Strategic Technology Research Articles

Identifying the limitations associated with machine learning techniques in performing accounting tasks

PurposeIn a virtual interconnected digital space, the metaverse encompasses various virtual environments where people can interact, including engaging in business activities. Machine learning (ML) is a strategic technology that enables digital transformation to the metaverse, and it is becoming a more prevalent driver of business performance and reporting on performance. However, ML has limitations, and using the technology in business processes, such as accounting, poses a technology governance failure risk. To address this risk, decision makers and those tasked to govern these technologies must understand where the technology fits into the business process and consider its limitations to enable a governed transition to the metaverse. Using selected accounting processes, this study aims to describe the limitations that ML techniques pose to ensure the quality of financial information.Design/methodology/approachA grounded theory literature review method, consisting of five iterative stages, was used to identify the accounting tasks that ML could perform in the respective accounting processes, describe the ML techniques that could be applied to each accounting task and identify the limitations associated with the individual techniques.FindingsThis study finds that limitations such as data availability and training time may impact the quality of the financial information and that ML techniques and their limitations must be clearly understood when developing and implementing technology governance measures.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the growing literature on enterprise information and technology management and governance. In this study, the authors integrated current ML knowledge into an accounting context. As accounting is a pervasive aspect of business, the insights from this study will benefit decision makers and those tasked to govern these technologies to understand how some processes are more likely to be affected by certain limitations and how this may impact the accounting objectives. It will also benefit those users hoping to exploit the advantages of ML in their accounting processes while understanding the specific technology limitations on an accounting task level.

Cyber and quantum threats to space systems – A study of the restructuring of a modern armed forces

The following article is a study of the impact of non-kinetic attacks and emerging technologies on space systems. Space-based assets are a part of a critical infrastructure and are vulnerable to cyber-attacks and signal jamming. Quantum technology, which is at a nascent stage, can in the future have offensive and defensive applications. It can help nullify the threat of cyber-attacks which are carried out by state and non-state actors. Major powers have been undertaking a restructuring of their armed forces and are developing strategic technologies and doctrines to respond to these emerging threats.

Innovative Models of Green Entrepreneurship: Social Impact on Sustainable Development of Local Economies

Introduction. Green entrepreneurship has become a powerful new force, driving sustainability and promoting economic development within local economies. This research explains how small-scale green entrepreneurship activity has its desired role in environmentally affected matters and any economic grow-ups from the low ends.
 Aims and tasks. The study aims to analyze green entrepreneurship models and highlight successful initiatives in various regions, including those related to solar energy, green agriculture and green product development startups, to understand the impact related to social, economic and environmental factors.
 Results. The findings in the research indicate that creativity is an important business strategy, partnerships in the strategic plan, application of technology and capturing communities in driving green entrepreneurship. As such, the study discovered that business models were continuously associated with the creation of jobs, and in average 15,000 new jobs per region were created. North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America contributed significantly. Thus, as well as through strategic partnerships and technology adoption, it has contributed to a reduction in CO2 emissions by an average of 60,000 tons a year across all regions. The success of green entrepreneurship models is analyzed using empirical case studies and real-life examples to bring out core issues requiring action and offer recommendations to policy makers, investors, and entrepreneurs on how to implement green business models further.
 Conclusions. The research underlines the dynamic capability of green startups to solve environmental issues along with its shifting economy and community interface. An essential role of green entrepreneurs is the ability to use creative mindsets together with progressive tie-ups. This therefore engenders positive change and leads the way to a more equal and sustainable world. Going further, all critical characters in the area must still be inspired and enlightened to launch more green entrepreneurship initiatives to provide more significant influence on transitioning to a more sustainable society.

A Study on the Shopping Life through Mobile Visual Search

Purpose - To examine the influence of mobile visual search as a strategic technology service on consumer perceived economic value and customer commitments, which in turn affect consumer's usage intention of mobile visual search. This study also explores the moderating effect of different levels of consumer online shopping orientation. Design/methodology/approach - One-by-one open-ended in-depth interview was first undertaken to 15 Korean consumers to figure the features of mobile visual search. Then a conceptual model was built to verify the hypotheses that indicate the impact of mobile visual search on consumer perceived economic value and customer commitment, which further influence consumer’s usage intention. Findings - The results show Convenience, Information quality, Personalization, Text-free search interface design and Visual communication of mobile visual search positively influence consumer perceived economic value and customer commitment and in turn positively affect consumer's usage intention. Moreover, the different levels of consumer online shopping orientation also found to have different effects on consumers’ perception and behavior of using mobile visual search in online fashion shopping. Research implications or Originality - The present study verified that mobile visual search is a service tool that consumers want to use in the online fashion shopping journey since it provides economic benefits.

Ru/Ir-Based Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Acidic Conditions: From Mechanisms, Optimizations to Challenges.

The generation of green hydrogen by water splitting is identified as a key strategic energy technology, and proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is one of the desirable technologies for converting renewable energy sources into hydrogen. However, the harsh anode environment of PEMWE and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) involving four-electron transfer result in a large overpotential, which limits the overall efficiency of hydrogen production, and thus efficient electrocatalysts are needed to overcome the high overpotential and slow kinetic process. In recent years, noble metal-based electrocatalysts (e.g., Ru/Ir-based metal/oxide electrocatalysts) have received much attention due to their unique catalytic properties, and have already become the dominant electrocatalysts for the acidic OER process and are applied in commercial PEMWE devices. However, these noble metal-based electrocatalysts still face the thorny problem of conflicting performance and cost. In this review, first, noble metal Ru/Ir-based OER electrocatalysts are briefly classified according to their forms of existence, and the OER catalytic mechanisms are outlined. Then, the focus is on summarizing the improvement strategies of Ru/Ir-based OER electrocatalysts with respect to their activity and stability over recent years. Finally, the challenges and development prospects of noble metal-based OER electrocatalysts are discussed.

RISK FACTORS AND CHALLENGES IN THE FACILITIES DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

This research undertakes a comprehensive exploration of innovative risk management within the Facilities Departments of public higher education institutions in Phutthamonthon District, Nakhon Pathom Province. The research identifies specific risk factors and challenges unique to these departments while proposing a set of tailored risk management guidelines. Key findings unveil a spectrum of risk categories, including maintenance-related issues, environmental concerns, operational constraints, and technological challenges. These findings underscore the pressing need for heightened risk awareness and the development of formal risk management practices within Facilities Departments. The study's recommendations encompass the adoption of systematic risk assessment, strategic resource allocation, technology integration, and measures to enhance environmental resilience. These insights hold substantial implications for governance, resource allocation, risk culture, and technology integration in public higher education institutions. By bridging the empirical gap and providing actionable recommendations, this research contributes significantly to the enhancement of operational excellence in public higher education institutions, aligning them with the demands of the contemporary educational landscape.

Drip irrigation in Bengaluru: evaluating gender’s moderating effect on the intention to adopt drip irrigation

ABSTRACT This study investigates the intention to adopt drip irrigation in Bengaluru, India, in the year 2022, by applying the Technology Acceptance Model and incorporating gender as a moderator variable. We gathered responses from 280 farm households. The results reveal an opportunity to increase widespread adoption. The constructs ‘Perceived Usefulness’ and ‘Perceived Ease of Use’ have a statistically significant influence on ‘Intention to Use’, while gender moderates these relationships. The results highlight potential pathways for strategic interventions, policy-making, and technology dissemination advancing sustainable agricultural practices.

Risk avoidance in strategic technology adoption

PurposeOrganizational technologies can be classified according to the roles they play as either commodity or strategic. Commodity technologies support common operations, while strategic technologies address perceived threats to competitiveness, often identified by strategic foresight. These must go through an adoption process before playing an effective role in strategy execution. The adoption process includes known activities, ranging from sourcing (itself from in-house development to turn-key acquisition) to operational integration. This paper aims to reveal strategic technology adoption risks that arise during strategy execution.Design/methodology/approachA gradually developed causal loop diagram model, supported by general literature, introduces three general classes of technology adoption risks: mismatched requirements, supplier dependence and unmanaged life cycles.FindingsRather than managed, these risks are incurred or avoided depending on decisions made during the adoption process.Research limitations/implicationsDespite the scarce literature coverage for the approach, examples revealing the presence of adoption risks are nevertheless available in the well-documented history of enterprise resource planning (ERP).Practical implicationsAlthough ERP is presented as a general-purpose strategic technology, the unique business features of maritime container terminals pose serious challenges to its adoption, which provides additional support to the discussion and reinforces the conclusions.Originality/valueThe approach to identifying risks in strategic technology adoption departs from the current risk paradigm in two significant ways. First, it emphasizes policy decision-making rather than external events. Second, it views risks as systemic rather than occurring independently.

Strategic low-carbon technology supervision in the closed-loop supply chain: An evolutionary game approach

The low-carbon technology (LCT) implementation, regarded as a sustainable management practice, contributes to carbon reduction of production activities for manufacturing plants. The local government encourages manufacturers to adopt low-carbon technology for better realizing carbon neutrality and sustainable achievement by environmental regulations. However, it is not enough to only rely on governmental regulation. The supervision of the media on LCT adoption is also indispensable. Therefore, the multi-participants’ supervision strategy on LCT is proposed to fill the gap, consisting of the government, manufacturer, and media. To help manufacturers perform low-carbon production, an evolutionary game model is formulated to investigate the strategic behaviors of involved tripartite participants. We disclose the evolution process of the manufacturer's LCT adoption decision under joint supervision-the government and media. Besides, the detailed influences of parameters such as the cost of LCT and carbon emission ratio on participants' strategies are explored to help better understand the involved participants' behaviors. The numerical results show that the manufacturer is more likely to adopt LCT under joint supervision. When the manufacturer could gain more benefits by adopting LCT, they would always choose to employ LCT even if there is no stimulus from the government and media. The information lied factor would reduce the degree of governmental supervision, which is not conducive to performing regulation responsibility for the government. This study examines the strategic supervision behaviors of multiple participants by formulating an evolutionary game model while giving support to decision-making management on LCT promotion for manufacturers.

Analysis of the Business Models of Alibaba

In the era of the burgeoning network economy, Alibaba, the most successful e-commerce company in China, has emerged as a pivotal player, shaping the landscape of e-commerce with its innovative business model and expansive global footprint. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of Alibaba’s strategic evolution, technology integration, operational dynamics, and global market expansion. Founded in 1999 by Jack Ma and associates, Alibaba has grown from its roots as a business-to-business (B2B) platform to a multifaceted conglomerate encompassing business-to-consumer (B2C), consumer-to-consumer (C2C), and cloud computing services. At its core, Alibaba’s corporate strategy emphasizes long-term vision, customer-centricity, and global dominance, positioning itself as the foremost e-commerce service provider. Alibaba’s technological prowess is evident in its seamless integration of advanced communication, computing, and financial technologies, facilitating secure transactions and enhancing user experience. The company’s operational model emphasizes customer segmentation, revenue diversification, and robust logistics management, driving sustainable growth and market leadership. Furthermore, Alibaba’s strategic expansion into international markets, including Russia, Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, Australia, and Africa, underscores its commitment to global commerce and economic empowerment. Through strategic investments and partnerships, Alibaba continues to redefine the contours of e-commerce, fostering innovation, connectivity, and inclusive growth on a global scale.

A fragment-based approach for computing the long-term visual evolution of historical maps

Cartography, as a strategic technology, is a historical marker. Maps are tightly connected to the cultural construction of the environment. The increasing availability of digital collections of historical map images provides an unprecedented opportunity to study large map corpora. Corpus linguistics has led to significant advances in understanding how languages change. Research on large map corpora could in turn significantly contribute to understanding cultural and historical changes. We develop a methodology for cartographic stylometry, with an approach inspired by structuralist linguistics, considering maps as visual language systems. As a case study, we focus on a corpus of 10,000 French and Swiss maps, published between 1600 and 1950. Our method is based on the fragmentation of the map image into elementary map units. A fully interpretable feature representation of these units is computed by contrasting maps from different, coherent cartographic series, based on a set of candidate visual features (texture, morphology, graphical load). The resulting representation effectively distinguishes between map series, enabling the elementary units to be grouped into types, whose distribution can be examined over 350 years. The results show that the analyzed maps underwent a steady abstraction process during the 17th and 18th centuries. The 19th century brought a lasting scission between small- and large-scale maps. Macroscopic trends are also highlighted, such as a surge in the production of fine lines, and an increase in map load, that reveal cultural fashion processes and shifts in mapping practices. This initial research demonstrates how cartographic stylometry can be used for exploratory research on visual languages and cultural evolution in large map corpora, opening an effective dialogue with the history of cartography. It also deepens the understanding of cartography by revealing macroscopic phenomena over the long term.

Strategic Technology Innovation of a Basic Product in an E-Commerce Platform Supply Chain with a Potential Entrant in a Complementary Goods Market

This paper examines the impact of a potential entrant’s entry into the complementary goods market on the technology innovation of the basic product. We focus on an e-commerce platform supply chain comprising a manufacturer, an e-commerce platform, and a potential entrant. The manufacturer distributes a basic product and a complementary product through the e-commerce platform. The manufacturer has the option to improve the quality of the basic product through technology innovation. The determination of whether the potential entrant enters the market for complementary goods is contingent upon its observation of the manufacturer’s technology innovation strategy. Upon the potential entrant’s entry into this market, competition ensues between the potential entrant and the manufacturer in the realm of the complementary goods market. Our findings reveal a trade-off: on the one hand, the manufacturer’s decision to forgo technology innovation results in reduced profit, while, on the other hand, technology innovation attracts the potential competitor to enter the complementary goods market, which also leads to decreased profit. Under certain circumstances, the loss incurred by the former is less than that incurred by the latter. Consequently, the manufacturer may choose to forego technology innovation to prevent the entry of the potential entrant in the complementary goods market. Furthermore, our study demonstrates that the entry of the potential entrant can yield a mutually beneficial outcome for the manufacturer, the platform, and the potential entrant, creating a win–win–win scenario. In addition, our results suggest that as the production cost of innovative products rises, the manufacturer may have a stronger incentive to intensify its innovation efforts in response to the potential entrant’s exit from the market. Finally, we establish that our main results remain robust even when some of our initial assumptions are relaxed.

Sustainable and Circular Hotels and the Water–Food–Energy Nexus: Integration of Agrivoltaics, Hydropower, Solar Cells, Water Reservoirs, and Green Roofs

The hotel industry in Iran faces critical challenges that underscore the urgent need for sustainable practices, specifically in the realms of energy, water, and food. Despite industry growth, a mere three percent of hotels fall into the five- and four-star categories, emphasizing the need for widespread adoption of sustainable practices. Focused on Ramsar in Mazandaran, the study underscores the importance of eco-friendly strategies to tackle challenges related to the food–water–energy nexus. Employing the SCOC, Fuzzy BWM, and Z-MARCOS methods, the research proposes a robust framework for evaluating hotel development strategies. The case study reveals a concentration of hotels in Khorasan Razavi, Mazandaran, and Tehran, urging prioritization of sustainable practices in these regions. Analyzing Ramsar’s climate, the study suggests leveraging solar energy and implementing green roofs, emphasizing an integrated approach to achieve eco-friendly hotel construction. Furthermore, the research provides a prioritized set of strategies based on SCOC, aligning with criteria regarding the water–energy–food nexus. It emphasizes internal strengths, opportunities, and strategic technology partnerships while acknowledging external challenges such as political stability and climate change risks. The discussion introduces an Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) to guide managerial decisions, presenting an insightful perspective for effective strategy implementation in Iran’s evolving hotel industry.

Effect of Electronic Fraud on the Financial Performance of Banks in Nigeria

The study investigated the effect of electronic fraud on the financial performance of banks in Nigeria. The specific objectives were to investigate the effect of electronic fraud through online web transactions, evaluate the effect of electronic fraud through automated teller machine, to determine the effect of fraud through point of sale machine, and to investigate the effect of fraud through mobile phone USSD transactions on the financial performance of selected deposit money banks in Nigeria. Panel Generalized method of moments (GMM) was used to analyze the panel series of the model. The Hausman test indicated the random effect model as most fit for the estimation. The major findings of the study revealed that fraud through the automated teller machine (AEF) has significant negative impact on the financial performance of the deposit money banks in Nigeria. The panel regression result also revealed that fraud through the mobile phone channel (MPEF), and fraud through the online banking channel (OBEF) had significant negative effect on the financial performance of the banks studied. The study concluded that electronic fraud has significant negative relationship with the performance of banks. The policy implication of these findings holds for both management of banks and the financial sector authorities to engineer strategic fraud mitigation technology to strengthen confidence in the financial system. Based on the findings, the study recommended that there is an urgent need for effective monitoring of bank fraud which will allow for the growth of Nigeria deposit banks performance. This is necessary especially this period that the world is going cashless and e payment instrument are used for cashless banking system. And failure to do that, will affect customer’s confidence in the industry. It is also recommended that Bank fraud shall be reduced through effective supervision and regulation of banks by the monetary authorities so that financial industry will contribute to the economy.

The Implementation Mechanism, Application, And Development Prospects Of Turkey’s Drone Strategy

Drones possess precise intelligence gathering, casualty avoidance, and remote strikes as an emerging strategic technology. With the rapid development of functionality and application modes, drones have become a new focal point in international military competition. In recent years, the operational contributions of Turkish drones in multiple battles have attracted global attention. This article examines the background formation, implementation mechanisms, and further prospects of Turkey’s drone strategy to understand the complex factors behind the particular development patterns. This article adopts the analytic hierarchy process and draws on current literature and case studies, analyzing multiple perspectives of Turkey’s drone strategy from two hierarchical levels: domestic politics and international environments. As a latecomer, Turkey has made significant strategic achievements in the field of drones. The analysis of Turkey’s strategic planning and practices in domestic and international arenas in different periods hold a certain degree of reference for drone development both in China and in the international society.

(123) Preliminary Efficacy of Sildenafil Cream, 3.6% in an Exploratory, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2b Trial for the Treatment of Female Sexual Arousal Disorder

Abstract Introduction Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) is a persistent or recurrent inability to attain, or to maintain until completion of the sexual activity, an adequate lubrication-swelling response of sexual excitement that causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty. The biologic mechanisms leading to FSAD are similar to male erectile dysfunction. Objective To test the preliminary efficacy of topical Sildenafil Cream, 3.6% among women with FSAD in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, exploratory Phase 2b study. To describe, using validated 28-day recall instruments, changes in sexual function with treatment, and to validate exploratory sexual function questionnaires in a placebo-controlled trial. Methods Healthy pre-menopausal women, aged 18-years or older and their sexual partners, if applicable, were screened and provided written informed consent. An individual clinical interview with each volunteer was conducted in order to establish that FSAD was present and was the primary sexual dysfunction concern. Women at risk of pregnancy used effective contraception during the study. Women or their partners were excluded if they had un-controlled hypertension, a history of serious cardiac events (e.g. myocardial infarction, stroke), orthostatic hypotension or other serious medical co-morbidities. The co-primary efficacy endpoints were measured by the arousal sensation domain of the sexual function questionnaire (SFQ28) and question 14 of the female sexual distress scale (FSDS). After a one-month, no drug, run-in period, and a one-month, single-blind placebo, run-in period, 200 eligible women were randomized to receive Sildenafil Cream, 3.6% (n=101) versus placebo cream (n=99). Participants applied 2 grams of the investigational product to the clitoris, vestibule, labia minora and anterior distal vagina 10 – 20 minutes prior to each partnered or un-partnered sexual experience. During the 12-week, double-blind treatment period, participants were seen monthly and completed validated, 28-day recall questionnaires. Efficacy was also measured by a 12-question Arousal Diary (AD), completed within 24 hours of each sexual experience. Results Volunteers (n=833) underwent informed consent in this ethics board (Advarra Pro 00049161) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved study (IND 119922), registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (#NCT04948151). There were 1131 Sildenafil and 951 placebo exposed sexual experiences recorded in the AD during the double-blind treatment period. Sildenafil Cream, 3.6% treated women had a higher proportion of satisfactory sexual events than placebo users. At 12-weeks of use, there was improvement in the co-primary endpoint of arousal sensation consistent with how women reported meaningful improvement in an exit interview at the end of the study, although this did not achieve statistical significance. Sildenafil Cream, 3.6% treated women showed improvements in pre-specified exploratory endpoints that evaluated various aspects of the sexual experience including desire (p=0.02), arousal lubrication (p = 0.059) and orgasm (p=0.066) after 8 weeks of product use. Conclusions Data from this exploratory, placebo-controlled study of topical Sildenafil Cream, 3.6% for the treatment of FSAD in healthy premenopausal women support further clinical development of this first potential treatment for FSAD. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Dare Bioscience and Strategic Sciences and Technologies (SST), LLC. Clarification: Industry initiated, executed and funded study. Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Dare Bioscience and SST LLC.

European funding for research in EV battery materials

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is committed to supporting innovative European manufacturing in strategic net-zero technologies.

Accelerating heat pump diffusion in the UK: emergent tensions and priority areas for change

Abstract Energy efficiency is essential to meeting international carbon reduction ambitions. Shifting how energy services are delivered through the adoption of strategic technologies, like heat pumps for domestic heating, offers one important route to deliver efficiency gains if associated infrastructures, markets, cultures, and practices around broader systems can be transformed as well. Transformative Innovation Policy calls for new, reflexive, multi-actor governance practices capable of guiding such transformative change in particular directions whilst remaining open and responsive to system developments as they unfold. Yet seldom are stakeholders afforded the chance to deliberate on progress towards system transformation and offer insights on what is needed to expediate change. In this paper, we draw on data from three deliberative workshops carried out in 2023 in which experts from across industry, manufacturing, policy and research explored what is required to accelerate the diffusion of heat pumps in the UK. Our findings suggest decision theatres are a promising tool for reflexive evaluation of policy and identify five priority areas for change: (i) fostering a clear narrative, (ii) developing and delivering a coherent, long-term policy, (iii) increasing affordability, (iv) building installer capacity and (v) improving customer journeys. Although individual policies remain important, these priority areas shift the focus from policy instruments to broader considerations about the coherence of policy mixes and strategy for system transformations. Our work affirms how tensions arise in reflexive governance practices and supports the use of decision theatres as a method for exploring their implications in practice.

Towards Integrated Learning and Assistance Systems: A Framework for Technology Selection and Design

In the era of Industry 4.0, advanced assistance technologies have permeated manufacturing processes, yet the absence of systematic implementation methods remains a challenge. This research presents a multidimensional framework developed through inductive reasoning, encompassing technological capabilities and instructional considerations. Its primary objective is to guide the development of context-specific assistance solutions, shifting the focus from automated solutions to thoughtful technology selection and implementation. The framework's application has the potential to elevate stakeholder design processes through interactive visualizations and experiential anchoring. Notably, the adoption of cognitive assistance systems within manufacturing is on the rise, driven by the maturation of virtual and augmented reality solutions. However, a notable gap exists in systematic approaches for selecting and designing these technologies. This paper addresses this gap by proposing a comprehensive framework grounded in an inductive approach. This research seeks to enhance awareness among decision-makers in companies regarding essential selection and decision criteria. Furthermore, it offers guidance for a systematic and participatory implementation process. The research results underscore the importance of adopting such a framework in the industry 4.0 landscape, shedding light on the need for strategic technology integration. This study suggests that the proposed framework can serve as a valuable tool to facilitate informed decision-making and drive the successful implementation of assistance technologies in manufacturing processes.

The Strategic Energy Technology Plan: Financial Instruments

In order to achieve the 20% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the share of renewable to 20% and saving 20% of energy consumption by 2020, the European Commission launched in 2007 The Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan), considering technology as a vital piece for the Energy Policy. The UE intends to be on the top of the energy technologies worldwide, planning a defined roadmap up to 2020 and beyond. This plan means a new approach, never arose before at European level, which involves a great deal of cooperation among all stakeholders. The SET Plan is being implemented with different financial instruments. Most of them were already in place before the SET Plan publication. Currently, some new instruments have been lunched, increasing the portfolio of financial tools for implementing the SET Plan. In this paper, the SET Plan's motivation is outlined. The definition and structure of the plan is presented and the process carried out to get the plan is analyzed. Special attention has been paid to the instruments for allocating fund. Finally, some conclusions are highlighted.