Government Advice Research Articles

Wallet wars or digital public infrastructure? Orchestrating a digital identity data ecosystem from a government perspective

With the eIDAS 2.0 legislation, the European Union seeks to establish a digital identity data ecosystem and to empower citizens to manage digital credentials from various sources through an ID wallet interface. To achieve this, governments must develop holistic orchestration models integrating technical, regulatory, and economic perspectives. This approach will foster ecosystem value creation, address orchestration tensions, and design sustainable operating models for various ecosystem actors. While IS research has explored private-sector governance mechanisms in platform and data ecosystems, a research gap exists in understanding public–private orchestration where governments act as orchestrators. We address this through a structured document analysis of 80 position papers from various stakeholders participating in a public government consultation process and 14 semi-structured in-depth interviews. By examining ecosystem value creation mechanisms, orchestration tensions, and monetization challenges, we identify two government orchestration standard types for the ID wallet provision. The Government ID-Infrastructure Wallet model embodies an ecosystem-integrated public infrastructure, while the Trust ID Wallet Federation exemplifies a dynamic and competition-driven approach. By bridging the self-sovereign identity ecosystem paradigm with digital identity infrastructure research, our work contributes to the understanding and theoretical development of data ecosystems and digital identity research from a government perspective.

Problems and Solutions of the Aviation Industry in the Post-epidemic Era

Three years after the outbreak, the year 2023 has officially entered the post-epidemic era. The aviation industry, which was severely hit by the epidemic, is gradually recovering. This article describes the current situation of the aviation industry after the epidemic, taking the Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) as the subject of the study, and analyses the problems it faces: the number of international flights has been slow to recover and unable to meet market demand; the financial crisis has been highlighted due to severe losses; supply chain shortages have prevented the timely delivery of aircraft; and the rapid increase in environmental pollution has led to a serious decarbonization situation. Potential solutions were also proposed for these four problems. These include increasing the number of flights through government consultation and communication, increasing revenue streams and reducing unnecessary spending to tide over the financial crisis, achieving supply chain resilience to avoid the obstacles posed by supply chain shortages, and developing new sustainable technologies for aviation to reduce air pollution.

Barriers, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Adoption of the Circular Economy in Mexico: An Analysis through Social Perception

This study explores the transition toward sustainable economic models through the circular economy (CE) in Mexico. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this research incorporates a comprehensive literature review and analyzes responses from 42 stakeholders, gathered through surveys and focus groups. These stakeholders comprise a diverse group including PhD students, professors, researchers, industry professionals in sustainability and the environment, and government advisors and coordinators from the Mexican Secretary of Environment. This representative sample provides a broad perspective on the barriers, opportunities, and societal perceptions regarding CE. The findings reveal significant challenges such as economic barriers, regulatory inadequacies, and a lack of awareness and education, all of which hinder the adoption of CE practices. Despite these challenges, there is a generally optimistic view among stakeholders about CE’s potential to positively impact societal needs, suggesting robust opportunities for innovation and policy enhancement to foster sustainable development. Key recommendations include intensifying educational programs to elevate public understanding and engagement, formulating supportive policies that facilitate CE adoption, and promoting intersectoral collaboration to leverage collective expertise and resources. Additionally, the research underscores the necessity of integrating CE principles into urban planning and policy frameworks to effectively address specific local challenges such as waste management, pollution, and urban sprawl. By providing a detailed analysis of the current state and potential of CE in Mexico, this paper contributes valuable insights to the global discourse on sustainability. It proposes strategic actions to overcome existing hurdles and capitalize on opportunities within the CE framework, charting a path forward for Mexico and serving as a model for other regions facing similar sustainability challenges

Perception towards government advisory, perceived risk and willingness to invest in cryptocurrency

The aim of this study is to investigate the link between investor perception regarding government advisories on cryptocurrencies, their perceived risk of cryptocurrencies and their willingness to invest in cryptocurrencies. The link is examined via Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) using 212 responses gathered from a survey questionnaire distributed to groups related to cryptocurrency investment in social media platforms over a period of around four months. It is found that the investor’s perception regarding government advisories on cryptocurrencies, which are cautionary in nature, have a significant negative impact on their perception of the risk of cryptocurrencies. Perception regarding government advisories reduces the willingness to invest in cryptocurrencies. However, it is also found that perceived risk does not have any significant influence on the willingness to invest in cryptocurrencies, indicating that although risk perception is heightened as a result of the cautionary government advise, this does not result in a significant reduction in the willingness to invest in cryptocurrencies. Hence, perceived risk does not play a significant mediating role in influencing the effect government advisories have on the willingness to invest in cryptocurrencies.

Multiple Sclerosis and COVID-19: Health and healthcare access, health information and consumer co-created strategies for future access at times of crisis

BackgroundPersons with multiple sclerosis (MS) need regular access to medical services for optimal health outcomes. During the COVID-19 crisis, evidence indicated some detrimental health changes in persons with MS. Maintaining access to healthcare providers and healthcare information may minimise detrimental health changes during times of crisis. In Australia, there is limited evidence of consultation with people who have chronic health conditions or disabilities regarding government decisions to restrict healthcare access and in the provision of health guidance during the COVID-19 crisis. Yet, there are good examples of government consultation with other minority populations in Australia, leading to beneficial outcomes. ObjectiveTo identify MS community members’ (persons with MS carers, advocates, healthcare providers) concerns about the health and healthcare access of persons with MS, during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic and to collaborate with consumers in the MS community to co-create strategies to improve future access and health information provision at times of crisis. MethodWe undertook a consumer-co-created mixed-method study in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic to identify healthcare access needs for MS. We presented results to our stakeholder group to identify support needs during crises. Persons with MS and care providers in the MS community completed an online survey and online interviews, and the stakeholder group participated in a stakeholder workshop. ResultsForty-four people participated in surveys, 33 completed interviews, and seven stakeholders participated in the stakeholder workshops. Three themes were identified from the surveys and interviews: health concerns, accessing healthcare services and communication sources. Healthcare providers (76.9 % of persons with MS and 77.8 % of care providers) and websites specific to the pandemic (76.9 % of persons with MS and 83.3 % of care providers) were identified by most survey respondents as preferred information sources during the COVID-19 crisis. Consultation with stakeholders resulted in the co-creation of strategies directed at communication, health, and lifestyle, as well as policies and protocols to address the needs of the MS community during crises. ConclusionWe listened to persons with MS and care providers to identify strategies to support health-communication, -access, and -lifestyle during crises. Consumer-created strategies are directed at national and local health advocacy organisations and governments. They are relevant for the coordinated healthcare planning of persons with chronic health conditions and disabilities during crises, such as those experienced by persons with MS.

Human Health Risk Assessment of Radionuclide Contamination in Drinking Water

This study investigates the human health risks of uranium, radium, radon, and other drinking water radionuclides and their mitigation strategies. It was implemented through literature review, field sampling, and analytical methods. Samples were taken from various sources, including groundwater, surface water, municipal supplies, and private wells. ICPI-MS and liquid scintillation counters were used for radiation measurements. Statistical analysis and risk assessment models were used to measure health risks and treatment effectiveness. Groundwater sources were the main sources of radionuclides, with private wells being the main sources. The elimination efficiencies of reverse osmosis were exceptional, reaching up to 99%. The elderly population (60+ years) were the most likely to have cancer, with the highest risks for bladder cancer, lung cancer, kidney cancer, and leukemia. The frequency of radionuclide contamination in drinking water sources varied, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Nigerian EPA, and Canada having the strictest schedules. The results emphasize the urgent need for monitoring programs, effective treatment technologies, and targeted risk management strategies to cope with radionuclide contamination. Government advice includes improving the regulatory system, developing advanced treatment methods, long-term epidemiological studies, public awareness, interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific exploration of alternative water sources, and prioritizing interventions for vulnerable populations.

Courage in Decision Making: A Mixed-Methods Study of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in Women of Reproductive Age in the U.K.

COVID-19 vaccination rates are lower in women of reproductive age (WRA), including pregnant/postpartum women, despite their poorer COVID-19-related outcomes. We evaluated the vaccination experiences of 3568 U.K. WRA, including 1983 women (55.6%) experiencing a pandemic pregnancy, recruited through the ZOE COVID Symptom Study app. Two staggered online questionnaires (Oct-Dec 2021: 3453 responders; Aug-Sept 2022: 2129 responders) assessed reproductive status, COVID-19 status, vaccination, and attitudes for/against vaccination. Descriptive analyses included vaccination type(s), timing relative to age-based eligibility and reproductive status, vaccination delay (first vaccination >28 days from eligibility), and rationale, with content analysis of free-text comments. Most responders (3392/3453, 98.2%) were vaccinated by Dec 2021, motivated by altruism, vaccination supportiveness in general, low risk, and COVID-19 concerns. Few declined vaccination (by Sept/2022: 20/2129, 1.0%), citing risks (pregnancy-specific and longer-term), pre-existing immunity, and personal/philosophical reasons. Few women delayed vaccination, although pregnant/postpartum women (vs. other WRA) received vaccination later (median 3 vs. 0 days after eligibility, p < 0.0001). Despite high uptake, concerns included adverse effects, misinformation (including from healthcare providers), ever-changing government advice, and complex decision making. In summary, most women in this large WRA cohort were promptly vaccinated, including pregnant/post-partum women. Altruism and community benefit superseded personal benefit as reasons for vaccination. Nevertheless, responders experienced angst and received vaccine-related misinformation and discouragement. These findings should inform vaccination strategies in WRA.

Barriers and Facilitators of Using R for Decision Analytic Modeling in Health Technology Assessment: Focus Group Results.

Decision models for health technology assessment (HTA) are largely submitted to HTA agencies using commercial software, which has known limitations. The use of the open-source programming language R has been suggested because of its efficiency, transparency, reproducibility, and ability to consider complex analyses. However, its use in HTA remains limited. This qualitative study aimed to explore the main reasons for this slow uptake of R in HTA and identify tangible facilitators. We undertook two semi-structured focus group discussions with 24 key stakeholders from government agencies, consultancy, pharmaceutical companies, and academia. Two 1.5-hour discussions reflected on barriers identified in a previous study and highlighted additional barriers. Discussions were recorded and semi-transcribed, and data were organized and summarized into key themes. Human resources constraints were identified as a key barrier, including a lack of training, prioritization and collaboration, and resistance to change. Another key barrier was the lack of acceptance, or clear guidance, around submissions in R by HTA agencies. Participants also highlighted a lack of communication around accepted packages and decision model structures, and between HTA agencies on standard decision modeling structures. There is a need for standardization, which can facilitate decision model sharing, coding homogeneity, and improved country adaptations. The creation of training materials and tailored workshops was identified as a key short-term facilitator. Increased communication and engagement of stakeholders could also facilitate the use of R by identifying needs and opportunities, encouraging HTA agencies to address structural barriers, and increasing incentives to use R.

PERUBAHAN PERILAKU MANDATORY ACTIVITY DAN ONLINE SHOPPING ACTIVITY AKIBAT PANDEMI COVID-19

&lt;p class="Keywords"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-GB"&gt;Teleworking activities, which have been developing since 1970 and initially aimed at employee efficiency, proved applicable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported by the advances of internet-based information technology, teleworking activities could be carried out optimally, leading to the emergence of various new innovations. One such innovation is app-based online shopping, which facilitates users in ordering ready-to-eat meals or groceries, known as food delivery. The COVID-19 pandemic, which spread to all countries globally, also impacted individual behaviors in activities and travel, especially with government advisories to implement lockdowns to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus. This study was conducted to examine individual behaviors in carrying out online activities in the Surakarta Agglomeration Area. Data was collected through a home interview survey from March to June 2021, involving 402 respondents. Online activities, particularly for shopping and ordering food, were hypothesized to have high value during COVID-19, leading to a comprehensive dependency on online activities, especially shopping. The research results, however, contradicted the initial hypothesis. 88.8% of individuals stated that they "never" shopped online or did grocery shopping online, with the remaining 11.2% engaging in online shopping. This discrepancy is suspected to occur because, although online shopping is easy to conduct, it requires adequate financial strength to support it.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Social Distance Warriors Should Not Be Regarded as Moral Exemplars in a Pandemic Nor as Paragons of Politeness: A Response to Shaw.

In a recent article, Shaw contrasts his own supposed good behaviour, as that of a self-proclaimed "social distance warrior" with the alleged rude behaviour of one of his relatives, Jack, at social events in the former's house in Scotland in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. He does so to illustrate and support his claims that it was wrong and rude to fail to comply with the governmental advice regarding social distancing because we had a responsibility "to minimize risk" and not wrong nor rude to challenge and cajole those people who failed to do so. This article shows that his claims are contestable. It suggests that his own behaviour was no better than Jack's.

Defining artificial intelligence as a policy problem: A discourse network analysis from Germany

AbstractScholars agree that digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) pose a political challenge. In this article, we study empirically how different actors in the German political system define AI as a policy problem. We use an original data set of 6421 statements by representatives of political parties, interest groups, scientific experts, and public officials in parliamentary debates, government consultations, and quality newspapers. Through Discourse Network Analysis and quantitative text analyses we show that most actors define AI as technology (innovation) policy and link it to government operations, international cooperation, and macroeconomics. Although they are present, consumer protection, labor, and education seem to be less important policy issues concerning AI. The results imply that the capacity of the national government to reduce problem definition uncertainty and to steer the political agenda is difficult and that most actors focus on technological innovation rather than civil rights‐related aspects.

The Curtis Report as a critical juncture in Canadian urbanism

ABSTRACT Canada's post-Second World War policies on urbanism were first outlined in an obscure government document – the 1944 report of the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Planning of the federal government's Advisory Committee on Reconstruction (known colloquially as the ‘Curtis Report’). This article uses the tools of Historical Institutionalism and extensive archival research to analyse the Curtis Report. It examines antecedent conditions in the Depression and war; permissive conditions during the wartime housing crisis; the actors and choice of options at the critical juncture; the reactions during implementation and the path-dependent municipal planning and suburbanization outcomes of the report. The Curtis Report is identified as a critical juncture for major changes in housing and community planning that set Canada on a different course than the UK or the USA.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the music industries of Brisbane and an evaluation of the policy response

ABSTRACT This paper examines the effects of policy responses to the COVID-19 global pandemic on Brisbane’s music industries. The methods used for data collection combined a review of policy documents at different levels of government, an on-line questionnaire with music workers, and semi-structured interviews with musicians and music industry workers to understand the impacts of COVID-19 mitigation strategies on various music industries, as well as to examine any opportunities that may have arisen from this disruptive event. The primary questions informing this research are thus what were the impacts of Queensland’s zero COVID policy on the music industries of Brisbane, and what can be learned for future music industry-related policy interventions? Based on data collected from an on-line survey and on semi-structured interviews with musicians and professionals from the Brisbane music scene, we conclude that while the QLD state government response to the crisis recognised to an extent the importance of Brisbane’s music industries, policy responses were not always seen as equitable in relation to other industries and that policy responses to future disruptive events would be better served with greater consultation and consistency. Practitioner pointers COVID-19 planning and policy responses lacked consistency, in particular there was a perception of inequality in the audience numbers available to the local music industries versus the sports industry. Policy responses should have been more consistent, or the perceived lack of consistency should have been better explained. In order to better understand the effects of policy and planning on grassroots local music industries, a greater degree of government consultation is required. Music industries need to find ways in which greater industry vcollectiveness can be achieved to improve advocacy efforts.

RPS to survey members before responding to government consultation on NHS ten-year plan

RPS to survey members before responding to government consultation on NHS ten-year plan

Development and testing of two tools to assess point-of-sale food and beverage marketing to children in restaurants.

To describe the development and testing of two assessment tools designed to assess exterior (including drive-thru) and interior food and beverage marketing in restaurants with a focus on marketing to children and teens. A scoping review on restaurant marketing to children was undertaken, followed by expert and government consultations to produce a draft assessment tool. The draft tool was mounted online and further refined into two separate tools: the Canadian Marketing Assessment Tool for Restaurants (CMAT-R) and the CMAT-Photo Coding Tool (CMAT-PCT). The tools were tested to assess inter-rater reliability using Cohen's Kappa and per cent agreement for dichotomous variables, and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) for continuous or rank-order variables. Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Restaurants of all types were assessed using the CMAT-R (n 57), and thirty randomly selected photos were coded using the CMAT-PCT. The CMAT-R collected data on general promotions and restaurant features, drive-thru features, the children's menu and the dollar/value menu. The CMAT-PCT collected data on advertisement features, features considered appealing to children and teens, and characters. The inter-rater reliability of the CMAT-R tool was strong (mean per cent agreement was 92·4 %, mean Cohen's κ = 0·82 for all dichotomous variables and mean ICC = 0·961 for continuous/count variables). The mean per cent agreement for the CMAT-PCT across items was 97·3 %, and mean Cohen's κ across items was 0·91, indicating very strong inter-rater reliability. The tools assess restaurant food and beverage marketing. Both showed high inter-rater reliability and can be adapted to better suit other contexts.

From demand-side to supply-side regulation of government consultants: Recent trends in three OECD countries

IMPACT Both practitioners and academics now grapple with concerns raised in legislatures and the media surrounding the use of consultants in the public sector. Issues around declines in public service capacity and conflict of interest have featured prominently in these concerns, along with value-for-money considerations. The relationship between consultants and government purchasers has mainly been governed through demand-side regulation designed to control government purchasing behaviour, including greater transparency and monitoring of contracts. While the USA has prohibited the use of consultants for ‘inherently governmental functions’, countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia have also aimed to create a more robust system of regulation by improving the quality of the advice, and avoiding conflict of interest through regulating the supply-side of consulting. This article discusses the recent moves adopted by these countries along this regulation trajectory, including implementing limits on the ‘revolving door’ of ex-government members transmuting into consultants immediately after leaving office, and proposals to replace the current weak certification of consultants with stronger forms of professional self-regulation and licensing.

Personality traits empower entrepreneurial intention of generation Z in Sri Lanka

Entrepreneurship has a critical role in making society more creative and conscience. Entrepreneurial Intention (EI) guided and supported to build job creators, innovations, and entrepreneurial mindset to foster both men and women entrepreneurial spirit. Youth generation also plays a significant role in economic growth of country. The research predominantly aimed to identify and measure the influence of personality traits on the EI of generation Z in Sri Lanka. The primary cause for concern is the rising demand for entrepreneurs who can spur economic growth by developing fresh concepts and turning them into successful ventures. The present study investigates the impact of the big five personality traits on EI. The study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. In the qualitative survey, the data collected from eight semi-structured interviews were analyzed using the thematic analysis and NVivo tool. The quantitative survey used a cluster sample of generation Z in the Colombo district, Sri Lanka. A total of 384 valid questionnaires were received and examined. To test the hypotheses, the researchers used Smart PLS software (version 4.0) and the Structure Equation Model technique. The result showed that Conscientiousness, and Neuroticism significantly impact on the EI of generation Z. Further, Extraversion, Agreeableness and Openness to Experience have an insignificant impact on EI. The study gives policymakers and the government advice on how to understand the characteristics of generation Z, which are likely to become future entrepreneurs, and how to support new businesses by providing various incentives.

Evangelicals, Feminists, and the 'Unlikely' Discursive Alliance at the Heart of British Transphobia

This article reconsiders the popular conception that anti-trans feminists in the United Kingdom are acting as 'useful idiots' for the Christian Right (most visibly conservative evangelicals) in their campaign to reverse the trend towards public acceptance of trans people. It argues that the discursive similarities between the writings of these two factions can be traced back to a genuine set of shared beliefs, most of all the belief that the body and mind are best treated as a single contiguous entity, and that body/mind dualism is undesirable as a matter of principle. In demonstrating this point, the article re-examines some of the founding documents of anti-trans feminism and anti-trans evangelicalism, including Janice Raymond's The Transsexual Empire (1979) and Oliver O'Donovan's Transsexualism and Christian Marriage (1982), exploring in particular the role that opposition to 'Gnosticism', a dualistic set of Christian mysticisms, played in shaping how these authors conceptualised trans identity. Drawing on evidence submitted by anti-trans feminists and conservative evangelicals to two recent UK Government consultations, it then delineates how this long-standing rhetorical overlap manifested to tangibly contribute to the stalling of key trans rights objectives in the UK.&amp;nbsp;

Good Governance and Voluntary Tax Compliance Behaviour in Lagos State, Nigeria: An Empirical Analysis

Globally, Voluntary Tax Compliance (VTC) behaviour level has become a major concern to policy makers, government and tax consultants. Constant loss of tax revenue due to bad governance, mistrust, or misrule are perceived to have adversely affected state economic growth, financial viability and infrastructural development. Many researches have been conducted on VTC behaviour, but not many considered the effect of Good Governance (GG) in their study. This study examined the probable influence of GG on taxpayers VTC behaviour in Lagos state, Nigeria. The study employed survey research design and random sampling techniques. Seven hundred and fifty questionnaire were administered for data gathering while 82.8% response rate was achieved. The study employed descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze the data at 5% level of significance. The study shows that GG positively influenced VTC among individual taxpayers in Lagos state, Nigeria (Adj. R2 =0.101, F(4, 619)=18.35, p=0.000). There was evidence that trust in government, transparency and rule of law have significant relationship with VTC behaviour in Lagos state, Nigeria while accountability has insignificant relationship with VTC behaviour. The study concluded that GG influenced individual VTC behaviour in Lagos state, Nigeria. Therefore, the mechanism for GG should be entrenched to reduce revenue loss. Also government should provide quality service with timely rendering of government account for citizens informed decision. Tax law should be simple, fair, and unambiguous. Above all, tax revenue should be invested on public goods of utmost importance while tax payment culture should be institutionalized.

Modern methods of construction (MMC) and innovation negativism in the UK public sector

PurposeThe recent failures and insolvencies of organisations related to the modern methods of construction (MMC) have gained increased attention and controversy across the UK construction sector. Such failures are linked to their inability to achieve an economy of scale and drive key clients to accept the MMC as an alternative to traditional methods. This paper aims to unravel whether a phenomenon of “innovation negativism” has manifested and is contributing to public clients' indecision towards broader MMC, whether this is only linked to past negative experiences formed after the Second World War or whether additional contributing reasons exist to influence adoption.Design/methodology/approachThis study focusses on exploring the decision-making of the UK public construction sector; therefore, this paper adopts a qualitative approach, utilising interviews with 14 carefully selected MMC experts, government advisors and public clients. The phenomenological stance adopted herewith enables the authors to make better sense of the perceptions of the interviewees, leading to the conceptualisation of the innovation negativism phenomenon.FindingsThe paper identifies nine themes that may be argued to promote a profound understanding of the MMC negativism influencing public clients' decision-making. The study has found that more than just the previous negative perceptions formulated post Second World War are driving innovation negativism in the UK public sector. Notably, the emerging themes are incomprehension, lacking evidence, communication, relationship history, bad experiences, uncertainty, inadequate experimentation, the business case and localism.Originality/valueThis study is the first construction management research that acts as a fair departure point to conceptualise the reasoning behind innovation negativism in the construction setting. Through mirroring demand's unipolarity for traditional methods, policy and decision-makers can now rely on the conceptualised reasoning to determine practical solutions to overcome clients' indecisions towards MMC.