Search

The digital economy is developing rapidly worldwide, which is of great strategic significance in leading and driving the process of high-quality and high-efficiency development of the economy. It has gradually become a new engine to promote China's economic growth. Therefore, it is vital to establish a digital economy indicator system. In this context, according to the connotation of digital economy, comprehensively consider the four dimensions of digital foundation, digital application, digital innovation and digital benefit, and build a full-scale digital economy indicator system. However, some previous literature proposed operating the K-means clustering algorithm in optimizing the index system. The algorithm, susceptible to the initial selection of cluster center, generates completely different clustering results with other random seed points and is thus unsuitable for optimizing the index system. Based on this, the advantages of GRA, SA, and K-means algorithms are combined to propose a K-means-SA algorithm that can obtain the global optimal solution. Then, by combining the K-means SA algorithm and the rough set algorithm, the constructed index system is further optimized. Ultimately, it establishes a set of all-round, multi-system and multi-dimensional digital economy index systems, which is of great reference significance for formulating relevant policies, provides scientific index support for the subsequent extension of digital economy theory, and promotes the benign growth of the worldwide economy. Plain language summary: The importance of constructing and optimizing the digital economy indicator system In today's rapid development of the digital economy, a set of scientific, feasible, and practical application values of the digital economy evaluation index system is constructed to evaluate better and promote the development of the digital economy. Based on the four dimensions of digital foundation, digital application, digital innovation, and digital benefit, this paper constructs a comprehensive evaluation index system for the development level of the digital economy. In addition, by combining the advantages of GRA, SA, and K-means algorithms, a K-means SA algorithm can obtain the global optimal solution proposed. Then, the K-mean-SA algorithm is combined with the rough set algorithm to optimize the constructed index system further. Finally, a comprehensive, multisystem, and multi-dimensional evaluation index system for the development level of the digital economy is established, which provides scientific support for the development of digital economy theory and promotes the healthy development of the digital economy. Although this paper collects indicators related to the digital economy as comprehensively as possible based on existing studies, there are still some limitations in the selection of needles due to the strong integration of the digital economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a world increasingly shaped by data, its exponential growth demands global organizations to swiftly embrace and synchronize with the prompt evolution of our lives. Innovations in storage technology, the advent of IoT (Internet of Things), and the emerging regulations of the European Union, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), all underscore how "Big Data" propels economic transformation. Amid the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence and technology, Europe's digital overhaul assumes paramount importance, as recent crises underscore the urgency for more effective alternatives that fuel the imperative shift towards sustainability. The concept of "Big Data" has been integrated as a central pillar in the EU's digital transformation strategy, set for 2030, and consequently, within the ambit of its green strategy. This sector's inherent opportunities contribute to the EU's pursuit of climate neutrality by 2050. At its core, "Big Data" involves the amalgamation of extensive and diverse information, subjected to algorithmic analysis to drive decision-making. The data's significance extends beyond economic implications, permeating diverse domains such as safety, health, agriculture, environment, law, and even individual contexts, thereby accentuating the intrinsic essence of "Big Data". This paper addresses the intricate demands posed by the rapid expansion of this type of data, which is experiencing exponential growth in terms of accessibility and automated integration within digital landscapes. Its efficacy is contingent upon not merely the escalating capabilities of technology to facilitate the accumulation and retention of substantial data quantities, but also on its proficiency to conduct thorough analysis, comprehension, and effective utilization of the data's complete worth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are carriers of the economic development on local, regional, and national level. With high levels of flexibility, agility and adaptability, small and medium enterprises have the ability to transform and embrace new emerging technologies and opportunities. In the Industry 4.0 world, characterized by the intensive development and integration of digital solutions into all levels of operations, SMEs are among early adopters of such solutions. The purpose of the paper is to examine how small and medium enterprises in the Middle East are increasing their competitiveness, using innovative digital and e-business solutions as key transformative tools. Within the research, a systematic review of support ecosystem for development of the sector in the Middle East has been performed. Based on the systematic review and literature findings, the 5I framework, consisting of internationalization, innovation, integration, implementation, and intensifying, has been suggested as the model for transformative development of small and medium enterprises. In the future research, it is possible to examine how fast-growing economies that create supportive environment for the development of small and medium enterprises, simultaneously recognizing digital and ebusiness solutions as important pillar of increasing competitiveness and innovativeness, might benefit from successful implementation of 5I framework for successful global transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of the breadth of coverage and depth of use of digital finance greatly improves the efficiency of financial services to the real economy, and has an important impact on the economic development of local governments in China. This paper takes the provincial local government debt risk data from 2011 to 2020 as the research sample to deeply investigate the effect and mechanism of digital finance on local government debt risk. The results show that, firstly, digital finance can effectively suppress local government debt risk, and a significant long-term suppressive effect is found by quantile model test. Secondly, in the mechanism of action test, digital finance effectively alleviates local government debt risk through the path of local government fiscal transparency, and has played a significant regulating effect. Finally, based on different regions and development levels, the effect of digital finance on local government debt risk is found to be more significant in eastern regions and regions with high urbanization levels. The findings of this paper provide some theoretical value and practical significance for preventing the occurrence of local government debt risk and regional systemic risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess the exploitation of small economies by global digital firms through tax evasion. It explored the obstacles and suggests how small economies can address these challenges posed by global digital firms that leverage the nature of their service and technology to evade tax. Qualitative research methods were applied with the use of key informant interviews and secondary data collection from relevant literature and reports. Five key informants purposefully selected from Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) were interviewed. The paper also classifies the nature of services provided by different digital economies. It highlights the challenges being faced by small economies such as the shift in the global business models, tax concept and evasion, international tax regulations, and lack of capacities thereof. The findings indicate how small economies are being taken advantage of by digital giant firms through operating in their jurisdictions, capitalizing on profits, and circumventing tax payments due to non legally binding instruments that compel global firms to comply. Tax evasion by these firms leads to the shrinking of the small economies' tax base. A possible solution to this tax deceitfulness is the adoption of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Pillar One proposal to address and overhaul the current international tax regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of paper consists in developing the economic mechanism for increase in effective management of land resources in agriculture. Theoretical provisions of institutionalism, management, system approach, the general scientific and special methods were used in the course of the research. Considering influence of negative externalities on the market of the agricultural land and a deviation of the prices from equilibrium level, it is expedient to influence a market turnover of agricultural grounds by means of the priority directions of development: reductions of transactional costs for execution of transactions and registration of the property rights to the land plots, updating of cadastral cost of the land plots, accelerations of differentiation of the lands which are in federal, regional, regional property, etc. As a result of a research authors constructed the regional economic mechanism of management of land resources in agriculture on the basis of use of digital technologies. Thus, the mechanism includes the executive power, scientific centers, higher educational institutions, software products providing accumulation, updating, structuring, storage of cartographic and thematic information for adoption of optimal management decisions. The offered economic mechanism is recommended to be used when developing state programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores future digital technology policy for education with reference to the Irish context. Framed within the global context of commercial influence on education and related discourses, it addresses the Irish context with particular reference to identifiable 'push' and 'pull' factors seen as influencing policy provision in any next phase. The paper then proceeds to outline a number of intersecting factors or issues that will likely influence digital technology policy and practice in Irish schools in the future, taking into consideration the political, corporate, social, economic and educational backdrop. Likely ethical, environmental and educational factors are proposed and discussed. Looking across these factors, the paper concludes that establishing a clear vision of the role and purpose of technology in education, coupled with a more complex understanding and appreciation of the interaction between technology and education (which is contextually bound and relational, and reflects greater teacher rather than corporate agency) are significant prerequisites to any consideration of the future of digital education in the Irish educational policy context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today the strategic vector of agricultural development is connected with the introduction of digital technologies. Digitalization leads not only to transformation of production processes in the industry but as well has much wider environmental, social and institutional context. This paper is aimed at finding out what digital transformations have the most strategic significance for social and economic development of agro-industrial regions of the south of Russia, as well as at revealing the factors fostering or constraining these processes. Digital transformation in the south Russian regions has just affected the first level -- application of new information technologies for raising economic performance and simultaneous alleviating environmental problems. The perspectives of digitalization of the agriculture are connected with developing open collaborative systems with different types of business collaborations. The authors highlight the main problems of realizing digital transformations in the agriculture of the south regions solving of which can be provided by means of authorities' institutional decisions within regional strategies of digitalization. This research gives an idea of the potential of agricultural digitalization and its results can be used for forming theoretical and methodological grounds for strategic development of agriculture in agro-industrial regions in modern circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the theoretical issues of financial sustainability on several levels. First of all, the variety of definitions of sustainability is discussed. After that, the concept of financial sustainability is clarified and the main elements of financial sustainability are indicated. Finally, the map of financial sustainability concepts is presented and three main approaches to financial sustainability (at international, national, and company levels) are identified. In addition, the relationship between the application of financial derivatives and a company's financial sustainability is briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the impact of technological progress and digitization on Ghana's economy using panel data for the period 2009–2019. Technological progress and economic growth inter-dependency was analyzed in two steps. First, the relation was tested using Augmented Dickey–Fuller method. Second, we estimated the long-run relation between the variables by using Engel Granger and Error Correction models. The results indicate that adopting technology or digitizing the economy has the potential to drive sustainable growth and development. In particular, it was noted that ICT investments drive high productivity rates and faster economic growth. In sum, technological progress and digitization have the potential to foster significant growth and therefore must be given high credence in the planning and designing of development programmes. This paper contributes to development theories on the role that ICT plays in economic growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital environments have expanded the forms of cultural participation. This paper has two aims: first, to elucidate the changing definitions of cultural participation in relation to digital environments; second, to examine the ways in which cultural policies respond to the new digital conditions of cultural participation. Focusing on Quebec (Canada), this paper is based on a critical review of grey literature in the public policy. We identified three main goals pursued by Quebec cultural policies regarding digital participation: 1) to produce and disseminate national cultural content; 2) to encourage cultural equity and diversity; 3) to encourage digital equity. The analysis shows that these goals partially exceed the scope of cultural policies to intersect with economic, educational, and youth policies. We also argue that policy frameworks and funding programs in support of cultural policies tend to legitimize an overlap of civic, commercial, and industrial logics of cultural participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of a unified large market, the development of digital economy has become the focus. Based on the panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2020, this paper uses the spatial Durbin model to examine the impact of government spending on digital economy through different spatial weight matrices. The research results show that: 1) The government science and technology expenditure in all provinces in China has a significant positive spatial correlation with the level of digital economy development; 2) The comparative analysis of different weight matrices show that the impact of local government science and technology expenditure on the level of digital economy development is significant and positive, and there is a certain spatial spillover effect; 3) Through the heterogeneity test, the spillover effect of the central and western regions of China is more obvious under the setting of the geographical weight matrix, and the spillover effect of the east is more obvious under the setting of the economic matrix weight. At the same time, this study expands the research on the influencing factors of the development level of the digital economy, and puts forward policy recommendations corresponding to government science and technology expenditure and the development of the digital economy based on the empirical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the digital era, digitalization brings great opportunities and challenges for cities' environmental governance and economic growth. However, it is worth noting that the impact of digitalization on cities' green transition has not been studied from the perspective of Metcalfe's Law. This paper uses the principal component method and non-radial directional distance function (NDDF) to calculate the digital development level and the green economic performance of 269 Chinese cities from 2003 to 2019. (1) The empirical findings demonstrate that digitalization has become a strong driver for cities' green economic transformation. (2) Digitalization indirectly promotes green transition through industrial structure optimization and green technological innovation. (3) The heterogeneity results show that the positive effect of digitalization on green development is more obvious in eastern and economically developed cities. (4) Using the partially linear functional-coefficient model (PLFC), this paper studies the non-linear nexus between digitalization and green economic transition from the perspective of Metcalfe's Law. Thus, Metcalfe's law is confirmed in the green transition of Chinese cities. Some policy recommendations are offered for realizing the coordinated development of digitalization and greening of the urban economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collaborative economy or p2p sharing economy, a multifaceted concept of increasing relevance, is the focus of this paper. A critical review of the literature where the concept appears in publication was conducted, from which the main trends of the new phenomenon of digital platform neo-capitalism in the 21st century economy were identified. From the traditional contradiction of labor and capital, a detailed analysis of the concept of "collaboration" as a translation of "sharing" is carried out, employing a chronological review of the main research publications that are shaping the dynamics of the new economic paradigm in the framework of greater efficiency, resulting from decentralization and heterogeneity. The results indicate that much of the English-language literature has not been reviewed or translated into Spanish, including omission of associated concepts that are essential in understanding the future that economies will face. The privileging of English-language publication makes the literature inaccessible to Spanish and other non-English researchers. In conclusion, three recommendations are proposed. First, the development of active economic policies and intentional planning to address the new challenges. Second, the promotion of government interventions, beyond simple regulations, especially in the field of big data and in creating digital platforms. Third, the advancement of a new generation of platform cooperatives that would help to achieve a new balance in values, in the envisioned future of a turbo-capitalism and post-labor age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following rapid growth, China's economy is entering a period of high-quality economic growth. High-quality economic development has a profound impact on China's current economic development. It can be said that the improvement of economic quality is an inevitable choice for China's new stage of economic development. From this point of view, promoting high-quality economic development has become an important practical issue in my country's current economic and social development. As the integration and innovation of digital technology and taxation, the blessing of digital technology maximizes integration and precision, which can effectively meet the needs of higher stages of economic development. Perfect and inclusive development has become an important support for sustainable and healthy economic development. At present, behind the rapid economic growth, human economic activities have led to the emergence of an ecological and environmental crisis. The growth mode characterized by high input, high consumption support, and high emissions has resulted in insufficient supply of regional ecological and environmental resources, pollution, and damage to the ecological environment and also intensified. Therefore, this paper first examines the concept of digital finance and its enlightenment to economic development, and believes that digital finance has a good role in promoting economic development. Second, an evaluation model for the relationship between environmental environment and economic development is established, and an evaluation index system is obtained. Finally, through the comprehensive evaluation and analysis of economic development and ecological environment, it is concluded that in the era of digital finance, the level of regional economic development has been greatly improved, and my country's regional economic development has been greatly improved, which is significantly faster than my country's ecological environment improvement level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to improve the methodology of the Digital Economic and Society Index (DESI), the European Commission's newest index to assess the development of the digital economy. In particular, we investigate whether methodological changes to the structure of DESI improve its ability to capture the digital transformation of EU economies. Using the sensitivity-based analysis, we check whether the selection of weights of individual elements included in the DESI is optimal or should be improved. We also verify the importance of DESI in explaining changes in GDP per capita in EU economies. In the literature, we find that digital transformation has enabled the creation of new business models and maximized efficiency in traditional firms. Using DESI, we empirically test whether the gap between rich and poor countries in European Union can be closed or eliminated through rapid and intensive digital transformation. Our results show that the DESI -- when modified by eliminating the pillars on internet services and digital public services -- has the same explanatory power. Connectivity is the dimension with the largest impact on digital transformation in EU countries. We also find that DESI is a significant regressor to explain changes in GDP per capita in EU countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consensus exists on the importance of heritage for ensuring sustainable futures, due to its impact on political aspects, ethical reflection and local economic development. Nowadays, using technology has become crucial in the construction industry, including heritage conservation. This paper aims to compare a selected sample of digital platforms, gathering data in support of heritage documentation, both for heritage and archeological sites. Despite the huge potential of digital technologies for contributing to heritage conservation, still there is a need for more clarity on what should be used to achieve different goals and what is the best approach under various circumstances. A team of five experts on digital technologies applied to different types of heritage worked collaboratively to gather the case studies in this paper and to analyse them comparatively. Jordan is a Middle East and North Africa country chosen as unit of analysis, because of the huge potential of digital technologies for heritage documentation. The findings from the comparative case review offers a reflection on what should best adopted for achieving different goals. Differences of approaches were revealed between the characteristics of heritage site and those of archaeological sites in Jordan's conservation history. The findings called for a prioritization of using digital technology in both heritage and archeological sites. The discussion on digital platforms currently available in Jordan allows for highlighting strengths and limitations of different approaches and methodologies, thus drawing lessons for addressing the strategic choice of the most appropriate digital solution under different circumstances and in different contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To further promote the theoretical research on digital finance's effective support for highquality development of the real economy, this paper reviews the current status of domestic and foreign research on the impact mechanism of digital finance on the real economy and the impact mechanism of digital finance on economic growth. At present, domestic and foreign research on the impact mechanism of digital finance on the real economy mainly includes the basic transmission mechanism featuring the improvement of financing availability and guiding the flow of funds in the real economy, and the indirect transmission mechanism using innovation and R&D as a channel. Domestic and foreign research on the impact mechanism of digital finance on economic growth mainly includes: the direct impact mechanism featuring the improvement of financial services universality and efficiency, and the indirect impact mechanism with resident consumption, innovation and entrepreneurship, industrial structure transformation, and business environment as the channels. Future research directions include: deepening the research on the indirect transmission mechanism of digital finance to the real economy; expanding the research on the indirect impact mechanism of digital finance on economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internet and digital technologies have facilitated copyright sharing in an unprecedented way, creating significant tensions between the free flow of information and the exclusive nature of intellectual property. Copyright owners, users, and online platforms are the three major players in the copyright system. These stakeholders and their relations form the main structure of the copyright-sharing economy. Using China as an example, this paper provides a tripartite perspective on the copyright ecology based on three categories of sharing, namely unauthorized sharing, altruistic sharing, and freemium sharing. The line between copyright owners, users, and platforms has been blurred by rapidly changing technologies and market forces. By examining the strategies and practices of these parties, this paper illustrates the opportunities and challenges for China's copyright industry and digital economy. The paper concludes that under the shadow of the law, a sustainable copyright-sharing model must carefully align the interests of businesses and individual users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essay makes a judgment on the digital financial capabilities of cashew workers who are paid on a per-product basis. Digital financial services gained from financial inclusion. The capacity to conduct digital financial transactions is important for the growth of emerging economies. The digital economy is rapidly becoming the world's most significant driver of innovation, competitiveness, and growth. Despite the fact that many people have been excluded, the digital economy offers immense long-term potential to promote financial inclusion and economic progress. The CGAP defines digital financial inclusion as "the excluded and underserved population's digital access to and usage of formal financial services." In this paper, I'm attempting to examine the impact of financial inclusion on the financial competence of cashew workers in Kerala. The post provides important guidance for financial digital platform providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the sharing economy develops rapidly, associated sharing economy driven digital platforms are becoming increasingly important and are linked to social and economic development. Identifying the influencing factors of sharing economy driven digital platforms to promote social and economic development can provide relevant knowledge and suggestions for firms running these types of platforms. Therefore, this paper proposes an approach based on text mining that uses different models to explore the influencing factors of sharing economy driven digital platforms to promote social and economic development. The results show that sharing economy driven digital platforms with consumer-to-consumer business models emphasize social connections, while platforms with a business-to-consumer model focus more on economic benefits. Technological and regulatory innovation is the new driving force for sharing economy driven digital platforms to promote social and economic development in the future. Suggestions for sharing economy driven digital platforms to promote social and economic development are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Library maker services are a current focus of the industry's theoretical research and practice. With the popularization of the maker movement and the development of "mass entrepreneurship and innovation" in China, the library has been forced to re-examine itself and seek new development opportunities and spaces. Based on the experience of library maker service activities both at home and abroad, this paper explores the design of the library space transformation and the practice of the maker services in Shenyang Normal University. In the face of "mass entrepreneurship and innovation" and the background of education, library maker services have become the main melody, and the construction of makerspaces is the panacea to boost the development of library services. Every qualified library needs to be transformed, insufficient ones need to be reformed, and maker services are not only a development drive of the era, but also the essential path to the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a methodical approach to the assessment of agricultural sector transformation in the conditions of intensive penetration of digital technologies into the economy sector. The authors offer a schematic diagram of data collecting and processing in the start-to-finish automated production-andmarketing chain of activity within the agricultural sector. The achievement of these goals will allow increasing the agricultural sector contribution into russian economy, to boost export revenue, and to schedule and aggregate data streams for creation of start-to-finish chains and technologies, from the agricultural production stage to consumption, with a deep integration into allied industries of digital economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores what it takes to develop a common language and shared sense of purpose between Māori and the high-tech science sector. Robotics and automation, 3-D printing, sensors, and digital technologies are shaping New Zealand's economy in fundamental ways. If, as envisioned under New Zealand's Vision Mātauranga policy, Māori contribution to economic growth through distinctive Indigenous innovation is to be recognised and valued, then how this happens in these frontier science domains requires investigation. Findings are presented from the first phase of a longitudinal study of one National Science Challenge: Science for Technological Innovation (SfTI) – Kia Kotahi Mai, Te Ao Pūtaiao me te Ao Hangarau. Collecting a variety of data from science, business and Māori participants, the findings suggest that while there is enabling macro policy, organisational and science team human and relational capacities require recalibrating. The authors outline a model of how this can be done through a focus on mātauranga (knowledge), tikanga (practice) and kaupapa (focus areas) and how SfTI is reshaping its organisational practice to align to this model. The research also identifies the important role of the science intermediary as crucial to this alignment within teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transgressions of ecological boundaries and increasing social inequality question the paradigm of continual economic growth guided by technological efficiency - often cited as the only solution to these crises. This paper develops a critical and diversified viewpoint on technology for degrowth. ‘Classical perspectives’ of Illich's convivial society, Elull's critique of technique, Mumford's tools and machines, and Schumacher's critique of gigantic techno-infrastructures are explored and combined with Arendt's instrumentality of technologies and Marxist perspectives on ownership. Two questions are posed regarding technology. First, which technologies are 'suitable' for a degrowth context? Previous frameworks by Illich and Schumacher are extended by ecological aspects to assess the suitability of technologies. Second, how should 'suitable' technologies be structured to enable egalitarian utilization? Here, Schumacher's “intermediate technologies” and ownership are central elements. The frameworks and analysis add value for degrowth activists and bridge the gap scientifically between Marxist views and those of degrowth. In conclusion, technologies in degrowth are suitable if they reduce ecological impact, enhance autonomy and conviviality, and are structurally available in an egalitarian way based on open-access regimes. In the discussion further research questions are posed regarding transforming agents and power relations between grassroots and the state. Limitations of the framework include the role of digital technologies for communication, here treated as electric tools, and the focus on industrialized societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green innovation activities of enterprises often fall into the dilemma of financing constraints. Hence, it is urgent that the financial system develops and becomes innovative, especially for a developing country like China. Existing literature mainly explores the influencing factors of green innovation from the environmental regulation, economic growth and government subsidies perspective. However, few papers critically study how digital finance influences green innovations. To explore the internal influencing mechanism of digital finance on the quantity and quality of green technology innovation, panel data of 271 prefecture-level cities from 2011 to 2019 in China is used. Based on theoretical analysis and empirical research, we get the following conclusions. First, digital finance can improve the quantity and quality of green technological innovation, which has become a significant driving force for green innovations in China. The results are still robust after the endogeneity tests. Second, the results of heterogeneous analysis indicate that the different dimensions of digital finance can improve green innovations. They include breadth of coverage, depth of use, and degree of digitization. The positive effect of digital finance is most substantial in eastern cities, followed by central cities, and weakest in western cities. Third, digital finance indirectly improves green innovation mainly by alleviating financing constraints. Our empirical results provide policy enlightenment for realizing the coordination of China's urban digital transformation and green economic development. • The effect of digital finance on the quantity and quality of green innovation is explored based on the actual background in China. • Digital finance has become a significant driving force for green innovation in China. • The different dimensions of digital finance can improve green innovations. • Digital finance plays a positive role in green technology innovation mainly by alleviating financing constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Africa has struggled to maintain e-commerce in its growing economy, as e-commerce share in Africa's GDP amounted to less than 1 percent in 2018. However, Latin America succeeded in reaching 2.4 percent of e-commerce share of its GDP. E-commerce share in the GDP of the United States reached 10 percent, while China placed itself as a leader by reaching 20 percent level of e-commerce as a share of its GDP (UNCTAD, 2018). This evident gap created a massive opportunity for the establishment of e-commerce digital platform such as Jumia Group. A critical motivation for the present study is that digital platforms in Africa are gaining momentum, due to the increase that has been taking place in the apps economy in these countries. Furthermore, there is a knowledge gap, specifically on how African policymakers should govern this new disruptive technology to understand and promote digital platforms in African countries, as it is a new disruptive technology. This paper analyzes digital platforms (DPs) in developing countries by applying the analytical framework introduced by Rossotto et al. (2018). This framework can be summarized by the following pillars: definition, business models, platform enablers, and platform dynamics. The current study applies this framework to Jumia Egypt's digital platform. Additionally, this study investigates the importance of the changing nature of network effects and other economic idiosyncratic features of DPs. Finally, the paper concludes with practical and holistic policy recommendations to support the growth of DPs in Africa. • Digital platforms in Africa are gaining momentum due to the increase that has been taking place in the app economy in Africa. • This paper analyzes digital platforms (DPs) in developing countries using an analytical framework adopted from a published study by Rossotto et al. (2018). • The current paper addresses how to analyze DPs in Africa such as Jumia Egypt DP using the above mentioned framework, and how to assess the manifestation of the economic idiosyncratic features of DPs qualitatively. • Jumia Group's success, and in particular Jumia Egypt's success as an African unicorn, is based on an asset-light business model with localization as one of its main pillars. • African Policymakers need to be aware that these digital platforms are fueling the next wave of breakthrough innovation and are promoting economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digitalisation is promoted by both private and public actors as a way of contributing to the ecologisation of agriculture. However, this idea remains controversial. The debate is all the more crucial, as different ecologisation models exist, and as agriculture is experiencing new levels of industrialisation. In the literature, use of digital technology in agriculture has mainly been approached from a linear perspective of adoption but is rarely linked to ecologisation. In this paper, we aim to define digital use profiles of farmers and explain how they relate to ecologisation models. We distinguish production and information technologies. Based on 98 interviews with crop farmers in Occitanie (France), we show that there is a diversity of digital profiles. Through a mixed-method, we relate these profiles to a set of variables representing ecological and economic transformation in agriculture. It highlights links between some digital profiles and the further industrialisation of agriculture intertwined with weak or symbolic ecologisation. However, some digital uses associate with new forms of ecologisation that are based on input substitution. Digital use does not appear to support stronger ecologisation of farming. This study highlights the risk of a single model of digitalisation that only promotes one type of ecologisation pathway. • A diversity of digital technology use profiles exists. • Some digital uses are linked to the industrialisation of farming models. • Some digital uses are associated with the industrial development of organic farming. • Digital technology for information helps ecologisation changes already underway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues that external, technology-led views of futures tend to be one-sided and overlook significant interior aspects of reality. As everything is socially constructed, it follows that no technology stands alone. They arise from social processes that are, in many cases, centuries old. Human beings also enact their own individual and shared interior worlds. An integral perspective and the four-quadrant model give equal attention to interior/exterior and individual/collective phenomena. It also helps us to embrace and respect the contributions of many different disciplines. Part One uses these distinctions to raise questions about the views of prominent Silicon Valley figures and their particular framing of the “Digital revolution.” Part Two suggests how integral methods help us to “see with fresh eyes” and open up new and renewed strategies or “proto-solutions” to pressing global issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, the authors are revealing the features of the transition to a new type of farming. The possibilities of modern agriculture, use of smart technologies for agriculture, development of highly intelligent agriculture, features of the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture, use of the Internet, namely FoodNet, active use of GIS technologies, improvement of logistics systems, and banking services for farmers and agriculture producers are being examined on the ground of digital technology. The conclusion is being made concerning the need for the active development of the digital agriculture system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The diffusion of the advanced digital production technologies associated with Industry 4.0 remains limited among firms in developing economies. • Firms' participation in GVCs is positively and significantly associated with the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. • The adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies is associated with a labor productivity premium at the firm level. The adoption of new technology is a key driver of firm performance and economic development. Yet the process of transferring and adopting new technologies is not seamless, particularly when the pace of technological change accelerates, and more advanced capabilities are required for the effective operation of new technology. In this paper we develop a framework for the analysis of the drivers of adoption of advanced digital production technologies associated with Industry 4.0 in developing economies. In particular, we ask whether firms' participation to global value chains (GVCs) can facilitate the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in manufacturing sectors. Using a novel UNIDO database on firms' adoption of different generations of production technology in Ghana, Viet Nam, and Thailand, we find that firms' participation to GVCs is positively associated with the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, and that adoption is positively associated with firm-level performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to analyze the development of digital technology and its implications on the labor market. The consequences of digital technology can be detected such as changes in structural employment in the specific economic system. The development of new technologies generates new jobs, which are in continuity with progressive changes in the information society. On the other hand it causes unemployment in those industries which become less attractive or they are already adapted to these digital streams where information technologies have already been implemented. In this context, we will apply the Schumpeter's hypothesis of „creative destruction“ as a theoretical concept that explains these patterns. Furthermore we will elaborate the impact of digital technology on the Macedonian economic system as well as the consequences that affect the labor market performance. For this purpose we will use scientific methods of comparative analyses, literature review, internet research, graphic analyses, etc. Finally we will present conclusions and purposes policy, recommendations that will promote more balanced economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to analyse the determinants for digital divide in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by considering inequalities in internet use and broadband subscriptions. The study considers 41 countries in the region which are geographically linked, and it allows for spatial interdependence. It also accounts for differences in demographic characteristics as well as social, political and economic infrastructure which affect ICT access and use. Globally, about half of the world's population is connected to the internet whereas the remaining half, i.e. about 3.8 billion people, are not (yet) connected. The problem is more severe in developing countries compared to developed countries; it is said to be unsatisfactory in SSA compared to other countries. We apply a spatial panel analysis using the spatial Durbin model (SDM) specifications for 451 observations from 2006 to 2016. Our estimation results show that there is a strong spatial interdependence among SSA, implying that internet access and broadband subscriptions in one country are affected by internet access and broadband subscriptions in another country, most likely due to spillover effects. Our results reveal that GDP per capita, gross capital formation, political stability, regulatory efficacy and electricity infrastructure directly affect the digital divide. Moreover, GDP per capita, population growth, government consumption, trade openness, and electricity infrastructure also indirectly affect the digital divide through spillover effects. Regarding policy implications we suggest that SSA governments should work closer together in ensuring internet openness and to increase the level of coordination between their countries in order to ensure digital inclusion in their countries. • Analyses digitalization and digital divide determinants in 41 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) economies. • Employs spatial Durbin model for 41 geographically connected SSA countries. • Finds strong interdependence of internet usage and access across SSA countries. • GDP per capita, gross capital formation, political stability, regulatory efficacy and electricity infrastructure are important for digitalization. • SSA governments should work closer in ensuring internet openness and increase the level of coordination between countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are a number of ways by which access to ICT can help boost economic activities of communities in a country with the mobile phone being the most common ICT tool especially in Sub Saharan Africa. To examine the impact of digital technology on rural livelihoods in the Pru district of the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana, a survey of 212 peasant farmers was conducted. The probit regression results indicate that, digital technology adoption is significantly influenced by age, cost and availability of the technology. Furthermore, digital technologies contribute to the improvement of rural livelihoods by expanding and strengthening social capital, increase people's ability to deal with emergencies and enhanced efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the contribution of digitalization to economic growth of Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) in comparison with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) economies. The main reason for comparing the most and the least developed countries to measure the effects of digitalization is to have an insight of whether such effects depend on the levels of development of the country. New technologies in Sub Saharan Africa are assumed to have played significant roles in economic activity, including accessibility of communications, which was impeded by poor infrastructure, accommodation of the poor majority who were initially financially excluded from mobile banking and participation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in e-commerce. On the other hand, due to the effects of digitalization, least developed countries in SSA have been facing a premature deindustrialization. This study employs a panel dataset consisting of 11 years from 2006 to 2016 for 41 SSA and 33 OECD economies and we use the generalized linear methods of moments (GMM) estimators. The results show that digitalization has a positive contribution to economic growth in both groups of countries. The effect of broadband internet is minimal for SSA compared to OECD countries, whereas the impact of mobile telecommunications is higher in SSA compared to the OECD counterpart. These results are particularly interesting as less advanced technologies create more opportunities in the least developed countries since there is more space for improvement. With respect to policy implications, this study recommends that SSA governments should invest more in ICT along with other infrastructures, so as to benefit from digitalization and to realize significant economic growth. • Examines the contribution of digitalization to economic growth of Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) in comparison with the OECD economies. • Analyses the positive and negative effects of digitalization developing countries. • Employse a panel data set for 74 countries and uses GMM estimators. • Finds that digitalization has a positive contribution to economic growth in both groups of countries. • Finds that broadband internet and mobile telecommunications have different impacts for OECD and SSA countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]