Key Industry Research Articles

Occupational risk prevention in the European Union construction sector: 30 Years since the publication of the Directive

The construction sector is a key industry in the economy of the European Union (EU), with a significant impact on the Gross Domestic Product and employs approximately 30 % of the industrial workforce. Despite this positive economic impact, the construction sector suffers from high accident rates which result in significant economic costs. In 1992, the EU introduced the Directive 92/57/EEC, which aimed to establish minimum Safety and Health (S&H) requirements for construction sites. The Directive lists a number of premises that justify the need to incorporate risk prevention from the design stage of a project and to strengthen coordination throughout the project’s life. For these reasons, the Directive created the role of the Coordinators for S&H matters during the project preparation stage and execution stage, as well as the definition of a S&H Plan. The current paper analyses the state of the accident rate in the construction sector 30 years after publication of the Directive, the changes that have been made to the original text, as well as the identification of the difficulties that have been detected, both in terms of lack of definition and problems in implementation. It is possible to conclude that the management of prevention in the early stages of a project remains a persistent challenge for the industry. Additionally, it is essential to address the sector's adaptation to the new working methods required for its transition to Construction 4.0. This discussion can serve as a valuable tool for future decision-making aimed at improving the regulatory framework.

Key Industrial Sectors In The Sulampua Area As A Result Of Nusantara Capital City Development

This study aims to determine the sectors that need to be developed in the non-golden triangle area of the SULAMPUA region as a result of the Nusantara Capital City (NCC) development. Descriptive research is being conducted utilizing secondary data from Statistics Indonesia’s 2016 IRIO (Inter-Regional Input-Output) table. The IRIO model is used in data analysis for 20 secondary sub-sectors. The SULAMPUA region comprises 10 provinces, with the Golden Triangle region comprising South Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, and West Sulawesi. The study results show that to take advantage of opportunities for the development of NCC, several key industries need to be developed for non-golden triangle areas, namely the food industry (I-13), non-metallic mineral goods industry (I-21); other processing industries, machinery and equipment repair and installation services (I-27); and the wood industry, goods from wood and cork, and woven goods from bamboo, rattan, and the like (I-17). Maluku, Papua, and West Papua provinces have relatively little opportunity to develop the industrial sector and benefit from moving NCC. Because the sectors connected directly or indirectly and the key sectors of these three provinces are capital-intensive industries, MSMEs have more significant barriers to entry. This research can be a reference for local governments in exploring potential industrial sectors to be developed to achieve NCC development opportunities.

STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION TOWARDS CLIMATE-NEUTRAL ECONOMY

The article presents a strategic framework for digital transformation aimed at achieving a climate-neutral economy. It proposes digitalization as the primary driver of the green-digital transition, essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and optimizing energy use. The study identifies potential barriers and risks associated with this transition and offers strategic dimensions to harmonize digital and green initiatives of global economy. This approach emphasizes the need for international cooperation, the development of global standards, and the importance of bridging the digital divide. The article also highlights the critical role of innovation in key industries to support climate neutrality in both the short and long term. The research underscores the necessity of integrating social, economic, and ethical considerations into the green-digital transition, ensuring that sustainable digitalization contributes to long-term economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Research on the Economic Environmental Impact and Carbon Reduction Pathways of Power Battery Industry Development - A Case Study of Yibin City

Abstract The power battery industry in China is experiencing rapid development, with the swift expansion of capacity potentially posing challenges to environmental protection and carbon reduction. Using the development plan of the power battery industry in Yibin City as a case study, this paper employs the Material Flow Analysis and Tapio decoupling model to deeply explore the economic benefits and environmental burdens brought by the development of power battery key industry under scenarios, proposing optimized pathways to promote low-carbon industrial development. The results indicate that the industrial output value can increase from 92.1 billion CNY in the baseline year to 382.6 billion CNY in 2030, with carbon emissions rising from 0.55 million tons to 2.32 million tons. The adjustment of product structure has limited effect on carbon reduction in the power battery industry. In the short term, optimizing the energy structure has greater carbon reduction potential than improving energy efficiency, and clean energy utilization has the highest marginal carbon reduction effect. Implementing measures to optimize the energy structure and improve efficiency simultaneously can achieve weak decoupling of economic growth and carbon emissions, though strong decoupling is challenging to attain. The proportion of local renewable energy generation also impacts the low-carbon capability of the industry, suggesting that regions with abundant renewable energy should be prioritized for industrial layout. Promoting the decoupling of economic growth and environmental impact in the power battery industry can be facilitated by supporting environmental governance infrastructure, driving the green energy transition, and encouraging low-carbon technological innovation. JEL classification numbers: F062.2 Keywords: Power battery, Scenario analysis, Material flow, Economic environmental impact, Carbon emissions.

The impact of institutional proximity on digital technology innovation linkages: empirical evidence on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao greater bay area of China

ABSTRACT Promoting digital technology innovation connections is crucial to establishing an international science, technology, and innovation hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and institutional disparities influence the clustering and flow of digital technology as an innovation factor. Promoting digital technology links and cooperation across cities is a practical strategy to improve the region's innovation efficiency and capacity. However, detailed research on the flow of innovation determinants such as digital technology and there is no evidence of the influence of institutional proximity on digital technology innovation connections. Based on the patent transfer data of the National Key Industry Patent Information Service Platform from 2010 to 2021, this paper constructs a new institutional proximity indicator applicable to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and other cross-system regions, applies a spatial econometric model to investigate direct and spatial spillover effects of institutional proximity on the digital technological innovation linkages. It is proved that institutional proximity has significant positive direct and spatial spillover effects on digital technological innovation linkages. The study has significant theoretical and practical implications for increasing the association and collaboration of digital technology and other innovation elements across institutional boundaries.

Impact of exchange rate on economic growth in Nigeria

This study examined the effect of exchange rate dynamics on economic growth in Nigeria from 1985 to 2021. The study utilized secondary data sources from the World Development Indicators (WDI) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin. It employed real gross domestic product as a measure of economic growth. In addition to the official exchange rate as a proxy for exchange rate dynamics, the study integrated other domestic factors that can affect economic growth, such as trade openness and external reserves. The econometric techniques employed in the study were unit root tests, cointegration, and autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL)/bound techniques. Following the outcome of the bound test, it was reported that a long-run relationship exists between economic growth, exchange rate, trade openness, and external reserves. The long-run ARDL results reveal that the exchange rate had a positive and statistically significant effect on real GDP in Nigeria, with a unit increase in the exchange rate raising the real GDP by 0.3986 units in the long run; trade openness had a positive and not statistically significant impact on real GDP in Nigeria, suggesting that a unit increase in trade openness increases real GDP by 0.0025 units in the long run; and external reserves had a positive and statistically significant impact on real GDP in Nigeria, indicating that a unit increase in external reserves increases real GDP by 0.4007 units in the long run. Based on the results, the study recommends that the government should develop policies that stabilize the exchange rate. This could involve enhancing foreign exchange reserves management, improving the transparency and predictability of foreign exchange interventions, and possibly considering a more flexible exchange rate regime that can adapt to external shocks while maintaining stability. Policies should focus on gradually opening up the economy to international trade through strategic trade agreements that protect key domestic industries while promoting sectors where Nigeria has a competitive advantage. This approach will help mitigate any negative short-term impacts while capitalizing on long-term benefits. Keywords: Exchange Rate, Trade Openness, External Reserves and Real Gross Domestic Product.

Workers’ compensation injuries in aviation manufacturing in the state of Kansas, 2014–2022

IntroductionWorkers’ compensation injuries entail burdensome financial and social costs. This study’s objective was to describe cost and frequency of workplace injuries in aviation manufacturing in the state of Kansas using workers’ compensation data. Manufacturing incurs more workers’ compensation claims in Kansas than any other industry, and aviation contributes more of those claims than any other sub sector. MethodWorkers’ compensation insurance and reporting are required in the state of Kansas. Data were provided by the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and included all closed workers’ compensation claims entailing indemnity and medical costs filed in the state from 2014 to 2022. Cost of claim data were normalized to 2022 U.S. dollars and data were analyzed as a function of percentage and claim cost by body part, type of injury, cause of injury, specific musculoskeletal disorder type, and as a function of age and gender injury rates. ResultsAviation claims entailed a median total cost of $26,941 and represented 8% of all closed claims filed in the state from 2014 to 2022. The grand total direct cost over the nine-year period was $75,404,147. Medical costs comprised 48.6% of all costs, indemnity 45.0%, and legal 6.4%. The most frequently injured body part was the hand/wrist (35.9%) followed by the shoulder (20.6%), and the most expensive body parts were related to the back. Overexertion (38.6%) was the most common cause followed by repetitive motion (22.8%). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders were the most common type accounting for 67.4% of all claims. Men and workers aged 55–64 incurred slightly higher claim rates than average. A sharp decrease in number of claims closed in 2021 coincided with production shutdowns the previous year related to the Covid-19 pandemic and design issues. ConclusionsAviation manufacturing is a key industry in Kansas and this study is the first known to describe costs and frequencies of workplace injuries in the sector using workers’ compensation data. Practical applicationsThis guide to the most problematic and costly injuries in aviation manufacturing helps practitioners prioritize prevention strategies to most effectively reduce workplace injury and helps safety and health practitioners in prioritizing prevention efforts to reduce the most severe and costly aviation manufacturing injuries and illnesses. It also brings attention to some special considerations when working with safety data from 2020 to 2022 related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Industry-specific impacts of global drivers in the European Arctic

ABSTRACT Natural resource-based industries in the European Arctic operate in an increasingly competitive and globalized Arctic. Knowledge of key drivers and their industrial impacts provide industries, companies, communities, and decision-makers at multiple levels with information on how to plan, manage and collaborate for the future. In this study, we explore the global drivers that affect key industries in the European Arctic – aquaculture, forestry, mining and tourism – and what impacts these drivers have on the specific industries. The study identifies eight common global drivers affecting all four industries, after applying thematic analysis of an extensive interview material with national industrial specialists in the European Arctic countries and at EU level. The global drivers identified, impact the development of key industries in the European Arctic differently and point to context-specific developments as well as a considerable uncertainty what the future holds.

Emerging Challenges for Cleaner Production Networks – The decline of the Global Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production Network (RECPnet)

Cleaner production has been channelled through National Cleaner Production Centres (NCPCs) across the world since the year 1994. In order to strengthen the scaling up and replication of Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) in developing and transition countries, the Global Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production Network (RECPnet) was formed as a platform for networking, knowledge exchange and information transfer. However, the success of such networks can become short-lived if there is no funding strategy beyond project financing and if individual network members fail to take ownership of the network. This research assesses the role of the Global RECPnet in promoting cleaner production and analyses the challenges that the network faced in ensuring its continuity beyond project finance. The research further identifies barriers in the advancement of the Global RECPnet and its goals. A Case Study methodology was used and within the case study, interviews were undertaken with key industry experts in the field of Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP). Questionnaires were also send to selected members of the network. Content analysis was undertaken on publicly available Global RECPnet documents and evaluation reports. We conclude that networks such as Global RECPnet are effective drivers of cleaner production, but require a plan for network survival beyond patron agencies. However, without patron agencies and international funders, the network proved not to be viable, as most of the members could not finance their own subscriptions. We propose for a hybrid mechanism of network financing and dealing with dependencies on development support.

Carbon emissions forecasting based on temporal graph transformer-based attentional neural network

In the field of electric carbon, the mapping relationship between carbon emission flow calculation and power flow calculation was studied by combining techniques such as current trajectory tracking, carbon flow trajectory analysis, power system flow calculation methods, and electric network analysis theory. By delving into the mechanism between these two factors, a better understanding of the correlation between them can be achieved. In addition, by using time series data, graph attention neural networks (GNN), distributed computing technology, and spatiotemporal computing engines, carbon emission fluctuations can be decomposed and a high-frequency “energy-electricity-carbon” integrated dynamic emission factor can be achieved. Through the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of this dynamic factor in multiple dimensions, the carbon emissions from key industries in cities can be accurately calculated. In this paper, the LSTM-GAT model is used as the core to construct a key carbon emission prediction model for cities. The study focuses on the power plant, chemical industry, steel, transportation industry, and construction industry, which are high energy-consuming industries with an annual electricity consumption of more than 100 million kWh in a major city of China. By analyzing the entire life cycle from power generation to electricity consumption and conducting current flow analysis, monthly, weekly, and daily carbon emission calculations were performed. Additionally, other factors such as the industrial development index, GDP, coverage area of power generation enterprises, regional population, size, and type of power-consuming units were included in the comprehensive calculation to build a measurement system. By conducting experiments and analyzing historical data, we have found that the LSTM-GAT model outperforms the single models of GCN, GAT, LSTM, GRU, and RNN in terms of lower error values and higher accuracy. The LSTM-GAT model is better suited for predicting carbon emissions and related indicators with an accuracy rate of 89.5%. Our predictions show that the carbon emissions will exhibit a slow growth trend in the future, while the carbon emission intensity will decrease. This information can provide a scientific basis for government decision-making.

Research on Carbon Emissions Estimation in Key Industries Based on the Electricity–Energy–Carbon Model: A Case Study of Henan Province

This study focuses on the carbon emissions of key industries in Henan Province, employing techniques of seasonal adjustment, frequency transformation, and statistical modeling to construct an industry-level “Electricity–Energy–Carbon” model to aid in the high-frequency monitoring of carbon emissions in the province’s industries. Based on relevant data, this research performs high-frequency calculations of carbon emissions from energy consumption in 34 typical industries and from the production processes of 53 typical sub-categories in the industrial sector of Henan. The findings reveal the following: Firstly, industrial energy consumption in Henan accounts for over half of the total provincial energy consumption, with most months seeing proportions around 60%. Industries such as energy, non-ferrous metals, building materials, steel, chemicals, petrochemicals, and paper making contribute to over 80% of the industrial energy consumption’s carbon emissions, often nearing 90% in most months. Secondly, among the major industries, such as non-ferrous metals, chemicals, building materials, and steel, there is a dual challenge of being restricted under the “high energy consumption and high emissions” project while also being required to build key industrial bases, leading to fluctuating trends in historical annual carbon emissions data. Thirdly, six sub-categories, namely plastic products, cement, flat glass, steel, ten types of non-ferrous metals, and alumina, have significant carbon emissions in their production processes, accounting for about 72.3% of the total production-related emissions.

Lactic Acid Bacteria from Bombyx mori Frass: Probiotic Properties and Antagonistic Activities

Insect farming is gaining attention as a promising area for exploring probiotic bacteria, which can benefit both insect health and various industries. Silkworm farming is a key industry in Thailand; however, challenges such as disease susceptibility and optimising growth require innovative solutions for sustainable practices. Our study addresses this by assessing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in native Thai silkworm faeces, which accumulate as natural by-products during the rearing process. We conducted biochemical tests, including those for catalase, haemolytic activity, bile salt tolerance, antimicrobial activity, antibiotic susceptibility, and cell surface hydrophobicity, along with taxonomic classification. Out of 102 isolates, eight potential probiotics were selected, with five showing strong probiotic traits like acid and bile salt tolerance and cell surface hydrophobicity, enhancing gut survivability. These isolates also displayed antagonistic activity against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Safety assessments confirmed their safety, with no haemolytic activity and sensitivity to antibiotics like chloramphenicol and amoxicillin. These LAB isolates (SP04, SP06, SP44, SP64, and SP67), identified as Enterococcus faecalis strain NBRC 100481, show promise as in vitro probiotics for silkworm rearing, calling for further in vivo evaluation.

Energy Intensity Forecasting Models for Manufacturing Industries of “Catching Up” Economies: Lithuanian Case

The objective of this research was to construct energy intensity forecasting models for key manufacturing industries, with a particular focus on “catching up” European economies. Future energy intensity values serve as the foundation for energy demand forecasts, which are essential inputs for the analysis of countries’ decarbonisation scenarios. The Lithuanian case is analysed in the context of its efforts to reach the economic development level of the most advanced European Union (EU) countries. The scientific literature and energy policy analysis, interdependence (correlation and regression), tendency and case analysis, logical economic reasoning, and graphical representation methods have been applied. The energy intensity forecasts until 2050 were based on historical statistical data of value added and final energy consumption of EU countries from 2000 to 2021. The analysis of historical trends revealed a remarkable decrease in industrial energy intensity in most EU countries, including Lithuania. Given the rapid pace of decline in historical energy intensity, the values observed in individual Lithuanian industries have already reached levels comparable to the most economically advanced EU countries. Four econometric trendlines were employed to construct forecasting models for energy intensity. The results for Lithuania demonstrated that the selected trendlines exhibited a high degree of fit with historical energy intensity data from the EU, as evidenced by their R2 values. Furthermore, the forecasts were shown to be highly accurate, with their MAPEs remaining below 10% in most cases. Nevertheless, the logarithmic trendline was found to be the most accurate for forecasting energy intensity in total manufacturing (MAPE = 4.0%), non-metallic minerals (MAPE = 3.5%), and food, beverages, and tobacco (MAPE = 4.1%) industries, with the exponential trendline in the chemical industry (MAPE = 8.7%) and the moving average in the total manufacturing industry (MAPE = 4.0%), food industries (MAPE = 4.0%), and remaining aggregate industries (MAPE = 14.5%). It is forecasted that energy intensity could decline by 8 to 16% to 1.10–1.20 kWh/EUR in Lithuania’s manufacturing industries by 2050.

Impact of nanohybrid on the performance of non-reinforced biocomposites and glass-fiber reinforced biocomposites: Synthesis, mechanical properties, and fire behavior

Biobased polymers are gaining increasing popularity particularly within key industries such as construction and building materials. However, glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites (GFRCs) based on biobased epoxy thermoset are inherently vulnerable against fire, producing huge fire hazards and eventually loss of structural integrity. In this work, a cobalt-based nanohybrid filler (CNH) was designed and synthesized to act as a high-performance synergist for biobased epoxy resin when combined with phosphorous flame retardants (FRs). An optimized formulation was found, resulting in a flame-retarded epoxy resin with a limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 39.7 % and a V 0 rating in the vertical burning test. The GFRCs were then fabricated with optimized formulation. Interestingly, results showed that the percentage of peak heat release (PHRR) rate reduction was retarded from 74 % for the mixed resin to 36 % for GFRCs, potentially due to the interference of glass fiber. The optimized laminate with CNH showed improved mechanical properties at ambient temperature. Additionally, delayed time-to-failure values were found when sample coupons with CNH were subjected to a constant axial force loading while being ignited and burning, indicating higher resistance against fire for mechanical integrity.

Cultural and Creative Industries in the Digital Environment: Opportunities and Prospects

The purpose of the article is to identify opportunities and prospects for the development of cultural and creative industries (CCI) in the digital environment. Research methods. The methods of analysis and synthesis, generalisation and abstraction were used, which made it possible to identify the opportunities and prospects for the development of the CCI in the digital environment. The scientific novelty lies in substantiating the relationship between CII and the digital economy, identifying areas of AI application in CII, and improving understanding of the possibilities and prospects of CII in the digital environment. Conclusions. Numerous advantages of CCI development, combined with the unprecedented potential provided by digitalisation, have opened up opportunities for transforming the sector from a low-profit and non-priority one into a key industry that supports the economic and, at the same time, cultural growth of the country as a whole. It is emphasised that the new functionality provided by digital technologies stimulates the development of new content formats, the emergence of alternative channels for its provision and distribution, and curation. By changing the nature of the mass distribution of creative products, enabling a fairly wide aggregation of content and diversifying its distribution channels, digital technologies contribute to the rethinking of consumer practices, which in turn opens up opportunities for new business models, network convergence, as well as the emergence of new forms of monetisation and consumer control. It is concluded that for the further development of CCI, it is necessary to comprehensively promote the digitalisation process, fully utilise the role of digital infrastructure in creating, integrating and facilitating the sharing of resources, optimise the environment for the development of CCI, achieve high-quality matching of creative products, creative talents and creative technologies, and expand the digital environment.

Implications of Climate Change Litigation for Environmental Law and Policy in Ghana

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine implications of climate change litigation for environmental law and policy in Ghana Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study found that the implications of climate change litigation for environmental law and policy in Ghana underscore the urgent need for robust legal frameworks and adaptive policy responses to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change. While Ghana has made strides in enacting environmental legislation and participating in international climate agreements, the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related impacts necessitate greater legal clarity, enforcement mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement to enhance climate resilience and adaptation efforts. Climate change litigation provides a crucial avenue for affected communities, civil society organizations, and environmental advocates to hold governments and corporations accountable for their contributions to climate change and their obligations to protect the environment and uphold human rights. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Legal Mobilization Theory, Policy Diffusion Theory & Ecological Modernization Theory may be used to anchor future studies on implications of climate change litigation for environmental law and policy in Ghana. Encourage strategic litigation that targets key actors, industries, and policy arenas to maximize the impact of legal interventions on environmental protection and climate action. This involves identifying leverage points within existing legal frameworks and leveraging innovative legal strategies, such as public trust doctrines and rights-based approaches, to advance environmental objectives. Foster greater integration of climate change litigation outcomes into national and international environmental policy-making processes. Governments and intergovernmental organizations should proactively incorporate legal precedents, court decisions, and settlement agreements into policy development, implementation, and evaluation.

Generative Artificial Intelligence and Advertising

Generative artificial intelligence, the new buzzword in technology, is the next step in the evolution of traditional artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional AI that excels in data analyzing and automating processes, generative AI (GenAI) is a pioneer in creating new and original content. GenAI is very close to human intelligence, capable of logical thinking, imitating human behavior and armed with decision making capabilities. Generative AI creates new texts, images, music, 3D designs and codes, thus strongly influencing the activities, strategies, and consumer interactions of various industries. Key industries most affected by GenAI are banking and finance, retail and consumer goods, medicine and pharmaceuticals, education, media and marketing. In marketing, generative AI is significant in the process of personalization, content creation, audience engagement and interactions, performing the STP strategy (segmentation, targeting, positioning), market research, etc. Although it has great advantages, GenAI also has significant limitations, such as unresolved ethical issues, the spread of outdated or imprecise data, lack of legal regulation and control, etc. This paper, with the aid of secondary research, is aimed at exploring the possibilities of GenAI and its impact on marketing, especially advertising.

The Transition of South Korea’s Economic Growth Drivers — From Labor-Intensive to Knowledge-Intensive Industries

This paper examines the remarkable economic transformation of South Korea from the 1960s to the present, focusing on the transition from labor-intensive to knowledge-intensive industries. Initially, South Korea’s economic strategy centered on export-oriented industrialization, leveraging labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, footwear, and electronics assembly. This approach facilitated rapid GDP growth, increased employment rates, and significant urbanization. However, in the 1980s, South Korea began shifting towards more technologically advanced and capital-intensive industries in response to rising wages, global competition, and changing market demands. Strategic government policies, including substantial investments in research and development (R&D) and educational reforms, played a crucial role in this transition. By the 2000s, South Korea had successfully developed a robust innovation ecosystem, with key industries such as information and communication technology (ICT), biotechnology, finance, and cultural industries driving economic growth. The study highlights the importance of strategic government intervention, investment in human capital, and fostering an innovation-friendly environment. The paper concludes with policy implications for other developing economies and suggestions for future research.

Exploring the key risk factors impeding the performance of highway construction projects: an evidence from Nigeria

Purpose Construction projects, and particularly highway infrastructures, are known to be major contributors to the socio-economic growth of developing countries. However, these types of projects are infamous for being highly risky due to the interplay of numerous risk factors. This study aims to explore the key risk factors impacting on the performance of highway infrastructure projects in Nigeria from the contextual viewpoint of key industry stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative data was collected using semi-structured interviews. Specifically, 17 in-depth expert interviews were conducted with experienced stakeholders in the highway sector of the Nigerian construction industry. The collected data was transcribed and analysed using an established coding framework (grounded on case study approach, principles of thematic analysis and saliency analysis). Findings Overall, 17 key risks were identified from the data analysis process, and 6 risks were recognised as the most significant, based on the combination of prevalence of occurrence and significance of the coded information. The six top risks were: change in government, corruption, cost of construction materials, inflation, project funding issues and construction project delay. However, the first two of these risks (change in government and corruption) are politically related, which is specific and unique to the setting of Nigeria and thus might be seen as discouraging indicators that could have an impact on attracting foreign investors/contractors to Nigeria. Originality/value The study addressed the gap related with identifying context-specific risk factors impeding the performance of highway projects in Nigeria from the viewpoints of industry experts. It is expected that the findings will provide a better insight into the various risk factors and thus aid relevant policymakers to provide context-specific mitigating strategies.

The impact of government support on port industry competitiveness: A qualitative exploration

Focusing on Shanghai Port, this in-depth study explores how government support can make port organizations more competitive. This study shall implement qualitative analysis based on in-depth interviews with key industry and government leaders to break down the complicated actions taken by the government and how they have changed the operational and strategic skills of the port industry. Seven factors were found in our study to be the most crucial support factors: Financial, regulatory, infrastructure growth, talent, market, policy, and organizational support. In their ways, each of these groups undermines the ability of port businesses to compete. For instance, finance can make ports more competitive in aspects such as tax cuts, lower interest rates, innovation and R&D funds, financing programs, venture capital funds, and putting up R&D sites. Supporting regulations makes sure that there is fair competition and smooth operations. This is done by protecting intellectual property, keeping the market going smoothly, improving the business environment, and monitoring market regulations. Building new infrastructure, such as innovation and updated buildings, enables the smooth running of the port businesses and minimizes wastage of time; thus, more time is spent on production. Supporting talent, the market, and policy all work together to make the human capital, international cooperation, and strategic regulatory framework that a company needs to stay ahead in the long run. It is clear from organizational support how important collaborative networks are for making ports more competitive. These networks, for instance, can be of assistance in helping schools and businesses work together, create new technologies, and find ways for companies and colleges to study together. This study examines these support systems to determine where the government should step in and how the systems can be made better to make ports more competitive. In terms of practical contribution, this in-depth study helps policymakers and port workers plan for the future. This study shows a fair way for the government to support the port business, which changes with its needs and stays competitive in the world of trade.