Long-term Policy Research Articles

Promoting Intellectual Property Propaganda Activities in Vocational Education Institutions: An Assessment from a Management Perspective

Along with the comprehensive innovation of Vietnam’s education system, vocational education is positively changing, making great contributions to the country’s education system. Along with the university education system, vocational education is considered a place to create new knowledge and technology; but up to now, the number of applications to establish protection of industrial property rights, especially inventions, still accounts for a low rate; the understanding of education and training staff in vocational education institutions (VEIs) about intellectual property rights is not high. Based on the study of state legal documents on intellectual property rights, this article surveyed 300 people who are managers, teachers, students, and pupils at several educational institutions in Ho Chi Minh City through surveys and interview questions. VEIs do not pay much attention to intellectual property activities in general and intellectual property propaganda activities in particular; there is no long-term plan and policy for implementing intellectual property activities and intellectual property propaganda at VEIs. Based on that reality, and an assessment of the current situation combined with state legal documents, this article proposes some management solutions to promote intellectual property activities and intellectual property propaganda activities in VEIs in near the future.

Between branding and being: how are inclusive city branding and inclusive city practices related?

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between being an inclusive city and branding oneself as such, as more cities adopt the inclusive city concept as part of their brand identity. Design/methodology/approach This paper builds theory by introducing a typology that categorizes cities based on their level of inclusion and degree of branding, supplemented by an analysis of the branding practices and identities. Integrating the literature on inclusive city and city branding, with a specific focus on the inherent conflict between their sharing and competing attributes, this research postulates that a city may choose to engage in being inclusive and branding itself as such in various ways depending on its dominant motivations of altruism or entrepreneurialism. Findings Four distinct types of inclusive city branding are identified: inclusion ambassadors (high inclusion and high branding); innate champions (high inclusion and low branding); façade marketers (low inclusion and high branding); and silent segregators (low inclusion and low branding). Furthermore, it underscores that inclusive city branding is shaped by the interplay of entrepreneurialism and altruism, not just a city’s inclusion. Different branding practices, such as media-generated images, narratives and events, are emphasized when entrepreneurialism is the primary motivation, whereas iconic architecture buildings, flagship projects and long-term policies are more associated with altruism. Originality/value This study develops a typology to unravel the paradoxical aspects of inclusive city branding. Examining the intersection of city branding motivations and practices enriches existing literature. Moreover, its findings offer valuable insights for cities grappling with the implementation of contentious inclusive branding strategies, thereby bridging theory with practical applications.

Assessing Malaysia’s Effectiveness in Alleviating Home Buying Challenges for Young Malaysians

This study analyses the current status of home ownership among young Malaysians and assesses the effectiveness of the scheme in improving housing affordability among young Malaysians. The study examines the target population, income profile, and loan interest rates to provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of home ownership among young Malaysians. The findings show that housing market conditions, especially among the B40 income group, have been deteriorating since 2016, with house prices growing faster than income growth. This has significantly reduced housing affordability, making it difficult for many to realize their dream of home ownership. The continued growth in money supply and volatility in the overnight policy rate have further exacerbated affordability. Although the MFHS has provided substantial support by offering loans with no down payment of up to 110%, rising house prices and interest rates have undermined its effectiveness. Policy recommendations include adopting a long-term housing policy framework that takes into account demographic and economic trends, establishing a strong monitoring and evaluation mechanism, and adopting flexible loan terms. It is also recommended to work with private sector stakeholders to improve housing accessibility and affordability through innovative financing solutions and increasing the supply of affordable housing.

Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions among Community Members of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province

The mental well-being of many community members was seriously impacted by COVID-19, with some experiencing the loss of loved ones and others losing jobs due to lockdown-related company cutbacks. There is evidence indicating that many people faced challenges in accessing essential services, including healthcare. This study aimed at investigating the effects of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions among community members of the Vhembe District, in Limpopo Province, South Africa. A qualitative, exploratory design was used for this study. Data were collected from 54 participants through nine focus group interviews with six participants each. This study identified two main themes originating from data analysis: community mental health during COVID-19 lockdown, lockdown regulations, and challenges encountered. The participants discussed the impact of COVID-19 during lockdown. This research underscores the vital necessity of implementing harm reduction strategies and long-term service policies for this group. It also emphasizes the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in upholding the rights of marginalized populations.

On the optimality of policy choices in the face of biased beliefs, retrospective voting and the down-up problem

Previous literature has shown that voters’ biased beliefs regarding policy outcomes incentivize the selection of seemingly better, but socially worse, policies. It has also shown that voters’ tendency to gauge an incumbent’s competence by the present state of the economy (retrospective voting) could counteract biased beliefs. In this article, we argue that, when the advantageous consequences of a measure of policy only accrue with considerable lag (the down-up problem), retrospective voting instead amplifies the effects of biased beliefs. Still, we find that it may nevertheless be optimal for an incumbent to select good long-term policies if the incumbent is strongly motivated by the success of the chosen policies. Finally, we investigate the robustness of these conclusions by considering an incumbent bias, limited accountability, and the introduction of incentive and threshold contracts.

Changes Under Pressure: Mapping Recent Developments in Long-Term Care Policy

Social, economic, and technological challenges have imposed transformations of the long-term care services in order to improve the system efficiency, the quality of services and the satisfaction of beneficiaries. The article aims to provide a review of the policy reforms and performance of the long-term care system in Romania. To support the effects of these transformations, a review of the scientific literature was conducted. We then highlighted characteristics of the current long-term care system that are evolving in response to the changing social and economic environment. Several issues related to the public financing, labor force, quality assurance, and unmet needs are discussed. The analysis suggests that evaluation of the long-term care system in terms of sustainability, health and quality of life of beneficiaries and their families impose a good coverage with long-term care quality services. Policy makers should ensure adequate collection of data to substantiate further policy measures, as well as full implementation of the long-term care policy.

Efficiency and intrinsic quality in healthcare: blending radial and non-radial measures of efficiency with a flashpoint of long-term health policy

PurposeEfficiency and quality are primary factors for the survival of health systems. The evaluation of the efficiency of the healthcare system is a crucial component of promoting long-term health policy actions. Healthcare capacity indicators provide a basis for evaluating and comparing the performance of different healthcare organizations. Intrinsic quality indicators are Donabedian (1980)’s structural and process elements of quality of healthcare. This study aims to integrate capacity and intrinsic quality indicators of healthcare while measuring the efficiency of provinces by using radial and non-radial efficiency measurement techniques.Design/methodology/approachEfficiency analysis performed in Turkey from 2015 to 2020 by performing input-oriented radial, nonradial, and super-efficiency estimates for 81 provinces of Turkey by incorporating capacity and intrinsic quality indicators into the different model specifications.FindingsRadial and nonradial efficiency results have an increasing trend over the study years obtained from the efficiency models showing high average scores obtained from the models that include intrinsic quality of care indicators. Statistically significant mean rank differences are observed between different radial efficiency models for all study years (p < 0.001). Negative and moderate level correlations were observed between radial efficiency results and quality of care indicators (r < 0.70).Originality/valueUnder long-term centralized health policies, increases in efficiency result in decreased intrinsic quality of care indicators. A better synthesis of health system capacity and intrinsic healthcare quality indicators is necessary to generate evidence-based health systems.

Long-term credit and green innovation : causal evidence from China

ABSTRACT Environmental issues are a global challenge. In bank-centric financial systems such as China’s, the impact of long-term credit on sustainable development is a crucial yet underexplored issue. We use a plausibly exogenous long-term credit policy (LCP) implemented in 2019 to identify the impact of long-term credit on green innovations. Using a difference-in-differences (DID) approach, we find that long-term credit increases firms’ low-quality green innovations by optimizing credit term structures and generates spillover effects on environmental performance. Moreover, long-term credit significantly enhances high-quality green innovation in regions with more stringent environmental disclosure regulations. These findings reveal a quantity-over-quality effect of long-term credit on green innovation and highlight the critical role of integrating financial and environmental policies.

Evaluating the relationship between income inequality, renewable energy and energy poverty in the V4 countries

The European Union has prioritized addressing energy poverty, as outlined in the “Clean Energy for all Europeans Package”. The recent international context dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia war in Ukraine, have exacerbated this issue because of the substantial energy prices growth. Since eradicating energy poverty necessitates long-term policy implementation, the primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of income inequality and other economic and social factors (output per capita, renewable energy use) on energy poverty as measured by three indicators (total utility bill arrears, utility bill arrears for households with dependent children, population unable to maintain adequate). The findings based on mean group estimators for the V4 (Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia) countries from 2005 to 2022 suggest that income inequality, proxied by the Gini index, exacerbates energy poverty. However, sustainable economic growth has the potential to alleviate energy poverty. Policy recommendations include reducing income inequality, reforming renewable energy policies, to encourage the development of renewable energy sector and green industries.

Combined short-term and long-term emission controls improve air quality sustainably in China

The effectiveness of national policies for air pollution control has been demonstrated, but the relative effectiveness of short-term emission reduction measures in comparison with national policies has not. Here we show that short-term abatement measures during important international events substantially reduced PM2.5 concentrations, but air quality rebounded to pre-event levels after the measures ceased. Long-term adherence to strict emission reduction policies led to successful decreases of 54% in PM2.5 concentrations in Beijing, and 23% in atmospheric nitrogen deposition in China from 2012 to 2020. Incentivized by “blue skies” type campaigns, economic development and reactive nitrogen pollution are quickly decoupled, showing that a combination of inspiring but aggressive short-term measures and effective but durable long-term policies delivers sustainable air quality improvement. However, increased ammonia concentrations, transboundary pollutant flows, and the complexity to achieving reduction targets under climate change scenarios, underscore the need for the synergistic control of multiple pollutants and inter-regional action.

HSD108 Impacts of Long-Term Prescription Policy on Primary Care Utilization and Costs Among Hypertensive Patients in China: A Difference-in-Differences Analysis

HSD108 Impacts of Long-Term Prescription Policy on Primary Care Utilization and Costs Among Hypertensive Patients in China: A Difference-in-Differences Analysis

Interplays between housing and long-term care policies: a comparison between Austria and the Czech Republic

Owing to the complex links between housing and care, placing housing policy in the context of long-term care (LTC) policies is difficult; this leads to a limited number of studies on this topic. However, the practical relevance of links between these two policy fields is self-evident. To partially challenge a separation between housing and LTC policies in research, we apply the concept of ‘housing as an infrastructure of care’, as defined by Power and Mee (Housing Studies, 35(3), 2020). The article conceptualises and contextualises how housing policies interplay with LTC policy instruments by contributing to a similar outcome. After discussing the theoretical implications, the article provides an empirical illustration of this argument through a comparative housing analysis of two carefully selected cases: Austria and the Czech Republic. LTC policies in these two countries are based on remarkably similar cash instruments, notably implemented in contrasting housing policy contexts. As these cash benefits lead to similar outcomes in encouraging informal care provided chiefly by families, the analysis seeks to understand how different housing policies matter for these outcomes. The analysis discusses how particular housing policy instruments may create uneven care capacities.

The impact of infectious disease experience on household consumption: evidence from rural China.

The issue of low consumption among rural households in China has a longstanding history, and the experience of infectious diseases may exacerbate the existing challenges in fostering consumption growth. However, studies that characterize the impact of infectious diseases on household consumption are limited in China. This study aims to explore rural household consumption responses to infectious diseases post-assessment, and identify the underlying mechanisms. A total of 1,539 rural households from China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) datasets of 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020 were recruited as the study sample. The presence of infectious disease experience was employed as the independent variable and household consumption as the dependent variable. A panel fixed effects (FE) regression model was initially employed to identify the influence of infectious disease experiences on rural household consumption. The instrumental variable (IV) method was used to address potential endogeneity between independent and dependent variables. Robustness checks such as Propensity Score Matching (PSM) test were employed to ensure the reliability of the findings. The results reveal a statistically significant negative impact of infectious disease experiences on consumption over time, becoming no more significant at around 7-9 years post-disaster. This effect leads to more pronounced consumption deprivation for households with limited health insurance coverage and heightened healthcare resource constraints. The mechanism test indicates that infectious disease experiences affect the consumption levels of rural households through channels that include income constraints, the crowding-out of healthcare expenditure, and risk perception, with the precautionary savings motive acting as a moderator. Furthermore, the diminishing effect of infectious diseases on individual consumption surpasses that of natural disasters. Temporal discrepancy is observed in the impacts of infectious and chronic disease shocks on household consumption. The accumulation of liquid assets emerges as an effective strategy for households to mitigate the impact of infectious disease shocks. The findings underscore the importance of integrating short- and long-term policies to bolster consumption capacity, strategically allocate inter-regional medical resources, and fortify the resilience of rural households against economic risks.

A perspective on the next generation of Earth system model scenarios: towards representative emission pathways (REPs)

Abstract. In every Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment cycle, a multitude of scenarios are assessed, with different scope and emphasis throughout the various Working Group reports and special reports, as well as their respective chapters. Within the reports, the ambition is to integrate knowledge on possible climate futures across the Working Groups and scientific research domains based on a small set of “framing pathways” such as the so-called representative concentration pathways (RCPs) in the Fifth IPCC Assessment Report (AR5) and the shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios in the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). This perspective, initiated by discussions at the IPCC Bangkok workshop in April 2023 on the “Use of Scenarios in AR6 and Subsequent Assessments”, is intended to serve as one of the community contributions to highlight the needs for the next generation of framing pathways that is being advanced under the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) umbrella, which will influence or even predicate the IPCC AR7 consideration of framing pathways. Here we suggest several policy research objectives that such a set of framing pathways should ideally fulfil, including mitigation needs for meeting the Paris Agreement objectives, the risks associated with carbon removal strategies, the consequences of delay in enacting that mitigation, guidance for adaptation needs, loss and damage, and for achieving mitigation in the wider context of societal development goals. Based on this context, we suggest that the next generation of climate scenarios for Earth system models should evolve towards representative emission pathways (REPs) and suggest key categories for such pathways. These framing pathways should address the most critical mitigation policy and adaptation plans that need to be implemented over the next 10 years. In our view, the most important categories are those relevant in the context of the Paris Agreement long-term goal, specifically an immediate action (low overshoot) 1.5 °C pathway and a delayed action (high overshoot) 1.5 °C pathway. Two other key categories are a pathway category approximately in line with current (as expressed by 2023) near- and long-term policy objectives, as well as a higher-emission category that is approximately in line with “current policies” (as expressed by 2023). We also argue for the scientific and policy relevance in exploring two “worlds that could have been”. One of these categories has high-emission trajectories well above what is implied by current policies and the other has very-low-emission trajectories which assume that global mitigation action in line with limiting warming to 1.5 °C without overshoot had begun in 2015. Finally, we note that the timely provision of new scientific information on pathways is critical to inform the development and implementation of climate policy. Under the Paris Agreement, for the second global stocktake, which will occur in 2028, and to inform subsequent development of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) up to 2040, scientific inputs are required by 2027. These needs should be carefully considered in the development timeline of community modelling activities, including those under CMIP7.

Spatiotemporal evolution and key driver analysis of ozone pollution from the perspectives of spatial spillover and path-dependence effects in China

In recent years, ozone (O3) has emerged as the primary air pollutant in China, superseding PM2.5. Previous studies have concentrated on the spatiotemporal variation of ozone pollution, the analysis of its sources and drivers, as well as its environmental impacts and health benefits. Since ozone pollution can be dynamically transferred through industrial activities and meteorological factors, it is crucial to scientifically identify the spatial spillover and path-dependent effects of ozone pollution in China. However, existing studies have not yet addressed this issue. Therefore, we investigate the spatiotemporal evolution and the spatial spillover of ozone pollution by means of the exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) using panel data of 30 Chinese provinces from 2013 to 2020 in this study. The dynamic spatial Durbin model (SDM) was employed to reveal the key drivers of ozone pollution from the perspectives of spatial spillover and path-dependence effects. The direct and spillover effects of each driver on ozone pollution are systematically analyzed. The results show that from 2013 to 2020 ozone concentrations followed a fluctuating upward trend at national and provincial scales. Ozone pollution presented significant spatial spillover and path dependence effects. The direct effects indicated that economic growth, technological level, industrial structure, energy structure, ventilation coefficient, relative humidity and precipitation were the key drivers of local ozone pollution. The spillover effects indicated that population density, technology level, industrial structure, environmental regulations, ventilation coefficient, sunshine hours and relative humidity had significant spatial spillover effects on ozone pollution of surrounding regions. These findings will contribute to the understanding of the spatial spillover and path-dependent effects of O3 pollution, and provide scientific guidance for regional synergy and long-term ozone control policies in China.

International Migration and Migration Policy Reforms

The article examines the problems of regulating illegal migration by developed countries and the European Union, the achievements that cause not always correct criticism, and the possibilities of using the experience of a number of countries and new approaches in this regulation are shown. Particular attention is paid to international organizations dealing with the problems of international migration. It was concluded that there is no clear division of their functions by type of migration, which prevents the formation of long-term policies. Proposals were formulated to strengthen the role of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in rule-making and norm-setting on labor migration, which plays an increasingly important role in sustainable development. It was concluded that it is necessary to change the status of the migration conventions, otherwise effective regulation of labor migration is impossible. The countries of the Persian Gulf that attract external labor immigrants despite the rapid growth of the local population are highlighted. The difference in countries’ policies towards labor migration in the 21st century compared to the 20th century is shown. The concept of “fiduciary duty” of federal governments in relation to external migration was introduced.

Teacher Perceptions on Using Translanguaging for Teaching Second and Foreign Languages in Sri Lanka

Abstract The linguistic landscape of Sri Lanka underwent dramatic transformations owing to the influence of Indic languages and the colonization which resulted in increased language contact and hybridization of local languages. Advancements in digital and commercialization of language learning increased the demand for second and foreign language education. Whether language planning and education have undergone changes in par with the transformations in the linguistic landscape is questionable. Approaches and methodologies of second and foreign language learning in Sri Lanka remain entrenched in hegemonic practices of post-colonial language education. Taking on a convergent parallel design, the present study explored the potentials of incorporating translanguaging into second and foreign language education in Sri Lanka. Teachers of English as a second language and three other foreign languages were selected as the key informants of the study. Recognizing language as a transformative entity from a sociolinguistic stance, the study employed dynamic systems theory to evaluate the significant transformations of the linguistic landscape in Sri Lanka juxtaposed with developments in language studies. The findings have revealed that although the teachers have identified the need for shifting towards inclusive language education that recognizes the significance of learners’ native language repertoire, the language education system is still entrenched in the conservative approaches. Teaching learning material and ideologies attached to second and foreign languages education have become ‘leg irons’ that constrain adaptation into the new language environment. National scale linguistic landscape surveys, transformations in methodologies, localized learning material and long-term language policy and planning initiatives are key requirements for ensuring inclusive, equitable and decolonized language education.

A comparative analysis of perennial grass–legume mixtures for biomethane production

Examining the case of Lithuania, this study comparatively analyzed five perennial grass–legume mixtures in terms of biomethane production. Every mixture was divided into two parts: long (during the fifth year or beyond) and short (during the first four years) time periods. The analysis includes three types of perennial bell grass: Timothy, P. Ryegrass, C. Cocksfoot, and one legume grass Red clover. With this study, we aimed to evaluate how perennial grass–legume mixtures can promote biomethane uptake in Lithuania. Through analyzing the efficiency and consequences of government subsidy measures, this study aimed to address the question of how governmental assistance can promote the growth of the biomethane industry, specifically focusing on the utilization of perennial grass–legume mixtures. This study used seven financial indicators, including subsiding policy, in order to gain a deeper understanding of mixtures for biomethane production. The analysis revealed that the best mixtures for biomethane production with subsidies were the second (Red clover 35 % + Timothy 45 % + Ryegrass 20 % grass mixture) and fourth scenarios (Red clover 55 % + Ryegrass 45 % grass mixture). The first (Red clover 35 %. + Timothy 25 % + Ryegrass 20 % + Cocksfoot 20 % grass mixture), third (Red clover 55 % + Timothy 45 % grass mixture), and fifth scenarios (Red clover 55 % + Cocksfoot 45 % grass mixture) had the smallest positive effects. The results showed that, in Lithuania, in order to encourage farmers to produce biomethane, subsidy policies are needed. Incentives for engaging with this activity are necessary, as the income earned does not cover the costs incurred; unfortunately, biomethane production is unprofitable without subsidy. As such, our recommendation is to develop a long-term subsidy policy to promote biomethane production, focusing on the effectiveness, particularly in the Lithuanian context, of utilizing mixtures of perennial grasses. Further research and policy interventions are needed to address the opportunities associated with scaling synergy between perennial energy cops and environmental sustainability in bioenergy crop cultivation.

The environmental tale of two countries: Determinants of CO2 emissions in South Africa and Australia

This study examines the long-run and short-run impact of GDP, urbanization, exports, agri- cultural activity, air travel, and electricity production on CO2 emissions in South Africa and Australia. Results from the ARDL model show that South Africa's heavy reliance on coal for electricity generation significantly impacts CO2 emissions. Furthermore, South Africa's urban population is associated with a concomitant increase in CO2 emission in the long-run. On the other hand, our results show that agricultural land and air transportation have a negative cor- relation with CO2 emissions in South Africa. These results are markedly different from Aus- tralia's long-run estimates, where agricultural land is identified as the significant contributor to CO2 emissions. Additionally, urbanization in Australia is negatively related to CO2 emis- sions. The findings underscore a significant long-term policy challenge for Australia, as fac- tors such as electricity production, agricultural land usage, air travel, GDP, and exports in- crease CO2 emissions. In the case of South Africa, the policy challenge lies in developing policies that will help the country transition from coal-generated electricity to renewable en- ergy and promote efficient urban planning policies.

Analysis of The Influence of Socioeconomic Situation and Educational Policy on The Improvement of Education Quality in Indonesia

The aim of this research is to provide an understanding of the current state of education, with a focus on quality education, equity and equality. Information was obtained from respondents using surveys and questionnaires. The research results show that although public access to education has increased, there has been a decline in academic achievement, this shows the importance of quality in the formulation of education policies. Even though there are still disparities in the quality of education based on socio-economic background, there has been an increase in equal distribution of opportunities to obtain education. To ensure educational equality, it is suggested that it is necessary to increase literacy and expand access to information. The government must also ensure that every child has fair access to the best education, and requires a more comprehensive and long-term education policy.