Influence Of Policy Research Articles

PUBLIC POLICIES AND THEIR IMPACT ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to identify the impact of public policies on economic development through a systematic review method. Theoretical Framework: The paper emphasizes the role of decentralization in allowing governments to implement efficient public policies that drive economic development, referencing Kitchenham’s guidelines for systematic literature review. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) based on 55 selected studies. Data were extracted and synthesized to answer 8 research questions related to the impact of public policies on economic sectors and development. Findings: The review identified that public policies significantly impact economic development, particularly in the industry and environment sectors. Countries like China are leading in policy application for growth. Decentralization enhances policy effectiveness by allowing local adaptation. However, gaps remain in understanding the influence of public policies in less-explored sectors, highlighting the need for further research. Research, Practical & Social Implications: The study suggests that public policies play a critical role in shaping economic development, particularly in sectors like industry and environmental policy. Future research should focus on extending these findings to other sectors. Originality/Value: This research adds to the growing body of knowledge by synthesizing existing studies and identifying key sectors and metrics for evaluating the impact of public policies on economic development.

Performance evaluation of UKESM1 for surface ozone across the pan-tropics

Abstract. Surface ozone monitoring sites in the tropics are limited, despite the risk that surface ozone poses to human health, tropical forest and crop productivity. Atmospheric chemistry models allow us to assess ozone exposure in unmonitored locations and evaluate the potential influence of changing policies and climate on air quality, human health and ecosystem integrity. Here, we utilise in situ ozone measurements from ground-based stations in the pan-tropics to evaluate ozone from the UK Earth system model, UKESM1, with a focus on remote sites. The study includes ozone data from areas with limited previous data, notably tropical South America, central Africa and tropical northern Australia. Evaluating UKESM1 against observations beginning in 1987 onwards, we show that UKESM1 is able to capture changes in surface ozone concentration at different temporal resolutions, albeit with a systematic high bias of 18.1 nmol mol−1 on average. We use the diurnal ozone range (DOR) as a metric for evaluation and find that UKESM1 captures the observed DOR (mean bias of 2.7 nmol mol−1 and RMSE of 7.1 nmol mol−1) and the trend in DOR with location and season. Results from this study reveal that hourly ozone concentrations from UKESM1 require bias correction before use for impact assessments based on human and ecosystem health. Indeed, hourly surface ozone data have been crucial to this study, and we encourage other modelling groups to include hourly surface ozone output as a default.

Wetland restoration, household income, and livelihood structure of farmers

BackgroundWetland restoration is an important measure for restoring wetland ecosystems and their ecological benefits, with the goal of restoring their ecological functions and resources. However, wetland restoration affects farmers' incomes and livelihoods. Although existing research has contributed to a deeper understanding of the relationship between wetland restoration and farmers' household incomes, some issues require further consideration. Therefore, here, we aimed to analyse the impact of wetland restoration on farmers' incomes and provide empirical evidence for the coordination mechanism of protection and development in the Poyang Lake Wetland in Jiangxi Province.MethodsBased on 2 years of balanced panel data of 365 households around the Poyang Lake wetland, this study analysed the influence of policies related to wetland restoration and how variables such as the cultivated land area, labour force transfer, and location of nature reserves impact farmers' income. To this end, we used a two-way fixed-effect model to test the robustness by using propensity score matching, and the influence mechanisms of wetland protection policies, such as wetland restoration, wetland ecological compensation, and the Yangtze River fishing ban, on farmers' income interactions were explored.Results and discussionThe results showed that, due to the policy of wetland restoration was implemented a long time ago, the negative impact of the policy on reducing farmers' household income is not significant now. Further, farmers' family livelihood strategies have changed, and choosing other types of agricultural production and off farm employment are currently the main choices for farmers. Wetland restoration has changed their income structures. Additionally, the two wetland restoration policies and banning of fishing have had synergistic effects. The findings of this study are helpful in understanding how wetland restoration around nature reserves influences farmers' household incomes. Further, they can provide policy insights for promoting an increase in income and the optimization of the income structure of communities around lake wetland nature reserves.

A Call for Afrocentric Decolonial Endogenous Marketing and Public Policy Research and Practice: Toward Sustainable Peace and Well-Being in African Societies

Africa experiences one-third of all conflicts globally, resulting in the diminishment of human, social, and economic well-being; high levels of insecurity; poverty; and disrupted marketing systems. Drawing on the experiences of African countries, the article illuminates the ways in which the slave trade and, later, the colonization of the African continent fomented the social and economic convulsions that continue to erupt into continuing cycles of social conflict. Today these are manifested in the neocolonial influence of public policy on the continent by international organizations, funding bodies, and local and international institutions that control the public policy discourse and resources. The authors argue that if marketing systems are to enhance well-being and reduce social conflict, marketing policy makers need to contest failed “external to Africa” policy frameworks and look to endogenous policies better suited to contemporary African challenges. A case study of Rwanda illuminates how endogenous, “home-grown” decolonial and Afrocentric policy can create enduring peace and improve marketing systems and well-being. The authors call for research at the nexus of public policy and African marketing systems that adopts decolonized, endogenous, and Afrocentric perspectives to address this lacuna in marketing and public policy research and practice.

Health Equity in AI Development and Policy: An AI-enabled Study of International, National and Intra-national AI Infrastructures

This study examines how concerns related to equity in AI for health are reflected at the international, national, and sub-national level. Utilizing unsupervised learning over corpora of published AI policy documents and graph structurization and analysis, the research identifies and visualizes the presence and variation of these concerns across different geopolitical contexts. The findings reveal interesting differences in how these issues are prioritized and addressed, highlighting the influence of local policies and cultural factors. The study underscores the importance of tailored approaches to AI governance in healthcare, advocating for increased global collaboration and knowledge sharing to ensure equitable and ethical AI deployment. By providing a comprehensive analysis of policy documents, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the global landscape of AI in health, potentially offering insights for policymakers and stakeholders.

Arts management and economic development: The role of cultural organizations in China’s regional growth

This study explores the role of arts management in regional economic development within major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. Cultural organizations—such as museums, theaters, and galleries—contribute significantly to local economies through tourism, job creation, and the enhancement of cultural branding. Using a qualitative approach, 18 semi-structured interviews with arts managers and policymakers selected based on their influential roles in cultural organizations across these cities. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis, which identified key themes including the economic impact of cultural organizations, the influence of government policies, challenges in arts management, and the role of cultural tourism in fostering regional growth. The findings reveal that while government policies play a pivotal role in supporting cultural organizations, providing crucial funding, tax incentives, and infrastructure development, concerns remain about the long-term sustainability of funding due to shifting political and economic priorities. Additionally, arts managers face challenges related to balancing artistic goals with financial viability, particularly as the sector becomes increasingly competitive and technology-dependent. Key challenges identified include securing stable funding sources, adapting to digital technologies, talent retention, and maintaining artistic integrity amid commercial pressures. The study highlights the need for diversified funding models such as public-private partnerships and alternative revenue streams and suggests further exploration into the role of smaller cultural organizations in rural regions to promote inclusive regional development. Practical recommendations include developing strategies to enhance financial sustainability, investing in digital capabilities, and formulating policies that provide long-term support for the cultural sector. Overall, the research contributes to a better understanding of how effective arts management can drive regional economic development and offers practical recommendations for strengthening the sustainability of China’s cultural sector.

Reshaping the Baltic Identity: Russian Soft Power and the Security Strategies of Latvia and Estonia

Purpose: This research paper delves into the crucial influence of Russian soft power policies on Latvia and Estonia's national identities and security strategies, with a particular focus on their Russian-speaking populations. Methodology: Utilizing a constructivist approach, the study conducts a comparative discourse analysis of security strategies and identity dynamics in the Baltic States before and after the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the onset of the Russian-Ukrainian war in 2022. Main Findings: The analysis reveals how Latvia and Estonia construct their national identities in opposition to Russia, framing it as a negative Other while viewing the EU as a positive reference point. This dynamic significantly shapes their security policies. Implications: The findings of this research underscore the pivotal role of national identities in shaping security strategies. They also provide valuable insights into the broader implications for European integration in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions. Novelty: This research offers a unique perspective on the interaction between Russian-speaking minorities and national identity formation in Latvia and Estonia. It contributes to a deeper understanding of security in the context of soft power dynamics, providing a nuanced view that is distinct from existing literature.

Decolonizing Ukrainian Art History

Abstract In this article, we analyze the influence of the colonial policy of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union on Ukrainian art-historical writing. As we shall reveal, the mechanisms of knowledge production created during that period continued to operate after the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine in 1991. The limitations that were imposed on the art-historical community, which can be regarded as colonial, shaped the crucial narratives (of the “triune nation”) and dictated the thematic scope of Ukrainian scholarship. The new notion of “mysteztvoznavstvo,” introduced in 1937 instead of the previously established Theory and History of Art, eventually led to a profound rift between Soviet Russian and Ukrainian scholarship and the Western world more generally. “Mysteztvoznavstvo” was supposed to be an umbrella term for art history, theory, and art criticism but ended up doing a disservice to each domain. Art theory in Ukraine was virtually nonexistent, whereas art history was mixed with art criticism, resulting in writing that did not meet widely accepted academic standards. This led to the isolation of Ukrainian scholars, who were confined to the Russian-speaking community and had very limited access to foreign scholarship. We also analyze the decolonization processes in the history of Ukrainian art prompted by the invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine after 2013, such as The Revolution of Dignity and “decommunization.” We argue that horizontal art history and decolonial approaches cannot adequately be applied if colonial tools are still used by the discipline. Epistemic decolonization can only be achieved after challenging the standards of “mysteztvoznavstvo” and, thus, by dividing art studies into three separate domains: art history, art theory, and art criticism, as each discipline has its own goals and methods.

Article: Redefining Global Trade: The Interplay of Geopolitics, Economic Resilience, and Sustainability?

This paper explores the shifting dynamics of global trade amid rising geopolitical tensions between the United States, the European Union, and China. It traces the evolution from post-World War II American-led globalization to hyperglobalization, where China emerged as a global manufacturing powerhouse. While hyperglobalization spurred economic growth and lowered consumer prices, it also led to job losses, income inequality, and environmental degradation in developed economies.The COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing US-China trade conflict have accelerated a shift towards economic resilience and national security. The US has responded by decoupling from China, particularly in critical sectors like technology and clean energy, viewing economic policy as integral to national security. Meanwhile, the EU, though aligned with the US in geopolitical concerns, remains economically dependent on China and has adopted a more regulatory approach. The EU seeks to balance its economic ties with China by leveraging trade regulations, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), to encourage Chinese investment while promoting higher environmental and social standards.The paper also examines the increasing influence of environmental policies on trade, noting how both the US and EU are integrating sustainability into their trade frameworks. However, this trend raises concerns about the potential for environmental regulations to become trade barriers, further complicating international relations.

Modeling The Evolution of Community Structure by the Dynamic Network Analysis: Sustainability Transition in Kyoto Eco-School Districts, Japan

Sustainability transition increasingly relies on local institutional settings and community-based efforts where local agencies play pivotal roles. A significant gap lies in understanding the dynamic interplay among community-based organizations over time that shape evolving strategic collaborations in different stages to drive local institutional change. This study adopts a dynamic network approach to map the evolving community structure, identify key organizations, and detect collaboration patterns among local actors by the case study of Kyoto, Japan. Furthermore, it explores the influence of significant events and policies on the network evolution. The study uncovers three main findings. Firstly, a three-stage evolution of the local network is concluded that presents incremental change towards an expanding, decentralized community structure, forming collaborative governance. Secondly, five collaboration patterns and their dynamics are revealed, reflecting evolving strategic alliances that play different roles in leveraging resources throughout the process. Thirdly, the effects of policies and events on the network are well reflected and explained through matching the time series data. The Kyoto case uncovers hidden community dynamics that illuminate local pathways to sustainable practices, offering guidance for policymaking and practices that resonate more broadly with globally relevant contexts.

The Influence of Profitability and Dividend Policy on Company Stock Prices with Good Corporate Governance as a Moderating Variable (Study on IDX High Dividend 20 Period 2020-2022)

The research conducted aims to see the effect of profitability ratio, dividend policy on stock prices with good corporate governance as a moderating variable on the IDX High Dividend 20 index for the period 2020-2022. The analysis techniques used are descriptive statistics, classical assumption tests, moderated regression analysis (MRA) tests, and hypothesis tests with the SPSS version 29 program. The results of this study indicate that partially profitability has an effect on stock prices, dividend policy has no effect on stock prices and good corporate governance cannot moderate the relationship between profitability and dividend policy on stock prices on the IDX High Dividend 20 for the period 2020-2022.

Under the Belt and Road Initiative: A comparative study of the China investment in construction sector in Southeast Asia

This study investigates the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on the construction sector in Southeast Asia, focusing on Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Qualitative research approach is used to analyze the implications of Chinese investments in these countries, exploring both the opportunities and challenges faced by Chinese investors. Key research questions address the resilience of the construction sector, the obstacles encountered by investors, and the influence of policy on the construction business. Through interviews with CEOs and senior managers of major construction companies and a review of relevant documents, the study uncovers the economic and geopolitical motivations behind China’s BRI strategy. The findings reveal significant insights into the benefits and drawbacks of BRI financing, providing recommendations for overcoming challenges and leveraging future opportunities in Southeast Asian construction sectors.

Honouring the competences of young children

Guðrún Alda Hardardóttir is a contemporary colleague with joint research interests, anchored in Iceland, and in Sweden. We have both researched preschool pedagogy, the view of the child, play, and education for sustainability. The aim of this article is to highlight the view on toddlers and play in the Swedish preschool, and how universal access to preschools in the Nordic countries has influenced societal and educational understandings of childhood. Parallel to this development, the global policy and implementation of children’s rights has strengthened children’s position in society. Furthermore, the article aims to campaign for children‘s rights as actors in education for sustainability. By analyzing the influence of these access policies and their alignment with global children’s rights initiatives, the article underscores the importance of Early Childhood Education for Sustainability, advocating young children as key contributors to transformative societal changes.

The impact of the carbon reduction policy effectiveness on energy companies' ESG performance

As one of the largest sources of carbon emissions, energy companies are motivated to improve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance to attract investment and meet sustainability goals under the constraints of carbon reduction policies. However, it is currently unclear whether and how carbon reduction policies can help energy companies improve their ESG performance. Therefore, this paper comprehensively examines the impact of carbon reduction policies on the ESG performance of energy companies. First, we use the content analysis method to construct a novel index as a proxy of policy influence based on policy text, i.e., the carbon reduction policy effectiveness (CRPE) index. Then, we empirically examine the impact of CRPE on the ESG performance of energy companies using the panel data of Chinese A-share listed energy companies from 2010 to 2022. The empirical study shows that the CRPE can significantly improve the ESG performance of energy companies and remains robust to robustness tests. Mechanism tests show that it is due to the increase in executives with environmental backgrounds and executive compensation. For the three indicators (E, S, and G) of ESG performance, CRPE promotes environmental and social performance but reduces governance performance. Notably, the effect of CRPE on the ESG performance of clean energy companies and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) is more significant. These findings enrich environmental economic theories and provide a reference for energy companies to promote ESG practices and the low-carbon transition, helping to accelerate the process of carbon neutrality.

Políticas gubernamentales en pandemia y el Plan Nacional de Competitividad y Productividad

The study presents an analysis of government policies implemented during the pandemic in Peru and their impact on the National Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity (PNCP). Measures taken in areas such as health, economy, education, and security are examined, highlighting their comprehensiveness and the progress observed until June 2024. Despite challenges, significant compliance with PNCP objectives was achieved, reflecting the country's resilience. The study demonstrates the crucial influence of government policies on long-term competitiveness and productivity. Future research on the long-term economic and social impact of these policies is suggested, along with possible additional strategies to enhance governmental response to similar crises.

IS THE OIL AND GAS BLOCK POLICY IN IDONESIA EFFECTIVE? EMPIRICAL APPROACH BASED ON COMPANY RATING DEVELOPMENTS

Objective: This study aims to identify the empirical influence of the assessment criteria for Indonesian oil and gas auctions on total oil and gas block production. The role of remaining concession time, contract policy and block size are considered. Theoretical Framework: In this topic, the concepts and agency theories underlying the research are presented, providing a strong basis for understanding the context of the influence of oil and gas block policies in Indonesia. Method: This research uses an exploratory quantitative approach. The research sample consisted of 157 petroleum and 140 natural gas blocks that had carried out production activities. Ordinary least square (OLS) regression used to empirically test the hypothesis. Results and Discussion: The results show that the ranking of oil and gas companies has a significant positive effect on the productivity of blocks. Meanwhile, remaining concession time has a significant positive relationship only for the natural gas. This research also found a significant negative effect of the gross split contract on block production. Finally, it was found that company ranking had a positive and significant effect on production both in large and small blocks. However, the relationship between ranking and productivity is stronger and more consequential for large-scale blocks compared to small-scale blocks. Research Implications: Contract policymakers need to review the gross split policy because it is not in line with the initial goal of increasing efficiency. The results clearly show that strict government policies can reduce agency costs while encouraging oil and gas production, however, this can hinder the competitiveness of the sector. The government does not need to give excessive priority to high-ranking companies in managing small-scale blocks in order to attract new investors. Originality/Value: To the best of our knowledge, this research is the first study to develop a ranking method for oil and gas companies in Indonesia.

Research on the Development Trend of New Energy Electric Vehicles in China based on Mathematical Model

As the global economic development moves closer to the direction of green sustainability, the international automobile market pays more and more attention to the development of new energy vehicles. New energy electric vehicle (NEV), as a kind of new energy vehicles, has developed rapidly in recent years due to its characteristics of low pollution, low energy consumption, peak power consumption and adjustment capacity, and has been welcomed by global consumers and governments. The Chinese government conforms to the development of The Times and actively promotes the development of its industry. This paper aims to study the development trend of China's new energy electric vehicles in China, through the establishment of multiple linear regression equation model analysis of different factors of new energy electric vehicles, and using the stochastic comparison model compared the influence of new energy electric vehicles on the traditional energy vehicle industry, and establish the influence factor model, analyze the international policy influence on the development of new energy electric vehicles, in the whole research process to test and the advantages and disadvantages analysis.

Hospital policies as a tool to reduce gaps between ethnic groups of employees and patients

Abstract Background As diverse organizations, hospitals require an inclusive culture that respects and promotes ethnic diversity. Violence, a threat to this diversity, hampers effective organizational functioning. Our study delves into the positive influence of cultural diversity policies and communication about violence on the perception of the hospital’s atmosphere regarding ethnic differences among health employees. It enhances hospital labor relations and mitigates the risk of workplace violence. Methods 372 hospital employees with an average tenure of 6.5 and an average age of 38 filled out an online close-ended questionnaire (83% are Israeli Jews, 68% are female). 91% report working closely with people from different ethnic origins. Respondents ranked the atmosphere in the hospital regarding ethnic differences between employees and patients, the hospital’s cultural diversity policy, and organizational communication about violence. Data were analyzed by SPSS 28. Results Positive correlations were found between variables. A positive atmosphere was significantly related to the hospital’s cultural diversity policy (r=.14, p=.002) and to organizational communication about violence (r=.22, p< .001). However, the regression analysis (with control variables age, sex, and managerial role) revealed that despite employees acknowledging the hospital’s efforts to address diversity and violence, these factors only predict 10% of the variance of the hospital atmosphere [F(5, 366) = 8.346, p < .001; R²=.10]. Conclusions The hospital should increase actions that will improve the ethnic atmosphere in the hospital. Understanding how the encounter, where employees and patients from diverse ethnic backgrounds interact, influences the hospital’s atmosphere is crucial. These interactions can lead to tensions and offensive behaviors toward employees if not managed well. Hospitals can create an inclusive and harmonious work environment by addressing these tensions. Key messages • A cultural diversity policy and communication are necessary to maintain harmonious working relationships. It is essential, particularly in health organizations characterized by ethnic diversity. • Reducing the perception of ethnic differences may increase well-being and decrease violence. While hospitals often don’t prioritize these issues, this study forefront their influence and importance.

4.A. Skills building seminar: Waves of community health engagement and governance: innovating through a design-as-policy approach

Abstract In this workshop we will engage our participants in a practice oriented exercise to experiment with a collaborative design-as-policy approach for a community health action plan. The exercise will be based on the lessons learned in two large evaluation projects: 1) an 8-year evaluation of the Dutch All about Health (AaH) platform of social health initiatives on the local, regional and national level; and 2) a comparative multiple case study, including Portugal, building a framework for sustainable citizen engagement, published in the WHO Handbook ‘Voice, Agency, Empowerment: The Handbook on Social Participation for UHC’. Both projects show striking similarities in findings, and developed guidance for devising collaborative action through (a) the use of community platforms, (b) concrete engagement mechanisms and (c) mediating civil society organizations. These will be brought together in a Guidance Tool that participants will work with in the exercise. The aim of the tool is to support initiatives to bring together both top-down participatory efforts and bottom-up grassroots movements in order to anchor community and minority voices into policy decision-making for a more level playing field for policy influence. The aim of the workshop is to let participants experiment with the Guidance Tool and develop collaborative design-as-policy skills. The outline of the skills building exercise: 1. Group introductions using Mentimeter and invitation to pick a particular complex health issue from participants’ own work or community setting (5 mins). 2. Three pitches on the projects, the Portugal case and the Guidance Tool (10 mins). 3. Exercise instructions (5 mins). 4. Exercise (35 mins) a. Upon room entrance participants receive a colored badge based on their professional background: public health professional/practitioner, community resident, researcher or policymaker; b. Form small sub groups of 6-8 participants with different backgrounds (2 mins); c. Introduce with key words on paper their respective complex community health issues and sub group jointly selects one issue for which most information and experience is present (6 mins); d. First round in duos within sub group: participants work through the guidance steps to an initial idea for the collaborative action approach consisting of a community platform, engagement mechanisms, and mediating civil society organizations, drawn out on paper (10 mins); e. Second round in duos within the sub group: duos review another duos initial design idea and conduct an intuitive SWOT analysis of feasibility, acceptability, and practicability (8 mins); f. Third round in sub group: compare the three proposals in SWOT perspective, select the most salient one, and improve with strong elements from other proposals (8 mins); g. Summarize in key words the final proposal and enter into Mentimeter. 5. Plenary wrap up using Mentimeter: select the winning proposal, and evaluate the exercise (5 mins). Key messages • Collaborative action is enhanced considerably through (a) the use of community platforms, (b) concrete engagement mechanisms and (c) mediating civil society organizations. • The Guidance Tool offers concrete steps for designing a reflexive and adaptive structure and process for community collaborative action and self-governance. Speakers/Panelists Marleen Bekker Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands Dheepa Rajan WHO, Brussels, Belgium Goncalo Figueiredo Augusto National Health Council, Lisbon, Portugal

Healthcare Provider Narratives of the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pregnant and Parenting Youth in Canada: A Qualitative Study

The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant challenges for healthcare providers working with pregnant and parenting youth. However, the impacts of the pandemic on this population and healthcare services from the perspective of healthcare providers are not well documented in Canada. We examined the narratives and experiences of healthcare providers regarding these impacts and explored the challenges to service provision. Using a qualitative interpretative description (ID) approach, we recruited 25 health and service providers from Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia for individual qualitative interviews. Our analysis resulted in three themes: complexities of health service provision during COVID-19, healthcare providers’ accounts of impacts on pregnant and parenting youth, and leveraging challenges into opportunities for service provision. Participants described the influence of pandemic policies and distancing measures on accessibility of health services, availability of healthcare resources and personnel, and well-being of their clients. They also reported increased mental health issues, isolation, and exacerbation of inequities within this population. Providers highlighted the role of telemedicine in ensuring some degree of continuity of care. Additionally, they commented on service adaptations to address the evolving needs of their clients. Our findings underline the need for a resilient and adaptable healthcare system that can better support the needs of vulnerable populations during crises.