Industry Association Research Articles

Buy Now Pay Later—A Fad or a Reality? A Perspective on Electronic Commerce

The Millennials and Generation Z use online shopping for a holistic experience and buy more expensive or better-quality products with buy now pay later payment methods for their highly demanding needs. The authors aimed to deepen understanding of this phenomenon by finding related knowledge fields and discovering the type of economy that will represent an increasing market share for the method of domestic e-commerce payments. The methodology used combined computer-assisted review, descriptive statistics, and linear regression to explain the market share of 23 economies worldwide. Student credit card use, myopic consumer law, buying tendencies. and dark financial triangles were identified as related topics. Logistics performance, ease of doing business, and postal development were found to be significant factors. Finally, economies with medium ranks are inclined to adopt this kind of payment easily. Hence, major implications, both managerial and academic, must be addressed. High responsibility should be borne by industry associations, which should run information campaigns by collaborating with public institutions. From the point of view of theoretical implications, studying the buy now and pay later concept and its outcomes might deepen understanding of consumer behaviour, decision-making processes, risk perception mitigation, debt behaviours, and credit adoption.

Grower Power for Value Creation in High-Value Horticulture? The Case of Citrus in South Africa

This paper analyses how the reconfiguration of power relationships in high-value fresh fruit value chains impacts on upgrading for export performance. The citrus industry in South Africa stands out internationally for its strong export growth and productive capabilities in which collective action by the Citrus Growers Association has played an important role. South Africa is the second largest citrus exporter in the world, after Spain. The industry’s export success has been built on investments and coordination to support shared capabilities and upgrading. The performance relates to improvements from inputs, through to growing, packing and marketing. We find that the upgrading is associated with the relatively powerful position of citrus growers, due to the way they organised themselves through the industry association and their engagement with the state. This has simultaneously supported value creation and inclusion. Through the case study of South Africa’s citrus industry, we demonstrate the potential for growers to organise themselves to reconfigure power relations in the value chain.

Credibility Standards: A new social credit mode of regulation?

Under the social credit system project, China’s government promotes credibility-based regulation (信用监管), a mode of discretionary decision-making informed by quantified assessments of regulatory subjects’ credibility. Credibility-based regulation is intended to combat China’s law enforcement problem by activating non-state actors to participate in regulatory work through conducting and sharing credibility assessments. However, little is known about its implementation. This article argues that a yet unexplored series of voluntary national standards provides the technical link between central-level rhetoric on credibility-based regulation and its implementation. Specifically, these standards lay down assessment methods and quantitative indicators for assessing credibility, and are drafted for the use of regulatory agencies, platform companies, industry associations and other state and non-state stakeholders. National standards provide a suitable link for implementing credibility-based regulation because, unlike top–down laws and policies, their creation involves a range of non-state affiliated actors, producing negotiated solutions that co-regulators may be more likely to adopt.

A Multi-Hysteresis Control for Minimizing Battery Charging Time Within Industrial JEITA Guidelines

In common industrial practices, the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA) guideline is widely adopted for battery temperature regulations. However, the conventional JEITA-compliant temperature-regulated current control (TRCC) is generally designed without considering the charging speed. To address this issue, a multi-hysteresis temperature-regulated current control (MTRCC) is proposed in this paper. The proposed MTRCC is designed based on the conventional JEITA-compliant TRCC by dividing the hysteresis band for each temperature reference from one to multiple. As a result, the number of charging current levels is increased from three to multiple, such that the charging speed can be improved according to the analysis. The proposed control inherits the simple and effective temperature regulations of the conventional control, while enhancing the charging speed without additional hardware costs. This approach has potential to be an alternative of the state-of-the-art TRCC in JEITA guidelines for single-cell charging applications. Empirical results validate that the proposed MTRCC (with four hysteresis bands) can achieve faster charging than the conventional control at four different ambient temperatures and the charging speed improvement is more significant when the ambient temperature is higher.

Analysis of the existing regulations on certification and training of autonomous vessels operators

The development of autonomous navigation has reached a stage where the issue of creating a system for training specialists in the field of autonomous ship management and developing a regulatory framework that defines the requirements for methodological, personnel and logistical support for such training arises. A brief analysis of the available bibliographic sources on the topic of training operators of autonomous vessels is presented. The requirements of the procedures for the training and certification of autonomous ships operators contained in three regulatory documents published to date such as Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships. Principles and Code of Practice of the British Marine Industry Association, Regulations for the Classification of Offshore Autonomous and Remotely Operated Surface Vessels of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping and Norwegian Register Standard are considered. A list of basic competencies necessary for the management of autonomous vessels has been formed. A significant part of the knowledge, skills and abilities that make up these competencies are acquired at the stage of training under programs for obtaining a professional seafarer diploma at the management level. The competencies of the autonomous vessel operator are formed on the basis of maritime competencies by adding additional knowledge, skills and abilities that reflect the specifics of the serviced autonomous vessels, equipment and apparatus used in a particular remote control center and navigation conditions in the serviced area. Additional competencies of the operator are largely related to other specialties (IT specialists, electromechanics, radio specialists). In the future, within the framework of the international regulation carried out by the IMO, in the training of autonomous ships operators, the approach underlying the training of ship traffic control systems operators can be used.

Examining the Acceptance of Automated Piggery Cleaner System Using UTAUT Model for Hog Business in the Philippines

This study examines the acceptance of automated piggery cleaner systems in the hog business in the Philippines using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. It investigates piggery owners’ perceptions and attitudes toward adopting this technology and its potential impact on cleaning practices, hygiene standards, and productivity. A survey questionnaire was administered to 50 piggery owners in Cebu, Philippines, employing a mixed-methods approach. The analysis reveals that piggery owners generally hold positive perceptions and attitudes towards automated piggery cleaner systems, recognizing their potential benefits in enhancing productivity, efficiency, and career advantages. Factors influencing acceptance, such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and social influence, were explored. Although the correlation analysis does not show significant relationships between UTAUT constructs and behavioral intention, it emphasizes considering other factors like subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. The findings have important implications for the hog business in the Philippines. Embracing automated piggery cleaner systems can improve cleaning practices, enhance hygiene standards, prevent disease outbreaks, and increase productivity. Collaborative efforts among piggery owners, industry associations, and technology providers are recommended to address concerns and barriers, including providing training and support, ensuring compatibility, and emphasizing voluntary adoption. This study offers valuable insights for pig farmers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers, enabling the adoption of innovative technologies and achieving sustainable and efficient pig farming practices in the Philippines.

სამეწარმეო ეკოსისტემა - ცნებიდან პოლიტიკამდე (ლიტერატურის მოკლე მიმოხილვა)

In order to achieve sustainable development of the country's economy, it is especially important to promote entrepreneurial activities by developing and implementing strategic state policies. Economic growth and progress is achieved by the development of production. In order to develop an effective entrepreneurial policy, it is necessary to study the definitions of terms. The understanding of the meaning of "entrepreneurial ecosystem" as a term is diverse and it has undergone changes over time. In order to understand its modern content, it is necessary to analyze the appropriate scientific literature. In general, entrepreneurship involves the process by which people take advantage of innovative opportunities. The concept of entrepreneurial ecosystem emphasizes that entrepreneurial processes take place among interdependent actors (Stam, 2015: 1761). In short, in this case, the term "ecosystem" should be understood as "economic system" and not as "ecological system". Later, Angelo Cavallo, along with other scientists, focused again on the biological definition of an ecosystem (Cavallo… 2018: 10). The term "entrepreneurial ecosystem" was first used in 2005-2006 by scholars Prahalad and Cohen to describe conditions where individuals, business representatives, government members, civil society and partners come together to support regional entrepreneurial activities that provide economic prosperity (Cohen, 2006: 3). The concept of entrepreneurial ecosystems is considered a promising field of research that promotes interconnected entrepreneurial activities (at different levels of analysis) and includes a wide variety of stakeholders and actors in the market (Simatupang... 2015: 394). The entrepreneurial ecosystem approach starts with the entrepreneurial individual (rather than the firm) but also emphasizes the role of the social and economic context surrounding the entrepreneurial process (Spigel… 2018: 3). Predecessors of entrepreneurial ecosystem researchers have different emphases in this direction, although common approaches and research conclusions can be seen between them. Even today, when there is a scientific study of such a complex issue as the entrepreneurial ecosystem, certain problems arise in the research process. According to various scholars, the concept of entrepreneurial ecosystem should be developed in three directions: first, the concept of entrepreneurial ecosystem and related empirical studies remained only at the theoretical level. Second, little is still known about which interplay of factors at different levels of analysis leads to the desired outcomes of economic development. Third, there is still a substantial, conceptual disagreement about what the desired outcome of an entrepreneurial ecosystem is and how to achieve that outcome (Simatupang... 2015: 389-390). It should be noted that the entrepreneurial ecosystem model is evolving. Therefore, it is clear that the entrepreneurial ecosystem is a very complex, multi-level "construction". At the regional level, it involves various stakeholders such as non-political decision-makers, government agencies, universities and industry associations. In the modern period, the entrepreneurial ecosystem is more and more in the focus of politics, but the impact of the ecosystem phenomenon on policy formation is still only theoretical (Autio... 2015: 1). At the same time, entrepreneurship and its role in the world economic order have a special role. Various scientists talk about the essential role of higher education and universities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. For example, Eric Lehmann and other scientists identify higher educational institutions as the main component of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, however, they consider university autonomy as a necessary condition for this (Lehmann... 2020: 3). In essence, the term "entrepreneurial-university ecosystem" refers to the idea that universities act as entrepreneurs and contribute to the development of the regional and national economy. An entrepreneurial university involves expanding the traditional role of the university. In this way, for the formation of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, public and private sector communication is of great importance to promote an effective dialogue between educational, scientific, business and local government representatives. Based on the above, the concept of entrepreneurial ecosystem can be considered as a promising direction of research. The study of entrepreneurial ecosystems around the world has an important place in the process of policy formation. We definitely believe that practical recommendations should be developed in Georgia in the direction of the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem according to the priority sectors of the country's economy. Entrepreneurial universities play an important role in the sustainable development of the country's economy, commercialization of knowledge and activation of other positive processes of entrepreneurial activity. However, we should not forget that for the formation of such universities and the entrepreneurial ecosystem in general, only the desire and the verification of the research results of scientists will not be enough. Many enabling environments and factors are necessary to ensure this, including: social, cultural, political, economic and regional factors. As complex as the concept of an entrepreneurial ecosystem, including an entrepreneurial university, the readiness of many components is necessary for its effective formation.

Forecasting of Motorcycle Product Sales in Indonesia Using the ARIMA Method

This research aims to analyze selling of motorcycle products when economic growth slowed down and effected of Covid 19 using the ARIMA method problems causing the downturn of motorcycle market in 2023. The study used a quantitative approach with secondary data sourced by The Indonesian Motorcycle Industry Association (AISI) from January until December 2020 to January until December 2022. The data were analyzed using the ARIMA method and Minitab aplication to calculate, identify and predict the patterns and trends with time series for sales of motorcycle products in the following years in 2023. The results show that predictable using ARIMA method and Minitab aplication is affected by sale of motorcycle market in 2023. The ARIMA method was able to capture the patterns and trends of the sale motorcycle products and predict its future sale. The study found that the based on data from the Indonesian Motorcycle Industry Association (AISI) domestic motorcycle sales is expected to experience fluctuations in the short term but will likely trend upward in the long run for motorcycle companies and can predict purchasing power by consumer.

The Conflict and Coordination Mechanism of Interpersonal Relationship between New and Old Residents in Community Reorganization at Heritage Sites: A Model Based on Tangkou in Huangshan

During the transition to the tourism service community, the heritage community has absorbed more and more new residents, and the community undergoes constant reorganization. The relationship between new arrivals and original residents has caused many conflicts in the process of community restructuring, which in turn affects the sustainable development of the heritage site. Based on the survey of the typical heritage community in Tangkou, Huangshan, combined with grounded theory, it is found that interpersonal relationship conflicts between new arrivals and original residents of the heritage community are mainly affected by economic interests, environmental cognition, emotional exchanges, cultural customs, and so on. It is suggested to improve the interest coordination mechanism between new arrivals and original merchants, give play to the role of industry associations, protect the interests of marginalized or disadvantaged groups, strengthen the construction of community public leisure space, encourage residents to participate in the protection and inheritance of traditional cultural customs in the community, and establish community environmental protection and responsibility mechanisms.

Integration of information and communication technologies in management education: a path for success

We are in VUCA environment, a highly competitive environment, with distributed access to resources. The talented HR can give requisite which could provide the requisite cutting edge services to organizations to flourish. This calls for producing business management graduates who could efficiently handle the next century challenges. To achieve this, revolutionary pedagogical changes have to be made in terms of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) that would come in handy for improving the quality of imparting of management education in general and learning in particular. Many surveys conducted by industry associations like FICCI, CII and Aspiring Minds has pointed out that employability of business management graduates is the major issue. Hence any initiative, such as ICT as a pedagogical change will go a long way in solving this problem apart from enabling the youngsters to contribute to the Gross Domestic product (GDP). This paper aims at examining the role of ICT in improving the quality of management education. It further explores to find whether ICT enabled education enhances the learning experience and provides new skill sets to the students. Design /methodology – This study critically examines the role of ICT in Management education which is based on literature and document review. It has covered educational reports, empirical and theoretical research and various articles. Originality/Value- This is mainly an analytical study by exploring the secondary sources and reviewing documents including the experience of few institutes in the field of management education to make out a case for effective use of ICT.

Impact pathways: just transition in fashion operations and supply chain management

PurposeThis impact pathways paper proposes that operations and supply chain management (OSCM) can help to ensure that the transition from a high-carbon to low-carbon fashion industry takes place in a just, inclusive and fair way. By immersion in fashion brands, suppliers and workers' realities across multiple supply chains, the authors identify challenges and issues related to just transitions, whilst proposing research pathways to inspire future OSCM research and collaboration using innovative and creative methods to answer complex questions related to just transition.Design/methodology/approachThe research the authors introduce used a multi-level field research approach to investigate multiple fashion supply chains in transition.FindingsThe authors uncovered that in the pursuit of lowering carbon emissions, fast-fashion giants work with industrial associations to create top-down governance tools, leading to severe problems in supply chain data and paradoxical demands. These demands are cascaded onto the workers in these supply chains. The goals and tools dictated by the fashion giants exclude workers, whilst the physiological and psychological effects on the workers are routinely ignored. These issues impede a just transition to a low-carbon fashion industry.Originality/valueThe authors introduce concepts largely missing from OSCM literature and ensure representation of the most marginalised group, supply chain workers, in a novel setting in a call for research in this emerging area.

Poster 302: The Influence of Industry Affiliation on PRP Randomized Controlled Trials

Objectives: Industry funding and corporate sponsorship have played a significant role in the advancement of medical research and technology. However, this relationship raises concerns of how industry association may bias research findings and influence perception of results. As novel therapies continue to emerge, it is necessary to evaluate the literature for reliable and evidence-based clinical research before implementing these therapies into practice. The purpose of this study was to determine whether industry affiliation plays a role in the outcome of randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies investigating platelet-rich plasma (PRP) versus hyaluronic acid (HA), corticosteroids (CS), or placebo for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: A search of the PubMed, Cochrane, and MEDLINE databases for RCTs of Level 1 or 2 evidence published from 2011 to present comparing PRP versus HA, CS or placebo for the treatment of knee OA was performed by two independent reviewers. To determine industry affiliation, the conflicts of interest, funding and disclosure segments of publications were assessed and all authors were reviewed through the AAOS Disclosure and Open Payments databases. Industry affiliation by financial conflicts of interest were identified as license or royalty fees, paid consultant fees, advisory position or speaker, employee, stock options, or research funding from companies that synthesize PRP or manufacture devices to administer PRP. Studies were classified as industry affiliated (IA) or non-industry affiliated (NIA). The outcomes of each study were rated as favorable, analogous, or unfavorable according to predefined criteria based on previously published protocols and also statistical significance by comparing patient reported outcome measures. Favorable studies showed superior results, analogous studies demonstrated no significant difference, and unfavorable studies had inferior outcomes when comparing PRP to HA, CS or placebo. Results: A total of 37 (6 IA and 31 NIA) studies were available for analysis. All studies were of level 1 (67.6%) or level 2 (32.4%) evidence, with no statistically significant difference between IA and NIA studies (p = 0.4443). Nineteen (51.4%) studies reported PRP as favorable compared to other treatments, while 18 (48.6%) studies showed no significant differences between PRP and other treatments. No studies showed worse outcomes with PRP compared to HA, CS, or placebo. There was no significant difference in qualitative conclusions between the IA and NIA cohorts, with the IA cohort having 3 favorable studies and 3 analogous studies, while the NIA group included 16 favorable studies and 15 analogous studies (p = 0.8881). When comparing IA versus NIA studies, using 6 and 12-month WOMAC and IKDC scores, there were no significant differences in outcome measures. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate largely favorable and analogous results with PRP compared to other intra-articular injection therapies for knee OA in randomized controlled trial studies. Qualitative conclusions and outcome scores were found to not be associated with industry affiliation. Although the results of this study suggest there is no influence of industry association on RCTs involving PRP, it is still necessary to carefully evaluate pertinent corporate affiliations in published literature. [Table: see text][Table: see text][Table: see text]

A service delivery standardization framework for Nigeria’s hospitality industry

The hospitality industry in Nigeria has experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by rising tourism, business travel, and international events. However, challenges related to inconsistent service delivery across the sector continue to undermine its global competitiveness. This paper proposes a Service Delivery Standardization Framework designed to enhance service quality, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency in Nigeria's hospitality industry. The framework is based on the alignment of local practices with international best standards, offering a structured approach to improve consistency in service offerings across hotels, resorts, and other hospitality establishments. It addresses critical areas such as staff training, customer service protocols, health and safety standards, and technology integration. The framework advocates for the development of national service benchmarks, the establishment of regulatory oversight, and the creation of a feedback loop for continuous improvement. By promoting uniformity in service delivery, the proposed model aims to strengthen the reputation of Nigeria's hospitality sector, attract more international visitors, and boost revenue generation. Furthermore, this framework highlights the role of stakeholder collaboration, including government agencies, industry associations, and hospitality service providers, in implementing and sustaining the proposed standards. Key performance indicators (KPIs) are established to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the framework in achieving higher service standards and enhancing the overall customer experience. The paper concludes with recommendations for phased implementation and areas for future research to support long-term competitiveness in the global hospitality market.

The Role of Interior Product Designers in Improving the Welfare of Craft and Furniture Artisans after Pandemic

The creative industry is expected to drive economic growth in Indonesia after the COVID-19 pandemic. Abundant local materials and skilled human resources are two major strengths that need to be optimally managed to increase the selling value of design products. The pandemic has significantly impacted the welfare of furniture and handicraft artisans in Java. This paper aims to demonstrate the process and role of interior product designers (IPDs) in improving the socio-economic welfare of artisans after the pandemic. IPDs collaborated with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), artisans, private entrepreneurs, governments, exporters, and associations to deal with vulnerabilities after the pandemic to achieve the development of policies and strategies toward sustainable community welfare. This IPDs role mainly focused on utilizing water hyacinth and rattan as the material for interior products to be accepted in local and global markets. The IPDs faced challenges in collaboration and unification of aspirations and interests between each party. The research used Kelley’s design thinking method, implementing the empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test stages. The latest information on commodities produced by SME artisans, the existing advantages and disadvantages, and in-depth studies of developing market issues in Indonesia, Asia, and Europe were explored. The resulting design was then adjusted to the availability of raw materials, the production capabilities of the artisan, as well as the support of tools and technology used. The production process involved the government and industrial assistance in supporting the needs of machinery and production technology. Market tests at home country and abroad were conducted to determine the market response to the product. With a good market response, it is hoped that there will be policy development from the government and industry associations to support joint work to achieve a strategy for the socio-economic welfare of the community, especially groups of artisans.

IMPROVING THE TOOLS OF STATE MANAGEMENT OF LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The study emphasizes the urgency of the problem of improving the system of tools that can be effectively used to ensure effective and balanced local socio-economic development in Ukraine. The purpose of the study is to improve the tools of state management of local economic development. It has been proven that the effective regulation of the development of territorial communities is based on the capacity of the tools of local economic development, which is a complete complex consisting of goals, strategic tasks, goals, mechanisms and means of regulation. The goal of designing local economic development is determined, namely, in the form of developing tools and means of increasing the resource potential of strengthening the capacity of the community through: improving the investment climate and activating the business environment; improvement of entrepreneurial skills of the local population; strengthening the budgetary stability of the community as the basis of economic progress; strengthening cooperation with various target groups (youth, women, IDPs). It has been proven that in the process of ensuring the local economic development of the community, it is important to focus on solving the following tasks: development of tools for strengthening the economic capacity (self-sufficiency) of the community; improvement of resources attraction tools; strengthening of budget sustainability; development of means and measures for activation of entrepreneurial activity; development of tools for youth participation in decision-making and implementation of ideas for the future vision of community development. It is summarized that the implementation of the local economic development program involves the interaction of such subjects as: state and local self-government bodies, industry associations and business associations, business entities, public organizations and political parties, and the population. The key elements of the implementation mechanism of the local economic development program have been identified.

The influence of visions on cooperation among interest organizations in fragmented socio‐technical systems

AbstractThe paper shows that visions of the future can be used as a predictor of cooperation and division between actors in their efforts to shape the institutional environment, specifically policy in socio‐technical systems. Accordingly, the paper suggests a new method to analyze visions: a virtual solution space in which visions can be grouped according to their similarity. The similarity of visions is calculated based on cluster analysis. Empirically, the paper focuses on the networks between industry associations in the heating transition in the German building sector. It shows that actors whose visions of future socio‐technical system developments overlap are more likely to cooperate with each other. It also suggests that the fragmentation of the residential heating system in Germany is reflected in a fragmented actor network. Furthermore, the authors show that shared technological interests can outweigh similar visions. These fragmented technological interests hinder meaningful cooperation. This is potentially one reason why a powerful low‐carbon heating coalition in Germany that could facilitate an accelerated deployment of low‐carbon heat systems by driving policy change has not emerged to date. The paper contributes to a better understanding of how niche actors in sustainability transitions use their agency and specifically strategize to bring about institutional change. In this respect, the authors discuss how differing levels of system‐fragmentation influence transition dynamics in general and institutional change dynamics in particular.

Investment Strategies in the North American Market in the Post-Epidemic Era

This paper delves into the intricacies of investing in the North American market, particularly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. While the pandemic has caused significant disruption and uncertainty across the global economy, it has also created new opportunities for investors in North America. The paper highlights sectors such as healthcare biotechnology, digital services, and e-commerce as offering significant growth potential due to increased adoption of digital technologies and heightened awareness of ESG factors. However, it also acknowledges the risks posed by geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and industry chain issues. To succeed in the North American market, investors must adopt successful investment strategies that take into account these risks and opportunities. This may involve staying informed about political influences and economic conditions, building partnerships with local businesses and industry associations, and incorporating an assessment of social responsibility into investment decisions. Ultimately, the key to achieving sustainable growth in the North American market is to have a thorough understanding of market trends and challenges and to implement effective investment strategies that mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities. By doing so, investors can achieve their investment objectives and position themselves for long-term success in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

Indigenous women's employment in natural resource industries in Canada: Patterns, barriers and opportunities

This paper identifies barriers and opportunities that Indigenous women in Canada face in energy, mining, and forest sector employment through a review of scholarly and practitioner literature published between 2000 and 2022, and 10 in-depth interviews conducted between May and August 2021 with Indigenous women working in various capacities within (or knowledgeable about) natural resources industries in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Our findings reveal that it is important to understand the intersections of gender, culture, ethnicity/race, language, and class to respond to the challenges Indigenous women face in natural resources employment. Some of the barriers that Indigenous women encounter in these industries are similar to those faced by non-Indigenous women (glass ceilings, lack of mentors, for example). Indigenous women encounter the added dimension of racism (based on Indigenous status) as well as limitations based on geographic location. Our recommendations for improving the status of Indigenous women in natural resources industries in Canada include implementing specific targets for Indigenous women in professional, technical, and senior administrative positions; enabling the Native Women's Association of Canada to serve as an information and employment conduit to industry associations and employers; and creating mechanisms to enable Indigenous women who live off-reserve to access quality employment opportunities. Enabling Indigenous women to access skilled, well-paid employment in natural resources should be considered a key priority and opportunity for governments, resource development companies, industry associations and gender equality advocacy organizations.

Short-term economic dynamism as a policy tool to address supply shortages during crises

Abstract This paper investigates the role of short-term economic dynamism in responding to crisis induced supply shortages. We focus on the domestic manufacturing ramp-up of surgical masks, respirators, and their intermediary products in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We develop a novel method for timely identification and validation of the evolving state of domestic manufacturing. To unpack the activities of domestic manufacturers and related institutions, we triangulate across 56 qualitative interviews, certifications, Thomasnet.com®, industry associations, and other public data. We find that while large manufacturers could rapidly scale up, onshore, or diversify production to enter into domestic production of critical medical supplies, these large manufacturers alone were insufficient to meet the spike in demand. In face of this shortage, small and medium enterprises (SME), who entered into mask and respirator production as de novo firms, spin-offs, and by diversifying, were important in increasing overall domestic capacity and serving markets unmet by large hospital distributors. These firms often had fewer competencies and resources compared to larger firms, and received less effective government support. Despite these disadvantages, a number of SMEs succeeded in entering into domestic production, and our interviews suggest this capacity could have been better integrated into the national response. We propose new theory for how and when federal and state governments should support short-term economic dynamism (firm entry into target products and/or markets) during crises to address supply shortages, and the types of market and network failures federal or state governments may be most effective at addressing.

How transnational rules can contribute to the improvement of the Brazilian regulatory system for unitization—an analysis under the transnational legal order perspective

Abstract Unitization is the most effective method to avoid irrational, wasteful and environmentally unsustainable production of oil and natural gas. Therefore, it is important to notice that unitization is a complex practice. It is effective for the equitable production division of a deposit shared by different owners. However, compulsory membership can result in costly negotiation and make exploration and production projects less attractive. In the pre-salt, the most productive Brazilian oil province, unitization processes are common and even more complex due to the following factors: (i) there are three different tax regimes in the pre-salt polygon; (ii) when the reservoir is shared with an area not granted yet (referred to as an open area), the Brazilian regulation establishes that the unitization process must be carried out with the public company, Pré-sal Petróleo S.A., representing the Government; (iii) moreover, due to the high productivity of the pre-salt layer, the financial values involved in this process are substantial, even with a participation of less than 1 per cent in the shared reservoir. Brazil established a robust regulation on unitization in 2013, which was amended in 2017 and, again, in 2020. This demonstrates that the regulatory improvement process, in the search for a more efficient regulation—that balances the attraction of investments and protection of the public interest—is continuous. This article proposes that in this process of regulatory improvement, good international petroleum industry practices (good practices), contractual models drawn up by industry associations and codes of conduct shall be used as a reference. These non-state rules, which are the result of self-regulation by the upstream sector of the oil industry, will be considered in this article as transnational rules, following the approach of Halliday and Shaffer, who propose the existence of a transnational legal order.