Market Access Research Articles

Determinants of social enterprises performance in Malaysia: a scoping literature review

This scoping review aims to synthesise and map the determinants influencing social enterprise performance in Malaysia, focusing on government support, market access, stakeholder involvement, and financial literacy. Social enterprises, positioned at the nexus of public, private, and non-profit sectors, are pivotal in addressing societal and environmental challenges while fostering economic development. The review employed the Arksey and O’Malley framework, refined by Levac et al., to explore comprehensive literature across academic and gray literature sources, encompassing studies published between 2000 and 2023. The analysis identified that government support, through financial incentives, grants, and capacity-building initiatives, is critical for operational sustainability, although bureaucratic barriers and awareness gaps persist. Market access challenges, particularly in rural settings, highlight the need for digital infrastructure and strategic branding. Stakeholder involvement, including community engagement and corporate partnerships, emerged as a resource mobilisation and legitimacy cornerstone. Financial literacy influenced budgeting, funding access, and strategic decision-making, underscoring the need for targeted educational programs. The findings revealed significant research gaps, including limited studies on the interplay between determinants, regional variations, and the long-term impacts of government policies. The review concludes by emphasising the importance of integrated approaches and longitudinal studies to enhance understanding of these determinants. Insights from this study inform both academic discourse and policy interventions, offering actionable strategies to optimise the sustainability and scalability of social enterprises in Malaysia.

Where Next for UK Financial Services Post Brexit?

Despite being a central component of the UK’s political economy financial services were largely omitted from the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (2021) struck after the UK left the EU. Whilst worst scenarios in terms of the implications of this for the sector have not materialised, there are growing concerns that the sector is flatlining. In response, and as part of a wider ‘reset’ in UK-EU relations, the Labour government elected in 2024 has sought to improve trade in UK-EU market access. This piece discusses the genealogy of this reset and explores three areas for possible ‘reset’: market access, mobility and regulatory dialogue. It argues that the softening of UK-EU relations following the Windsor Framework is a necessary but not sufficient condition for an effective reset in UK-EU financial services relations and identified as regulatory dialogues that emphasise the economics, rather than politics of finance as the most likely pathway for a UK-EU reset in financial services, at least in the short term.

Access to Legal Education to Protect India’s Online Contracts and Customer Interests

In the contemporary digital age, legislative and judicial entities are becoming more proactive in safeguarding consumer interests in response to evolving socio-economic trends. Legislation aims to meet the changing demands of contemporary customers, whose choices are shaped by technology, convenience and market accessibility. The evolution of consumer protection legislation in India is influenced by international norms and duties. This article examines the factors that lawmakers and the judiciary take into account when formulating and interpreting consumer protection legislation, especially regarding online shopping platforms. Consumer behaviour, particularly in digital markets, is fluid and needs regulatory flexibility. The research examines around 10 e-commerce websites, including Flipkart, Amazon, Homeshop18 and IndiaMART, by juxtaposing their terms and conditions with current Indian legislation. The aim is to pinpoint regulatory deficiencies and propose improvements to safeguard consumer rights in digital environments. This research underscores the significance of legal education in enhancing consumer protection. Legal education functions as a conduit between scholarly investigation and practical governance, preparing future practitioners to critically address modern consumer law issues. It cultivates awareness, analytical skills and policy acumen among both students and practitioners. This article contextualizes consumer protection within the larger scope of legal evolution in Asia by analysing the interaction of legislative frameworks, internet commerce and educational activities.

Market access and educational inequality in China

Market access and educational inequality in China

Enhancing food security and livelihoods through dry season farming as a climate resilience strategy: A study in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

Enhancing food security and livelihoods through dry season farming as a climate resilience strategy: A study in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

Going Forward by Staying Put: The Political Economy of Stabilizing Trade Agreements and Initiatives

Increasingly, states are entering into trade agreements or negotiating initiatives which sustain Parties’ existing market access commitments and ‘behind-the-border’ regulatory barriers to trade. This article examines the political economy of such stabilizing trade agreements or initiatives (STAIs). First, it provides a functional account of what STAIs are as legal instruments and maps the formal diversity of such arrangements. Second, the article addresses how they may meaningfully support the welfare-enhancement and international security protection objectives typically pursued by international trade agreements. Finally, it shows how, in the absence of trade liberalization as a driving force, STAIs rely on three core governance functions: (1) stabilizing economic actor expectations when liberalization commitments between trade partners are rebalanced, (2) facilitating regulatory and political cooperation between trade partners, and (3) creating a first mover’s advantage for (coalitions of) trade partners in setting new rules of economic governance.

The early market access vehicle - An innovative demand-driven model to catalyse introduction of new optimal health products in low- and middle-income countries.

The early market access vehicle - An innovative demand-driven model to catalyse introduction of new optimal health products in low- and middle-income countries.

Impact of dairy farming extension programs on smallholder livestock keepers' welfare among Maasai communities in Arusha, Tanzania.

Impact of dairy farming extension programs on smallholder livestock keepers' welfare among Maasai communities in Arusha, Tanzania.

Sustainability and economic viability of ornamental fish culture: a study on practices, market trends and environmental impacts

The ornamental fish culture industry has emerged as a significant sector within global trade, with the breeding and farming of fish species for decorative purposes contributing to both economic growth and environmental challenges. This study investigates the sustainability and economic viability of ornamental fish farming, focusing on farming practices, market trends and environmental impacts. The research explores various farming methods, ranging from traditional pond-based systems to more sustainable indoor tank farming, and assesses the influence of certifications and regulations on promoting responsible practices. A mixed - methods approach is employed, combining qualitative insights from surveys and interviews with quantitative data from farm records. The findings reveal significant variability in farming practices, with more sustainable methods such as water recycling and waste management correlated with higher economic profitability and better environmental performance. Market trends show high demand for species like Goldfish and Koi Fish, while niche species like Betta Fish and Neon Tetra benefit from emerging urban markets and online platforms. However, the industry faces challenges such as high water consumption, seasonal demand fluctuations, and competition from international producers. The study emphasizes the importance of adopting sustainable farming practices, obtaining certifications, and leveraging technological advancements to ensure the long-term economic success and environmental stewardship of the ornamental fish farming sector. Recommendations for policymakers include promoting sustainable technologies, enhancing market access, and supporting regulatory compliance to foster a more sustainable and economically viable industry.. KEYWORDS :Ornamental Fish Culture, Sustainability, Economic Viability, Farming methods, Goldfish, Betta fish, Neon tetra, Farming practices, Market trends

Determinants of fortified food consumption among children aged 6-23 months in Isiolo County, Kenya

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies pose a significant public health challenge among young children in Kenya, particularly in arid regions like Isiolo County. Fortified foods are a cost-effective intervention, yet their consumption remains low. This study examines the role of socio-economic status, availability, and caregiver knowledge in fortified food consumption. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Oldonyiro and Ngaremara wards, Isiolo County, from June to August 2022, with 272 caregiver-child pairs. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Logistic regression analyzed associations between socio-economic status, availability, caregiver knowledge, and fortified food consumption at p<0.05. Results: Non-fortified maize flour (100%) and vegetable oil (96.3%) were consumed daily, while fortified versions were consumed twice weekly by 36% and 47% of children, respectively. Higher socio-economic status (OR=1.729, p=0.0034), better caregiver knowledge (OR=1.227, p=0.0089), and greater availability (OR=1.311, p=0.015) significantly increased fortified food consumption. Only 20.2% of caregivers were knowledgeable about fortification, and fortified foods were less available in rural areas. Conclusions: Socio-economic status, caregiver knowledge, and availability are critical drivers of fortified food consumption. Public health interventions should prioritize awareness campaigns, improve market access, and address economic barriers to enhance uptake.

Advancing Musculoskeletal Care Using AI and Digital Health Applications: A Review of Commercial Solutions

Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health (DH) solutions are reshaping musculoskeletal (MSK) care across diagnostics, treatment planning, workflow optimization, and administrative burden reduction. AI-enabled triage systems enhance patient flow efficiency, while automated scheduling, symptom checkers, and AI-powered virtual assistants streamline pre-visit interactions. In MSK radiographic diagnostics, AI augments imaging interpretation, enabling automated fracture detection, opportunistic screening, and quantitative imaging, improving diagnostic accuracy and standardization. Preoperative planning solutions facilitate implant templating, surgical navigation, and patient-specific instrumentation, reducing variability and enhancing surgical precision. Concurrently, digital scribes and AI-driven documentation tools alleviate administrative overhead, mitigating clinician burnout and enabling refocused patient engagement. Predictive analytics optimize treatment pathways by leveraging multimodal patient data for risk stratification and personalized decision support. However, algorithmic bias, model generalizability, regulatory hurdles, and legal ambiguities present substantial implementation barriers, necessitating rigorous validation, adaptive governance, and seamless clinical integration. The U.S. and EU regulatory landscapes diverge in their approaches to AI oversight, with the former favoring expedited market access and the latter imposing stringent compliance mandates under the EU AI Act. AI’s integration into MSK care demands robust validation frameworks, standardized interoperability protocols, and dynamic regulatory pathways balancing safety and innovation. Emerging generalist foundation models, open-source large language models (LLMs), and specialized AI-driven medical applications herald a paradigm shift toward precision MSK care. These innovations will require prospective clinical validation to ensure patient benefit and mitigate risk. Addressing ethical considerations, ensuring equitable access, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration remain paramount in translating AI’s potential into tangible improvements in MSK healthcare delivery.

Village 24x7 – (E-Commerce Website)

Abstract- The global surge in demand for organic food is driving innovation in agriculture and retail, especially through the use of digital platforms. Village 24x7 is a tech-enabled e- commerce initiative designed to connect rural organic farmers with urban consumers, promoting sustainability, transparency, and ethical consumption. The platform is engineered using the MERN stack and features secure payment integration, intelligent chatbot assistance powered by AI, and voice-enabled functionalities, all aimed at enhancing a seamless and personalized e-commerce experience. Studies show that consumer preferences for organic food are largely influenced by health awareness, environmental concerns, and trust in organic labeling [10], [19]. Digital marketing strategies such as storytelling and influencer engagement play a vital role in enhancing brand credibility and consumer outreach [11], [14]. Village 24x7 incorporates these insights through curated content, verified certifications, and educational resources to build consumer trust. The platform also addresses challenges in the organic sector, such as supply chain inefficiencies and lack of market access, by enabling direct-to-consumer transactions and fair pricing for farmers [13]. Features like gamified rewards, AI-based product recommendations, and community forums aim to increase user retention and support conscious buying behavior [15], [20]. By integrating technology with social responsibility, Village 24x7 serves as a model for sustainable commerce. It empowers rural economies, fosters health-conscious urban lifestyles, and supports the global shift toward eco-friendly consumption. The study demonstrates that digital solutions, when ethically designed and strategically implemented, can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of organic food retail in developing countries like India. Keywords: Organic Products, personalized recommendations, e-commerce, sustainability, health- conscious consumers, product discovery, traceability, consumer engagement, organic brands, consumer retention, sustainability practices

E-Blue: Implementation of an Integrated Blue Economy Ecosystem to Increase Coastal MSMEs Competitiveness

Introduction/Main Objectives: This study aims to determine the implementation and the right business strategy for sustainable fisheries that adopt the "E-Blue" blue economy ecosystem model. Background Problems: The challenges faced in developing a booming blue economy emphasize the need for strong commitment and collaboration between central and regional governments, to support overall development. The background problems also recognize technology’s impact on the activities of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and stress the significance of quick responses to these changes. Novelty: This lies in the study’s exploration of the role of digital transformation in sustainable fisheries within the blue economy framework. It emphasizes the need for commitment, innovation, and technological adaptation to ensure the success of blue economy-based development. Research Methods: This qualitative study adopts a narrative approach to gather data on sustainable fisheries strategies aligned with the blue economy ecosystem model. The research utilizes this approach to gain insights into the development possibilities for the research object. Finding/Results: The study's findings highlight the crucial role of the government’s commitment and decisive actions for the successful development of the blue economy in the fisheries sector. The study underscores the potential of digital transformation as a bridge between stakeholders and consumers, enabling efficient supply chain management and diverse product processing for community welfare. Conclusion: The study concludes that successful blue economy development relies on strong collaboration between governments, innovative policy programs, and swift responses to technological changes. The study emphasizes the importance of conti­nuous innovation to enhance competitiveness and market access in Indonesia's fisheries sector.

Signalling Safe-Conduct(s): The Fiscalisation of Market Access for Castilian and Catalan Traders in Flanders During the First Half of the Fifteenth Century

This article assesses the importance of two tax controversies in conditioning market access in fifteenth-century Bruges. It looks at diplomatic posturing on the management of this market and the conditions for partaking in its trade. The theory of ‘signalling’ is applied to highlight diplomatic stances and reveal the reasoning behind policy decisions including reprisals, taxes, and boycotts hitherto absent in the literature. Diplomatic, urban legal, and fiscal sources are consulted to reveal what the Castilians and Catalans, sizeable and organised merchant communities in Bruges, perceived as an existential threat to their trade—the ‘fiscalisation’ of market access. This article takes a comparative approach, employing the theory of signalling to determine the strategies of the various actors involved and their efficacy. The Duke of Burgundy and his administration emerge from this story as the prime agent in determining this equilibrium, with the Castilians and Catalans bringing their diplomatic and economic leverage to bear to prevent it. The city of Bruges, as lobbyist and interlocutor, was involved throughout attempting to find a balance between its many merchant communities. These cases offer historical insights into strategies of negotiation when the economic stakes are high.

Developing and Prioritizing Strategies for Sustainable Greenhouse Agribusiness: A Case Study in Hamedan Province, Iran

Sustainability in agribusiness is pivotal for addressing environmental challenges and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity, particularly in resource-constrained regions. This descriptive and exploratory study aims to develop and prioritize strategies to enhance the sustainability of greenhouse agribusiness in Hamedan Province, Iran, offering practical insights for policymakers and practitioners. We employed a comprehensive approach, integrating a systematic literature review with semi-structured interviews conducted with 18 purposively selected experts, including university faculty, agricultural researchers, and sector managers. Through SWOT analysis, we identified key internal strengths (e.g., year-round production potential) and weaknesses (e.g., high energy consumption), as well as external opportunities (e.g., access to export markets) and threats (e.g., reliance on imports). The analysis revealed that the most effective strategies for promoting sustainable greenhouse development are predominantly defensive, focusing on mitigating internal weaknesses and external threats. Using the TOWS matrix, we developed and prioritized strategic recommendations, including policy frameworks for organic production, a national sustainability support program, and cooperative marketing initiatives to improve market access. These strategies can serve as a roadmap for enhancing greenhouse sustainability in Hamedan and offer a replicable framework for similar semi-arid regions facing comparable challenges.

Penguatan Ketahanan Pangan Lokal melalui Agripreneur Cengkeh Berbasis Komunitas dengan Pendekatan Manajemen Strategik di Wonosalam Jombang

Food security and strengthening the local economy are two strategic issues in sustainable development, especially in rural areas with agribusiness potential such as Sambirejo Village, Wonosalam District, Jombang Regency. This village is known as a center for clove production that contributes significantly to farmers' income and village economic stability. This Community Service (PKM) activity is designed with a strategic management approach, which includes the process of formulating, implementing, and evaluating strategies for empowering clove farmer communities through three main stages: agripreneur training and product innovation, focus group discussions, and institutional assistance and digital marketing. The results of the activity showed that there was a strengthening of farmers' capacity in thinking strategically, forming more adaptive institutions, and expanding market access through digitalization. These findings confirm that the integration of strategic management principles in community-based agripreneurship programs can be an effective model in strengthening food security and the local economy in a sustainable manner.

Role of Digital Technology in Fostering Economic Development in Rural Areas in Morogoro Region

This study examined the role of digital technologies in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability among smallholder farmers in Morogoro Region, Tanzania. Using a cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 150 randomly selected farmers utilizing digital agricultural tools. Findings indicated significant productivity gains, particularly a notable 64.8% increase in maize yields attributed to mobile weather forecasting applications and precision agriculture tools. Despite these positive outcomes, the broader adoption and effectiveness of digital technologies were hindered by barriers such as high initial investment costs, unreliable internet connectivity, and limited digital literacy. While approximately 56.7% of respondents reported improved market access through digital platforms, inconsistent connectivity and inadequate digital skills limited the sustained realization of these benefits.In addition, the fact that 60% of respondents claimed that digital technologies have not led to a significant reduction in administrative workloads suggests a critical need for increased training and improved technological infrastructure. While switching to digital tools promoted sustainable practices like organic farming and crop rotation, their use to mitigate income volatility was limited by the price vicious cycle of global commodity markets and the unpredictability of the weather. The study calls for targeted investments to enable greater access to the rural digital infrastructure, financial incentives for consumers designed to lower the cost of adoption, and comprehensive digital literacy training programs to be offered to rural consumers.

Production trends and decline in Ghana’s textile industry: historical analysis and causative factors

The Ghanaian textile industry, once a thriving sector, has experienced a prolonged decline over the past four decades, marked by significant reductions in production capacity, employment, and competitiveness. This study analyse the output of the textile industry and subsequently examine the causes of the decline of Ghana’s textile industry. Guided by the theory of comparative advantage, the research investigates how globalization, trade liberalization, and inefficient domestic policies have contributed to the industry’s challenges, including competition from cheaper imports, counterfeit products, and rising production costs. Using a qualitative approach and historical case study methodology, data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis. Key stakeholders, including textile manufacturers, government officials, labor unions, and retailers, provided insights into the operational and policy-related barriers to industry revival. The study reveals a significant decline in Ghana’s textile industry output, dropping from 130 million yards in 1977 to just 15 million yards in 2017, highlighting the impact of foreign competition, smuggling, high production costs, and outdated manufacturing technology on the industry’s performance. Againg, findings highlight the critical impact of trade policies, smuggling, and consumer behavior on local production. This research underscores the urgent need for strategic interventions to enhance competitiveness, improve branding, and enforce intellectual property rights. Recommendations include fostering innovation, improving market access, and revisiting trade policies. These findings offer a foundation for policymakers and industry stakeholders to implement targeted measures aimed at revitalizing the Ghanaian textile sector and restoring its contribution to economic development.

Halal Certification and Branding : Unlocking The Potential of SMEs in The Islamic Economy

This community service program aims to empower Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) under the guidance of MEK 'Aisyiyah Jawa Barat through halal certification and halal branding to enhance product competitiveness and expand market access. The implementation method consists of three stages: (1) Preparation, which includes needs assessment and material development; (2) Implementation, encompassing counselling, technical assistance, and training; and (3) Evaluation, involving pre-test and post-test analysis. The data collected is subsequently analyzed using descriptive methods by comparing pre- and post-test percentages to identify improvements in participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and skills. The core activities include counselling on halal certification, assistance in creating a self-declaration-based SIHALAL account, training in logo design using Canva, and support in setting up a GoBiz account for digital marketing. Post-test results demonstrated significant improvements in participants' knowledge, attitudes, and skills. The program successfully enhanced participants’ understanding of halal branding and certification while broadening market opportunities through the integration of digital technology. Key recommendations include sustained mentoring, in-depth technical training, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure the program’s long-term impact and sustainability.

Empowering Farmers Through Direct Market Access

Agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy of many countries, but farmers often face challenges in obtaining fair prices for their produce due to the influence of middlemen and limited access to large-scale buyers. Research shows that farmers often receive only a small fraction—typically 20% or less—of the final retail price, leading to low profits and financial instability within the farming community. To address this issue, we propose a bulk trading platform that connects farmers directly with buyers, enabling better engagement and facilitating the exchange of agricultural products. The key feature of this platform is a real-time bidding system, which allows both farmers and buyers to participate in a competitive and transparent marketplace. This approach ensures that farmers can receive competitive prices based on real demand, while buyers benefit from direct access to fresh produce. Additionally, the platform prioritizes the security of its users by implementing token-based authentication, which protects both user identities and transaction data from unauthorized access. By integrating technology with agriculture, this platform aims to create a fairer, more transparent trading environment, empowering farmers and improving access for buyers. Ultimately, the system seeks to contribute to better economic outcomes for farmers while providing a scalable solution for bulk agricultural procurement.