Governance Reform Research Articles

Barriers to uptake of harm reduction techniques for GBMSM who use drugs in night-clubs and sex-on-premises venues in London and the Southeast: a mixed-methods, qualitative study

BackgroundDrug-related harm is a significant public health concern in the UK, particularly among underserved groups such as gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). This study explores the role of night-time venues (for example night clubs or sex-on-premises venues) in promoting harm reduction strategies for GBMSM who use drugs, highlighting unique challenges within these spaces.MethodsThe study used a mixed-methods approach, including an online survey (n = 53) and semi-structured interviews (n = 8). Participants included GBMSM with lived experience of substance use in night-time venues, as well as those providing support to this population. Data was collected through a Likert-scale survey and thematic analysis of qualitative responses.ResultsFindings reveal dissatisfaction among survey respondents about the level of support for harm reduction provided by night-time venues, which are perceived as inconsistent in their approach towards substance use. The study also identifies economic and legal barriers faced by venues that prevent the endorsement of harm reduction techniques.ConclusionsAddressing these barriers could transform night-time venues into effective sites for harm reduction, particularly by targeting “afters” culture (the phenomenon where club-goers will return to a residential setting and continue substance use for prolonged periods ‘after’ the night-time venue closes or the event ends) and promoting safer practices. This research suggests that coordinated efforts with local government and policy reform are crucial to fostering safer environments for GBMSM.

Punishment or mercy? Tripartite game between the State, offenders, and victims in China’s environmental crime governance

China is attempting restorative justice reforms in environmental crime governance. However, a discrepancy remains between the ideal and the reality of environmental restorative justice (ERJ), particularly in balancing mercy or punishment. This study explores the strategies of the State, offenders, and victims in China’s environmental crime governance and develops a three-party evolutionary game model to analyze these interactions. Analysis of evolutionary stability identifies four potential scenarios that align with legal theory and practice during the ERJ reform process: Compromise justice, Retributive justice, Reparative justice, and Restorative justice. The simulation results based on environmental crime governance data from 2019 to 2023 indicate that current reforms are primarily oriented towards achieving reparative justice, where environmental restoration outcomes rely on punitive pressure from the State on offenders. To foster a more effective transition towards ERJ, we suggest the State maintain punishment in a moderate level through an environmental punitive compensation system. At the same time, social forces should be encouraged to participate in environmental crime governance.

Land Governance in French-Speaking Africa: Comparative Analysis of Legal and Institutional Reforms for Sustainable Management of Community Lands

In July 2009, African leaders adopted the Declaration on Land Issues in Africa, reaffirming the commitment of African Union member states to effective land management. The declaration emphasizes the protection of land rights for all, with particular attention to women and marginalized groups. Land governance in Africa, which spans various aspects of society, remains a critical issue and is often a source of conflict and instability across the continent. This study examines the legal and institutional reforms of land governance in Francophone Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Senegal), analyzing their objectives, outcomes, and the challenges associated with their implementation. In addition, this study highlights examples of both effective and ineffective reform implementations based on case studies from countries with notable successes (Ethiopia, Rwanda, Mauritius, Ghana, and Madagascar) and failures (South Africa and Zimbabwe). Finally, this study offers recommendations for improving sustainable land management while considering social, economic, political, and environmental dimensions. The methodology employed is based exclusively on a systematic review guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) approach, applied to the ROSES (Reporting Standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses) protocol. This approach facilitated the selection of 57 relevant documents retrieved from databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Land governance in Francophone Africa varies significantly from country to country and cannot be comprehensively addressed in a study of this scope. Nevertheless, this research study identifies common challenges, opportunities, and measures that could inspire reflection in other countries. In several cases, administrative and customary authorities play central roles in land management. However, their overlapping responsibilities, often marked by corruption, extend procedures and exacerbate local conflicts.

Social engagements of recently migrated adults and elderly living in urban areas: an analysis of longitudinal aging study (LASI) in India

Purpose This paper aims to examine the social engagement of individuals who have recently migrated to cities in India. The objective is to assess the capacity of these migrants to foster social connections in their newfound urban settings, aiming to advocate for urban governance reforms that facilitate inclusive planning for the holistic well-being of all residents, including migrants. Design/methodology/approach Using quantitative data from the first phase of the longitudinal aging study in India (LASI-2020), this study introduces the term “social engagement” to characterize the interactions of migrants. Incorporating 18 relevant variables, the research uses the Chi-square test to explore correlations between these factors and the social engagement of recent migrants in cities. In addition, multivariate logistic regression is used to identify traits that empower migrants to achieve significant levels of social engagement. Findings This study reveals that a substantial proportion of recent migrants (over 70%) experience social isolation in their new urban environments. Factors such as increasing age, female gender and lower educational attainment significantly contribute to this isolation. Moreover, wealth, religious affiliations and previous urban experiences play pivotal roles in shaping social engagement among urban migrants. Interestingly, age itself does not directly impact migrants’ social engagement; instead, the intersection of factors such as education, wealth and prior urban experiences assumes a critical role. Practical implications Recognizing that social engagement is an integral part of everyday life in contemporary urban societies, it is imperative for urban governance in India to establish structures and systems that facilitate social engagement for the elderly, including migrants. Urban administrators and planners must integrate these dimensions into planning and administrative processes to foster inclusivity for all elderly populations, including migrants, within urban areas. Originality/value Addressing a noticeable gap in existing literature, this paper initiates a discourse on the social engagement of recent migrants residing in Indian cities, with specific focus on the intricate interplay of aging, gender, migration status, wealth and education.

What Kind of Relationship Between Government and Business Can Stimulate Regional Green Innovation Development?—Analysis Based on Mixed Methods

China’s economic development has had adverse effects on the environment. Nevertheless, the Chinese government is optimistic about its ability to achieve a harmonious balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. To this end, the government promotes, guides, and supports green innovation through the provision of policies and the creation of a conducive environment. Enterprises play a vital role in implementing and advancing green innovation, making them essential to realizing green development through their innovative capabilities. The relationship between government and business acts as a bridge between these two entities, fostering a synergistic effect that is crucial for achieving this objective. This paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on government–business relationships and green innovation, both domestically and internationally. Utilizing data envelopment analysis, it accurately measures the green innovation efficiency of 292 prefectural-level cities in China. The paper then employs a combination of a qualitative comparative analysis and a requisite condition analysis to establish the causal link between government–business relationships and green innovation development. Our detailed analysis of the data has identified three modes of driving green innovation: ‘government service-oriented’, ‘policy support-oriented’, and ‘pro- and clean-oriented’. These modes correspond to the developmental trajectories of China’s first, second, and third–fourth–fifth-tier cities, respectively. This paper offers policy recommendations for the systematic reform and optimization of government–business relationships in China. These recommendations are grounded in the three dimensions of the government–business relationship and consider the current conditions of cities at various stages of economic development. The findings and recommendations presented in this paper can serve as valuable insights for policymakers and businesses alike, providing guidance for future initiatives aimed at fostering a more sustainable economy.

Adoption of ISSB standards in emerging markets – insights from Moroccan companies’ organizational readiness

Purpose This study aims to investigate the organizational factors determining Moroccan companies’ readiness to adopt the newly introduced International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards (International Financial Reporting Standards S1 and S2), focusing on absorptive capacity, organizational structure and size and culture and finally kakistocracy. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a quantitative approach to analyze the impact of specific organizational factors on the readiness to adopt ISSB standards by Moroccan companies. A partial least squares structural equation modeling based on a sample size of 150 Moroccan accounting professional was performed to assess the factors affecting readiness. Findings The results of the study highlight that absorptive capacity is the most significant predictor of readiness for ISSB standards adoption, with a strong positive effect and high statistical significance. Organizational structure, size and culture also positively influence readiness, though to a lesser extent. Kakistocracy has a minimal impact, suggesting its influence is limited in this context. Overall, the findings emphasize the critical role of organizational learning and structure in driving readiness, while governance issues appear to play a marginal role. Research limitations/implications The study’s limitations include the potential interaction with unmeasured variables and the reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce biases. Future research should explore additional variables and incorporate qualitative methods for deeper insights. Practical implications Policymakers should prioritize enhancing firms’ absorptive capacities through organizational improvements and targeted support while recognizing governance reforms as a secondary priority. Efforts should address barriers to ISSB adoption, such as resource limitations, regulatory alignment and stakeholder engagement, to facilitate effective integration of sustainability standards in emerging economies. Originality/value This research enriches academic discourse by providing insights into how emerging markets adapt to global sustainability frameworks. It serves as a benchmark for similar economies, guiding policymakers and corporate leaders on best practices and promoting transparency and trust among stakeholders.

The engaged parent: schooling and motherhood in the contemporary economy

ABSTRACT This paper explores parental experiences of school engagement, set against the backdrop of policy aspirations for parental involvement in schools. We suggest that the policy desire for parent engagement imagines a certain kind of ‘engaged parent’ that does not account for foundational shifts that have taken place in the economy and associated social repercussions for families, especially concerning the gendered labour of parenting. While school engagement has become a moralised element of parenting, global economic transformations have seen increased participation of mothers in the workforce, directly impacting how parental engagement is experienced and understood. Our research, based on a survey of 883 Australian parents (predominantly mothers) suggests that school engagement is understood as a moralised extension of their own parenting. Forms of engagement, however, are also highly constrained by the broader social relations of employment, as well as seemingly tokenistic and exclusionary strategies for parental representation in school processes. Reflecting on the emphasis on parental engagement in recent school governance reforms, our research highlights how such reforms presume parental capacity and time in ways that do not account for the lived realities of mothers.

Partnerships for Sustainable Development: a Quintuple Helix Framework for Research, Innovation, and Extension in Philippine State Universities

Objectives: This study investigates the potential use of the Quintuple Helix Model in strengthening Research, Innovation and Extension (RIE) functions among State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines. It assesses the dynamics between SUCs, the government, industry, and civil society, as well as the natural environment. Method: This study conducts a systematic review of literature and government reports: data from peer-reviewed journals, policy documents, and publications of various key agencies such as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) are analyzed. Patterns, gaps and opportunities based on Quintuple Helix were coded using thematic and content analysis. Results and Discussion: SUCs are identified as central to knowledge generation and transformation of society, but their potential is dependent on three interlinked factors; inadequate infrastructures, limited funding and fragmented policies. Theoretical collaborations, from technology transfer processes to community engagement efforts, shed light on the potential of partnerships across different sectors manifested as experimental projects, though persistent challenges present as intellectual property troubles or misaligned interests often hinder successful cooperation. Research Implications: The research highlights the need for coordinated investments in infrastructure, skills and governance reforms. Public-private Partnerships and inter-disciplinary research are then recommended to maximize SUCs contribution to sustainable development. Originality/Value: This study presents a corroborated discourse on the application of the Quintuple Helix Model in the Philippine context of SUCs, its results can yield practical insights, and scalable strategies to enhance the functions of RIE, thus serving as a valuable reference for policymakers, educators, and researchers.

Integrating Indian Knowledge System in Education: A Study of Government Reforms

The Indian Knowledge System (IKS), initiated in the ancient philosophy, science and culture of the country, is also recognized in today’s discourse. With the launch of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Indian government is working to integrate IKS in mainstream education to promote development opportunities for students. This article explores the impact of government education reform on student development, focusing on the integration of IKS in the curriculum and co-curricular activities. Analyzing policy documents, school survey reports and student feedback, the study assesses the potential of IKS to support intellectual, emotional and cultural development. The article also discusses the challenges faced in implementing effective reforms, such as the need for new teaching methods, teacher training and infrastructural support. This study evaluates the role of IKS in the development of thinking, creativity and meaningful learning, highlighting its importance in making future students have their roots as international citizens. Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) is dedicated to encouraging and supporting research to solve the problems of today’s society. Based on the rich tradition of Vedic literature including Vedas and Upanishads, IKS is ready to be integrated into educational platforms. Teacher training and mentoring development model is being taken up to improve the quality of classroom teaching in IKS classrooms. Special training centers will be set up for teachers and specific topics in Indian knowledge will be focused on.

Corruption perception, institutional quality and performance of Egyptian-Listed companies: evidence from econometric models

Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of corruption perception and institutional quality on the performance of publicly listed companies in Egypt. Design/methodology/approach Data from 42 publicly traded Egyptian firms during 2013–2022 were analyzed. Corruption was measured using the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, while institutional quality was assessed through a composite measure derived from World Bank Governance Indicators using principal component analysis. The study used a generalized method of moments dynamic panel model for the analysis. Findings The results reveal a negative relationship between corruption and firm performance, both in market value (Tobin’s Q) and accounting outcomes (ROA). Institutional quality also inversely affects performance, indicating that corruption and weak governance undermine corporate success in Egypt. Research limitations/implications The findings are specific to the 2013–2022 period and exclude newly listed firms due to data limitations. Future studies could expand the sample and timeframe to provide broader insights. Practical implications The study underscores the need for stronger governance and institutional reforms. Policymakers and regulators must address corruption and improve institutional frameworks to enhance firm performance and market confidence. Originality/value This study challenges the positivist view of corruption, presenting evidence of its detrimental effects in the Egyptian context. It contributes to the limited research on how corruption perception and institutional quality affect firm performance in Egypt.

Impact of Corruption on Public Investment Outcomes in Nigeria

Corruption remains a significant barrier to public investment in Nigeria, particularly for large-scale projects. This study aims to examine the impact of corruption on public investment outcomes across varying levels of investment with time series data covering 1986 to 2023. Using simultaneous quantile regression, the analysis captures both the direct effect of corruption and its interactions with macroeconomic variables, including GDP per capita, inflation, government effectiveness, political instability, and foreign direct investment (FDI). The results demonstrate that corruption consistently reduces public investment, with the negative impact intensifying at higher quantiles. Interaction terms reveal that government effectiveness mitigates the harmful effects of corruption, while political instability exacerbates them for smaller projects but plays a more complex role in larger ones. Inflation and FDI further amplify corruption's negative effects, particularly in medium and large-scale projects. The study concludes that larger public investments are especially vulnerable to corruption, which emphasises the need for stronger institutional frameworks and governance reforms to enhance transparency and accountability in public sector investment. Lastly, macroeconomic stability and improved political conditions are crucial to enhancing public investment outcomes, particularly in large-scale projects.

Governmental reforms and earnings management: examining their influence during a crisis

PurposeThis paper examines the ability of those governmental reforms adopted in response to the COVID-19 outbreak to affect earnings management (EM).Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on the Italian decision to suspend the recapitalization obligation to guarantee the respect of the going concern’s assumption. By analysing a sample of unlisted entities, this analysis uses different techniques to detect EM before and after the suspension of that obligation.FindingsThe results suggest that EM decreased after the decision to suspend recapitalization obligations.Research limitations/implicationsAccounting quality depends on not only accounting standards but also management practices in response to those government measures instituted during the COVID-19 outbreak.Originality/valueThe results are a novelty in the literature. In terms of the institutional theory, they provide evidence of EM decrease, thereby validating the assumption that regulation can enable and empower social actors – particularly their actions – despite the visions of repression and constraint conjured by that concept. Isomorphism theory supports the thesis and results that indicate that EM decreases not only in emerging markets, where corporate governance mechanisms are less able to obstruct EM, but also in the developed countries. Thus, insightful and novel conceptualizations can still be achieved by using institutional theory. Yet the findings also extend agency theory assumptions and demonstrate that also the issuance of less severe regulation can reduce agency costs and, in turn, also EM.

CEO Initial Contract Duration and Corporate Acquisitions

We examine the organizational impact of CEO initial contract duration on corporate acquisitions. We argue that CEOs with shorter initial contract durations are more likely to experience time pressure. Consequently, they are more likely to manage time by engaging in corporate mergers and acquisitions (M&As) to achieve quick growth. In addition, these CEOs are more likely to engage in straightforward deals, acquiring targets that are private, divested, related, small, and using cash payment, because these types of transactions are quicker to complete, carry less risk, and generally come with good performance prospects. Using a sample of firms that underwent new CEO appointments between 1990 and 2017 and detailed employment contract data collected from SEC filings, we find strong support for our hypotheses. In addition, we apply UK corporate governance reform to CEO contract duration as an exogenous shock to show causal evidence of such relations. This study contributes to the literature on CEO contracts, corporate acquisitions, time management and strategic leadership. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2022.16493 .

"Transport Axes and Corridors in Romania - Policy Issues and Opportunity for Territorial Development "

Without strong cities and efficient transport infrastructure, countries cannot benefit from developed regions and robust economies. The slow development of the road transport infrastructure (46 km/year) hampers the development of Romanian cities, especially those connecting peripheral areas, which are affected by population decline and stagnant growth. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact that transport axes/corridors policy and other relevant planning policies could have on the national territory in terms of stimulating regional growth and reducing spatial disparities. To achieve this, the research consisted in analysing a set of economic and social indicators for all 41 county capital cities in Romania and the capital city Bucharest, as well as traffic data for the national road network. Results showed that economic indicators such as entrepreneurial density and firm turnover have higher values in main urban centres, where infrastructure supports the location of businesses and attract investors that generate economic growth, whereas cities with low accessibility to high quality transport infrastructure have fewer opportunities to grow, evidence that the transport axes/corridors policy could be a relevant territorial planning instrument. Moreover, the findings of this research revealed the incipient stage of integration of development axes policy in Romania due to the fragmented administrative and planning capacity of governmental stakeholders. It is recommended to prioritize multi-level governance reforms to strengthen strategic planning and administrative capacity with a focus not only to connect major cities but also the secondary nodes and peripheral regions, thus promoting inclusive and sustainable development.

Research on Pharmaceutical Tax Management Issues in the Digital Economy

In the era of the digital economy, the deep integration of information technology with the pharmaceutical industry has become a new engine for innovation and development in the pharmaceutical sector. However, the integration of the pharmaceutical industry faces a series of challenges, such as difficulties in the identification of tax elements, asymmetry of tax-related information, low levels of informatization in pharmaceutical enterprises, insufficient information technology capabilities in tax authorities, and incomplete policies and regulations in the pharmaceutical industry, which constrain the healthy development of pharmaceutical companies. Against the backdrop of modern tax governance reform, the pharmaceutical industry urgently needs to strengthen tax management to adapt to new changes. Firstly, tax authorities need to leverage information technology to innovate and transform the systems of tax law enforcement, services, and regulation. Secondly, pharmaceutical companies need to use information technology to solidify their management foundations and enhance their capabilities and skills. Lastly, tax laws and policies related to the pharmaceutical industry need to be adjusted and improved in a timely manner to meet the new requirements of the digital transformation in the pharmaceutical sector. With the joint efforts of all parties, support and protection can be provided for the healthy development of the pharmaceutical industry. 在数字经济时代，信息技术与医药产业的深度融合，已成为推动医药行业创新和发展的新引擎。然而，医药产业融合发展过程中面临一系列挑战，税收要素认定困难、涉税信息不对称、医药企业信息化水平不高、税收部门信息化征管能力不足、医药行业政策法规不健全等，制约医药企业健康发展。在税收治理现代化改革背景下，医药行业亟需加强税收管理以适应新变化。首先税务机关需要利用信息技术，实现税务执法、服务、监管制度的创新和变革。其次医药企业需要运用信息化手段，夯实管理基础，提升能力与本领。最后医药税收法规政策需要与时俱进的调整与完善，以适应医药行业数字化转型的新要求。在多方共同努力之下，为医药行业的健康发展提供支持和保障。

The Examination of Britain’s Annexation of Awadh Illustrates how Colonial Misinterpretation Validated Imperial Policies

This paper examines the British annexation of Awadh (1856) through the framework of colonial misinterpretation, focusing on how the British applied the norm-deviation concept to justify their imperial policies. Drawing on Partha Chatterjee’s “Pedagogy of Violence,” the paper critiques how Nawab Wajid Ali Shah’s rule was mischaracterized as “deviant” due to its divergence from Western bureaucratic norms. This portrayal fueled British claims of misgovernance, leading to the annexation, which disregarded Awadh's indigenous political systems and cultural vitality. The annexation’s economic and social disruptions—heavy taxation, property confiscation, and the erosion of local industries—created widespread discontent among peasants, nobility, and sepoys, culminating in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Additionally, the paper explores the conservative critique of British liberal policies, which highlighted the failures of ignoring local traditions. This conservative backlash advocated for a more respectful approach to Indian customs, ultimately influencing British governance reforms, including the Queen’s Proclamation of 1858. By examining these dynamics, the paper reveals the consequences of imposing foreign standards on a culturally rich and politically complex society, underscoring how the annexation of Awadh became a case study in the larger imperial struggle between governance, cultural misunderstanding, and resistance.

External Financing, Governance, and Infrastructure Development: Evidence From Sub-Saharan Africa

Infrastructure development in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) requires diversified financing strategies to address a significant funding shortfall that cannot be met by domestic resources alone. This research evaluates the contributions of external financing—namely Official Development Assistance (ODA), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and Private Participation in Infrastructure (PPI)—in complementing domestic efforts to advance infrastructure in SSA. It examines their influence, alongside governance, on the development of physical and social infrastructure components. Employing methodologies such as Panel-Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE) and System Generalized Method of Moments (SGMM) across 43 SSA economies from 2000 to 2022, the analysis reveals that FDI substantially enhances physical infrastructure development but does not significantly impact social infrastructure. In contrast, ODA is shown to have a negative direct effect on overall infrastructure development, whereas PPI shows no significant direct influence. However, when considering indirect effects mediated by governance, all external financing sources positively affect both types of infrastructure, except for PPI’s influence on social infrastructure. Theoretically, this study reinforces the critical roles of economic growth, institutional quality, and external financing in supporting infrastructure development, as suggested by related theories. The study recommends that SSA authorities should focus on attracting more foreign investment, particularly in physical infrastructure projects, and encourage a broader diversification of external financing sources beyond FDI alone. Moreover, enhancing governance practices is essential for effective resource allocation and utilization. The study also advocates for improved public spending efficiency through enhanced project prioritization and governance reforms to foster sustainable infrastructure development in the region.

Experimental governance in China: models of stakeholder interaction and evolution of the low-carbon cities pilot programme

ABSTRACT The Low-Carbon City Pilot (LCCP) programme is a crucial part of China's strategy to combat climate change, serving as a governance paradigm through experimental policy pilots. Existing literature on experimental governance predominantly focused on democratic countries. Attention to Chinese experimentalism is growing but little attention has been paid to thoroughly exploring innovation processes through interactions between local governments and other stakeholders. Drawing on primary data from 21 interviews and secondary data from national and provincial policy documents, this study uncovers four distinct models of stakeholder interaction and identifies three different pathways in the evolution of the LCCP programme. The analysis focuses on evolving interactions between niche innovation and existing regimes; learning processes within these experimental stages; and how low-carbon experimental innovations have facilitated local government reform. The research reveals that China's LCCP programme has promoted a shift from passive to active interactions between niche innovations and regimes, a transition in the learning process from unidirectional to multidimensional, and ultimately, the transformation of low-carbon industries. In summary, this paper helps deepen the understanding of Chinese experimentalism, expands the application of the Strategic Niche Management Framework in the Chinese context, and expose processes of stakeholder interaction in low-carbon urban policy innovation.

The parties of the parliamentary opposition in the elections to representative bodies of local self-government in 2024

The article is devoted to the analysis of the electoral results of opposition political parties in the local government elections, which took place in September 2024. Considering the opposition as the most important element of the modern political system, the author justifies the importance of the presence of opposition political parties at all levels of government. Based on the analysis of latest data of electoral statistics, it is shown that the possibilities of political competition at local elections are slightly higher than at the regional and federal levels. It can be explained by the lower interest of the regional political elite participating in municipal government, especially against the background of a decrease in the budget provision of local government and permanent reforms of the local government. Analyzing the reforms of local self-government the author comes to the conclusion about the gradual integration of local self-government bodies into the general vertical of power and to reproduce its dependence on federal and regional authorities. This, in turn, leads to a low level of trust in the LSG on the part of citizens. At the same time, parties at the local level are becoming important actors of civil society and the main participants in the electoral process, but less than half of the registered political parties are currently becoming participants. The author shows that the main beneficiary of the elections is the United Russia party, while the opposition parties are content to participate rather than win. A typology of opposition political parties is proposed, which is based on the activity of participation in election campaigns (the number of candidates nominated, the number of regions where parties participate, the number of mandates received after the distribution of votes).

Rethinking the impact of water-saving technologies and market incentives: lessons from Mercy Corps’ water innovation technologies program

Abstract In the face of unrelenting water crises, water-saving technologies are increasingly relied upon as a paradigm for managing scarce water resources in the agricultural sector. This approach is gaining momentum in international forums and among development practitioners focused on improving the sustainability and efficiency of their water security interventions. Following this trend, the integration of market incentives to foster the uptake of water-saving technologies (WSTs) is not surprising. However, recent literature on water-saving technologies and related incentives paints an ambiguous picture of the impact these technologies can have. On one hand, there is evidence that supports the efficacy of market incentives in promoting water-saving practices and the adoption of WSTs. On the other hand, there are also concerns about the potential adverse consequences of introducing WSTs, including promoting unsustainable water consumption and exacerbating inequalities. This study focuses on Mercy Corps’ Water Innovation Technologies program in Jordan, a country grappling with severe water scarcity. It specifically examines how market mechanisms played a crucial role in saving approximately 24 million cubic meters of water, equivalent to around 9,500 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Driven by this significant achievement, the study delves deeper into the efficacy of market-based approaches, while also considering their potential limitations. The conclusion offers a critical perspective on how the promotion of WST through market-based approaches can ensure that water savings contribute to both environmental sustainability and human well-being. In particular, Mercy Corps' practitioner perspective advocates for governance reforms that limit and prevent unsustainable consumption, facilitate and ensure equitable access to WSTs, and promote the fair redistribution of water savings across different users.