Articles tagged with Economic Development
A new study by University of Illinois researchers highlights the challenges facing the commercialization of emerging liquid biofuels, which could enhance energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Biobutanol, an emerging biofuel with a higher energy content than ethanol, is seen as a promising alternative to petroleum-based f...
Fewer Mexican immigrants returned to Mexico from the US during the 2008 and 2009 recessions than in previous years. The study found declines in return migration among certain groups, such as labor migrants and those with less education, but no rush to return home.
Indonesia is paying a high price for failing to give local communities enforceable rights to contested forests, causing significant economic losses and deforestation. The country continues as an outlier in the region, with less than 1% of its forestland legally recognized under local control.
The global economic recession of 2008-09 led to a decline in fertility rates in Europe and the US, ending the first rise in fertility since the 1960s. The study found that specific groups of people, such as young individuals and highly educated women, are less likely to have children during recessions.
The University of Maryland and Maryland Municipal League team up to help communities plan and implement green practices, earning a 'certificate of sustainability' and potential state grants. Communities can navigate the process at their own pace, with no upfront costs.
A study by Penn State researchers found that companies that export and invest in research and development are significantly more productive than those that don't. These firms can gain a competitive edge by learning from their customers and accessing foreign markets.
A recent study by Yale University economists found that microloans can increase ability to cope with risk and strengthen community ties, but may not lead to increased investment in businesses. The researchers also discovered that awardees' subjective well-being slightly declined, contradicting previous claims.
Research by Kofi Vondolia finds that a tax on foreign fishing in Africa can regulate fishing, preserve stocks at sustainable levels, and steer more income towards the country. The proposed tax takes into account ecological and socio-economic factors, including fish migration and reproduction rates.
A $1.3 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will support a project led by University of Maryland researcher Vivian Hoffmann to shed light on women's menstrual practices, needs, and product demands in developing countries.
A new international task force aims to promote fair pay and develop organisational capacity in lower-income countries. Research found significant disparities between local and expatriate aid workers' salaries, pushing local employees below the poverty line and contributing to 'brain drain'.
The NIST sensor detects many different trace gases at fast rates with high sensitivity, built from off-the-shelf technology for portability and commercial potential. The key is using radiation at terahertz frequencies to rotate gas molecules uniquely for identification and measurement.
A lack of national pharmacare in Canada leads to inconsistent coverage and prevents people from accessing necessary medications. The country could save billions by implementing a national formulary and addressing rising drug costs.
The Ohio Supercomputer Center is receiving $2 million from a federal grant to support small- and medium-sized manufacturers in adopting advanced manufacturing technologies. The initiative aims to promote job retention, supply-chain growth, and new exports by providing access to modeling, simulation, and analysis tools.
A four-year USDA-funded grant will improve agricultural productivity and nutrition in Mozambique through a trilateral cooperation between the US, Brazil, and MSU. The initiative aims to create economic opportunities for low-income farmers by training them on technology and marketing fresh produce.
A Concordia University study finds that wealth is not a guaranteed escape from an abusive relationship, but rather one of many factors that can help a woman resist violence. The research also highlights the importance of women's negotiation tactics and challenging societal authority to create effective resistance.
The study maps global digital divide tiers, revealing four tiers of countries based on ICT access. Developed nations dominate the top tier, while African nations account for most of the lowest tier, indicating significant disparities in computer use and internet access.
The 2011 Waseda University World e-Government Ranking shows Singapore at the top, followed by USA, Sweden, and other developed countries. The survey monitored e-Government development of 50 countries, with new additions such as Czech Republic and Uzbekistan.
Experts find that adopting a healthy diet in the UK could lead to significant improvements in health outcomes, but doing so in poorer countries like Brazil may have devastating economic consequences. Reducing saturated fat consumption in these countries could result in job losses and disruption to agriculture and trade.
A combined approach of taxing unhealthy foods, restricting food advertising, and improving labeling is cost-effective in reducing obesity in all nations. Implementing such measures would add nearly 7 million life years to the population's health expectancy.
The TEEB report underscores the importance of incorporating nature's value into decision-making, with potential benefits for poverty reduction and business growth. The report also notes significant business and social risks from failing to account for natural capital.
José Goldemberg's groundbreaking research on biofuels has significantly contributed to science and scientific innovation. His work demonstrated the potential of sugarcane-based ethanol as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in Brazil.
The USDA is spotlighting the success of ChoiceBatter, a low-oil-uptake batter made from rice flour, developed through its Agricultural Technology Innovation Partnership program. The product has shown significant economic impact in five states and has enabled CrispTek to commercially develop and sell the rice batter.
The Lancet Review emphasizes the need for tailored approaches in HIV/AIDS financing, as countries face diverging challenges. High-burden low-income (HBLI) countries will likely require extended international support, while middle-income nations with lower burdens can sustain funding using domestic resources.
The USDA has signed a partnership with TechComm to facilitate agricultural research collaborations between businesses and universities in the Southwestern US. The agreement aims to commercialize USDA-developed technologies, creating new business ventures and job opportunities.
The ICIAM Collatz Prize recognizes individual scientists under 42 worldwide for outstanding research in industrial and applied mathematics, while the Lagrange Prize honors career-long contributions. Other notable prizes include the Maxwell, Pioneer, and Su Buchin Prizes.
A new study published in the Journal of World Business found that developing countries may not gain more foreign direct investment by adopting major international economic treaties. In some cases, adoption can even hurt their economies. Developing countries with low innovation bases are particularly vulnerable to negative effects.
Despite the benefits of cell phones, such as improved daily life and access to market prices, their impact on economic development is limited. Researchers found that while there is positive micro-economic impact, macro-economic improvements are still lacking in African countries.
A new study suggests that restricting speculative trading in futures markets could destabilize commodity prices, rather than reduce volatility. The research found that the influx of cash from index traders provided a deep pool of liquidity that held price increases in check.
Researchers analyzed nearly 20 terabytes of data to identify major oil and gas sedimentary basins, mineral-rich regions, and hydrologic resources for agriculture. The findings could prove invaluable to Afghanistan's economic redevelopment and contribute to suppressing terrorist activity.
A new study found that areas in Russia with significant Jewish populations suffered from lower economic growth, wages, and per-capita GDP since World War II. These regions also exhibited stronger support for Communist candidates and a lasting resistance to political reform.
A MSU-led study examines the relationship between microfinance institutions and the larger economy, finding that economic growth boosts microbank profits. The research suggests that countries with less manufacturing activity tend to support more successful microfinance operations.
Dr. BP Agrawal's rainwater harvesting system and mobile health clinics improve global public health and quality of life for rural villagers in India. His innovative approach combines technology, culture, and community engagement to provide sustainable solutions to pressing water and healthcare issues.
A new study found that economic booms can lead to increased illness and mortality rates among children in coffee-producing counties. When coffee prices spike, workers spend more time tending fields and less time on activities beneficial for child health. In contrast, when prices fall, people work less and child health improves.
The American Chemical Society's top R&D official, Paul T. Anastas, emphasizes the importance of green chemistry in achieving sustainability. Green chemistry aims to incorporate 12 principles, including prevention of waste and use of safer chemicals, into product design and manufacture.
The global rush to develop modern financial institutions, including stock markets, has had a negative impact on the economy. In many countries, markets were created without a solid foundation, leading to disastrous outcomes.
A new study published in Oxford Economic Papers reveals that ethnic minorities in Britain are better educated than their white peers, but face lower employment probabilities. The research shows significant wage disparities between British-born ethnic minority individuals and their white peers, particularly for men.
A report from the Association of University Research Parks recommends 10-point plan to streamline federal policies for tech commercialization, aiming to create jobs and businesses. The plan includes targeted investments, flexible grant policies, and connections with private sector.
The entry of oil companies into renewable energy could hinder a sustainable economy based on carbon resources. A democratic and equitable transition is necessary to avoid a centralized structure that contradicts the nature of renewable energy sources.
Research suggests that privatizing government-owned banks can result in a collapse of depositors' confidence, triggering bank runs and financial instability. Effective regulation is crucial to prevent this outcome, as it allows for the banking system to finance economic growth.
The Healthy Urban Food Enterprise Development (HUFED) Center will provide training and technical assistance for small and mid-sized agricultural producers, aiming to increase access to healthy, affordable foods in low-income areas. The center is designed to promote positive economic activities generated from attracting healthy food ent...
Donations to overseas development charities have grown at an average rate of 7.4% per annum, exceeding household income and government aid growth rates. Individual giving is not deterred by government grants, with a new model suggesting a 10% change in household incomes produces a similar 10% change in donations.
The Abu Dhabi Economics Research Agency (ADERA) has been founded to improve globally the level of economics research relevant to Abu Dhabi and its region. ADERA will fund research teams in affiliated universities and institutions around the world, providing high-quality research on sustainable economy and economic development.
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is launching a collaborative research program to identify new enzymes and metabolites in domestic insects for medical, pest control, and industrial applications. The program aims to develop new antibiotics and sustainable solutions for food production and quality control.
The International Diabetes Federation reports a staggering 285 million people worldwide have diabetes, with the disease disproportionately affecting low and middle-income countries. The number is expected to reach 435 million by 2030, posing a significant threat to global health and economies.
The EPA has awarded 42 grants to teams of college and university students to design sustainable technologies addressing various environmental challenges. The winners will be selected based on their project designs and may receive additional funding for implementation or marketplace development.
A University of Michigan study found that life expectancy rose by 6.2 years during the Great Depression, surprising experts. Researchers discovered this increase occurred for both men and women across racial groups, likely due to reduced stress, sleep, and substance abuse in recessions.
The study divides Arab countries into three categories and compares their population-weighted averages in health, educational attainment, and income with those of non-Arab nations. While Arab countries have made significant progress in areas such as life expectancy and education, they lag behind in democracy and women's labor-force par...
Despite high GDP per capita, developed countries experience lower life expectancy and poor health outcomes. In contrast, countries with strong social safety nets and labor protection show smaller health impacts during recessions.
A new study finds that smokers in rural Indonesia spend 10% of their budget on tobacco, leading to poorer nutrition for their children. Smokers' families prioritize cheaper rice over nutrient-rich meats and vegetables.
A Penn study reverses conventional wisdom on fertility declines, showing high development levels can actually increase fertility rates. Researchers analyzed 24 developed countries over 30 years and found a positive association between HDI and fertility at advanced levels of development.
The Southwest Nano Consortium brings together six states and northern Mexico to pool resources, encourage collaboration, and host internationally recognized events. The consortium aims to expedite the commercialization of nanotechnology technologies with significant impact on renewable energy, biotech, IT, and other sectors.
The University of Leicester has launched G-STEP, a business-facing service that harnesses space technology for earth-bound benefits. Researchers are working with businesses and public sector organisations to provide value-added services exploiting environmental data from the GMES system.
A recent PLOS Medicine study examines the effects of electronic health records (EHRs) on medical education. Two groups of researchers present contrasting views: one arguing that EHRs may erode physician education due to potential risks, while another highlights opportunities for enhanced clinical skills and patient communication.
The International Diabetes Federation is urging governments to focus on preventing and treating non-communicable diseases, including diabetes. Professor Silink emphasizes the need for action to address the growing economic burden of NCDs on healthcare systems and society.
The University of Bath will use the funding to launch spin-off companies and influence government policy through its research, aiming to enhance business-academia partnerships. The £44 million Knowledge Transfer programme aims to reduce barriers between businesses and academia.
The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC) will analyse plant, animal, and microbial genomes to improve food security and combat exotic animal diseases. It will also develop new ways to kill superbugs and contribute to the UK's economic and social wellbeing.
The global financial crisis is expected to exacerbate poverty for vulnerable households in developing countries, threatening progress towards reducing extreme poverty. Experts will discuss potential outcomes and steps to mitigate the impact on the most disadvantaged populations.
Panicos Demetriades, a renowned economist, argues that the current global financial crisis presents an opportunity for governments to take a more proactive role in finance. He suggests that countries should adopt policies that prioritize the public interest over the narrow interests of financial institutions. This could involve nationa...
The Call to Action program aims to foster efficient and effective collaboration among local governments in Northeast Ohio. Kent State's Center for Public Administration and Public Policy will provide technical assistance to support the effort.
New research methods developed by Dr Peter Davis aim to better understand the complex realities of chronic poverty, affecting millions worldwide. The conference in Washington DC will engage policymakers and stakeholders from the US and internationally to formulate a policy agenda to address this issue.