National Capacity Research Articles

Stakeholder perspectives on the scale-up of green hydrogen and electrolyzers

Green hydrogen is a promising alternative to fossil fuels. However, current production capacities for electrolyzers and green hydrogen are not in line with national political goals and projected demand. Considering these issues, we conducted semi-structured interviews to determine the narratives of different stakeholders during this transformation as well as challenges and opportunities for the green hydrogen value chain. We interviewed eight experts with different roles along the green hydrogen value chain, ranging from producers and consumers of green hydrogen to electrolyzer manufacturers and consultants as well as experts from the political sphere. Most experts see the government as necessary for scale-up, by setting national capacity targets, policy support and providing subsidies. However, the experts also accuse the governments of delaying development through overregulation and long implementation times for regulations. The main challenges that were identified are the current lack of renewable electricity and demand for green hydrogen. Demand for green hydrogen is influenced by supply costs, which partly depend on prices for electrolyzers. However, one key takeaway of the interviews is the skeptical assessments by the experts on the currently discussed estimates for price reduction potential of electrolyzers. While demand, supply, and prices are all factors that influence each other, they result in feedback loops in investment decisions for the energy and manufacturing industries. A second key takeaway is, that according to the experts, current investment decisions in new production capacities are not solely dependent on short-term financial gains, but also based on expected first mover advantages. These include experience and market share which are seen as factors for opportunities for future financial gains.Summarized, the results present several challenges and opportunities for green hydrogen and electrolyzers, and how to address them effectively. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of the emerging green hydrogen value chain.

Performance evaluation of financial special poverty alleviation development funds under the background of rural revitalization with 2-tuple linguistic Pythagorean fuzzy information

A scientific financial transfer payment system is an important guarantee for promoting the modernization of the national governance system and governance capacity. The new development concept puts forward new requirements for fiscal governance at a new historical stage. The reform and improvement of the special transfer payment system match the responsibility and responsibility of fiscal governance, and better serve the national strategic pattern of rural revitalization and common prosperity. The performance evaluation of financial special poverty alleviation (SPA) development funds is conducive to improving the efficiency of fund utilization, achieving the radiation effect and multiple effect of financial SPA development funds, improving the ability of financial transfer payments, and enhancing the modernization of national financial governance capabilities. The performance evaluation of financial SPA development funds under the background of rural revitalization is a multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM). Based on the existing MABAC model, the MABAC model is extended to 2-tuple linguistic Pythagorean fuzzy sets (2TLPFSs). Firstly, the definitions of 2TLPFSs, 2TLPFWA operator and 2TLPFWG operator is introduced. Then, the existing MABAC method is also introduced. The 2-tuple linguistic Pythagorean fuzzy number MABAC method (2TLPFN-MABAC) is constructed to cope with the MAGDM under 2TLPFSs. Finally, a case study for performance evaluation of financial SPA development funds under the background of rural revitalization is constructed and some comparative analyses is employed to verify the 2TLPFN-MABAC method.

Nationally determined contributions to the 2015 Paris Agreement goals: transparency in communications from developing country Parties

ABSTRACT The goals of the Paris Agreement (PA) on collectively managing climate change can only be reached if all parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) commit to actions supporting their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Developing-economy nations play a crucial role in reaching the PA targets, particularly in the Agriculture, Forest, and Other Land Uses (AFOLU) sector. However, developing country Parties also face several constraints in tracking and communicating progress towards their climate policy targets and implementation of their NDCs. The operationalization of Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) and Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under the PA will bring stricter reporting timeframes and advanced transparency for all parties. With these requirements rapidly coming into force, addressing reporting gaps is now a pressing priority. The present study analyzes the NDCs, and Biennial Update Reports (BURs) submitted by developing country Parties under the UNFCCC. In an illustrative exercise, our in-depth analysis concentrates on reporting on the AFOLU sector and identifies issues impeding a comprehensive and comparable Global Stock Take (GST): (i) issues of consistency in reporting timeframes (ii) issues in transparency of reporting on mitigation sectors and on relevant progress indicators (iii) incomparability of methodological approaches proposed and used, and (iv) the implications of limited national capacity for transparent reporting. The UNFCCC and developed country Parties now have the opportunity of providing specialized support for developing country Parties. This could include tailored guidance to address gaps in both greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions accounting, and reporting challenges, to ensure consistent, comprehensive, and transparent reporting to reinforce capacities moving forward following the next GST.

Modelling spatio-temporal energy consumption from nighttime radiance satellite dataset

National electricity consumption increases in line with continuous population growth and other socio-economic factors. The national electric power capacity goal develops largely for industrial manufacture and new settlement. The electrification- ratio on the target; is based on the accessibility of electricity services. The spatial distribution of electricity services coverage over the Indonesian territory is insufficient, particularly over the remote area that is out of electric services. Modeling by spatial (location) and temporal (year) to estimate electricity or energy consumption is necessary to develop using a low-light nighttime satellite dataset, therefore spatial boundaries can be accomplished. The modeling procedure starts by preparing the data frame of the independent variable input (amount of radiance) and the dependent variable output (the consumption of electricity or energy). The modelling method uses the curve-fitting approach where the indicator results by evaluating the R-square and RMSE values. The output model function is used to convert radiances into electrical power consumption units with a certain degree of accuracy. The selection of the input-output variable was achieved after variable analysis with the highest R-square outcome. Results indicate that the model functions in a polynomial form and correlations between variables are not simple. The selection of various model functions did not change the degree of correlation. The accumulative of energy radiances as independent variable input provides the optimum correlation result. The energy consumption from street lighting, in general, offers appropriate information that can be seen from satellites. The model function can be applied to a narrower spatial scale by input variable constraints.

Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in the United Arab Emirates: the early implementation phase.

National surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important public health function. Published national AMR surveillance data from the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region is scarce. This paper describes the early implementation phase of establishing AMR surveillance in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Building on the existing AMR surveillance system in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and adopting the WHO-GLASS methodology, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) established the national AMR Surveillance program in 2015, in collaboration with regional health authorities and healthcare providers. Main objectives of this program are to (a) set AMR surveillance standards, (b) collect and analyze AMR surveillance data for common bacterial and fungal infections, (c) report on AMR levels and trends in the UAE, (d) strengthen local and national capacity for AMR surveillance, and (e) support AMR prevention and control strategies in the UAE. AMR surveillance data is collected through a network of 317 surveillance sites (including 84 hospitals and 233 centers/clinics), and 45 microbiology labs across all seven Emirates of the UAE. Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance has been successfully established since 2010 in the UAE. A national AMR surveillance protocol has been developed, adopting the WHO GLASS protocol. Extensive capacity-building and training activities have strengthened the local and national capacity for AMR surveillance. Between 2010 and 2021, a network of 317 surveillance sites and 45 laboratories have reported a total of 1,277,080 isolates from 662,065 non-duplicate patients to the national level. AMR data is reported annually by MOHAP through a National AMR surveillance report. National AMR data is utilized for informing the development of standard treatment guidelines at national level. National surveillance of antimicrobial resistance has been successfully established in the United Arab Emirates, allowing to monitor levels and trends of antimicrobial resistance for common bacterial and fungal pathogens, and detecting emerging resistance. The availability of such national AMR surveillance data allows for the first time to inform the development of national standard treatment guidelines for empiric treatment of common bacterial and fungal infections in the UAE.

Exploring the Optimization Path of Rural Governance in the Perspective of Three Governance Integrations

With the implementation of the new eras rural revitalization policy, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has explicitly set the goal of building a modern rural governance system, emphasizing the integration of self-governance, rule of law, and moral governance in the grassroots social governance system. Rural governance plays a crucial role in grassroots governance, serving as the foundation and key to social governance, and it holds significant importance in advancing the national governance system and governance capacity building. Therefore, this paper discusses the issues in rural governance from the perspective of Three Governance Integrations. Currently, the pain points of grassroots governance are particularly evident in three aspects: the inadequate effectiveness of rural self-governance, the hindered operation of rural rule of law, and the limited role of rural moral governance. Based on this, the paper innovatively proposes three solutions: deepening villagers self-governance, strengthening rural rule of law, and enhancing rural moral governance. By consolidating the foundation of rural governance systems, enhancing safeguard mechanisms, and establishing a robust support system, further development and improvement of the rural governance system in the perspective of Three Governance Integrations can be achieved.

Peculiarities of interaction between Ukraine and the International criminal court: legal aspects

The article examines the main prerequisites for the creation of the International Criminal Court. It has been found that the international community has been trying for a long time to form the standards of international justice and to build a full-fledged, independent, permanent international judicial institution. In 2002, on the basis of the Rome Statute, the International Criminal Court was established, the main principle of which is the principle of complementarity, that is, the priority in the exercise of criminal jurisdiction is given to national judicial systems. The main task of the International Criminal Court is to strengthen Ukraine's national capacity to investigate and deal with the most serious international crimes. Ukraine signed the Rome Statute back in January 2000, taking the first step towards joining this document, but it has not been ratified yet. Ukraine can recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court under the conditions defined by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Legal aspects of Ukraine's interaction with the International Criminal Court, prerequisites for making changes to national legislation are considered. An analysis of the main legislative changes made in the period from 2016 to 2022 was carried out - the laws of Ukraine "On Amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine (Regarding Justice)” and "On Amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine and other legislative acts of Ukraine regarding cooperation with the International Criminal Court”. The statements of Ukraine regarding the recognition of the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, the conclusions of the prosecutor and the office of the International Court of Justice were considered. The conditions of cooperation of both participating states and non-participating states with the ICC during the investigation were analyzed. Consider the consequences of non-cooperation. It was concluded that Ukraine's ratification of the Rome Statute will give it the opportunity to be a full-fledged participant in the processes of the International Criminal Court, organizational and procedural rights, as well as additional guarantees regarding criminal prosecution for particularly serious crimes of guilty persons, limiting the resolution of this issue exclusively to internal means, which may be ineffective.

Exploring the Links between Renewable Energy, FDI, Environmental Degradation, and International Trade in Selected Developing Countries

Trade may be significantly impacted by Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which refers to investments made outside of the investor's place of origin. Carbon emissions, in particular those that are the result of industrial activity and transportation, have the potential to have a number of important effects on commerce on both the national and international levels. The environmental, economic, and social repercussions of these effects are intricately interwoven with one another. Because it has an immediate bearing on a nation's production capacity, level of competitiveness, and the kinds of products and services that may be exported from or imported into the nation, the value added in industry has a considerable influence on international commerce. The level of government spending may have a considerable impact on the way a nation does in terms of commerce. There are several facets of commerce that might be affected, either favorably or badly, by the method that a government utilizes to distribute its money. The current study aims to examine the linkages among renewable energy, FDI, Environmental degradation and their impact on trade. The findings of study are obtained from a panel of 58 developing countries from 2000 to 2022. The results of Panel unit roots and Kao co-integration tests recommend to apply the panel ARDL to get the empirics of desirable relationships. The results of the study recommend that it is essential for governments to find a balance when making choices about their expenditures in order to guarantee that the resources allotted support sustainable economic growth, improve trade competitiveness, and fit with larger development goals. Spending decisions made by the government that are both strategic and well-targeted have the potential to play a significant part in improving the economic performance of a nation and its integration into the global economy.

One Health Systems Assessments for Sustainable Capacity Strengthening to Control Priority Zoonotic Diseases Within and Between Countries.

One Health is increasingly recognized as an important approach for health systems, particularly with respect to strengthening prevention, detection and response to zoonotic and other emerging disease threats. While many global health security frameworks reference the importance of One Health, there are fewer existing methodologies, tools, and resources for supporting countries and other regional or sub-national authorities in systematically assessing their One Health capabilities. We describe here two methodologies, One Health Systems Assessment for Priority Zoonoses (OHSAPZ) and One Health Transboundary Assessment for Priority Zoonoses (OHTAPZ), which have been developed to assist with creating consensus lists of priority zoonotic diseases for cross-sectoral consideration; identification of current strengths and gaps in One Health communication and coordination between sectors (and, in the case of OHTAPZ, between countries); and the development and dissemination of prioritized recommendations for future capacity strengthening. Implemented to date in seven diverse countries in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean regions, these tools provide a modular, flexible and easily adaptable approach to One Health systems assessment that can support national capacity strengthening, regional epidemic preparedness, and compliance with international frameworks.

Train-the-trainers intervention for national capacity building in infection prevention and control for COVID-19 in Nigeria

BackgroundThe first case of COVID-19 in Nigeria was reported on February 27, 2020, and over time, spread across the country leading to many healthcare worker infections. The risk of transmission of COVID-19 within healthcare facilities makes it necessary to establish infection prevention and control measures. The World Health Organisation supported the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to conduct a train-the-trainers workshop on infection prevention and control for key healthcare workers across Nigeria. Aim/ObjectivesThis study aims to describe the process and results of train-the-trainers as an intervention for national capacity building in infection prevention and control for COVID-19 among healthcare workers in Nigeria. MethodsEight-hour sessions were held over three days with face-to-face instruction and practical hands-on experience in April 2020. A total of 61 healthcare workers participated across the six geographic zones of Nigeria: North Central, North East, North West, South West, South East, and South South. The training included slide presentations, case-based scenarios, and practical hands-on sessions with plenary discussions. Pre- and post-test assessments were used to evaluate knowledge of COVID-19, triage, and infection prevention and control among healthcare workers. Finding/Results69 % (42) of the participants were male 31 % (19) were female, and the majority (67 %) were medical doctors. Others attending were nurses or health administrators. Of the 70 % (26) of the states with existing infection prevention and control structures within the COVID emergency response, only 40 % were functional. The average percentage of pre-test and post-test scores were 60.8 ± 13.4 and 67.8 ± 9 0.3 respectively, showing a statistically significant difference (p > 0.001) in trainee knowledge. Additionally, 70 % of participants evaluated the training workshop as “satisfactory” or higher in training format, relevance for daily clinical work, active participation, learning new concepts, and logistics. ConclusionNationwide infection prevention and control training is feasible during a national health crisis. Infection prevention and control is cardinal in the containment of epidemic-prone diseases like COVID-19 and is invaluable in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections in healthcare settings.

Civil Preparedness in Malaysia’s Total Defence (HANRUH) Policy: A Critical Evaluation

Total Defence or known as Pertahanan Menyeluruh (HANRUH) is one of the core principles of Malaysia's National Defence White Paper (DWP) in pursuit of acquiring national resilience and comprehensive defence capacity. However, due to lack of awareness and promotion, has garnered less attention among Malaysian citizen as the fundamental basis outline in the principle that includes the civil preparedness approach is vital to deter unexpected war threats as well as to maintain sustainable peace and security in every aspect of national concern. This study employs a qualitative method through interview subject-matter expert on the field and analyses on sources such as books, journals, theses and websites. The study found effort and cooperation are very important in empowering everyone to involve in HANRUH implementation. All parties, including the public, among the civil preparedness in the HANRUH policy for the sake of country peace and prosperity. People could also comprehend the concept of HANRUH by using approaches and action plans that have been done and will be implemented soon.

Human resource development and management in the Philippines’ national space capacity building program

The Philippines has experienced a shift of interest in space technology development and utilization over the past decade, culminating with the establishment of its national space agency in 2019. In cooperation with different universities in Japan, the Philippines successfully developed and launched two microsatellites, DIWATA-1 and DIWATA-2, and six nanosatellites, MAYA-1 to MAYA-6. By sending personnel to Japan and other space-faring countries, the country was able to rapidly ramp up its satellite development and utilization capabilities. In this paper, we examine and evaluate the complex human resources development efforts conducted by the country to support the creation of a local space ecosystem and ensure its long-term sustainability. Through a careful review, we identify how many people benefited from training programs, studies abroad or other forms of capacity building, and how these skilled individuals were retained in the budding Filipino space sector. Precisely, we looked at the backgrounds of the different people trained by the country, what type of training they received (funding, location, and duration), and how they are supporting the local space ecosystem at the time of writing this paper.

Sentinel Surveillance of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections in Serbia in 2022-2023 Season

Abstract Introduction Sentinel surveillance of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) was implemented in Serbia in November 2009. Nine sentinel hospitals in 3 cities participated in the integrated SARI surveillance system. Four of them are children's hospitals. The aim of this study is to provide a review of integrated sentinel surveillance of SARI in Serbia in 2022-2023 influenza season, from October 2022 to April 2023. Methods Integrated Sentinel Surveillance of SARI has been done in accordance with professional guidance for epidemiological surveillance of influenza. Both epidemiological and virological data were collected on a weekly basis. All specimens were tested for influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Intensive care units (ICUs), pediatric and respiratory disease wards were all represented. For laboratory confirmation, Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used. Results Start of influenza season was registered in week 44/2022. A total of 3027 SARI cases were reported with 100% recorded age. Of these, 14% were 0-4 years old, 9% were 5-14, 7% were 15-29, 38% were 30-64 and 32% were ≥65. Among these cases, 607(20%) respiratory specimens were collected during the surveillance period. The number of positive samples for influenza was 208(34%), for SARS-CoV-2 was 37(6%) and for RSV 12(2%). The highest proportion of laboratory-confirmed influenza cases was 58% in week 51/2022. then, above 50% in week 7/2023 and 8/2023. All three influenza viruses were confirmed: A(H1)pdm09, A(H3) and type B. B viruses predominated, accounting for 38% of all sentinel SARI detections. There no were death associated to influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV. Conclusions Integration epidemiological with laboratory surveillance as well as integrated sentinel SARI surveillance for influenza, SARS -CoV-2 and RSV highlights the importance of maintaining and improving national influenza surveillance capacity especially in the frame of International Health Regulations. Key messages • Quality, representativeness and sustainability are the guiding principles for integrated, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and influenza sentinel SARI surveillance. • The threat of influenza remains, and it is essential for countries to be vigilant for the emergence of non seasonal influenza viruses of pandemic potential and prepare for the next influenza season.

Equity capital financing of Swedish SMEs, innovation, and decentralized management

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential link between Sweden’s high reliance on equity capital financing among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and its recognition as the most innovative economy in Europe according to the European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS). This paper examines the idea that the high levels of trust within Swedish society can explain why private equity financing is more prevalent among Swedish SMEs. Design/methodology/approach To test these ideas, the authors use data from the Survey on Access to Finance for Enterprises to measure the private equity reliance of firms. The authors also use the EIS to measure the innovation capacity of nations and various aspects of SMEs’ innovation activities. Finally, societal levels of trust are measured through the World Value Survey. Findings First, the authors find that European countries with a higher proportion of SMEs relying on equity financing tend to be ranked as more innovative by the EIS. Second, the authors find that the correlation between a nation’s share of SMEs relying on equity financing and their level of innovation activities is marginally stronger for product innovations than for business process innovations. Third, the authors find that countries with higher levels of trust tend to have higher equity capital reliance among SMEs. Originality/value This study builds upon previous research on equity capital and SMEs’ innovation activity while introducing new insights into the relationship between societal trust and equity financing.

A model for public-private partnership during the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons from Biolab and public laboratories working in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The global COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed national public health and laboratory capacity in Jordan and globally. In response, Biolab, a private laboratory group with 27 branches across Jordan, assisted with testing. Biolab was equipped to quickly increase molecular testing capacity without compromising quality or turnaround time, allowing them to contribute to national COVID-19 surveillance efforts. Biolab expanded testing in Jordan by operationalizing automated testing platforms at various locations, including 16 branches, 2 drive-through and 2 walk-through centres, and entry points for airports and marine passenger arrivals. Genomic and molecular testing were implemented to track variants. Information technology platforms were introduced for sample management, registration, and commercial sample payments. Data were directly provided to the Ministry of Health through these platforms to support public health decision-making and responses. Biolab prioritized staff well-being by providing mental, financial, and physical health support during the pandemic. Biolab processed more than two million samples, with a turnaround time of ~1.5h. Results were transmitted directly to key stakeholders in near real time. Biolab conducted variant evaluations on >1.4 million samples using molecular variant testing and >1000 samples using whole genome sequencing. Biolab prioritized staff well-being, improving staff satisfaction from 74% to 91%, a remarkable achievement when many laboratory systems experienced staff burnout and dissatisfaction. The collaboration between public and private laboratories during COVID-19 established a model for future joint efforts to prevent outbreaks from becoming pandemics. Biolab's focus on efficiency, quality, and staff well-being enabled consistent, high-quality performance. The introduction of innovative information technology platforms ensured swift information dissemination. Biolab plans to continue investing in these platforms and expand pathogen testing, creating a top-tier testing infrastructure in Jordan with a demonstrated ability to cooperate with the government for public benefit.

Assessing national land administration reform in Mongolia: A mixed method evaluation using bank loan and historical land administration data

This study presents the findings from a rigorous performance evaluation of a land registry strengthening project in Mongolia. The paper contributes to a small but growing body of systematic evaluations on land administration interventions—and particularly on efforts to build the national capacity of state agencies through institutional strengthening initiatives. The research highlights a methodological approach that utilizes mixed method data sources to explore outcomes in a more rigorous way and through a gendered lens. We rely on a unique set of primary quantitative data sources, including extensive land administration and bank loan data. In addition to ex- ploring outcomes associated with credit access and lending, our extensive data sources enable us to delve into transaction cost, efficiency, and volume. We complement the quantitative data with comprehensive qualitative data from interviews and focus group discussions. This study finds that the project improved Mongolia’s registration process and land administration system. There are notable increases in transaction efficiency; digitization and strengthening of information systems; and improved transparency and access to land records. In contrast, there is more limited evidence about the program’s effect on facilitating improvements in the accuracy of land records, land markets, access to credit, and gender equality in land rights. While the project helped to reduce some instances of corruption, there remain broad challenges to land governance reform.

Exploring the Path of Modernization of Urban Community Governance

China has entered a new journey of building a modern socialist country in an all-round way. As the basic unit of urban grassroots governance and the spatial organisation of social life, the urban community is an important hand in practising the modernisation of the national governance system and governance capacity, and in constructing a social governance pattern of "common construction, common governance and common sharing", and the modernisation of its governance is also an objective requirement to adapt to the change of the main social contradictions in the new era. In practice, due to the complexity and diversity of urban community problems mapping out the endless means of governance, this paper aims to clarify the concept of community and community governance, the requirements of the era of community governance and the current state of development of emerging technologies, and to sort out the current status of the concept of community governance of pluralistic governance, refined governance, and the current status of the community governance means of the PPP model (Public-Private-Partnership) and artificial intelligence. community governance means status quo. Finally, Starting from three aspects of community governance: grassroots government, community residents, and emerging technologies, the following community governance paths are proposed: government: strengthened guidance, weakened dominance; residents: weakened elitism, strengthened public participation; and technology: enhanced living experience, digital operation. It explores the concept and means of governance with a view to providing a new path for current community governance in China.

An Evaluation of National Capacity regarding Chemical Event Management under the International Health Regulations: a Case of Thailand, 2022

Chemical hazard is deemed substantial for global health security. Effective emergency management could mitigate the adverse effects of chemicals or pollutants. This study aims to describe the country’s capacity focusing on chemical events using the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) tool, and determine strengths and challenges to provide recommendations to improve chemical emergency management in Thailand. A descriptive qualitative study of the JEE process was conducted in 2022 using the JEE tool, third edition (2022). Chemical event was one of the 19 technical areas that had two indicators to be evaluated. Activities for JEE process included document compilation and an internal multi-sectoral self-assessment to discuss country capacities, strengths, and gaps before the JEE workshop with the external evaluators. The capacity scores of chemical events for the two indicators were 4 and 5 (out of 5), suggesting that Thailand had decent capacities in response to chemical emergencies at the national and intermediate levels; however, more strengthening was needed at the primary public health level and points of entry (POE). To achieve sustainable capacity, a national action plan for health security should be developed. Capacity building for chemical emergency response should be promoted among staff at the primary public health level and POE.

Renewable energy in Benin: current situation and future prospects

Abstract To provide clean energy at a lower cost to their citizens, all nations of the world are striving to increase their energy production in an environmentally friendly way. Benin has also joined this dynamic by considerably increasing its green energy production efforts in recent years. The country has a huge undeveloped renewable-energy (RE) potential that can contribute considerably to its national energy production capacity. This paper summarizes the current RE situation in Benin and examines its future prospects. The current energy situation of the country is discussed, followed by an examination of its electricity demand-and-supply situation. The country has been found to depend heavily on natural gas and petroleum products from neighbouring countries and has ~41% of national electricity access. However, the government is taking considerable steps to implement RE projects in the country. The study analyzes government targets in the energy sector with existing policies and institutional frameworks. Recommendations are made for the benefit of the government, the private sector and other actors in order to developing the RE potential of Benin.

Differentiated policy implementation in the European Union

This special issue analyses the patterns, causes and consequences of Differentiated Policy Implementation (DPI) in the European Union (EU). DPI is an umbrella term for the diversity in the presence and use of discretion during legal and practical policy implementation processes and outcomes in the EU. The emergent DPI research agenda emphasises differentiation in EU policy implementation beyond mere legal compliance, which is more widespread, and its role in the broader political and policy processes of EU multilevel governance. The contributions highlight anticipated implementation as one dimension of DPI, as well as legal and practical implementation. DPI serves as an alternative to differentiated integration (DI), accommodating heterogeneous national preferences, capacities and conditions, and feeding back into EU policy-making. The impact of DPI on the EU’s output legitimacy and effectiveness depends on scope conditions that require more scholarly attention.