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Copyright of REMAH Journal is the property of Research & Development of Human Recourses Center (REMAH) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this publication is to offer an analysis of the possibilities for diversification of the local economy by exploring the attitudes of stakeholders towards the localization of alternative tourism within the territorial scope. The study is based on the following methods and information sources: analysis and summary of literature, graphical and schematic representation of characteristics and trends, comparative analysis, questionnaire survey. Main results - The regional specificities in the individual territories of Bulgaria have been established. Possibilities for stimulating types of tourism specific to individual regions, have been identified. The potential of individual territories for diversifying economic activities have been revealed. In conclusion, it can be said that the development of various initiatives related to alternative tourism is essential for the local economy. Also in view of the general development of other sectors and diverse activities in the municipalities, in order to offer a quality service, respectively to achieve positive effects on local economic development, it is necessary to take into account all aspects of the interrelationships of the various forms of alternative tourism with a number of socio-economic activities at the local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the link between the economic diversification policies and regional investment strategies of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, focusing on these countries' investment trends in Egypt as a case study. It explores how these investments serve as instruments of economic statecraft for Saudi and Emirati leaders, designed to bolster diversifi- cation objectives and address political, economic, and environmental risks. The findings uncover a notable increase in Saudi and Emirati investment in Egypt since the early 2000s. These investments not only prioritize sectors highlighted in their diversification blueprints, such as real estate, finance, and tourism but also extend into agricultural and renewable energy sectors, offering avenues to mitigate climate and environmental challenges. Ultimately, the study concludes that while these regional investments may support domestic diversification endeavors and promote economic integration within the region, they are also underpinned by the geo-economic agendas of Saudi and Emirati leaders, aiming to hedge against political and economic uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated how entrepreneurship can reshape resource-based countries such as Qatar into more diverse, sustainable, and knowledge-driven economies. By integrating both exploratory and quantitative research methods, it closely examines how various elements, including government policies, societal values, financial aids, and technological advancements, interact to influence entrepreneurial success. A significant part of the research involves a survey design based on initial qualitative research from a previous study to test the effectiveness of these strategic suggestions. This paper presents targeted recommendations for stakeholders to enhance entrepreneurship education, streamline business regulations, and introduce a national entrepreneurship zone (ENT-Q) facilitated by a digital platform (Ryadah). These steps aim to improve the entrepreneurial environment significantly, making it easier to access crucial business information, support small businesses through dedicated funds, and shift towards a diversified and knowledge-based economy. The anticipated result is better policymaking in entrepreneurship, increased entrepreneurial activity and success, and a move away from reliance on traditional oil and gas sectors. By offering a detailed plan for promoting entrepreneurship in resource-rich settings, this paper contributes valuable insights into economic diversification and sustainable development, providing actionable strategies that can be adapted to similar economies worldwide in a manner that is more accessible and understandable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Education is fundamental to economic diversification, development, and sustainability. This paper principally examined the place and importance of the mandate of polytechnic education in the economic diversification and sustainable development of Nigeria. For the purpose of objective and scholarly analysis, the Functionalist Theory or Functionalism as the theoretical framework was adopted. Using three factors, namely relevant provisions of the Federal Polytechnic (Amendment) Act, 2019; experiences and lessons from Germany, China, and the Asian Tigers; and the National Board for Technical Education's (NBTE) Skills Advocacy Slogan "Skills, not Degrees," the paper argued that repositioning and strengthening polytechnic education, specifically through the empowerment and skills development of polytechnic graduates and youths, constitute critical success factors in sustainable national development. The paper made appropriate recommendations to rejig polytechnic education in Nigeria, which should include, but are not limited to, increased funding of the polytechnics, a review of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) sharing formula in favour of the polytechnics, laying much emphasis on the vocational component of polytechnic education, continuous staff capacity development and upward review of the salaries and improvement of the conditions of service of polytechnic workers; fostering a culture of innovation and applied research and development and inauguration of technology incubation centres in all polytechnics in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last forty years have meant for Galicia the culmination of a set of profound transformations in its territorial organization and in its economy. In order to know the magnitude of the changes, we start with the characterization of the old agrarian complex, of the dominant peasant society in the region until the 1960s. The crisis of this traditional world, the rural exodus and the growth of the cities. A growth of cities that is part of a logic of generalized urbanization, which privileges densified coastal areas and marginalizes the rural regions of the interior. The dynamics of profound change in the patterns of occupation of the territory are the result of a complete transformation in its economic structure. An intense and belated industrialization process takes place, but above all the service sector grows and the productive base diversifies. The evolution followed by Galicia in the last forty years illustrates the accelerated changes that have occurred throughout Spain after the beginning of the democratic period.

This study aims to analyze the issue of export diversification, by trying to focus on the opportunities offered by the African continental free trade area, and the obstacles that prevent the achievement of this goal, with the hypothesis that it constitutes in the medium and long term, a vital space for the marketing of Algerian industrial products. The study concludes the importance of moving towards integration within the African space to achieve development goals, which must be preceded by taking several steps at the strategic level that lead to the removal of various obstacles, especially logistical ones.

This study's primary goal is to examine Saudi Arabia's performance from 2000 to 2022. In order to accomplish this, the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model was employed along with a limits test. The study's findings indicate that oil exports impact short-term and long-term outcomes during the specified study period. On the other hand, non-oil exports initially contribute positively to the country's domestic product in the short term, but this contribution diminishes quickly and becomes negative and statistically insignificant in the long term. As a result, Saudi Arabia is dependent on the export of a single commodity, making it vulnerable to the effects of market volatility on the price of oil. To escape the excessive dependence of Saudi Arabia on oil and encourage non-oil export activities in order to stimulate long-term economic growth, the research recommends expanding into other productive sectors, such as agriculture and industry. These two sectors are vital for economic diversification, to obtain improved growth, and to limit the ramifications of the negative effects caused by international changes in oil prices. It is essential to take this strategy to prevent excessive reliance on this one-of-a-kind resource, this diversification is crucial for promoting exports beyond hydrocarbons and reducing reliance on oil. improve its level of investment in its thriving domestic sectors and take steps to lower the country's high production costs by constructing infrastructure that would enable the growth of non-oil exports, especially because Saudi Arabia will become a member of the BRICS group of countries beginning in January 2024.

Our investigation, bolstered by the robust gravity trade model and panel data econometric technique, underscores the pivotal factors that influence trade interactions between Saudi Arabia and the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The study, spanning from 1998 to 2023, delves into key economic metrics such as the gross domestic product, exchange rate fluctuations, inflationary trends, political conditions, and trade deals. We employ a range of econometric strategies, including pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and fixed effects models, to reveal that the GDP of BRICS states consistently and significantly impacts trade volumes. Specifically, a 1% increase in the GDP of partner countries correlates with a 0.37% rise in trade volume within the pooled OLS model. This effect amplifies to 1.43% when adjusting for temporal and country-specific factors in the fixed effects, underscoring the importance of accommodating unobserved heterogeneity, which refers to the unmeasured factors that can influence the relationship between GDP and trade volume. The political stability of BRICS nations mitigates transactional risks and promotes more stable trade relationships, thereby enhancing trade flows. Fluctuations in exchange rates exert positive and significant effects. This indicates that a more robust Saudi Riyal, an essential policy instrument, can enhance trade by increasing the competitiveness of Saudi exports. This study demonstrates that economic magnitude, political stability, and exchange rates affect Saudi Arabia’s trade with BRICS nations. These results bolster the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives for economic diversification. This research advocates for stable political climates and strategic trade agreements to enhance trade relations. This study asserts that this approach will guarantee sustainable growth and diminish the Kingdom’s reliance on oil exports, instilling optimism in the Saudi economy.

Financial policy is an important part of the general economic policy of the state, which seeks to achieve economic growth, reach the level of full employment, maintain price stability, achieve social justice and balance in the balance of payments. It is about securing alternative financial resources to support the general budget, so this research aims to identify the mechanisms of economic diversification because of their great importance in activating the activity of the industrial and agricultural economic sectors and even tourism to contribute to raising the level of gross domestic product as well as contributing to stimulating the private sector to play its required developmental role, not Only to finance the general budget, but rather to absorb unemployment, operate idle production capacities, and reduce dependence on imports to cover local needs for goods and services.

Since their origins, rural development programs have considered the county level as the axis on which to implement their development strategies. Taking Tajo-Salor County (Extremadura, Spain) as a reference, this research analyzes the assessment that some of the agents directly involved in the implementation of these programs make of the suitability of the configuration of their territorial scope, as well as the achievement of their objectives. For it, the case study methodology is used, in which fieldwork is carried out where the main source of information will be interviews with promoters of tourism projects. The results show that Tajo-Salor County can be considered as a paradigmatic example of an "artificial" configuration of the territory, showing that, among those interviewed, there is no feeling of county. This has consequences on the assessment that local actors make of the implementation of the development program: those areas that do not feel part of the county have a much more negative assessment of the results obtained than the rest. This is a lesson that this case study offers; the political and technical managers of these programs should bear in mind in the future definition of the territories that apply this type of development strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe Persian Gulf is one of the earliest locations where sailing and maritime navigation originated. The Iranian coasts along the northern side of the Persian Gulf have played a key role in maritime history and its development due to the favorable natural and geographical conditions and access to major historical land routes. However, archaeological evidence of ancient ports and maritime activities in this area is scarce and limited to only a few poorly studied sites. This research aimed to identify several potential ancient ports in this region using ground penetrating radar and surface archaeological survey to verify the historical investigations that suggested them as potential ancient ports. The results confirmed that most of the nine suggested sites we investigated had archaeological evidence of maritime activities, but only four of them had buried structures with the others having only surficial evidence. These sites were also threatened by human activity, looting, and encroaching. This study not only highlights the rich and diverse maritime cultural heritage of the northern coast of the Persian Gulf, but emphasizes that more attention and protection needs to be made of this unique heritage, especially in the context of climate change and the need for Iran’s economic diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The upland communities described by Hüsken (1998) are contested areas where community members - farmers - are in constant competition with each other. Farmers fight to be the most successful, even at the expense of others. This situation portrays farmers as highly rational beings, far from the common notion of the roamantism of village life, full of solidarity and mutual help. This paper aims to examine the transformation of the rural economy, which in recent times has become based not only on agriculture but also on tourism. We start from the question of whether the transformation of rural livelihoods, with the expansion of the business sector in the village, is able to promote the inclusion and integration of more farmers and, at the same time, to reduce the spirit of competition. A brief look at the field findings shows that the expansion of the business sector in the village does not necessarily create opportunities for excluded farmers to participate in this new business - tourism. This research was conducted using participant observation and interviews in a highland village, Desa Rejo, that is undergoing a transformation from agriculture to tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced manufacturing-a range of innovative, integrated, and controlled technological processes aimed at enhancing efficiency and optimizing outcomes-offers opportunities for rural economic development. However, the presence of advanced manufacturing and its related opportunities are not well understood in rural Canada, particularly at the local level. As part of a project exploring advanced manufacturing in the rural Kootenay region of British Columbia, researchers identified the need for a nuanced and rurally inclusive definition of advanced manufacturing and an accompanying assessment to assist in better understanding needs and opportunities. This article summarizes the case study and proposes the 'advanced manufacturing spectrum', a model illustrating and defining advanced manufacturing, with an accompanying assessment tool that aims to assist users to identify themselves within the advanced manufacturing sector and to better understand the current state of advanced manufacturing and potential for advancement. The application of the assessment tool to the case study demonstrates the potential of the spectrum as a diagnostic and planning tool, able to reveal placebased challenges and opportunities and to enable targeted action. However, given the range of rural contexts, we acknowledge potential limitations in the transferability of the spectrum and assessment tool. The purpose of this article is to share the proposed advanced manufacturing spectrum model for further discussion, testing, and refinement based on its application in other rural regions. We invite further testing of the proposed spectrum and assessment tool to better understand the size and scope of current advanced manufacturing activities across rural places, and to share observations and lessons around the transferability of the spectrum. This article highlights the complex dynamics between government policies, local capacities, and entrepreneurial initiatives in the context of rural development, offering valuable considerations for policymakers and researchers interested in advancing manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Balkan & Near Eastern Journal of Social Sciences (BNEJSS) is the property of Balkan & Near Eastern Journal of Social Sciences (BNEJSS) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of the research is to take a panoramic view of the nature of economic diversification, analyze its dimensions, try to stand on the map of economic diversity in Iraq, what are the imperatives required to achieve it, and what kind of challenges it may face in achieving the required diversification by reviewing its theoretical and empirical proposals, (2004-2014). As well as the adoption of the Herfindahl-Hirshman Index (HHI) to identify the degree of diversity. The results of the research clearly revealed the absence of economic diversification of Iraq in general during the study period, and that the government's ability to achieve it in the foreseeable future and under the existing economic, political and social conditions is a matter of considerable uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Export strategies are the means by which the country can dispose of its domestic production surpluses to bridge successive deficits in national balances of payments and achieve economic growth. These strategies are of particular importance to the economy of Saudi Arabia, as it has opted in the last decade to diversify its economy and migrate gradually away from an economy heavily reliant on oil exports. Given the importance of diversifying the economy, this study aims to examine the relationship between exports and economic growth in the Saudi Arabian economy. The multivariate Granger Causality Test and cointegration, which is the most common model, was used in examining the short-term and long-term patterns of exports, non-oil exports, GDP, GDP per capita, and government spending from 1991 to 2016. The findings support a long-standing connection involving Saudi exports and the country’s rate of economic expansion. Unidirectional causality exists between exports, non-oil exports, and economic growth expansion, which means the growth rate rises as exports grow. In addition, the findings revealed the presence of bidirectional causality between the variables. Indeed, export promotion strategies are imperative to fulfill Saudi Arabia’s aspiration of robust and long-term economic growth. AcknowledgmentThe authors acknowledge the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Faisal University (KFU) in Saudi Arabia for the financial support provided under (Grant No. 186183).

A plethora number of literature advocates for economic diversification in Nigeria in order to address its socio-economic challenges. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has exemplified this viewpoint even further, as it has had a severe impact on many parts of the Nigerian economy while the federal government scrambles for revenue to fulfill national expenses. However, observation reveals that little attention is paid to the influence of COVID-19 on the oil and gas sector, despite the necessity to diversify economic resources for human capital development. The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of COVID-19 on the Nigerian oil and gas sector. Problems are recognized and solutions are proposed through the textual analysis of literature. According to the research, COVID-19 has a negative influence on the oil and gas business in Nigeria due to Nigeria's overreliance on oil resources as a key source of national revenue, among other issues. As a result, the study emphasized the need for and importance of diversifying the nation's economic resources by focusing more attention on sectors such as SMEs that are aided with protection and promotion, as well as the agricultural sector, which incorporates technology and scientific input as a driving force for improvement. If adopted, diversification will address numerous difficulties such as poverty, which affects the majority of inhabitants, unemployment, mounting foreign debt, and the massive importation of products and services into the country due to a lack of economic diversification. According to the report, the Nigerian government should invest extensively in small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) and agricultural investment in order to overcome the economic challenges caused by COVID-19's detrimental influence on the economy. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-SPER-019 Full Text: PDF

This study proposes a novel Shariah-compliant portfolio optimization model tested on the daily historical return of 154 Shariah-compliant securities reported by the Shariah Advisory Council of Securities Commission Malaysia from 2011 to 2020. The mathematical model employs an annual rebalancing strategy subject to a Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR) constraint while considering practical and Islamic trading concerns, including transaction costs, holding limits, and zakat payment. To validate the model, the optimal portfolios are compared against an Islamic benchmark index, a market index, and portfolios generated by the mean-variance model, as well as a forecast accuracy test by the Mean Absolute Percentage Error and Mean Absolute Arctangent Percentage Error. Furthermore, this study examines the inter-stock relationship within the generated portfolios using correlation and Granger causality tests to identify the diversification performance. Results show an outperformance of the model in offering portfolios with higher risk-adjusted returns under a comparably short computational time and an indication of generally well-diversified portfolios by the weak correlations between securities. The study further noted that the model is adept at risk management in addition to higher forecast accuracy during financial crises by showing remarkably fewer causal relationships during bear markets in 2011, 2014, and 2020. The findings of an inversed relationship between portfolio risk and the number of causalities between securities offer new insights into the effect of dynamic relationships between securities on portfolio diversification. In conclusion, the proposed model carries higher moral and social values than the conventional models while portraying high potential in enhancing the efficiency of asset allocation, contributing to economic diversification and the scarce literature on Islamic portfolio optimization modelling. The study also supports the substantially increasing demand for Shariah-compliant strategies following globalization and the changing demographic of the real financial world with growing priorities of social and sustainability values.

This study aims to assess the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in Algeria from 2010 to 2022 and their contribution to economic diversification and reducing Algeria's reliance on oil revenues, using descriptive and analytical techniques plus the inductive approach to examine and analyze data collected, the study shows that Algeria's small and medium-sized enterprises are vulnerable and ineffective at contributing to the country's economic diversification, and their extensive orientation towards the services and construction sectors does not help create added value despite the significant growth in their count during the period of study.

The Algerian economy still suffers from dependence on the hydrocarbon sector, despite the government`s successive reforms schemes since its independence in 1962. This paper deals with the scourges that the Algerian economy suffers from, such as Holland syndrome and Natural resources` price volatility, which hamper the Algerian economic diversification. It is noticeable that the state`s efforts to promote the private sector, which is characterized by the entrepreneurial and innovative returning, and in collaboration with the public dominant sector. The focus was also on legal reforms in 2019, which were represented in amending laws and regulations related to motivating investors and attracting foreign investments. What causes optimism, is that, these recent legal reforms require time to ensure their effectiveness in achieving economic development and export diversification.

Our paper examines and compares the influence of oil prices, international geopolitical risks, and government expenditures on Saudi Arabia's economic diversification during 1970–2020. We employ the bounds testing approach to cointegration to estimate the parameters of the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model to attain the paper's goal. Our results show that oil prices and international geopolitical risk harm the KSA diversification process in the short run. The destructive effect of oil prices continues in the long run, while the impact of the international geopolitical risk does not persist. On the other hand, government expenditures encourage the diversification attitude in the short and long run. This outcome highlights the capability of the KSA government to stimulate the diversification process. It is a positive sign of the state capitalism doctrine's impact on the KSA economic diversification mechanism. From a policy implication perspective, our paper suggests prioritizing economic diversification clearly on the KSA government's agenda. Simultaneously, strengthening the KSA institutional framework and developing new forms of the social contract are critical to motivating the diversification process. • Do oil prices, geopolitical risk, and government spending affect diversification. • We employ a time series autoregressive distributed lag model. • Oil prices and geopolitical risk discourage economic diversification. • Government expenditures encourage economic diversification. • The impact of oil prices and government expenditures prevails to the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study's primary goal is to examine Saudi Arabia's performance from 2000 to 2022. In order to accomplish this, the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model was employed along with a limits test. The study's findings indicate that oil exports impact short-term and long-term outcomes during the specified study period. On the other hand, non-oil exports initially contribute positively to the country's domestic product in the short term, but this contribution diminishes quickly and becomes negative and statistically insignificant in the long term. As a result, Saudi Arabia is dependent on the export of a single commodity, making it vulnerable to the effects of market volatility on the price of oil. To escape the excessive dependence of Saudi Arabia on oil and encourage non-oil export activities in order to stimulate long-term economic growth, the research recommends expanding into other productive sectors, such as agriculture and industry. These two sectors are vital for economic diversification, to obtain improved growth, and to limit the ramifications of the negative effects caused by international changes in oil prices. It is essential to take this strategy to prevent excessive reliance on this one-of-a-kind resource, this diversification is crucial for promoting exports beyond hydrocarbons and reducing reliance on oil. improve its level of investment in its thriving domestic sectors and take steps to lower the country's high production costs by constructing infrastructure that would enable the growth of non-oil exports, especially because Saudi Arabia will become a member of the BRICS group of countries beginning in January 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study based on a panel of 37 sub-Saharan Africa countries over the period of 2000–2019 explores the effect of a number of Information and Communications Technology variables namely fixed broad band, fixed line telephone, Information and Communications Technology good imports, internet, mobile, and secure internet servers, and financial development measured by private sector domestic credit to GDP on economic diversification as measured by a computed Herfindahl–Hirschman Index of economic diversification. Model estimation was performed using pooled ordinary least squares regression, panel data fixed effects regression, and generalized method of moments regression. The results from findings indicated that the Information and Communications Technology variables: fixed-line telephone, and ICT imports significantly reduced economic diversification, while internet and mobile were, respectively, insignificant for boosting economic diversification, and fixed broadband and secure internet servers were insignificant in adversely affecting economic diversification. As regards financial development, it was insignificant in boosting economic diversification of sub-Saharan Africa countries. The study recommended amongst others that individuals in sub-Saharan Africa countries should have improved access to Information and Communications Technology infrastructure and governments should ensure adequate provision of quality Information and Communications Technology infrastructure.

The purpose of the study is to develop strategic priorities for the development of the business sector of Tajikistan based on the analysis of the structure of the economy of the republic and its dynamics, as well as the use of economic and mathematical modeling of the object under study. The article identifies the main obstacles to the development of the business sector, including: inefficient functioning of management institutions and the market; insufficient development of human capital; underdeveloped industrial and social infrastructure, as well as the legal framework governing the relations of the state, business, labor, etc. Based on the use of statistical methods of analysis, in particular the method of principal components, two important strategic vectors of development of the business sector aimed at economic diversification have been identified. The first direction involves the development of industry and construction with the participation of the state in the form of public-private partnership, increasing the production of import-substituting goods based on its own resources. The second direction should be the modernization of social and industrial infrastructure, including energy. The measures aimed at improving the business climate, overcoming regional and sectoral fragmentation of the economy of Tajikistan, ensuring its sustainable and balanced development are proposed. The results of the study can be used in the development of the state strategy for the development of entrepreneurship in the Republic of Tajikistan, as well as in the process of state regulation of spatial development.

Copyright of Al Bashaer Economic Journal is the property of Al Bashaer Economic Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Economic diversification has been a cornerstone of the policy agenda of resource-rich countries, such as Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, seeking sustainable economic development to avoid reliance on hydrocarbon revenues that cause significant vulnerabilities and economic, social, and political instability in the long term. GCC governments invest the proceeds from rich hydrocarbon exports to build a diverse local economy. However, it is unclear whether increased capital formation through public investments helps these economies diversify away from hydrocarbons. The main objective of this study was to determine whether GCC countries' capital formation has appreciable impulse effects on response–economic diversification in the short or long term. A panel vector autoregression method describing the cause and effect or the dynamic relation between capital formation and economic diversification was used to attest to the success of economic diversification policies in resource-rich countries. The results show that a shock to real gross capital formation has a limited impact on economic diversification (the non-resource rent share) in the GCC economies. This could be attributed to these countries' oil/gas-focused fixed investment build-up. Furthermore, an evaluation of the recursive relationship shows that the impact of growing non-hydrocarbon sectors on gross capital formation is limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Algerian economy still suffers from dependence on the hydrocarbon sector, despite the government's successive reforms schemes since its independence in 1962. This paper deals with the scourges that the Algerian economy suffers from, such as Holland syndrome and Natural resources' price volatility, which hamper the Algerian economic diversification. It is noticeable that the state's efforts to promote the private sector, which is characterized by the entrepreneurial and innovative returning, and in collaboration with the public dominant sector. The focus was also on legal reforms in 2019, which were represented in amending laws and regulations related to motivating investors and attracting foreign investments. What causes optimism, is that, these recent legal reforms require time to ensure their effectiveness in achieving economic development and export diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:The aim of this study is to examine the moderating effect of debt structure on the relationship between economic diversification and financial sustainability, a lesson for Africa commercial banks as they strive to achieve Africa's2063 Agenda Aspirations. Methodology: The panel regression approach was utilised to analyse the study data. The financial sustainability and Economic diversification was measured using the return on assets and the proportion of non-interest income to total income respectively. While the debt structure was measured using the proportion of the bank debt to equity. Findings: The findings showed that economic diversification positively and significantly influence the financial sustainability of Africa commercial bank sampled. Debt structure also presents negatively and significantly influences the financial sustainability. Finally the study found that debt structure negatively and significantly moderates the relationship between economic diversification and financial sustainability. Originality/Value: The study's findings will be helpful to diversification theorist to unlock both diversification premiums and discounts puzzle by adding knowledge on indirect relationships such as the moderating effect debt structure. The management of African commercial banks will be able to make good sound diversification decisions by considering the nature and degree of the debt levels in the balance sheet in quest to promote the financial sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algae are a promising feedstock for the sustainable production of feed, fuels, and chemicals. Especially in arid regions such as the Arabian Peninsula, algae could play a significant role in enhancing food security, economic diversification, and decarbonization. Within this context, the regional potential of algae commercialization is discussed, exploring opportunities and challenges across technical, societal, and political aspects. Climate, availability of process inputs, and funding opportunities are identified as essential strengths that increase the global competitiveness of regional algae production. Implementation challenges include climate change, securing human resources, and the vital transitioning from research to commercial scales. With balanced management, however, the region's efforts could be the push that is necessary for algal technologies to take off globally. Microalgae are a high potential renewable resource for food, feed, fuels, and chemicals, especially in arid regions such as the Arabian Peninsula. Bioprospecting of indigenous strains, together with the region's climate, geography, and natural resources, can sustainably support year-round high productivities at low production costs, with no competition with food production or scarce freshwater resources. Integration with existing (petrochemical) industries could provide sustainable process inputs, such as CO 2 and (waste)water, but also co-processing opportunities and product end-users. Regional governmental ambitions for sustainable economic diversification offer unique opportunities for development through R&D, piloting, and start-up phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This policy brief titled "Promoting Inclusive Economic Growth and Development in Angola: A Policy Agenda for Diversification and Innovation" provides a comprehensive analysis of the economic challenges faced by Angola and proposes a policy agenda to foster inclusive growth and development. The brief highlights the heavy reliance on oil exports and the need for diversification, identifies key challenges in sectors such as human capital development and infrastructure, and presents policy recommendations for economic diversification, enhancing human capital, improving infrastructure, and addressing governance and transparency issues. The proposed policy agenda aims to promote sustainable economic development, reduce poverty and inequality, and improve the well-being of the Angolan population. The brief offers valuable insights and practical solutions for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders interested in addressing the economic challenges and unlocking the potential of Angola's economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study based on a panel of 37 sub-Saharan Africa countries over the period of 2000–2019 explores the effect of a number of Information and Communications Technology variables namely fixed broad band, fixed line telephone, Information and Communications Technology good imports, internet, mobile, and secure internet servers, and financial development measured by private sector domestic credit to GDP on economic diversification as measured by a computed Herfindahl–Hirschman Index of economic diversification. Model estimation was performed using pooled ordinary least squares regression, panel data fixed effects regression, and generalized method of moments regression. The results from findings indicated that the Information and Communications Technology variables: fixed-line telephone, and ICT imports significantly reduced economic diversification, while internet and mobile were, respectively, insignificant for boosting economic diversification, and fixed broadband and secure internet servers were insignificant in adversely affecting economic diversification. As regards financial development, it was insignificant in boosting economic diversification of sub-Saharan Africa countries. The study recommended amongst others that individuals in sub-Saharan Africa countries should have improved access to Information and Communications Technology infrastructure and governments should ensure adequate provision of quality Information and Communications Technology infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive and comparative investigation into the needs, challenges, and potential roles for entrepreneurship in transforming resource-rich countries into sustainable economies. It explores the role of entrepreneurship to help transition from a resource-based economy, mainly through increasing the number of entrepreneurs and enhancing private-enterprise-led and small and medium enterprises to achieve economic diversification. This study focuses on the case of Qatar, considering its current policies, mechanisms, and institutes, and how they are working together to help diversify the economy and ultimately transition from its current resource-based economy. It begins with a comprehensive review of the literature, including a discussion of the significance of economic diversification globally and examining the role of government and other actors in developing entrepreneurship and the private sector. The methodology and conditions are set out, followed by the findings of the qualitative interview study with key and representative stakeholders within the existing entrepreneurship arena, such as entrepreneurs (successful or failed), those wanting to be entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and supporting agencies. The interviews are thematically analyzed to identify apparent challenges, their root causes, and initial recommendations. Three barriers in the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar are identified: (1) lack of a conducive and transparent legal, regulatory, and governance environment, (2) lack of access to risk-based financing for entrepreneurs, and (3) lack of locally relevant entrepreneurial mentorship and guidance. Finally, the authors used the literature review and interview results to develop a progressive, locally tailored, dynamic preliminary framework for Qatar, and similar countries, to increase the number of entrepreneurs and small businesses to achieve economic growth and diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problems of sustainable development of small towns were analyzed from the perspective of historical-geographical factors in this article. During the analysis, we were convinced that monoprofile towns, which are part of the group of small towns, have become the "center" of problems in the world and the country. Theoretical and conceptual analysis of the concepts, names, opinions and conclusions of scientists developed in relation to these cities associated with global industrialization was carried out. The main mechanisms of rehabilitation and support of labor resources in monoprofile towns in a crisis situation were determined on the basis of the experience of the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Germany and other countries. And in the conditions of our country, we considered on the example of small towns in Zhambyl region. According to it, the historical aspects of specialization of small towns were given importance, classification of common issues limiting sustainable development was compiled. Demographic problems in towns were analyzed, and the place at the strategic stage of the development of innovative city was determined on the basis of historical data and theoretical conclusions. According to the concept of sustainable development, the main areas of urban environment development were selected, and their social, economic and environmental effects were emphasized. In general, the results of the study in the article will complement research in the field of urban geography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study inspects the Gulf Cooperation Council countries interest in the development process through examining the «visions» formulated by each country, and how such visions might unfold or be integrated in light of structural similarities and common economic and security challenges. The study also sheds light on the Gulf countries efforts to utilize normalization agreements with the Zionist entity in enhancing their own development process. The study attempts to reveal to what extent normalization impacts the development process in the Gulf region, and whether it is appropriate for these countries to bet on it in hopes of achieving development, all while Israel further securing its presence and influence in the region at the expense of the Arab countries, their stability, future and national security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]