Inclusive Development Research Articles

Impact of Mobile Money innovation in Ghana on bank profitability

The study investigated the bank specific, industry and macroeconomic factors that impact the profitability of banks from a developing country perspective. The differentiator for this paper is the inclusion of mobile money floats as a factor that influence bank profitability in a mobile money driven financial system. Using panel data techniques, the study found that bank-related factors that drive bank profitability are operating expense ratio, capitalisation, and bank size. All macroeconomic variables included in the study are also important in explaining bank profitability and so is market concentration and regulation. The study however, revealed that mobile money floats does not influence bank profitability significantly, however, bank size complements and moderates the relationship between mobile money and bank profitability positively. The study recommend that smaller banks should invest more in information technology to attract more mobile money floats to improve upon profitability and consequently financial inclusion and economic development.

Research on the Impact of Digital Inclusive Financial Development on the Income Gap between Urban and Rural Residents in Henan Province

This paper begins with an introduction of what digital inclusive finance is; it immediately describes and analyzes the development of digital inclusive finance in Henan, and analyzes the status of disposable incomes of urban and rural residents in Henan from 2011-2021; secondly, based on the digital inclusive finance index released by Peking University from 2011-2021, and based on the panel data of the corresponding years and prefectural cities of Henan Province, it applies the Stata software, through econometric regression and other methods, to empirically analyze the relationship between the development of digital inclusive finance and the income differences between urban and rural residents, to explore the intrinsic relationship between the development of digital inclusive finance and the income differences between urban and rural residents, and to meticulously examine the impact of the coverage, depth of use, and degree of digitalization of digital inclusive finance on the income differences between urban and rural residents. Through the empirical analysis, it is found that the index of digital inclusive finance development has a significant effect on the reduction of the income gap between urban and rural residents, in which the index of the degree of digital inclusive finance digitization has a greater impact on the reduction of the gap between urban and rural residents' incomes.

Apresentação do Centro de Competência e Desenvolvimento da Economia Azul

The blue economy focuses on sustainable and regenerative development associated with resources and sectors related to the aquatic environment (ocean, seas, rivers and lakes). The blue economy encompasses traditional economic activities such as fishing, aquaculture and processing industries, maritime transport, port facilities and logistics, maritime infrastructure and works, shipbuilding and maintenance, coastal tourism and nautical tourism, sports and culture, and education, training and scientific research. It also includes emerging economic activities such as renewable ocean energies (wind, wave and tidal), marine biotechnology (biofuels, genetic resources, pharmaceuticals), maritime surveillance, carbon capture and sequestration, among many others. Each of these activities faces challenges associated with decarbonisation, digitalisation and the circular economy, while offering vast opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, investment and the development of professional careers, boosting the creation of qualified jobs. The blue economy is driven by several critical factors, including the promotion of a healthy and resilient ocean, the protection of biodiversity, the existence and quality of basic sanitation, the creation and maintenance of vibrant ecosystems, and investment in knowledge, education and inclusive social development.

Exploring the role of regional capacity in human resource development in Indonesia

The role of local government in regional development planning is an essential topic in the context of sustainable local development. This study aimed to analyze the role of local governments in regional development planning and their impact on the effectiveness and sustainability of development at the local level. The research method used is a qualitative approach with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis related to regional development policies and regulations. This research was conducted in several districts/cities in certain regions, considering diverse geographical, social, and economic contexts. The results showed that the role of local governments in regional development planning is vital in coordinating various interests, resources, and related actors. Local governments act as regulators, facilitators, and implementers in determining the direction, policies, and allocation of development resources. In addition, community and private-sector involvement is also recognized as an integral part of democratic and inclusive planning processes. The impact of the role of local governments in regional development planning can be seen in increasing the effectiveness of development programs, increasing community participation, reducing regional disparities, and improving the community’s quality of life. Nevertheless, challenges such as corruption, lack of interagency coordination, and political uncertainty remain obstacles that must be overcome. This study concludes that the role of local governments in regional development planning is a critical factor in achieving sustainable regional development. Therefore, measures are needed to strengthen institutional capacity, increase transparency, and strengthen public participation to ensure sustainable and inclusive development planning at the local level.

Legal Transformation of Trading Businesses into Individual Limited Companies for Indonesian Micro and Small Enterprises

This study discusses the transformation from a Trading Business (UD) to an Individual Limited Company (PT Perorangan) as an effort to empower micro and small enterprises in Indonesia. In the context of corporate law, this transformation provides a strong legal basis and good corporate governance, enabling a Trading Business to obtain legal entity status as well as broader access to funding sources and legal protection. Utilizing a normative legal research approach, this study analyzes related legislation and assesses its impact on the sustainability of micro and small enterprises. The findings indicate that this transformation not only enhances legal certainty but also offers opportunities for companies to grow more professionally and sustainably. Moreover, the obligation to report financial documents digitally increases transparency and trust among business partners. The findings of this study are expected to make a significant contribution to the literature on empowering small businesses and encourage the government to continue supporting the transformation of Trading Businesses into Individual Limited Companies as part of an inclusive economic development strategy.

Community, Village, Gender, and Social Inclusion: A Literature Review

This article provides a summary of the literature review on the relationship between community, villages, gender, and social inclusion in community development. The researchers investigate how these factors interrelate and influence social inclusion. The article outlines the role of communities and villages in promoting social inclusion and how gender influences these dynamics. The study emphasizes the multifaceted nature of inclusivity in community development, including spatial, social, environmental, economic, and political dimensions. Attention is given to meaningful participation in decision-making processes and proposals for empowering marginalized groups. The research underscores the importance of social inclusion in sustainable urban development, particularly for addressing the needs of disadvantaged groups. It highlights the necessity for more inclusive community development policies and practices that prioritize meaningful participation, social inclusion, and equality.

Advancing SDG 16 through political participation on social media: A Comparative Study of Social Capital between South Korea and the United States

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) aims to promote peaceful, inclusive societies and build effective, accountable institutions. Despite the growing influence of online media on political activities in the digital age and the increasing importance of achieving SDG 16 through political participation, there has been a lack of empirical research on this topic. This cross-cultural comparative study investigates the relationships among online communication, social capital, and political participation in South Korea and the United States. Online surveys were conducted in both countries, focusing on people's interest and trust in online communication, types of online social capital (bonding and bridging), and engagement in conventional and unconventional forms of political participation. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of social media as a platform for citizens to voice their political opinions and partake in democratic processes. We discovered a significant correlation between heightened interest and trust in online communication and increased political participation in both countries. This correlation is instrumental in achieving SDG 16.7, which advocates for inclusive and participatory decision-making. This study also highlights the nuanced differences in the relationship between online social capital and political participation. In South Korea, bridging online social capital is associated with unconventional political activities, whereas in the United States, bonding online social capital is linked to these forms of engagement. However, in both countries, participation in presidential elections is associated with bridging online social capital, providing a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play. The potential of social media to expand opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process and hold their governments accountable contributes to achieving SDG 16.6, which aims to develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions. However, the study also serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by online polarization and misinformation. To fully realize the benefits of social media in promoting inclusive and sustainable social development, addressing these issues and fostering healthy online communities are essential.In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of promoting online communication and building robust online communities as key strategies for achieving SDG 16, engaging a wide range of stakeholders in the process of building a more equitable and sustainable future.

Digital transformation of the global economy: challenges and opportunities

The world is going through a revolution, the emergence of digital and its impact on our planet. By Christine Moorman Researchers examine the challenges and opportunities of how to digitize a tradition-bound, offline industry. The research highlights key factors propelling this transition; ranging from technological and legal advances to societal impacts. Other subjects covered in the study include potential cyber threats and data privacy risks as well as what digitalization means for different industries, from manufacturing to services and finance. These findings suggest that while digital transformation promises significant opportunities for innovation and economic growth, it also requires comprehensive policy approaches to reduce associated risks and ensure inclusive development. The aim of this article is to investigate the challenges and opportunities posed by the transition in global economy from analogical towards digital. The global economy is undergoing a radical transformation thanks to digital technologies. These tectonic shifts kindle an array of opportunities and challenges that we discuss in this article. Highlighting key factors behind this transformation — technology, legal frameworks and socioeconomic considerations — the study takes a deep dive into how blockchain can allow farmers to capture premium prices while ensuring traceability of genuine produce. The research looks at the potential dangers linked to cybersecurity and privacy, while it also studies how digitilization impacts sectors including manufacturing, services and finance. The findings show that while digital transformation provides considerable opportunities for innovation and economic growth, it also requires comprehensive strategies to mitigate associated risks and ensure inclusive development. This article is written as to observe the titled paradigm shift of global economy with Digitalisation, and changes it brings about in form of opportunities & challenges. The findings show that digital transformation is a two-edged sword: it provides significant opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and the creation of new business models like digital platforms and the gig economy. However, it presents significant challenges, particularly in terms of cybersecurity and data privacy. The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks pose serious threats to businesses and governments, while concerns over data privacy necessitate the development of strong regulatory frameworks.

The Urgent Call for Academic Action: Rebooting SDGs to Reset Our Future

This manuscript, presented at GEEF2024, emphasizes the critical role of academia in revitalizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address current global challenges. The SDGs, adopted in 2015, aim to eradicate poverty and promote sustainable development by 2030. However, progress has stalled due to financial constraints, governance issues, the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical crises such as the Russian–Ukraine war. The COVID-19 pandemic has had multifaceted impacts, reversing poverty reduction trends and disrupting education and energy investments. It has also exacerbated social inequalities, leading to the conceptualization of COVID-19 as a syndemic, an ecodemic, and an econodemic. These terms highlight the pandemic's complex interplay with preexisting health issues, environmental degradation, and economic disparities. Geopolitical crises have further hindered SDG progress by disrupting food and energy supplies and diverting resources from sustainable development initiatives. Climate change, marked by unprecedented heatwaves and natural disasters, poses additional threats to achieving the SDGs. The need for carbon neutrality and effective international cooperation is more urgent than ever before. In this context, universities play a crucial role in advancing the SDGs through research, innovation, and community engagement. Engaged universities align their research agendas with the SDGs, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and developing solutions to global challenges. Yonsei University's Institute for Global Engagement and Empowerment (IGEE) exemplifies this approach with its Yonsei SDGs Initiative. By analyzing research outputs via natural language processing, the initiative aligns academic activities with SDGs, particularly in health and well-being. The GEEF2024 conference underscored the importance of innovative strategies and international cooperation in achieving the SDGs. Discussions highlighted the need to address mental health crises, low birth rates, and the care economy's undervaluation. The conference also emphasized the necessity of inclusive development strategies that reflect the perspectives and priorities of Africa and Asia.In conclusion, universities must integrate social engagement into their core missions to remain relevant and impactful. By prioritizing research, teaching, and services that contribute to sustainable development, academia can play a pivotal role in overcoming global challenges and achieving the SDGs.

THE NEXUS OF INDUCING DEVELOPMENT: MEASURE PATH DISCOURSES IN INDONESIA’S DYNAMIC LANDSCAPE

The research objective underscores the importance of human capital, innovation, and research in fostering sustainable economic growth, with a focus on principal variables such as human capital development (measured by HDI), innovation and competitiveness (driven by FDI inflows), R&D expenditure, and employment dynamics. The research results reveals that FDI, R&D spending, and employment significantly impact TFP growth, with FDI inflows identified as a push driver of TFP growth by enhancing innovation and competitiveness. This research applies the research methodology ARDL model to delve into the factors that influence Total Factor Productivity (TFP), drawing on Romer’s theory of endogenous growth. The research results also highlight the role of R&D expenditure in boosting TFP, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment for research and innovation. The labor force is also found to contribute significantly to TFP. The research further explores the interaction between the labor force and R&D, suggesting the need for policies that support both workforce development and innovation for sustained prosperity. The study also incorporates the concept of employment elasticity with respect to growth as a measure of inclusive development. It concludes by advising stakeholders to prioritize the promotion of FDI inflows, entice R&D spending, and treatise labor force issues to enhance TFP growth and ensure long-term economic prosperity. This underscores the importance of stakeholders’ cooperation in leveraging investments for long-term economic prosperity.

Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Masyarakat dengan Literasi dan Pengelolaan Sumber Daya Lokal di Desa Perkebunan Maryke

Community economic empowerment is a strategic step in improving welfare and economic independence, especially in areas rich in local resources. Economic literacy plays a crucial role in this process, as it provides communities with the knowledge and skills to understand and manage resources efficiently and sustainably. This article examines efforts to empower communities economically through the enhancement of literacy and the management of local resources. With an economic literacy approach that covers aspects of financial management, business operations, and marketing, communities can maximize the potential of local resources to create added economic value. This study highlights various forms of local resources, such as agricultural products, fisheries, and handicrafts, and their potential to drive local economic growth. The analysis shows that good economic literacy not only improves the community's ability to make informed economic decisions but also contributes to poverty reduction and overall improvement in the quality of life. Therefore, empowerment through literacy and local resource management is key to achieving inclusive and sustainable economic development.

Can green finance promote inclusive development? Empirical evidence from China

Can green finance promote inclusive development? Empirical evidence from China

An empirical analysis of stock market participation: from an Islamic perspective

Purpose In the verge of assessing Muslims’ participation in stock market, present study delved into evaluating the influence of Islamic religiosity (IR) on Muslim investor’s financial engagement factors with respect to stock market (i.e. financial literacy [FL], Islamic financial literacy [IFL], behavioural factors [BF], Shariah compliance [SC], technology adoption [TA] and institutional support [IS]), stock market participation (SMP) and financial well-being (FWB). Further, this study aims to examine the mediating role of IFL, TA and SMP and moderating role of IS. Design/methodology/approach Using a mixed-methods approach, a structured survey questionnaire was administered and responses have been collected from 319 Muslim investors from South India using stratified random sampling. Further, data was analysed using SPSS 20.0 and AMOS 20.0 by implementing one-way ANOVA, measurement model and structural equation model to assess the differences, mediating and moderating roles. Findings In this study, it is discovered that IR significantly impacts Muslim investor’s financial engagement factors, SMP and FWB. Further, it is explored that IFL accelerates the impact of FL and SC on SMP. The results also demonstrated the intervening role of TA in enhancing SMP through BF and the mediating role of SMP among Muslim investors with strong IR to attain and enjoy FWB. Interestingly, our study also argued that when the IS is more, the effect of IR on SMP is high. Research limitations/implications Geographical boundaries are restricted to India, where the study proposes future studies in Islamic countries to better understand the religious belief system of the investors, as SC may vary in different countries. Practical implications In accordance with the results, it is recommended that the regulatory bodies and institutions intervene, support and incorporate IFL and also provide user-friendly Tec platforms to monitor and filter stocks and financial products for SC. Social implications The present study intends to tackle the misconception of Islamic values with respect to participating in the stock market and recommends to undertake policy and regulatory framework to ensure the inclusive development of this community. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no studies so far have pondered on the mediating role of SMP in enhancing the effectiveness of IR on their FWB. Further, this study collectively examines the influence of IR on various financial engagement factors affecting SMP leading to FWB.

The Nexus between Illicit Financial Flows and Tax Revenue: New Evidence from Resource-Rich African Countries

Resource-rich economies, especially those in Africa, are plagued with the resource curse and Dutch Disease syndromes, which undermine the quest for effectively mobilizing domestic resources toward sustainable and inclusive development. Empirical evidence on the role illicit financial flow (IFF) plays in this regard is relatively scarce. Thus, this study evaluates the volume of IFF and its effect on tax revenue in seven resource-rich African countries. Panel data, sourced for the 2009-2021 period, were analysed using the fixed effect and random effect models while the Instrumental Variable Generalised Method of Moment (IV-GMM), a dynamic estimator, was used for robustness check. Findings revealed that IFF has been on the rise and has detrimental effects on the tax revenue of the sampled countries’ national governments. This is inimical to sustainable development. Thus, the governments and policymakers in these countries must develop pragmatic policy and institutional approaches toward tackling the IFF menace.

Saving on the Phone—Evidence from Ghanaian Cocoa Farmers

Effective savings mechanisms are crucial for household resilience and economic growth. Savings accounts, whether from banks or mobile-phone based, offer an alternative to informal saving mechanisms as they provide safe and private cash storage. However, there is still no clear evidence on how the use of digital tools can contribute to increasing farmers’ savings, compared with other financial tools such as bank accounts or keeping cash at home. To address this gap, we investigate factors affecting cocoa farmers’ decisions to save, as well as their savings amounts. Shedding light on saving determinants, we answer the question of whether formal and semi-formal accounts play a major role in savings accumulation. For our study, we employ data from a structured telephone survey conducted in 2021 among 405 randomly sampled cocoa farmers. Results from an interval regression suggest that bank account usage is associated with higher savings amounts. In contrast to male cocoa farmers, females seem to use mobile savings tools to their benefit. Our analysis further reveals the importance of education in household financial resource management. We provide valuable results for public policymakers and the private sector towards responsible financial inclusion and pro-poor development of digital financial services.

Sustainable and inclusive development in left-behind places

AbstractScholarly work in economic geography and regional science has recently seen a renewed interest in spatial inequalities, driven significantly by the debate on left-behind places and the resulting geographies of discontent. The plight of left-behind places calls for new place-based policy responses that address the specific challenges of these regions but that at the same time address grand societal challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, or pollution with synthetic chemicals. Despite growing attention among economic geographers and regional scientists to either green or inclusive regional development approaches, how to reconcile environmental sustainability and social inclusiveness in highly challenged left-behind places remains poorly understood. This editorial reflects on and critically discusses the literature on left-behind places and distils unifying conceptual characteristics of left-behindness. We argue that left-behindness is a temporal, relational, multidimensional, discursive, but not deterministic concept. The non-determinism of left-behindness opens up different choices for actors to shape regional futures. Imagining and negotiating these futures involves dealing with difficult potential trade-offs between environmental sustainability and social inclusiveness, some of which are explored by the articles in this special issue.

Redefining academic trajectories: A comprehensive analysis of the factors and impacts of the gender gap in STEM higher education

Purpose The purpose of this study is to critically analyze the key factors contributing to gender disparities in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields and propose creative solutions to mitigate these differences. Despite the significance of this issue, it has not received sufficient attention owing to the absence of clarity regarding the factors that exacerbate the gender gap. Design/methodology/approach This study used a qualitative methodology that combined the viewpoints of social psychology and educational research to pinpoint and evaluate essential elements. Using a grounded theory approach, semistructured interviews were analyzed, and the obtained data were coded and categorized using ATLAS.ti software. Findings This qualitative research identified three key areas: internal and external factors influencing the gender gap, as well as strategic actions within higher education to address these disparities. The innovative contribution of this study lies in its development of a comprehensive theoretical framework that enables the diagnosis, quantification and understanding of these factors and proposes practical measures to mitigate these gender disparities. By promoting greater gender diversity, the proposed model can contribute to more inclusive and sustainable development, which is consistent with the 2030 agenda. Originality/value This study highlights the need for a multidimensional approach to address the gender gap in higher education, fills a crucial knowledge gap and provides a theoretical model to guide effective university policies.

Inclusive measure development: amplifying the voices of adolescents and young adults with spina bifida in a new measure of benefit-finding and growth.

Benefit-finding and growth is an important process across a range of medical populations. However, it has been understudied in the context of lifelong chronic conditions, such as spina bifida (SB). This study aimed to develop a new measure of benefit-finding and growth for youth with SB, confirm its factor structure, and examine its psychometric properties. To generate items for the new measure, 20 adolescents and young adults with SB completed qualitative interviews regarding their experience of living with SB. Interviews were coded for benefits. Questionnaire items were generated from these benefits, and an expert panel refined the wording of these items. The resultant 31-item measure was shared with six of the 20 participants for feedback and then piloted among 251 youth with SB. The factor structure of the measure was confirmed and reliability and convergent validity were assessed. Both a one- and four-factor structure were supported. The four factors include: Life Perspectives and Priorities, Personal Characteristics and Traits, Connections and Opportunities, and Problem Solving. Higher total and factor scores represent greater benefit-finding and growth. The measure demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = 0.95). The new measure also showed significant positive correlations with optimism, positive affect, and life satisfaction. This study produced a measure of benefit-finding and growth for youth with SB. Clinically, information about what youth with SB perceive to be their areas of strength and growth from their condition provides crucial insight into which factors to enhance in this population.

Corrigendum: Fintech, financial inclusion, and sustainable development in the African region

Corrigendum: Fintech, financial inclusion, and sustainable development in the African region

Assessing spatial configuration of barrier-free facilities from the perspective of age-friendliness: A case Study of Beijing, China

Enhancing urban inclusivity is a crucial task for sustainable urban development. One key challenge is to create seamless and accessible urban space that caters to the mobility needs of people, especially the elderly. Addressing this pressing challenge requires a comprehensive overview of barrier-free facilities (BFFs) configuration within cities. In this study, we propose an integrated framework for assessing the BFFs in Beijing by leveraging open BFFs data and mobile phone data. The proposed framework encompasses considerations of spatial distribution, accessibility, and supply-demand patterns of BFFs. Our findings reveal the significant agglomeration and heterogeneity of BFFs in Beijing, as well as serious spatial and social inequalities. Furthermore, the supply-demand relationship of BBFs in Beijing is relatively good, with 77.8% of supply-demand balanced areas. Overall, our study provides a holistic understanding of the BFFs within Beijing, offering valuable insights for informed decision-making in inclusive city planning and development.