Articles tagged with Economic Development
Young Bamileke immigrants from Cameroon are using unorthodox methods to become rich, going against the general ethics of their community. The government's reluctance to address 'feymania' is undermining efforts to control corruption and criminality, strengthening the country's negative image abroad.
A recent study published in Social Science Quarterly reveals a link between Wal-Mart's expansion and increased poverty rates in local communities. The authors found that the arrival of large retail chains like Wal-Mart leads to the displacement of small businesses, resulting in reduced local leadership capacity.
The study by Murphy and Topel reveals that life-extending procedures have a greater value than rising medical expenditures overall. The authors show that increased longevity has an economic value of $1.2 million per person, with the largest gains at birth and young age.
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has received a $465,000 grant from the Henry Luce Foundation to develop a groundbreaking Ph.D. program in sustainability. The program will integrate research and coursework in engineering, science, economics, and public policy to advance sustainable industrial system design.
Researchers suggest that effective delta and wetland management is crucial for reducing vulnerability to hurricanes. By combining wetland restoration and flood-protection efforts, levees can be used more effectively to protect high-value infrastructure, allowing humans to continue living in precarious coastal communities.
Professional football coaches exhibit conservative behavior when making decisions, prioritizing the risk of losing over potential gains. Despite this, research suggests that such behavior can have significant consequences, including decreased team performance.
A recent study found that promoting both earthquake safety and economic development is possible for small towns in the Midwest. Researchers recommend tearing down old buildings as new ones are constructed and adding land to boost safety, leading to improved community safety and economic growth.
Global studies on natural hazards can inform disaster prevention and preparedness measures, but require downscaled approaches to customize risk-conscious economic development. A new Global Risk Identification Program aims to provide evidence-based frameworks for national hazard mitigation strategies.
A Washington University partnership created a data analysis course for urban high school students, raising cognitive demand and improving math and science test scores. The pilot study found that quizzes were not a harmful activity and may be an effective teaching tool.
A study found that households with higher incomes are more likely to seek specialist care than those with lower incomes, leading to a pro-rich bias in doctor utilization. Despite this, general practitioner care tends to be distributed fairly equally across income groups.
The elasticity of demand is key to understanding the effects of punishment on suppliers, who pass costs to consumers, leading to lower consumption when demand is elastic. In contrast, excise taxes and persuasive techniques are more effective in reducing illegal drug spending.
A new study by Matthew Gentzkow and Jesse M. Shapiro finds that media bias arises from a desire to maximize reputation, rather than personal beliefs or values. The authors argue that supporting the growth of independent media in competitive markets can counteract this bias.
Innovative manufacturers in Georgia report higher returns on sales, pay better wages, and are less likely to lose work to outsourcing. Nearly half of companies have introduced new or improved products between 2002 and 2004, with those doing so accounting for nearly 20% of sales.
Researchers outline new approaches to help developing countries address neglected diseases by pooling resources through health innovation networks. The recommended approach emphasizes harmonized development in six sectors, including manufacturing, research and development, and intellectual property systems.
Rice-producing nations emphasize the need for collaboration to develop new rice varieties through science and technology. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture facilitates access to plant genetic resources, but many members have not ratified it.
Federal, provincial and territorial mines ministers agree that vulnerable mining communities are a priority. The conference discussed ways to maintain community viability through cooperation on exploration initiatives, processing technologies, and Aboriginal engagement.
A study by Michael Kitson of the Judge Institute of Management found that biotechnology firms believed economic changes had a negligible impact, but relied on large cash reserves for insulation. In contrast, aerospace firms developed portfolios of activities driven by different business cycles to reduce vulnerability.
A study found that male mouse fetuses exposed to estrogenic chemicals developed more ducts in their prostate and narrowed urethras, raising concerns for human health. The researchers used low doses of ethinylestradiol and bisphenol A, which are commonly found in oral contraceptives and plastics.
PNNL's risk-based approach to cleanup standards reveals significant economic impacts overshadowing other effects, including recovery from radiological dispersion devices. The laboratory employs over 4,000 staff with a $650 million annual budget.
Joseph L. Fink III has been recognized with the National Pharmacy Leadership Award for his dedication to promoting pharmacist development and leadership qualities among students. He is a prominent figure in pharmacy law and public policy, having served in various roles at the University of Kentucky.
The study reveals that the informal sector creates most jobs in West African cities, but these occupations are insecure and poorly paid. Underemployment affects 67% of active people, with nearly 2.7 million individuals in this situation.
A recent national technology study reveals that research universities are significant economic accelerators, generating patents, commercial licenses, and businesses. Top-performing institutions such as Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) demonstrate remarkable success in fostering innovation.
A new study by Newcastle University reveals that many foreign-owned plants in the North East England fell short of their promised job creation targets. The research team found that firms which received special financial assistance were more likely to achieve their employment goals, but those involved with Invest UK were less likely to ...
The Yale Environmental Journal has been translated into Chinese to promote high-quality scientific research and communication on the global environment. The 'circular economy' is a crucial aspect of China's environmental policy, emphasizing loop closing and recycling to achieve sustainable economic growth.
A new study by Penn State professor Stephan Goetz suggests that the presence of a Wal-Mart store in a county can lead to higher poverty rates, as the chain pays its workers relatively low wages. This can have long-term effects on the local community, including reduced civic capacity and philanthropic efforts.
New research suggests that wealth does not create individual happiness and does not build a strong country. The study proposes a system to measure well-being directly, including engagement, purpose, optimism, trust, and emotions in specific areas like work life and social relationships.
Experts recommend seven potential options to raise funds for development, including global environmental taxes and private donations. The policies aim to increase external flows of finance to the poorest countries by 2015 to meet MDG targets.
A study of Humboldt County, California reveals that a knowledge economy requires more than just IT infrastructure. Public policy, cultural attitudes and economic initiatives must be coordinated to thrive.
Charles Liotta and Charles Eckert developed benign tunable solvents that couple reaction and separation processes, reducing waste and allowing recycling of catalysts. Their sustainable technology uses near-critical water, supercritical carbon dioxide, and other eco-friendly methods.
Researchers at CAMOS found a significant 'osteoporosis care gap,' with many cases going undetected in older adults. The study also revealed that even diagnosis can lead to a decline in quality of life due to fear of fractures.
The University of Cincinnati team is heading to Santorini, Greece to assess the island's problems and prioritize solutions. The team will focus on rapid assessment, evaluation and data collection regarding the island's carrying capacity issues, waste management, and infrastructure costs.
The US remains top in science and engineering, but faces challenges from a shrinking native talent pool and increasing competition globally. Foreign-born workers have contributed to the country's success, but high-skill visas have declined significantly since 2001.
The book Challenges for Rural America in the 21st Century examines rural social change, economic transformation, and policy implications. Key findings include unevenly spread gaming benefits, elder care challenges, and the need for rural communities to adapt to a decentralized system.
A recent international declaration from the OECD Committee highlights the critical need for an open and systematic approach to access scientific data. Researchers in various fields will benefit from cost-effective access to digital research data, which is essential for new knowledge creation.
University of Minnesota professors Terry Roe, Ronald Phillips, and G. Edward Schuh will discuss topics such as trade disputes, GMO crop plantings, and biosafety protocols at the symposium. The event aims to shed light on the impact of international trade policies on economic growth and institutional reform in less developed countries.
A $1.6 million federal allocation will support polymer research initiatives at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Southside Virginia. The funding aims to stimulate economic growth through the development of new technologies, businesses, and job creation.
Economic assessments of government R&D programs should be designed to measure productivity, quality, and reliability impacts on production and commercialization. A study's timing is critical, conducted within three to 10 years after a technology's significant marketplace impact.
Rutgers University has secured $3.5 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to explore biodiversity in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The five-year program aims to discover new compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications, while also conserving native biodiversity.
Clemson University's COMSET lab is focusing on developing new optical materials. The NSF grant will create an extended regional partnership to commercialize photonics research and attract high-paying industries to the region. This collaboration aims to build a knowledge-based South Carolina economy.
The report highlights the growth of tourism in fragile ecosystems, threatening biodiversity. Sustainable tourism development can balance economic and environmental needs, providing opportunities for conservation and local community well-being.
Dalton's study reveals farmers value plant height, days to maturity, and processing characteristics over yield increase. He used a hedonic model to derive economic values of crop traits, aiding breeders in creating technology.
The US is struggling with chronic poverty, slow economic growth, and insecure access to healthcare, ranking 27th globally. Africa is in dire straits, with many countries facing concentrated poverty, weak institutions, and repeated economic failure.
A study found that economic growth often takes precedence over environmental concerns in local policy-making. However, there are examples of cities like Manchester where sustainability has become an integral part of urban development. Local authorities still play a crucial role in driving environmental and economic policies.
A new study reveals that iron deficiency leads to significant economic losses, particularly in developing countries. The research estimates that iron deficiencies result in a 0.6% loss of GDP due to physical productivity losses from adults lacking iron, rising to 4% with added learning and motor impairments.
A cross-sectional study of Tibetan adults found that low back pain is a significant problem, impairing health and productivity. Effective interventions, such as safer back positioning and flip-charts, can help reduce the burden of low back pain in rural societies.
The American Chemistry Council predicts a second-half recovery for the chemical industry globally, with 3.5% growth in physical chemical volume expected this year. Basic chemical shipments are expected to grow 3.8%, with the fertilizer industry leading the way with a 5.0% increase.
The HEED program aims to bridge disciplinary interests in global health, economics, and environment. It will support research on the complex linkages between these factors and inform healthcare strategies in low- and middle-income countries.
The International Council for Science (ICSU) has established a new 'Science for Sustainable Development' programme to address economic, environmental and social issues. Regional offices will support knowledge exchange and facilitate the development of traditional knowledge in agriculture, biodiversity and traditional medicine.
A new software-based approach developed by Penn State engineers allows subscriber signals to be processed ahead of others experiencing strong co-channel interference, improving efficiency and minimizing interference in wireless local loops.
The Disease Control Priorities Project (DCPP) will analyze cost-effectiveness of health interventions, providing data for policymakers to make informed decisions. The project aims to develop highly effective, affordable health solutions that can be emulated globally.
Research on Dublin, Chicago and Los Angeles finds tax breaks stimulate property-based renewal and encourage new markets. However, blunt incentives can lead to displacement, while effective planning frameworks are crucial for success.
Companies benefit from innovation and cost-savings in urban locations. Researchers found that 75% of innovations originate in cities and companies can share resources with related industries, leading to reduced shipping costs and improved product design.
A study by Professor Partha Dasgupta suggests that world poverty is far worse than traditional indicators like GNP per capita or HDI. This is because these measures fail to account for the depletion of natural capital, such as commercial forests and water, which are underpriced or free to those who use them.
Research finds UK public sector workers are losing access to training opportunities due to work intensification and contracting out. This decline in training is expected to impact job motivation, particularly among low-paid workers.
The report recommends four main areas of focus for the Carbon Trust: RD&D programme, skills development, international cooperation, and social and economic research. It also identifies promising low-carbon technologies, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and hydrogen production.
The Maine Science and Technology Foundation is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the state's R&D investments to determine their impact on economic growth. The initial evaluation will assess existing data collection processes and propose a web-based system for ongoing assessment.
The National Center for Eco-Industrial Development aims to facilitate job growth and sustainable industrial expansion in economically distressed communities. The new center will encourage industrial ecology, establish eco-industrial parks and expand the use of processes to maximize communities' development potential.
A report by economists suggests that the Federal Reserve should raise interest rates when asset prices rise above fundamentals, to stabilize inflation and prevent economic instability. The strategy aims to keep bubbles from developing in the first place, rather than bursting them once they form.
A study of 75 countries reveals that social, economic and political factors are crucial for Internet development, including literacy, education, political freedom and service-based economies. Countries with the greatest Internet development have high rates of these factors, making them poised to cross the digital divide.
The USGS has released the World Petroleum Assessment 2000, revealing a 20% increase in undiscovered oil and a slight decrease in natural gas. Potential additions to reserves from reserve growth are nearly as large as estimated undiscovered resource volumes.