Socio-economic Growth Research Articles

Declining groundwater and its impacts along Ganga riverfronts using combined Sentinel-1, GRACE, water levels, and rainfall data

The Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) in northern India are vast alluvial tracts with huge shallow aquifers, densely populated and agriculturally productive regions. In the last few decades, IGP has been facing water scarcity driven by erratic monsoon dynamics, anthropogenic activity, and hydroclimatic variability. In urban centers, continuous groundwater withdrawal leads to high stress, affecting surface deformation and a threat to buildings and infrastructures. An attempt has been made to explore the possible linkage and coupling between groundwater level, hydroclimatic variables, and subsidence in the Central Ganga Plains (CGP), in Varanasi metropolis using the combined multisensory multitemporal data, Sentinel-1 (2017–2023), GRACE (2003–2023), groundwater levels (1998–2023), and precipitation (2002–2023). Long-term hydrological response in the CGP shows continuous depletion (14.6 ± 5.6 mm/yr) in response to precipitation variability. Results show spatiotemporal variations between GWS, and precipitation estimate with nonlinear trend response due to associated inter-annual/inter-seasonal climate variability and anthropogenic water withdrawal, specifically during the observed drought years. The significant storage response in the urban center compared to a regional extent suggests the potential impact of exponentially increasing urbanization and building hydrological stress in the cities. The implications of reducing storage capacity show measured land subsidence (∼2–8 mm/yr) patterns developed along the meandering stretch of the Ganga riverfronts in Varanasi. The groundwater level data from the piezometric supports the hydroclimatic variables and subsidence coupling. Considering the vital link between water storage, food security, and socioeconomic growth, the results of this study require systematic inclusion in water management strategies as climate change seriously impacts water resources in the future.

МОДЕЛІ СОЦІАЛЬНО-ЕКОНОМІЧНОГО РОЗВИТКУ АГРОПРОДОВОЛЬЧОЇ СФЕРИ В УМОВАХ АКТИВІЗАЦІЇ ІННОВАЦІЙНОГО МЕНЕДЖМЕНТУ

State regulation of the processes of social and economic development functions first of all as an ordered system, therefore it is appropriate to consider the process of regulation of processes in the agro-food sector from the point of view of a systemic approach. In turn, the components of the specified system are the goals, tasks, principles, functions of state regulation, as well as subjects that use methods and tools to influence objects, taking into account external and internal factors and aiming at the appropriate result, namely : development of the national economy, positive movement of capital, increasing the sustainability of socio-economic development and growth of the welfare of the country's population. To ensure the socio-economic development of the agri-food sector of Ukraine, and to ensure the effective functioning of economic entities in this sphere, it is necessary to ensure the transition to the investment and innovation model of development. This model should contribute to the formation of a new effective structure of the agro-food sector, ensure its accelerated growth, strengthening of positions on international markets due to increased competitiveness and increasing the export of products that have a higher added value.Innovative activities and projects that ensure social transformations in agriculture should remain the priority areas of investment in the agri-food sector of Ukraine. Along with the modernization of the agro-food sector on an innovative basis, inclusive rural development must be ensured - both as a result and in parallel as a tool of rural socio-economic development, the main task of which is to improve the quality of life, in the process of which economic, social and political rights are realized , it is important to use the advantages of the local environment, which can support the development of the existing potential. The implementation of the process in this capacity ensures the growth of economic opportunities and allows to raise the standard of living in rural areas within the limits of all social groups, especially in relation to women, youth, small farmers, ethnic groups, marginalized strata in conditions of activation of innovative management.

An investigation into the causes and impact of service delivery protests on political stability: perceptions from the social contract and relative deprivation

Service delivery protests in South African municipalities are common due to governance issues. The ongoing discussions around service delivery protests in South Africa are an indication of a much-needed holistic approach to addressing the needs of the people. The objective of this study is to explore the reasons behind and effects of service delivery protests on political stability with perspectives, gained from the ideas of the social contract and relative deprivation. This study explored the individualized experiences, attitudes, and motives of persons engaging in service delivery protests using a qualitative research methodology based on an interpretivism approach. A detailed knowledge of the complex dynamics underpinning these protests was revealed using in-depth interviews, content analysis, and participant observation. The research has found that when promises of basic services and socioeconomic growth are not kept, there is a perceived breakdown of the social contract between residents and the government. Additionally, relative deprivation appeared as a major element influencing protest mobilization as people and communities perceived injustice and discontent when they contrasted their socioeconomic situation to others. Protests in the delivery of services have been found to have a variety of effects on political stability. Although they can spur government responsiveness and policy change, they also present stability hazards and the possibility of bloodshed. The study suggests a Cooperative government model to reduce protests and promote stability. This model focuses on protection, participation, and provision to ensure effective decision-making and service delivery that meets the people's needs.

Стратегические ориентиры социально-экономического роста качества жизни и обеспечения качества питания населения

Abstract. The purpose is to form strategic guidelines for socio-economic growth of the quality of life and ensuring the quality of nutrition of the population. Methodology and methods. In the course of the study, both general and universal methods were used (sociological survey, ranking, systematization, classification and interpretation, analysis and synthesis), including the method of comparison in the development and justification of the relationship of life quality indicators with the quality of nutrition and the tasks of ensuring food security of Russia. Results. The article considers the evolution of approaches to the level and quality of life where the role and importance of a person in sustainable socio-economic development comes to the fore. The analysis of the approaches used by the international community to assess the quality of life made it possible to correlate indicators and indicators to the category of nutrition quality, as well as to build a relationship with the criteria and objectives of food security in Russia, enshrined in the Doctrine. The authors conducted a sociological survey among the urban and rural working-age population of the Sverdlovsk region to identify factors that form the conditions of the quality of life and the quality of nutrition. The scientific novelty consists in identifying and constructing a classification of the relationship between the criteria of the quality of life and the quality of nutrition with the tasks of food security in Russia. And also in the formation of an evidence base for the dependence of structural indicators of the level and quality of life in the hierarchy of values of a household and an individual.

ВПЛИВ МАЛОГО ТА СЕРЕДНЬОГО СЕКТОРІВ ПРОМИСЛОВОСТІ НА ЕКОНОМІЧНЕ ЗРОСТАННЯ ОБ’ЄДНАНИХ АРАБСЬКИХ ЕМІРАТІВ

A nation's socioeconomic growth is significantly impacted by its small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Jobs are created by small and medium-sized businesses, which also participate in international trade and compete with big businesses. Similar to this, in the UAE, small and medium-sized businesses play a significant role in economic development that is sustainable. The purpose of the article is to determine how small and medium-sized businesses affect economic growth in the United Arab Emirates. The subject of the study is small and medium industry sector and their influence on the economic growth of the United Arab Emirates. The methodological basis and information base of the research are current scientific and applied research, statistical information. The article uses a number of methods, including analysis, synthesis, comparison and generalization. The main hypothesis of the study was the assumption that the efficiency of economic management and the financial condition of the public sector depend on the quality of budget forecasting and planning, because they are the key to the sustainable development of socio-economic processes. Presenting main material. The results of the research method (Vector Error Correction Model VECM analysis) with the constant Dickey-Fuller test (ADF), the Johansen test for cointegration, the Granger test for causality, and the response function (IRF) for secondary data in time series for the period 1999-2019 showed that the variables of the number of firms were significantly correlated with the variables of the number of firms.The originality and practical significance of the research.Economic growth and small and medium-sized businesses are causally related in two ways. The results of the VECM analysis also demonstrate that in the short term there is a significant positive effect on the number of small and medium enterprises in lag-1 on Economic growth, in addition to the existence of a unidirectional and bidirectional causal relationship for the variable number of workers and economic growth in the United Arab Emirates.Conclusions. Economic growth, the number of small and medium-sized businesses, and their employee bases are all interconnected over the long term.

Empowering Urban Educational Leadership: Exploring the Nexus of Educational Leadership, Teacher Compensation, and Socioeconomic Equity in an Urban School District in a Mid-Atlantic State in the United States of America

This study examined teacher leadership, the intricate interplay of culture, education, and the college board race gaps in SAT scores, and their collective impact on academic performance within the Baltimore City Public Schools. The study specifically explored the correlation between teacher salaries and academic achievement while considering persistent factors such as poverty, which consistently hindered academic success for predominantly Black and Brown students, as many seasoned teachers are exiting and too few are joining the profession. Ineffective leadership and inadequate teacher compensation, compounded by the challenges of poverty, were identified as major contributors to below-average academic performance in the urban public school system. Emphasizing teacher salaries, the research highlighted the linear relationship between salary increases and the growing issue of poverty among educators when adjusted for inflation. The meta-analysis conducted underscored the pivotal role played by effective leadership and quality education in enhancing student achievement and fostering socioeconomic growth. The study contended that educational and teacher leadership at the intersection of culture are imperative for adapting to 21st-century economic, technological, and societal transformations. The findings underscored the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities among educational leaders to improve academic outcomes in urban public schools. Achieving fair compensation, resource accessibility, and fostering professional growth are crucial for attracting and retaining excellent educators, thereby creating an ideal learning environment for all students. The research provided a comprehensive framework for evidence-based parameter estimations in computational modeling, providing informed strategies to address challenges in urban public-school systems.

Action Research and Transformation: Lessons from Three Decades of Practice

In this paper I look back over three decades of doing participatory action research and extract some lessons that bear upon the pressing issues of our time—namely, how to act in the face of unsustainable socio-economic growth trajectories and cascading environmental degradation. I start with my circuitous journey into action research and to the importance of human subjectivity to transformation processes. I then trace the thinking that shaped a postmodern feminist social research agenda. Next follows an account of developing a research design for poststructuralist participatory action research (PPAR) that foregrounds understanding ‘ways of living’ in place. Drawing on actual action research projects, the lessons that emerge concern the importance of 1) inventory and bearing witness to difference; 2) new techniques of resubjectivation that encourage transformation; and 3) shifting the action focus from human subjects to socio-technical assemblages in which humans, material infrastructures, habits and experimentation are interwoven. Throughout my three decades of involvement with action research I have learnt about the limits to the durability of subjectivity change and the need to work on support from wider ecosystems of governance, infrastructure, health and social expectation.

Factors that contribute to impoverished women gaining access to social work services in Ho Chi Minh City

ABSTRACT Ho Chi Minh City has instigated measures to assist poverty-stricken citizens, both in general and disadvantaged women in particular, encouraging wide access to social work services for poverty alleviation. Despite obstacles associated with combating the worldwide pandemic and maintaining socioeconomic growth, the poverty rate continues to decline as a result of the city’s implementation of social security policies. Based upon substantial research presenting the voices of women breadwinners in families, this article finds that access to social work services (vocational training, job placement, financing, and legal guidance) considerably improves the lives of poor women and their families. Social work practitioners and government officials, however, should be more alert to the reasons why low educational attainment, large family size, unstable marital status, and unsatisfactory profession choices, limit women’s capacity to utilise poverty alleviation programmes.

Promotion of military tourism as a tool of socioeconomic development of a region (on the example of Kyiv Oblast)


 
 
 The article provides evidences to support the notion that development of military tourism is a driver of socioeconomic growth of a region. In the present study, we used the gen- eral scientific and sophisticated scientific methods of research, including structural-functional analysis, statistical method, and comparative analysis. The study results were substantiated based on the data of the State Committee of Statistics of Ukraine, State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, State Agency of Tourism Development of Ukraine, Kyiv Oblast Center of the Development of Tourism, and materials from other scientific and official sources. We provided a definition of military tourism, which is proposed to be understood as a special kind of tourism in which the tourists can visit war-related historical sites and modern notable military objects; join the realities of the contemporary life in the military and familiarize themselves with the military experience; and participate in safe military events or historical reconstructions. We analyzed the reasons of decline in the tourist flows that occurred over the recent three years and presented the main ways of increasing them. We analyzed types of military tours offered by the Ukrainian tour guides on the domestic tourism market and studied the level of involvement of the respondents in military tourism in Ukraine. We demonstrated that military tourism is on offer in Ukraine, but against the backdrop of martial law, the internal tourism has specifics related to permits and restrictions that are in force during the war in relatively safe western and central regions of the country. Assessment of perspectives of military-tourism development in Ukraine using SWOT analysis revealed that it has many advantages, the main being the resources that can be used in creating a competitive tourism product, while the shortcomings include inaccessibility of the landmarks, absence of finances and investments, and high cost of the tours. For the socioeconomic development of Kyiv Oblast, we propose the Ukraine Undefeatable tour, having accounted for the abovementioned requirements to organizing tours in Ukraine in the conditions of martial law. The tour was developed based on the objects we selected in Kyiv Oblast. We confirmed that the development of military tourism is one of the most efficient drivers of socioeconomic growth of the region, Kyiv Oblast in particular, because it promotes increases in socioeconomic indicators of the region’s development.
 
 

Process optimization of osmotic membrane distillation for the extraction of valuable resources from water streams

The rising demand for sustainable wastewater management and high-value resource recovery is pressing industries involved in, e.g., textiles, metals, and food production, to adopt energy-efficient and flexible liquid separation methods. The current techniques often fall short in achieving zero liquid discharge and enhancing socio-economic growth sustainably. Osmotic membrane distillation (OMD) has emerged as a low-temperature separation process designed to concentrate valuable elements and substances in dilute feed streams. The efficacy of OMD hinges on the solvent’s migration from the feed to the draw stream through a hydrophobic membrane, driven by the vapor pressure difference induced by both temperature and concentration gradients. However, the intricate interplay of heat and mass processes steering this mechanism is not yet fully comprehended or accurately modeled. In this research, we conducted a combined theoretical and experimental study to explore the capabilities and thermodynamic limitations of OMD. Under diverse operating conditions, the experimental campaign aimed to corroborate our theoretical assertions. We derived a novel equation to govern water flux based on foundational principles and introduced a streamlined version for more straightforward application. Our findings spotlight complex transport-limiting and self-adjusting mechanisms linked with temperature and concentration polarization phenomena. Compared with traditional methods like membrane distillation and osmotic dilution, which are driven by solely temperature or concentration gradients, OMD may provide improved and flexible performance in target applications. For instance, we show that OMD—if properly optimized—can achieve water vapor fluxes 50% higher than osmotic dilution. Notably, OMD operation at reduced feed temperatures can lead to energy savings ranging between 5 and 95%, owing to the use of highly concentrated draw solutions. This study underscores the potential of OMD in real-world applications, such as concentrating lithium in wastewater streams. By enhancing our fundamental understanding of OMD’s potential and constraints, we aim to broaden its adoption as a pivotal liquid separation tool, with focus on sustainable resource recovery.

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE CAUSES AND IMPACT OF SERVICE DELIVERY PROTESTS ON POLITICAL STABILITY IN SOUTH AFRICA

Service delivery protests in South African municipalities are common due to governance issues. The ongoing discussions around service delivery protests in South Africa are an indication of a much-needed holistic approach to addressing the needs of the people. The objective of this study is to explore the reasons behind and effects of service delivery protests on political stability with perspectives gained from the ideas of the social contract and relative deprivation. This study explored the individualized experiences, attitudes, and motives of persons engaging in service delivery protests using a qualitative research methodology based on interpretivism. A detailed knowledge of the complex dynamics underpinning these protests was revealed using in-depth interviews, content analysis, and participant observation. The research found that when promises of basic services and socioeconomic growth are not kept, there is a perceived breakdown of the social contract between residents and the government. Additionally, relative deprivation appeared as a major element influencing protest mobilization as people and communities perceived injustice and discontent when they contrasted their socioeconomic situation to others. Protests in the delivery of services have been found to have a variety of effects on political stability. Although they can spur government responsiveness and policy change, they also present stability hazards and the possibility of bloodshed. To reduce the likelihood of protests and support political stability. The study suggests a Cooperative government model to reduce protests and promote stability. This model focuses on protection, participation, and provision to ensure effective decision-making and service delivery that meets the people's needs.

Issues and Challenges before Higher Education in Bihar: An Empirical Study

Indian Knowledge Tradition believes that education is not just the beginning of the spiritual life of mankind, but it is also the training of human soul. It aims at all round development of an individual. Education plays an important role in shaping a country’s socio-economic growth. India is one of the fastest growing economies with a huge human resource. With such vast human capital, the scope of higher education is very much wider in comparison to the other countries. We, in India have the tradition of believing and recognizing “Maa Saraswati” as the goddess of knowledge. We have Vedas, Upanishads, puranas in our core value system. The Bhagwad Gita enlightens and guides mankind in the gravest of life’s problems and awakens not just human mind but also enlightens human soul. The role of women scholars in the Vedic era in developing and enriching Indian tradition cannot be undermined. Takshashila is regarded as the oldest university in the world. While Nalanda, Vikramshila in Bihar are the examples of many distinguished centers of higher education centers in India, which were way ahead of times. The main aim of such higher education institution was to impart Vedic knowledge which leads to spiritual growth. The glory can be traced from the writings of many of the foreign travelers who came to visit Bharat during those times in order to not just see the prevailing higher education system but also to attain knowledge. Our modern education system is largely based on colonial legacy and English education pattern. The foreign invasion and the British rule destroyed traditional Indian educational system in a planned way. According to UNESCO, there are around 235 million students enrolled in different universities around the world. If India is willing to become a super power someday it will only be through knowledge-based society. In this paper we will be discussing the issues and challenges before the higher education system in Bihar. There are 17 state Universities in Bihar, each university has broadly two types of colleges- namely Constituent college and Affiliated college. Constituent Colleges are more or less like Government College and Affiliated colleges are like Private college. This research is primarily focused on the constituent colleges. Present paper seeks to highlight different issues and hindrances before the higher education system in Bihar e.g. Low Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), inadequate Pupil-Teacher ratio, delayed session, poor attendance of students in college, absence of proper laboratory facility, NAAC accreditation, implementation of National Education policy 2020 etc. This is an empirical research based on observational methodology. Higher education has experienced expansion both in terms of institutions and enrolment over the period of time, but it has not been sufficient. Present higher education system has total disconnect from our great ancient tradition. Innovative and transformative strategies need to be implemented on priority basis at the higher education level.

Larger increase in future global terrestrial water availability than projected by CMIP6 models

<p>Climate change and increasing water use associated with socio-economic growth have exacerbated the water crisis in most of the world. However, terrestrial water availability (precipitation minus evapotranspiration, PME) is inadequately represented within Earth System Models, directly affecting the reliability and consistency of future projections. To address this issue, we employ twenty Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models and multiple observational PME datasets to produce more robust future projections. Most models underestimate the increase in PME over 1982–2011, while over 80% of the models project a continued rise in future PME. We thus constrain future changes in global mean PME (ΔPME) under medium and high greenhouse gas emission scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) using the hierarchical emergent constraint (HEC) approach. The constrained PME shows a significant increase by 33.81 ± 13.72mm, or 13% ± 5%, during the period <styled-content style-type="number">2070</styled-content>–<styled-content style-type="number">2099</styled-content> relative to 1982–2011 under SSP5-8.5. Implementation of the HEC method reduces the uncertainty range by 24% and shows the ΔPME of the raw CMIP6 was underestimated by 37%. The PME change trends are most evident in low-latitude regions, with constrained PME increasing by 75.69 ± 24.35 mm, or 28% ± 9%, in the Northern Hemisphere’s low latitudes and by 34.56 ± 38.91mm, or 8% ± 10% in the Southern Hemisphere’s low latitudes by <styled-content style-type="number">2070</styled-content>–<styled-content style-type="number">2099</styled-content> under SSP5-8.5. Our findings highlight the importance of accurate model representation of precipitation to produce reliable projections of global terrestrial water availability. The observationally-constrained ΔPME is valuable for sustainable management of water resources.</p>

Empirical Studies in Communication for Development in Nigeria: The Global View

Purpose: Communication is a vital catalyst for development, especially amidst global societal changes specifically in Nigeria. Engaging individuals actively becomes crucial for societal advancement, necessitating their awareness, involvement, and capacity-building for effective development programs. Establishing robust communication channels between the populace and the government is imperative. This paper examines empirical studies on communication for development within Nigeria and globally, emphasizing its pivotal role in progress and its impact on Nigeria’s socio-economic growth. It explores global perspectives on communication’s inherent advantages in fostering development and highlights challenges hindering the government’s use of communication for national development. Additionally, it analyzes communication for development’s influence on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), exploring communication tools used and barriers to their optimal achievement within set time frames. Design/Methodology & Approach: Using comprehensive contextual analysis, this study rigorously reviews publications, textbooks, and pertinent online resources. Findings: Communication significantly contributes to MDGs but faces persistent challenges such as insurgencies, insecurity, literacy gaps, ethnic diversity, and inadequate political will. Addressing these hurdles is crucial for maximizing communication’s developmental benefits. Implications: Neglecting these challenges and failing to fully embrace communication for development in Nigeria will impede anticipated national progress. Originality/Value: This paper underscores communication’s critical role in Nigeria and global development, essential for rapid societal advancement. Paper Type: Conceptual research.

Пространственный анализ инфраструктурных эффектов экономической динамики регионов России

Sustainable development of the transport system ensures the economic space unity, integrity and national security. The study hypothesises that infrastructure as an essential factor of well-being brings economic benefits to a region and determines its socio-economic growth, with effects extending beyond the region itself. Econometric and geoinformation methods were combined to conduct a spatial analysis of the impact of the capital-labour ratio, transport and telecommunication infrastructure on gross regional product per capita and labour productivity in industry, as well as to assess direct and spillover effects. The estimates revealed a statistically significant positive spillover effect of the capital-labour ratio, railway and telecommunication development indices on economic development. At the same time, negative direct effects of railway infrastructure indices on industry indicate that, in conditions of concentration of economic activity, the increasing transport system load does not correspond to its physical growth rates under heavy wear. This conclusion is confirmed by a negative spillover effect of the capital-labour ratio on labour productivity in industry in two model specifications with a direct positive effect. Providing access to networks and information resources for enterprises and population, as well as increasing technological capabilities and the speed of interaction between economic entities cause positive externalities of telecommunications for economy. Telecommunication infrastructure is a factor of industrial production growth, however, its negative spillover effects show that regions surrounded by regions with high mobile penetration rate are experiencing a slowdown in labour productivity in industry. The obtained estimates and the spatial correlation between gross regional product per capita and labour productivity in industry should be considered in programmes for financing infrastructure projects.

Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity of Water Footprint Based on Food Consumption in the Yellow River Basin

In the Yellow River Basin, the lack of water supplies is now the largest obstacle to both environmental preservation and socioeconomic growth. The fact that inhabitants’ diets may be altered to save water, however, is gravely underappreciated. Based on the water footprint theory, we examined the water footprint structure and the dynamic evolution process of food consumption in the Yellow River Basin from 1999 to 2019 in this study. The key factors affecting the water footprint of food consumption were then identified by using the STIRPAT model modified by the partial least-squares method. The findings indicate the following: (a) There had been an increase in the Yellow River Basin’s overall water footprint of food consumption from 1999 to 2019, with the midstream region having the biggest water footprint of food consumption (410.8 billion m 3 ) and the highest percentage increase (86%). (b) In the Yellow River Basin, the water footprint of meat eating was 36% while the water footprint of grain consumption was 30%. The lower Yellow River had the greatest water impact per person due to food consumption. (c) Urbanization rate played a promoting role in the upper Yellow River provinces, and GDP and irrigated area played a promoting role in the lower Yellow River provinces. The results of this study are expected to provide scientific support for the decision-making of healthy and water-saving diets in the Yellow River basin.

Assessing agglomeration processes in Russian second-tier urban agglomerations

<abstract> <p>One of Russia's strategic objectives is to identify and create conditions to ensure accelerated development of promising centers of economic growth in the country's regions. In practice, most of these centers are cities of different levels of hierarchy, which create or have the potential to create urban agglomerations on their basis. At the same time, at present, most attention is paid to the study of the largest and large urban agglomerations not only in domestic, but also in the world science; while the real prerequisites and processes of second-tier agglomerations development are studied rather poorly. In this regard, the purpose of this paper was to analyze and identify the specifics of agglomeration processes in several Russian second-tier agglomerations. To achieve this purpose, we used a wide range of both general scientific (analysis, synthesis, structural-functional, etc.) and applied economic and mathematical methods (index method, correlation analysis, calculation of the Theil index). The main conclusions of the research was that the key trend of these agglomerations' development was the increasing concentration of an already high share of regional production, investment, and population against the background of growing intra-regional heterogeneity. At the same time, agglomeration processes themselves spread only to the territory closest to the core, which is manifested in the convergence of growth rates of these territories in terms of key socio-economic indicators. All this proves the underdevelopment of the satellite zone of second-tier agglomerations and the hypertrophied development of the core: weak interconnectedness of their reproductive processes, which may be a threat to the development of such agglomerations as integrated socio-economic systems and growth centers of regional and macro-regional significance in the future. The authors showed that a number of northern/arctic agglomerations (Surgut, Arkhangelsk) have a significant development potential due to not only the formed economic base of their satellite zone, but also socio-economic connectivity along the line "core-satellite zone". The scientific novelty of the presented research lies in the development of approaches, substantiation of methodological tools for assessing agglomeration processes, and identification of the specifics of these processes in Russian second-tier agglomerations on the basis of its testing.</p> </abstract>

ЗЕЛЕНАЯ ЭКОНОМИКА В СИСТЕМЕ УСТОЙЧИВОГО РАЗВИТИЯ СОЦИАЛЬНО-ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИХ СИСТЕМ

Modern approaches to sustainable development represent an ecosystem of sustainable businesses working to pass on a better future to the next generation, and help identify how government policies can support the transition from unsustainable to sustainable business practices around the world. At the same time, the path to implementing the philosophy of sustainable development for modern domestic enterprises will be difficult. Solving these problems requires a comprehensive approach to creating an enabling environment, supporting potential and existing entrepreneurs, and helping businesses adopt responsible and sustainable production methods in order to remain competitive. If sustainable development is to realize its potential, it must be integrated into the planning and measurement systems of commercial enterprises. In this regard, the article substantiates the need to create new institutional mechanisms for managing green growth strategies and overcoming institutional inertia and disunity. Such mechanisms should be accompanied by a set of adaptive indicators based on progressive and basic data levels, they should be included in the conceptual framework and selected in accordance with clear criteria. In fact, they should be able to send clear signals that reach politicians and the public at large. They are combined by common indicators describing the socio-economic context and growth characteristics. At the same time, the authors conclude that the central element of the green economy is the environmental and resource efficiency of production and consumption. This thesis presupposes the formation of a common goal - to achieve continuous improvement in the quality of life of citizens through sustainable practices, using the ecological and social innovative potential of the economy, ensuring prosperity, environmental protection and social cohesion.

ENSURING FOOD SECURITY UNDER GLOBAL CHALLENGES

The article is aimed at assessing the state of food security of Ukraine. The level of food security in Ukraine is checked according to the internal system of parameters and international methodologies. Analysis of the level of food security in Ukraine by the Global Food Security Index shows that it lags far behind not only the leading countries but also from neighboring countries. The situation requires consideration of not only existing but also promising challenges and threats to the maintenance of food security. In the future, this will increase the competitiveness of agricultural enterprises in the global food market. To achieve this goal, general scientific and special research methods were used, the main of which are the following: dialectics, scientific abstraction, statistical, and graphic analysis. The study substantiates the use of a methodology for assessing food security, which involves the calculation of four components and an integral index of food security of the state. As a result of the use of the proposed methodology, an assessment of the state of food security of Ukraine is implemented. The obtained results served to compare them with similar indicators of the countries of the world and Europe. The calculations show that food security, first of all, should be considered from the standpoint of ensuring economic security, taking into account the fact that the latter reveals internal opportunities and determines strategic alternatives to socio-economic growth to ensure public welfare under conditions of market relations. The article proposes tools for strengthening food security based on compliance with the requirements of the principles of ensuring food security, including self-sufficiency, multifunctionality, social justice, independence, stability, balance and rationality. To strengthen food security, it is proposed to strengthen such components as physical accessibility and economic accessibility of food, as they guarantee the quality and safety of agriculture, and it is also worth paying attention to improving natural resources and sustainability. The challenges and problems of the domestic agro-industrial complex, which plays a significant role in the world market and ensures food security, are analyzed. Measures to ensure increased food security are proposed.

Impact of unstable environment on the brain drain of highly skilled professionals, healthcare workers, researchers, and research productivity in Pakistan.

The geo-strategic position of Pakistan on the world map is incredibly important and idyllic as the country is considered the gateway to central Asia. Pakistan has faced political instability for the last three decades, causing a brain drain and adversely affecting socioeconomic growth. This study aims to investigate the impact of an unstable environment on the brain drain of highly skilled professionals, healthcare workers, researchers, and research productivity in Pakistan from January 2000 to December 2022. The data were recorded from the World Bank, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOS), Pakistan, Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), and Web of Science Clarivate Analytics. Initially, 32 documents were selected in this study, and finally, eight fact sheets, official government websites, and international organizations were included. The result revealed that due to political instability, in 2022 about 832,339 highly qualified and accomplished experts headed abroad, among them 17976 (2.15%) were highly qualified and 20865 (2.50%) were highly competent professionals. These include accountants 7197 (0.86%), engineers 6,093 (0.73%), agricultural experts 3,110 (0.37%), doctors 2,464 (0.29%), computer experts 2,147 (0.25%), nurses and paramedics 1768 (0.21%), technicians 23347 (2.80%), electricians 20322 (2.44%), and schools and university faculty 1004 (0.12%). Pakistan has a total of 380 Higher Education Commission-indexed academic journals, among them 11 (2.89%) academic journals were indexed in the Web of Science and 23 journals were placed in the Web of Science emerging indexing. Among these journals, only one journal surpassed the impact factor of more than 2.0. The quartile ranking of Pakistani journals is 01 journal in Q2; 02 in Q3; and the remaining 08 journals in Q4. From August 1947 to December 2022, Pakistan produced a total of 259249 research articles, and from January 2000 to December 2022, the number of articles published was 248457 (95.83%). Since the last 22 years, the trend of research publications was continuously increased; however, the rising trend decreased in 2022 with a declined rate of 1263 (3.42%). The unstable sociopolitical environment in Pakistan caused a brain drain of highly qualified and skilled professionals and impaired the global standing of universities, academic journals, and research productivity in Pakistan. Pakistan must resolve the instability and establish sustainable policies to minimize the brain drain of highly qualified and skilled experts and convalesce their academic institutes and their research productivity for the development of the nation.