Regional Development Processes Research Articles

Not a Conflict Only: Potential for Digital Interaction between Israel and Palestine

The acceleration of digitalization processes, caused, in particular, by the pandemic of the new coronavirus, makes it possible to more seriously consider new technologies as a tool for solving a number of socio-economic problems, both at the local and regional and, more broadly, global levels. The relevance of the study lies in the fact that today Israel, not being an exception, has become a participant in the process of involving digital technologies to solve government problems, and the study of such opportunities can become a new contribution to the solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The agreements on cooperation between Israel and a number of Arab countries in the Middle East reached in 2020 contribute to increasing the degree of integration of this state into regional processes. The authors of the article set themselves the goal of demonstrating the opportunities that digital technologies open up to ensure interaction between the business communities of Israel and Palestine at the present stage, even in the context of the ongoing conflict. Among the materials, in addition to the collection of scientific classical proven literature of specialists in the Middle East, the authors used scientific and practical developments in the field of economics and crisis management, which made it possible to more accurately assess the situation and obtain reliable results. Among the methods, the authors used the method of decomposition of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the allocation of levels of digitalization and the subsequent construction of the concept of the possible use of digital interaction between the two countries. The result of the study was the development of their own multi-level concept for the development of such interaction, based both on their understanding of digital transformation processes and on the specifics of regional development processes. The central element of the concept developed by the authors of the article is the so-called interaction platforms (IP), which, in fact, being modern online platforms, de facto form a virtual space to ensure the interaction of the two communities in the economic, financial, educational, and social spheres. Thus, the article shows that digitalization makes it possible to overcome the existing barriers to economic development, especially for Palestine. It enables the business community of both countries to considerably reduce the significance of the current unfavorable geopolitical situation and intensify the economic component of bilateral relations. Moreover, the mechanisms we propose can operate in the context of an ongoing conflict, which is of paramount importance, since in this case there is a possibility of a gradual improvement in the economic situation in Palestine.

Unraveling the dynamic changes of high-speed rail network with urban development: Evidence from China

Previous studies have used complex network theory to examine the characteristics of China's High-Speed Rail (HSR). Nevertheless, little attention is paid to China's HSR network's dynamic evolution and the coevolution of node attributes and embedded structural characteristics. Our study builds China's HSR network using a complex network approach and spatial analysis technique to address this issue. Additionally, we employ a stochastic actor-oriented model (SAOM) to properly decompose the three types of effects on the generation of China's HSR network (i.e., network structure, attribute-based similarity, and exogenous control variables). This study discusses the underlying hypotheses and indicates that 3-cycles is a critical structural factor for the formation of China's HSR network. In terms of the effects of attribute-based similarity, cities with similar Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and geographical proximity are essential nodal drivers for the evolution of the HSR network. Notably, the administrative rank of cities exhibits a significantly negative driving force and a alter effect. These findings shed light on the interactive process of urban regional development and the dynamic evolution of the HSR network, assisting the central and local governments in enacting and implementing appropriate HSR planning policies, ultimately achieving effective urban planning and management.

The Community's Perception and Participation in the Project Plan for Merchant Arrangement and Visitor Parking at Borobudur Temple

Background and Objective: The perception and participation of the community are required for development to be successful. Perception and participation play critical roles in the regional development process. The goal of this study was to determine the community's perception and involvement in the Arrangement of Merchant and visitor parking in the Borobudur temple area. Method: Methods of mixed descriptive research. The study was carried out between March 25 and March 28, 2021. The respondent group was divided into three groups: the community living around the project plan (56 respondents), merchants in the Borobudur Temple tourism area (59 respondents), and landowners (35 respondents).
 Result: Based on the survey results, the community, in general, has a positive perception of the overall project plan, especially in the community groups/strata around the project (78.6 percent) and the landowners (96.7 percent). The public consultation activity held on Thursday, January 28, 2021, resulted in constructive suggestions and input. In the event, members of the Environmental Impact Analysis Commission were elected as community representatives, consisting of 8 representatives of merchants and 7 representatives of the surrounding community.
 Conclusion: Some people have a positive perception of the relocation project for the parking locations of merchants and visitors at Borobudur Temple, while those who have a negative perception get an understanding after participating in the socialization of the preparation of the Environmental Impact Analysis document.

Contested transition? Exploring the politics and process of regional energy planning in Indonesia

Transitioning to low carbon energy involves policies, institutions, and actors across different scales of governance. Indonesia's aspiration for a transition to low carbon energy is occurring in the dynamics of the re-scaling of environmental governance through decentralization processes. This article examines the interplays of actors at the national and provincial levels in negotiating energy futures as the energy planning processes unfold on the ground and identifies context specific factors that shape the outcomes. Further, it investigates how the regulatory framework and institutional arrangements for energy transition planning could not only generate obstacles for renewable energy transition but also open opportunities for actions. It is based on interviews with stakeholders at national and subnational levels, combined with the analysis of policy documents, studies, and relevant reports. The findings reveal emerging spaces for local actions amid constraining regulatory and institutional fields through the process of regional energy plan development. However, the ability of sub-national actors to seize these spaces is influenced by several factors, most notably political leadership, civil society engagement, political economic structure and power relations. These in-depth insights from Indonesia have wider implications for understanding the multi-scalar dynamics of energy transitions and provide useful policy recommendations for engaging subnational actors in the transition process.

Investment attractiveness of the region’s development pole: methodology and analysis

The aim of the study is to develop scientific and methodological provisions for assessing the investment attractiveness of the region’s development poles and their approbation on the materials of the Sughd region of the Republic of Tajikistan. At the same time, a methodology should be developed for determining and justifying the capital investment objects with the highest return of the region’s development pole and growth point. The main objective of the research paper is to assess the investment attractiveness of the development poles as objects that most effectively use the region’s limited resources. The research methods are based on the principles of system-complex, deterministic and causal approaches in combination with the principle of dynamism. In relation to the Tajik regions considered as quasi-economy, the following range of indicators has been substantiated and proposed: the region’s enterprises production total profitability; market conditions (the industry production volumes dynamics and the development poles); competitive situation (the large competitors number in the region); the ratio of profitable and unprofitable enterprises; average labour productivity; the growth locomotives presence in the region. Based on the accounting and analysis of these indicators, a comparative assessment of the investment attractiveness of the North Development Pole and the food industry of the Sughd region of the Republic of Tajikistan has been carried out. It has been proved that the investment attractiveness of the development pole is 2.3 times higher than the investment attractiveness of the food industry chosen as a base for comparison. The results of the study can be used in the regional investment policy development processes and state regulation of spatial development.

Analisis Sinergi Pokdarwis Desa Gondosuli dan Perhutani dalam Pengelolaan Wisata Bukit Mongkrang Karanganyar Jawa Tengah

Indonesian tourism is a leading sector that can significantly increase revenue for the country and the region. The regional tourism development process is also based on the Regional Tourism Development Master Plan. This did not escape the interfering role of the local Pokdarwis in the development of the regional tourism sector. So far, there is still a lot of potential for the tourism sector in the area that is no less interesting than the central tourism sector, one of which is the Bukit Mongkrang Tourism Destination located in Gondosuli Village, Tawangmangu District, Karanganyar Regency, Central Java which is a tourist destination resulting from the synergy between Pokdarwis with Perhutani (BUMN). Pokdarwis plays an important role in the management of Mongkrang Hill tourism. The purpose of holding this research is to find out the synergies and profit-sharing cooperation systems carried out by Perhutani and Pokdarwis in the management of Mongkrang Hill Tourism. In addition, this study aims to describe what roles Pokdarwis plays in managing Mongkrang Hill tourism and the perceived impact and what factors support and hinder the development process of Mongkrang Hill Tourism Destinations. The author uses a descriptive research method with a qualitative approach in this study. With data collection techniques obtained from in-depth interviews and field observations as primary data sources, as well as related journals and other scientific articles used as secondary sources. Data analysis was obtained in the form of a clear picture of the object of research and conclusions were drawn. The results showed that the synergy between Perhutani and Pokdarwis went smoothly, supported by the role of Pokdarwis in object management and the utilization of Mongkrang Hill Tourism potential was quite good.

Managing sustainable development in recreational and protected areas. The Dovre case, Norway

With an emphasis on integrating national parks into wider regional and local tourism development processes during the latter two decades, protected areas have gradually become more closely connected to their economic and social environments. This presupposes a dynamic approach that involves participatory planning. However, the preservation of nature and wildlife in protected areas remains a source of conflict among different stakeholders. The aim of this study is to explore how key stakeholders, with their different interests at stake, identify dilemmas, challenges, and opportunities in a national park, and to suggest how the various opinions can be integrated in an adaptive management framework for sustainable development. The main results from qualitative interviews with key stakeholders reveal three components of the adaptive management framework: 1) “Combining a bottom-up/top-down strategy in protected areas”, 2) “Channeling different user segments in protected areas”, and 3) “The dynamics between protected and surrounding areas”. The first component provides opportunities to look at sustainability issues from different perspectives, build alliances on shared values, and improve dialogue and collaboration. The second component may help national park management to maintain conservation values, for example, by using trails and guided tours. The third component may generate more attractive user experiences, guiding tourism suppliers to design and offer more attractive outdoor recreation activities and create attractive environments for economic development.

POTENTIAL ASSESSMENT OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY AND RESORT AND RECREATION SPHERE OF THE REGIONS OF UKRAINE ON THE BASIS OF SUSTAINABILITY

Introduction. Modern economic development conditions are characterized by rapid dynamics and unpredictability of global, national, and regional changes. Therefore, the development of the tourism industry and the resort and recreation sphere of Ukraine and its regions requires research into the existing potential and implementation of the principles of sustainable, balanced development by the Agenda for the 21st century in the field of travel and tourism industry developed by the World Tourism Organization. The purpose of the article is to study and systematize the characteristics of the potential of the tourism industry and the resort and recreation sphere of the regions of Ukraine based on sustainability. The results. The article examines the category "potential", clarifies the concept of the potential of the tourism industry and the resort-recreational sphere of a separate territory, improves the theoretical justification of the balanced regional development of the tourism industry and the resort-recreational sphere and methodical approaches to assessing its potential by taking into account the imperatives of balance, classification of factors and resource base. The characteristics of the current state of the tourism industry and the resort and recreation sphere of Ukraine are systematized, and their strategic orientations are outlined. The natural and geographical characteristics of the resource base for the balanced development of the studied area of the regions of Ukraine were analyzed, and the Zakarpattia region was singled out and characterized from the viewpoint of the existing forestry potential. Rating of Ukraine's regions based on the potential of tourism and recreational exploitation of forests has been constructed. Conclusions. It has been proven that Ukraine has all the potential to become a leading state in the world in terms of the potential of the tourism and resort recreation sector. Zakarpattia Oblast is a tourist attraction for Ukrainian and foreign tourists due to its existing natural and geographical resource base. The strengthening of European integration processes and international relations will contribute to the promotion of the national tourism and recreation product and integration into the world information and tourism space. It is recommended to focus on the balanced principles of regional development of the tourism and resort-recreational sphere on the interactions of man with nature and people among themselves, which aim to meet the needs of restoring the physical and mental strength of representatives of the present and future generations through the production and consumption of tourist-recreational services. Regional development processes should be based on the careful use and restoration of environmental resources and support of socio-cultural historically built values of individual territories and their inhabitants. Keywords: tourism, recreation, potential, region, sustainable, balanced development.

Diversity Management as a Key Factor in the Regional Development Process

Economy operates in a broader social system, composed of households and enterprises but also by all institutions created by people. Law and politics is created and introduced in institutions in parallel to educational, administrative activities as well as any other social activities, including those related to the natural environment we live in. These institutions operate thanks to the social capital i.e. interconnected human resources. The quality of the social capital is dependent on mutual trust and relations in the society. For this reason, social capital is of key importance for sustainable development, both as a controller of the impact of the economy on the environment as well as the basis for the future development. The environment evolves continuously, there are rapidly changing economic processes and, in consequence, their impact on the environment is changing rapidly, tool. This brings some specific challenges to the resource and quality of human knowledge and the competence level of the human capital, as the only tool for a possible reduction of all imperfections.

Analysis of the Acceptance of Sustainable Practices in Water Management for the Intensive Agriculture of the Costa de Hermosillo (Mexico)

Mexico, as many countries, relies on its aquifers to provide at least 60% of all irrigation water to produce crops every year. Often, the water withdrawal goes beyond what the aquifer can be replenished by the little rainfall. Mexico is a country that has experienced a successful process of regional development based on the adoption of intensive agricultural systems. However, this development has occurred in an unplanned way and displays shortcomings in terms of sustainability, particularly in the management of water resources. This study analysed the case of Costa de Hermosillo, which is one of the Mexican regions in which this model of intensive agriculture has been developed and where there is a high level of overexploitation of its groundwater resources. Based on the application of a qualitative methodology involving different stakeholders (farmers, policymakers, and researchers), the main barriers and facilitators for achieving sustainability in water resources management have been identified. A series of consensus-based measures were contemplated, which may lead to the adoption of sustainable practices in water management. Useful lessons can be drawn from this analysis and be applied to other agricultural areas where ground and surface water resources are overexploited, alternative water sources are overlooked, and where stakeholders have conflicting interests in water management.

Innovative development of the region as a condition for the effective development of regional tourism (on the example of the Northwestern Federal District)

This article is devoted to the topical issue of considering the relationship between the innovative development of the region and the level of tourism development in the region. The development of territories and innovative urban solutions contribute to the development of tourism, and tourism, in turn, contributes to the development of innovation and attracting investors, thus, we can talk about a two-way related process of regional tourism development and innovative development of regions. The purpose of this article is to consider the innovative development of the region as a condition for the effective development of regional tourism. The object of the study is the North-Western Federal District, the subject of the study is the level of innovative development of the region and the level of development of regional tourism in the region. To achieve the goal of the work, it is necessary to solve the following tasks: to analyze the conceptual apparatus; to give a brief description of the regions of the Northwestern Federal District from two positions (from the point of view of the region's innovativeness and from the point of view of tourism development in the region); to compare the assessments of the regions of the Russian Federation according to various ratings; to calculate the Spearman correlation coefficient. In the course of the research, the works of domestic scientists devoted to the problems of regional tourism development, the formation of the main trends in the development of the domestic tourist market of individual regions, the study of the tourist potential of individual territories, etc. were studied. Methods of statistical and system analysis, methods of theoretical and practical generalization were used to obtain the main results. As a result of the article, it is concluded that regardless of the methodology for assessing the development of regional tourism, there is a direct relationship between the level of innovative development of the region according to the criterion of socio-economic conditions of innovation activity and the level of development of regional tourism.

AFRICAN VECTOR IN INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY STRATEGY IN THE 21ST CENTURY (POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS)

The research article is concerned with the mechanisms of cooperation between India and African countries in the latest historical period. The international support that India has provided to many African countries over the decades underscores the political commitment of the Indian leadership to speak on behalf of the nations of the global South. The government of Narendra Modi focuses on the common historical struggle of Indians and Africans against the colonial powers, as on the importance of developing cooperation in the politics, economy, energy, education, culture and humanitarian issues. The parties are interested in developing new approaches to environmental protection, and closely cooperate within the framework of the UN mechanism for sustainable development, actively participating in the formation and discussion of the climate agenda. Three successful Africa-India summits (in 2008, 2011 and 2015) showed a common interest in expanding the nature and areas of interaction. Moreover, India, experiencing an acute need for primary energy resources and minerals, sees in Africa not only a potential supplier of those resources, but also a capacious market for its products. In pursuit of all the interests mentioned, India, on the way of cooperation with African countries, often encounters the unpreparedness of African colleagues for direct dialogue, as well as opposition from other major players operating in the region. Among them, the UK and China play a key role. The authors come to the conclusion that at present India has a clear and comprehensive strategy for promoting its interests in Africa and considers the continent as a strategic one. At the same time, a large number of the variables associated with a specific process of interaction and regional development remain in the system of cooperation between India and African countries.

Features of regional development processes in modern conditions

The relevance of the study is due to the issues of the successful development of any economic system based on the high dynamism of its links. The purpose of the study is to reveal the features of the processes of regional development at the present stage. The article touches upon the topic of the administrative-territorial division of the Republic of Kazakhstan, gives a comparison by the size of the regions, gives the features of their development. The authors focus on the complex solution of the problems of regional development. As a research task, the authors attempted to assess and systematize the features of regional development in Kazakhstan. Considered and given the characteristics of the socio-economic development of the regions. The taxonomic levels of research and the views of scientists who have made a great contribution to the development of theoretical concepts of regional science are analyzed. The article substantiates the priority and effectiveness of the application of the «smart specialization» model to the development process of the region. The characteristics of the sectors of the economy of the raw material region are determined. The effects of the transition of the raw materials region to innovative development according to the «smart specialization» model are indicated. In general, the generalization of the experience of the development of regions according to the «smart specialization» model allows us to draw certain conclusions and recommendations when implementing the «smart specialization» strategy in the regions of Kazakhstan.

National elections, sub-national growth: the politics of Turkey’s provincial economic dynamics under AKP rule

AbstractDespite a large body of work on the impacts of institutions on subnational growth and development, economic geographers have, in the last decades, frequently overlooked the role of politics and, in particular, that of national political economies. Drawing on the political science literature, the article argues that studying national political dynamics is still key to understand the cumulative process of uneven regional development. Using data from Turkey over the period 2004–2016, the article shows how national electoral politics and government actions have significantly affected provincial growth patterns. The impact is substantive and increases in election years. Results also suggest that the central government may have influenced sub-national growth trajectories in different ways, including boosting the construction sector and expanding public employment.

Modeling of innovative processes of regional development

Innovative processes in the development of the region are essential. It’s necessary to effectively investigate and manage them. In Russia, increased requirements for innovation, innovative digital interactions, and infrastructures. The purpose of the work is system analysis and modeling of regional development processes, testing of the built model. The evolutionary potential of the region is also being explored. The work uses methods of system analysis, decision-making, mathematical modeling, situational and comparative analysis. For stable and dynamic regions, various system goals of innovative development are considered: corporate, business-oriented, functional, production, etc. The main results of the article: analysis of systemic problems and solutions for the innovative development of regions, the construction and study of a model of dynamics of evolution, potential and indices in the conditions of a variety of innovative changes (diffusion, innovation, investment, etc.). Uncertainties in the environment (restructuring in the region) are also taken into account. The task of identification of the constructed model, possibility of situational forecasting and support of strategic management with its help is considered. The test example for the model takes into account the dynamics of funds and the consumption of the situation. The dynamic characteristics of regional innovation should lead to qualitative changes, and the sustainability of the region is determined by the dynamic relationships of structures. Therefore, it’s important to consider synergistic interactions such as "region – innovation – investment – evolutionary potential". The model we have discussed can also be complicated and improved by complicating the submodels involved and the modeling hypotheses considered. But in this form, it’s suitable for relevant situational modeling.

Place-Based Policy in the “Just Transition” Process: The Case of Polish Coal Regions

One of the pillars of the European Union’s Green Deal is the “Just Transition Mechanism”, which is interpreted here as providing fair access to diverse resources; above all, as a far-reaching reorientation of the approach to regional development and policy-making processes. Rooted in a normative approach to the development of just and fair place-based policy towards promoting growth in Poland, this paper aims to highlight the challenges posed by the Just Transition Mechanism in two selected Polish transition territories (Upper Silesia and Bełchatów Basin). The research methodology employs literary critical analysis along with an examination of pertinent documents, strategic plans and programs created at national and regional EU member levels. Additionally, interviews were conducted with key actors across the spectrum of the process. The authors argue that place-based policy, viewed as a new model of shaping regional policy, seeks to meet the expectations of the Just Transition Mechanism and can successfully face the challenges it encounters. The research reveals a significant gap between the analyzed transition territories in terms of knowledge and substantive preparation towards enacting the process. Visible deficits were noted in both regions concerning approaches to programming, particularly with reference to information policy and networking with partners.

Contorting transformations: Uneven impacts of the U.S.–Mexico automotive industrial complex

Contrary to the triumphalist rhetoric that describes the automotive industry as a lever for both regional development in North America and industrial upgrading in Mexico, this article argues that the formation of the Mexico–U.S. automotive complex has instead been consolidated on the basis of longstanding processes of uneven regional development. To make this argument, the paper examines how global economic restructuring, trade policies, domestic economic development processes, transnational firm decision making and the maintenance of the geopolitical border have reproduced extreme wage differences between the United States and Mexico, resulting in the creation of a regional automotive sector that is both highly integrated and highly unequal. In this scenario, both nations are home to profoundly different industrial landscapes: the U.S. hosts the highest value-added links of the production chain, monopolizing processes of innovation and scientific and technological knowledge production, while in contrast, Mexico manufactures the most labour intense and lowest value-added links of the automotive production chain. From this perspective, the Mexican economy can be essentially understood as an export manufacturing platform which derives its ‘competitiveness’ from the aggressive industry maintenance of low wages.

A Critical Ethnography of Myanmar Migrants’ Grassroots Multilingualism at a Chinese Massage Parlour

While China is broadening its gateway into South Asia and Southeast Asia, millions of foreign migrant workers cross the border and seek their transnational fortune in China’s border provinces. However, within the existing literature in migrant workers in China, language is rarely a research target in itself. As one of the important social actors language plays a key role shaping migrant workers’ life trajectories. Adopting Spolsky’s language policy theory and following the critical ethnography with migrant workers (Han, 2013; Mathews, 2011), this study explores the interplay of national polices of massage parlour management at a macro level, employers’ stipulations of managing Myanmar migrants at a meso level and Myanmar migrants’ language practices at micro level. Grounded upon critical sociolinguistic ethnography, data is collected from a China’s massage parlour at border town through the participant observation in and out of massage parlour, field notes, semi-structured interviews and documents. The study probes into how Chinese geopolitics of the wider process of regional development facilitates or constrains Myanmar migrants, how they mobilize social resources to expand their multilingual repertoires and how Chinese employer manages Myanmar migrants in language and life aspects. Findings reveal that there is no specific language policy at the recruitment stage. However, when Myanmar migrant workers start to work, language emerges as implicit but powerful medium streaming the likelihood of upward mobility. Other social factors, such as gender, nationality, religion and class also influence their mobility and integration into China’s local society. The study expands the understanding of language management and grassroots multilingualism in the context of globalization from below. Also the study provides implications on language policy making, migrants integration and education for migrants of multilingual backgrounds.

Sustainability of agricultural production following deforestation in the tropics: Evidence on the value of newly-deforested, long-deforested and forested land in the Brazilian Amazon

Tropical deforestation has typically been characterized as a process with persistent environmental costs (in the form of biodiversity and ecosystem services loss) and short-lived economic benefits (in the form of one-off timber harvests and agricultural fertility boosts). However, this characterization is largely based on agronomic study of tropical soils, and does not fully capture the long-term agricultural potential of cleared land. Landowners can make investments to improve fertility and raise productivity, extending the time horizons over which agriculture is profitable. Whether they choose to make these investments depends on available technologies, the relative prices of inputs and outputs, and the cost of the alternative strategy of clearing additional forest. There is little evidence on how agricultural productivity in the tropics changes over time for individual farmers, because regional development processes confound changes in land productivity when aggregate data are used. Understanding the trajectory of returns to land after tropical deforestation matters because the effectiveness of policies to limit deforestation, promote reforestation, and encourage agricultural intensification all depend on the values of forested and deforested land to farmers and the time horizons over which those values are maintained. This paper estimates the contributions of forested, newly-deforested, and long-deforested land to total property values reported by smallholders in established agrarian settlements in the western Brazilian Amazon. We find—during a decade in which the Brazilian government significantly strengthened its enforcement of forest laws—that deforested land retained its value, the value of forested land increased relative to cleared land, and the value of newly cleared land declined.

LIÊN KẾT PHÁT TRIỂN DU LỊCH KHU VỰC MIỀN TRUNG THỰC TRẠNG VÀ GIẢI PHÁP PHÁT TRIỂN BỀN VỮNG

The article focuses on analyzing and clarifying such potentials of the Central region to develop tourism as abundant natural resources - tourism products with unique identity and world-class quality brand; favorable geographical location and connection opportunities for tourism development. Besides, it also points out the shortcomings in tourism development in the region. For instance, the linkage in tourism development among the components, the territorial parts are not really tight, the tourism activities of the region have not fully exploited its potential and vantages yet and have not become the main factor in creating the linkage process of national and regional development. On the basis, solutions to connecting tourism development at local, national and regional levels are proposed in order to exploit the potentials efficiently, and promote effective and sustainable development in the coming time.