Organisation For Economic Co-operation And Development Research Articles

Redistribution Methods for Income Equality in the United States


 
 
 
 Redistribution for income equality is a contentious issue, with advocates citing increased economic stability and skeptics fearing potential negative impacts on economic growth. The United States (U.S.) faces notably high income inequality compared to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average, with wealth concentrated in the top brackets. This paper critically examines the existing U.S. redistribution methods, including the taxation system and welfare programs, highlighting challenges such as the lack of tax progressiveness in top brackets and limited redistribution compared to European counterparts. Based on this overview, the study evaluates alternative redistribution strategies, including wealth and business taxes. The paper compares theory with insights from pilot programs in other countries. Finally, the paper argues for a universal basic income (UBI) set at per-capita welfare spending, positing that this approach can empower individuals to escape poverty traps, enhance productivity, and introduce a choice mechanism for welfare consumption. Ultimately, this research seeks to propose the most effective and feasible income redistribution policies for the U.S. to bridge the income inequality gap.
 
 
 

Current Issues and Future Directions of Inclusive Education in Japan

Inclusive education in Japan was developed on the foundation of special needs education (SNE), which began in the early 2000s. There are various arguments as to whether the current multi-track system of SNE extending from segregated special needs schools to general education classrooms will lead to inclusive education, which is the goal of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This study focuses on the movement for system reform of the SNE and examines its current status and challenges. It also discusses recent policy trends in general education classrooms that have affected the promotion of inclusive education. Furthermore, while making a global comparison using Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data, this paper highlights Japan’s advantages and challenges in achieving inclusive education. Finally, it examines the conditions for realizing a new Japanese-style inclusive education.

How does leadership affect teacher collaboration? Evidence from teachers in US schools

ABSTRACT The research literature reports that teacher collaboration has great potential to increase various teachers’ competencies; however, less has been said about how leaders can facilitate and support the development of these collaborations. This study examines the relative impact of distributed leadership practices, teacher professional learning, and innovative climate on teacher collaboration. Data are from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 2018 Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS). The sample consists of 2,324 teachers from 159 US lower secondary schools. Results indicate that distributed leadership has a direct and indirect impact on teacher collaboration in that professional learning and innovative climate serve as mediators for the leadership–collaboration relationship. The findings imply a potential benefit to be gained from distributing leadership among various stakeholders throughout the school, as well as expanding access to improve collaborative pedagogical practice among teachers.

A novel multi-criteria approach for evaluating social discrimination in OECD countries

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) was established to unite countries from different geographical regions to achieve prosperity and economic progress. Different geographical regions have different cultures. The sociological perspective on gender varies in these cultures. As a result, gaps occur in terms of gender discrimination and its dimensions between countries. While social progress is a prerequisite for economic progress, society must be in harmony for social progress. The Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) was developed to measure progress in different countries. This study proposes a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model over the SIGI index to measure gender discrimination levels in OECD countries. However, since the differences in gender discrimination resulting from the multicultural structure of OECD lead to significant variability in terms of countries, countries are first clustered. Then, SIGI criteria significance levels are evaluated with a novel Importance of Criteria’s Indifference to Normalization (ICIN) method based on the differences between the two normalization approaches. Subsequently, a novel Modified Extended Alternative Ranking Order Method Accounting for Two-Step Normalization (ME-AROMAN) approach is employed to rank the member countries. While discrimination in the family is the most prominent factor for countries better at social equality and access to productive and financial assets is the major factor that separates the countries worse at social equality, the sensitivity and comparative analysis demonstrate the applicability and validity of ICIN and ME-AROMAN in MCDM literature.

Digital Traceability in Agri-Food Supply Chains: A Comparative Analysis of OECD Member Countries.

In an era marked by globalization and rapid technological advancements, the agri-food sector confronts both unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Among these, digital traceability systems have emerged as pivotal in enhancing operational efficiencies, ensuring food safety, and promoting transparency throughout the supply chain. This study presents a comparative analysis of digital traceability adoption and its impact across member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). By utilizing a multidimensional analytical framework, this study investigates national regulations, legal frameworks, and key food commodities affected by digital traceability implementations. It systematically assesses the efficacy of these systems in meeting consumer transparency expectations, regulatory compliance, and the overarching goal of sustainable agri-food supply chains. Through case studies and empirical evidence, the paper elucidates the complex interplay between technological innovation and regulatory environments, offering insights into best practices and potential integration barriers. Ultimately, this comprehensive investigation contributes to the scholarly discourse on digital traceability, providing actionable recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academia to navigate the complexities of modern agri-food systems.

Facilitators of and barriers to healthcare providers’ adoption of harm reduction in cannabis use: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionThe high prevalence of cannabis use and the potential for negative effects indicate the need for effective prevention strategies and treatment of people who use cannabis. Studies show that harm...

Forms of Peer Victimization and School Adjustment Among Japanese Adolescents: A Multilevel Analysis.

The psychosocial correlates and consequences of peer victimization are well documented. However, there is limited knowledge about whether different forms of peer victimization (relational and physical) are predictive of school-based social and motivational factors among adolescents from non-Western cultures. The present study examined the relationship between individual and school-level forms of peer victimization and school adjustment among Japanese adolescents, and the mediating role that these factors may play. The Japanese sample (N = 6109 from 185 schools, Mage = 15.78, SD = 0.29, 51% girls and 49% boys) was drawn from a large international dataset, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018. Results showed that school-level relational victimization was associated with individual-level relational victimization, and school-level physical victimization was associated with individual-level physical victimization, after controlling for age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Individual-level relational victimization was also uniquely associated with indices of school adjustment (negative affect, positive affect, and fear of failure) over and above physical victimization. While controlling for relational victimization, individual-level physical victimization was associated with indices of school adjustment (positive affect and meaning in life). In further findings, school-level relational and physical victimization were indirectly, but not directly, related to some of students' school adjustment through individual-level relational and physical victimization. These parallel and differential associations suggest the importance of considering the role of relational and physical victimization in school adjustment among Japanese adolescents.

Comparison Of G-7 Countries' Macroeconomic Performance with SD and MABAC Methods

Countries determine their economic policies according to macroeconomic performance criteria. Macroeconomic performance criteria provide basic information on the level of development of countries. A reduction in unemployment, price stability and a balanced budget are important for achieving economic growth and competitiveness. The aim of this study is to analyse the macroeconomic performance of the G7 (Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Japan and Canada), a union of the seven countries with the highest level of development in the world, between 2018 and 2022. . In the study, macroeconomic criteria (unemployment, inflation, external balance, and growth), which are called "magic diamonds" by OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), were applied using SD (Standard Deviation) and MABAC (Multi-Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison) methods. According to the results of the SD method, the inflation criterion has the greatest impact on macroeconomic performance in 2018 and 2019, the unemployment criterion in 2020 and 2022, and the growth criterion in 2021. According to the results of the MABAC method, Germany had the highest macroeconomic performance in 2020, and Japan had the highest macroeconomic performance in the other analyzed years.

Moderating the Effect of the Multidimensional Poverty Index on the Relationship between Sustainable Governance Indicators and Worldwide Governance Indicators

This research comprehensively addresses the complexity of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). The research objective is to understand the moderating effect of the MPI on the relationship between Sustainable Governance Indicators (SGIs) and World Governance Indicators (WGIs) in the context of 41 countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) while also analyzing the validity and reliability of the indicators. The applied methodology involves using Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS), and data from 41 OECD countries were analyzed. Data on SGIs, WGIs, and the MPI were extracted from the SGI-2022, WGI-2022, and SGI-MPI (2022) databases. Moderating the interaction between the MPI and SGIs reveals a significant overall negative effect (−0.184) on the relationship between SGIs and WGIs (total effect = 0.474); this implies that elevated levels of the MPI negatively impact sustainable governance between SGIs and WGIs, whereas lower levels of the MPI lead to a stronger relationship between SGIs and WGIs, enhancing sustainable governance. The validity of the structural model is affected by low Average Variance Extraction (AVE) in key variables, such as Economic Policy-EP (0.470) and MPI (0.439), indicating potential limitations in their measurement.

Nexus between technological innovation and environmental pollution in selected OECD countries

AbstractAddressing environmental pollution is fundamental to establishing sustainable development across the globe. While navigating the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it is of critical relevance for economies worldwide to come up with innovative measures that can withstand the factors driving environmental pollution. On that note, this study explores the technological innovation‐environmental pollution linkages in the context of 10 members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) using data spanning from 1994 to 2018. Notably, considering ecological footprints as the environmental proxy, the analysis controls for the corresponding levels of economic growth, financial development, and renewable energy consumption in the concerned countries. In addition, the long‐term estimates are investigated using Augmented Mean Group, Common Correlation Effects Mean Group, Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square, and Dynamic Ordinary Least Square techniques while the causality relationship is determined by Dumitrescu‐Hurlin panel bootstrapped causality test. The results establish the long‐term cointegrating linkages among the variables considered. It is also observed that economic growth increases the ecological footprint level, while technological innovation, renewable energy consumption, and financial development reduce it. Moreover, the results reveal that technological innovation and ecological footprint causally influence each other, while there are one‐way causalities moving from economic growth and financial development to ecological footprint. Furthermore, a two‐way causality concerning renewable energy consumption and ecological footprint is also detected. Considering these results, it is pertinent for the selected OECD countries to improve energy efficiency rates, scale investment for developing the renewable energy sector, and execute policies that support investments in initiatives concerning low‐carbon technological development. Additionally, these countries should look to implement policies that are compatible with the objectives of establishing green growth so that low‐emission development can take place to tackle climate change‐related problems.

How did COVID-19 Social Security Measures Resemble Universal Basic Income? A Comparative Study of OECD Countries

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, governments were mainly relaying on pre-pandemic policies when introducing changes to social policies. However, the crisis did lead to transformative action as well. In this article, we explored the novel direct payments, delivered beyond existing social risk categories such as unemployment or sickness. Our exploration demonstrates that most Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries did not introduce novel payments. Exceptions were Australia, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Israel, Italy, Japan, Spain, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Seven countries also continued and modified payments while the crisis continued. All the novel direct payments met some of the characteristics of universal basic income (UBI). The idea of universality was realised in Japan and South Korea. The key findings of this study suggest that the COVID-19-related novel direct payments were primarily emergency benefits for people affected by the pandemic and interpreted as quasi-basic income in times of crisis.

What drives environmental sustainability? The role of renewable energy, green innovation, and political stability in OECD economies

ABSTRACT One possible way to achieve environmental sustainability is by addressing the issue of rising CO2 emissions, which significantly cause climate change by intensifying the greenhouse gas effect. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which substantially contributes to global CO2 emissions, necessitates a paradigm shift towards using clean energy sources and promoting green innovations to ensure environmental sustainability. Thus, this study aims to inspect the role of renewable energy use, green technology innovation, political stability, and fiscal decentralization in attaining environmental sustainability by limiting CO2 emissions for seven OECD economies from 2000 to 2019. This study has employed the ‘Cross-Sectional Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag and Augmented Mean Group Estimator’ for robust empirical analysis. The results indicate that renewable energy use, political stability, and fiscal decentralization can mitigate CO2 emissions and ensure environmental sustainability in OECD economies. In contrast, green technology innovation exhibits an insignificant effect on CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the moderation effects of fiscal decentralization and political stability exhibit a negative relationship with CO2 emissions. Notably, this study advises OECD nations to encourage regional cooperation to ensure political stability and devolution of fiscal powers to promote green innovation and renewable energy use to achieve sustainable goals.

The Analysis Between Purchasing Power Parity and Exchange Rates, Inflation and Gross Domestic Product in Developing and Developed Countries Asia and Europe During Covid-19 Pandemic

The study aims to analyze Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) and exchange rates, inflation and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in developing and developed countries in Asia and Europe during the covid-19 pandemic. The data used secondary data, obtained from the websites of the Central Bank of Indonesia, World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) from 2003 to 2020. This research used method of Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). The results show that the GDP, inflation and exchange rate variables have positive and negative responses to changes in PPP values during the observation period, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. This condition can occur because the economy in each country experiences fluctuations, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. This has an impact on the PPP value in these 10 countries, which causes each country to take financial and monetary policies in accordance with the problems they face

THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS EDUCATION

The paper aims to showcase the technological advancements in artificial intelligence and to highlight its significance in the realms of business and management. Additionally, the research addresses the anticipated requirements of business education in the future. In the paper, various definitions of artificial intelligence have been examined, including those provided by high-ranking expert groups such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Council of Europe, and the European Commission. Additionally, we have formulated our own definition. We define artificial intelligence as systems capable of exploring external data to achieve specific goals. These systems have the capacity to learn and autonomously perform tasks, reaching near-superhuman performance across a broad spectrum of activities. In our research, focusing on areas such as fraud detection will allow you to consider both the risks and opportunities associated with AI. Artificial intelligence holds immense potential to reshape the economy, foster the emergence of new industries and business models, enhance productivity, and elevate the overall standard of living. By automating routine tasks, it liberates time, allowing individuals to concentrate on more creative endeavors. As the significance of addressing these emerging challenges grows, business education must play an increasingly vital role in preparing students. Consequently, business programs should concentrate on enhancing students' understanding of the tools and techniques prevalent in the modern business environment. The ultimate objective is to cultivate leadership skills, empowering students to employ these tools and techniques for critical analysis of business challenges and opportunities. This, in turn, equips them to make compelling recommendations and decisions, ultimately enhancing organizational performance. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence(AI),Business Education, Hypercompetitive Environment.

Soil-specific outcomes in the OECD 216 Nitrogen Transformation Test.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 216 test guideline investigates the impact of agrochemicals on soil nitrogen transformation. After an evaluation of 465 OECD 216 studies, we describe two distinct yet contrasting outcomes in control nontreated samples that are possible in this testing framework, which we term the "rise" (consistent increases in nitrate concentrations throughout the test period) and "dip" (initial decline in nitrate concentration between Days 0-7, followed by a net-generation of nitrate across Days 7-28) responses. We raise significant concerns that control data from standardized, internationally recognized test guidelines can demonstrate such dissimilar patterns. We propose that, when present, the dip response undermines the intended functioning of the test system and removes the ability to draw appropriate ecotoxicological inferences from the data. In this work, we hypothesize the dip response is a product of conducting the study in low nitrogen content soils. Our results indicate that the dip response can be alleviated by using ammonium sulfate as an immediately available inorganic nitrogen source in place of the guideline-mandated complex, organic lucerne meal, demonstrating the influence of nitrogen availability and accessibility. However, not all low nitrogen soils exhibited the dip response, indicating the involvement of additional unidentified factors. Using our data and real-world regulatory examples, we advocate that datasets displaying the dip response should not be considered valid OECD 216 studies due to the influence of soil properties precluding an assessment of whether any impacts observed are driven solely by the test compound in question or are instead a product of the soil used. We propose methods to account for these soil-specific responses that could be integrated into the conduct and interpretation of OECD 216 studies. Such amendments will improve the reliability and robustness of the study system and enhance confidence in ecotoxicological conclusions derived from OECD 216 datasets. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-14. © 2024 SETAC.

Recent advances and current challenges of new approach methodologies in developmental and adult neurotoxicity testing.

Adult neurotoxicity (ANT) and developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) assessments aim to understand the adverse effects and underlying mechanisms of toxicants on the human nervous system. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the so-called new approach methodologies (NAMs). The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), together with European and American regulatory agencies, promote the use of validated alternative test systems, but to date, guidelines for regulatory DNT and ANT assessment rely primarily on classical animal testing. Alternative methods include both non-animal approaches and test systems on non-vertebrates (e.g., nematodes) or non-mammals (e.g., fish). Therefore, this review summarizes the recent advances of NAMs focusing on ANT and DNT and highlights the potential and current critical issues for the full implementation of these methods in the future. The status of the DNT in vitro battery (DNT IVB) is also reviewed as a first step of NAMs for the assessment of neurotoxicity in the regulatory context. Critical issues such as (i) the need for test batteries and method integration (from in silico and in vitro to in vivo alternatives, e.g., zebrafish, C. elegans) requiring interdisciplinarity to manage complexity, (ii) interlaboratory transferability, and (iii) the urgent need for method validation are discussed.

Do military expenditures have an ımpact on the adoption of renewable energy in OECD nations? Evidence from a panel cointegration test approach

Purpose Today, many industries are implementing creative approaches in response to increasing environmental awareness. It is of great importance to answer the question of whether the military sector, one of the most important sectors, can support renewable energy (RE) adaptation. This study aims to examine how military spending affects the supply of RE in 27 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) nations as well as the regulatory function of factors such as innovation, international trade and oil prices between 1990 and 2021. Design/methodology/approach The study examines the effects of military spending, income, green innovation, international trade, oil prices and the human development index on the supply of RE using various econometric approaches, which are the cointegration test, moments quantile regression and robustness test. Findings The findings demonstrate that all factors, excluding military spending, quite likely affect the expansion of the renewable supply. Military spending negatively influences the RE supply; specifically, a 1% increase in military spending results in a 0.88 reduction in the renewable supply. In addition, whereas income elasticity, trade and human development index in OECD nations are higher in the last quantiles of the regression than in the first quantiles, the influence of military spending and innovation on renewable supply is about the same in all quantiles. Practical implications OECD nations must consider the practical implications, which are essential to assess and update the military spending of OECD countries from a green energy perspective to transition to clean energy. Based on the study’s overall findings, the OECD countries should incorporate the advantages of innovation, economic growth and international trade into their clean energy transition strategies to lessen the impact of military spending on renewables. Originality/value The study aims to fill a gap in the literature regarding the role of military expenditures in the RE development of an OECD country. In addition, the results of the methodological analysis can be used to guide policymakers on how military spending should be in the field of RE.

Cross-country comparisons in health price growth over time.

To examine how the United States compares in terms of health price growth relative to four other countries - Australia, Canada, France, and the Netherlands. Secondary data on health expenditure were extracted from international and national agencies spanning the years 2000-2020. International price indices specific to health were constructed using available international expenditure data and compared to existing health-specific national and general international price indices. Health expenditure data were extracted from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) database. We obtained a time series of health price indices from the national agencies in each of the study countries. We find meaningful variation across countries in the rate at which health prices grow relative to general prices. The United States had the highest cumulative health price growth compared to general price growth over the years 2000-2020 at 14%, followed by Canada and the Netherlands. Unlike the other study countries, health prices in France grew consistently in line with general prices. Price growth for health care paid for by public funds and households grew at different rates across countries, where price growth was higher for public payers. US households faced the greatest mean annual price growth. The choice of price index has major implications for comparative analysis. Despite their widespread use internationally, general price indices likely underestimate the contribution of price growth to overall health expenditure growth. We find that in addition to its reputation for having high health price levels compared to other high-income countries, the United States also faces health price growth for goods and services paid for by government and households in excess of general price growth. Furthermore, US households are exposed to greater health price growth than households in comparator countries.

Hybrid Machine Learning and Experimental Studies of Antiviral Potential of Ionic Liquids against P100, MS2, and Phi6.

Viruses are a group of widespread organisms that are often responsible for very dangerous diseases, as most of them follow a mechanism to multiply and infect their hosts as quickly as possible. Pathogen viruses also mutate regularly, with the result that measures to prevent virus transmission and recover from the disease caused are often limited. The development of new substances is very time-consuming and highly budgeted and requires the sacrifice of many living organisms. Computational chemistry methods allow faster analysis at a much lower cost and, most importantly, reduce the number of living organisms sacrificed experimentally to a minimum. Ionic liquids (ILs) are a group of chemical compounds that could potentially find a wide range of applications due to their potential virucidal activity. In our study, we conducted a complex computational analysis to predict the antiviral activity of ionic liquids against three surrogate viruses: two nonenveloped viruses, Listeria monocytogenes phage P100 and Escherichia coli phage MS2, and one enveloped virus, Pseudomonas syringae phage Phi6. Based on experimental data of toxic activity (logEC90), we assigned activity classes to 154 ILs. Prediction models were created and validated according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recommendations using the Classification Tree method. Further, we performed an external validation of our models through virtual screening on a set of 1277 theoretically generated ionic liquids and then selected 10 active ionic liquids, which were synthesized to verify their activity against the analyzed viruses. Our study proved the effectiveness and efficiency of computational methods to predict the antiviral activity of ionic liquids. Thus, computational models are a cost-effective alternative approach compared with time-consuming experimental studies where live animals are involved.

Limited impact of hydrogen co-firing on prolonging fossil-based power generation under low emissions scenarios

Climate change mitigation generally require rapid decarbonization in the power sector, including phase-out of fossil fuel-fired generators. Given recent technological developments, co-firing of hydrogen or ammonia, could help decarbonize fossil-based generators, but little is known about how its effects would play out globally. Here, we explore this topic using an energy system model. The results indicate that hydrogen co-firing occurs solely in stringent mitigation like 1.5 °C scenarios, where around half of existing coal and gas power capacity can be retrofitted for hydrogen co-firing, reducing stranded capacity, mainly in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and Asia. However, electricity supply from co-firing generators is limited to about 1% of total electricity generation, because hydrogen co-firing is mainly used as a backup option to balance the variable renewable energies. The incremental fuel cost of hydrogen results in lower capacity factor of hydrogen co-fired generators, whereas low-carbon hydrogen contributes to reducing emission cost associated with carbon pricing. While hydrogen co-firing may play a role in balancing intermittency of variable renewable energies, it will not seriously delay the phase-out of fossil-based generators.