissions. This paper discusses the results of the energy systems modelling conducted in NTB that presents a viable pathway towards this goal, which forms the basis of further recommendations and ways forward for the province in terms of priority sectors and actions.

Adaptation to climate change in cities of Mediterranean Europe

Cities across Mediterranean Europe face common climatic threats. They are highly vulnerable and very likely to suffer losses and damages due to heat waves, droughts, wildfires, landslides, and extreme coastal events. To this date, however, there is no systematic understanding of how cities in Mediterranean Europe are preparing to adapt to these impacts. To address this question, we analyse local adaptation plans in 73 cities located in 51 regions across 9 European countries along the Mediterranean Sea (France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Croatia, Slovenia, Cyprus and Malta). We also investigate upper levels of planning to understand the influence of policy environments. Across the sample, 67 % of regions have adopted a plan, but only 30 % of the cities. The most common climate-related hazards these cities prepare for are extreme temperatures and rainfall, followed by drought and water scarcity, as well as floods and landslides. Without legal obligations, neither regional nor national adaptation policy frameworks seem to influence the development of urban plans. In some cases, cities are ahead of national policy. This paper sheds light on the progress of local adaptation planning in Mediterranean Europe and paves the way for further research in this climate-threatened geographical area.

Assessing the competitiveness of Indian solar power industry using the extended Five Forces Model: a green innovation perspective.

India's demand-supply imbalance electricity market results from the country's rapid population growth and extensive industrialization. Due to increased costs, many residential and commercial customers have difficulty paying their electric bills. Households with lower incomes are confronted with the most severe energy poverty in the entire country. A sustainable and alternative form of energy is required to solve these issues. Solar energy is a sustainable energy choice for India; however, the solar industry faces many issues. One of them is managing end-of-life cycle photovoltaic (PV) waste, as massive deployment of solar energy capacity has resulted in generating large amounts of PV waste, ultimately affecting environmental and human health. Therefore, this research employs "Porter's Five Forces Model" to analyze the factors that significantly impact the competitiveness of India's solar power industry. The inputs for this model consist of semi-structured interviews conducted with experts in the solar power industry on various solar energy-related issues and a critical analysis of the national policy framework using the relevant literature and official statistics. The impact of five significant stakeholders of the solar power industry on solar power generation in India is evaluated: buyers, suppliers, competitors, substitutes, and potential competitors. Research findings indicate the Indian solar power industry's current status, challenges, competition environment, and future estimates. This study will help the government and stakeholders to understand the intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting the competitiveness of the Indian solar power sector and suggest policy recommendations to formulate procurement strategies that promote sustainable development within the solar industry.

CLARITY OF REGULATORY OBJECTIVES REGARDING PRESIDENTIAL APPROVAL IN THE FORMATION OF MINISTERIAL / HEAD OF INSTITUTION REGULATIONS

As the holder of power in the administration of government based on the constitution, the president has set a new policy, namely regarding the mechanism for granting presidential approval to draft regulations of ministers or heads of institutions. With the birth of this arrangement, every policy of ministers or heads of institutions with certain criteria must obtain presidential approval before being determined. The mechanism carried out after harmonization has indirectly obscured the stage of forming laws and regulations that are prevalent today. With juridical normative research methods that use statutory, conceptual, and historical approaches, it was found that the arrangement for granting presidential approval actually brought back classic problems. The arrangement is harmonized with other regulations. There is vagueness in sentence formulation, use of words, terms, or phrases, which causes multiple interpretations. The arrangement also comes out of the national policy framework related to simplifying regulations promoted by the president himself. In its formation, there is also the possibility of the influence of bureaucratic political practices or competition among state administrative work units in finding alternative solutions to problems that arise in society.

Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicines in the USA for COVID-19

Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicines (TCIM) have been used and expanded substantially in the USA. Social, cultural, political, and economic contexts are important factors to consider when developing a healthcare system. Beginning in 1998, the USA established the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, which educated the public about the principles of TCIM and offered a forum for professionals to share their knowledge and perspectives. However, the USA government should classify “mainstream” versus “alternative” to create a set of historically and culturally based national policy and regulatory frameworks. Policy and economics are the other crucial issues for supporting the healthcare system. This correspondence aims to describe and discuss the role of the USA government in the development of TCIM, based on the above-mentioned problems with a suitable case study, such as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). It can involve proposing specific policy changes, funding initiatives, or research priorities to promote the integration and evidence-based practice of TCIM in the healthcare system.