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To foster innovation activities, regional innovation policy constitutes an indispensable instrument. However, the unbalanced growth model continues to exist. The lack of emphasis on policy effectiveness represents a key issue in this regard. This paper examines the causes of regional innovation heterogeneity, based on the degree of positive sentiment impact in policy documents. Analysing data from China's four economic zones shows that policy sentiment exerts a dominant influence on innovation output. This article argues that government should adopt a positive emotion to encourage regional innovation achievements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policy intensity is a crucial determinant of policy effectiveness. Analysis of policy intensity can serve as a basis for policy impact evaluation and enable policymakers to make necessary adjustments. Previous studies relied on manual scoring and mainly addressed specialized policies with limited numbers of texts. However, when dealing with text-rich policies, the method inevitably introduced bias and was time-consuming. In this paper, we propose a procedure facilitated by machine learning to analyze the intensity of not only specified but also comprehensive policies with large amounts of texts. Our machine learning-based approach assigns scores to the policy measure dimension, then cross-multiplies with two other dimensions, policy title and document type, to calculate intensity. The efficacy of our approach was demonstrated through a case study of China's environmental policies for livestock and poultry husbandry, which showed improved performance over traditional methods in terms of efficiency and objectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public transport (PT) success depends on targeted interventions, ranging first from push measures that discourage car use to pull measures that encourage PT use, and second from hard measures that intervene at physical infrastructures to soft measures that intervene at psychological elements of individuals' behaviors. Focusing on soft-pull policy measures, and through a scoping review of 36 publications, we categorize these measures into three overarching groups: 1) Internally motivating strategies that gradually but firmly instill pro-sustainability attitudes and norms in people's mind; 2) Satisfaction increasing strategies that primarily help retain current users especially those who feel forced to use PT and secondary attract new riders by improving the service factors and modifying travelers' inaccurate perceptions of the service; 3) Stimulating PT-use and car-habit disrupting strategies such as attractive incentives and tailored information that encourage auto-drivers to give PT a try and break their car-habit. This review provides an analytical evaluation of each approach, offering recommendations for policy makers and PT service providers, along with identifying research gaps and suggesting future research directions. • Non-physical soft-pull measures empower people to choose PT voluntarily. • Internally motivating, satisfaction increasing, and PT-use stimulating strategies. • Internally motivating strategies instill pro-sustainability attitudes and norms. • Satisfaction increasing measures help retain current users and attract new riders. • Stimulating strategies include attractive incentives that break car-use habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In a situation where various policy measures can be used to reduce atmospheric particulates, effectiveness and efficiency may vary depending on how the policy is designed. Therefore, this study evaluated the effectiveness and efficiency of atmospheric particulates reduction policy in order to contribute to effective and efficient policy design. To this end, this study demonstrated the effectiveness of 1st Basic Plan on Metropolitan Area Air Quality Improvement and explored the cause of the effectiveness. As a result of the study, this study did not confirm that the effect of reducing PM10 caused by the plan in the metropolitan area was significantly different from that of the non-metropolitan area where the policy was not implemented. In particular, distinct effect was not confirmed on the installation of DPF, which required a large number of costs. Based on the results, more effective and efficient policy measures will be used based on the causal relationship of atmospheric particulates generation.

The postpartum period is characterized by a myriad of changes—emotional, physical, and spiritual; whilst the psychosocial health of new parents is also at risk. More alarmingly, the majority of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. occur during this critical period. The higher maternal mortality rate is further stratified by dramatic racial and ethnic variations: Black, brown, and American Indian/Alaska Native indigenous people have 3–4x higher rates of pregnancy-related deaths and severe morbidity than their White, non-Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander counterparts. This policy brief explores how expanding evidence based home visiting programs (HVPs) and strengthening reimbursement policies that invest in such programs can be pivoted to optimize the scope of care in the postpartum period.

In a situation where various policy measures can be used to reduce atmospheric particulates, effectiveness and efficiency may vary depending on how the policy is designed. Therefore, this study evaluated the effectiveness and efficiency of atmospheric particulates reduction policy in order to contribute to effective and efficient policy design. To this end, this study demonstrated the effectiveness of 1st Basic Plan on Metropolitan Area Air Quality Improvement and explored the cause of the effectiveness. As a result of the study, this study did not confirm that the effect of reducing PM10 caused by the plan in the metropolitan area was significantly different from that of the non-metropolitan area where the policy was not implemented. In particular, distinct effect was not confirmed on the installation of DPF, which required a large number of costs. Based on the results, more effective and efficient policy measures will be used based on the causal relationship of atmospheric particulates generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Biosimilar medicines are considered promising alternatives to new biologicals with high price tags. The extent of savings resulting from biosimilar use depends on their price and uptake, which are largely shaped by pricing, reimbursement, and demand-side policies. This article informs about different policy measures employed by European countries to design the biologicals market and explores potential savings from the increased use of biosimilar medicines in Germany.Methods: Policy measures that target the price and uptake of biosimilar medicines were identified based on a prefilled questionnaire survey with public authorities in 16 European countries, who were the members of the Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Information network (July 2020). Potential savings that could have been generated in Germany if different measures identified in the surveyed countries had been implemented were calculated for six publicly funded biological molecules. Price data of the Pharma Price Information service and German consumption data for 2018 were used for the calculation of five scenarios.Results: Several countries use a price link policy, setting the biosimilar price as a percentage of the price of the reference biological. Also lowering the price of the reference biological upon market entry of a biosimilar is less frequently used. While tendering of biosimilar medicines in the inpatient setting is the norm, it is rarely employed for biosimilars in outpatient use. Reference price systems and INN prescribing of medicines are the commonly used policy measures in the off-patent market, but some countries define exemptions for biologicals. Substituting biosimilars at the pharmacy level is rather an exception. Potential savings in Germany ranged from 5% (simple price link) to 55% (prices at the level of other countries) for the six studied molecules.Conclusion: Despite some differences, there are discernible tendencies across European countries with regard to their applications of certain policy measures targeting the price and uptake of biosimilar medicines. The potential for savings of some of these policies was clearly demonstrated. Monitoring and evaluation of these rather recent measures is key for obtaining a more comprehensive picture of their impact.

Introduction: Biosimilar medicines are considered promising alternatives to new biologicals with high price tags. The extent of savings resulting from biosimilar use depends on their price and uptake, which are largely shaped by pricing, reimbursement, and demand-side policies. This article informs about different policy measures employed by European countries to design the biologicals market and explores potential savings from the increased use of biosimilar medicines in Germany. Methods: Policy measures that target the price and uptake of biosimilar medicines were identified based on a prefilled questionnaire survey with public authorities in 16 European countries, who were the members of the Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Information network (July 2020). Potential savings that could have been generated in Germany if different measures identified in the surveyed countries had been implemented were calculated for six publicly funded biological molecules. Price data of the Pharma Price Information service and German consumption data for 2018 were used for the calculation of five scenarios. Results: Several countries use a price link policy, setting the biosimilar price as a percentage of the price of the reference biological. Also lowering the price of the reference biological upon market entry of a biosimilar is less frequently used. While tendering of biosimilar medicines in the inpatient setting is the norm, it is rarely employed for biosimilars in outpatient use. Reference price systems and INN prescribing of medicines are the commonly used policy measures in the off-patent market, but some countries define exemptions for biologicals. Substituting biosimilars at the pharmacy level is rather an exception. Potential savings in Germany ranged from 5% (simple price link) to 55% (prices at the level of other countries) for the six studied molecules. Conclusion: Despite some differences, there are discernible tendencies across European countries with regard to their applications of certain policy measures targeting the price and uptake of biosimilar medicines. The potential for savings of some of these policies was clearly demonstrated. Monitoring and evaluation of these rather recent measures is key for obtaining a more comprehensive picture of their impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The minimum wage is often considered a social policy instrument that can help reduce both poverty and welfare receipt. The introduction of the statutory minimum wage in Germany in 2015 provides an interesting case study to analyse not only the potential but also the limitations of minimum wages as an instrument to achieve socially desirable goals such as reduced welfare receipt or poverty. Based on the results of simulation models, descriptive analyses and causal effects studies of the short-term effects, we argue that minimum wages are a rather badly targeted measure when attempting to reduce poverty and welfare receipt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the course of climate change, sequestration of soil organic carbon (SOC) has gained importance as a compensation for carbon emissions. Moreover, the promotion of SOC is increasingly advocated as a measure to sustainably increase crop yields and reduce agricultural production risks. Applying an incentivized extra-laboratory experiment, we evaluate the factors and policy measures that affect the decision to promote SOC using a sample of German farmers. Our results reveal that farmers were highly motivated to promote SOC. Political fostering through subsidy payments increased farmers' efforts to build SOC. Efforts remained constant if economically equal payments were designated as certificates rather than subsidies. Surprisingly, certificates with uncertain payments increased farmers' efforts to enhance SOC to a similar degree as subsidy and certificate scenarios, which provided fixed and therefore certain payments. Thus, these results contribute valuable information regarding the effectiveness of market-based policy measures which aim to include farmers in climate protection strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to provide an overview about the existence and types of discounts and rebates granted to public payers by the pharmaceutical industry in European countries. Methods: Data were collected via a questionnaire in 2011. Officials from public authorities for pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement represented in the PPRI (Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Information) network provided the information and reviewed the compilation. Results: Information is available from 31 European countries. Discounts and rebates granted to public payers by the pharmaceutical industry were reported for 25 European countries. Such discounts exist both in the in- and out-patient sectors in 21 countries and in the in-patient sector only in four countries. Six countries reported not having any regulations or agreements regarding the discounts and rebates granted by industry. The most common discounts and rebates are price reductions and refunds linked to sales volume but types such as in-kind support, price-volume and risk-sharing agreements are also in place. A mix of various types of discounts and rebates is common. Many of these arrangements are confidential. Differences regarding types, the organizational and legal framework, validity and frequency of updates and the amount of the discounts and rebates granted exist among the surveyed countries. Conclusions: In Europe, discounts and rebates on medicines granted by the pharmaceutical industry to public payers are common tools to contain public pharmaceutical expenditure. They appear to be used as a complimentary measure when price regulation does not achieve the desired results and in the few European countries with no or limited price regulation. The confidential character of many of these arrangements impedes transparency and may lead to a distortion of medicines prices. An analysis of the impact on these measures is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission has dedicated itself steadily to multimodal freight transport to reduce problems such as air pollution or congestion and to reach the goals set by the Paris Agreement. Despite the political efforts to promote multimodality, the majority of freight transport is still carried out by truck. The aim of this paper is to capture the reasons for the small share of multimodal transport and suggest measures to promote multimodal transport. To collect data, a multiple-case study was conducted involving ten logistics service providers. The barriers to multimodal freight transport are analyzed in a holistic manner using interpretive structural modeling. Overall, fifteen barriers are presented which are classified as demand-related barriers, shipment characteristics, infrastructural/supply-related barriers, organizational barriers and legal / political barriers. Based on that, a bottom-up approach involving the ten logistics service providers (LSPs) is used to develop user-centered policy measures for multimodal transport. The direct involvement of LSPs facilitates acceptance of the proposed measures. The internalization of external costs, efficient information provision and education/training/awareness raising are rated as high impact measures to promote multimodal transport. • Interpretive structural modeling allows a holistic view of barriers to multimodality. • Fifteen barriers are identified and evaluated with participation of ten LSPs. • A bottom-up approach is used to develop user-centered policy measures. • LSPs are involved in development of policy measures to promote multimodal transport. • Policy measures are classified according to effectiveness and feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intermodal railroad (IRR) based freight transport system is considered as the most sustainable way of goods distribution. Although there are many inhibitors which obstruct the popularity of intermodal transportation. Most of the previous work consider inhibitors as an independent and quantitative factor, but in the real world, these inhibitors are interdependent as well as qualitative in nature. To fill this gap, this paper proposes a hierarchical framework based on the grey - Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (grey-DEMATEL) and Analytic Network Process (ANP), i.e. gDANP. The integration of grey theory into DEMATEL provides a better inclusion of subjectively of the decision-making process. The originality of this work comes from its ability to combine operational , technological & infrastructural , knowledge , organisational , and government policy & regulations dimensions and its attributes for evaluating IRR inhibitors. The proposed framework is validated with a case of the Indian IRR system. The integrated framework provides interrelationships and priority weight of such dimensions and related attributes. Influential network relation map (INRM) develops useful policy suggestions for improving the share of intermodal services in the Indian freight industry. The present work also provides necessary managerial and theoretical insights for freight transport policymakers and researchers. • This study proposes gDANP method to analyse priority weight of IRR inhibitors to improve sustainability. • OI and TII are the most influential inhibitors dimensions for promoting IRR services. • Identification of performance of cause and effect inhibitors are identified. • Based on the INRM, adequate policy measures are recommended. • A policy roadmap is proposed to prioritise strategic steps based on the complicated causal relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sago (Metroxylon sagu Rottboll) is a remarkably hardy plant that is indigenous to South East Asia. This palm thrives in waterlogged, acidic soils where few other plants survive. Sago is an important source of carbohydrates for the local inhabitants and is the crop par excellence for sustainable agriculture. However, owing to the introduction of more profitable crops like rice and oil palm, the areas under sagoin Malaysia have declined dramatically over the years. The only large areas remaining under sago now are in the state of Sarawak. In thispaper, the present status of sago palm in Malaysia is reviewed and the prospects and possibilities of its emergence as a major crop are discussed. The future prospects for sago are bright if the appropriatepolicy measures are undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]