Smart Policy Research Articles

Making Tax Smart: Feasibility of Distributed Ledger Technology for Building Tax Compliance Functionality to Central Bank Digital Currency

The latest advancements in distributed ledger technology (DLT) and payment architectures such as the UK’s New Payments Architecture present opportunities for leveraging the hidden informational value and intelligence within payments. In this paper, we present Smart Money, an infrastructure capability for a central bank digital currency (CBDC) which enables real-time value-added tax split payments, oversight, controlled access, and smart policy implementation. This capability is implemented as a prototype called Making Tax Smart (MTS), which utilises the open-source R3 Corda DLT framework. The results presented herein confirm that it is feasible to build an MTS capability which is scalable and co-exists with the current payment systems. Smart Money CBDC has the potential to mobilise payments data, transforming the role of money from a blunt instrument to a government policy sensor and actuator without disrupting the existing money system. DLT, smart contracts, and programmable money have a crucial role to play with benefits for government departments, the economy, and society as a whole.

Complex Infection-Control Measures with Disinfectant Switch Help the Successful Early Control of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Outbreak in Intensive Care Unit.

A carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) outbreak in an intensive care unit (ICU) was contained by an improved infection-control measure that included a disinfectant policy. In our retrospective cohort study, we describe the epidemiological investigations and infection-control measures during this outbreak. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize patient demographics, neurological diseases, surgical treatment, underlying diseases, infection, and outcomes. In December 2023, two CARB-positive patients were observed in the ICU, and four more patients became CRAB-positive in January. During this outbreak, there was an overlap of hospitalization periods among the CRAB-positive patients, and CRAB was isolated from the environment; the isolated CRAB strain was identical. Infection-control measures, including hand hygiene, contact precautions and isolation, surveillance, decolonization, environmental cleaning, and disinfection, were reviewed and modified. The aim of this study was to examine the molecular background of the effectiveness of the disinfectant shift used during successful outbreak control. Experiments were carried out to study the phenotypic sensitivity and genetic background of different disinfectant agents. A thorough analysis of the detected CRAB strain included whole-genome sequencing (WGS), investigation of the qacE and qacEΔ1 genes' relative expression by qPCR after exposure to different disinfectant solutions, as well as an analysis of biofilm formation. WGS analysis of the CRAB strain identified that an ST2 high-risk clone was responsible for the outbreak, which produced OXA-83 and ADC-30 beta-lactamases; in addition, qacE and qacEΔ1 genes were also detected, which confer resistance to disinfectants containing quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). A qPCR analysis demonstrated that after exposure to different disinfectants, the gene expression levels of qacE and qacEΔ1 increased and correlated with concentrations of QACs of disinfectants. During the outbreak, the standard-of-care QAC-based disinfectant was changed to a mainly alcohol-based agent in the ICU, which contributed to the successful control of this outbreak, and no additional patients were identified with CRAB. We conclude that continuous surveillance and hand hygiene training combined with fast identification and reaction to new cases, as well as an in-depth analysis of multidrug-resistant outbreak strains and investigation of their disinfectant tolerance/resistance during an outbreak, are essential to effectively control the spread of nosocomial pathogens. The smart policy of disinfectant agent selection played a crucial role in controlling the outbreak and ensuring patient safety in the ICU.

Using the Harvard Smart Policy Design and Implementation Method to Promote Islamic Values and Saudi National Identity

Using the Harvard Smart Policy Design and Implementation Method to Promote Islamic Values and Saudi National Identity

Estimating the direct rebound effect for residential electricity use in seventeen European countries: Short and long-run perspectives

The energy saved by improving the building efficiency of European households may not be as much as expected due to a rebound effect. Based on Eurostat and World Bank annual panel data covering the period 1996–2020, this article develops dynamic panel approaches, a generalized method of moments, and first-difference specifications, to investigate the direct rebound effect of residential electricity consumption in selected European countries. Instrumental variable techniques are used to tackle the reverse causality of the electricity price in a demand model. Estimates of the direct rebound effect in residential electricity use are 18% in the short-run and 43% in the long-run. Our findings reject the hypothesis of a backfire effect in residential electricity demand. They have important implications for policy makers, suggesting the need for smart policies that consider energy consumption behaviors and decision-making processes among various households.

Smart Cities in comparison: An analysis of the best Smart Cities

This research paper aims to identify the best Smart City in the world, by investigating the rankings of Smart Cities, based on its main characteristics and implemented policies. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive understanding of what makes a city “Smart” and to highlight the successful strategies employed by the top-ranked Smart Cities. The research employs a qualitative analysis approach, utilizing thematic maps created with the QGIS software. This methodology allows for a detailed examination of various factors contributing to a Smart City’s status, including but not limited to, technological integration, sustainable practices, and citizen participation. The expected results of this study is to report and analyze the best smart cities, according to the Smart City rankings, and also to shed light on the key elements and policies that contribute to their success. These findings could serve as a benchmark for other cities striving to achieve ‘Smart’ status. Furthermore, the thematic maps will visually represent the distribution and implementation of Smart policies, providing a clear and comprehensive overview of the Smart landscape in the top-ranked cities. This research has the potential to contribute to the field of urban development and planning, particularly in the context of Smart Cities. It could guide policymakers and city planners in designing and implementing effective strategies to transform their cities into more sustainable, efficient, and livable spaces.

Dynamic effect of smartness on environmental sustainability: Based on PVAR model for 72 Chinese cities

With the continuous implementation of the smart city concept, smart cities have become an important tool for the country's new urbanization. Therefore, it is of great concern whether smart cities can help promote environmental sustainability. Most of the existing studies mainly discuss whether the proposed smart policies are effective for environmental sustainability, but the specific impact paths are not clear and long-term dynamic implications for policy have not yet been explored in depth
 This study takes 72 cities in China as an example, and divides the impact path of smart cities into four aspects: internet technology, science and technology innovation(STI), smart environment and smart people's livelihood. Environmental sustainability is measured by energy consumption and air pollution, and the cities are divided into characteristic cities according to resource endowment and economic development, and the dynamic impact on environmental sustainability is explored based on the Panel Vector Auto-Regression (PVAR) model. The results indicate that STI has a negative effect on air pollution in all cities in the early stage and a positive effect in the later stage, with the overall effect being more significant in developed cities. Internet development has an impact on air pollution control in developed cities, but the effect is positive in the early stage and negative in the later stage. STI and Internet technology have very significant results on energy consumption reduction. But for developed cities, the effect of STI on energy consumption is positive. This paper provides policy suggestions for the sustainable development of environment in cities with different characteristics in China from the perspective of smart city development.

Nipah virus is deadly - but smart policy changes can help quell pandemic risk.

Nipah virus is deadly - but smart policy changes can help quell pandemic risk.

COVID-19 as a systemic shock: curb or catalyst for proactive policies towards territorial cohesion?

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic, originating as a health crisis but quickly expanding to other social spheres, had significant and asymmetric impacts across Europe, which potentially undermine territorial cohesion. Much has been written about the overall impact of the pandemic on the underlying thematic and budgetary focus of European Union-level policies with respect to territorial cohesion. However, it remains unclear to what extent policies implemented at regional and local levels in response to the crisis also contribute to territorial cohesion. To address this, we investigated the extent to which the pandemic constituted a ‘window of opportunity’ for developing innovative policies furthering territorial cohesion policy goals and objectives within member states, and assessed whether the crisis led to more collaborative, integrative and holistic policymaking. To this end, the research examined policy responses across 14 European regions by means of a mixed-method case study approach, including the analysis of relevant policy documents and over 100 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. We show that the pandemic led to the introduction of new short-term social policies to reduce socio-economic disparities produced by COVID-19 and accelerated the implementation of green and smart policies. Additionally, the crisis fostered greater collaboration between public authorities and key stakeholders, and between regional and municipal public authorities, although the long-term impact is uncertain. These findings could have policy implications for other crisis situations. Moreover, they suggest that territorial cohesion policies should be tailored to empower regions and local governments to use systemic shocks to draft and implement proactive social, economic and environmental policies.

Analysis of Challenges to Ensuring Gender Equality in Science and Research: Recommended Policies for Republic of Moldova

The study was developed within the project “Partnerships for Women’s Leadership and good Governance”, carried out with the financial support of the European Union and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. Gender equality is a fundamental principle of the European Union, also enshrined in national law, and one of the policy objectives in the field of research and innovation. For three decades, the situation of researchers in the Republic of Moldova has been influenced by several socio-economic and political challenges, as well as by the insufficiency of smart policies and research programs, which increase both the quality and level of research, as well as the degree of use of their results in the development of the national economy. An important aspect of supporting research and science is the involvement of women and girls in research institutions and centres, universities, etc. through various promotion, information, counselling policies to ensure real gender equality and opportunities.

How Does the Smart City Policy Influence Digital Infrastructure? Spatial Evidence from China

With the rapid development of the Internet and digital technology, digital infrastructure has become an important part of urban infrastructure. Many cities are enacting smart policies to promote the development of digital technology infrastructure. However, what are their mechanisms? There is currently a shortage of literature on the subject. This paper tried to solve this problem and used China as an example. Using panel data from cities in China, this paper used the spatial multiple-period difference-in-difference (SDID) method to investigate the impact of smart city policy (SCP) on digital infrastructure. First, we found that SCP significantly promotes the construction of digital infrastructure, with strong positive spatial spillover effects. This result remained valid after a series of rigorous robustness tests. Second, we discovered that the indirect effects of policy implementation outweigh the direct effects. Furthermore, smart city development enhances local government investment in digital infrastructure, attracts more high-tech enterprises, and consequently drives improvements in urban digital infrastructure levels. Lastly, we observed that the effectiveness of smart city policies is stronger in cities with good fiscal conditions, strong economic development, and a thriving digital economy. This research will not only enrich research on smart cities but also provide policy recommendations for strengthening digital infrastructure.

Smart Policy Control for Securing Federated Learning Management System

The widespread adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in smart cities, intelligent healthcare systems, and various real-world applications have resulted in the generation of vast amounts of data, often analyzed using different Machine Learning (ML) models. Federated learning (FL) has been acknowledged as a privacy-preserving machine learning technology, where multiple parties cooperatively train ML models without exchanging raw data. However, the current FL architecture does not allow for an audit of the training process due to the various data-protection policies implemented by each FL participant. Furthermore, there is no global model verifiability available in the current architecture. This paper proposes a smart contract-based policy control for securing the Federated Learning (FL) management system. First, we develop and deploy a smart contract-based local training policy control on the FL participants' side. This policy control is used to verify the training process, ensuring that the evaluation process follows the same rules for all FL participants. We then enforce a smart contract-based aggregation policy to manage the global model aggregation process. Upon completion, the aggregated model and policy are stored on blockchain-based storage. Subsequently, we distribute the aggregated global model and the smart contract to all FL participants. Our proposed method uses smart policy control to manage access and verify the integrity of machine learning models. We conducted multiple experiments with various machine learning architectures and datasets to evaluate our proposed framework, such as MNIST and CIFAR-10.

Barriers to plastic monitoring in freshwaters in the Global South

Plastics in freshwaters are a major problem for socio-ecological systems, calling upon smart policies for its solution. At the same time, there is a lack of relevant monitoring data on plastics in freshwaters to design such policies, specifically in the so-called Global South. This study, therefore, aims to analyze the complex barriers to mo-nitoring plastics in freshwaters in example cases of the Global South, as a starting point for more tailored monitoring, and targeted policies to reduce plastics in the environment. Based on a survey amongst 45 stakeholders in Ghana and Cambodia, we systematically analyze general barriers as well as specific technical, human, financial, and knowledge barriers identified through literature analysis and based on eight expert interviews. Results show that barriers to plastic monitoring are in general rather high, with survey respondents indicating rather high challenges with regard to the indicated barriers in both cases. Further, only slight variations between cases exist, with some barriers being slightly higher in Ghana than in Cambodia. Based on these results we call for both specific capacity development activities and less capacity-intense monitoring goals such as macro plastic monitoring to identify hotspots for policy interventions.

Optimal Regional Allocation of Future Population and Employment under Urban Boundary and Density Constraints: A Spatial Interaction Modeling Approach

This paper develops an optimization modeling framework to select strategies of land development and population and employment densities for a growing metropolitan area. The modeling core involves a non-linear commuting model, which accounts for spatial structure variables and is empirically estimated by Tobit regression. This commuting model is then embedded into a non-linear optimization model that allocates increments in the population and employment (activities) to available land, while minimizing the total future commuting costs under various combinations of land expansion boundaries and population and employment densities. The resulting minimum cost surface is approximated via polynomial regression and combined with land development and congestion cost functions to derive the overall optimal strategy. These models are estimated and calibrated with data from the Census Transportation Planning Package (CTPP) and Auditor’s property database, and are applied to the Fredericksburg metropolitan area, Virginia. The results demonstrate that the optimal development densities are very sensitive to the congestion cost function. A land development strategy that allows for limited sprawl might be a smart policy to reduce both regional vehicle mile travel (VMT) and related congestion and pollution.

Effectiveness of policy instrument mixes for forest conservation in the tropics – Stakeholder perceptions from Ecuador, the Philippines and Zambia

Effective policy instruments are needed to halt or even reverse ongoing tropical deforestation. In this context, the increased focus on incentive-based instruments on the one hand and the unchanged support for classical command and control measures on the other, call for smart policy mixes. We aim to identify the effectiveness of policy instruments and of policy mixes based on stakeholder perceptions. We also aim to analyze stakeholders’ power in order to appraise the relevance of different instruments on national forest policy agendas. Our study implements related research based on more than 100 key informant interviews along the pantropical country-context of Ecuador, Philippines and Zambia. Principal component analysis is applied to identify forest policy mixes, and social network analysis to quantify stakeholder power. Our results show that despite recent discussions and support for incentive-based mechanisms like REDD+ and market-based solutions, regulative instruments are equally advocated. There is an astonishing congruence in the support of national stakeholders for specific policy instruments like reforestation subsidies, protected areas, and measures to combat illegal logging. But despite this high congruence, the policy instruments need to be implemented in country-specific combinations, because we find diverging stakeholder perceptions on national policy mixes. These diverging perceptions require good governance within the related decision and implementation processes. Whereas NGOs in general have a stronger focus on regulatory instruments, enterprises show more support for economic measures. International organizations have the most balanced perception in this respect, followed by national governments. National governments are the most powerful stakeholders. Their power is required to coordinate decision processes and ensure implementation. The almost equally powerful role of international organizations poses questions of ownership. We present a detailed analysis of policy mixes and recommendations for each of the three countries.

Developing Buildings Permits Systems Platforms (BPSP) for driving change to introduce GeoBIM potentials, challenges, and opportunities

Cities growth requires development in tools and applications to manage achieving city strategic vision with clear smart policies, which is challenging to achieve with traditional methods. So, the importance of adopting integrated technologies like BIM, GIS, and GeoBIM is becoming essential and beneficial. Many countries have developed using such technologies to enhance the performance of Building Permits Systems (BPS). The need to build a system that unifies practices, standards, and protocols within one place in a manageable platform shall enhance the performance of BPS. So, the aim is to assess the capabilities of implementing GeoBIM in Saudi BPSP municipalities for developing procedures and workflows and to define the potentials and barriers of change in systems. So, the research focused on developing existing systems with a semi-structured interview evaluates the capabilities and workflows for adopting GeoBIM in the Riyadh, Jeddah, and Mecca municipalities. In conclusion, the research results 21 factors of GeoBIM implementation that shall initiate a foundation for further studies fulfilling gaps in such study areas.

Once bitten, twice shy: The overgeneralization trap and epistemic learning after policy failure

AbstractWhy do smart policy makers who try to learn from policy failure end up overgeneralizing these lessons when facing new crises? This article focuses on the policy learning that can come in the wake of perceived policy failure, and the consequences that lesson learning has for diagnosing and tackling subsequent crises. We argue, in contrast to much of the existing literature, that failure can result in policy learning when the policy area is highly complex and there are recognized experts that have epistemic authority in the issue. At the same time, lessons tend to become overgeneralized in which policy makers facing a new crisis extrapolate the lessons learned from the past failure with little consideration of whether the circumstances are similar enough to be applicable. Our argument is assessed empirically using a process‐tracing analysis of how the EU responded to the Spanish banking crisis in 2012.Related ArticlesButz, Adam M., Michael P. Fix, and Joshua L. Mitchell. 2015. “Policy Learning and the Diffusion of Stand‐Your‐Ground Laws.” Politics & Policy 43(3): 347–77. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12116.Considine, Mark. 2012. “Applying Design Theory to Public Policy.” Politics & Policy 40(4): 704–24. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00372.x.Raile, Eric D., Amber N. Raile, Charles T. Salmon, and Lori Ann Post. 2014. “Defining Public Will.” Politics & Policy 42(1): 103–30. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12063.

Smart-City Citizen Engagement: The Answer to Energy Savings in an Economic Crisis?

As the populations of cities grow, it is obvious that they need more and more resources. Energy is currently one of the most desirable resources due to the economic and energy crisis, but it needs to be used in a sustainable manner. There are cities that achieve smart city (SC) status that provide smart policies towards sustainable development. The aim of the present paper is to determine whether citizen engagement in SC can contribute to reduced energy consumption in the current economic crisis. The paper presents an original survey intended to collect primary data and a study conducted based exclusively on qualitative methods. The results concern a broad and multifaceted review of literature concerning SCs, as well as citizens’ engagement and their role in SC development. The study allows understanding of the economic phenomena taking place in SCs and filling the gaps regarding the behavior of SC citizens. It shows that SCs create smart citizens that feel responsible for the environment and aggregate a more responsible environment for public actions with citizen engagement. In terms of energy savings, the study shows that it is possible to specify the economic and energy benefits of SC citizen engagement.

Agronomic and Economic Aspects of Biodiesel Production from Oilseeds: A Case Study in Russia, Middle Volga Region

Emissions from fossil fuels are expected to increase in accordance with the global economy, which causes the development of alternative non-hydrocarbon sources in energy production. Biodiesel is one of the best options, among other sources, due to its low footprint. Russia does not have a smart policy of state support for biofuel production. The work objective was to determine whether it is necessary to develop equipment for biodiesel production, taking into account the structure of cultivated areas and available technologies; to calculate economic indicators of biodiesel production for agricultural needs; to compare the options for spring rape cultivation; as well as calculate the government support optimal level. As research methods, the authors used the apparatus of economic and mathematical modeling, and the method of absolute, relative and average values. Statistical tables are used to present the research results. Based on our study results, it is proven that the homemade biodiesel production by agricultural enterprises is economically justified. The equipment needed for its production was determined, the main economic indicators of the fuel production type and the optimal value of monetary and labor costs were calculated, and the gross and market biofuel values were obtained. The optimum level of government support for biofuel production in the Middle Volga region should be EUR 13.223 million, and the area planted with oil crops should be increased by 47.1 thousand ha.

Ethical Marketing Model for Luxury Hotel Chains: Development and Validation of a Performance Evaluation Tool

The aim of this study is to develop a new performance evaluation tool that is stringently applied to the hotel chains, considering the associated ethical marketing dimensions to measure its proper strategic, tactical, and operational role and impact within hospitality marketing management plans, campaigns, and strategies implemented. A Delphi technique was conducted as the selected research qualitative method, comprising three rounds. A total of 23 panel participants, such as directors and managers of marketing, e-commerce, sales, and branding, completed all three rounds. Two major areas of ethical marketing, internal and external, both divided into five dimensions, each with underlying items, were found to comprise the ethical marketing model for luxury hotel chains: (1) internal area of marketing (with five dimensions: integration, training, equal opportunities, performance evaluation, and smart policies) and (2) external area of marketing (with five dimensions: stakeholders, booking platforms and CRM, marketing plan, digital marketing campaigns, and social media platforms). The study concludes with useful insights and remarks. The generalisability of the results may be limited owning to the partial or not full applicability across all luxury hotel chains. The model still needs to be empirically applied in luxury hotel chains to enrich its robustness, covering a wider spread of four- and five-star luxury hotels. There is a growing potential for researchers, hotel decision makers, and marketing and sales managers and directors to achieve many advantages and benefits from the proposed model, supporting the efforts for ethical marketing theory and practice, such as hotel brand positioning strategies and formulation of more targeted and finely tuned ethical marketing strategies, tactics, and plans. This is the first study to develop and validate a performance evaluation tool of ethical marketing for luxury hotel chains. This pioneering approach extends the scope into ethical marketing because this model has never been used in this area.

Policy programs and service delivery models for older adults and their caregivers: Comparing three provinces and two states.

Despite an increase in prevalence of complex chronic conditions and dementia, long-term care services are being continuously pushed out of institutional settings and into the home and community. The majority of people living with dementia in Canada and the United States (U.S.) live at home with support provided by family, friends or other unpaid caregivers. Ten dementia care policy programs and service delivery models across five different North American jurisdictions in Canada and the U.S. are compared deductively using a comparative policy framework originally developed by Richard Rose. One aim of this research was to understand how different jurisdictions have worked to reduce the fragmentation of dementia care. Another aim is to assess, relying on the theory of smart policy layering, the extent to which these policy efforts 'patch' health system structures or add to system redundancies. We find that these programs were introduced in a manner that did not fully consider how to patch current programs and services and thus risk creating further system redundancies. The implementation of these policy programs may have led to policy layers, and potentially to tension among different policies and unintended consequences. One approach to reducing these negative impacts is to implement evaluative efforts that assess 'goodness of fit'. The degree to which these programs have embedded these efforts into an existing policy infrastructure successfully is low, with the possible exception of one program in NY.