Sector Policy Research Articles

Research- vs. government-driven physical activity policy monitoring: a systematic review across different levels of government

BackgroundEven though the importance of physical activity policy monitoring has increased in the last decade, there is a lack of understanding what different approaches exist and which methodology they employ. In order to address this research gap, this review attempts to map existing approaches of physical activity policy monitoring and to analyse methodological aspects, especially with regards to the roles of governments and researchers.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in five scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, SportDiscus, Psycinfo, Web of Knowledge) in July 2021, and the identified records were screened independently by two reviewers. Records were included if they (a) focused on the monitoring of public policies to promote PA, (b) allowed to compare policies across time, across nations/regions or across policy sectors, and (c) were written in English, German or Russian. During full text analysis, information on methodological aspects was extracted and studies were categorized based on the level of government involvement.ResultsThe search yielded in a total of 112 studies. 86 of these studies (76.8%) followed a research-driven approach (little or no government involvement) while only two studies (1.8%) were based on a government-driven approach (led by governments). The remaining 24 studies (21.4%) were based on a co-production approach (strong collaboration between researchers and governments). All in all, 18 different tools for physical activity policy monitoring were identified; key examples are the Report Cards on Physical Activity for Children and Youth (research-driven approach), the HEPA Monitoring Framework (government-driven approach) and the HEPA Policy Audit Tool (co-production approach).ConclusionsThe level of government involvement in policy monitoring differs significantly, and research-driven, government-driven and co-production approaches can be distinguished. These approaches have different strengths and weaknesses, and can be linked to distinct theories of change and models on research-policy relations. Increasing awareness on the implications of these approaches is key to improve the understanding and further development of physical activity policy monitoring.

Export-Led Policy, Agricultural, Industrial, and Financial Sectors Growth in Cameroon

Export-Led Policy, Agricultural, Industrial, and Financial Sectors Growth in Cameroon

Equity, vulnerability and childhood immunization in Kenya and Uganda. A review of policy documents protocol.

Introduction Inequities in access and uptake of vaccines remains to be a challenge to the full realization of benefits they stand to offer. In the case of childhood immunization, improved full immunization coverage has been witnessed globally in the past decades but countries in sub-Saharan Africa have registered slow progress, with variations between/within countries. This has been attributed to several challenges/vulnerability factors. Consequently, current global efforts to promote access to immunization have focused on the issue of equity, which is now a strategic priority in key international policy documents such as the World Health Organization immunization agenda 2030 among others. It is therefore important to understand the context and efforts being made by individual countries to realize equity. We plan to undertake a systematic policy document review to understand the immunization context in Kenya and Uganda by examining the extent to which equity and vulnerability issues are framed and addressed in key health sector and policy documents in both countries. Methods The systematic review will focus on key health sector and immunization policy documents in Uganda and Kenya between 2000 and 2023. Documents in the English language will be reviewed. Data sources will include official ministry of health websites for each country, websites of key international organizations working on immunization, general google searches and requesting for relevant documents from immunization stakeholders and officials in both countries. Data synthesis will follow a deductive and inductive approach. Findings will be presented in a descriptive format and in line with review objectives. Discussion We will assess the extent to which equity and vulnerability issues are included and how they are defined in the health sector and immunization policy documents. In addition, the review will examine strategies proposed, planned and/or implemented to promote equitable access and uptake of immunization services in the two countries.

Стратегическое планирование в государственном управлении как система институциональных инструментов и механизмов целеполагания

The article is devoted to the subject field of political science research within the scientific specialty “Public Administration and sectoral policies” and the analysis of the practice of state strategic planning as a political system of institutional instruments and goal-setting mechanisms in the Russian Federation. The article discusses public political and legal mechanisms for combining values and goals with the choice of ways and methods to achieve them. The constitutional exclusivity and independence of each branch of government as the basis of its strategic resource and strategic planning potential is highlighted as the fundamental public political and legal mechanism for combining values and goals with the choice of ways and methods to achieve them. A general description of the architecture of the unified system of public power in accordance with the amendments to the Constitution of Russia and the current configuration of the public administration system is given. The importance of political factor of the effectiveness of the administration of strategic management system and the implementation of sectoral policies in modern Russia on the basis of the mechanisms of coordinated functioning and interaction of public authorities and local self-government in a single system of public authority is shown. Fundamental changes are highlighted that make it possible to significantly increase the efficiency of the federal government in a unified system of public authority with an emphasis on the implementation of national development goals of both the Russian Federation as a whole and the regions based on the sectoral structure of the economy. Attention is focused on the political goals of the regional factor of socio-economic development of territories on the basis of mechanisms and tools of strategic planning, the directions of fundamental political, legal, administrative and managerial decisions on the implementation of the regional investment standard are determined. The role of federal institutions of innovative development and provision of infrastructure projects and programs for solving the tasks of ensuring sustainable economic growth and diversification of the modern Russian economy, which cannot be optimally implemented by market mechanisms, was demonstrated. Conclusions are drawn about the importance of the interpretative understanding of politics as a system of institutional tools and goal-setting mechanisms in the political and legal practice of state strategic planning for determining promising directions in the subject field of scientific research within the specialty “Public Administration and sectoral policies”, for solving problems of improving the quality of public administration through the introduction of a management model based on big data and artificial intelligence, the transition of the public authority system to a data-based management model using a platform approach.

What drives forest multifunctionality in central and northern Europe? Exploring the interplay of management, climate, and policies

Forests provide a range of vital services to society and are critical habitats for biodiversity, holding inherent multifunctionality. While traditionally viewed as a byproduct of production-focused forestry, today's forest ecosystem services and biodiversity (FESB) play an essential role in several sectoral policies’ needs. Achieving policy objectives requires careful management considering the interplay of services, influenced by regional aspects and climate. Here, we examined the multifunctionality gap caused by these factors through simulation of forest management and multi-objective optimization methods across different regions - Finland, Norway, Sweden and Germany (Bavaria). To accomplish this, we tested diverse management regimes (productivity-oriented silviculture, several continuous cover forestry regimes and set asides), two climate scenarios (current and RCP 4.5) and three policy strategies (National Forest, Biodiversity and Bioeconomy Strategies). For each combination we calculated a multifunctionality metric at the landscape scale based on 5 FESB classes (biodiversity conservation, bioenergy, climate regulation, wood, water and recreation). In Germany and Norway, maximum multifunctionality was achieved by increasing the proportion of set-asides and proportionally decreasing the rest of management regimes. In Finland, maximum MF would instead require that policies address greater diversity in management, while in Sweden, the pattern was slightly different but similar to Finland. Regarding the climate scenarios, we observed that only for Sweden the difference in the provision of FESB was significant. Finally, the highest overall potential multifunctionality was observed for Sweden (National Forest scenario, with a value of 0.94 for the normalized multifunctionality metric), followed by Germany (National Forest scenario, 0.83), Finland (Bioeconomy scenario, 0.81) and Norway (National Forest scenario, 0.71). The results highlight the challenges of maximizing multifunctionality and underscore the significant influence of country-specific policies and climate change on forest management. To achieve the highest multifunctionality, strategies must be tailored to specific national landscapes, acknowledging both synergistic and conflicting FESB.

Digital Entrepreneurship and growth-oriented performance: commercialisation narrative of SMEs in the ICT sector in China

ABSTRACT This article addresses the dynamics of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) during the commercialization process in high-tech sectors, particularly in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field. Except for early-stage entrepreneurial activities in technology firms, SMEs in the commercialization stage have received limited attention. Employing the Construal-Level Theory (CLT) and a concrete-abstract dimensional narrative approach, the study explores the relationship between narrative construal levels and SMEs’ success in Chinese cities. Encompassing ICT firms with 6 to 1000 employees, the study utilizes a Multilevel Mixed Method approach. Findings reveal that concrete narratives play a moderating role in the relationship between specific business technology and firm performance, emphasizing the importance of aligning a firm's business with its target audience during commercialization. However, the competition level (ICT firms’ population) in the city reduces the firm’s success. The study extends our understanding of entrepreneurial activity in the ICT sector, CLT, and potential policy guidelines.

Forming a supranational boundary-spanning policy regime – European intersectoral coordination in education and employment

ABSTRACT While European governance of individual policy sectors has received considerable academic scrutiny, less attention has been paid to the development of intersectoral coordination. This paper charts the emergence of a supranational boundary-spanning policy regime (BSPR) in education and employment in Europe. By looking at issues, ideas, interests and institutions, we gain a deeper understanding of the conditions for the emergence and further institutionalisation of European intersectoral coordination in education and employment from the 1990s onwards. The study relies on semi-structured interviews with European policy-makers in education and employment and EU policy documents. We analyse how endogenous and exogenous factors frame (policy) issues that contribute to the emergence and further strengthening of intersectoral coordination, the extent to which ideas for European education and employment stress intersectoral policy designs, how interests support or hinder intersectoral work, and which institutions are developed with an intersectoral reasoning. We find that endogenous forces (rather than exogenous ones) played a significant role in the emergence of a European BSPR in education and employment. Structural aspects and policy instruments (institutions), alongside ideas and interests, then contribute to the institutionalisation of the European BSPR in education and employment.

Public spending and austerity: The two faces of the French Investor State

This article delves into the paradoxical nature of post-2008 fiscal policies, where there is a simultaneous emphasis on valuing public investment on the one hand, and maintaining austerity on the other. It sheds light on this paradox through the concept of “Investor State,” which refers to contemporary states’ ambition to redefine their role in the economy by no longer limiting themselves to a regulatory role but rather seeking an active role as “investor.” We argue that this redefinition of the state's role is of piece with the elevation of investment as a new standard for legitimizing state actions. On the flipside, by making investment the main criteria of public policy legitimacy, it simultaneously delegitimizes spending that is not deemed an investment. Because the adopted economic definition of investment is limited to traditional “productive investment” related to industrial policy, other policy sectors—that is the majority of state intervention—are subject to spending cuts. Thus the Investor State suggests an evolution of the fiscal order that Streeck described as the “consolidation state”: the primary goal is no longer to reduce public debt and deficits. But the neoliberal objective to reduce the “size” of the public sector in the economy absolutely remains. Drawing on the case of France, the article shows how the right-wing government started placing investment at the core of its fiscal policy after 2008. The article then highlights the continuation of this dual fiscal policy discourse to date despite changes in government leadership and the pandemic crisis.

The Youth Justice Commute (or the Institutional Construction of Youth Transport Poverty)

Youth justice commuting problems need better recognition due to the complex dispersal of practice sites and prevalence of characteristics associated with journey barriers. Applying a transport poverty framework to the youth justice population develops adult-focused research and establishes youth transport poverty for the first time. Data from 28 young people and 33 practitioners in two high-deprivation, post-industrial English towns suggests that free transport offers a partial solution. Recommendations indicate that inclusive communication and established education sector policies could support youth justice accessibility, help understand connections between over-representation and commuting problems, and support other contexts like education to employment transitions.

A Study on Impact of Foreign Direct Investment and its Challenges Post Liberalization

In the beginning of liberalization when India was facing the financial crises for meeting the external commitments, during the Prime minister Chandra Sekhar government, India had to pledge its gold before World Bank to repay the foreign debts as India had only $ 1 billion foreign exchange reserves, at the same time, the immediate external payment was more than $ 25 billion. Therefore, India was bound to opt for liberal economic policy for the inflow and outflow of foreign investment and depreciation of Indian rupees by 300% in comparison of dollar from rupees 8 to rupees 28 per dollar. By which the foreign investors started attracted and investing their funds in India, as the India had and has potential for the growth and diversification of business, since then the India has made remarkable progress in the field of foreign direct Investment but there are lot many challenges and issues needs to be resolved to promote and attract foreign direct investment. The following issues and challenges are listed in the papers: lack of transparent and specific sectoral FDI policy and a limited FDI regime Contributing factors include high tariff rates compared to international standards, a lack of state government decision making power, a limited number of export processing zones, the absence of exit barrier liberalization, stringent labor laws, financial sector reforms, fluctuating exchange rates, and unclear political leadership. In this post, the authors have made an effort to update the best and most plausible conclusions for the justification of foreign direct investment.

The nonlinear dependence of income inequality and carbon emissions: Potentials for a sustainable future

Understanding the interconnected nature of rising carbon emissions and income inequality is crucial to achieve social and ecological sustainability. We contribute to the literature with a systematic analysis of the conditional interdependence by means of a distributional copula model. The model estimates the nonlinear dependence between a country’s GINI coefficient and CO2 emissions across and within country income groups. This enables us to uncover complex interdependencies that standard linear regression techniques might hide. Using an unbalanced panel data set of 109 countries from 1960 to 2019, composed of different data sets, we show that dependence is related to the prevailing consumption level, energy sources, the structure of the economy and the political system with heterogeneous effects across country income groups. To estimate the potentials for a sustainable future, we define thresholds of potential social and environmental sustainability. We find that richer countries are furthest away from this, but have the highest potential for realizing the defined sustainable space. This further highlights the importance of the service sector and combined policies targeting social and environmental sustainability.

Exploring Technology Acceptance in Management Accounting Tools’ Adoption in Public Sector Accounting: A Sustainability Perspective for Organizations

This quantitative research study delves into the adoption of management accounting tools (MATs) and their impact on organizational performance and sustainability within the provincial branches of the Supreme Audit Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (Badan Pemeriksa Keuangan Republik Indonesia/BPK-RI). A well-structured research design and data collection approach is employed, where surveys are administered to 435 senior auditors within BPK-RI provincial branches. A robust data analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM) through SmartPLS v4 software is conducted to assess the relationships between variables. This study provides compelling evidence that the perceived usefulness of MATs significantly impacts their adoption. This underscores the importance of how users perceive the utility of these tools. Furthermore, this research identifies that MATs’ adoption directly affects organizational performance and sustainability, highlighting the positive impact of these tools in the public sector. However, this research suggests that user perceptions of the ease of use of MATs do not significantly influence their adoption in the public sector accounting context. The study also reveals that MATs play a mediating role, facilitating the relationship between perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness and their subsequent impact on organizational performance and sustainability. These findings are valuable for public sector organizations, policy development, and future research initiatives, contributing to a better understanding of MATs’ adoption and its implications in the dynamic landscape of public sector accounting, especially in Indonesia.

Understanding the complex systems of climate change and NCDs: A Causal Loop Diagram

Abstract Background WHO has identified climate change as one of the greatest health threats of the 21st century. At the same time, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancer, are the leading cause of death globally and in the WHO European Region, are responsible for around 90% of deaths and 84% of years lived with disability each year. However, the complex relationships between climate change and NCDs are not well understood. Methods The aim of this research was to identify, discuss and map the linkages between factors and policy actions designed to prevent NCDs and address climate change. Objectives included to: discuss and clarify the pathways of how NCDs and climate change relate to each other and the co-benefits to addressing both using Group Model Building methods; to identify key multi-sectoral actors and priority actions for international collaboration and national responses to NCDs and climate change. We co-designed and created a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) with local stakeholders, following the principles of Group Model Building. Results 29 participants were involved in the workshop included WHO staff and experts in NCD prevention and/or climate change and health and health emergencies. The CLD was meaningful to the stakeholders as a consensual and co-produced understanding of the problem, as well as forming the basis of a tool to explore the future impact on how sectoral and multi-sectoral public policies to address these complex challenges are shaped and implemented. Participants identified a range of priority actions that, in their view, could impact and help reshape the system and influence NCDs and climate change in Europe. Conclusions The CLD was reflective of the various stakeholders’ experience, knowledge, perceptions, and views about the factors, and the inter-relationships between these factors, by which climate change influences NCDs and NCD risk factors in Europe. Key messages • Climate change is one of the greatest threats of the 21st century. • Systems thinking approaches can help identify ‘win-win’ solutions to complex issues.

Job Stress Among Employees of Banking Sector in Klang Valley

Purpose: The objective of this study was to identify the level job stress via workload, time pressure, working environment and, role of ambiguity among banking sector in Klang Valley. This study also to examines the relationship between workload, time pressure, working environment, and role of ambiguity toward job stress. Theoretical framework: Recent literature has reported banks have undergone significant organizational and structural changes and left their mark on the working circumstances and daily lives of employees. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study uses a cross-sectional survey research design, with a quantitative research approach. The population of this study consists of banking management staff for one of Malaysia's top banking groups. The data were analysis using statistical analysis of descriptive and inferential studies with Pearson correlation test. Findings: The findings reveal that role of ambiguity is the main causes effected the job stress among banking employee follow by time pressure and working environment. The correlation analysis also revealed that there is a significant and positive relationship with the moderate level between workload, time pressure, working environment and, role of ambiguity toward job stress among banking employees. Research, Practical & Social implications: These empirical findings may offer essential info for job stress among banking sector which aids recognize the recommendations that would have a better impact on reducing job stress, which may be applicable in Malaysia and other countries well. Originality/Value: The results indicate that the number of publications is growing, and contributed to banking sector policies based on staff well-being and human capital resources.

2.I. Workshop: Planetary and One health policy and governance: evidence, tools and management

Abstract In the past few years, a broad perspective on the relationships between human health, animal health and environmental health has developed under different conceptual labels of EcoHealth, One Health and Planetary health. Regardless of particular frames, what they have in common is the recognition that human health is not superior to other components of the ecosystem, and therefore these are complementary approaches. In this workshop we aim to increase awareness and knowledge of the fundamental interdependencies of human health, animal health, ecology and economy. The purpose is to enhance policy actions and health management with regard to the cumulative impacts across environmental, animal and human health, and the many potential trade-offs that should be taken into account when prioritizing one action over another. Also, there are specific requirements for integrative and cross-sectoral as well as multilevel governance with respect to cross-disciplinary capacity, stakeholder acceptance and other implementation conditions. In order to set the agenda, build coalitions and advocate for One health policies and management, a first and foremost condition is the development of interconnections between existing networks and platforms to speak with one voice. This workshop presents research evidence into One Health management needs, the European Hub for Planetary Health; and a recently developed One Health policy screening tool for rapid decision-making on which potential impacts and trade-offs policy impact assessment and action should focus. After three presentations from renowned speakers in the field, we will open the floor for interactive dialogue with the audience on the categorization, prioritization, and planning of follow up activities for One Health agenda-setting, advocacy and platform expansion. We intend this workshop as a recurring workshop in the next two conferences ensuring follow up actions throughout the years, using among others the EUPHA and its PHPP and ENV sections networks and media channels to spur awareness and action. Key messages • Prevention of emerging One Health threats require a public health community mind shift creating collective action with animal, environmental as well as economic and agricultural policy sectors. • Our platforms, tools and evidence support agenda-setting, advocacy and policy screening to reduce health impacts and inequalities.

Patterns of resilient functioning in early life: Identifying distinct groups and associated factors.

Resilience, the capacity to maintain or regain functionality in the face of adversity, is a dynamic process influenced by individual, familial, and community factors. Despite its variability, distinct resilience trajectories can be identified within populations, yet the predictors defining these distinct groups remains largely unclear. Here, using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ages 0-18), we quantify resilience as the remaining variance in psychosocial functioning after taking into account the exposure to adversity. Growth mixture modeling identified seven distinct resilience trajectories, with over half of the study population maintaining resilience throughout early life. Factors increasing the likelihood of resilient trajectory membership included a less emotional temperament, high cognitive abilities, high self-esteem, low levels of autistic social traits, strong sibling relationships, high maternal care, and positive school experiences. Among the socioeconomic factors considered, maternal education - a significant indicator of socioeconomic status - and birth-order were associated with resilient trajectories. Our findings underscore the importance of fostering cognitive abilities, self-esteem, social relationships, positive school experiences, and extracurricular engagement to bolster resilience in adversity-exposed individuals and communities. This research informs resilience-focused interventions in mental health, education, and social policy sectors, and prompts further exploration of socioeconomic influences on resilience trajectories.

Development First! China’s Policy Transfer to Africa

Abstract China has emerged as an important norm-shaper in Africa in recent years and can be credited with influencing various policy sectors across the whole continent. Despite the massive impact COVID-19 had on China’s presence in Africa and the palpable decrease in financial and technical cooperation in recent years, in the field of policy dissemination China has been and still is one of the most influential external actors on the continent. Numerous ideas and practices from China have found their way into African politics, and China has directly or indirectly (and intentionally or otherwise) affected how Africans see development and the shape and implementation of development practices. This article traces the rise of China as a norm-provider to African elites and compares the impact of two influential policy sets – the development-security nexus and the Belt and Road Initiative – on African policymaking. It analyzes why some policies and ideas travelling from China have reverberated with African leaders and have had a direct impact on the developmental agenda of several countries while other concepts did not take root on the continent.

Examining Collateral Prerequisites for Small and Medium-Sized Business Loans

This paper examines the factors that affect loan collateral specifically for SMEs in Lebanon, which is a country with a small, open emerging market economy. Collateral should secure the bank loan, but in practice it is adjusted according to other socio-economic criteria of the firms. This is especially true for SMEs and even more so for emerging countries. We propose in this research to illustrate the signals mobilized by banks when granting secured loans. The data on these variables come from the Lebanese Central Bank and the World Bank. They contain observations for two samples - 532 firms for 2019 and 561 firms for 2013. A set of factors influence the level of collateral required: those related to firm characteristics (relevant variables: age, size, audit of financial statements, provision of training to workers, private shareholder ownership, quality recognition, experiencing at least one bribe request, female manager), manufacturing (reflects economic sector), interest rate (reveals loan characteristics), and location in the capital (reveals loan market characteristics). The logistic regression estimates suggest that collateral required by older firms is higher even that SMEs have financial statement revised annually by external auditors. Size and interest rate contribute to lower collateral requirements. The consistency of results in the combined panel, 2013, and 2019 shows the reliability of the Lebanese Banking Sector norms and policies

The concept of ‘policy windows’ in elite sport development: positive events and spatial domains of policy windows

This article explores the concept of policy windows within the multiple streams framework through a case study of Hong Kong, specific to cycling and fencing. Data were sourced from 15 semi-structured interviews with pertinent insiders in Hong Kong. Two main findings take centre stage. First, in the context of elite sport, in addition to problems and political events, policy windows can also be opened by positive events, most notably successful performances and breakthroughs. Second, in spatial terms, policy windows comprise both (1) policy windows from other policy sectors including non-elite sport sectors; and (2) elite sport policy-focused policy windows. This paper has the potential to advance the concept of policy windows by adding the perspective of positive events and further developing the spatial domain features beyond the big-little divide. The findings also have utility for elite sport practitioners who will more likely launch positive policy changes or pursue desirable outcomes.

Model of social sustainability for Dhaka city, Bangladesh

The expansion and development of urban areas require a strategic priority of social sustainability to protect their inhabitants’ quality of life and well-being. However, social sustainability in urban areas, particularly in developing regions, becomes more apparent due to the social problems caused by rapid urbanization. The main objective of this study is to propose a model of social sustainability for socially sustainable cities in developing regions. To accomplish this objective, a quantitative research strategy was used to gather responses from residents of Dhaka city via a structured questionnaire survey; Dhaka served as a representative city from a developing region. This study used a multistage sampling technique to select 564 residents of Dhaka city. The results showed that social sustainability significantly influenced socially sustainable urban development in Dhaka, determining 38 indicators under 11 social sustainability themes using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis utilizing structural equation modeling. The implication of this model serves as a guiding framework intended to assist governmental bodies, policymakers, and urban planners in navigating the path toward achieving sustainable cities. Likewise, the proposed model provides policy implications for enacting and revising urban sector policies in developing regions, considering the fundamental themes of social sustainability. Eventually, this study contributes to implementing Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, bridging the gap between urbanization and sustainable urban societies. Also, this model is a valuable tool for promoting socially sustainable urban development in developing regions.