Innovative Partnership Research Articles

Influence of Supplier Relationship Management on Product Quality

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of supplier relationship management on product quality. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low-cost advantage as compared to field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: effective Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) practices, such as performance monitoring, collaboration, and trust-building, significantly enhance product quality. These practices reduce defect rates, improve compliance, and boost customer satisfaction. Strong supplier relationships foster innovation, align quality objectives, and streamline processes, making SRM a critical enabler for achieving consistent quality standards and maintaining competitive advantage in dynamic markets. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Resource-Based View (RBV), Transaction Cost Economics (TCE) Theory and Stakeholder Theory in supply chain and management maybe used to anchor future studies influence of supplier relationship management on product quality. Theories should incorporate variables such as cultural, technological, and economic differences, providing a more globally relevant understanding of SRM's influence on product quality. Firms should adapt SRM practices to their industry-specific needs. For instance, green supply chains might prioritize sustainability metrics, while high-tech sectors may emphasize innovation partnerships. Policymakers should promote industry-wide standards for supplier evaluations and quality compliance to ensure consistency and accountability across supply chains

Analisis Strategi Pengembangan Bisnis Menggunakan Bisnis Model Kanvas pada Industri Logistik: Studi PT XYZ

This research analyzes and formulates the business strategy of PT XYZ using the Business Model Canvas to enhance and innovate in the logistics industry. The focus of the study is to identify logistics challenges, analyze the business model, develop business strategies, and provide policy recommendations to improve PT XYZ's competitiveness and operational efficiency. This research incorporates SWOT, PESTLE, and Porter’s Five Forces analyses in evaluating the nine building blocks of the Business Model Canvas. As a result, 26 strategies were developed, consisting of 9 SO strategies, 4 ST strategies, 6 WO strategies, and 6 WT strategies. Through focus group discussions and member checks, 9 priority strategies were identified and categorized into three approaches: short-term, medium-term, and long-term. The short-term strategies include offering competitive pricing packages, adopting innovative technology, and strengthening relationships with business partners. The medium-term strategies emphasize communication integration through social media and improving service quality. The long-term strategies focus on expanding the partner network and building innovative and sustainable partnerships. The implementation of the nine building blocks in the Business Model Canvas demonstrates PT XYZ's comprehensive adaptation to market dynamics and operational challenges, with the ultimate goal of strengthening its market position and supporting the company's sustainable growth.

OS ASPECTOS JURÍDICOS DA PRODUÇÃO E COMERCIALIZAÇÃO DE AUTOMÓVEIS NO BRASIL

The study addresses the legal aspects of automobile production and commercialization in Brazil, focusing on legislation and its impact on the automotive market. The main objective is to analyze how manufacturers navigate the challenges imposed by Brazilian laws related to their industry and taxation on vehicle sales and usage, particularly in a scenario of policies promoting national production and fiscal regulations. A deductive methodology is employed, incorporating bibliographic research and document analysis, to understand the evolution of legislation and the adaptation of companies. The main findings reveal that manufacturers adopt innovation and strategic partnerships to remain competitive despite the complexity of the tax system and frequent changes in government policies. The study highlights the importance of the topic for the Brazilian economy, emphasizing the need for tax reform to simplify regulations and foster a more favorable environment for competition and sustainable development in the automotive sector.

“They already trusted us a lot”: Allied health students’ experiences of an innovative hospital, service-focussed placement model

Background A service-focussed placement model involves an innovative partnership between service and education providers to a) address service delivery needs and b) facilitate students’ competency development. Services are collaboratively redesigned such that students are positioned as collaborators in service delivery with their learning supported through evidence-informed educational design. This model was implemented in the hospital setting and was found to promote positive patient outcomes. Our study explored whether this model supports student learning. Methods Students’ perception of learning was explored using a multiple-case study design with data collected from 22 semi-structured focus groups and interviews with 64 senior year allied health students (physiotherapy n = 55; occupational therapy n = 9) across six placement settings. Inductive thematic analysis identified aspects of this placement model that facilitated and challenged students’ learning. Results A service-focussed placement model provides a quality student learning experience. Students identified the need to be prepared for independent learning. This placement model promoted their professional development and sense of autonomy through engaging them in early, active learning within a safe learning environment. Conclusions Students perceived that a service-focussed placement model equipped them for the ever-changing complexities and challenges of hospital services.

Orthodontics Simulations as Teaching Tools

Traditional teaching methods in orthodontics employ static photos posing immense challenges as the learner is unable to conceptualise the changes in different planes that affect final tooth positions in the upper and lower jaws following treatment. Furthermore, the protracted treatment time of orthodontics ranges from 12 months (simple cases) to 36 months (complex cases) thus adding yet another dimension “patient growth” especially children often referred to as 4th Dimension of Time. Previous work at UQ with SBLi (Scenario Based Learning interactive https://youtu.be/PUIanIl5CFc?si=vDf8JwFjHixtzol7) (Naser-ud-Din, 2015) has shown that creating online teaching tools incorporating multimedia to address the concepts of dynamic change and is impactful for student learning on demand with global accessibility. Online asynchronous learning have three key strengths: firstly, flexibility for updating with contemporary software by learning designers and academics; secondly, ease for formative assessment for large cohorts and thirdly, international presence for potential commercialization. Feedback at UQ for postgraduate orthodontic students was overwhelmingly positive as students found interactivity highly engaging and appreciated the self-regulated aspect of it akin to that found in other publications (Hakami, 2021; Khoo et al., 2023; Naser-ud-Din, 2016). However, simulation creation is expensive (Kröger et al., 2017) and thus, it is essential to explore cost-effective teaching tools that are sustainable with the dental industry partners and easily translated into clinical practice. With advent of 3D simulations in Orthodontics, current literature is limited (Ho et al., 2022; Karanth et al., 2024; Sipiyaruk et al., 2023) and future best practices will require initiatives to enhance teaching recommendations. Moreover, LEAN an essential component for success in major industries who observer consistent success such as in aviation, and other professions have added value of efficiency, effectiveness, convenience and comfort. Hallmarks to improve outcomes and safety. The aim of this project is to complete 5 essential orthodontic chapters for the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) students at MDS in (years 2-4) by introducing 3D simulations for orthodontic treatments start to finish; embedded in H5P teaching assessment tool. At present, limited number of such modules have been created with original clinical cases by the primary investigator (SN). Interactive online digital assets are valuable and need to be based on sound principles of Heutagogy for self-directed learning. Furthermore, LEAN foundation creates effectiveness and efficiency of delivery of core content. Essentially this project is aligned with Advancing students education strategy 2023-30 of the UoM P-9 “remove barriers to innovation and forge new partnership models between professional and academic”. At the time of writing there is lack of integrated 3D simulations for education in Orthodontics, thus addressing a gap to create interactive learning environments that are translated to clinical practice in dentistry. Thus utilizing in future CADCAM (Computer assisted Design Computer Assisted Manufacture) with efficiency and confidence for the graduate learner. The CADCAM tech is now widely incorporated by industry partners in dental technologies into mainstream Dentistry providing precision and speed. Refinement of these three modules will pave way as huge potential for commercialization under the banner of UoM with InnovateEd in near future. Moreover, the LEAN will assist in providing future sustainability.

New challenges in European innovation partnerships: SOEs, POEs and foreign MNEs during crises

AbstractCooperation for innovation, not only enhances the innovative and economic performance of companies but also fosters growth and strengthens the resilience of firms in the realm of innovation activities. In this study, we delve into the cooperative activities of innovative Spanish companies with their European counterparts. We employ six logit models using panel data to scrutinize the impact of ownership on innovation cooperation and the determinants of collaboration across different phases of the business cycle, spanning from 2004 to 2016, which we divide into three sub-periods: the pre-crisis (2004–2007), the crisis (2008–2013), and the recovery (2014–2016). Throughout the businesses cycle, state-owned enterprises are the most prone to engage in cooperative innovation with European partners, while unaffiliated domestic firms are the least prone. Foreign subsidiaries clearly outperform unaffiliated domestic firms and slightly outperform domestic business groups in prosperous times, but do not outperform state-owned enterprises even during crises. The drivers of cooperation for innovation with European partners evolve over time, becoming particularly challenging during crises. The factors influencing cooperation with European universities exhibit distinct characteristics. The results contain policy and management implications.

Basics of Orthopedic Commercial and Government Bundling

The health care system is transitioning from fee-for-service models to value-based care frameworks, with bundled payments emerging as a promising approach to improve cost efficiency and patient outcomes. Bundled payments consolidate costs for multiple services into a single payment for specific treatments or conditions. This study reviews the development and implementation of bundling models in orthopaedics, comparing government and commercial approaches and discussing their benefits and challenges. A review of the literature was conducted to examine existing bundling programs in orthopaedics, including Medicare initiatives like the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement and Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement model, as well as commercial programs from insurers such as Cigna and UnitedHealthcare. The review focused on published studies, reports, and case examples to identify trends, outcomes, and barriers associated with these models. Government programs such as Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement have demonstrated improved care coordination and cost control but face challenges in engaging physicians and aligning financial incentives. Commercial models, with greater flexibility in their prospective payment structures, allow for customization and better financial predictability but require careful negotiation and compliance with quality metrics. Both approaches highlight the importance of robust data management, multidisciplinary collaboration, and innovative partnerships to improve care delivery. Condition-based bundling, though conceptually aligned with value-based care, remains in its early stages within orthopaedics. Bundled payment models represent a key strategy for advancing sustainable and efficient health care delivery in orthopaedics. Despite challenges like stakeholder alignment and resource demands, these models offer potential to enhance care quality and reduce costs. Future directions should prioritize collaboration, technology integration, and the resolution of implementation barriers to fully realize the benefits of bundling in orthopaedic practices.

Exploring Trust Ecology in a Public-Private Partnership for Agricultural Innovation in the United States Bioeconomy

United States (US) federal agencies are endorsing public-private partnerships (PPPs) to link public institutions with industry to develop local supplies of biofuel and build a domestic bioeconomy. Although trust is a critical factor within effective PPPs, few studies have addressed the different types of trust needed to cultivate these partnerships. Employing a mixed-method design, we explore a PPP in the Southeast US through the lens of trust ecology. We describe how participants perceive trust types within different project spaces and how trust changed during the partnership. Our findings highlight the role that different interactive spaces can play in cultivating types of trust that accumulate in an additive fashion. We offer insights on process-design mechanisms and project management strategies that can bolster trust in PPPs.

Assessment of the Viability of Community-Based Health Insurance Schemes in the Ziguinchor Department from 2016 to 2018 in the Context of Universal Health Coverage (Senegal)

<i>Introduction</i>: This study examines the viability of community-based health insurance schemes in the Ziguinchor department of Senegal from 2016 to 2018, within the context of universal health coverage. Health insurance schemes have emerged as a promising solution to extend social health protection to informal sector workers and rural populations. However, despite political support, these structures face persistent challenges in terms of enrollment, member retention, and management. The study aims to assess the viability of these schemes, as well as the perceptions of various stakeholders on mutual health insurance. <i>Methodology</i>: The study adopted a mixed approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods, based on the theoretical framework developed with the support of the International Labor Office (ILO). This framework evaluates the viability of health insurance schemes according to four dimensions: institutional, technical, functional, and financial/economic. A questionnaire with 87 questions was used to collect quantitative data on these aspects from the seven health insurance schemes in the Ziguinchor department. For the qualitative component, focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with various actors, including beneficiaries, non-beneficiaries, community leaders, scheme managers, and healthcare providers. <i>Results</i>: The study's findings reveal a complex situation for the health insurance schemes in the Ziguinchor department. Institutionally, the schemes have a solid foundation with legal status, internal regulations, and affiliation to a departmental union. Technically, membership is voluntary and family-based, with control mechanisms in place, although their effectiveness is limited. Functional viability shows positive signs with a membership growth rate of 20.18%, but the overall penetration rate remains low at 16.99%, and the premium collection rate is very low, averaging 26.78%. The financial situation is particularly of concern: no scheme can meet its short or long-term debts, and the average claims ratio is excessively high at 282%. As for stakeholder perceptions, they are mixed: while the schemes are generally considered beneficial, significant practical difficulties are identified, including lack of information, funding problems, and procedural complexity. <i>Conclusion</i>: The study highlights the complexity of the role of health insurance schemes in the quest for universal health coverage. Despite undeniable strengths, the schemes face considerable challenges in terms of functional and financial viability. Corrective measures are necessary, including strengthening management capacities, innovating premium collection methods, and improving communication. An evolution of the model is also suggested, potentially towards greater integration into a national social protection system or the development of innovative public-private partnerships.

Cultivating a bioeconomy: Risks, collaboration, and partnerships in agricultural innovation

Cultivating a bioeconomy: Risks, collaboration, and partnerships in agricultural innovation

6.A. Round table: Building a Public Health Innovation Ecosystem in the WHO European Region

Abstract Background In the WHO European region, challenges persist in bridging the gap between innovative health solutions and their widespread implementation at a population scale. Despite advancements in AI, digital systems, precision medicine, genomics, and social innovations, these potential solutions often go underutilized. Immediate action is necessary to address the multifaceted issues faced by health systems, such as aging populations, noncommunicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and climate change impacts on health. To effectively tackle these challenges, it is essential to develop and implement innovations that respond to critical health issues in a contextual manner. Establishing an innovation ecosystem that fosters collaboration, strategic partnerships, and effective scaling of innovative solutions is crucial. Robust policy frameworks and governance mechanisms are needed to engage with the private sector and other nontraditional public health partners to drive equitable and value-driven innovations in public health. Rationale The workshop at the 17th European Public Health Conference 2024 aims to explore the role of public-private collaborations in driving innovative solutions for public health. By examining synergies between sectors, the workshop seeks to accelerate innovation, improve preventive services, and enhance health delivery to address pressing public health challenges. Leveraging the private sector’s expertise and resources is crucial in addressing complex health issues and improving public health outcomes. The workshop will provide a platform to strategize on utilizing these collaborations for sustainable innovation in public health. Overall Objective Foster a deeper understanding of the benefits and challenges of public-private collaborations in advancing public health innovation. Specific Objectives - Facilitate knowledge exchange on successful collaboration models between the private sector and public health entities. - Identify key strategies to utilize private sector resources for innovative public health solutions. Outcomes: - Inspire the formation of new partnerships to drive innovation in public health. - Develop actionable insights to enhance collaboration between the private sector and public health stakeholders for sustainable innovation. Workshop Structure: The workshop will begin with a Scene-setting presentation of Dr Gauden Galea, Strategic Advisor to the Regional Director, WHO Europe, on WHO Europe’s approach to leveraging innovation for public health outcomes (10 mins). Panelists will then discuss concrete examples of public-private collaboration leading to improvements in public health outcomes (40 mins). Key success factors for meaningful partnerships with the private sector will be explored, emphasizing policy considerations and the importance of behavioral and cultural insights in innovation. Interactive Q&A session with audience will close the meeting (10 mins). Key messages • Establishing an innovation ecosystem fosters partnerships that drive equitable and sustainable solutions in public health. • Public-private collaborations accelerate innovation for public health, vital for addressing complex challenges effectively. Speakers/Panelists Götz Gottschalk, YouTube, Berlin, Germany Götz Gottschalk (Head of Health, YouTube Germany) will discuss the role of technology, particularly YouTube, in disseminating accurate health information to the public. He will also share insights on how digital platforms can be utilized to promote public health initiatives, address misinformation, and engage with diverse audiences effectively. His talk will also focus on the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in leveraging technology for public health outcomes, emphasizing the need for responsible and accurate health communication in the digital age. Phillippe Menu SOPHiA Genetics, Rolle, Switzerland Phillippe Menu (Chief Medical Officer and Chief Product Officer, SOPHiA Genetics, Switzerland) will discuss how data-driven approaches, artificial intelligence, and genomic insights can revolutionize diagnostics, treatment decisions, and personalized medicine. His talk will highlight the potential of integrating advanced technologies into public health to improve patient outcomes, enhance clinical decision-making, and drive innovation in the field of precision medicine. Els Torreele Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, University College London, London, UK Els Torreele (Policy Associate, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose) will discuss policy frameworks, governance structures, and strategies to promote equitable access to public health innovations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Her talk will shed light on the intersection of innovation, public policy, and global health, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic barriers to ensure that innovative healthcare solutions reach those who need them the most. Andrew Nerlinger Global Security Fund, Geneva, Switzerland Andrew Nerlinger (Executive Director, Global Security Fund) will discuss pandemic preparedness, biosecurity measures, and the role of non-profit organizations in addressing global health threats. His talk will explore how innovative approaches, partnerships, and funding mechanisms can strengthen global health security, mitigate risks, and build resilience in the face of emerging health crises. Susan Michie Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK Susan Michie (Professor of Health Psychology and Director of the UCL Centre for Behaviour Change) will discuss evidence-based strategies for promoting behavior change, improving health outcomes, and addressing public health challenges through behavioural and cultural insights. Her talk is expected to highlight the importance of understanding human behavior, motivations, and decision-making processes in designing effective health interventions and shaping public health policies.

Targeted initiatives to tackle health inequalities, integrating the Leeds Health and Care Workforce

Abstract Deprivation and poor health are significant challenges in Leeds, with the poverty gap growing in parts of the city. The Leeds One Workforce approach to narrowing inequalities (NI) was co-designed in 2021 building on the innovative partnership approach already visible in the city. Its phased approach has seen interventions put in place to boost the opportunities for people from marginalised communities to develop their skills and remove barriers to careers in health and care and has global relevance for other localities experiencing high deprivation. The overall NI approach is supported by a long-term and wide-reaching evaluation plan which mobilises our partner organisations and intends to amplify best practice in getting people into careers and supporting this group to develop within the health and care workforce. We will present findings from embedded evaluations of initiatives across the city, and individual case studies, from those who have accessed NI interventions in Leeds. These will explore the relationships and contributions of partnership organisations and presence of any unexpected barriers or facilitators to these interventions. Linking with third-sector organisations and creating accessible pre-employment opportunities to develop core working skills is a vital part of the Leeds approach to recruiting people from priority wards. Additionally, supporting people into careers in health and care which suit their values, interests and personal circumstances, in addition to employing organisations with flexibility and openness towards their employees at their core is a strong factor in recruiting and retaining from areas of deprivation. Partnership working is essential to tackling health inequalities in places of high deprivation to address individual and systemic barriers to securing employment, ensure the best chance of success for community outreach programmes, and maximise efficiencies by combining the efforts of local organisations. Key messages • Leeds, UK is transforming approaches to narrowing health inequalities through partnership working across health and social care education and employment. • Current and future best practice will be explored to demonstrate transferable NI approaches.

ISSUES IN UNIVERSITY AND INDUSTRY COLLABORATION: RESULTS OF A STAKEHOLDER SURVEY

In 2024, Kazakhstan introduced a new science and technology policy to bridge academia and industry. Despite this, challenges persist due to conflicting goals, limited industry capacity, and bureaucratic obstacles. Based on a survey of 700 academics and 108 business representatives, this study identifies major barriers to collaboration, including the underdevelopment of high-tech industries, bureaucratic hurdles in research organizations, and insufficient funding. Notably, satisfaction varied by organization type, with state universities expressing higher satisfaction compared to private research institutions. These findings underscore the need for policy reforms that reduce bureaucratic barriers, enhance funding, and foster active engagement in university-industry partnerships for innovation.

Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around: A Principals Fight Against Traditional Educator Pathways to Staff an Underperforming School in the Rural South

Marcus, a young principal hired to turn around an underperforming school in the rural South, struggles to stabilize the school’s current staffing challenges. Throughout the case study, Marcus navigates recruiting and retaining teachers; however, he also creates an innovative partnership that enables him to train prospective teachers on his campus. The purpose of this case study is to encourage school leaders to pursue non-traditional solutions to staffing. This case also benefits graduate students in education policy, principalship preparation, and educational administration. Further, this case benefits leaders struggling to staff schools in under-resourced communities like the ones in the rural South.

Performance reporting for innovation partnerships – the case of the triple helix in Zambia

Performance reporting for innovation partnerships – the case of the triple helix in Zambia

Membrane-bound receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a stable biomarker of low-quality sperm.

Does receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) on the surface membrane of the sperm cell function as a biomarker of low-quality sperm? Membrane-bound RAGE at a cellular level directly correlates with low sperm motility, high cell permeability, decreased mitochondrial function, DNA fragmentation, and higher levels of apoptosis. RAGE has previously been measured by ELISA in low-quality sperm in diabetic men and has been shown to correlate with DNA fragmentation (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay). Semen samples were recovered from 60 non-obese, non-diabetic and non-smoking subjects, washed with fresh media, and analysed directly or purified further by differential gradient centrifugation (DGC) or fractionated by direct swim-up before being analysed for sperm motility and molecular health parameters, including cell membrane permeability, cell death, mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA fragmentation, and RAGE protein expression. Sperm motility assessments were carried out by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) on 1000 spermatozoa for washed samples and 300 spermatozoa for purified samples. Molecular sperm health parameters were evaluated using flow cytometry with the use of the following markers: DAPI for cell membrane permeability, Annexin V/DAPI for cell death (apoptosis and necrosis), MitoTracker® Red CMXRos for mitochondrial membrane potential, TUNEL assay for DNA fragmentation and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine for identification of oxidative damage to sperm DNA, and contrasted to membrane-bound RAGE expression levels, which were evaluated using an anti-RAGE monoclonal mouse antibody. RAGE protein was shown to be present on the acrosomal and equatorial regions of sperm, with the levels of membrane bound receptor strongly correlating with poor sperm health across all parameters tested; motility (R 2 = 0.5441, P < 0.0001) and mitochondrial membrane potential (R 2 = 0.6181, P < 0.0001) being of particular note. The analysis was performed at a single cell level thereby removing confounding complications from soluble forms of the RAGE protein that can be found in seminal plasma. The expression of the RAGE protein was shown to be stable over time and its levels are therefore not subject to variation in sample handling or preparation time. N/A. Inclusion criteria for this study were non-diabetic, non-obese and non-smoking participants to assess the distribution of RAGE expression in the general population, thereby excluding disease conditions that may increase RAGE expression in sperm or contribute to low sperm quality. The study does not address how RAGE expression may be affected in other patient subpopulations or disease states associated with male infertility. Sperm analysis by flow cytometry is not amenable to the study of males with a low sperm count. Results of this study suggest that RAGE expression is a molecular maker of sperm cell health, which may be used for improvements in assisted reproduction through the removal of RAGE expressing sperm and facilitate in the diagnoses of unexplained infertility through its use as a biomarker of male infertility. The study was funded by the Irish Research Council under the Government of Ireland Programme (GOIPG/2015/3729) and the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Partnership Programme (IP-2020-0952). All authors declare no competing interests.

Barriers and facilitators of the use of clinical informatics resources to facilitate pharmacogenomic implementation in resource-limited settings.

Understand perceived barriers to and facilitators of using clinical informatics applications for pharmacogenomic (PGx) implementation in resource-limited settings. We conducted a qualitative research study using a semi-structured interview guide informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Interview questions assessed CFIR contextual determinants related to: electronic health record (EHR) infrastructure; clinical informatics personnel and resources; EHR integration of PGx test results; PGx clinical decision support (CDS) tools; institutional resources; and partner receptivity. Transcripts were coded and analyzed to identify themes. We interviewed 24 clinical informaticists and executive leaders working in rural or underserved health care settings in Montana (n = 15) and Colorado (n = 9) and identified three major themes: (1) EHR infrastructure limitations, (2) insufficient supporting resources, and (3) unique contextual considerations for resource-limited settings. EHR infrastructure limitations included limited agency related to EHR build and interoperability concerns. Theme 1 highlighted challenges associated with integrating structured data into the EHR and inadequate vendor support. Theme 2 included limited familiarity with PGx across the care team, cost concerns, and allocation of non-financial resources. Theme 3 highlighted perceptions about the clinical utility of PGx within rural and underrepresented populations. Potential facilitators, such as being able to act nimbly, were found to coexist among the reported barriers. Our results provide insight into the clinical informatics infrastructure in resource-limited settings and identify unique considerations for clinical informatics-facilitated PGx implementation. Future efforts in these settings should consider innovative partnerships and strategies to leverage facilitators and minimize barriers associated with integrating PGx CDS applications.

Water resource management and policy evaluation in Middle Eastern countries: Achieving sustainable development goal 6

This study explores the challenges and management strategies of water resources in 15 Middle Eastern countries, framed within the context of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6). This study used 123 water resource policies in Middle Eastern countries as data and employed a pre-trained large language model based on RoBERTa, trained on the SNLI and MNLI datasets, to perform text classification tasks. In combination with the TF-IDF algorithm for keyword extraction, this approach is used to systematically evaluate and compare the water resource policies of these countries. The results reveal that the region faces significant water stress, exacerbated by high population growth, climate variability, and political instability. While countries like Kuwait and the UAE utilize advanced desalination technologies to mitigate water scarcity, policy gaps in sanitation and transboundary cooperation persist. Jordan's innovative partnerships for water resource management highlight the potential of collaborative frameworks to enhance regional water security. The findings suggest that comprehensive water management strategies, including technological innovation and public-private partnerships, are essential for addressing the region's pressing water challenges. This research contributes to understanding the complexities of water governance in arid regions and offers practical implications for policymakers aiming to achieve sustainable water resource management.

THE MAIN DIRECTIONS OF INCREASING INVESTMENT ACTIVITY IN AGRICULTURE OF THE REPUBLIC OF KARAKALPAKSTAN

Agriculture plays a pivotal role in the economy of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, yet it faces significant challenges that hinder investment activity. This article explores the main directions for enhancing agricultural investment in the region, emphasizing the importance of financial incentives, infrastructure development, technological innovation, and public-private partnerships. By examining the current state of agricultural investment and identifying barriers to growth, the article proposes targeted strategies to attract both domestic and foreign investments. Ultimately, increasing investment activity is essential for improving productivity, ensuring food security, and fostering economic resilience in the region.

Food is Medicine National Summit: Transforming Health Care

Food is Medicine (FIM) interventions reflect the critical links between food security, nutrition security, health, and health equity, integrated into health care delivery. They comprise programs that provide nutritionally tailored food, free of charge or at a discount, to support disease management, disease prevention, or optimal health, linked to the health care system as part of a patient’s treatment plan. Such programs often prioritize health equity. On 26–27 April, 2023, Tufts University’s Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and Food & Nutrition Innovation Institute held a 2-day National Food is Medicine Summit with leaders, practitioners, and individuals with diverse lived experiences in health care, research, government, advocacy, philanthropy, and the private sector to identify challenges and opportunities to sustainably incorporate FIM services into the health care system and at scale. This report of a meeting describes key themes of the Summit, based on presentations and discussions on momentum around FIM, incorporating FIM in health care, tradeoffs and unintended consequences of various FIM models, scaling of programs, financing and payment mechanisms, educating and engaging the health care workforce, and federal and state government actions and opportunities on FIM. Speakers highlighted examples of recent public and private sector actions on FIM and innovative cross-sector partnerships, including state Medicaid waivers, academic and philanthropic research initiatives, health care system screenings and interventions, and collaborations including community-based organizations and/or entities outside of the food and health care sectors. Challenges and opportunities to broader implementation and scaling of FIM programs identified include incorporating FIM into health care business models, educating the health care workforce, and sustainably scaling FIM programs while leveraging the local connections of community-based organizations. This meeting report highlights recent advances, best practices, challenges, and opportunities discussed at the National Summit to inform future actions on FIM.