Local Business Environment Research Articles

Can national civilized city selection optimize the local business environment?

Can national civilized city selection optimize the local business environment?

Effect of Printing Orientation on the Mechanical Properties of Low-Force Stereolithography-Manufactured Durable Resin

This study presents the results of fracture toughness tests conducted on specimens obtained by additive manufacturing techniques, specifically using low-force stereolithography. The samples were manufactured from a transparent 3D printing material for biocompatible applications, the so-called BioMed Durable Resin, which is a Formlabs-patented polymer material that simulates the strength and rigidity of polyethylene. The selected toughness tests in this context were performed following the ASTM D5045-99 guidelines. All tests were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions at 23 °C and 50% relative humidity, ensuring adherence to the standard and the replicability of the experimental results. To investigate the influence of printing plane orientation, specimens were produced at three printing orientation angles (0, 45, and 90 degrees). These angles were selected to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the anisotropy effects in the material. They cover both extreme orientations (0° and 90°) and include an intermediate value (45°), allowing us to assess variations in mechanical behavior across a representative range of printing orientations, consistent with prior research in the field. The experimental tests yielded data on the crack resistance and energy release rate for each angle of orientation. There are various implications of the findings, beyond materials engineering, for applications in biomedicine. Indeed, this same approach opens the door to new research methods for manufacturing certified biocompatible materials from such durable resins. Finally, complementary issues such as related medical applications have been slightly addressed for future work, since biomedicine innovation clusters can contribute to accelerating growth in this crucial field for productive sector activity and the local business environment.

Vertically integrated project: uniting teaching, research, and community in favor of sustainability

Purpose Higher education institutions (HEIs) are crucial in sustainable development. To this end, they must infuse sustainability into all their endeavors. This study aims to delve into the unique vertically integrated project (VIP), a project-based learning approach and its impact on students’ skills and the surrounding community. Design/methodology/approach The research design was collaborative, reflecting the spirit of the VIP. Step 1 involved an action research approach, where students and instructors worked closely with municipal representatives to identify challenges and devise solutions for local economic development. In Step 2, students' voices were heard through a survey. Step 3 encompassed presentations in scientific and nonscientific events, capturing the community’s perception as a valuable feedback loop. Findings The authors identified the most effective policies implemented by municipalities that excelled in indices related to the business environment. VIP enhanced students’ soft skills, including critical thinking, teamwork and community spirit. The outcomes of the VIP were effective in identifying public policies aimed at social transformation. Practical implications This study’s findings offer significant insights for HEI managers, guiding them in adopting interdisciplinary pedagogical practices. These practices, in turn, foster sustainable development within both internal and external communities. Furthermore, the empirical study’s focus on improving local community governance can potentially enhance the local business environment. Originality/value Literature emphasizing the social dimension of sustainability in HEIs is scarce, particularly those practices related to teaching, research and extension linked to projects aimed at community sustainability. This study introduces interdisciplinary practices encouraging student involvement in addressing tangible issues and searching for solutions to community problems.

The impact of FDI on R&D investment of small and medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam: The role of institutions

This paper investigates how the quality of the local institutional environment affects the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on R&D investment of domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam. By analysing data of 2690 manufacturing SMEs in 2011, 2013 and 2015, we find that FDI presence hinders R&D activities of domestic SMEs, probably due to SMEs' low absorptive capacity, large technological gap, lack of economies of scale and low market power. However, institutions positively moderate the relationship, that is better institutions mitigate the negative impacts of FDI on R&D investment of domestic SMEs. When the quality of local institutions improves beyond a certain minimum level, FDI exerts positive spillovers that encourage R&D activities of domestic SMEs. Our hypothesis suggests that institutions can moderate FDI spillovers to SMEs' R&D by promoting the foreign investors' incentive and ability to create technological spillovers, mitigating FDI crowding-out effects, enhancing domestic SMEs' absorptive capacity, and facilitating interaction and knowledge sharing in the local business environment. We also find that the institutional moderating effect is less pronounced for FDI originating from countries with lower institutional quality compared to that from countries with higher institutional quality. This suggests that multinational enterprises (MNEs) in the former group may be more susceptible to institutional impacts due to their unfamiliarity with institutional obstacles in the host economy. Our study highlights the importance of institutions to researchers who explore the relationship between FDI and domestic firms’ R&D investment and to policymakers in emerging economies where FDI inflows and domestic SMEs play a pivotal role.

Twice as effective: business environment, SME owners’ satisfaction, and local government revenue performance

ABSTRACT Spatial disparities in human and social capital, entrepreneurial culture, and industrial specialisation emphasise the pivotal role of local governments in shaping the business environment. Nevertheless, scant attention has been accorded to the complex relationships between local government activities, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners’ satisfaction, and subsequent local economic outcomes. Using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling on data from 513 SME owners, we found that higher SME owner satisfaction is positively associated with increased local employment and amplified municipal tax revenues from SMEs. Interestingly, our results indicate a negative relationship between SME owner satisfaction and the annual change in self-employment rates within the locality. This study contributes to the literature by empirically linking local government services to tangible economic outcomes through SME owners’ satisfaction. It provides valuable insights for policymakers on optimising the local business environment to foster SME growth and enhance municipal economic performance.

ELEVATING INVESTMENT APPEAL: CRAFTING A TARGETED MARKETING STRATEGY FOR THE ECONOMIC MAGNETISM OF UZBEKISTAN, WITH A FOCUS ON THE SYRDARYA REGION

This research aims to devise a tailored marketing strategy to enhance the investment attractiveness of Uzbekistan's economy, with a specific focus on the Syrdarya Region. Recognizing the pivotal role of marketing in shaping perceptions and fostering economic growth, our study delves into the unique attributes and potential of the Syrdarya Region. The investigation combines a comprehensive analysis of the regional economic landscape with insights derived from contemporary marketing methodologies. The paper employs a strategic approach, emphasizing the identification and utilization of the distinctive features that make the Syrdarya Region a promising investment destination. By examining economic indicators, infrastructural development, and the local business environment, we aim to unearth key selling points that can be effectively communicated to potential investors. The proposed marketing strategy aligns with global trends, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. Additionally, the research explores the integration of digital platforms and emerging technologies in promoting the investment potential of the Syrdarya Region. Leveraging the power of data analytics and online channels, the strategy seeks to reach a diverse audience of global investors. Furthermore, the study considers the role of cultural and historical narratives in shaping the region's identity and attractiveness. In conclusion, this research not only contributes to the literature on economic marketing but also provides practical insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to boost the investment profile of Uzbekistan, particularly in the dynamic context of the Syrdarya Region. The proposed marketing strategy serves as a blueprint for fostering sustainable economic development and attracting diverse investments to the region.

Local business environment and firm innovation: evidence from China

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the influence of the regional business environment on local firm innovation, considering various dimensions such as administrative, financial and legal environments.Design/methodology/approachMultiple regression analysis is employed to analyze archival data for firms listed on Chinese stock markets.FindingsWe find that the optimizations of the administrative and financial environments positively affect firm innovation, whereas the legal environment does not exert a similar impact. Our analysis also reveals that the business environment’s optimization significantly influences innovation in firms that are small, non-state-owned and operating in high-tech industries. Furthermore, the business environment acts as a moderating variable in the relationship between firm innovation and firm value.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of institutional-level determinants of firm innovation, highlighting the nuances of the legal environment and the importance of context-specific analysis, especially in emerging markets like China.Practical implicationsDeveloping countries can significantly enhance firm innovation by improving the business environment, including the optimization of administrative and financial systems, reducing transaction costs and ensuring capital supply. Tailored legal frameworks and alternative institutional strategies may also be explored.Social implicationsThis study explicitly emphasizes the governmental role in promoting firm innovation, shedding light on policy formulation and strategic alignment with local administrative policies.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first to explore the relationship between the business environment and firm innovation using World Bank indicators in an emerging market context, providing novel insights into the unique dynamics of legal, financial and administrative sub-environments.

Geopolitical risk and foreign subsidiary performance of emerging market multinationals

In recent years, enterprises have faced increasing uncertainty due to rising geopolitical risks. This paper examines the impact of geopolitical risk (GPR) in host countries on the performance of foreign subsidiaries of A-share-listed Chinese multinational enterprises (MNEs) from 2003 to 2020. The results show that the GPR of host countries negatively affects the foreign subsidiary performance of Chinese MNEs. The deteriorated local business environment acts as a channel for this negative relationship. Moreover, such a negative relationship is mitigated for listed firms with more international experience and senior executives with an overseas background, when the foreign subsidiaries do not operate in sensitive industries or when there is a better institutional environment in the host countries. This study extends the literature on how external uncertainty affects the performance of foreign subsidiaries of emerging market multinational enterprises. It also sheds light on the internationalization of firms through the management of international uncertainty.

Improving business environment for information technology adoption in small business: evidence from a transition economy

ABSTRACT Adoption of information technology is widely known to be important for firm development. Nonetheless, little has been revealed about how to promote micro-sized firms to adopt information technology. Using the zero-inflated Poisson model to analyse longitudinal data adopted from the biennial Small and Medium Enterprises Surveys in the manufacturing sectors and data on the quality of the local business environment from the annual Provincial Competitiveness Index surveys in Vietnam, this study shows that while better infrastructure readiness is associated with more adoption of information technology among larger firms, it is not enough for micro-sized firms. These micro-sized firms need to be further supported by the improved quality of the local business environment. These findings suggest that policies on information technology should be complemented with policies to improve the business environment to facilitate adoption of information technology among micro-sized firms in transition economies.

Case Study Based on Pang Donglai Trading Group

Pang donglai Business Group is a regional retail enterprise. The main purpose of this article is to analyze the situation of the Pang donglai Business Group in the local market, find the main reasons why the group cannot expand, analyze the group's disadvantages and provide solutions. Propose specific strategic management strategies for the development of the group to help the group achieve better development, and also provide solutions and reference examples for local enterprises that encounter similar situations or have corresponding problems. By researching and comparing the strategies of other retail companies, and analyzing Pang donglai's corporate values, the authors point out that regional retail enterprises need to have clear goals and positioning to target corresponding customer groups in the current market environment to compete with foreign and large domestic chain retail groups. Combined with the local business environment, strengthen trade relations with farmers, abandon customer groups in first-tier cities, and develop markets in rural areas.

A Study on the Effectiveness of Business Environment Policy Implementation in Mudanjiang City, Heilongjiang Province: Taking the Reform of Management and Service as an Example

In recent years, the poor business environment in Northeast China has become a key factor restricting the regions economic development. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), in order to deepen the reform of administrative system and promote the transformation of government functions, China has pushed forward the reform of releasing management and providing services, which has optimised the local business environment to a certain extent. However, in some areas of Northeast China, such as Mudanjiang City, Heilongjiang Province, the reform of release of management and service to improve the business environment is not obvious. This paper analyses the effectiveness of the implementation of relevant policies to optimize the business environment in Mudanjiang City, summarizes the relevant reasons and puts forward recommendations, namely, from the deepening of the style of the organs to rectify the situation, the implementation of policies and measures, improve the business environment, and improve the business environment. This paper analyses the effectiveness of policy implementation from three aspects, i.e. deepening organ style rectification, comprehensive implementation of policies and measures, and perfecting enterprise landing environment, and seeks to improve the poor business environment in the northeast region from the policy area and achieve economic revitalisation.

THE POTENTIAL OF LOCAL BUSINESS INVOLVEMENT AS A DETERMINANT OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN THE PROCESS OF VETERANS' REINTEGRATION

The purpose of the article is to propose an approach to analysing the potential of involving local business as a determinant of social entrepreneurship development in the process of reintegration of veterans. Methodology. The survey is based on the results of an online questionnaire on the current state and needs of business in Chernihiv Oblast in the post-occupation period. The questionnaire contained questions in which respondents could describe business needs, expected support from local governments, and identify favourable and unfavourable factors for the development of the business environment at the regional level. The second part of the empirical research included personal in-depth expert interviews with key informants from business, local government, NGOs and donor initiatives to study the recovery needs of key micro-, small- and medium-sized business sectors in the de-occupied cities of Chernihiv Oblast. The survey results revealed the needs of businesses in the post-occupation period. Despite the fact that the surveyed entrepreneurs note a decrease in income, they are still optimistic about doing business in Chernihiv in the near future. According to the survey, the main factors hindering business development in Chernihiv Oblast are: low solvency of buyers; insufficient financial resources; bureaucratic obstacles; and changes in market conditions. The factors that hinder the development of Chernihiv Oblast are identified: unfavourable conditions for the development of entrepreneurship in the region; lack of external investment in the region; political situation at the local level; unemployment in the region; insufficient level of public initiative and activity of residents. Based on the results of in-depth interviews, it is possible to assess the potential of local businesses in the context of their involvement in the development of social entrepreneurship with a focus on veteran businesses. Despite all the difficulties and problems, the trend towards business recovery in the de-occupation period is positive, based on the desire of entrepreneurs to work in the Chernihiv Oblast. The city has active and influential NGOs that are ready to act in the interests of the community. Currently, donor initiatives in the region are just beginning. Practical implications. Based on a study of the reintegration needs and problems of servicemen, veterans and their family members in starting their own business and an analysis of the local business environment, recommendations are made on the role of business in the development of social entrepreneurship of veterans as a tool for their reintegration. Value/originality. The research demonstrates an approach to determining the potential of business in its involvement in the development of social entrepreneurship as a tool for reintegrating veterans at the local level.

Romanian Youth Enhancing Innovation Mindset and Organizational Change in the Business Environment

This study explores how youth is involved and influence the business environment through their actions and practices. Many young people and youth organizations are framing a mindset to their members about openness to entrepreneurship, innovation, on the business environment. While these youngsters are learning and making efforts to collaborate with similar structures from the EU, most of the companies in Romania are not paying much attention to them. The number of youth organizations had an increased trend in recent years, more and more youngsters acting and interacting with the business environment. Entrepreneurship playing an important role in the changes in the business environment. Some organizational changes are happening within the business environment at the EU level, echoing also in Romania. The level of interest in innovation and entrepreneurship is high for youngsters forming non-governmental organizations, eager to create hubs of knowledge using EU-funded grants. The importance of studying this topic is vital to identify common characteristics, skills, and mindset of the young people involved in the organizational structures. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how Romanian youngsters are enhancing and recognizing the innovation mindset within their organizations and how they can impact the local business environment. Also, another point is to determine the organizational change in the business environment in Romania, impacted by the youth organizations. The methodology is based on primary and secondary data, analyzing youth activities outputs and the approaches bringing change in the business environment in recent years. And on the other hand, studying how the business environment, firms, and companies are interacting with youth activities directly or indirectly. The study contributes to the literature review by highlighting local best practices implemented by youth and youth organizations to bring improvement to the business environment together with youth awareness for the business environment transformation.

Assessment of Bulgarian municipalities in providing basic services and shaping the local business environment

Socio-economic processes in Bulgaria in recent decades have led to demographic collapse. This collapse is expressed in the reduction and concentration of the population in certain places. This process leads to the shrinkage of cities, with small municipalities being the most affected. Normally, after the next census, an inventory of the localities should be made in terms of the basic services they provide to the population and the implementation of territorial development policies, including forming a favorite local business ecosystem. The author's main purpose is to evaluate Bulgarian municipalities’ performance, which is the key to establishing good living conditions and a friendly business ecosystem for investment attractiveness. In this regard, the author proposes the regional investment index for municipalities’ evaluation. The present research is completed with a sociological survey on the attitudes of businesses, the population, branch organizations, and other civil structures towards the state and the functioning of municipalities in the Bulgarian state. The regional investment index applies to two Bulgarian municipalities (Balchik and Pomorie) in Bulgaria’s Black Sea region. With the help of the assessment model, the conditions and business environment in the municipalities can be measured, individual municipalities can be compared and it has practical-applied value for local authorities and citizens as well as for the state and business.

Bureaucratic Dynamics and Their Impact on the Local Business Environment: Local Government Strategies in Promoting Economic Growth

Bureaucratic Dynamics and Their Impact on the Local Business Environment: Local Government Strategies in Promoting Economic Growth

Exploring Contemporary Trends and Challenges in Company Management: A Case Study of the Philippines' Corporate Landscape

In an era characterized by rapid globalization and technological advancement, understanding the complex dynamics of contemporary company management is crucial for sustainable business success. This study delves into the intricacies of company management within the unique context of the Philippines' corporate landscape, examining both the emerging trends and persistent challenges that shape organizational strategies. Through a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative interviews with key stakeholders and quantitative analysis of industry reports, this research uncovers the evolving paradigms of agile leadership, digital transformation, and strategic human resource management. These trends reflect the global shift towards adaptive decision-making, technology integration, and workforce development. Concurrently, the study highlights the enduring challenges posed by regulatory intricacies, economic uncertainties, and socio-cultural considerations, underscoring their impact on the local business environment. By contextualizing these findings within the broader global management discourse, this study contributes to the understanding of the interplay between theory and practice in a diverse and dynamic corporate landscape. The implications extend beyond the Philippines, resonating with companies navigating similar trends and challenges worldwide, while offering a roadmap for adaptive management strategies.

Preparing fertile ground: how does the quality of business environments affect MSE growth?

We study how the quality of local business environments helps explain growth outcomes of micro- and small enterprise microfinance clients by drawing on long-term nationwide administrative data and a policy shock in Cambodia. The staggered launch of special economic zones, which we link to positive shocks to the business environment on both the demand and supply side, leads to significantly increased employment in micro- and small enterprises (MSEs) located in these special economic zones (SEZs), compared to enterprises in contextually similar districts that are unexposed to an SEZ. Key channels explaining the improved growth outcomes include expanded access to external markets for the enterprises’ goods and services, more dynamic labor environments, and improved credit terms and conditions. To broaden the relevance of our findings, we combine data from prominent empirical studies on microfinance and demonstrate how related business conditions identified in the enterprise growth literature help explain differences in client business outcomes found in their results. Policy implications are that a smaller but influential segment of microfinance borrowers significantly benefit from opportunities provided by improved local business environments and that governments and lenders can play active roles in facilitating the necessary improvements for such MSEs.

Enterprise resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of business environment.

Enterprise resilience captures enterprises' ability to survive and develop under uncertainties and shocks. Taking the shock of COVID-19 as an example, this paper employs a unique firm-level national survey dataset collected from a sample of nearly 40,000 Chinese private enterprises in 2020 to systematically explore the relation between local business environment and enterprise resilience. Our estimation results using ordered probit model indicate that favorable business environment can significantly enhance enterprise resilience and mitigate the shock of COVID-19 on firm performance. Mechanism analysis further shows that enterprises under better business environment generally have greater resilience as the result of timely and effective government support, reliable supply of production factors and logistics service, and lower levels of financial constraints. Our study deepens the understanding of the economic consequences of business environment and also sheds a new light on enterprise resilience enhancement.

Gender Responsiveness in District and Department Competitiveness Index for Female Entrepreneurship: A Comparative Study in Two Mountainous Provinces of Vietnam

Objective: The District and Department Competitiveness Index (DDCI) has its main focus on the development of Enterprises and Women Entrepreneurs, towards inclusive socio-economic growth and development. How about the level of gender responsiveness that DDCI has in reality? Theoretical Framework: The DDCI in a Vietnam-related initiative, which aims to assess the reality of economic management capacity and to improve the business environment in districts, cities and provincial departments in provinces/cities of Vietnam. The theoretical formation of it becomes a major source for analytical framework used. Method/design/approach: This study has been conducted in both qualitative and quantitative approaches, mainly based on measuring the DDCI in a survey of 1000-1500 samples in each of the two Vietnamese mountainous provinces throughout 2019 - 2022. Findings and conlusions are derived from the combination of the two approaches. Results and conclusion: From a gender perspective, we notice some major differences in the assessment of the business environment, the impact of natural disasters and epidemics, business prospects and confidence in the market's recovery for the genders. Research implications: This affects the viability of business models, the sustainable development of enterprises, and in the immediate future, the prospects for recovery of businesses that are owned and led by women, who have suffered from many disadvantages in work and life. Originality/value: The study provides effective tools to enliven a picture of local production, businesses and business environment, as an input for public policy evaluation and improvement.

Faktor Keberhasilan Usaha Batik Pekalongan (Studi Kasus Usaha Bisnis Batik Kafina di Pekalongan)

This study aims to analyze a case study of the Batik Kafina business in Pekalongan. This research will involve collecting primary and secondary data to obtain comprehensive information about the business of Batik Kafina. The research method used is a qualitative approach by collecting data through in-depth interviews with the owners and managers of Batik Kafina, as well as direct observation at business locations. Furthermore, the data will be analyzed descriptively to identify the factors that influence the success of the Batik Kafina business. The analysis will be carried out by considering several key factors, including marketing strategy, operational management, product innovation and customer response. In addition, it will also analyze the local business environment in Pekalongan, including competition with other batik producers and support from the local government. The results of this study are expected to provide insight into the factors that influence the success of the Batik Kafina business in Pekalongan. The findings of this study can be used as a reference for business owners and other business actors in developing strategies and facing challenges in the batik industry. This research can also contribute knowledge in the development of the batik industry in Indonesia as a whole.