Key Sectors Research Articles

India's Vision of a Healthy and Developed Nation from the Perspective of the Healthtech Industry

Purpose: India's aspiration to become a developed and healthy nation by 2047 is intrinsically tied to advancements in the healthcare technology (healthtech) industry. This article evaluates the role of health technology in transforming healthcare delivery, improving health outcomes, and driving economic growth. It also examines the current state of the healthtech industry in India, identifying key challenges, opportunities, and strategic initiatives required for achieving this vision. Methods: The study involved a comprehensive review of recent reports and literature on the healthtech sector in India. Data was analyzed from various sources including market reports, government initiatives, and industry publications to assess the current landscape, growth projections, and sector-specific developments. Results: In 2024, the Indian healthtech market was valued at $6.5 billion, with projections indicating significant growth to approximately $78.4 billion by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of 28.67%. Key sectors such as digital health, medical devices, biotech, and pharmaceuticals are evolving rapidly. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, regulatory hurdles, and a shortage of skilled professionals persist. Opportunities include expanding digital health infrastructure and fostering public-private partnerships. Conclusions: The healthtech industry is crucial for realizing India’s vision of improved health and development. Addressing existing challenges and leveraging opportunities through strategic initiatives and collaborations will be essential. The convergence of technology and healthcare has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery, enhance patient outcomes, and support national development goals.

Substantial contribution of transported emissions to organic aerosol in Beijing

Haze in Beijing is linked to atmospherically formed secondary organic aerosol, which has been shown to be particularly harmful to human health. However, the sources and formation pathways of these secondary aerosols remain largely unknown, hindering effective pollution mitigation. Here we have quantified the sources of organic aerosol via direct near-molecular observations in central Beijing. In winter, organic aerosol pollution arises mainly from fresh solid-fuel emissions and secondary organic aerosols originating from both solid-fuel combustion and aqueous processes, probably involving multiphase chemistry with aromatic compounds. The most severe haze is linked to secondary organic aerosols originating from solid-fuel combustion, transported from the Beijing–Tianjing–Hebei Plain and rural mountainous areas west of Beijing. In summer, the increased fraction of secondary organic aerosol is dominated by aromatic emissions from the Xi’an–Shanghai–Beijing region, while the contribution of biogenic emissions remains relatively small. Overall, we identify the main sources of secondary organic aerosol affecting Beijing, which clearly extend beyond the local emissions in Beijing. Our results suggest that targeting key organic precursor emission sectors regionally may be needed to effectively mitigate organic aerosol pollution.

Digital technology adoption and institutionalization in Thai maritime industry: An exploratory study of the Thai shipowners

This exploratory study delves into the factors influencing digital technology adoption and the dynamics of its institutionalization within the Thai maritime industry, a key sector underpinning Thailand's economic expansion. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with executive leaders from seven Thai shipowners, utilizing a snowball sampling method. The study reveals that digital technology adoption is driven by a complex interplay of factors including reliable IT infrastructure, perceived technological benefits, organizational culture, top management support, IT skills and support, legal, regulatory, and policy requirements, social pressure influence, and varying degrees of government support. Additionally, the institutionalization of such technologies within the maritime sector is heavily reliant on well-defined organizational rules and the establishment of trust in technological advancements. These findings not only enrich the theoretical landscape regarding digital adoption but also offer practical insights for industry stakeholders, paving the way for more nuanced interventions and policy formulations aimed at enhancing digital integration in this traditionally conservative sector.

ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF WAR IN UKRAINE: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS

The armed conflict that erupted in Ukraine has had profound economic ramifications, not only for the country itself but also for the wider region. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine, exploring its impact on various sectors and long-term development prospects. Drawing upon a range of primary and secondary data sources, the study presents a multifaceted assessment of the economic effects, considering both immediate and long-term implications. The paper examines the direct costs of the conflict, including the destruction of infrastructure, loss of human capital, and disruption of production and trade. It investigates the impact on key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and finance, highlighting the challenges faced by businesses and the labor market. It examines the role of external financial assistance and the effectiveness of economic policies implemented during the crisis. Finally, the study concludes by synthesizing the key findings on the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine. These recommendations encompass both short-term measures to address immediate challenges and long-term strategies to foster sustainable economic development and reconciliation. This comprehensive analysis of the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine contributes to the existing literature by providing a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted impacts of the conflict. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, international organizations, and researchers seeking to comprehend and address the economic challenges arising from war-affected regions.

PREDICTION OF CRUDE OIL PRICES IN INDONESIA USING FOURIER SERIES ESTIMATOR AND ARIMA METHOD

Crude oil is one of the non-renewable natural resources that is crucial for countries around the world in driving economic development. However, the availability of crude oil is decreasing over time. The high demand for crude oil results in scarcity which causes price fluctuations. Low oil prices can reduce state revenues, disrupt development programs, and even trigger budget deficits. On the other hand, an increase in crude oil prices can make a positive contribution to state revenues. Crude oil exports become more profitable, which can increase state revenue through royalties and taxes levied on the oil and gas sector. This additional revenue can be used to support infrastructure development, social programs, and investment in key sectors of the economy. High oil prices can also harm the economy. With the many impacts that can be caused by crude oil prices, the government must be able to anticipate and prepare for it. The data used in this study are data on crude oil prices in Indonesia for monthly periods from January 2018 to October 2023 sourced from the official website of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) of the Republic of Indonesia. The researcher tried to compare two analysis methods, namely the Fourier series and the ARIMA estimator. The results of this study show that the best method in predicting crude oil prices in Indonesia is the Fourier series estimator with Cos-Sin function which produces RMSE and MAPE values of 7.93 and 8.4%. The prediction results can be used as a reference for the government to anticipate and make programs or policies that are more focused and targeted toward the impacts that can be caused by changes in crude oil prices.

Robotics Integration in Manufacturing: Case Study of South Korea

Purpose: Aim of the study was to analyze the robotics integration in manufacturing: case study of South Korea. 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: Robotics integration in South Korean manufacturing has revolutionized industry, boosting efficiency, productivity, and global competitiveness. Key sectors like automotive and electronics have seen significant benefits, including reduced labor costs, enhanced product quality, and faster production cycles. This advancement has also spurred innovation in robotics technology, making South Korea a leader in this field globally. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Diffusion of innovations theory, technology acceptance model (TAM) & network externalities theory may be used to anchor future studies on robotics integration in manufacturing: case study of South Korea. Develop practical guidelines for integrating robotics into diverse manufacturing sectors. South Korea's experience underscores the importance of sector-specific customization and scalability in robot deployment. Establish regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with safety and ethical considerations in robotic manufacturing. South Korea's proactive regulatory policies support industry standards for robot safety and data privacy, fostering a conducive environment for technological innovation.

“I would love to see these big institutions… throwing their weight around”: qualitative findings regarding health and social sector collaborations to address community-level socioeconomic adversity

BackgroundHealth and social sector organizations are increasingly working together to mitigate socioeconomic adversity within their communities. We sought to learn about the motivations, experiences, and perspectives of organizations engaged in these collaborations.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured, 60-minute interviews with 34 leaders from 25 health and social sector organizations between January-April 2021. Interviews explored motivations, benefits and challenges, and ways in which health sector organizations can most effectively address community-level socioeconomic adversity. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed; themes were coded using Dedoose software.ResultsPartnerships were primarily motivated by mission-driven organizations and key health sector leaders who were interested in addressing root causes of poor health; policies such as certificate of need laws and value-based care incentives that aligned community-level investments with health sector organizations’ financial interests facilitated these efforts. While partnerships were mostly regarded as mutually beneficial ways to increase impact (for the health sector) and resource access (for the social sector), social sector organizations voiced frustrations regarding the outsized expectations, unsustained interest, and lack of partnership from their health sector collaborators. Despite these frustrations, both health and social sector interviewees supported the health sector’s continued involvement in community-level socioeconomic initiatives and expansion of policy and systems efforts.ConclusionsCross-sector, community-level socioeconomic initiatives were mutually beneficial, but social sector organizations experienced more frustrations. Policy and organizational changes within the health sector can further mobilize and sustain support for these efforts.

Water and Energy Conservation across Provinces and Sectors in China: Based on a Complex Network Perspective

Previous studies on the water–energy nexus mainly focused on the calculation and comparison of resource consumption at the national or regional level, lacking interprovincial sector-sector transfer analysis. In this study, the intensity of water and energy consumption of various sectors in China was calculated, the key nodes and paths of resource networks were identified, and countermeasures for resource conservation were proposed from the new perspective of the “dual saving” and “bidirectional saving” of water and energy. The results showed that the metallurgical industry (Me) in Jiangsu and the chemical industry (Ch) in Hebei and Jiangsu had high node strength in the water and energy network and were key sectors in China with “dual saving” effects of water and energy. The construction industry, Ch, Me in Jiangsu, electricity and hot water production and supply industry in Beijing, and Me in Hebei had high node strength in the water-related energy network and energy-related water network, significantly supporting the “bidirectional saving” effect of water and energy in China. The electrical equipment industry (El) in Jiangsu → El in Zhejiang, El in Zhejiang → El in Shanghai frequently appeared in key paths, which could effectively reduce the resource consumption of the entire network.

Stable and robust discriminative sensing of illicit drug molecules utilizing a specific geometry of nanotubes

The possibility of detecting and discriminating drug molecules is of utmost importance for several areas, including such important fields as security, public health and industry. The adequate detection of this type of substances then affects key sectors of society and is the subject of several studies and works that attempt to improve such detection and discrimination. Among the new devices used to detect drug molecules, the development, both experimental and theoretical, of nanosensors plays an increasingly important role and is expected to significantly increase the pace of progress in this field. In this work we have calculated the electronic and transport properties of a series of nanoscale devices based on carbon nanotubes and metallic heteronanotubes with hBN strips. These devices are specifically designed to sense drug molecules of a certain size and discriminate between three of them, namely cocaine, heroin, and morphine. We have found that the devices can effectively feel the presence of the drug molecules and distinguish between them through changes in the transmission, the conductance and the current. We have also found that such quantities depend on the angle of orientation, which shows that these systems have also the potential to determine the angle at which the molecule passes through it, i.e. to angularly discriminate between them. Furthermore, we have computed the Seebeck coefficient and found that such quantity can also be utilized to distinguish between the compounds. We have in addition found that the compounds behave as acceptors (they acquire charge) when the walls of the device are nanotubes and as donors (they lose charge) when the nanotube walls are heteronanotubes. Finally, we calculated the binding energies and found that the systems are exothermic. Such energies are not, however, big enough to promote the stick of the molecules to the walls of the devices, which shows the suitability of them for sensing the compounds.

Assessing the carbon footprint of the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry of Australia

Purpose This study examines the carbon emissions of Australia’s agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors from a consumption perspective to develop effective policy frameworks. The objective is to identify key supply chains, industries and products contributing to these emissions and provide recommendations for sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach A multiregional input-output lifecycle assessment was conducted using the Australian Industrial Ecology Virtual Laboratory (IELab) platform to disaggregate sectors and enable benchmarking against other economic sectors. Findings In 2018, the “agriculture, forestry, and fishing” sector was responsible for 12.15% of Australia’s carbon footprint. Major contributors included the “electricity, gas, water, and waste” category (26.1%) and the sector’s activities (24.3%). The “transport, postal, and warehousing” sector also contributed 18.4%. Within the industry, the agriculture subsector had the highest impact (71.3%), followed by forestry and logging (15%) and fishing, hunting and trapping (7.6%). Aquaculture and supporting services contributed 6.1%. Research limitations/implications The principal constraint encountered by the present study pertained to the availability of up-to-date data. The latest accessible data for quantifying the carbon footprint within Australia’s agriculture, forestry and fishing sector, utilizing the Input-Output analysis methodology through the Australian Industrial Ecology Virtual Laboratory (IELab) platform, about 2018. Practical implications The findings of this study provide policymakers with detailed insights into the carbon footprints of key sectors, highlighting the contributions from each subsector. This information can be directly used to develop effective emission-reduction policies, with a focus on reducing emissions in utility services, transport and warehousing. Social implications The study, by raising public awareness of the significant role of industrial agricultural methods in Australia’s carbon footprint and emphasizing the importance of renewable energy and sustainable fuels for electricity generation and road transport, underscores the urgent need for action to mitigate climate change. Originality/value This study stands out by not only identifying the most impactful industries but also by providing specific strategies to reduce their emissions. It offers a comprehensive breakdown of specific agricultural activities and outlines mitigation strategies for utility services, agricultural operations and transport, thereby adding a unique perspective to the existing knowledge.

Funding Innovation and Risk: A Grey-Based Startup Investment Decision.

As found in behavioral decision theory, venture capitalists (VCs) rely on heuristics and bias, owing to their bounded rationality, either by limited alternatives or information and resources. India's booming startup scene challenges VCs in decision-making owing to information overload from numerous evolving ventures, which hinders informed judgment. VC investment behavior, due diligence, and cognitive factors related to decision-making have always drawn the attention of researchers. We provide an alternative approach for an optimal decision by VCs by identifying the attributes that influence investment or funding decisions at an early stage of a venture in tech-based industries. Through a literature review, we identify eight attributes, both on internal and external criteria, that venture investors consider when making investment decisions. Based on interviews with 20 experts, we further identify eight key tech-based sectors. Using grey system theory, we then determine the rankings of eight tech startups for investors' early-stage investment decisions. This study presents a linguistic variable-based approach of grey numbers to decide weights and ratings, the grey possibility degree to compare and rank different tech startups, and based on the results, suggests the ideal tech startup. We find that agritech ranks first; thus, investors should prefer venturing into such startups for early-stage investment. E-commerce and edutech ranked second and third, respectively, followed by electric vehicle infrastructure, insurtech, fintech, space tech, and software as a service.

Sustainable innovation challenges in wine ecosystem growth: a time-based comparison

Purpose This exploratory study aims to identify and prioritize key sustainable innovation challenges faced by family-owned businesses in the wine ecosystem. It also explores whether the criticality of these challenges differed pre- and post-COVID-19 by comparing the prioritization of these challenges at these two times. Design/methodology/approach Three methodologies were used. First, a systematic literature review identified the key sustainable innovation challenges in the wine ecosystem, which were then summarized into macro-categories (macro-challenges). Second, a panel of experts validated these challenges. Finally, the best-worst method was used using 40 qualitative interviews to prioritize the most critical challenges in two alternative scenarios to explore potential changes in challenge criticality following COVID-19. Findings This study provides evidence that the primary challenge to sustainable innovation (i.e. constraints on businesses because of limited financial resources) was the same pre- and post-COVID-19. In contrast, although the challenge associated with knowledge sharing was identified as a key strategy of wine ecosystem actors, particularly in recent years, it was the least critical factor at both times. Originality/value This exploratory study extends the conceptual boundaries of sustainable innovation by introducing it to the wine ecosystem. It establishes a practical agenda for small and medium-sized enterprises to enable managers who are constrained by limited resources to prioritize challenges. This agenda outlines a path to identifying competitive strategies. This path can also be followed by a range of stakeholders within this ecosystem to achieve resilience and define medium-to-long-term strategies. Furthermore, policymakers and governments can follow this path to formulate more targeted investment management plans and policies, thereby supporting sustainable economic growth in this key sector for many countries.

Geopolitical risks and business fluctuations in Europe: A sectorial analysis

Should Europe Really Worry about Geopolitical Risks? This study investigates the impact of geopolitical tensions and risks on the economies of the Euro area. In particular, we assess the reaction of key sectors (financial sector: stock market, exchange rate, inflation; energy sector: oil and gas; real sector: economic growth rate) with regard to geopolitical shocks over the period September 2003–March 2024. We measure the reaction of European economies to global geopolitical risks, as well as risks related to geopolitical events and threats. To this end, we adopted the ARDL model and bound tests to estimate the effects of geopolitical risks in the short and long terms. Our findings present two interesting results. First, geopolitical risks can reduce economic growth and provoke depreciation of the euro. Second, geopolitical tensions can increase inflation and put pressure on Brent oil and gas prices in Europe. The European stock market seems more resilient to geopolitical shocks, however. Finally, adverse geopolitical events are also associated with greater economic and political uncertainty in Europe.

Study on carbon emission characteristics and its influencing factors of energy consumption in Sichuan Province, China

Clarifying the key sectors and influencing factors of carbon emissions from energy consumption is an important prerequisite for achieving the “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” goals. This study calculated the carbon emissions of fuel combustion in 7 major departments and regional electricity trading of Sichuan Province from 2000 to 2021, and empirically analyzed the impact of energy structure effect, energy intensity effect, industrial structure effect, economic development level effect, and population size effect on the carbon emissions of energy consumption based on the LMDI model. The main research conclusions are as follows: (1) LMDI model has the advantages of no residual and high interpretation. By refining the multi-departments of energy consumption and different types of fuel, it is helpful to improve the accuracy of empirical analysis results. (2) The carbon emissions of energy consumption mainly come from the fuel combustion process. Specifically, the industry sector composed of steel, building materials, chemicals and machinery is the key emission sector, and transportation and residential life are also vital. Regional electricity trading can indirectly reduce the intensity of carbon emissions while ensuring the safety of energy supply. (3) From 2000 to 2021, the energy intensity effect and the economic development level effect were key factors in slowing down and promoting the carbon emission growth of energy consumption in Sichuan Province, respectively. The population scale effect mainly played a positive role in driving carbon emissions, but the impact is small and almost negligible. Before 2012, the energy structure effect and the industrial structure effect were mainly positive driving effects, and after 2012, they all turned into negative inhibitory effects. This was mainly due to the low-carbon transformation of energy structure and the optimization of industrial structure.

From developmentalism to the homegrown economy of Ethiopia: The narratives and the reality

The political and economic narrative has shifted from developmentalism to the homegrown economy in post-2018 Ethiopia, but maintains the hegemony of the developmental state project of nation-building. This article investigates the shift to homegrown economic narratives, assesses the alignment with macroeconomic data and various sources and their implications. The narrative seeks an endogenous growth model and emphasizes macroeconomic stability, industrialization, private-sector growth, and contributions of key sectors for economic transformation. In some respect of industrialization and macro-financial stability, the macroeconomic data align with the reform narratives. However, agricultural productivity, export diversification, and dependency on imports remain critical challenges of the economy and implicate structural issues of the reform. Several factors, mainly civil war, Covid-19 and climate change, complicate this economic landscape. The article underlines a sustainable and inclusive growth in Ethiopia requires greater transparency and revisiting the assumptions and implications of the homegrown economic narratives.

Exploring the efficacy of ecolabels as a marketing strategy: Insights from the emerging bioplastic packaging market

AbstractThe packaging industry's significant role in plastic production and environmental pollution underscores the need for more sustainable alternatives. Bioplastics emerge as a promising solution, yet consumer understanding of this innovative material often lags, particularly in emerging markets. This study thus aims to explore effective marketing strategies for communicating bioplastic packaging to shape consumer adoption and disposal practices in such markets. Through a case study approach, we examine the role of ecolabels as a marketing tool across key sectors of the bioplastic packaging supply chain. Drawing upon the signalling theory, we identify key characteristics of effective signals, including costly signalling, visibility, clarity, fitness, consistency and credibility, which should be integrated into a broader context of ecolabels design in order to encourage consumer adoption and responsible disposal. Our study also identifies instances where noises from the environment may have little impact and where communication gaps hinder feedback loops between consumers and producers.

The management of digital transformation of education in the context of the implementation of constitutional amendments

The amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, which came into force following the results of the all-Russian vote in July 2020, directly affected issues of public administration in education. These constitutional amendments refer to the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation to establish a unified legal framework for the system of education and upbringing, including continuing education. At the same time, the strategic directions for the development of the state outlined by the President of the Russian Federation after the publication of amendments to the Constitutiondetermined the need to achieve digital maturity of key sectors of the economy and the social sphere, including education. The article examines the issues of managing the digital transformation of education based on the constitutional thesis on the continuity of education, as well as taking into account the principle of unity of education and upbringing established at the legislative level, the unity of the educational space on the territory of the Russian Federation.

The role of peatlands in carbon footprints of countries and products

Global peatland degradation is a major emission source (2 Gt CO2eq/yr), but it is often excluded from product carbon footprints or consumption-based emission inventories. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of peatlands on the carbon footprints of countries and products. The analysis was performed by combining the updated Global Peatland Assessment emission inventory with the EXIOBASE 3 multiple-region input-output model and propagating the emissions from primary production to final demand of products. The structure of the network of production and consumption was analyzed by identifying the paths and nodes that had the highest embodied peatland emissions. Based on the analysis, the consumption-based emission inventory had hotspots in Indonesia, China, and Russia, where a few key sectors (construction, rice, and other foods) contributed to 31 % of the global peatland emissions. Unlike in many other environmental impact categories, Europe was a net exporter (104 Mt CO2eq/yr) of embodied peatland emissions and Africa & Middle East region was the largest net importer (64 Mt CO2eq/yr). The embodied peatland emissions are focused on agricultural and forestry products in the countries with the largest share of degraded peatlands. Products originating from peatlands can have multiple times higher carbon footprints than non-peatland farmed products. The societal cost of carbon (SCC) of peatland originating products can even be higher than the value of the products. Therefore including peatland emissions into product carbon footprints would create incentives for mitigating emissions. Local emission mitigation will require tailored combinations of rewetting, restoration, and paludiculture. As the current uses of peatlands are emission intensive and have low value added, the potential for cost-effective emission reduction is considerable.

Global scoping review of behavioral interventions to reduce plastic pollution with recommendations for key sectors

AbstractEnd users of single‐use plastics can help minimize their contribution to plastic pollution via mindful purchasing and waste management. These behaviors can be impacted via behavior change interventions in various key sectors of society. This review set out to summarize recent (2015–2023) peer‐reviewed evidence on interventions aimed at changing the plastic consumption, recycling, and/or littering behaviors of individuals across four sectors: business and retail, tourism and leisure, schools and education, and communities. Systematic literature searches were conducted across multiple databases and resulted in the inclusion of 92 intervention studies. Information on intervention strategy and effectiveness was extracted, and the studies were assessed for risk of bias. Intervention descriptions and outcomes were coded into five intervention categories (informational, contextual, prompts, social, and personal strategies) and synthesized qualitatively to inform future practice in an accessible manner. Although nearly half of the reviewed studies were assessed as having moderate‐to‐high risk of bias (e.g., lacked reliability assessment of outcome measures), limiting confidence in the documented findings, the review concludes that different strategies work in different sectors. For example, informational strategies showed mostly promising results in most sectors, but had mixed effectiveness in the education sector, while contextual modifications were effective across sectors.

Life cycle assessment and comparison of energy supply system technical innovation: A case study

As the key sector of energy consumption in China, the industrial sector contributes the most to environmental pollution and CO2 emissions. With the goals of reaching the peak of CO2 emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, optimizing the energy supply system of industrial enterprises is significant to achieve low-carbon development. In this study, the case of system upgrading concerning waste heat utilization in a manufacturing unit is applied. The total environmental impact of the energy supply system before and after transformation is quantified and compared based on life cycle assessment method, with “cradle to gate” as the system boundary and one year of system operation as the functional unit. It can be found that the environmental impact of the energy supply system is reduced from 4.54 to 4.14 through technical innovation. The key processes contributing to the environmental impact of the system are the refrigeration system, soft water system and boiler system. Electricity consumption of refrigeration system, NaCl of the soft water system and natural gas of the boiler system are identified as key substances. Sensitivity analysis reveals that the environmental benefits of reducing electricity consumption will be more effective than that of NaCl and natural gas. With the transformation of waste heat utilization and the increase of photovoltaic power generation, the environmental impact of the system is reduced obviously, which is significant for the low-carbon transformation of the manufacturing industry.