Effective Policy Implementation Research Articles

The public health benefits of implementing environmental policies: A comprehensive review of recent studies

This comprehensive review explores the public health benefits of implementing environmental policies, focusing on recent studies from 2018 to 2024. The study aimed to systematically review and analyze the impact of environmental regulations on public health outcomes, identifying key benefits, challenges, and future directions. Utilizing a systematic literature review and content analysis methodology, the research involved a detailed examination of peer-reviewed articles and reports from academic databases and reputable organizations. The inclusion criteria targeted studies explicitly evaluating the impact of environmental policies on public health, published in English within the specified timeframe. Key findings reveal significant public health benefits associated with environmental policies, particularly those targeting air and water quality improvements. These policies have led to notable reductions in morbidity and mortality rates associated with pollution-related diseases. The analysis also highlights the critical role of governance and regulatory frameworks in facilitating effective policy implementation and stakeholder engagement. However, challenges such as the evolving nature of environmental threats and the complexity of stakeholder interests pose obstacles to policy effectiveness. The study concludes with strategic recommendations for policymakers and environmental health practitioners, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthened governance, leveraging technology, community engagement, and investment in research and education. Future research directions include longitudinal studies to assess long-term policy impacts, exploration of emerging environmental threats, and evaluation of innovative policy interventions. This review underscores the importance of environmental policies in promoting public health and outlines a roadmap for future policy-making at the intersection of environmental sustainability and public health. Keywords: Environmental Policies, Public Health, Governance and Regulatory Frameworks, Systematic Literature Review.

Achieving Sustainable Quality Education Targets: a Case Study in East Java, Indonesia

Objectives: This article aims to analyze the implementation of education policies designed to introduce quality education and identify barriers at the local level. The study focuses on an elementary school in Probolinggo City, East Java Province, Indonesia, to understand how these policies are being executed and the challenges faced. Methods: Interviews were conducted with various stakeholders, including school representatives, education office officials, and local government authorities. The study utilizes two types of data: primary data collected through interviews and secondary data from existing records and reports. Results: The findings reveal that the implementation of quality education policies at the primary school level is suboptimal in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets. This inadequacy is primarily due to weak coordination between education offices and schools. The study highlights that this poor coordination affects the ability to achieve inclusive and equitable quality education and support lifelong learning opportunities for all. Conclusion: The study concludes that the weak working relationship between schools and education offices significantly impacts the sensitivity of education office policies to school needs, thereby hindering the achievement of SDGs at the local level. The results emphasize the need for improved coordination and communication to ensure effective policy implementation. This study contributes to the development of policy implementation theory by providing insights into the sustainable strengthening of educational development strategies and expands theoretical and practical knowledge on local government policy implementation in the context of quality school education in Indonesia under the SDGs framework.

The impact of agricultural insurance on consumer food safety: empirical evidence from provincial-level data in China.

In the exploration of the efficacy of agricultural subsidy policies, agricultural insurance, as a key element of this policy system, has garnered widespread attention for its potential impact on consumer food safety. This paper delves into the influence of agricultural insurance on the safety of food consumed by individuals, based on provincial panel data in China from 2011 to 2021. The findings indicate that agricultural insurance significantly reduces the incidence of foodborne disease and enhances food safety. Mediating effect tests reveal that agricultural insurance effectively boosts food safety through two key pathways: promoting innovation in agricultural technology and reducing environmental pollution. Moreover, the analysis of moderating effects highlights that increased consumer confidence positively enhances the impact of agricultural insurance. Heterogeneity tests further show that in the provinces with higher levels of agricultural development and stronger government support for agriculture, the role of agricultural insurance in improving food safety is more pronounced. This research not only empirically verifies the effectiveness of agricultural insurance in enhancing food safety but also provides robust theoretical support and practical guidance for the precise formulation and effective implementation of agricultural subsidy policies, particularly agricultural insurance policies, offering significant reference value for policy-makers.

Implementing a systemic approach to water management: piloting a novel multi-level collaborative integrated water management framework in east London

ABSTRACT To address urban growth, resource competition, and environmental degradation, effective integrated water planning is crucial. In the UK, policy frameworks like the 25-Year Plan for the environment and the National Framework for Water Resources stress the need for a systemic approach. Despite efforts in stakeholder engagement and meta-models, integrating physical and human aspects in water management remains a challenge. This paper introduces a multi-level framework for regional water planning, demonstrated through London's Sub-Regional Integrated Water Management Strategy (SIWMS). The framework, depicted as an inverted triangle, starts with conceptual analysis, gathering stakeholder insights and data. Integrated modelling creates a baseline for scenario assessment, providing evidence through metrics and simulations. Integrated planning focuses on collaboration for option selection and implementation. Results show the framework's effectiveness for systems-level analysis at the river basin scale. The logical progression facilitates stakeholder engagement, enhancing shared understanding. The Water Systems Integration Modelling (WSIMOD) Framework allows simultaneous assessment of interventions on various indicators, aiding in prioritising multi-benefit schemes and identifying potential negative impacts. The study supports the prioritisation of schemes like Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) and emphasises the importance of a multi-level collaborative approach for robust, stakeholder-supported regional water planning to achieve effective implementation of planning and environmental policies.

Drivers of success in global health outcomes: A content analysis of Exemplar studies.

Applying a positive outlier lens is one effective approach for generating evidence to inform global health policy, program, and funding decisions. Exemplars in Global Health (EGH) is a program that studies positive outlier countries that have made extraordinary progress in health outcomes (despite limited resources) and disseminates their successes through multiple types of outputs. To date, EGH has studied, or is studying, 14 global health topics in 28 countries. This paper aims to identify findings, summarized as themes and sub-themes, that appear among all completed EGH studies. We developed a conceptual framework and used a content analysis approach to identify the top thematic areas that appear as drivers for programmatic success across EGH studies that were completed between June 2020-May 2023. The EGH studies (N = 31) spanned six topics including under-five child mortality (n = 6), childhood stunting (n = 5), community health workers (CHW) (n = 4), vaccine delivery (n = 3), COVID-19 response (n = 6), and newborn and maternal mortality reduction (n = 7) across 19 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, South and Central Asia, and the Caribbean regions. Top drivers of success were defined as those critical or catalytic in achieving the intended outcome. Eight key drivers were identified: (1) efficient data collection and use for decision-making, (2) strong political commitment and health leadership, (3) effective stakeholder coordination, (4) a local, connected, and capacitated workforce, (5) intentional women's empowerment and engagement, (6) effective adoption and implementation of national policies, (7) effective and sustainable financing, and (8) equitable, efficient outreach and targeting. These cross-cutting drivers span a broad range of development outcomes, sectors, and populations, and indicate a need to effectively integrate people, systems, and sectors to improve global health outcomes. Findings from this study aim to support peer learning among countries and support evidence-based decision-making for funders, policymakers, and other key stakeholders.

Assessment of Black Carbon, optical properties and aerosol radiative forcing at Pranmati basin Himalayan critical zone observatory

The study aimed to understand the optical properties of Black Carbon (BC) and radiative forcing over a data deficient Himalayan region focusing on critical zone observatory employing ground-based measurements by Aethalometer for BC and satellite retrieval techniques for optical properties during mid-May-June 2022 and January–May 2023.BC mass concentration ranged from 0.18 to 4.43 μgm−3, exhibit a mean of 1.47 ± 0.83 μgm−3 with higher summer concentration (1.51 ± 0.94 μgm−3) than winter (1.39 ± 0.61 μgm−3). The average Absorption Ångström Exponent observed to be significantly higher than unity (1.77 ± 0.31) over the studied high-altitude Himalayan region, suggesting the dominance of biomass-burning aerosol. Higher aethalometer derived compensation parameter (K) in winter suggesting locally originated BC while, lower K value in summer suggesting aged BC transported from Indo-Gangetic Plains.Optical properties calculated from “Optical Properties of Aerosol and Cloud” (OPAC) model are used in the “Santa Barbara DISORT Atmospheric Radiative Transfer” (SBDART) model to calculate the aerosol Direct Radiative Force (DRF). The entire studied period is characterized by the predominance of absorbing aerosols, particularly BC, increasing Aerosol Optical Depth, Asymmetric Parameters and decreasing Single Scattering Albedo, leading to a considerable increase in atmospheric radiative forcing (+0.9 Wm−2, top of atmosphere) and Heating Rate (0.36 KDay−1). The mean radiative forcing within atmosphere during summer was higher (+14.29 Wm−2) relative to the winter (+12.00 Wm−2), emphasizing the impact of absorbing aerosols on regional warming and potential glacier melting in the Himalayas at a faster rate. Urgent policy consideration for the reduction of absorbing aerosols is highlighted, recognizing the critical roles of Black Carbon in the changing behaviour of Critical Zone observatory. The study's data serve as a valuable resource to understanding and addressing uncertainties in climate models, aiding effective policy implementation for Black Carbon reduction.

Macroeconomic Determinants of Renewable Energy Production in Jordan

Using the years 1970–2022, this research looks at the macroeconomic variables that have an impact on Jordan's renewable energy production. To assess the main factors impacting Jordan's renewable energy scenario, the study employed the Dynamic Autoregressive Distributed Lag (DARDL) tool. Several important aspects affecting renewable energy production are highlighted in the study. A multitude of factors that statistically and positively impact the attainment of renewable energy are diverse economic activities as measured by the GDP. The contribution of a fair economy in speeding up and maintaining promotion of renewable energy projects in Jordan is noticeable. Moreover, FDI is one of the factors in fostering renewable energy production and its role is very significant and positive, thus, it is affecting renewable energy production in a great extent. In a nutshell, overseas funding should be meant to yield a great harvest in planting and constructing Jordanian renewable energy plants and equipments. The study also indicates that finance is not just fundamental for renewable energy movement but for the evolution of the renewable energy industry as well. While the tried and true fact of the positively and statistically significant case of link between renewable energy production and financial development underline the vital role of a financially prosperous area in redirecting investments from traditional resources to renewable energy and therefore contribute to its further expansion. However, that idea needed some modification due to the disagreement that the CO2 emissions also have significant role in reducing renewable energy production. The study has identified that there is a negative correlation between the carbon emissions and renewable energy production if it is computed statistically. The implementation of more effective policies and initiatives that will result in reduced carbon emissions becomes possible with all sectors working together to form a better environment for the establishment of renewable energy infrastructures.

The role of ICT investment, digital financial inclusion, and environmental tax in promoting sustainable energy development in the MENA region: Evidences with Dynamic Common Correlated Effects (DCE) and instrumental variable-adjusted DCE.

His research investigates the interplay among investment in Information and Communication Technology [ICT], digital financial inclusion, environmental tax policies, and their impact on the progression of sustainable energy development within the Middle East and North Africa [MENA] region. Recognizing the distinctive hurdles impeding sustainable energy advancement, effective policy formulation and implementation in MENA necessitate a comprehensive understanding of these variables. Employing a Dynamic Common Correlated Effects [DCE] model alongside an instrumental variable-adjusted DCE approach, this study explores the relationship between ICT investment, digital financial inclusion, environmental tax, and sustainable energy development. The DCE model facilitates the analysis of dynamic effects and potential correlations, while the instrumental variable-adjusted DCE model addresses issues pertaining to endogeneity. The results indicate that both ICT investment and the promotion of digital financial inclusion significantly and positively impact sustainable energy development in the MENA region. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of environmental tax implementation in fostering sustainable energy advancement, highlighting the critical role of environmental policy interventions. Based on these findings, governmental prioritization of ICT investment and initiatives for digital financial service integration is recommended to bolster sustainable energy growth in MENA. Furthermore, the adoption of efficient environmental tax measures is essential to incentivize sustainable energy practices and mitigate environmental degradation. These policy recommendations aim to create a conducive environment for sustainable energy progression in the MENA region, contributing to both economic prosperity and environmental conservation.

Policy Implementation in Management of Anchor Harbors Kepulauan Riau Province

Research discusses the implementation of anchor anchor management policies in the Kepulauan Riau Province which involves various actors with different interests. Research objectives are to implement anchor anchor management policies in the Kepulauan Riau Province. Research method used is a post-positivism approach by analyzing the types of benefits obtained, the scale of change desired, the decision-making framework, institutional and regime characteristics, as well as policy implementation and responsiveness. Results and discussion show that implementing this policy has significant economic, social, environmental and security benefits but still requires improvements to infrastructure and supporting facilities. There is also a need for good cooperation and coordination, increasing institutional capacity, increasing the capabilities of relevant officials, as well as developing technology and innovation to support more effective policy implementation. In conclusion, the anchor anchor management policy in the Kepulauan Riau Province must be improved so that it can have a positive impact on the community and the surrounding environment and improve the welfare of the local community. Apart from that, this research also highlights the importance of involving various actors in decision making regarding anchor anchor management policies. In this way, the resulting policies can be more effective and efficient, and can meet the needs and interests of all parties involved. Implication of this research is the need for synergy and collaboration between various actors regarding anchor anchor management policies. Apart from that, it is also important to pay attention to the decision-making framework, characteristics of institutions and regimes, as well as policy implementation.

Preventing deviant behaviours in the formulation and implementation of environmental health policies in the era of self-media

National health could significantly impact political, economic and social spheres, having a critical role in national development, social stability and sustainable economic growth. The Chinese government is prioritizing health in all policies and promoting environmental health work. However, deviations in the implementation of China’s environmental health policy, such as excessive or incomplete execution, could hinder progress. Studies have identified the main factors that are inhibiting effective policy implementation; these include incomplete grassroots policy mechanisms, cognitive biases amongst policy executors, varying acceptance of policy execution objects and environmental complexity. To mitigate these issues, several actions have been recommended including improving government mechanisms, enhancing technical support, developing talents, increasing public scientific literacy and considering the needs of policy executors and environmental complexity. The Internet, especially self-media platforms, can enhance policy communication, reduce information bias and foster a favourable environment for policy implementation. By using self-media’s dissemination mechanism effectively, we can strengthen public consensus and improve public scientific literacy in environmental health. This contributes to eliminating policy formulation and implementation deviations, fully leveraging the guiding role of policies and promoting the construction of a Healthy China.

Forecasting the Power Generation Mix in Italy Based on Grey Markov Models

This study considers an application of the first-order Grey Markov Model to foresee the values of Italian power generation in relation to the available energy sources. The model is used to fit data from the Italian energy system from 2000 to 2022. The integration of Markovian error introduces a random element to the model, which is able now to capture inherent uncertainties and misalignments between the Grey Model predictions and the real data. This application provides valuable insights for strategic planning in the energy sector and future developments. The results show good accuracy of the predictions, which could provide powerful information for the effective implementation of energy policies concerning the evolution of energy demand in the country. Results show an improvement in the performance of more than 50% in terms of Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) when the Markov chain is integrated in the analysis. Despite advancements, Italy’s 2032 energy mix will still significantly rely on fossil fuels, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts beyond 2032 to enhance sustainability.

Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and Cloud Infrastructures: Policy Recommendations for Enhancing Women's Participation in the Tech-Driven Economy

This study investigates the underrepresentation of women in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and Cloud Infrastructures, exploring the barriers and challenges they face and assessing the effectiveness of current policies and initiatives to promote gender diversity within the tech industry. Employing quantitative research methods, the study used a survey distributed to 572 female professionals in tech-related roles across various industries, achieving a 67.9% response rate. Multiple regression analysis was utilized to test four main hypotheses concerning barriers to entry and advancement, the inclusivity of educational programs, the impact of diverse teams on innovation and performance, and the effectiveness of gender-inclusive policies. Key findings indicate that the type of organization and specific tech sectors significantly influence the barriers experienced by women. Notably, gender diversity within teams correlates strongly with improved innovation and performance. However, educational and training programs often fail to be sufficiently inclusive, underscoring the need for programs better tailored to women's needs in tech fields. Moreover, the study confirms that implementing gender-inclusive policies substantially increases women's participation in tech roles, especially when these policies are applied long-term. Based on the findings, recommendations are made for adopting comprehensive, inclusive practices at organizational and educational levels, promoting diversity in team composition and leadership, committing long-term to effective policy implementation, and developing supportive networks through mentorship and sponsorship programs. These measures are aimed at reducing gender disparities and enhancing the integration of women into the high-tech economy. The study underscores the critical role that strategic policy-making and organizational change play in fostering an inclusive tech environment that not only addresses gender disparities but also enhances overall industry innovation and performance.

Motivating factors of farmers’ adaptation behaviors to climate change in China: A meta-analysis

Adapting to climate change is critical to building sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. Understanding farmers' perceptions of climate change has become the key to the effective implementation of climate change adaptation policies. This research draws multidisciplinary attention to how farmers participate in decision-making on adaptation behaviors and provides useful insights for realizing synergies between environmental change and agricultural production. In this work, we conducted a meta-analysis of 63 quantitative studies on Chinese farmers' adaptation to climate change to assess the relationship between motivational factors and adaptation behavior. Our analysis highlights that farmers' perceptions of precipitation changes are often inaccurate; however, other psychological factors, such as perception, experience, and risk attitude, significantly positively impact their adaptation behavior. In addition, different climate regions are the main source of high heterogeneity in inter-study comparisons of climate change perception, and the effect of climate regions may therefore constitute a moderating factor that weakens the positive relationship between climate change perception and adaptive behavior. Furthermore, this study highlights the need to intervene at the household level to enhance farmers' adaptability to climate change, which includes providing support through income diversification, early warning information services, training, assistance, credit, subsidies, and other resources. In the future, research on how perception, experience, and risk interact to affect adaptive behavior should be strengthened.

Medicaid Expansion and Cervical Cancer Survival: A Comparative Analysis of Expansion Compared With Non-expansion States Using the SEER Registry [ID 2683647

INTRODUCTION: Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act sought to improve access to care for millions of uninsured Americans. The implications of this policy change on patients with cervical cancer, a condition disproportionately affecting socioeconomically disadvantaged women, remains underinvestigated. This study explores the effect of Medicaid expansion on cancer-specific survival. METHODS: Using the SEER registry, we retrospectively analyzed cervical cancer patients from a non-expansion state (Georgia), and states that experienced Medicaid expansion (California, Connecticut, Louisiana, etc.). The study spans from 2000 to 2020. We divided the data into pre-ACA (before 2010) and post-ACA (after 2010) periods. Cancer-specific survival was our primary outcome. A difference-in-differences analysis was conducted, adjusting for age, race, income, disease stage, marital status, and regional characteristics. RESULTS: Among 63,796 cervical cancer patients, 55,683 (87.3%) were from Medicaid expansion states and 8,184 (12.7%) from non-expansion Georgia. The 5-year survival was 68.5% in expansion states versus 68.4% in Georgia (P>.05). Difference-in-differences analysis revealed no significant effect of policy implementation on cancer-specific survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.01; 95% CI, 0.90–1.13). Surgical treatment significantly predicted improved survival (HR 0.46; 95% CI, 0.44–0.49). Black women had lower survival than White women (HR 1.18; 95% CI, 1.12–1.25). CONCLUSION: Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act showed no significant effect on cervical cancer-specific survival. Surgical treatment improved survival, while Black women experienced comparatively lower survival rates.

Moderated Mediation Dynamics: Influence of Strategic Linkages and Policy Implementation on Corporate Leadership and Kenya Agricultural Research Organization's Performance

Global demand for safe, affordable, and accessible nutritious food currently exceeds governmental efforts, notwithstanding huge investments in enhancing capacity of organizations mandated to reverse such trends. With the projected 27% increase in global population by 2050, the need for corporate leadership and policy implementation efforts is urgent. The study explored the moderated mediation effect of strategic linkages and policy implementation on the relationship between corporate leadership and performance of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). Rooted in organizational excellence, upper echelons, legitimacy, institutional, and stakeholder theories, the study employed a pragmatic philosophy, and mixed methods design to mitigate bias. The target population included 75 management organs, with 60 directors and 188 top leadership units as units of observation. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS, and qualitative data using NVivo. Cronbach’s alpha (α ≥ .700) confirmed internal consistency. Both confirmatory factor and principal component analyses aided data reduction. Moderated mediation analysis, using Hayes' PROCESS Macro, showed significant interaction (p = .004) between policy implementation (mediator) and strategic linkages (moderator), indicating that the effect of policy implementation on KALRO’s performance varies with levels of strategic linkages (set at -.229). Index below -0.229 shows significant relationships, and vice versa. Recommendations encompass gender diversity, inclusive leadership development, regular performance appraisals, an enhanced monitoring and evaluation system, and improved linkages. The findings provide valuable guidance for KALRO's leadership amid competing priorities and budgetary constraints. Keywords: Moderated mediation, policy implementation, strategic linkages, corporate leadership, KALRO

A Study of Clean Water Resources Development Policy in Atambua at Belu Regency, Indonesia

Developing clean water resources is essential for policies addressing populations that lack access to safe potable water. Belu Regency is classified as underdeveloped, partially due to the community's limited capacity to manage existing water resources for basic needs. This study investigates the implementation of clean water resource development policies in the Belu Regency and identifies the supporting and inhibiting factors. Employing a descriptive qualitative methodology, this study involves stakeholders such as government entities, private sector organizations, businesses, and non-governmental organizations. Data collection encompasses library and field research through observations, interviews, and documentation. These findings indicate effective policy implementation; however, the objectives have not been fully achieved. Supporting factors include community and stakeholder participation while inhibiting factors include communication, resource capability, implementers' attitudes, and the bureaucratic structure. The study concluded that single-region management may result in conflicts of interest in water regulation between the residents of the two regions. Consequently, collaboration between the government and stakeholders is necessary, involving an integrated water resource management pattern with participation from the community, religious leaders, and business sector, based on UNDP provisions. This cooperation is feasible because of the strong emotional and cultural ties between the two countries' populations.

A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY IMPLEMENTATION IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Rapid urbanisation, population growth, economic development, and changing consumption patterns have increased waste generation worldwide. In many urban areas of Southeast Asia, waste is the most visible environmental issue, as waste generation has increased rapidly over the last decade. Effective implementation ensures that the outcomes correspond to policy goals. Most Southeast Asian countries have policies and regulations on solid waste management (SWM). However, the policies lack efficient implementation processes and enforcement. (1) political systems influence SWM effectiveness, (2) adequate resources, (3) appropriate technology, and (4) public awareness and participation. Even though many studies have been conducted on SWM implementation, very few focused on the Southeast Asian region. A systematic literature review of research articles retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus databases was conducted. This study analysed 17 articles from 598 articles initially retrieved to answer the research questions. The analysisfound that multiple stakeholders participated in the SWM system, and a set of challenges revealed the leading causes of policy failure. The analyses served as guidelines to plan for the effective implementation of SWM policies.

Tinjauan Kebijakan: Evaluasi Efektivitas Upaya Penanggulangan Bencana di Desa Ciwangi

Ciwangi Village in Garut Regency, has the potential for disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides. Therefore, evaluating the effectiveness of disaster management efforts in Ciwangi Village is crucial for mitigating risks and protecting local communities. This research aims to explore the dynamics of disasters that occurred in Ciwangi Village and evaluate the level of effectiveness of mitigation policies, starting from the structural level to the village. This research uses qualitative methods by reviewing Regional Regulations (Perda) related to disaster management in Ciwangi Village, Garut Regency. The review was carried out using in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis. The analysis was carried out by detailing the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) principles at the local level. The results of the analysis are then linked to Chamber Theory to evaluate the effectiveness of policy coordination and implementation at the village level. The research results show that disaster mitigation efforts in Ciwangi Village are still weak in terms of understanding disaster risk, disaster risk management, investment in disaster risk reduction, and disaster preparedness.

The Role of Institutions and Industrial Policy: The Constraints of Industrial Development in Sabah

This article examines the role played by institutions in Sabah’s industrial development. Industrialisation is widely acknowledged as the key to pursuing structural change and attaining an economy-wide accumulation of capabilities because it involves capital-intensive activities that require investments in physical capital, human capital and technological advancement, all of which lead to the modernisation of the state’s economy. Thus, the configuration of a nation’s industrial policy is central to expanding and diversifying downstream activities. Nonetheless, effective industrial policy implementation depends on the role played by institutions that take elite policy actors into account when configuring economic interests and priorities. In the case of Sabah, although the state is rich in resources, the implementation of its industrial policy seems to have been impeded by certain factors. Political influence is embedded in existing institutions, and there are uneven power relations, patronage and rent-seeking behaviours. These have collectively constrained industrial policy arrangements and implementation. This study employs qualitative methods, gathering primary data via elite interviews and augmenting this with extensive secondary sources.

Policy Capacity for Urban Village Redevelopment in China: A Two-Case Case Study

Policy capacity is described as a determinant for effective policy implementation. Its contents vary according to modes of governance. Based on available academic studies, grey literature, and semi-structured interviews, this study empirically explores how urban village redevelopment has been carried out in two cities, Hangzhou and Guangzhou, through the lens of policy capacity. By contrasting policy outcomes and the manifestation of policy capacity at different levels in these two cities, we develop three arguments that contribute to our understanding of urban renewal and policy capacity. Firstly, the performance of any policy action is affected by the capacity of the central actor to develop and implement policies. Secondly, understanding the interactive logical between analytical, operational, and political capacities under different governance modes is the key to understanding the strengths and weaknesses of policy capacity in a specific sector. Shaped by local contexts and past experience, local governments are predisposed to path dependence in developing and deploying policy capacity in urban village redevelopment. Thirdly, the capabilities and resources needed to support policies are largely determined by policy problematization at the analytical level: the technique-based approach of policy capacity theory needs to complete the missing link between policy framing and ethical issues.