Socioeconomic Research Articles

Risks for the Development of the Russian Human Capital in the Context of Geoeconomic Fragmentation

Geopolitical tensions, increasing sanction pressure, inequality, and the slowdown of globalization serve as signals of fragmentation in the world economy. However, research on the social consequences of fragmentation remains limited. This study aims to identify the risks to the development of the Russian human capital in the context of geoeconomic fragmentation. Research methods include a systematic literature review and a comparative analysis of the country blocks based on the key indicators of technology development and human capital using World Bank data from 2011 to 2022. Based on political preferences and the level of socio-economic development, Western, Eastern, and Neutral blocks were identified and analyzed among 149 advanced and emerging economies. The results showed significant differences among the blocks in the level of human capital development and indicators of technological development. Russia has advantages in formal education at the level of Western block countries; however, health indicators of the population and the share of investment in science and education remain relatively low. Key risks in the context of fragmentation include further devaluation of human capital, losses associated with migration and health capital, a decrease in the share of high-tech sectors in the structure of value-added, and the proportion of scientific personnel

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Higher Education: A Critical Examination of Governance and Policy

The contemporary university has evolved into a multifaceted institution, serving not only as a hub for research, professional training, and knowledge dissemination, but also as a pivotal component of economic machinery and societal advancement, especially within the context of globalization and intense competition. These institutions are now expected to significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of their surroundings, striving for excellence and competing within an increasingly interconnected global framework. To meet these heightened expectations, universities have undergone profound transformations over recent decades. This period of change is particularly notable within the Spanish context, mirroring the broader societal shifts since the onset of the democratic transition in 1975 through to the present day in 2024. This era has necessitated substantial reforms in university governance, equipping these institutions with the requisite tools to navigate and address emerging challenges effectively. A pivotal moment in this transformative journey was the enactment of the University Reform Law of 1983. Grounded in constitutional principles, this law marked a significant milestone in updating and revitalizing university education in Spain. After this, the Organic Law on Universities of 2001 further aligned the Spanish university framework with the broader European educational landscape, reinforcing the integration and competitiveness of Spanish institutions on a continental scale. However, to comprehensively grasp the magnitude and implications of these changes, it is essential to extend our analysis beyond the immediate past and explore the historical trajectory of Spanish universities over previous centuries. By examining this extensive historical context, we can better understand the foundational elements that have shaped the current state of higher education. This article aims to meticulously analyze the evolution of the Spanish university system, delineating the chronological progress, identifying persistent challenges, and engaging in a critical discourse on potential solutions. Through this examination, the article seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the interplay between historical legacies and contemporary reforms, offering insights that are essential for shaping the future trajectory of higher education in Spain.

Democracy as a Goal and a Driving Force for Development: The Case Study of Vietnam

The article explores the complex interplay between democracy and development in Vietnam, a country with a unique historical and political context. Through document analysis, it examines the legal and political reforms implemented since the Doi Moi in 1986 to understand how democratic elements have contributed to Vietnam's socio-economic development. We argue that, despite existing challenges, the integration of democratic principles into Vietnam's development framework serves not only as an ultimate goal but also as a powerful catalyst for economic innovation, human development, and sustainable governance. The conclusion emphasizes that to maintain sustainable and inclusive development, Vietnam must continue its commitment to democratic values by improving governance mechanisms, expanding citizen participation, increasing transparency, and ensuring that development processes reflect the needs of the people. Only by deeply integrating these principles into its development strategy can Vietnam achieve long-term growth and stability.

The causal relationship between government investment and economic development in ASEAN countries

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the impact of public investment on economic growth. The data was used from the annual data of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for 6 countries in ASEAN during 2000-2022. The methodology used in the project is to apply the unit root test to the stationarity properties of individual time series and establish the cointegration relationship between non-stationary variables using methods related to cointegration testing in the long-run. The error correction model (ECM) considers the impact of the variables public investment, public expenditure and budget revenue from taxes on short-term economic growth and long-term growth thereby calculating the adjustment speed and adjustment time of the model and using the Granger causality test with fixed effects for analysis of unbalanced panel data to comprehensively analyze the relationship between public investment and economic growth. Data analysis and processing were performed using Stata software version 17. The findings that public investment has a long-term impact on economic growth and has a two-way causal relationship in all countries. The authors provide policy implications to make public investment more effective contributing to promoting the country's socio-economic development, reviewing and improving the legal system on public investment, restructuring public investment while strongly enhancing the efficiency and quality of public investment, inviting and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) capital, diversifying capital sources and creating more motivation for the private economic sector to develop and promulgate solutions to develop high-quality human resources.

ФОРСАЙТ ЯК ІНСТРУМЕНТ ВІДПОВІДАЛЬНОГО ДЕРЖАВНОГО УПРАВЛІННЯ І СТРАТЕГУВАННЯ МІЖНАРОДНОЇ ЕКОНОМІЧНОЇ ПОЛІТИКИ В УМОВАХ ЗАГОСТРЕННЯ ГЛОБАЛЬНИХ ПРОБЛЕМ РОЗВИТКУ

The purpose of the article is to study strategic long-term planning tools that allow timely identification of the latest risks, challenges and threats to international economic development that make it difficult to solve global problems that are a consequence of failures in the coordination of international economic policy. It has been determined that strategic forecasting allows politicians to increase the efficiency of government decision-making by identifying opportunities and threats that may arise in the coming years and decades, and also involves the development of possible strategies to counter them by taking into account the characteristics of the identified trends. The phenomenon of the new economy is characterized. The influence of technological development on the asymmetry of international economic development is determined. It has been established that the problems of international economic development in foresight strategizing include geopolitical rivalry, resource confrontation, energy dependence, deglobalization, disintegration processes, trade fragmentation, gaps in value and supply chains, reinstitutionalization of the system of international economic relations, recession, population aging, unemployment. Foresight forecasting tools that are not aimed at predicting a single “correct future” include: analysis of long-term trends and uncertainties; horizon scanning); scenario planning; shaping a normative future; political games; futures wheels; causal multilevel analysis. Research into long-term trends and uncertainties reveals key factors in different possible futures. The comprehensive observation carried out allows us to identify risks for the macroeconomic environment and proactively formulate a pool of measures to minimize the destructive impact of instability on socio-economic development. Improving foresight research as a critical element of strategic forecasting for solving problems of long-term development affects both theoretical aspects (conceptual approach, conceptual apparatus) and applied aspects (technologies and methods of development) of the development and use of this tool. Strategic planning allows you to develop adequate tools to achieve goals and proactively respond to the challenges of modern development, minimizing costs and compensating for the losses that arise for this reason, which lead to the loss of existing competitive advantages. The difference between forecasts and foresights is noted: forecasts are usually associated with uncontrollable events, while foresights most often deal with events and processes that are clearly controllable, therefore they assess the probability of not only one or another outcome of future events, but also the adoption of certain strategic and management decisions. The ability to distinguish normative approaches (what we want) from pragmatic approaches (what we should) is an important component of thinking in terms of alternative futures

Desenvolvimento de plug-in BIM para verificação de conformidade de Projetos Arquitetônicos segundo as Leis Municipais – O Caso de Passo Fundo/RS

The construction industry plays a significant role in job creation and the socioeconomic development of cities. However, architects and urban planners face challenges due to the delay in the approval of architectural projects by municipal governments, attributed to the non-compliance of projects with local laws. In this context, this study proposes the use of programming in BIM (Building Information Modeling) software, with the aim of developing a plug-in to assist in the process of approving architectural projects in compliance with the municipal laws and regulations of Passo Fundo-RS. The methodology adopted was based on a thorough literature review, document analysis, and the development of a plug-in prototype for Revit, developed in Dynamo using the Python language. The proposed prototype involves the integration of urban data into Revit to automate the collection of information such as building dimensions, lot areas, setbacks, and other metrics. The results revealed that the implementation of programming routines in BIM, especially for Revit, has the potential to significantly reduce the waiting times for project approvals by the municipal government, improve their compliance with local regulations, and minimize pending issues and rework.

Scholars from Russia and Southeast Asia Countries on the Present and Future of Mekong River

This is an overview of the conference “Mekong: Regional Challenges and Possible Solutions” organized by the Center for Vietnam and ASEAN Studies of the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia within Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Center for Scientific and Analytical Information of the Institute of Oriental Studies within Russian Academy of Sciences, with the support of the Gorchakov Foundation. The conference participants examined the geopolitical situation in the Greater Mekong Sub-region, assessed its resources, peculiarities of socio-economic development of individual states, summarized various opinions on sustainable development of the GMS, identified the main contradictions associated with the transboundary nature of the river, analyzed plans, the effectiveness of cooperation mechanisms between neighboring countries and external partners, as well as put forward proposals for solving existing problems with the participation of Russia.

Effect of Delay on Profitability of Building Construction Projects

In construction, delay could be defined as the time overrun either beyond completion date specified in a contract, or beyond the date that the parties agreed upon for delivery of a project. It is a project slipping over its planned schedule and is considered as common problem in construction projects. The Indian construction sector has acted as an engine of growth for the Indian economy for over the past five-decades and becoming a basic input for the socio-economic development of the country. Construction is the second largest economic activity after agriculture, and has contributed around 6 to 9% of India's GDP over the past five years while registering 8 to 10% growth per annum. This paper refers to study effect of delay in construction industry particularly in profitability or economic factors. Keywords: Construction, Delay, Profitability, GDP, Economic factor

Exploring the Scope and Impact of Vocational Education and Skill Development Programs on Women’s Self-Help Groups

Women's self-help groups (WSHGs) have arisen as an important tool for women's empowerment and socioeconomic development in many nations, particularly in developing areas. Skill development and vocational education programs aimed at women in these categories have received attention as possible catalysts for increasing their economic independence, social status, and general well-being. The purpose of this article is to look at the influence of skill development and vocational education efforts on women's self-help groups, with a particular emphasis on economic empowerment, community development, and female agency. Drawing on empirical evidence and theoretical frameworks, this study investigates the mechanisms by which skill development and vocational education programs contribute to women's empowerment in self-help groups, as well as the broader implications for gender equality and sustainable development.

Exploring the Role of Folklore in Sustaining Cultural Tourism in Meghalaya

Meghalaya, known for its colourful customs, extensive oral history, and breathtaking scenery, has emerged as a major destination for cultural tourism in Northeastern India. The region's identity is fundamentally shaped by the rich history of customs, rituals, and folklore upheld by its indigenous groups, which are predominantly the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes. In Meghalaya, cultural tourism has grown to be a substantial industry, drawing tourists from both home and abroad who are interested in learning more about the distinctive traditions, celebrations, artwork, folklore storytellers, and way of life of the local tribes. This study explores the function of cultural tourism in Meghalaya, emphasizing how it advances sustainable tourism, cultural heritage preservation, and socioeconomic development. The state’s cultural tourism revolves around festivals, traditions, and folklore, these celebrations provide guests with the excitement of Meghalaya's dynamic culture as ancient myths, stories, songs, enchanting festivals, and traditional ceremonies, which play a vital role in supporting and advancing cultural tourism and provides an unforgettable adventure into the core of indigenous heritage. Furthermore, the study looks at how folklore tourism gives local people the chance to become more economically empowered through guided storytelling and ensuring the preservation of tourism centred around the folklore stories of Meghalaya which is crucial for sustaining the strong cultural legacy of its native communities, providing tourists with a more profound link to the ancient traditions and intriguing legends of the region.

Why do new-borns die? Perspectives of community members and health care providers in the Lawra municipality of the Upper West Region, Ghana

BackgroundNeonatal deaths contribute significantly to under-five mortality and serve as a crucial indicator of a country’s socioeconomic development, quality of life, and health status. These deaths occur both at home and in health facilities. Therefore, the perspectives of community members and healthcare providers are essential in defining neonatal survival.AimThis study explored the perceived causes of neonatal deaths among healthcare professionals and community members at the Lawra Municipality in the Upper West Region, Ghana.MethodThis study employed a qualitative descriptive approach. A purposive sample of 30 participants including 18 community members and 12 healthcare providers, was selected. Data were gathered using Focus Group Discussion (FGD), transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed using thematic-content analysis.ResultsThree themes were constructed to describe the factors leading to newborn deaths both at health facilities and in the community. These factors included: (1) personal factors related to newborns, mothers/families and health staff; (2) physical factors related to hospital facilities and equipment; and (3) logistical factors related to transport, referral and presentation delays.ConclusionThe study identified differences in perspectives between healthcare providers and community members, which can affect interventions in neonatal care. Health authorities are encouraged to develop a shared vision to engage communities by addressing geographic-specific factors causing neonatal deaths. This approach can help in understanding how collective actions can contribute to reducing neonatal deaths.

Antimicrobial resistance and genotypic attributes of virulence among Vibrio spp. isolated from Japanese retail seafood

Bacterial diseases caused by Vibrio spp. are a significant impediment to the aquaculture industry owing to difficult-to-treat infections and mortality in farmed animals, affecting socioeconomic development. This study aimed to evaluate the role of Japanese retail seafood in the production of antimicrobial-resistant Vibrio spp. and pathogenic factors. One hundred seafood samples purchased from various retail supermarkets in Hiroshima, Japan, were examined using microbiological, phenotypic, and molecular techniques. One hundred and twenty-eight Vibrio isolates belonging to more than 11 species were identified and characterized. Among the 100 samples, 26 (26 %) tested positive for Vibrio spp. with antimicrobial resistance, while 44 (44 %) were positive for those carrying virulence determinants. Out of 128 isolates, V. alginolyticus was predominant (38 %), followed by V. parahaemolyticus (29 %), V. neocaledonicus (7.0 %), V. cholerae (6.3 %), among others. For virulence gene assessment, only six of the 10 virulence attributes, tlh (34.4 %), VPI (29.7 %), ompW (7.0 %), toxR (5.5 %), hlyA (3.9 %), and ompU (3.1 %), were detected in the isolates. tcpA, ctxA, ctxB, and tdh are absent. Eight V. cholerae isolates of international origin were VPI-positive, seven of which harbored the toxR regulon and other virulence genes. The blaTEM resistance gene was identified in V. alginolyticus (22 isolates). All 46 antimicrobial resistance gene-harboring isolates were phenotypically susceptible to cephalosporins, aztreonam, meropenem, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin. Ampicillin resistance was the highest (91.3 %), followed by colistin (30.4 %) and fosfomycin (15.2 %). The multiple-antibiotic resistance index ranged from 0.2 to 0.47, suggesting that some isolates originate from high-risk contamination sources. Our results shed light on the incidence of potentially pathogenic Vibrio spp. and highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring to improve food safety in the seafood supply chain. These findings will be useful for developing microbiological risk assessments for retail seafood management.

Rural development through solar and pyrolysis systems: Towards energy sustainability

Rural communities require socio-economic development and technologies that lead to the deployment of renewable energy systems. For these reasons, a solar parabolic dish cooker (SPDC), solar PV and fast pyrolysis systems were developed. The fast pyrolysis system is designed to generate biogas and biochar using an average biomass consumption and the generated waste per person per day in rural areas at a feed rate of 0.65 kg. 0.157 kg of biogas (CH4, H2 and CO) was recovered at the given feed rate and 73 % of the produced biogas is expected to be handed over to the feed provider since 27 % was burnt in the pyrolyser furnace. The SPDC utilised both aluminium and silver as the reflector materials and higher efficiency (4.182 %) was achieved using a silver dish reflector. Solar PV cooling from 82 °C to 25 °C was investigated and the findings revealed that 439.12 L of H2O and 0.164 kW are required at an operating cost of $0.571. An efficiency of 45.46–75.41 % for the pyrolysis unit, 60 % for the SPDC and 17 % for the solar PV were recorded. This study also recommends the installation of one pyrolysis system in each rural community and equip each rural household with the developed solar systems.

Enhancing Sustainability and Conservation of White Shrimp Penaeus schmitti in Northeast Brazil: Insights Into Life History, Reference Points, and Management Strategies for Beach Seining

ABSTRACTArtisanal fishing significantly not only contributes to socioeconomic development of numerous countries but also exerts pressure on natural populations. The white shrimp (Penaeus schmitti) is a key species in Brazilian artisanal fisheries, yet it is currently classified as data‐deficient. Conducting comprehensive studies on its population dynamics is essential to establish reference points that guarantee sustainable fishing. Therefore, we estimated population parameters to assess status of the white shrimp stock captured by beach seining in Northeast Brazil. Monthly samples of white shrimp were collected using a beach trawl. Based on population parameters, the white shrimp population in the study area, the sex ratio was 1 male to 1.29 females, with females larger and heavier than males. Weight–length relationships revealed positive allometric growth for males, females, and grouped sexes, with no significant difference between sexes. Asymptotic length, t_achor, and growth performance index also did not differ between sexes; however, the growth coefficient was higher for females. Beach trawling in northeastern Brazil predominantly targeted adult white shrimp, with carapace length at first capture (Lc50) averaging 2.12 cm for females and 2.19 cm for males. Mortality and exploitation rates were below maximum sustainable levels, so the stock was classified as underexploited. Overall, beach‐seine fishing was less harmful to this stock (F = 1.42) than motorized fishing and can be considered a sustainable fishing activity for the white shrimp population.

The long‐term impacts of Marine Protected Areas on fish catch and socioeconomic development in Tanzania

AbstractMarine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a cornerstone of marine conservation efforts, with the potential to protect biodiversity and provide socioeconomic benefits. We quantified the effect of MPAs on fishing outcomes, economic activities, and material living standards in 24 coastal villages of Tanzania over two decades. We accessed original data from a study conducted in 2003 that found no effect of MPAs 3–8 years after their creation. Eighteen years later, we replicated the survey and used a Before‐After Control‐Intervention design to quantify the effect of MPAs. We found that villages near MPAs experienced a 50% higher improvement in living standards compared to those further from MPAs. This benefit is not related to higher fishing outcomes but to a diversification of economic sectors. Our findings highlight a decoupling between fish catches and economic benefits, revealing that socio‐economic outcomes can be observed for MPAs whose ecosystems’ productivity has declined.

The Impact of SARS Epidemic on Firm Investment: Evidence from Listed Firms in China

ABSTRACT The outbreak of SARS in 2003 brought a great shock to China’s socio-economic development, but empirical studies on its long-term economic impact are relatively scarce. We use the outbreak of SARS as a quasi-natural experiment, employing city-level case data and listed firm data to study the impact of the pandemic on fixed investment. Compared with cities without SARS cases, firms in cities with SARS cases significantly increased their fixed investment by 26.4%. After conducting a series of endogeneity tests, represented by PSM-DID, our conclusions remain robust. Credit conditions in the affected cities were relaxed after the epidemic. This shift led to a notable decrease in firms’ financial constraints and burdens, thereby offering substantial financing support for fixed investments. To offset the losses endured during the epidemic, firms bolster their investment in high-risk projects. The results of our heterogeneity analysis also support the two mechanisms.

Development of human capital in Kazakhstan’s higher education institutions: financial investments, faculty qualifications, and research output (2018–2022)

This study examines the development of human capital in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Kazakhstan from 2018 to 2022, focusing on financial investments, infrastructure support, faculty qualifications, research output, and student outcomes. Utilizing comprehensive data from official sources, the analysis reveals significant growth in financial commitment to higher education, with substantial increases in expenditures, revenues, and investments in educational infrastructure. The data indicate a diverse and increasingly qualified faculty, though gender imbalances persist at senior academic levels. Research output, as measured by publications indexed in Scopus, has shown consistent growth, reflecting enhanced research productivity. Student performance metrics, including graduation rates and employment outcomes, highlight the effective preparation of graduates for the job market, with rising average salaries and employment rates. Innovation activities within HEIs, such as patent applications and trademark registrations, demonstrate a dynamic but variable landscape. The study identifies key areas for improvement, including the need for sustained investment, policies promoting gender equality in academia, and support for innovation activities. The findings underscore the importance of aligning educational programs with market needs to further improve graduate employability. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and educational leaders to enhance the quality and competitiveness of higher education in Kazakhstan, contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.

Socio economic perspectives on fusion power for a sustainable future energy system

In the global effort towards the mitigation of climate change, low-carbon electricity generating technologies play a pivotal role. Nuclear fusion stands as a highly promising option for carbon-free electricity generation in a sustainable, reliable, affordable and socially acceptable future energy system. The EUROfusion work package “Socio Economic Studies” (WPSES) on fusion conducts research aimed at identifying social and economic conditions that can effectively support fusion deployment in future energy markets. Placing nuclear fusion in the broader context of energy and climate issues, the SES research explores fusion as an energy technology contributing to sustainable energy production for the future society. Because of the cross-cutting nature of the research, SES studies can provide decision-makers with scientific evidence relevant for shaping appropriate strategies in favour of fusion. This paper aims to offer the scientific community a thorough overview of EUROfusion SES research, addressing a gap in the current literature.

Management of Calabar Carnival and the Socio-Economic Development of Cross River State, Nigeria

The research examined the management of Calabar carnival and the socio-economic development of Cross River State, Nigeria. Specifically, the research work explored the effect of Calabar Carnival strategic planning, private sector participation initiatives and quality security coordination on social and economic progress of Calabar. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of officials of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, officials of Cross River State tourism bureau, office of the special adviser on Tourism/carnival and representations of the private sector, making a total of 121. A sample of121 respondents was used using the census method. Regression analysis was used to test all the research hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance using the appropriate degrees of freedom. The results revealed that all the research hypotheses were significant. That is, government strategic planning in Calabar carnival, private sector participation in Calabar carnival and Calabar carnival security management all have significant and positive effects on socio-economic development of Cross River state, Nigeria. The study concluded that when the Calabar Carnival is properly managed it would generate revenue, create employment opportunities, improve infrastructural facilities, enhance the wellbeing of the citizenry, among other socio-economic benefits. Based on the findings, it was recommended that festival organizations should plan ahead of time on how to raise the present status of Calabar carnival festival to international status. This could be achieved through appropriate policies and programmes and by continuing to put in place the necessary infrastructure and enabling environment that would sustain the festival. Also, there should be private sector participation. Besides, festival organizations should take strategic sustainable development approach to address security challenges in the study area.

The importance of human potential as a factor and criterion of socio-economic development

The importance of human potential as a factor and criterion of socio-economic development