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Digital accessibility has become an important topic in the field of HCI, but when looking at accessibility on a global scale, we find that the representation of accessibility research is mostly centered in the Global North with countries that are WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic). Our paper explores digital accessibility in Iran, focusing exclusively on its national policies on accessibility. Iran is a non-WEIRD country located in the Global South, with no reports on its digital accessibility status from the Global Initiative for Inclusive Information and Communication Technologies (G3ict). We found that there is not enough focus on accessibility in Iran's regulations and we conclude our paper by recommending directions for improving this situation such as HCI and disability organizations in Iran cooperating with G3ict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital age is characterized by the increasing availability and pervasiveness of electronic communication products and services. These advancements, epitomized by the Internet, greatly increase the speed and efficiency of transactions and catalyze productivity and economic growth. The architecture of the Internet separates content from ownership on the network and allows for application and service providers to lie beyond the jurisdiction of national rules and regulations (Bach 2001). While characteristics of the Internet appear to make this technology “borderless,” our geo-political global makeup, the backbone of the law, remains delineated in terms of sovereign nations. These nations follow vastly different approaches in their attempt to regulate the Internet and the digital economy. Thus, while the Internet can be viewed as a global network, national governments have different standards for the treatment of personal information and identifiers. This essay first explores the cross-border variation in privacy protection in the United States and European Union, and discusses major regulatory initiatives implemented by both regions, including the EU Data Directive and the US Patriot Act. Theoretical analysis of privacy protection is offered to explain the considerable variation between the different regimes. An examination of the regulatory spillover in the travel industry with regard to passenger information concludes the practical analysis of this paper. ..PAT.-Conference Proceeding [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homosexuality in Singapore is illegal and suffers from social stigmatization. The local media avoided the topic and homosexual activities had flourished without publicity through the years. Recent admission by a top-ranking official to an international news magazine that the Singapore government has revised its policy to prevent discrimination against homosexuals opened the floodgates for media publicity, with the international media began naming Singapore as Asia’s new pink capital. The public declaration of Singapore as a gay haven spooked the government, who sought a subtle approach to discipline and control the public behavior of homosexuals: through discourse about homosexuality in the national newspaper. This paper examines news coverage of a senior government official’s claim that the rise of HIV/Aids cases in Singapore is due to the promiscuous lifestyles of homosexuals and argues that Singapore’s national daily, in framing homosexuality as promiscuous and contrary to traditional values, served as a platform for the government to reestablish control and subvert homosexuality in Singapore. ..PAT.-Conference Proceeding [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is scientists who carry out scientific research. Particularly, scientists with outstanding research achievements are called "star scientists." Star scientists have not only an academic impact but also can have a substantial impact on society and the economy as previous works have suggested. However, there are no clear consensuses on how to detect star scientists. This paper proposes a method to detect star scientist from multiple viewpoints, including not only academic articles but also patents. We empirically show what classification of star scientist and the distribution in Japan based on our method. We also explain the transition of the distribution of star scientists in Japan for 30 years before and behind “Science and technology basic law” in 1995. Additionally, we focus on one of the categorized group of star scientists, all-rounder star group, who has both outstanding academic and practical achievements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The section presents the abstracts of several papers including "Anti-Counterfeiting Strategies and Managerial Confidence in the IPR Regime of Chinese Markets," by Agnes K.Y. Sie and Gerald Erick Fryxell, "The Influence of Industry and Home Country Characteristics on the Pursuit of Firm Innovation," by Brent B. Allred and Kevin Steensma and "Knowledge Flows Within Multinational Corporations: Why Are Some Subsidiaries Isolated?" by L. Felipe Monteiro, Niklas Arvidsson and Julian M. Birkinshaw.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a powerful economic growth tool, particularly in today's global environment. The host nations try their best to create an appealing and advantageous investment climate for international investors in order to attract FDI inflows. Both developing countries i.e. India, Bangladesh and even developed economy like USA have dependency on FDI. All these three Bangladesh, USA and India have made significant efforts in recent years to attract FDI, offering a variety of lucrative incentives and benefits. Due to this covid pandemic there was some reduction in the trends of FDI inflows but eventually it again resumed momentum due to policies of the government. In this research paper we have tried to do the comparison between FDI inflows between these three countries and even tried to do the prediction for next 2 years. Statistical tools like Mean, Standard Deviation and CAGR have been used for this research paper. This paper also included the data of FDI inflows into these three countries for 6 years, top 10 countries' share in FDI inflows of these countries and some general comparison is also being done. This paper revealed that Mauritius is the top investor in India whereas in Bangladesh its China and in USA, its Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This section presents abstracts of several business policy and strategy conferences held in the U.S. as of August 2003. 'Complementary Resources and the Prediction of Post-Acquisition Performance,' by David R. King, Rebecca J. Slotegraaf, Idalene F. Kesner and Tom Lenz shows that acquisitions, on average, do not improve firm performance. 'Exploring Competing Motivations Behind the Acquisition of High-Technology Targets,' by David R. King represents a significant contribution by demonstrating conflicting findings in existing merger and acquisition research may result from alternate motivations behind merger and acquisition activity. 'Strategic Inertia Determinants: Analyzing the Size, Middle Manager, and Competitive Intensity Mix,' by Willie Edward Hopkins, Ajay Menon, Christian Homburg and Shirley Ann Hopkins, revisits firm size as a determinant of strategic inertia. 'Restructuring in Japanese Companies: Foreign Ownership, Strategic Investments, and Firm Performance' by Parthiban David, Toru Yoshikawa and Abdual A. Rasheed shows that foreign ownership leads to reduction in research and development and capital expenditures as well as improvement in performance, especially for firms with high free cash flow that are likely to have the most severe agency problems.

This study interrogates the locus of innovation in urban planning within Porto Alegre, a city globally recognized for its pioneering participatory budgeting. It posits that recentering public participation constitutes a pivotal innovation in formulating policies that genuinely cater to citizen needs. This hypothesis is grounded in the assertion that reviving participatory mechanisms, for which Porto Alegre is renowned worldwide, serves as a critical pathway to achieving social innovation success. Employing a qualitative methodology, this research synthesizes data from participant observation, document analysis, and interviews to explore the dynamics of public engagement in urban planning processes. The inquiry aims to elucidate how such participatory approaches can redefine the landscape of public policy, ensuring that innovation benefits all city dwellers. By examining the reintegration of public participation in urban governance, this paper seeks to contribute to the discourse on social innovation, positing that inclusivity in policy formulation enhances the efficacy and relevance of public policies in addressing contemporary urban challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents abstracts on technology and innovation management topics which include the way modularity works in real world organizations, the effect of external learning on radical innovation in the high-technology industry, and the organizational antecedents and consequences of absorbing technological knowledge.

This manuscript stems from an ongoing research project on gender inequality in Portuguese businesses, particularly concerning access to leadership positions. It aims to provide new insights into the constraints that limit women's access to managerial roles -- both from the worker/employee's perspective, by exploring expectations, aspirations, and perceived barriers, and from the employer/hierarchy's perspective, by analysing which biases in recruitment and promotion processes are likely to limit women's rise to top management positions. Against this analytical background, this paper aims to provide a reflection on the inquiry protocol developed within the project, with particular emphasis on the quantitative approach based on an experimental design. A survey has been developed targeting professionals and directors of large, listed companies and large/medium unlisted companies, where the respondents are given the framework of hiring hypothetical applicants for a management position. The methodological protocol involves elaborating different fictitious CV profiles, representing hypothetical candidates. These profiles are constructed by varying attributes according to various dimensions, specifically gender, combined with educational and professional characteristics. Based on the process of designing the experimental setting, the aim is to reflect on the nuances, obstacles, and limitations in constructing a set of stimulus materials and manipulating the experimental conditions regarding the fictitious applicants' characteristics (including gender), vertical segregation ('glass ceiling' in access to top management positions), horizontal segregation (i.e., associating candidates with typically female or male occupations) and measurement items/scales for assessing the applicants in different dimensions (e.g., perceived competence, job fit, promotion recommendation, etc.). Therefore, this paper aims to reflect on the methodological challenges and advantages of an experimental research design and data analysis strategy to address gender bias in hiring contexts and capable of sustaining an ongoing data observatory to support the definition of public policies and organisational practices aimed at promoting gender equality in top positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental permits have conditions that require operators to control pollution -- this includes controlling noise and vibration. The Environment Agency (EA), Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Natural Resources Wales (NRW)and Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) produced and published new guidance for Management of Noise for Permitted Processes in 2021, to help holders and potential holders of permits apply for, vary, and comply with their permits. The guidance is common to all four regulators. This guidance replaced the original Horizontal guidance for noise usually referred to as H3. The paper will cover the development, authoring and publishing of the guidance. It will also cover some of the reasoning behind and the major clarifications which are contained within the new guidance. Issues with noise impact assessments and demonstrations of Best Available Techniques and Appropriate Measures will also be covered. The guidance was developed to be consistent with the noise policies of all four devolved governments. The paper will briefly cover requirements of both operators and their consultants under legislation and the published guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By the multilevel governance concept we can see the European Union as a political system with interconnected institutions that exist at multiple levels with unique policy features. The White Paper on Multilevel Governance reflects the determination to "Build Europe in partnership" and sets two main strategic objectives: encouraging participation in the European process and reinforcing the efficiency of Community action. The fact that public interest in European elections is decreasing, whilst the European Union itself is largely seen as an asset in facing the challenges of globalisation, should prompt political action to be refocused on the principles and mechanisms of multi-level governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In long time-horizon projects, negotiation among multiple constituencies may lead to agreement on a set of goals and a target date for their realization, with at least the implicit admission that the goals cannot be reached using currently available technologies, or without trade-offs among the goals. In a budget-constrained environment, arbitrary prioritization of tasks will be resisted by the several constituencies. These conditions describe the situation of the United Nations' Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). This paper proposes a dual strategy. First, a "big data" effort to uncover geographic areas where the known SDG trade-offs (negative interactions) are of lesser or zero magnitude then elsewhere, and to investigate whether the conditions in that area are exportable to the rest of the world. Second, a technology forecasting-based heuristic to reduce negative interactions among the SDGs. We aim to prove characteristics of the heuristic in order to make it applicable to policy decisions that are more acceptable to constituencies yet scientifically sound. The paper describes a nascent project to obtain the data needed for turning the model into an action tool for speeding the SDGs' fulfillment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gambling Research Exchange (GREO) is an independent Knowledge Translation and Exchange (KTE) organization that aims to reduce harm from gambling. GREO curates and maintains a digital library of credible gambling information, most of which is grey literature. Several stakeholder groups use this library, including policy makers, researchers, treatment providers, regulators, and gambling operators. In order to meet knowledge needs, GREO both manages and produces grey literature, and maintains a research data repository for use by the gambling studies community. In keeping with the Open Science movement, the goal of the library is to provide timely and relevant evidence in formats accessible to diverse audiences, which can be used to inform decision-making, research, treatment, and policy direction. This paper documents how GREO's digital library reorganized its search interface and document types and adopted accessible terminology so that complex research findings could extend beyond the academic community to broader audiences. Beginning in 2017, we assessed the existing library's terminology and document types for accessibility and credibility. The first step was to rename the library from "Knowledge Repository" to "Evidence Centre", a term that resonated more with non-academic audiences. Similarly, in 2018, we renamed the "Grey Literature" collection to "Specialized Resources" so that it is readily understood. Since the collection had grown considerably, we divided the single "Grey Literature" resource type into ten searchable categories to help direct users to the most appropriate resource formats. Examples include white papers, reports, visual tools, and instructional resources. A recent change in our funding model necessitated a further transition from a focus on Ontario, Canada to international audiences. Using examples drawn from a recent focus on gambling in Great Britain, this paper demonstrates how the GREO Evidence Centre has become increasingly accessible to wider audiences since 2017 to more effectively address their information needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the opportunities for South Africa to promote economic activities in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. Hence, the study examined science, technology & innovation (STI) as the main driver of the fourth industrial revolution. Meta-analysis was conducted to elicit information from key government policy documents on STI since 1994 to check the political will of South Africa's government. Grey literature from government departments were also reviewed to examine the strength of South Africa’s Research and Innovation System. Based on the assessment of data and information gathered, the study concludes that though strong institutions characterize South Africa's research and innovation system, but the relatively low intensity of linkages and interaction among the key actors of the innovation system continues to pose a threat to South Africa taking a leadership position to significantly contribute to the fourth industrial revolution. However, strong coordination among South Africa’s financial, human, natural, physical, and institutional resources will situate the country in a position to develop the necessary capabilities for the fourth industrial revolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the possibilities of the national and European policy for the development of innovations are considered. The aim of the paper is to analyse the opportunities provided by the main strategies and programmes in the new programming period 2021-2027, 2030 of the industrial companies in Bulgaria and their potential for the development of innovation activity. The research has been done by analyzing and synthesizing data and information collected, and information, studies, strategies and work guidelines from national and European strategies and policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on identifying and addressing the challenges hindering renewable energy development in Saudi Arabia. A literature review and expert insights pinpointed seven key obstacles: lack of a stable investment climate, political instability, technical expertise, limited institutional capacity, varying environmental conditions, dependence on fossil fuel, and limited public awareness. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was employed to prioritize these challenges, revealing that limited public awareness is the most crucial barrier and varying environmental conditions are followed. To counter these challenges, the paper proposes seven strategies: encouraging private sector investment, providing financial incentives, strengthening the regulatory framework, developing a skilled workforce, promoting public awareness, collaborating with international organizations, and implementing policies. The effectiveness of these strategies was assessed using the combined compromise solution (CoCoSo) method, which highlighted policy implementation as the foremost approach. This research aims to guide decision-makers in Saudi Arabia in effectively allocating resources and making informed decisions to facilitate the growth of renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various studies for solving problems in electrical power have been published. Many of these studies are related to the development of technology to solve the problem of electrical power alone or to solve the problem of electrical power and consider the environmental impact, often referred to as green technology. This paper discusses government policy support in encouraging technology development to have an economic impact and specific constraints in technological development in electrical power concerning the economic impact compared to the technology in communication and information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freedom of information laws are useful to the extent that they are followed. This study applies compliance-gaining theories from psychology to examine the effect of persuasion tactics and threats of litigation on agency adherence to public records laws. Two field experiments tested what type of record request letter - friendly or threatening - is more successful in obtaining government documents. In Study 1, a journalist requested use-of-force reports from all police agencies (N = 104) in a state, mailing agencies either friendly or threatening letters randomly assigned. In Study 2, a journalist requested superintendent contracts from school districts (N = 208), mailing agencies randomly assigned versions of friendly, neutral, or threatening letters. In both experiments the legalistic, threatening letter resulted in higher response rates, lower copy fees and faster response times. Implications for journalists, compliance-gaining theory in a legal realm, and freedom of information are discussed. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gambling Research Exchange (GREO) is an independent Knowledge Translation and Exchange (KTE) organization that aims to reduce harm from gambling. GREO curates and maintains a digital library of credible gambling information, most of which is grey literature. Several stakeholder groups use this library, including policy makers, researchers, treatment providers, regulators, and gambling operators. In order to meet knowledge needs, GREO both manages and produces grey literature, and maintains a research data repository for use by the gambling studies community. In keeping with the Open Science movement, the goal of the library is to provide timely and relevant evidence in formats accessible to diverse audiences, which can be used to inform decision-making, research, treatment, and policy direction. This paper documents how GREO's digital library reorganized its search interface and document types and adopted accessible terminology so that complex research findings could extend beyond the academic community to broader audiences. Beginning in 2017, we assessed the existing library's terminology and document types for accessibility and credibility. The first step was to rename the library from "Knowledge Repository" to "Evidence Centre", a term that resonated more with non-academic audiences. Similarly, in 2018, we renamed the "Grey Literature" collection to "Specialized Resources" so that it is readily understood. Since the collection had grown considerably, we divided the single "Grey Literature" resource type into ten searchable categories to help direct users to the most appropriate resource formats. Examples include white papers, reports, visual tools, and instructional resources. A recent change in our funding model necessitated a further transition from a focus on Ontario, Canada to international audiences. Using examples drawn from a recent focus on gambling in Great Britain, this paper demonstrates how the GREO Evidence Centre has become increasingly accessible to wider audiences since 2017 to more effectively address their information needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Science in diplomacy, the use of trained scientist to inform and support foreign policy objectives, has been a part of U.S. foreign policy since the time of Benjamin Franklin. The Diplomacy Laboratory project, a public-private partnership, allows the Department of State to 'course source' projects to seek input from universities and to recruit talented students to consider careers in diplomacy. This paper provides a summary of a case study using a DipLab project as part of a term-length, writing assignment in courses for undergraduate and graduate environmental engineering students. An overview of DipLab and suggested best practices to integrate DipLab projects into engineering courses is also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to propose and discuss an alternative approach to the identification and selection of 'transformative activities' of smart specializing strategy by integrating the use of foresight, the concept of regional innovation system and science and technology parks. We used desk study, interview and Delphi method to collect data, develop in-depth analyses and set policy priorities from experts in Songkhla province, Thailand. The practical outcomes imply the direction of promising technology development, possible global megatrend, policy instruments at regional and science park level. The contribution of the paper is an integrated analysis of the regional innovation system and science and technology park framework in an innovation system foresight process to initiate a smart specialisation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the roles and challenges faced by Brazilian national and regional State-owned financial institutions (SFIs). SFIs' actions go beyond complementing private institutions or acting countercyclically; they have a permanent mandate as a public policy toolkit in the development process. In Brazil, SFIs have historically shown a strong presence in financing fixed capital formation and innovation. After revising the historical path of Brazilian SFIs, the paper concludes with a specific discussion on the obstacles currently faced by regional SFIs. This paper's main contribution is to describe the complexity of the Brazilian set of SFIs as well as to draw a set of policies to strengthen them and their impact on regional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data governance policy is of great importance for the development of digital economy. This paper proposes a four‐dimensional policy mining framework to analyze the 1,097 central data governance policies. We depict the development trajectory, analyze the policy subjects involved into the policy‐making, trace the sources of policy, and characterize the policy tool structure based on the policy coding. We find that the core departments of data governance policy making need to strengthen the awareness of data governance; Policy‐making should source enough convincing and authoritative policies to strengthen the long‐term effectiveness and impact policies; There are imbalances and deficiencies of policy tool structure. It provides reference for other countries in data governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper conducts qualitative and quantitative analysis on the national innovation systems (NIS) of America and China. Quantitative analysis demonstrates that in a mature economy like America innovative performance is chiefly triggered by knowledge accumulation, external openness, and industrial sophistication. On the contrary, in an emerging economy like China, innovative performance is chiefly triggered by R&D investments and bureaucratic efficiency. To conclude, innovative inputs, innovation infrastructure and government policies all contribute to innovative performances of both countries, though in different modes of influence. The research findings demonstrate distinctive national innovation paths followed by America and China. For America it has long been well-selected government policies targeted at the general innovation environment that is conducive to long-term knowledge accumulation and industrial sophistication. For China it has long been well-executed government policies supporting specific industries and selected enterprises, plus grand public investments in R&D activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to transform China into a powerhouse of higher education and promote the internationalization of Chinese higher education, the Chinese government and the Ministry of Education implemented the first round of the "Double World First-Class Universities Construction Project (Double First-Class)" in 2015. The second round of the project also started in 2022. This study aims to review the goals, summarize the implementation results, explore the issues and problems of the first round of "Double First-Class," and find implications for the ongoing second and future third rounds of policy. The study used the literature review analysis method to collect and analyze government policy documents, real-time data, and academic papers published in China on the "Double First-Class." The results showed that the fundamental goal of the "Double First-Class" is to cultivate top universities and disciplines to make China a world power in higher education. The detailed goals focus on constructing top teaching staff, cultivating outstanding research talents, and improving scientific research levels. Nonetheless, science and engineering are overemphasized, while the arts and social sciences are ignored, and there have been controversial problems, such as the corruption of professors. Based on our findings, we further provided the implications of developing a systematic education management and evaluation system, introducing senior professional scholars, and strengthening the management system to improve China's higher education competitiveness during the second and future third rounds of the project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines how governance failure on behalf of the Irish Government led to the ‘mica’/defective blocks catastrophe. It will examine the governance process adopted by the Irish state in the ‘mica’ case and review the recommendations made in 2012 (Pyrite Panel, 2012) following a similar crisis – ‘pyrite’ and whether the Irish Government’s response to these recommendations were acted upon in a timely manner. It will further examine whether the government’s action/inaction in relation to these recommendations could have contributed to the scale of this mica crisis and whether it may have exacerbated this crisis further. This paper will also establish the key lessons to be learnt from this crisis. The findings of this research will be of value to Public Sector organisations /Government departments when considering governance approaches at a local and a national level that should be in place, in particular when permitting concrete products to be placed on to the marketplace. Finally, it will be of interest to other researchers/ academics interested in Governance at both an organisational and at a governmental level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For many years, entrepreneurship, more specifically the formation of tech startups, has often been attributed with economic growth and job creation due to their high-growth potential by policy makers. Still, this link is widely debated in scientific literature, which does not necessarily seem to inform public policy. This paper outlines how entrepreneurship policy stakeholders and the institutional arrangements of entrepreneurship in Hamburg, Germany, represent a selfperpetuating discourse of domination. It is based on sociotechnical imaginaries that sustain their power, position and privilege via the accumulation, display and deployment of capitals. This discourse is an "unreal reality" that this paper seeks to unpack to unmask. The author will introduce a critical discourse analysis and ethnographic methodology approach to uncover and identify the sociotechnical imaginaries inherent in the stakeholders ́ discourse that fuel the creation of misguided or even counterproductive public policy towards innovation and high-growth entrepreneurship in Hamburg, Germany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transportation electrification is one of the most effective ways to reduce the emission pollution in metropolitans. For this reason, the government of many of countries defined an incentive based policies to increase the penetration of electric vehicles in the cities, especially in large cities. Although the electric vehicles can have a positive impact of emission reduction, their development have some strong challenges that should be considered in roadmap designing process. The electric vehicles have various strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) that need to be analyzed. In this paper, the SWOT analysis of electric vehicles will be carried out from technical, economic, and environmental perspectives. The challenges of electric vehicles integration on electricity networks will be investigated and the practical solutions to address these challenges will be presented. Moreover, from the economic perspective, the market challenges from the buyers, manufactures, and governments points of view will be analyzed. Finally, the impact of electric vehicles on emission reduction will be studied and the practical ways to increase their positive impacts will be presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the bioeconomy concept is one of the main trends in economy, the new national policies and strategies promoted by countries must adhere to the lines established at the EU level. For European countries, both EU and non-EU, the bioeconomy will have a major role in their national economy. The aim of this paper is to set forth the bioeconomy concept in EU and the main actions for Central and Eastern European countries in this field, thus far. These are BIOEAST Initiative and BIOEASTsUp H2020 Project. For this analysis, we use official documents created at the EU level by the EU institutions, along with the results from the BIOEAST Initiative and BIOEASTsUP project. The research, which is based on document analysis, comparisons and forecast, offers a broad view on the bioeconomy strategy at the EU level and especially on the level of the development for the CEE countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the effects of Covid-19 world tourism in 2020. The goal of the paper is to research the consequences of the pandemic on the tourism sector. The paper presents and reviews the available information on how tourism was affected by the pandemic, endangered jobs, and ways in which countries are dealing with the consequences. The paper discusses possible measures and scenarios of the countries to mitigate the effects of the crisis and accelerate the recovery of tourism and the economy. Summarizing the findings, authors will conclude that the disruption in tourism from the pandemic had a huge impact on the wider economy, and countries’ governments reacted quickly. The scope of imposed measures expanded continuously during the crisis. At the end, recommendations are given for the priorities for renewal of tourism and protection of jobs, as recommendations for solidarity and promotion of mutual cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 is not the first such public health crisis we have faced, nor indeed the most lethal; however, it has occurred at the perfect time to foreground a number of key issues central to the role of AI in society at individual, national, and global levels. This paper will examine the use of AI-driven systems to respond to the current situation, arguing that it marks a limit case for the employment of new technologies (most notably pervasive telecommunication). It will focus on three main concerns: UTILITY: what might AI systems offer as tools for risk/harm mitigation in situations such as these? A pandemic is the perfect domain for Big Data analysis, but there is also huge potential for transnational coordination of research, logistics, and necessary manufacture. MORALITY: AI-supported contact tracking apps (as used in Singapore and Australia) enable rapid mapping of infection spread, and the possibility of identifying key vectors, but there is a vital debate to be had about surveillance, consent, and government control of citizens through the bulk collection of data. Any discussion of AI is always an ethical conversation. AUTHORITY: we have already seen a proliferation of misinformation concerning Covid-19 distributed online; much of this, it seems, comes from utterly unreliable sources, as deliberate acts of of Information Warfare by State actors. AI offers the potential to generate highly specific messages designed to influence their targets, and distribute them further and faster than at any time in history. 'Fake News' has become literally lethal; how can nations and individuals employ AI systems to inoculate themselves against highly infectious, harmful ideas? The paper discusses key components of a Code of Conduct for the use of AI balancing the need for effective and rapid threat mitigation with essential human rights. The British Prime Minister has quoted Cicero's 'Salus populi suprema lex esto' [the health of the people is the supreme law']; the severity of the current crisis must not blind us to the fact that the health of the body politic is a matter of morality as much as medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Territorial cohesion, as one of the important goals of the European Union cohesion policy, represents research interest important also in perspectives of the future 2021-2027 cohesion policy. It focuses on strengthening territorial potentials, balanced development, which can be observed through competitiveness factors, even though the connection between territorial cohesion and competitiveness still provokes different discussions with confronting conclusions. Regarding diversified structure of European regions and the differences in its competitiveness results, there are also studies about the adequate cohesion policy implementation which will improve European competitiveness and other development goals such as territorial cohesion. The aim of this paper is to present the relationship between territorial cohesion and regional competitiveness in the European Union, through investigating the results of the latest European Regional Competitiveness Index. Theoretical part of the paper will be focused on the definition, the background and the role of the territorial cohesion, as well as on the connection between territorial cohesion and regional competitiveness. More detailed analysis and interrelations will be performed on the sample of European NUTS 2 regions, in order to present the characteristics which should be included in managing territorial cohesion. Regional competitiveness results are correlated with the chosen indicators of territorial cohesion. There can be seen that competitiveness results are connected with different determinants of territorial cohesion, but the estimated influences regarding specific determinants have shown ambiguous nature. A polycentric pattern of development should be improved by observing the differences between capital city regions and the rest of the country together with the untapped regional potentials of regions that are at the same time facing competitiveness hurdles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small hydropower is one of the most cost-effective and environmentally benign energy technologies for production of electrical power worldwide. In India, the available potential of small hydro is at about 15,000MW and small hydro can provide electricity to 120,000 unelectrified rural villages. Hence, this paper focuses the status of small hydro development in India and discusses the barriers/obstacles to the development of small hydro in India by taking government policy, economical aspects and environmental benefits of few countries into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governments acting as entrepreneurs are reflected in their ability to act in new and innovative ways and their willingness to undertake policy actions that have uncertain outcomes. One of such policy actions that have far-reaching entrepreneurial effects is whether or not to regulate the marijuana market. This paper examines the savings that could be accrued if the marijuana market in Jamaica was regulated- savings from the Constabulary and Correctional Services Departments with the elimination of enforcement costs, as well as income that could be earned if marijuana was taxed like other goods. This paper estimates that in 2011 enforcement costs (marijuana arrests, prosecutions and incarceration expenses) in Jamaica were approximately J$12.2 billion in government expenditure; between J$473 million - J$665 million annually could be earned if marijuana was taxed like normal goods and between J$1.5 billion - J$2.3 billion if marijuana was taxed at rates similar to those on cigarettes and alcohol. An additional US$14 billion could be earned if companies were allowed to export marijuana and then were taxed. This paper will contribute additional knowledge on the value of marijuana production in Jamaica, in terms of the amount of revenues that can be earned from the export of marijuana. It will also discuss the implications for both future academic research and public policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of toll roads has increased since 2005 in Indonesia. The benefits of toll road investment have increased connectivity, accessibility, and mobility. This paper presents the calculation of the estimated direct benefits of the new toll road investment. In general, to evaluate immediate user benefits, benefits are associated with direct user benefits. They are reflected in travel time savings and vehicle operating cost savings, from the analysis identified from VOC via toll road, which is more expensive than the arterial road. This has been caused by the distance reached if using the toll road and added the size of the tariff of the toll held by the users. The saving of the VOC will be a significant element from one appraisal in investing in a toll road, and this matter will be used as a basic policy for the government to invest in the transport sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emission-free economy is an achievable target with the formulation of policies by the Governments around the globe. A major contribution is made by the transport industry. Delhi is one of the examples among the cities in India which is polluting the air by transportation which is about 20 percent. Towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the nation has to take a different trajectory from concentrating on the technical aspect of reducing the hazardous emissions to refining the regulatory awareness. The research study is based on the statistical inputs provided by the government agencies and the judicial verdicts seeking a pollution free atmosphere. The Judiciary has been proactively recommending and directing the respective government to take necessary action towards controlling the pollution caused due to road transport. Nevertheless, the use of Artificial Intelligence has been an area which has not been strongly recommended by the apex court. The regulatory and judicial control over the emissions is towards a penalizing perspective and the technological assistance has not been resorted to. Though a one hundred percent emission-free economy is not a possibility, the areas which are still not explored or have not been brought under the purview of consideration have been the scope of study in the research paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The risks of non-fulfillment of the target indicators of the federal project "Export of Education", which are systemic in nature and are associated with the peculiarities of the socio-economic, cultural development of Russian regions and their conditions for implementing the internationalization of higher education, have undergone a transformation during 2020-2021 in the context of a pandemic and active use of distance technologies and electronic educational resources. This placed the emphasis on the level of competitiveness and the development of these technologies in comparison with large international providers - foreign universities. The goal of this paper is to identify and substantiate internationalization features of Russian higher education at the regional level and to forecast further scenarios of development in the context of a long term impact on public policy in this area. The research revealed and systematized the features of the internationalization of higher education at the regional level with their division into positive, negative, and crisis features. Trends in the number and structure of foreign students studying in Russia were identified and analyzed. The calculation of the effective rating of foreign students by importing countries was carried out. The authors developed and tested a six-factor function for assessing the level of internationalization of the university. The paper presents a model of interaction between regional universities and universities participating in the implementation of the Federal project "Export of Education". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Question Policy makers, businesses, nonprofits and individuals have been seeking solutions to the single-use plastic waste problems found in their communities. Many researchers have studied green values and sustainability as a means to encourage sustainability decision making. Our exploratory research will provide insight and knowledge on two research questions: (1) Are consumers' green values and concern about single-use plastic waste more concentrated to individuals close to the ocean? (2) How can you increase consumers' concern for single-use plastic waste and their behavioral changes? Based on our survey analysis and thematic analysis of over 100 single-use plastic waste solutions we have developed a guide around five policy solution categories: (1) business resources, (2) public policy resources, (3) non-profit resources, (4) education resources, (5) personal resources. These solution categories and strategies will be discussed more in the following manuscript. Method and Data The methodology uses a mixed method of research that includes both quantitative survey analysis and qualitative thematic analysis to build a guide for single use plastic solutions that meet policy makers, businesses, non-profits and individuals in their solutions process. The survey analysis is a Qualtrics Q-panel with participants evenly distributed across the U.S. Each participant was asked to review the Plastic Pollution Coalition (2016) video produced in collaboration with Jeff Bridges to educate consumers on the impacts of single use plastic waste on humans and their environment. Participants were asked to answer a series of questions on (1) Green Consumer Value Questions (Haws, Winterich, and Naylor 2012), (2) Concern for Contamination (Petrowski et al 2010) specifically single-use plastic waste disgust questionnaire developed by the research team. A structured search was conducted to find other means of communicating the single-use plastic message beyond the video produced by the Plastic Pollution Coalition. The results of a 6-month search utilizing Google Trends to narrow the results applying keywords such as: "what are single use plastic", "single-use plastic", "single use plastic ban", "plastic bag bans" developed categories for (1) name of resource, (2) content type, (3) policy solution, (4) link to information. Summary of Findings The results address consumers' closeness to the ocean and are more likely to be concerned about green values. Equally distributing the survey across the US allows to explore the individual's placement and green values. [California: (n=95) had a Green Consumer Value (M=1.99, SD=1.03), Single Use Plastic (M=4.15, SD=0.64) and Contamination (M=3.37, SD=0.93)] [New York: (n=20) had a Green Consumer Value (M=2.06, SD=0.81), Single Use Plastic (M=4.08, SD=0.81) and Contamination (M=2.69, SD=1.12)] [Florida: (n=18) had a Green Consumer Value (M=2.03, SD=1.14), Single Use Plastic (M=4.29, SD=0.82), and Contamination (M=2.85, SD=1.12)] [Texas: (n=18) had a Green Consumer Value (M=2.37, SD=1.24), Single Use Plastic (M=4.62, SD=0.73), and Contamination (M=3.10, SD=0.87)] [Oregon: (n=12) had a Green Consumer Value (M=1.81, SD=0.71), Single Use Plastic M=4.14 (0.47), and Contamination (M=3.29, SD=0.65)]. Key Contributions The key contributions to practice include the implementation guide for organizations, government and policy makers as a scalable plastic reduction program. A collection of over 100 policy solutions has been categorized into five major resource groups: (1) Business Resources (N=25), (2) Public Policy Resources, (N=5) (3) Nonprofit Resources, (N=15) (4) Education Resources, (N=25) and (5) Personal Resources, (N=33). This solution guide provides those in practice with the necessary information needed to continue to build their own tailored single-use plastic waste solution. The tools and links to more information include: books, videos, websites, educational kits, documentaries, movies, packaging alternatives and many more have been compiled. The current research adds to the existing knowledge by expanding the discussion on sustainability more narrowly to single-use plastic. In addition, the paper synthesizes many resources as a form of a meta-analysis enabling stakeholders to meet their needs as well as provide scalable solutions for future endeavors. As we continue to research single-use plastic waste and solutions, we will share with the growing list of strategies enabled by non-profits organization, educational institutions and individuals to help build awareness, understanding and progress to protect our planet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public policy implementation is frequently regarded as problematic globally and reasons for these vary. In particular, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector has been criticized for lack of delivery and most of the criticism is directed towards the non-implementation of government policy. In South Africa managers of TVET colleges are at the forefront of this process. Practices at these colleges could thus be interpreted in the context of management practices. Moyo (2008) suggests that the success or failure of policy could at least partly be attributed to the role that policy implementers play. South African policies are regarded as among the best in the world, however their implementation is still a challenge. Capacity of policy implementers and their understanding of policy intentions are critical for successful policy implementation. Capacity involves the ability of implementers to identify, eliminate and obviate policy implementation challenges and their understanding and knowledge to support decision making during policy implementation. This paper interrogated the understanding of policy originators and implementers of TVET policies and found that both these respondents had a common understanding of policy intentions. In addition it was found from respondents that the capacity to take decision is critical for policy implementation. This paper concludes that policy implementation is dependent on developed policy and capacity to take decisions. It is important for college mangers to both understand policy intentions as well as have the capacity to take decisions if policy implementation is the goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study examines the potential benefits and barriers of the ‘Freeport’ initiative within the context of South West Wales and the impact it could have on the Regional Innovation system (RIS), while also achieving policy potential for Smart Specialisation. In addition, this paper adds to the existing cases relating to RIS Theory and how this initiative can facilitate in the activities of Knowledge Transfer (KT) and Technology Transfer (TT). Also, this further contributes to the existing literature relating to Regional Innovation policy in this specific region. Furthermore, it expands examination of Smart Specialisation, with a review of this post-industrial region in the emerging BREXIT context. Smart Specialisation is an EU policy, while the ‘Freeport’ initiative is a post BREXIT UK government led policy within a devolved region. It poses a question for its orchestration in a developing multi-level governance. Additionally, this supplements the literature around the ‘Freeport’ movement and how it can support a region such as South West Wales, which can open additional avenues for international trade. This examines the impact of University-Industry collaboration and its importance to regional development. The data comprises semi-structured interviews involving key stakeholders from industry, academia, and government. To conclude, there are many similarities between that of the Enterprise Zone (EZ) and the Freeport initiative, which questions if the constant progression of these initiatives takes away from the previous one and not allowing for them to have enough time and resources to make a notable and long-lasting difference. However, it was unanimously agreed of the importance of such initiatives like the Port Talbot Waterfront Enterprise Zone (PTWEZ) and the potential Freeports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a comprehensive and diachronic overview of the history of the of education for entrepreneurship programmes in Portuguese schools. Following the example of other European countries, these programmes began in Portugal in 2006 as a response to recommendations issued by the European Commission. This text will provide an account of the political and social initiatives that propelled these programmes, as well as an understanding of how they have been implemented. We propose a critical, multi-level analysis of a circumstance that reaches beyond the realm of education and extends well into other, crucial aspects of public policy, such as: citizenship and entrepreneurship competences, evidence-based policymaking, and the relation between entrepreneurship and economic development. This is the first study that examines the history of the education for entrepreneurship programmes in Portugal. Using a case study approach, this paper contributes to the knowledge of the development of this education strand in the country and its presence in the regions that have had a continued exposure to them – through a systematisation and presentation of original qualitative and quantitative data (concerning the number of students, institutions and educators involved) and results. Moreover, this paper will also highlight the pedagogic strategies and methodologies used (in the face of the difficulties presented) in the implementation of these programmes, in order to make sure that the learning outcomes were aligned with best practices observed in the field of entrepreneurship education. We also add to the literature by showing how initiatives might be enhanced and strengthened through public policymaking and how they refresh the education system and introduce new challenges for all parts involved (i.e., students, parents, schools, teachers, businesses, and local entities – which, as we will see for the Portuguese case, are still far from acting in an articulated manner and under a common strategy). The conclusions include the identification of best practices and success factors (as well as the identification of blocking factors), thus meaning that this study not only provides a deeper comprehension of socio-political phenomena, but also a vision for future projects and strategies connected to this field of education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article aims to present currently used cluster policy instruments and to create a set of universal development support tools that cluster policy offers to its beneficiaries. There are the following research questions in the paper: (1) What kind of instruments can the cluster policy use? (2) Are the instruments similar or different in various national economies? (3) Is there a universal set of instruments that can be implemented in every cluster policy? The article presents the experience of the most advanced and comprehensive cluster policies from selected European and non- European countries, and then an attempt will be made to build a universal model of cluster policy instruments. A research method used in the paper was a comparative study of various cluster policies, and the paper adopts a deductive-analytical approach. The article is based on a critical review of the literature on the subject and international reports, and analysis. The main findings of the paper are that the cluster policy is formed not only by national and local authorities but mainly by economic conditions existing in a given economy. The assumptions of the cluster policy are similar throughout the world, but the tools of this policy are diverse and specific depending on the cluster policy phase that the government is currently implementing. The paper has a practical implication on the cluster policy and effective instruments for cluster and regional development. In conclusion, the authors emphasised that assigning specific tools to the phases of development of cluster policy in a given country may affect the effectiveness of using financial and non-financial resources offered by the cluster policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines our efforts in foresight technology, utilizing the TASDA framework, with a specific focus on the utilization of scenario planning. Scenario planning is a valuable tool for aiding management in comprehending potential future scenarios and making well-informed decisions. In this context, we are applying it to the development of research topics concerning Indonesia's maritime industry. This research aims to enhance stakeholders' understanding of issues related to the growth of maritime research topics in Indonesia, encompassing aspects such as tourism, oceanography, fisheries, infrastructure, energy, and mineral resources. Moreover, the study investigates changes in the strategic environment, including socio-political and economic factors that influence the progression of maritime research in Indonesia. We employ scenario planning analysis to chart the strategic environment and its ramifications on maritime research topics in Indonesia. This includes an examination of both global and national trends. We formulate driving and uncertainty factors within the framework of scenario planning analysis, which are then crafted into strategic environmental scenarios. The outcome of this scenario planning exercise yields four distinct scenarios. This methodology is well-suited for establishing the trajectory of national development aimed at constructing a research-driven maritime industry by 2045. However, achieving these objectives necessitates substantial advancements in science and technology, as delineated in current national policies, rather than adhering to conventional, business-as-usual approaches. To further refine the roadmap for the national maritime research industry, strategic planning and technology road mapping become imperative to optimize progress towards technological confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian government has proposed a national education policy designed by an eminent panel of experts, with the audacious goal of transforming the Indian education system. The policy plans to bring significant changes in the teaching-learning process from the school level to the university level. This paper studies the current information technology infrastructure that is available in Indian Universities for enabling e-learning. The data relating to IT infrastructure to facilitate e-learning was collected from 252 Universities across India. This was used to understand the present scenario of e-learning in the higher education context. An IT governance framework has been proposed which can effectively facilitate e-learning in alignment with the goals of the Indian National Education Policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the public administration's interest in using the service design approach to solve wicked problems through innovation departments called Public Sector Innovation Labs, this research aims to identify and characterize notorious aspects of design as a generator of public action. To this end, it analyzes projects carried out in two innovation laboratories that are municipal and federal, respectively. From the field research, which took place through the triangulation of interviews, institutional reports and other academic publications on the respective laboratories, the study revealed characteristics related to the creation, implementation and refinement of public policies, as well as the reinforcement of the tangibility of information, collaboration, experimental vision and challenge to the status quo in the conduct of projects, aspects considered to be basic to the creation in service design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unmatched construction increase happened in last decade and the domestic construction from late 80s can be labelled as inefficient energy units. Building sector consumes energy more than 54 % and residential sector around 24 % in north region. The rising cost of per unit energy is huge concern especially the cooling loads. The inefficient houses are raising the peak demand becomes a challenge to meet the demand versus generation. This issue must be addressed at micro level. The major energy loss happened through windows (being the crucial component of building services) and more heat inside the building than other components such as wall, roof etc. This paper investigates the possible reasons and gaps that why residential sector is not susceptible towards sustainable windows to lower their electricity bills. The research carried in two phases and questionnaire is framed to gather the data for analysis with aid of experts and literature reviews. It is concluded that awareness of occupant plays a pivotal role in advancement of sustainable windows besides other crucial factors such as orientation, make, glazing type etc. The collective efforts of architect, engineer, vendors and occupant can bridge the gap to reduce energy consumption. The initial cost of sustainable windows can be offset with savings and aid of government policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]