Government Initiatives Research Articles

Examining the Interconnections among ICT, Education, and Unemployment Evidence from Selected Asian Economies

Purpose of the research: This study investigates the influence of education and information communication technology (ICT) on economic growth and development in selected Asian countries, with a focus on reducing unemployment rates. Design/methodology: Using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique, the research analyses the relationship between unemployment rates and key independent variables such as secondary education, ICT index, foreign direct investment (FDI), economic growth, and inflation. Results/findings: The findings highlight the significant impact of secondary education, ICT, FDI, economic growth, and inflation on reducing unemployment levels in the selected Asian countries. The study emphasizes the importance of government initiatives to provide free higher education and expand financial debt facilities to boost per capita income and stimulate economic growth. Practical Implications and Conclusions: The research underscores the critical role of education, ICT, and economic policies in addressing unemployment challenges and fostering sustainable development in Asian economies. It recommends prioritizing investments in education and technology infrastructure and implementing measures to enhance financial accessibility and ICT utilization to combat unemployment effectively.

Skill- Based Education in an Industrial city of Pakistan

In this study, the need for Skill- based education at secondary school level in Pakistan was analyzed with a focus on local need of the areas. The research examined the integration of skill-related subjects in secondary school curricula and investigated the skill set required in the industrial sector. To understand the current situation, government policies were reviewed and major challenges in implementing skill- based education were highlighted. It was a qualitative research with an exploratory research design. Tehsil Gujranwala was the selected study area. Elite interviews with representatives of business, Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA), and Gujranwala school heads were conducted to gather data. Three documents were analyzed i.e., textbooks of technical courses taught at secondary school level, National Education Policy 2017, and the Punjab Growth Strategy 2018. The results painted a bleak picture of the state of skill- based education in the country. All the stakeholders involved lacked ambition, communication, and teamwork. The objectives of government initiatives have not been met because of poor management of resources and misuse of finances. The respondents suggested that the media and NGOs might help to emphasize the value of skill- based education pertaining to the local needs. It was crucial to modify the curriculum to incorporate skill- based education into general education for the benefit of individuals, society, and ultimately socioeconomic development at national level.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR MICRO, SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (MSMES) IN INDIA: A DETAILED STUDY

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to review the existing opportunities and challenges of MSMEs in India mainly after implementation of GST. MSMEs make up more than 90% of all enterprises in most economies, are the main drivers of job growth, and contribute significantly to both industrial output and exports. MSMEs are essential to the broader industrial growth in India as well. When compared to the industrial sector as a whole, the MSME sector has had more expansion in recent years. Since then, 50% of MSMEs in India are owned by poor communities, it is possible to assess the significance of the MSME sector. MSMEs have contributed praiseworthy role in the conversion of the economy of India is rural economy to an industrialised one. The second largest employer in India is the MSME sector, right behind the agricultural sector. They are extensively spread out around the nation and generate a wide variety of goods and services to satisfy the demands of local, national, and multinational supply chain as well as local and worldwide marketplaces. To grow this industry and increase its competitiveness, the government has offered a number of plans and initiatives. Nevertheless, this industry has been contributing a large portion in India's economy but there are numerous obstacles that make the running of this sector incredibly challenging. The current study makes an effort to pinpoint key opportunities and restrictions for MSMEs in India. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study mainly includes the review of secondary data collected from various authors, journals, magazines, government’s websites and other various unpublished sources.Findings: The study makes an effort to draw attention to the different government initiatives created to support the MSME sector in India. The study showed that while the government is making every effort to support MSMEs through a variety of measures, there are still many restrictions and challenges that this industry must overcome.Future Scope of Research: As we all know, the Indian economy is still in its early stages, and the implementation of GST in India is only five years old. Therefore, there are many sectors and areas in the Indian economy that are not fully developed, and the development of these sectors in the near future will create more opportunities and challenges for MSMEs.

Exploring the Relationship between Economic Indicators, Investor Distrust, and Stock Market Volatility: case study of the KASE index dynamics

Object: The aim of the article is to investigate the relationship between investor distrust and the overall financial stability of the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) through a comprehensive analysis of qualitative and quantitative methods. Methods: Qualitative analysis involves examining the activities of KASE and investor relations practices, while quantitative analysis employs regression modeling to explore the impact of macroeconomic factors on KASE index volatility. Findings: In the research varying levels of investor engagement and investor relations activities in Kazakhstan were revealed with significant correlations between macroeconomic indicators such as inflation, unemployment, GDP, and KASE index volatility. Results indicate that while inflation and GDP have limited impact, unemployment significantly influences market volatility, leading to the fact that investors less actively participate in the market activities in terms of poor economic conditions. Conclusions: Insufficient investor confidence, influenced by macroeconomic conditions and financial literacy, hinders the growth of the stock market. Building trust among investors requires transparent regulations, effective governance, and investor education initiatives to foster market participation and development.

CRITICAL EVALUATION OF SEHAT SAHULAT CARD AND STRATEGIZING SEHAT SCHOOL INITIATIVE: LESSONS LEARNT AND WAY FORWARD

The Sehat Sahulat Card is a government initiative aimed at providing health insurance to underprivileged families in Pakistan. Its primary objective is to improve access to quality healthcare services, thereby reducing the financial burden of medical expenses on the low-income households. The Sehat School Initiative is a proposed extension of this program, focusing on promoting health education and preventive healthcare practices among school children. This study utilizes the qualitative approach by incorporating qualitative data. Quantitative data is gathered from government health databases, insurance claims records, and surveys conducted among beneficiaries of Sehat Sahulat Card. The results provide significant information in reaching the conclusion. Sehat Sahulat Card has significantly increased access to healthcare services of underprivileged families, leading toward reduction in out-of-pocket medical expenses. Key challenges identified are logistical issues in card distribution, limited awareness amid potential beneficiaries, and constraints in healthcare infrastructure coupled with financial crunch. It is advised that there is a need to strengthen healthcare setup and capacity-building initiatives by pouring in more finances to support the increased demand generated by Sehat Sahulat Card.

Green horizons: Enabling the energy transition through climate change policies

In response to the goals set by the COP21 Summit, the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, this study aims to develop an effective policy framework to support the transition to sustainable energy. This framework considers key elements such as managing energy risks, leveraging green finance, navigating carbon markets, and evaluating three climate change policy indicators: the impact of climate change summits (CCS), government climate programs (CCGP), and climate change taxation (CCT). Utilizing the Quantile Vector Autoregressive (QVAR) approach and analyzing monthly data from the United States from August 1, 2014, to August 30, 2022, our research examines the influential role of these climate policy indicators. The results show that climate summits, governmental initiatives, and climate taxes are significant influencers, affecting both renewable and conventional energy sectors, carbon market movements, and green finance. The study underscores the importance of government initiatives and climate policies in driving the transition to renewable energy and fostering environmentally sustainable financial activities. Focused on advancing Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action), this research contributes to shaping effective policy frameworks and enriching policy debates on sustainable energy transition.

Actions of the Italian government regarding prisoners of war of Italian nationality of the Austro-Hungarian army during World War I

Importance. From 1915 to 1917, a camp for Austro-Hungarian prisoners of war of Italian nationality functioned in Kirsanov, Tambov Governorate, who accepted the offer of the Italian government to send them to Italy and subsequently join the ranks of its armed forces. The Italian government decided to carefully select prisoners of war based on their political and national trustworthiness, thereby delaying repatriation. Prisoners of war began to write to irredentist associations in Italy and the national press, thereby putting pressure on the Italian government. As a result of these actions, the Italian government changed course to send prisoners of war as soon as possible. The activities of prisoners of war are insufficiently covered in modern historiography. The purpose of the study is the impact of the media on the Italian government, which was provided by prisoners of war of the Austro-Hungarian army of Italian nationality in Tambov Governorate during World War I, aimed at accelerating repatriation to the Italian Kingdom.Materials and Methods. The source base is archival materials, as well as a number of published studies. The retrospective method is used, which allows to recreate, in individual details and later sources, the actions of the Italian government in relation to Austro-Hungarian prisoners of war of Italian nationality.Results and Discussion. It is shown that the sending of prisoners of war to Italy was delayed at the initiative of the Italian government. The prisoners of war who were in the Kirsanov camp were able to put pressure on the Italian government with the help of the media. In the spring of 1916, the government, realizing the possible negative consequences, agreed in favor of all prisoners of war who agreed to join the Italian armed forces, rather than limiting it to a few officers who could pay for the trip.Conclusion. While waiting to be sent to Italy, a group of soldiers and officers, being prisoners of war, contacted the national press and irredentist associations. The purpose of these appeals was to put pressure on the Italian government, which was supposed to speed up the repatriation of prisoners of war.

Unlocking Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Local Governments: Best Practice Lessons from Real-World Implementations

In an era marked by rapid technological progress, the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly evident across various sectors, including local governments. These governmental bodies are progressively leveraging AI technologies to enhance service delivery to their communities, ranging from simple task automation to more complex engineering endeavours. As more local governments adopt AI, it is imperative to understand the functions, implications, and consequences of these advanced technologies. Despite the growing importance of this domain, a significant gap persists within the scholarly discourse. This study aims to bridge this void by exploring the applications of AI technologies within the context of local government service provision. Through this inquiry, it seeks to generate best practice lessons for local government and smart city initiatives. By conducting a comprehensive review of grey literature, we analysed 262 real-world AI implementations across 170 local governments worldwide. The findings underscore several key points: (a) there has been a consistent upward trajectory in the adoption of AI by local governments over the last decade; (b) local governments from China, the US, and the UK are at the forefront of AI adoption; (c) among local government AI technologies, natural language processing and robotic process automation emerge as the most prevalent ones; (d) local governments primarily deploy AI across 28 distinct services; and (e) information management, back-office work, and transportation and traffic management are leading domains in terms of AI adoption. This study enriches the existing body of knowledge by providing an overview of current AI applications within the sphere of local governance. It offers valuable insights for local government and smart city policymakers and decision-makers considering the adoption, expansion, or refinement of AI technologies in urban service provision. Additionally, it highlights the importance of using these insights to guide the successful integration and optimisation of AI in future local government and smart city projects, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of communities.

AN EVALUATION OF STATE-WISE IMPLEMENTATION OF AYUSHMAN BHARAT PRADHAN MANTRI JAN AROGYA YOJANA IN INDIA

‘Health for all’ is the fundamental notion of a progressive nation. It assumes accessible healthcare facilities for all residents regardless of their socio- economic differences. Good health and well-being of human beings aim to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) through Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is a flagship initiative of government of India targets to achieve universal health coverage for lower income groups and vulnerable classes of population that are 40% of total population. This scheme is implemented in all states and union territories except for Odisha, West Bengal and the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. This research paper attempts to analyse state wise implementation through Ayushman card created, hospitals empanelment and authorised hospital admissions etc. For this purpose, we are using secondary data from government websites, articles and reports. The results show that the implementation of Ayushman Bharat has been uneven across India's diverse states and union territories. Responding factors for this diverse status are mainly state level governance and implementation procedures. This will provide valuable insight in utilization and adoptability of scheme across states and Union Territories. KEYWORDS: Universal health coverage, Ayushman Bharat PM- JAY, SDGs, India

National Security Council (NSC) Role in Managing the Covid-19 Pandemic: Effectiveness, Domestic Political Interference and Coordination of Inter-Agency and Central/State NSC

National security threats have now grown to include health issues as a new emergency agenda with the emergence of the Covid-19 Pandemic that has hit the whole world. This pandemic has become a major crisis for the country when many lives have been lost and the country's economy has been affected. As the threat has become a national crisis, National Security Council (NSC) are responsible to deal with it, as the main national security coordinator, together with other agencies including the main agency in the health field namely the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH). Many strategies are highlighted as disease control mechanisms including the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO), quarantine for those with symptoms, use of disease control equipment, symptom detection through MySejahtera including vaccination, closure of non-essential business operations, country entry restrictions and social events as well as many other government initiatives including the establishment of call centers in each agency and the provision of people assistance. However, there are challenges in the strategy implemented. Therefore, it is important to analyze the extent of NSC capability in dealing with Covid-19 Pandemic. The study found that NSC was reactive in dealing with the Covid-19 Pandemic, thus making NSC more recognized and trusted. NSC coordination with other Ministries/Agencies is active but partially effective with the state due to interference from the state government and issues related to state NSC which do not refer to the central NSC. Political interference has resulted in an increase in the pandemic spread and cause people distrust in government approach.

Participation of Women in Inclusive development Pathways: a Study of Initiatives of Government of India

Participation of Women in Inclusive development Pathways: a Study of Initiatives of Government of India

Indonesia's Digital Push to Combat Literacy Crisis

This study investigates the government's role in improving literacy rates in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, where reading interest is the lowest in ASEAN. Using a descriptive qualitative method, interviews with library officials revealed that innovative programs and digital media are key to enhancing public engagement. The research highlights the Sidoarjo government's implementation of smart city applications and digital resources to support education and public services. Results indicate that practical information and effective use of digital tools are essential for increasing literacy. This study underscores the importance of government initiatives in addressing literacy challenges and improving educational outcomes. Highlights: Government Initiatives: Smart city applications and digital tools boost literacy in Sidoarjo. Low Literacy Rates: Indonesia's lowest reading interest in ASEAN needs urgent intervention. Innovative Programs: Digital media and practical information enhance public engagement and literacy. Keywords: Literacy, Government Role, Digital Media, Education, Sidoarjo

<p>Psychosocial Risks at work: Are Women More Stressed than Men?</p>

Indeed, stress has emerged as one of the foremost challenges to maintaining occupational safety and health for organizations worldwide. This article explores the factors that contribute to job stress experienced by employed individuals in Spain, focusing particularly on gender disparities. From the estimation of probit ordered models using data form ECVT (2010) survey, the general result indicates that both sociodemographic and work-related characteristics contribute to explaining the level of stress. Regarding gender, it is confirmed that women report, ceteris paribus, higher levels of stress. This extra stress can be explained by women's traditional greater dedication to family work, occupational segregation and differences in personality traits. The findings indicate that governmental initiatives aimed at increasing women's labour participation in the workforce should be complemented by legislation focused on improving women's working conditions, particularly regarding flexible work schedule and a better balance between work and personal life.

Exploring the Potential Impacts of Mobile Sports Gambling on Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Study of Kenya

Kenya’s vibrant mobile sports gambling scene pulsates with the promise of economic prosperity and sporting excellence. Yet, beneath the gleaming facade, whispers of potential pitfalls like addiction, financial strain, and match-fixing cast a long shadow. This study embarks on a multifaceted exploration, wielding both quantitative and qualitative data to reveal the complex realities behind the hype that is all too familiar with the target group. The findings paint a nuanced picture. Young adults and those with higher incomes gamble more frequently, raising concerns about responsible gaming practices. While the industry sparks job creation in sectors such as customer service, marketing, advertisement/brand influencing, and programming, negative consequences like match-fixing and addiction cannot be ignored. For example, in 2023, Kenya’s football federation suspended 14 male football players and 2 coaches over match-fixing allegations, and in February 2020, FIFA banned 4 Kenyan players over an international conspiracy to fix league matches, showing that such iniquitous traits have already permeated the Kenyan sporting arena. Increased sponsorship deals are perceived to propel sports quality; for example, boxing in Kenya was considered a forgotten sport, but various pugilists have gotten lifelines from sponsorship deals with sports betting companies despite these ethical questions still remaining unanswered. Public awareness of government initiatives funded by gambling taxes remains surprisingly low, highlighting a need for greater transparency. Based on these insights, I propose a roadmap for navigating this dynamic landscape. Public awareness campaigns coupled with financial literacy education can empower Kenyans to gamble responsibly. Strengthening regulations and refining taxation systems will ensure fairness and optimize revenue generation. Expanding support services for problem gamblers and fostering workplace awareness are crucial steps towards mitigating negative impacts. Finally, in-depth research is needed to understand the long-term economic and social implications, paving the way for evidence-based interventions. This study transcends mere analysis, offering a crucial compass for policymakers and stakeholders. By acknowledging the double-edged nature of mobile sports gambling, we can chart a course towards a sustainable and responsible future for this transformative industry, ensuring that Kenya truly leverages its potential for growth and prosperity while safeguarding its social well-being.

Governance for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Interoperability: Questions of Trust

Although the rapidly emerging capabilities of AI bring potential benefits that could be transformative for cyber security, significant threats have emerged that continue to grow in impact and scale. One proposed solution to addressing important risks in AI is the emergence of strategies for AI governance. Yet, as this conceptual early-stage research argues, what is crucial for individuals, businesses, public institutions, including the military, and for high-risk environments, are questions concerning trust in AI governance. Will governance of AI be trusted? As an example, during 2023, several AI governance initiatives and strategies emerged, with some nation states proposing legislation while others looked to treaties and collaboration as solutions. Indeed, at a supra-national level, the United Nations expert multinational stakeholder Policy Network on AI (PNAI) formed to examine key issues in current AI governance. These include the interoperability of governance, data governance mechanisms, AI in supporting inclusion and the transition of nations. To help our understanding of trust in AI governance, the focus for this paper is limited in scope to interoperability in AI governance. Interoperability encompasses different aspects, policy initiatives (such as frameworks, legislation, or treaties), systems and their abilities to communicate and work together. The approach taken in this early-stage research is framed as questions of trust in AI governance. The paper therefore reviews the nature of different AI governance strategies developed and implemented by a range of key nation states and supra-national actors. This is followed by an evaluation of the role of trust, focused on AI governance strategies, in the context of interoperability in AI governance. Trust-building strategies are also considered, with a focus on leveraging the separate elements involved in trust-building to assist our understanding of the implementation of trusted AI governance. The contribution of this early-stage research is to highlight issues that may not be considered by the technical community and to contribute to developing a platform and a research approach that informs policy- learning for institutions, practitioners and academics.

Do Where People Interact Matters to Social Capital? Comparative Analysis of Middle- and High-Rise Public Housing

As a growing country, the challenge of providing affordable housing has grown over recent years. Public housing has emerged as a leading government initiative to provide better housing alternatives, especially for low incomes. However, due to the limited land availability, public housing development has shifted from middle- to high-rise housing type. Previous studies have shown that high-rise living can have detrimental effects on low-income residents, especially regarding their social capital. This study explores the interactional spaces within both housing types, their social capital, and whether the former influences the latter. Quantitative analysis was conducted on 255 respondents in middle- and high-rise public housing for low incomes in the Jakarta Special Region, Indonesia. The results indicated some similarities as well as differences in both housing styles. Respondents in both housing types mostly interacted in corridor areas, even though the percentage was higher for the high-rise case. Moreover, while both cases lacked the same social capital indicators, the middle-rise case had a relatively better situation than its high-rise counterparts. Furthermore, it was found that interactional spaces appear to influence their social capital, and the effects were varied for both middle- and high-rise and each social capital indicator. This study concludes that the intensity of interaction within a particular space does not necessarily translate to better social capital.

INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT OF THE NETHERLANDS

The paper offers a comprehensive review of the investment environment in the Netherlands, a nation noted for its advanced economy, robust international trade links, and a solid legal framework that supports business activity. The Netherlands features a stable political environment, transparent governance, and administrative efficiency, creating a reliable backdrop for investment. This climate is conducive to innovation and attracts foreign direct investment, especially due to an advantageous tax system. The workforce in the Netherlands is highly skilled and multilingual, which is a critical asset, though the high labor costs could be seen as a deterrent. However, these costs are often offset by the high productivity and the business-friendly policies of the government. The Dutch market is well-connected and integral to the European trade landscape, making it a strategic entry point into the European Union. Transport and logistics infrastructure, particularly the Port of Rotterdam—the largest port in Europe—plays a crucial role in facilitating trade not only across Europe but globally. This infrastructure is supported by a top-tier digital network and service sector, with the Netherlands boasting one of the highest broadband penetration rates in Europe. Despite its many advantages, the investment climate in the Netherlands does face challenges such as regulatory complexity and stringent environmental regulations. These challenges are balanced by the country’s commitment to sustainability and the green economy, which opens up new investment opportunities in renewable energy and sustainable technologies. Furthermore, the Netherlands is proactive in fostering a favorable business environment through various government initiatives. These include incentives for research and development, enhancements in sustainable business practices, and subsidies for green energy projects, all aimed at maintaining the country’s competitive edge. The Dutch government’s approach to international business is also characterized by a network of treaties designed to protect foreign investments and prevent double taxation, making the Netherlands an attractive destination for multinational corporations. The presence of a strong legal system ensures that property rights and contracts are well protected, which is a critical consideration for investors. In conclusion, the Netherlands presents a balanced spectrum of opportunities and challenges. While the high cost of operations and regulatory demands pose hurdles, the strategic advantages, robust infrastructure, and government incentives create a favorable environment for significant investment returns. This detailed analysis serves as an essential guide for potential investors, providing insights into both the macroeconomic stability and sector-specific prospects within the Dutch market.

Erratic Rise in Tomato Prices, Status, Issues, Government Initiatives and Policy Suggestions to Manage the prices of Tomato and other Vegetables

Tomatoes, hold a paramount position in both Indian cuisine and the nation's economy. The status of tomato area and production in India and in states show its importance in Indian economy. India is leading tomato producer in the world. In India, MP and Andhra Pradesh are the largest producer of tomato in India. The erratic weather conditions, pest attack and transport bottlenecks have raised the tomato prices in June to August 2023. In this regard, the paper is to analyze the status and issues in erratic rise in tomato prices, government initiatives and Policy suggestions to manage the prices of tomato and other vegetables. In the study, it is found that the number of reasons that has led to rise in prices starting from poor prices received for tomato for rabi crop, rise in temperature in May – June and to high rainfall in July end. Government has then initiated number of needed measures to support both producers and consumers from creating the awareness, purchase of produce from surplus areas and then distribution of produce in high price areas. To prevent the abnormal price situations in tomatoes or other vegetables, there is need of a multi-pronged approach involving both short-term relief and long-term strategies. As a policy suggestion, to combat such crisis in future, a collaborative effort and coordination required among government agencies, weather departments, agricultural experts, extension machinery and farmers themselves is essential.

Policy Challenges and Opportunities: Migrant Female Entrepreneurs in Northern Europe

The article examines the profound influence of public policies on female migrant entrepreneurship, emphasizing their impact at both local and global levels. Highlighting diverse obstacles faced by female entrepreneurs, including financial constraints, limited knowledge, gender bias, and sociocultural factors, it underscores the pivotal role of governmental support. Specifically, in Northern Europe, gender equality, integration, and entrepreneurship policies are identified as crucial facilitators. Thus, migrant women, facing compounded challenges of gender, ethnicity, and immigration status, encounter barriers to accessing local opportunities. Motivations for entrepreneurship span economic survival, flexibility, and escape from domestic challenges. However, low-tech migrant enterprises often remain overlooked. Women’s business groups and governmental initiatives emerge as vital sources of support, emphasizing the need for tailored policies benefiting female entrepreneurs, especially migrants. The integration of such policies within broader entrepreneurial ecosystems ensures alignment and mutual reinforcement, thus policymakers are urged to recognize and address the distinct needs of female migrant entrepreneurs.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN UKRAINE IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITAL ECONOMICS

This article explores the trajectory of business development in Ukraine under the influence of digital economics. By examining key sectors, government initiatives, and the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of how Ukraine is adapting to the digital age and positioning itself in the global market. The study highlights the rapid growth of the IT sector, the significant strides in e-commerce, FinTech, and agriculture, and the critical role of government policies in fostering digital innovation. It also addresses the pressing challenges such as cybersecurity risks, digital skills gaps, and regulatory needs, offering policy recommendations to ensure sustainable growth. This multifaceted analysis underscores the transformative impact of digital economics on Ukraine’s business landscape, offering insights into its future trajectory in the global digital economy.