World Bank Research Articles

Economic growth in the Sub-Saharan African world region: convergence theory

Purpose The processes of convergence are particularly challenging in the Sub-Saharan African frameworks, considering the diversity of contexts and endogenous particularities. Creating conditions to support these nations to improve their socioeconomic dynamics and performance requires additional contributions from international organisations, governments and the scientific community. In this scenario, this paper aims to analyse the convergence process in Sub-Saharan African countries over the past three decades. Design/methodology/approach To achieve these objectives, data from the World Bank were considered for the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita over the period 1990–2021. This statistical information was assessed through panel data approaches based on the models from the convergence theory. Specifically, the concepts of sigma and beta convergence were addressed, as well as the concept of catch-up rates. Findings The findings obtained highlight evidence of the existence of clubs of convergence among the Sub-Saharan African countries and the processes of catching up. These results may be relevant support for the policymakers and international funds and programmes. Originality/value This research provides a new perspective on the convergence of GDP per capita in Sub-Saharan African countries, based on an analysis focused on groups of countries identified on the basis of catch-up rates. This approach presents a way of dealing with the different specificities of these nations.

Burden of Stroke Attributable to Nonoptimal Temperature in 204 Countries and Territories: A Population-Based Study, 1990-2019.

Stroke attributable to nonoptimal temperature needs more attention with dramatic climate change. The aim of this study was to estimate the global burden and distribution characteristics of the burden. In this ecological study, we collected data from the Climate Research Unit Gridded Time Series, the World Bank databases, and the Global Burden of Diseases study to estimate the distribution of burden. We used the joinpoint model, decomposition analysis, age-period-cohort model, panel data analysis, and health inequality analysis to assess the different types of stroke burden attributable to different climatic conditions. The burden of stroke attributable to nonoptimal temperature continued to grow, and aging was a key factor in this increase. In 2019, 521,031 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 402,433-663,996) deaths and 9,423,649 (95% UI 7,207,660-12,055,172) disability-adjusted life years [DALYs] attributable to stroke due to nonoptimal temperature were recorded globally. Globally, men (age-standardized mortality rate [ASMR] 7.70, 95% UI 5.80-9.73; age-standardized DALY rate [ASDR] 139.69, 95% UI 102.96-178.54 in 2019) had a heavier burden than women (ASMR 5.89, 95% UI 4.50-7.60; ASDR 96.02, 95% UI 72.62-123.85 in 2019). Central Asia (ASMR 18.12, 95% UI 13.40-24.53; ASDR 327.35, 95% UI 240.24-440.61 in 2019) had the heaviest burden at the regional level. In the national level, North Macedonia (ASMR 32.97, 95% UI 20.57-47.44 in 2019) and Mongolia (ASDR 568.54, 95% UI 242.03-1,031.14 in 2019) had the highest ASMR/ASDR, respectively. Low temperature currently contributes to the main burden (deaths 474,002, 95% UI 355,077-606,537; DALYs 8,357,198, 95% UI 6,186,217-10,801,911 attributable to low temperature vs deaths 48,030, 95% UI 5,630-104,370; DALYs 1,089,329, 95% UI 112,690-2,375,345 attributable to high temperature in 2019). However, the burden due to high temperature has increased rapidly, especially among people aged older than 10 years, and was disproportionately concentrated in low sociodemographic index (SDI) regions such as Africa. In addition, the rapid increase in the stroke burden due to high temperature in Central Asia also requires special attention. This is the first study to assess the global stroke burden attributed to nonoptimal temperature. The dramatic increase in the burden due to high temperature requires special attention, especially in low-SDI countries.

The public debt sustainability and its determinants in Sub-Sahara African countries

PurposeThis paper aims to answer the following important questions: Is public debt in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries sustainable? What are the determinants of public debt sustainability in these countries, and do these determinants exhibit heterogeneity due to regional, natural resource, and income differences among SSA countries?Design/methodology/approachThis study analyzes the public debt sustainability in SSA countries using the theoretical model known as the Present Value Budget Constraint (PVBC) model developed by Hamilton and Flavin (1986), and adopts the econometric testing method proposed by Trehan and Walsh (1991). Moreover, to empirically investigate the determinants of public debt sustainability in SSA countries, the System-Generalized Method of Moments (System-GMM) method is applied. Furthermore, this study conducts heterogeneity analysis by categorizing the sample based on different regions, natural resource endowments, and income levels. The data of this study are sourced from the IMF and World Bank databases for 45 SSA countries from 2005 to 2021.FindingsFindings reveal that public debt in SSA countries is not sustainable in the long run, with factors such as the previous government debt, long-term debt ratio, debt repayment capacity, economic growth rate, inflation rate, export to GDP, and government fiscal deficit rate influencing sustainability. Additionally, the factors exhibit heterogeneity attributed to regional, natural resource, and income variations among SSA countries.Practical implicationsThe findings of our study will serve as a catalyst for policymakers in the SSA countries to embrace and sustain robust fiscal consolidation and debt stabilization measures. Moreover, countries with distinct characteristics should implement tailored approaches. Additionally, policymakers in SSA countries should implement economic measures to address public debt issues. These measures include improving the macroeconomic structure, promoting economic transformation and diversification of industries, fostering sustainable economic growth, ensuring price stability, and strengthening resilience against external shocks and debt risks. Specifically, countries endowed with indigenous species, resources, and tourism potential should adopt a well-coordinated strategy that utilizes agriculture, tourism, ecotourism, and the hospitality industry as instruments for sustainable local community and rural development.Originality/valueFirstly, it assesses the sustainability of public debt and its determinants for countries in SSA, which distinguishes it from previous studies that only focus on either debt sustainability or determinants of debt separately. Secondly, by including multiple SSA countries in the analysis, this study stands out from prior research that predominantly concentrates on specific nations. Thirdly, the utilization of the System-GMM method for analyzing determinants adds a novel dimension to this study, departing from earlier literature primarily focused on debt thresholds. Lastly, the heterogeneity analysis conducted in this study provides an empirical foundation for tailoring policies to different countries, addressing a facet often overlooked in earlier literature.

A Comparative Analysis of the Level of Direct Commercial and Financial Relations: A Case Study of the Two Sides of the Taiwan Straits in the Past Ten Years

This research conducts a comprehensive analysis of the direct commercial and financial relations between Taiwan and mainland China over the past ten years, aiming to understand the depth, trends, and impacts of economic ties. The study employs a comparative analysis approach to leverage data from reputable sources such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and official reports from Taiwan and China. The analysis of trade patterns reveals a consistent increase in volumes, showcasing a maturing economic relationship marked by the diversification of traded goods. Cross-Strait investments, particularly in critical sectors like technology and finance, highlight strategic collaborations and sector-specific interdependence. Financial relationships, examined through IMF reports and national financial institutions, demonstrate a deepening integration of banking ties despite geopolitical complexities. The study employs theoretical frameworks such as Complex Interdependence Theory and Political Economy Theory to interpret findings. The data analysis includes time-series analysis techniques to identify seasonality, trends, and cyclical patterns, providing insights for policymakers and businesses. The study's significance lies in its contribution to understanding the multifaceted nature of cross-Strait economic relations, emphasizing the endurance of economic interactions despite political complexities. The findings provide a nuanced foundation for improved bilateral relations, offering policymakers insights for strategic adjustments and fostering sustainable economic collaboration. In conclusion, this research contributes to the academic discourse on Taiwan-China economic relations by providing a detailed and empirically supported analysis. It addresses the intricacies of trade, investments, and financial collaborations, shedding light on the dynamics shaping the economic ties between these two entities.

Economic Development Pattern and Trade Imbalance: Comparing the U.S. with East Asia

With the development of trade globalization, East Asian countries have occupied an important position in global trade. The rise of the East Asian economy has led to a long-term trade deficit between the United States and East Asian countries, causing economic imbalance. Focusing on the economic development patterns of the United States and East Asian countries, this paper proposes a research question: How does the difference in economic development between the U.S. and East Asian countries lead to trade imbalance? This article uses comparative advantage and absolute advantage theory, Keynesian political economy, global savings glut hypothesis and the flying-geese model to provide theoretical support for the research, and then uses data from the World Bank and Bureau of Economic Analysis to further demonstrate. The last part of this paper makes an empirical analysis through case analysis and model tests. This study argues that differences in economic development lead to an international division of labor and a savings-investment gap, which in turn lead to trade imbalances.

Bangladesh towards green growth: a review of environmental sustainability indicators

Pursuing green growth is crucial for Bangladesh to transition from an unsustainable economic trajectory to a more sustainable and inclusive one. Bangladesh is picked for this study because of impending and severe economic and environmental threats. This study intends to review the present scenario of various environmental sustainability-related indicators in Bangladesh, focusing on renewable energy consumption, freshwater resources, water productivity, CO2 emissions, energy intensity, air pollution, and natural resource rents. The World Bank database has been utilized to obtain secondary time series data of Bangladesh spanning from 2000 to 2020. As a descriptive study, cross-sectional and observational research methods as well as descriptive statistics and figures are used to elucidate the secondary data. Data demonstrate that Bangladesh now generates 41.16% of its energy from renewables, despite considerable variability. Regardless of the variation in freshwater availability, averaging at 708.19 cubic meters per capita, efficient water productivity remains consistent, indicating a robust water management system. The country demonstrates a relatively low carbon footprint, emitting 0.35 metric tons of CO2 per capita, alongside varying energy intensity levels, highlighting the need for enhanced efficiency measures. While pervasive PM2.5 air pollution poses a significant health risk, Bangladesh's reliance on natural resource rents underscores the importance of sustainable resource management practices for long-term economic stability. The observations of this study might assist in the formulation of policies of water management systems, air pollution control initiatives, and conservation of ecology to promote Bangladesh's long-term sustainability objectives and formulate policies.

Urgent pandemic messaging of WHO, World Bank, and G20 is inconsistent with their evidence base

AbstractWhen international agencies make claims of an “existential threat” to humanity and advocate for urgent action from countries, it should be a safe assumption that they are consistent with their own data. However, a review of the data and evidentiary citations underlying the claims of the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank, and the Group of Twenty (G20) reveals a troubling picture in which the stated urgency and burden of infectious disease outbreaks, namely those of pandemic threat, is grossly misrepresented. These discrepancies in key documents and subsequent recitations in pandemic preparedness proposals have significant policy and financial implications. Disproportionate pandemic preparedness based on these false premises risks a significant opportunity cost through unnecessary diversion of financial and political resources away from global health priorities of higher burden. As WHO Member States plan to transform the way international health emergencies are managed at the World Health Assembly in May 2024, there is a crucial need to pause, rethink, and ensure future policy reflects evidence of need.

Symmetric and Asymmetric Association Between Foreign Direct Investments and Macroeconomic Variables: An Ardl Approach

Objectives: The main objective of the study is to investigating the dynamic relationship between FDI and different Macro Economic Variables (MEVs) using the ARDL procedure, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the association between FDI and MEVs and to evaluate their relative importance for FDI. Methods: This study utilizes annual data from 1991 to 2021 from the World Bank (2021) and the Reserve Bank of India (2021). Data on GDP, Export, Inflation and interest rate, and FDI are collected from the World Bank. Autoregressive Distributive lag Model procedure has been used for the study in order to establish relationship between Macro economic variables and FDI. Results: Our methodological approach using ARDL model and finds: (a) a positive correlation between exports and FDI, (b) a negative impact of inflation and exchange rates on FDI in the long run. Non-linear ARDL analysis reveals the asymmetric impact of inflation and interest rate on FDI, which includes the effect of positive and negative shock of interest rate and inflation on FDI. d) 1% increase in inflation reduces FDI by 0.4% and if Inflation is reduced by 1%, FDI is increased by 0.2%. At the same time, the non-linear estimation of interest rates concludes that there is an asymmetric and significant association between interest rates and FDI. e) If Interest rate has increased by 1% FDI is decreased by 0.9% and if interest rate has reduced by 1% FDI has deceased by 1.63%. f) The causality analysis reveals that exports, GDP, and exchange rates are the significant economic variables that affect FDI. Conclusion: The study's findings have practical implications for policymakers and investors looking to attract more FDI in India. The results indicate that exports play a critical role in attracting FDI and that the government should focus on improving export performance to increase FDI inflows. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of controlling inflation and exchange rates to attract more foreign investment. The finding that interest rates have an asymmetric relationship with FDI suggests that policymakers should be cautious when implementing monetary policies that may impact interest rates. Overall, the study provides valuable insights for policymakers and investors looking to attract more FDI in India and highlights the importance of considering the country's macroeconomic conditions when making investment decisions.

The Effect of Energy Consumption Towards Economic Growth: The Case of 11 Asian Countries

This research aims to determine and analyze the effect of Coal Consumption per capita (Kwh), Oil Consumption per capita (Kwh), Gas Consumption per capita (Kwh), and Renewable energy consumption per capita (Kwh) towards GDP per capita (current US$). This research uses GDP Per Capita (current USD) data sourced from world banks with a period from 1994 to 2021 and Data for Coal Consumption per capita (Kwh), Oil Consumption per capita (Kwh), Gas Consumption per capita (Kwh), and Renewable energy consumption per capita (Kwh) from Our Wold within a period from 1994 to 2021. The data used is data from 11 Asian countries, which is Mainland China, The Republic of Korea, Japan, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Viet Nam. The analysis method used is Panel Data Econometrics, with Ordinary Least Square and Fixed Effect Model. The result from this research shows that Oil Consumption per capita (Kwh), Coal consumption per capita (Kwh), Gas Consumption per capita (Kwh), and Renewable energy consumption per capita (Kwh) have a positive significant effect towards GDP per capita (current USD).

FDI impact: catalyzing digital capabilities in host nations

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on national digital capability, specifically differentiating the impact between FDI greenfield and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The research also investigates factors shaping digital capabilities, encompassing government transparency and absorptive capability, while exploring the mediating influence of absorptive capability in the FDI–digital capability relationship. Design/methodology/approach An econometric model has been developed to examine the interrelationship between national digital capability, FDI inflows, national absorptive capability and government transparency. The data set encompasses 55 countries over a period of nine years (2013–2021). National digital capability data is derived from the well-established index published by the World Competitive Centre (WCC). The sources of the explanatory variables align with standard practices, drawing from reputable institutions (UNCTAD and the World Bank, among others). Findings The findings reveal a significant positive impact of FDI, particularly in greenfield investments, on national digital capability. Government transparency and research and development (R&D) investment are crucial factors contributing to digital capabilities. Additionally, the absorptive capacity, reflected by R&D investment, also emerges as a potential moderating factor, influencing the impact of FDI inflows on digital capabilities. Practical implications The results recommend that policymakers and stakeholders should carefully consider the role of FDI, especially in greenfield investments, as a catalyst for enhancing national digital capability. The findings also underscore the significance of promoting government transparency and directing investments towards R&D to nurture digital capabilities. Moreover, understanding the mediating role of absorptive capability can inform strategies aimed at optimizing the impact of FDI on digital capabilities. Originality/value This study contributes uniquely to the existing literature by being the first to systematically explore the influence of FDI on national digital capability. Furthermore, it presents innovative empirical findings on the role of absorptive capability in enhancing the FDI impact on national digital capability, an area that remains relatively uncharted in current literature.

Global variations in funding and use of hemodialysis accesses: an international report using the ISN Global Kidney Health Atlas

BackgroundThere is a lack of contemporary data describing global variations in vascular access for hemodialysis (HD). We used the third iteration of the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA) to highlight differences in funding and availability of hemodialysis accesses used for initiating HD across world regions.MethodsSurvey questions were directed at understanding the funding modules for obtaining vascular access and types of accesses used to initiate dialysis. An electronic survey was sent to national and regional key stakeholders affiliated with the ISN between June and September 2022. Countries that participated in the survey were categorized based on World Bank Income Classification (low-, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high-income) and by their regional affiliation with the ISN.ResultsData on types of vascular access were available from 160 countries. Respondents from 35 countries (22% of surveyed countries) reported that > 50% of patients started HD with an arteriovenous fistula or graft (AVF or AVG). These rates were higher in Western Europe (n = 14; 64%), North & East Asia (n = 4; 67%), and among high-income countries (n = 24; 38%). The rates of > 50% of patients starting HD with a tunneled dialysis catheter were highest in North America & Caribbean region (n = 7; 58%) and lowest in South Asia and Newly Independent States and Russia (n = 0 in both regions). Respondents from 50% (n = 9) of low-income countries reported that > 75% of patients started HD using a temporary catheter, with the highest rates in Africa (n = 30; 75%) and Latin America (n = 14; 67%). Funding for the creation of vascular access was often through public funding and free at the point of delivery in high-income countries (n = 42; 67% for AVF/AVG, n = 44; 70% for central venous catheters). In low-income countries, private and out of pocket funding was reported as being more common (n = 8; 40% for AVF/AVG, n = 5; 25% for central venous catheters).ConclusionsHigh income countries exhibit variation in the use of AVF/AVG and tunneled catheters. In low-income countries, there is a higher use of temporary dialysis catheters and private funding models for access creation.

Electricity Consumption and Food Production in Malaysia: Implication for the Sustainable Development Goal 2

The need to seek sustainable solutions to end hunger in all its forms by 2030 motivated the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Against this backdrop, this study seeks to fill the existing gap by unraveling the underexplored dimension of escalating electricity consumption and its potential effects on the broader spectrum of Malaysia's food productivity, with a view to assessing the capacity or otherwise of Malaysia in achieving the SDG 2 (food and nutrition security) by 2030. To achieve the stated objectives, data from World Development Indicators (WDI) of the World Bank for the period 1990 to 2022 were collected for Malaysia. The collated data were analyzed within the framework of Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) method. The negative coefficient suggests that an increase in arable land is associated with a decrease in food production. Electricity consumption did not support expansion of food production in the country. Employment in agriculture, based on results, the study concludes that; electricity consumption did not support expansion of food production in Malaysia. In the same vein, arable land in Malaysia did not support sustainable food production in the country. Employment in agriculture did not drive food production changes in the country. Therefore, it could be submitted that electricity consumption only may not ensure a sustainable food production in Malaysia. Therefore, the study recommends that the policymakers and other concerned stakeholders in Malaysia should emphasize the importance of managing and utilizing arable land effectively in order for the country to experience a sustainable food production. Similarly, the policymakers in Malaysia should be given priority to food production when distributing electricity for both domestic and industrial consumptions in the country. If these policies are well implemented in Malaysia, the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 2- food security and sustainable agriculture will be tremendously facilitated before 2030.

New public financial management in liberal peacebuilding discourse: The Palestine–Israel conflict and the World Bank

New public financial management in liberal peacebuilding discourse: The Palestine–Israel conflict and the World Bank

Sustainable Water Management and Indigenous Socio-Technical Heritage in Marrakech, Morocco

Sustainable Water Management and Indigenous Socio-Technical Heritage in Marrakech, Morocco

Inclusion of Rurality and Social Determinants of Health in Documents for the Primary Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: The type 2 diabetes (T2D) burden is disproportionately concentrated in low- and middle-income economies, particularly among rural populations. The purpose of the systematic review was to evaluate the inclusion of rurality and social determinants of health (SDOH) in documents for T2D primary prevention. Methods: This systematic review is reported following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. We searched 19 databases, from 2017-2023, for documents on rurality and T2D primary prevention. Furthermore, we searched online for documents from the 216 World Bank economies, categorized by high, upper-middle, lower-middle, and low income status. We extracted data on rurality and the ten World Health Organization SDOH. Two authors independently screened documents and extracted data. Findings: Based on 3318 documents (19 databases and online search), we selected 15 documents for data extraction. The 15 documents applied to 32 economies; 12 of 15 documents were from nongovernment sources, none was from low-income economies, and 10 of 15 documents did not define or describe rurality. Among the SDOH, income and social protection (SDOH 1) and social inclusion and nondiscrimination (SDOH 8) were mentioned in documents for 25 of 29 high-income economies, while food insecurity (SDOH 5) and housing, basic amenities, and the environment (SDOH 6) were mentioned in documents for 1 of 2 lower-middle-income economies. For U.S. documents, none of the authors was from institutions in noncore (most rural) counties. Conclusions: Overall, documents on T2D primary prevention had sparse inclusion of rurality and SDOH, with additional disparity based on economic status. Inclusion of rurality and/or SDOH may improve T2D primary prevention in rural populations.

Bangladesh and New Development Bank (NDB): Accession and after, money and more

AbstractThis article examines Bangladesh's new membership in the BRICS‐led New Development Bank (NDB), as the Bangladesh country study for the Special Section on ‘The Evolution of New Development Bank: A Decade Plus in the Making’, in Global Policy journal. In September 2021, Bangladesh became the first country outside of the original BRICS founding members to join NDB. The analysis details how Bangladesh went about joining NDB, especially the geopolitics and diplomacy between Bangladesh and the key NDB founding members (India, China, Russia) which supported Bangladesh's entry; why Bangladesh joined NDB, the main motivations or interests; and how NDB membership is turning out for Bangladesh after acceding to the Bank, what are Bangladesh and the Bank actually doing together, are they realizing the main opportunities as intended, or are outcomes not as intended. Throughout the analysis, we assess how Bangladesh's membership in NDB compares to its multi‐decade memberships in the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Islamic Development, and its newer relations with the other new China‐supported multilateral bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). This study combines primary data gathered from field research, primary desk research, and cross‐verification with the related data, and secondary sources.

Does exporting to China spur firm innovation activities in developing countries?

Trading with developed countries has been shown to promote technological progress. However, it remains unclear whether trade between developing countries promotes or hinders technological progress. To address this gap, the present study utilizes micro data from the 2006–2021 World Bank Enterprise Surveys for 139 developing countries to assess the link between exports to China and innovation activities. We analyze the relationship between exports to China and various proxies for firm-level innovation activities in other developing countries. Our findings suggest that exports to China significantly enhance innovation in other developing countries, regardless of the innovation measures used. The heterogeneous analysis shows that the effects are more pronounced for mature firms and exporters, while young firms and non-exporters are more likely to introduce process innovation directly, rather than spending more on R&D. This effect becomes more pronounced after the implementation of China's Belt and Road Initiative in 2013. The underlying mechanism is that exporting to China (only for capital-intensive goods) could increase the demand for skilled labor, thereby contributing to higher innovation activities among firms in developing countries, as evidenced by firms hiring a greater proportion of skilled labor. These labor adjustments could contribute to the increase in the likelihood of firms introducing process innovation and spending on R&D by 38% and 47%, respectively.

Quality Governance, the Spice for Quality Infrastructure Development in Africa

This article examines the relationship between quality governance and infrastructure development. Quality governance is measured through government effectiveness (GE). GE measures the perceptions of the quality of public services, civil service and the degree of its independence from political pressures. It also captures the quality of policy formulation and implementation, as well as the credibility of the government's commitment to such policies. Similarly, infrastructure development is measured through infrastructure composite index. The study is anchored by the positivism philosophical underpinnings, with an ontological view of reality exists independent of the researcher and the epistemological view of the researcher does not influence the study since the truth can be ascertained through the measurable indicators. Furthermore, the research design is descriptive and regression in nature. The study employs secondary data accessed from world governance indicators and world bank data respectively. Their methods of data collection are upheld as is. The data was retrieved, cleaned, sorted, normalized, and analyzed using STATA. The findings indicate a positive relationship between infrastructure development and quality governance. This article highlights the need for the African continent to improve quality governance for it to attain better infrastructure development. Given that, it was only Mauritius and Seychelles with positive indicative measures above 50%.

Women and STEM skills for innovation and technological entrepreneurship

The role of women in innovation and technological entrepreneurship is fundamental in all countries. However, there are two key factors that decision-makers and public policymakers must consider; the first factor is related to the presence of women in the university and professional fields in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and the skills that derive from it. The second relevant factor is stereotypes. Female entrepreneurship Professional Field, Pension, equal pay for equal work, marriage rights, and region/country. Gender and generate more innovation and jobs. This research aims to analyze the STEM competencies and entrepreneurship carried out by women and highlight the most relevant factors to reduce the gap. The methodological strategy is based on the use of machine learning techniques for which three databases were used: two from the World Bank Women, Business and the Law, another on business and law from the World Bank, and another on education from UNESCO, with emphasis on STEM competencies. The results show that women's most significant focus on STEM careers is in the health sciences, and the one that offers the lowest degree is engineering. It is also evident that the critical factors for the incursion of women as entrepreneurs in technological sectors are professional field, pension, equal pay for equal work, marriage rights, and region/country, and in these, some stereotypes are present.

ASSESSING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF ADVANCED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

Purpose – The research aim of the article is the analysis of advanced/developed and developing countries in the context of sustainable development, using invariant coordinate system in energy units, as well as the impact of structural changes in the economy affect the possibility of transition to sustainable development and creation post-industrial society. Research methodology – In order to achieve the aim were applied the method of socio-economic systems power changes analyzing in the frame of structural economic Kaldor model of GDP and the energy flows models. Finding – The advanced countries have seen a trend of “zero growth” and a decrease in useful energy production in the last 10 years. These countries have high labor productivity, technological level and diminishing potential for sustainable development. China is in the stage of “growth and development” and has great potential. Data calculated by the authors of the article correlates with the findings of the Kaldor model. Research limitation – The initial interpretation of the calculated data of France, Germany, Japan, USA, European Union and China was made. Countries have been analyzed in the period from 1990 to 2019. The data of the Central Statistical Office of EU and the World Bank were used. Practical implications – The results of the study can be used to further planning and design of transition to sustainable development for advanced and developing countries. Originality/Value – within the framework of the approach, an invariant coordinates system in energy units is proposed and the main parameters for assessing the potential of growth and sustainable development for advanced countries were formed.