Strategic Policy Development Research Articles

Understanding the configuration of bus networks in urban China from the perspective of network types and administrative division effect

In recent years, the increasing segregation and fragmentation of transport service provisions, evidenced between urban and rural areas, and between different administrative divisions, has been concerned in metropolitan areas. The analysis of the spatial configuration of urban bus networks is important to understand the spatial problems and relevant mitigation solutions. Previous studies have regarded the station as the nodes in bus network analyses, while few studies have constructed bus lines as nodes through the complex network analysis. In this study, we highlighted the value of bus lines and their network types for analyzing urban bus network pattern. We developed a novel ‘line–line’ network to examine the spatial characteristics of cross-administration bus lines in a case study of Nanjing metropolitan area, China. The results suggest that the bus network exhibited a consistently bimodal node distribution in both line-line and line-node network types, though their internal mechanisms are different. By evaluating the importance of network nodes, administrative divisions were found to impact the bus network integration in the metropolitan area negatively. Community detection results further revealed that the geography of some subnetworks was affected by administrative divisions, with some exhibiting complex spatial characteristics. These insights would inform strategic development policy to improve the spatial equity and efficiency of public transport provisions in urban China.

Systems Dynamics Modeling of Pandemic Influenza for Strategic Policy Development: a Simulation-Based Analysis of the COVID-19 Case

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a truly wicked problem which has remained a stubborn issue plaguing multiple countries worldwide. The continuously increasing number of infections and deaths has driven several countries to implement control and response strategies including community lockdowns, physical distancing, and travel bans with different levels of success. However, a disease outbreak and the corresponding policies can cause disastrous economic consequences due to business closures and risk minimization behaviors. This paper develops a system dynamics framework of a disease outbreak system covering various policies to evaluate their effectiveness in mitigating transmission and the resulting economic burden. The system dynamics modeling approach captures the relationships, feedbacks, and delays in such a system, revealing meaningful insights on the dynamics of several response strategies.

Critical reflections of early childhood care and education in Singapore to build an inclusive society

The early childhood years are pivotal as they mark the beginning of a young child’s life journey into education. This paper offers critical reflections of the early childhood care and education landscape in Singapore as it has evolved over the last decade. The discussion will draw on findings of the study Vital Voices for Vital Years 2 (2019) to explicate the issues, debates and challenges facing the early childhood care and education sector. It argues that recent developments in the sector with stepped increases in government funding and strategic policy development, augmented by the establishment of national agencies committed to improving the quality of care and education, have achieved significant milestones in the country. However, a more critical perspective of the role of early childhood in policy and practice to meet the diverse needs of young children and families is necessary for envisioning education as a pathway to inclusion and social equality, and for building a truly inclusive society.

County-level CO2 emissions and sequestration in China during 1997\u20132017

With the implementation of China’s top-down CO2 emissions reduction strategy, the regional differences should be considered. As the most basic governmental unit in China, counties could better capture the regional heterogeneity than provinces and prefecture-level city, and county-level CO2 emissions could be used for the development of strategic policies tailored to local conditions. However, most of the previous accounts of CO2 emissions in China have only focused on the national, provincial, or city levels, owing to limited methods and smaller-scale data. In this study, a particle swarm optimization-back propagation (PSO-BP) algorithm was employed to unify the scale of DMSP/OLS and NPP/VIIRS satellite imagery and estimate the CO2 emissions in 2,735 Chinese counties during 1997–2017. Moreover, as vegetation has a significant ability to sequester and reduce CO2 emissions, we calculated the county-level carbon sequestration value of terrestrial vegetation. The results presented here can contribute to existing data gaps and enable the development of strategies to reduce CO2 emissions in China.

PENGENALAN TEKNIS ANALISIS INPUT-OUTPUT UNTUK PERENCANAAN PEMBANGUNAN DAERAH DI KABUPATEN TEMANGGUNG

One of the analytical approaches that has been widely implemented in regional development planning is input-output (I-O) analysis. I-O analysis, based on an I-O table, can provide the basis for sectoral development planning by simulating the impact of policy scenarios. One area that has published Table I-O is Temanggung Regency, to represent its 2016 economy. Community Service Activities (PKM) aims to provide training and technical assistance to Temanggung Regency planners in using I-O analysis to design regional development planning documents. The results of this activity show that the participants technically understood and were able to analyze with Input-Output. Assistance was also carried out after the participants were able to use and analyze the Temanggung Regency I-O Table, and subsequently could become one source of information in the preparation of strategic development policies and programs.

Strategic Policies in Expanding Frontiers of Food Security among Cassava-based Farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria

The research was carried out to identify the possible constraints and development of strategic policies in expanding and improving cassava production and processing amongst cassava value chain actors in Cross River State, Nigeria. Data generated from the research the 150 cassava producers and processors (cassava value chain actors) through the use of well- define structured interview schedule was collated. The Multistage sampling procedure was adopted in selection of farmer respondents. The multivariate analytical technique was used in analyzing generated data employing the statistical application software of Genstat version 12. The eigen value, percentage variations and loading values contributing to low cassava output were used in achieving the objectives. The results showed that the major constraints to cassava production and processing were agronomic, technical/institutional and financial constraints. The major policy strategies should include a global, national, regional and community strategies all geared towards the evolution of industry analysis for improving cassava productivity in the study area through the development of the traditional farming systems, making good planting material accessible to farmers and on time and at lowest possible prices; the provision of credit facilities to the resource poor cassava –based farmers in the area with no collateral; the establishment of cassava product based cottage industries in the area for cassava value chain development; provision of adequate cassava processing equipment and the formation of cassava farmers’ multipurpose cooperative societies to enhance farmers’ access to benefit from world bank assisted programmes; have free access to basic information and production facilities. The study, therefore, recommended that cassava product based cottage industries be established in the study area in order to encourage both producers and processors in the value addition chain. This will also provide employment and likewise encourage the restive youths in the region to venture into agriculture as a business for economic returns, growth and development of the area. The identified constraints with the higher loading values for each of the principal multivariate should be strengthened using appropriate development strategies/policies to ensure food security and increased farm income for cassava – based farmers in the region.

تنميط مستويات الاستقرار الحضري کموجه لإعداد المخططات الاستراتيجية للمراکز الإدارية The classification of the urban population stability as a guide for preparing strategic plans for city-regions in Egypt.

تشهد إعداد المخططات الإستراتيجية للمستويات الإقليمية طفرة في مصر، ترتبط بالتغيرات الإقتصادية التي تمر بها مصر، والتي أدت إلى تدارک أهمية المستوى الإقليمي في عملية التنمية. طرح قانون البناء 119 المستويات التي تعد لها مخططات استراتيجية من مستوى قومي ومحافظات، ومخططات استراتيجية للمدن والقرى. ولم يتضمن ذکر مستوى المراکز والمستويات البينية الأقل الذي يضمه بإعتبار أن مخططات المدن والأحوزة العمرانية المنظمة للنمو العمراني للقرى، ومقترحات المشروعات المحلية کافية لإحداث تنمية. وغاب عن مفهوم التخطيط الإستراتيجي في القانون التکامل بين مستوى المدينة ومرکزها الإداري وکقلب لتنمية المناطق والتجمعات الريفية فيه. ومن الفجوات المنهجية أيضا أن دليل العمل المرجعي للمحافظات لا يهتم بدراسة المراکز الإدارية وإنما يکتفي بتوزيع المقترحات من الأنشطة الإقتصادية والخدمات الإقليمية على المراکز أثناء إعداد المخططات، الأمر الذي ينتج عنه فجوات في الربط بين المشروعات الإقليمية وتأثيراتها على مستوى المراکز، إلى جانب عدم دراسة أوجه التمايز أو الإختلافات في التعامل مع مدن المحافظة في توزيع المشروعات. تأتي أهمية البحث في طرح أسلوب منهجي لتنميط المراکز کموجه للمخططات الاستراتيجية على مستوى المراکز الإدارية. وأهم خطوات التنميط هو فهم طبيعة إقليم المدينة وهو الوحدة التخطيطية المقابله للحدود الإدارية ويبنى على فهم طبيعة العلاقة بين المدينة وظهيرها الريفي. عملية التنميط لها معايير قياس مختلفة طرحت في التجارب والأدبيات العالمية ، يرکز البحث منها على استقراء استقرار السکان لمدينة المرکز الإداري نتيجة حراک سکاني من خارجها وحراک داخلي في ظهيرها. لذلک استهدف البحث استقراء الإستقرار والحراک السکاني لسکان الحضر بين المدن المصرية لتنميط أقاليمها، أسباب التناول على المستوى القومي لأن حراک سکان الحضر يتم نتيجة العلاقات التشابکية بين المدن في النظام القومي کنتيجة لسياسات التنمية المختلفة على جميع المستويات لمرکزية الدولة ومرکزية النظام العمراني الحضري، لذلک إذا تم التدخل بسياسات لأقاليم المدن بإعتبارها جزء من المنظومة القومية سيتحقق دور المدينة في إقليمها وعلى المستوى القومي وخاصة أن هناک مستويات من أقاليم المدن ذات أهميات مختلفة على المستوى القومي والإقليمي. فکرة إقليم المدينة ظهرت في الأدبيات العالمية کبعد عمراني وعلاقات تبادلية بين وظائف المدينة والتجمعات الأقل في ظهيرها مع نظرية المحلات المرکزية Central Place Theoryمن خلال العالم Walter Christaller، وتنامى مفهوم إقليم المدينة مع زيادة التحضر للمجتمعات وظهور أنماط جديدة من التجمعات الحضرية، منها ما يلعب دور المرکز الصناعي، والمدن العالمية، ومدن مراکز الأعمال. جميعها قدمت نماذج مختلفة من شکل العمران وشکل العلاقات التبادلية بينها وبين ظهيرها المباشر وغير المباشر، أصبح مفهوم الإقليم ومکوناته وحدوده تختلف بإختلاف الممارسات الاقتصادية والاجتماعية والعمرانية. وتحولت العلاقة في ثمانينيات وتسعينيات القرن العشرين من فکرة التدرج الهرمي من المدينة إلى التجمعات الريفية في محيطها ودور المدينة کمرکز الأنشطة الحضرية، إلى مفهوم الإقليم الحضري الممتد يضم مزيجا من الأراضي الزراعية ومراکز التسوق والأنشطة الخدمية ومناطق السکن. تحرک عمران وأنشطة المدينة لخارج حدودها أعطى فرصة وصول الطرق والبنية الأساسية إلى المناطق النائية في الظهير، ومع إختلاف مستويات الدول الإقتصادية والإجتماعية والسياسية، إختلفت ممارسات التخطيط والتنمية في المدن وانعکس بصورة مباشرة على ظهيرها. الاختلاف في مکونات أقاليم المدن دعى الباحثين إلى اختبار مفهوم إقليم المدينة وإعادة التنميط واختبار الحدود، ومن هنا تأتي ضرورة موضوع البحث في إيجاد معايير يمکن استخدامها في دراسة وتنميط أقاليم المدن في ظل غياب المفهوم من الأساس في الحالة المصرية ، والإعتماد على الوحدة الإدارية کأسس لوضع مخططات التدخل المختلفة. The Law of 119 has aligned the strategic planning as an important approach to formulate thenational, governorates, cities and villages plans. But the law did not include the city-region leveland its sub-levels, given that the proposed plans are regulated with the Haize to control theurban growth, and local projects are sufficient to bring out development. The strategic planningmethodological process showed a gap in terms of the spatial distribution of the economicactivities and regional services; an imbalance between populated areas, and insufficient needs.Therefore, the paper will address the classification criteria of city-regions based on theunderstanding of the nature of the relationship between the city and its rural hinterland, thatcould be used in profiling city-regions in Egypt, as well as focusing on the studies that could betaken into the strategic planning process methodology. The research discusses the importanceof the city-region level for different strategic development policies, reviews the literature andcase studies about profiling criteria for the city-regions, then tests the criteria chosen for profilingthe Egyptian city-regions; using the urban population stability changes between four censuses,and the research ends with sets of interventions required to plan each class of city-region.

ACTUALITY OF INVESTMENT-INNOVATION PROCESSES AT THE MODERN STAGE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The article examines existing approaches to defining the categories of "investment activity" and "investment portfolio"; The advantages and disadvantages of these approaches have been analyzed and the most complete and optimal, in the author's opinion, interpretation of the categories under consideration are given. A method of organizing the interaction of investment and innovation activities in entrepreneurship is also proposed. The author has created a universal and effective mechanism for implementing the investment-innovation process of an enterprise, which should be used in the development of strategic policy of any enterprise. The current state of innovation and investment activity in Ukraine was analyzed in the course of the research. The research revealed clear deficiencies in investment and innovation policy at domestic enterprises and identified the causes of their occurrence. Modern investment-innovation activity of enterprises is presented only at the initial stage of its development, requires an increase of state participation of both financial and organizational character. The directions of expansion of financial support of innovative activity of enterprises should be maximally diversified both from the point of view of the mechanisms of implementation and from the point of view of finding the appropriate sources of resources. Against this background, it is important to identify the conditions and constraints that affect the choice of sources of funding for innovation, which may be the subject of further research. With regard to the implementation of the investment-innovation process in Ukraine, there is a shortage of financial resources to support research and implementation of innovative developments. The result of the innovation activity development in Ukraine is not high enough and the degree of its implementation at the enterprises is insignificant. The introduction of the investment-innovation process is a necessary and effective tool in entrepreneurial activity, because it stimulates the development of firms, and as a consequence - this achieves the desired economic (or social) effect. This process typically covers two complex categories: investment and innovation. It is their direct interaction in entrepreneurship that enables them to actively expand production, increase profits, upgrade fixed assets and more

The Evolution of Urban Spatial Structure in Brasília: Focusing on the Role of Urban Development Policies

Many cities evolve over time, but some are designed from scratch. Brasília is presented as a unique case on urban planning for having been built from figuratively nothing, based on a design concept that was the brainchild of Brazilian urbanist Lucio Costa. The present study aimed to analyze the interrelation between urban planning and spatial structure change over time to understand the role of urban development policies on the spatial organization of Brasília. The study was conducted based on three interrelated aspects: (1) The intentions of the plans, (2) territorial governance, and (3) external conditions. The results showed that the circumstances of territory occupation—characterized by a polycentric development system with dispersed satellite cities economically dependent on Brasília—have been gradually replaced by strategic development policies, mainly influenced by social and political driving forces. Accordingly, this research suggests a reconsideration of the scale of development instrumentations based on a better understanding of the metropolitan area of Brasília as a unique structure by strengthening its interrelations and seeking better coordination of interests and adaptability of governance processes.

Options simulation toolkit for strategic evaluation of corporations' financial potential

The study substantiates the need to develop the authors’ model for strategic evaluation of financial potential in corporations based on stochastic simulation, which provides for determination of an absolute indicator for sustainability of financial potential resources (i.e. strategic permanent resources for financial potential and relative strategic ratio), as well as actual and strategic indicators values deviations, the study also provides prerequisites for relevant expert conclusions. Such model implies influence of emergent (macro-, meso-) environment on financial potential of corporations. Its application is of a universal character, it contains integrated interests of different stakeholder groups (owners, financial managers, lenders, potential owners, creditors, investors, suppliers, auditors, lawyers, associations, trade unions) allowing in a short period identify internal actual and potential financial opportunities, risks and hidden potentials, takes into account emergent environment influence on financial potential condition in corporations, thus contributing to development of strategic policies for its generation.

Research on Optimization Model of Marine Industry Strategic Adjustment Under Complex Maritime Conditions Based on Ant Colony Algorithm

Abstract This article seeks to analyze the factors constraining the development of strategic marine emerging industries and the deficiencies in China’s strategic marine emerging industry development policies. Learn from the successful experiences of overseas strategic marine emerging industry development policies. We will study and construct a policy framework for the development of strategic marine emerging industries in the new era, guided by the scientific concept of development and enhanced by the capacity of independent innovation. Provide policy recommendations for actively promoting the development of strategic marine emerging industries. At the same time, it provides theoretical and methodological reference for the formulation and implementation of China’s strategic marine emerging industry policies. On the basis of reviewing relevant theories of industrial policy, this article first defines China’s strategic emerging industries and clarifies the connotation of China’s strategic marine emerging industry development policies. Then, the paper conducts detailed analysis on the development policies of strategic marine emerging industries at home and abroad, and summarizes the experience of overseas strategic development policies for marine emerging industries. Finally, combining the above-mentioned comprehensive analysis, with the guidance of the scientific concept of development, the development strategy and concrete development policy of China’s strategic emerging industries in the ocean are proposed.

A national approach to systematic transboundary aquifer assessment and conceptualisation at relevant scales: A Malawi case study

Study regionMalawi. Study focusIntegrated water resource management (IWRM) of transboundary aquifers (TBA’s) is becoming increasingly important. Without adequate and accurate scientific knowledge of their extent and characteristics, uninformed policy creation could lead to unsustainable management of these vital resources. This is particularly important within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) where up to 85% of domestic water is supplied by groundwater. In this paper, Malawi is used as a case study to critically evaluate the current transboundary aquifer assessment frameworks within the region and their value in promoting IWRM. A series of illustrative conceptual models of TBA interactions pertinent to the Malawian national border are presented and we consider how TBA assessments may be integrated to national IWRM and strategic policy development. New hydrological insights for the regionCurrent TBA assessments of Malawi and the wider SADC neglect multiple aspects needed for a national scale management plan. This includes full border TBA system identification alongside, given the geology of the region, consideration of the discontinuous nature of basement complex aquifers and localised alluvial deposits that both result in smaller scale aquifer units. Conceptualising such local scale complexity and encouraging countries to develop a strategy that systematically examines TBA systems along their national border at relevant scales will allow for more focused conjunctive policy creation and sustainable management of TBA’s.

A Comparative Study on the MICE Industries of Korea and America for Development of Strategic Policies of Korean MICE Industry

A Comparative Study on the MICE Industries of Korea and America for Development of Strategic Policies of Korean MICE Industry

Balanced Scorecard: A Strategy for the Quality Improvement of Islamic Higher Education

The main issue in improving the quality of Islamic Higher Education is to increase the competence and professionalism of teachers and education personnel to achieve its vision and mission in the middle of the complexity of the demands of society and the changing times. so that the quality of education and governance of Islamic Religion clean and transparent with the principles of good governance is achieved as a matter of strategic policy development, the concept of the balanced scorecard as a strategic management system that is implemented by a world-class organization and even as a means of guiding and driving the change management process and the culture of the organization, in this case integrated in educational organization in order to create Islamic institutions of higher education quality. Through the balanced scorecard, which focuses on four perspectives, namely financial perspective, customer perspective, internal business perspective and learning and growth perspective is expected to create a system of organizing the Islamic Higher Education that upholds the values of trust, tafaqquh fi 'l-Din, professional, transparent, accountable and quality. Through balanced scorecard Similarly, Islamic higher education will be more qualified, marketable and globally competitive.

Educational Outcomes For Aboriginal School Students In Tasmania: Is The Achievement Gap Closing?

A quality education is a basic societal right. Yet for many Aboriginal students that right is not yet a reality. This paper focuses on the situation of Aboriginal/palawa school students in Tasmania and employs a quantitative methodology to examine the comparative educational achievements of Aboriginal school students. State level Grade 3, 5, 7 and 9 numeracy and reading test results from the National Assessment Program of Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) 2008 - 2016 support the analysis. Results indicate that Aboriginal students remain more likely to be at or below minimum literacy and numeracy standards than their non-Aboriginal counterparts. It is also found that Aboriginal students’ academic achievement declines as they move through the schooling system. Further, Aboriginal students are less likely to partake in NAPLAN due to higher absenteeism on test days. These results are discussed in the context of education policy and the broader national and international literature on factors influencing academic achievement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school students. Despite an increasing awareness and the development of strategic policies to address Aboriginal educational inequality, it is evident that little has changed between 2008 and 2016. It is strongly argued that Aboriginal students’ underachievement is more likely tied to schooling and policy environments that do not adequately meet their needs, rather than the students themselves. As such, policies and interventions that create long term, embedded improvement of Aboriginal students’ schooling experiences and the engagement of their families and communities are a prerequisite for improving Aboriginal student outcomes.Â

INNOVATIVE PROCESSES IN RUSSIAN INDUSTRY

Objective: to demonstrate the current status of Russian industry, to assess prospects for its development and to identify the impact of innovative processes on economic development. Methods: a systematic approach based on general scientific methods of empirical and theoretical researches, such as observation and comparison, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, as well as statistical methods, macroeconomic analysis. Results: in this article we illustrated trends and identified causes that hinder the production modernization of the whole Russian industry; we also revealed the sector that can become the driver of innovative development, which will allow to restructure the existing industrial policy and to use the existing competitive advantages. Scientific novelty: we defined the tasks that will allow upgrading of technological base and rational resource management in industry; moreover, we defined the indicators, which allow us to estimate the competitiveness of industrial production. Practical relevance: conclusions and suggestions can be used by governmental authorities and experts during development of strategic policy, aimed at innovative development of the Russian economy.

TEKNIK-TEKNIK OBSERVASI (Sebuah Alternatif Metode Pengumpulan Data Kualitatif Ilmu-ilmu Sosial)

<em>The purpose of this paper to describe observation techniques, as an alternative method of collecting qualitative data for social sciences. Observation is one of the scientific activity is empirical, factual, and besed on the real text. Observations carried out through the experience derived from sensing without using any manipulation. The purpose of observation is the description, in qualitative research, observation produces theories and hypotheses, in quantitative research, observation used for testing theories and hypotheses. To be able to approach the social phenomenon, an observer needs to have close access to the settings and the subject. Doing the observation techniques have to heed the ethical principles such as respect for human dignity, respect for privacy and confidentiality, respect for justice and inclusiveness, balancing harms and benefits. Method of observation, if positioned as a part of the methodological spectrum (includes techniques and data collection strategies) in proportion, it will produce a high validity and reliability, as the fundamental basis for all methods, to find strategic development policies.</em>

COMPETITIVE DEVELOPMENT YANG BERORIENTASI PARTISIPASI DAN KEMITRAAN

This paper describe the strategic policy development about the influence of the free trade and the globalization era to the national development during the beginning of the 21th century with high technology. In that case, Indonesian as an underdevelop country, at present, implemented the policy development in four stages as : (1) The basic need development theory was aplicated in Pelita I, II, III; (2) The growth development theory, in Pelita IV and V; (3) The centered people oriented development in Pelita VI; (4) And the last, as the sustained of the centered people development is the competitive development stages. The particurally concept of the competitive development are the participation and the partnership in togetherness between : (1) The Bureaucracy as the policy decision maker; (2) The Public Enterprise; and (3) The Private Enterprise.

An industrial big data pipeline for data-driven analytics maintenance applications in large-scale smart manufacturing facilities

The term smart manufacturing refers to a future-state of manufacturing, where the real-time transmission and analysis of data from across the factory creates manufacturing intelligence, which can be used to have a positive impact across all aspects of operations. In recent years, many initiatives and groups have been formed to advance smart manufacturing, with the most prominent being the Smart Manufacturing Leadership Coalition (SMLC), Industry 4.0, and the Industrial Internet Consortium. These initiatives comprise industry, academic and government partners, and contribute to the development of strategic policies, guidelines, and roadmaps relating to smart manufacturing adoption. In turn, many of these recommendations may be implemented using data-centric technologies, such as Big Data, Machine Learning, Simulation, Internet of Things and Cyber Physical Systems, to realise smart operations in the factory. Given the importance of machine uptime and availability in smart manufacturing, this research centres on the application of data-driven analytics to industrial equipment maintenance. The main contributions of this research are a set of data and system requirements for implementing equipment maintenance applications in industrial environments, and an information system model that provides a scalable and fault tolerant big data pipeline for integrating, processing and analysing industrial equipment data. These contributions are considered in the context of highly regulated large-scale manufacturing environments, where legacy (e.g. automation controllers) and emerging instrumentation (e.g. internet-aware smart sensors) must be supported to facilitate initial smart manufacturing efforts.

Soil system science for sustainability and policy

In general terms, policymaking is the process by which governments translate their political vision into programmes and actions to deliver outcomes that lead to desired changes in the real world. The UK Cabinet Office, in its Modernising Government White Paper (1999), identified several key features of good policymaking, which were that it should be evidence based, forward looking, outward looking, innovative, creative and flexible, inclusive, joined-up, learns lessons, and involve communication, evaluation and review. This special supplement to Soil Use and Management contains a collection of papers based upon a series of review projects commissioned in 2009–2010 by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), principally to provide a key scientific evidence base to support strategic policy development in the context of ensuring the sustainability of soils, and which embody many of the other listed features. While the original projects were realized in what were the prevailing policy directives at the time1, the material from six projects has been updated and rewritten to provide a more general perspective on several key issues relating to the sustainable use and management of soils, viz. degradation threats, erosion, contamination by metals and metalloids, climate change impacts, technological opportunities to increase C storage in soils and the factors which underpin soil resilience. Although several of these papers use the UK context to provide detailed examples, essentially these issues are all relevant to soils in any circumstance across in the world, and the basic principles are applicable to other scenarios. And whereas policies inevitably change and develop, the need for sound scientific evidence to support them never diminishes. These papers review and explore such evidence and aim to identify key knowledge gaps that require attention. Copies of the original reports from which these papers are derived, plus several others in the series, are available at: http://randd.defra.gov.uk and searching for the Project Codes SP1601 and SP1605.