Regional development represents a fundamental pillar of economic growth, territorial cohesion, and sustainable resource management. As Georgia continues to navigate economic and political transitions, spatial-territorial planning emerges as a strategic tool for fostering balanced regional development and minimizing socio-economic disparities. This study examines the role of functional spatial planning in regional economic sustainability by conducting a comparative analysis of planning methodologies implemented in four EU member states—Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The research explores the theoretical underpinnings of spatial zoning, evaluates the effectiveness of various land-use planning strategies, and assesses economic incentives for regional development. Additionally, the study integrates qualitative methods, including expert interviews and stakeholder surveys, to provide policy recommendations tailored to Georgia’s specific development context. The findings suggest that adopting an integrated spatial planning framework, leveraging data-driven land-use modeling, and implementing sustainability-oriented economic incentives can significantly enhance Georgia’s regional economic resilience. This research was supported by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia (SRNSFG) [grant number: YS-24-308]

This study assesses the impact of circular economic factors on economic growth in six ASEAN countries during the 2010 - 2013 period, based on a publicly available database from official sources, the World Bank, UNCTAD, and IEA. According to the theoretical framework of the circular economy and green growth, the study emphasizes the role of resource optimization, green finance, reuse and recycling, and emission reduction in sustainable development. This study applies the feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) regression method to address heteroskedasticity, autocorrelation, and cross-sectional dependence, thereby providing more accurate estimates of the relationships among variables. The results indicate that green investment and urbanization have positive impacts on economic growth; these factors act as key drivers of sustainable economic growth. Renewable energy consumption and natural resource exploitation have negative effects on economic growth; these factors illustrate high initial investment costs, technological constraints, and uneven resource-use efficiency across ASEAN countries. Greenhouse gas emissions continue to exhibit a positive correlation with growth, implying that the region still remains in the early stage of the environmental Kuznets curve, where economic growth has yet to be free of environmental impacts. Based on these findings, the study proposes several policy implications. Firstly, green investment, particularly FDI linked to clean technology, should be further promoted. Secondly, the urban development planning should incorporate circular economy principles, which include smart city development, clean transportation, and circular waste management. Thirdly, the environmental institutional framework and governance capacity should be properly developed to facilitate the use of renewable energy and biomass technologies. Finally, regional cooperation should be enhanced for countries to share experiences, technologies, and develop a set of circular economy indicators integrated into national development strategies. These recommendations serve to foster green transition and sustainable growth in ASEAN countries.

The study examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and its regulatory frameworks in the context of Central Asian countries in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as these countries drive their economic and technological development. The main objectives of this study will be to analyze and compare normative acts, strategies of the inherent states and policy documents, to reveal how effective regulation and AI governance can facilitate the regional development, how governance systems of regulation can enable the AI to develop rapidly, and how regional zones of innovation will promote the economic growth and development of the infrastructure of countries of the region as well as the competitiveness of the technology. Another objective is to show that the sectors of innovations will promote AI startups, foster their development, and strengthen international connections to build innovation ecosystems. Drawing on China’s expertise in AI governance system reveals opportunities where collaboration with the other parties could enliven the digital economy of the Central Asia region, create jobs and new opportunities in the health care and education sectors. This study illustrates how important adaptive regulatory frameworks are to facilitate AI and support economic development. It encourages the rapid adoption of targeted normative act for the AI systems and investment in AI education and training to address the lack of expertise so that the technological benefits are widely available. By analyzing the interplay between regulation, innovation zones, and international partnerships, this study provides valuable observations and policy recommendations to support decision-making on effective practices of regulatory strategies for the field of AI system to sustainable economic and technological growth.

This study investigates the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in fostering green skills for sustainable economic growth in Ghana. The study adopts a quantitative cross-sectional design involving 139 respondents drawn from TVET institutions, industry partners, and government agencies. Findings indicate that government policy support, trainer competence, institutional infrastructure, and industry collaboration significantly predict the integration of green skills (R² = 0.58) and collectively enhance employability and economic growth (R² = 0.49). Although policy awareness and institutional readiness are commendable, persistent barriers such as inadequate funding, gender disparities, and weak industry engagement continue to constrain systemic transformation. This study significantly contributes to the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). The study underscores the necessity of cross-sector partnerships and sustained capacity-building to ensure an inclusive green transition. It concludes that aligning TVET curricula with sustainable industry needs and strengthening trainer development are essential to achieving Ghana's green economy aspirations. The study recommends targeted investments, policy coherence, and international collaboration to institutionalize sustainability within TVET systems and promote gender equity across technical fields.

ABSTRACT This article examines how the middle‐income trap occurs in developing economies, and how fiscal policies and development strategies can help them avoid or escape this development challenge. Using a dual‐sector model with public investment in infrastructure and education, we analyze how different policy choices affect growth trajectories and development outcomes. The findings suggest that appropriate fiscal policies and investment strategies are crucial for avoiding development traps and achieving sustainable economic growth. However, insufficient infrastructure investments can lead to the stagnation of industrialization and economic development, potentially leading to a middle‐income trap. The model also reveals an important relationship between poverty and middle‐income traps, showing that even after escaping initial poverty through external assistance, countries need appropriate fiscal policies to achieve sustainable development.

This article examines the role of territorial branding as a key factor in the formation of economic identity using the case of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). Social well-being, self-identification, adaptation and behavioral attitudes within the regional system, as well as other characteristics of economic identity play an important role in creating ideas about the uniqueness of the region. The relevance of the topic is due to the need to develop an integrated approach to the formation of a sustainable territorial brand of the region, which can become a driver of economic development and a tool for preserving cultural uniqueness in the context of globalization and growing competition between regions. The aim of the work is to identify the key factors and strategic priorities for the development of the territorial branding of the region through the analysis of its competitive advantages and limitations. The methodology includes the study of scientific literature, regulatory documents, a comprehensive analysis of statistical data, analytical materials, a case study of successful practices in various fields, as well as a SWOT analysis matrix. The study identified key factors in the formation of the territorial brand of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), including unique natural and cultural resources, innovative potential, and the development of creative industries. The analysis showed that their effective use can increase the attractiveness of the region, strengthen its economic identity and create sustainable competitive advantages. The practical significance of the work is to substantiate the need to integrate territorial branding into the strategic planning of the region in order to ensure sustainable economic growth and increase competitiveness at the global level. The prospects of the study are related to the development of specific mechanisms for implementing a brand strategy, taking into account the specifics of the region.

Purpose The present study evaluates the sustainable fiscal policy, specifically applied to environmental taxes and their influence on the ecological footprint of Japan. Additionally, the study takes into account economic growth and energy consumption. Design/methodology/approach Using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, along with Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) as a robustness method within the time frame of 1995–2022, the existence of a cointegration and a long-term and short-term impact of sustainable fiscal policy, energy consumption, and economic growth on ecological footprint are validated. Findings Empirical analysis demonstrates the existence of a long-run relationship among sustainable fiscal policy, energy consumption, economic growth, and ecological footprint. The finding of an inverted N-shaped relationship between sustainable fiscal policy and ecological footprint suggests the existence of an Environmental Laffer Curve (ELC). In both the short run and the long run, energy consumption leads to greater ecological footprints. Correspondingly, economic growth is in line with the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), showing that environmental degradation will first increase and then decrease over the long term. Practical implications It is important for policymakers to apply a gradual technique. At the first stage, the imposition of environmental taxes accompanied by investments in green infrastructure, tax reductions, and education programs can instantly lessen the ecological footprint. Eventually, the relaxing of fiscal tightness coupled with the support of private sector innovation and circular economy practices can hold the environmental benefits. Furthermore, energy conservation policies, the spread of renewable energy technologies, carbon pricing, and demand-side management are suggested to reduce the environmental effects associated with energy use. The economic policies should combine the use of regulatory and market-based instruments that are backed by awareness campaigns and international collaboration in order to foster sustainable development. Originality/value The study presents novel revelations about the non-linear impacts of Japan’s sustainable fiscal policy on its ecological footprint, thus demonstrating the existence of an ELC and also suggesting practical ways to have a better environment and economy. Graphical Abstract Highlights

This study aims to determine the role of investment in the MSME sector in increasing economic growth in Indonesia. This research approach collects data through a literature review, which involves reading literature from various sources including books, articles, journals, and reports using qualitative and deductive approaches. The results of this study indicate that investment in the MSME sector plays a strategic role in driving economic growth in Indonesia. Access to financing, business mentoring, and technical support enables MSMEs to increase production capacity, output quality, and business competitiveness. Macroeconomically, investment flows into the MSME sector contribute to increased output and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), expanded employment, and strengthened household incomes. It also encourages economic diversification through the development of various business sectors, thereby strengthening the national economic structure. Thus, investment in the MSME sector plays a crucial role in creating inclusive, stable, and sustainable economic growth.

This study comparatively assesses variation in growth, development, and yield of Cannabis sativa ecotypes from three villages (V1, V2, and V3) in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study was conducted on physiologically mature plants. Six plants per village were selected, and the morphological features, namely, plant height, number of branches, nodes, flowers, plant fresh and dry weights, and flower fresh and dry weights, were determined. One thousand seeds per village were collected, and their weights and moisture levels were determined using a digital scale and a moisture meter. Seeds, leaves, and flowers from each village were fixed and prepared for the determination of anatomical traits, including sizes of the seed, micropyle, and hilum. Trichome types and density on leaves and flowers were determined using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). It was observed that morpho-anatomical traits enable differentiation among ecotypes, influenced by the locally specific environment. Thus, revealing significant variations in vegetative traits (plant height, number of branches, plant fresh and dry weights). V1 recorded the highest vegetative traits, whilst V3 had the highest reproductive and anatomical traits (number of flowers, flower fresh and dry weights, cannabinoid content, trichome density, and seed germinability, aiding features such as the sizes of seed and micropyle). Flowers recorded a higher density of glandular type trichomes than leaves across the villages, although the highest were recorded in V2, followed by V3. In situ conservation of these naturalized cannabis populations through area zoning to ensure genetic preservation for sustainable product supply and economic growth is recommended.

MICE has great potential as a driver of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, but the study is still limited. In fact, MICE is not just a tourism subsector, but a node of interaction between industries and regions. This study aims to measure the economic contribution of MICE domestic tourists to the Indonesian economy, both in terms of output, income, employment, and added value, as well as to evaluate sectoral linkages and spillover effects between regions. The methodology used is the Interregional Input-Output (IRIO) model, which tracks economic impacts sectorally and spatially. MICE travelers' spending is converted into a final demand vector, which is then used to calculate changes in output, income, labor, and added value at the provincial and sector levels. The results show that domestic MICE spending generated additional output of IDR 219.10 trillion, revenue of IDR 44.77 trillion, creation of 1.36 million jobs, and added value of IDR 122.75 trillion. The largest sectoral impact was felt in the accommodation, trade, land transportation, and food and beverage sectors. Spatially, provinces such as DKI Jakarta, East Java, and Bali received the greatest absolute benefits, while S.R. Yogyakarta, NTB, and Southeast Sulawesi recorded the highest percentage growth. These findings affirm the role of MICE as a lever for the national economy and a tool for regional equity. In conclusion, the MICE sector has demonstrated its role not only as a driver of economic growth but also as a catalyst for deeper regional economic integration. Recommendations include promoting policies that the impact of MICE is not only temporary, but also the foundation for inclusive and sustainable long-term economic growth.

In an era where economies increasingly rely on knowledge and innovation, sustaining long-term growth depends on understanding how education drives productivity beyond conventional measures. Yet, existing studies on the education–growth nexus remain fragmented, often focusing narrowly on schooling attainment while overlooking the complementary roles of lifelong learning and public investment in human capital. Addressing this critical gap, the present study adopts a multidimensional approach to evaluate how educational attainment, adult learning participation, and government expenditure on education collectively shape economic performance across the 27 European Union (EU) member states. Drawing on an unbalanced Eurostat panel dataset (2013–2022), the study employs a fixed-effects regression model with White cross-section robust standard errors to account for heteroskedasticity and serial correlation. The empirical results reveal that all three educational dimensions exert positive and statistically significant effects on GDP, with government educational expenditure emerging as the most influential driver, followed by adult learning participation, underscoring the transformative role of continuous skill renewal in dynamic labor markets. These findings advance Human Capital Theory by framing education not merely as an individual asset but as an interactive, systemic driver of national productivity and resilience. The study offers actionable insights for policymakers, calling for integrated strategies that align formal education, lifelong learning systems, and sustained public investment to foster inclusive, knowledge-driven, and sustainable economic growth across the EU.

Environmental limitations, technological change, and increased need of sustainable production are becoming major factors in global economic competitiveness. The developing nations have the problem of creating economic growth and, at the same time, managing environmental pressures that erode the traditional sources of competitive advantage. This study explores the influence of green innovation on improving economic competitiveness in developing nations and explores the ways the environmental policy and institutional quality mediate this response. The study estimates the technique through the use of fixed-effects panel regression to manage the unobserved heterogeneity and time-specific shocks with the use of an imbalanced panel data set of about 40–50 developing countries through the period 2005-2022. Several indicators are used in measuring green innovation such as the number of environmental patents, the amount spent on green research and development, and investment on clean technology, and the economic competitiveness is proxied by productivity and export performance. The findings demonstrate that there is a positive and statistically significant correlation between green innovation and economic competitiveness that mean that environmentally oriented innovation leads to productivity increase and competitive enhancing. Long-term models demonstrate that this relationship is greatly reinforced by the environmental policy stringency and the institutional quality which implies that conducive regulatory frameworks and effective governance augmentation increase the economic payoffs of green innovation. Robustness tests ensure that the results are stable when using different measures and model specifications. Policy wise the findings highlight the necessity to combine green innovation and environmental regulation and institutional reform in order to attain sustainable and resilient economic growth.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) significantly contribute to Kenya’s GDP and play a crucial role in job creation. Despite their importance, many MSMEs face challenges such as inadequate skills, limited access to technology, and barriers to scaling their operations. Recognizing these gaps, the KIRDI-KIEP training initiative was designed to unlock the potential of MSMEs by promoting technology dissemination and hands-on capacity building. The program not only offered practical training but also extended support through incubation programs and access to Common Manufacturing Facilities (CMFs). These resources gave entrepreneurs the opportunity to experiment, innovate, and refine their products in a supportive environment. The training aimed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to launch viable commercial enterprises, address production challenges, and drive economic growth. Participants were selected based on business readiness, technology needs assessment, gender inclusivity, and a focus on youth empowerment. Priority was given to technologies with high market demand and community impact, including animal feed formulation, honey processing, fruit and vegetable dehydration, dairy processing, and soap and detergent production. The primary challenge for SMEs is limited competitiveness due to regulatory and infrastructure hurdles. This training provided practical skills to enhance scalability, competitiveness, and commercialization, contributing to sustainable development and economic growth.

Purpose The reliance of African countries on traditional industries, and persistently high unemployment rates have all contributed to the continent’s economic difficulties, and sparked interest in its economic growth. One of the main factors influencing productivity and achieving inclusive growth is perceived to be bridging the infrastructure gaps and encouraging entrepreneurial activities. However, limited evidence exists about the cross-country effects of infrastructure, entrepreneurship and economic growth in the African context. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of infrastructures on the entrepreneurship-growth nexus. Design/methodology/approach The authors use both the static and dynamic panel regressions to examine the influence of infrastructure development and its components on the entrepreneurship-growth nexus in a sample of forty-two African countries between 2006 and 2022. Findings Empirical results reveal that infrastructures play a significant role in improving the impact of entrepreneurship on economic growth. Specifically, the findings show that water and sanitation infrastructure have the most significant impact on strengthening the effect of entrepreneurship on economic growth, followed by transport, electricity and information and communication technology infrastructure, respectively. This highlights how important but frequently disregarded water and sanitation infrastructure is for promoting economic growth and entrepreneurship. Research limitations/implications This paper’s main policy implication is to integrate infrastructure and entrepreneurial development in policymaking because of their interdependent consequences, which are essential for promoting sustainable economic growth. Originality/value This study contributes to the current literature by examining the roles of infrastructure development and its components in strengthening the influence of entrepreneurship on economic growth in the African context.

Education has a strategic role in supporting sustainable economic growth. Teachers and students often do not have a deep understanding of how education can be a driving force for economic growth through the development of relevant skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This training aims to increase teachers' and students' understanding of the relationship between education and economic growth, train teachers in developing learning strategies based on economic growth and entrepreneurship, and equip students with practical skills that can increase their competitiveness in the world of work and can use economic growth as study material in research. In addition, this training also aims to facilitate collaboration between educational institutions, the business world, and industry to create a learning ecosystem that is more applicable and oriented to the needs of the job market. Improving teachers' competence in applying learning methods that are relevant to economic developments and industrial needs, as well as increasing students' readiness in preparing supervision, understanding and applying practical economic skills in the world of work and entrepreneurship.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the mitigating role of older persons' educational attainment in the negative relationship between population aging and economic growth. Using unbalanced panel data from 126 countries over the period of 1985 to 2019, the results show that a higher proportion of older persons with post‐secondary educational attainment attenuates the growth‐deteriorating effect of population aging, with the effect turning positive once this proportion exceeds the estimated threshold of 38%. A country could harness the longevity dividend from its older population if the proportion of older persons with post‐secondary education qualification has attained a sufficiently high level. Mechanism analysis shows that educated older persons mitigate the adverse impact by compensating for the loss of labor force and total factor productivity induced by population aging. Sub‐sample analysis shows that the rising educational attainment of older persons is essential in offsetting the growth‐deteriorating effect of population aging for developing countries experiencing “old before rich.” This study highlights the importance of promoting lifelong learning among the older population in ensuring sustainable economic growth in the era of rapid population aging.

This community service initiative seeks to improve the general public's understanding of credit risk management within the banking industry, an essential factor for ensuring financial stability and promoting sustainable economic growth. The program was designed to deepen participants' knowledge of credit risk management techniques, specifically examining PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. It covered aspects such as credit distribution and the significance of the Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR). Employing descriptive and educational approaches, the activity utilized literature reviews, presentations, and discussions based on official banking reports and regulatory standards. Findings revealed that participants demonstrated enhanced awareness and understanding of key concepts such as responsible credit management, risk identification, mitigation strategies, and liquidity management in banking operations. This initiative plays a vital role in bolstering financial literacy and fostering the adoption of effective banking practices within the community, particularly among students and those interested in finance and banking careers.

Purpose: As an indicator of economic growth, industrial production’s energy and raw material needs are subject to environmental studies. The link between the ecological harm caused by plastic waste and the concept of sustainable economic growth through renewable energy is a topic of current debate in the litera-ture. This research aims to discover whether there is a connection between plastic waste and production. Methodology: This paper investigates the links between plastic import, renewable energy generation, ex-port, and exchange rates on industrial output in Türkiye by using the ARDL Bounds Test and causality analysis for 2008:Q1-2023:Q3. Results: Research findings reveal that plastic waste import and export positively affect industrial output in the long run. While renewable energy generation decreases industrial production in the short run, it posi-tively affects industrial production in the long run. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the evaluation of renewable energy and circular economy opportunities to ensure sustainable economic growth, while underlining the transformation of threats into opportunities.

Small and Medium Enterprises in Terengganu play a pivotal role in promoting inclusive regional development, yet their capacity to drive technological progress, enhance productivity, and contribute to sustainable economic growth remains constrained by structural and systemic challenges. This study examines how financial accessibility, digital readiness, human capital capability, regulatory efficiency, and market connectivity collectively influence SME performance within the context of a developing regional economy. Drawing from an extensive review of contemporary literature and a structured conceptual analysis, the study identifies five interdependent issues that limit SME competitiveness, including restricted financing channels, uneven digital transformation, skills mismatches, fragmented institutional support, and narrow market reach. The findings highlight that these constraints function as mutually reinforcing conditions that suppress innovation, hinder value creation, and slow the transition of SMEs toward higher productivity activities. The study proposes an integrated framework for strengthening SME empowerment through inclusive financing models, targeted digitalisation strategies, industry aligned skills development, streamlined regulatory processes, and diversified market expansion pathways. The analysis contributes to existing scholarship by offering a regionally grounded perspective on SME development and demonstrating how coordinated interventions across financial, technological, human capital, and institutional domains are necessary for sustainable transformation. The study concludes that a holistic, collaborative, and long term strategy is essential for positioning SMEs in Terengganu as resilient, innovative, and competitive drivers of economic growth within Malaysia’s evolving development landscape.

In recent years, the ecological importance of mangrove vegetation has gained increasing attention due to its role in maintaining environmental balance and protecting coastlines. In Karnataka, however, mangroves are limited to three coastal districts—Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada—which, despite their rich biodiversity and relatively pollution-free environment, remain underdeveloped. Tourism is minimal, and economic benefits for local communities are limited. This study examines the causes of underdevelopment, the consequences of neglecting mangrove-based opportunities, and proposes sustainable strategies to integrate ecological conservation with socioeconomic development. Utilizing recent data, district-level mangrove maps, and field observations; the study highlights practical measures for promoting eco-tourism, community-based restoration, and sustainable economic growth along Karnataka’s coastline.