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Robots in Europe vote for the radical right

A recent study by Bocconi University professors reveals that individuals exposed to automation are more likely to support radical-right parties. The researchers found a strong correlation between automation exposure and poorer economic conditions, lower job satisfaction, and increased support for the radical right.

SourceBocconi University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2021

Why it’s time to stop defining a nation’s success through economic growth

A new paper cautions that slow economic growth may bring challenges, particularly in multicultural democracies like the US, affecting social solidarity, opportunity, inequality, and trust in government. The authors propose a 'guided civic revival' to address these challenges by strengthening democratic institutions, increasing social i...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 18, 2021

Lower sex-selective abortion rates in India districts with Muslim legislators

New research by the universities of Kent, Warwick and Notre Dame has found that sex-selective abortion is lower in India districts with a Muslim state legislator. This is due to stronger stated preferences against abortion among Muslims compared to Hindus, making Muslim legislators more effective at reducing abortion rates.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Development Economics·TypeSurvey·DateNov 11, 2021

Green transition creates new risks and rewards

The green transition is already underway, with countries facing unique risks and opportunities based on their degree of competitiveness in fossil fuel markets. Diversifying economies towards low-carbon exports can mitigate negative impacts, while supporting innovation and job creation are key to maintaining long-term competitiveness.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Energy·DateNov 4, 2021

Motorways shape the sociology of cities

Researchers found that motorway connections lead to a 42% increase in wealthy households but only a 5% increase in lower-income households. This results in higher land prices and urban sprawl, disproportionately affecting those with modest incomes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe Economic Journal·TypeNews article·DateNov 2, 2021

Fintech can promote financial inclusion in emerging economies

A new study from the University of Illinois evaluates fintech systems in 16 emerging markets, finding that digital technologies improve access to financial services. However, vulnerable populations face barriers to usage due to digital literacy, cost, and limited consumer protections.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEmerging Markets Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2021

Air pollution caused 1.1 million deaths across Africa in 2019, new study finds

A new study finds that air pollution is responsible for 1.1 million deaths across Africa in 2019, with household air pollution accounting for 700,000 fatalities. The study also reveals that air pollution is costing African countries billions in gross domestic product and hindering the intellectual development of children.

SourceBoston College·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

HSE researchers say only female public officials will be able to eliminate corruption in Russia

A study by HSE researchers found that women believe corruption presents an obstacle to economic development, while men see it as a problem for customers and suppliers. The survey of over 1,200 public procurement experts revealed significant gender differences in perceptions of corruption.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateSep 30, 2021

New report shows accelerated adaptation can substantially reduce Egypt’s food production losses from climate change

A new report by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) suggests that accelerated adaptation can substantially reduce Egypt’s food production losses from climate change. Climate change-induced biophysical crop stress could lead to a 10% reduction in food crop yields by 2050, but investing in agricultural research and devel...

SourceInternational Food Policy Research Institute·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 30, 2021

University of South Carolina researcher to advance smart manufacturing with help from National Science Foundation

A new $3.8 million NSF EPSCoR RII Track-2 grant will enable the expansion of Future Factories Lab at the UofSC McNair Aerospace Center, investigating interactions between humans and automation in manufacturing facilities. The project aims to create a manufacturing resilience ecosystem with significant workforce development opportunities.

Over 120 scientific experts’ global ocean report shows unprecedented climate change impact, as Arctic registers record low ice levels

The Copernicus Ocean State Report reveals record low Arctic ice levels, with a 90% reduction in average sea ice thickness in the Barents Sea. The report also highlights extreme variability in ocean temperatures and oxygen levels, posing significant challenges for marine ecosystems.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Operational Oceanography·DateSep 22, 2021

Researchers release first-of-its-kind quantitative assessment for sustainable agriculture

The Sustainable Agriculture Matrix provides a comprehensive assessment of agricultural sustainability at a national level, considering environmental, economic, and social impacts. The framework helps governments and organizations evaluate progress, identify priorities for improvement, and inform policies towards sustainable agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalOne Earth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 17, 2021

A sleep study’s eye-opening findings

A recent study conducted by MIT economists found that increasing nighttime sleep had no positive effects on work productivity, earnings, or overall sense of well-being among low-income workers in Chennai, India. However, short daytime naps did show significant improvements in these areas.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 29, 2021

Farm marketing success linked to natural, cultural assets

A nationwide database of community assets was created to help municipalities craft development plans, finding that natural and cultural assets correlate most strongly with farmers' success. The research suggests that communities with nonprofits, social enterprises, and creative industries support DTC farm marketing efforts.

SourceCornell University·JournalFood Policy·DateJul 13, 2021

Market report: Rising stock wealth does boost spending, employment

A new study by MIT economists Gabriel Chodorow-Reich, Plamen T. Nenov, and Alp Simsek reveals that increased stock market wealth has moderate but clear economic effects. After analyzing data from the US on a county-by-county basis, they found that people spend about 3.2 cents per year out of each increased dollar of stock wealth they p...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateMay 13, 2021

The level of satisfaction with life in Spain is marked by household financial capacity

A recent study by Jordi Gumà and Bruno Arpino explores the association between subjective life satisfaction and gender roles in providing financial resources and performing domestic chores among partnered Spanish adults. The researchers found that households with financial difficulties experience a significant impact on individual well...

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalRevista Internacional de Sociología·DateMay 3, 2021

The opportunities and risks of digitalization for sustainable development

A study by RIFS researchers highlights the need for digital innovation to be guided by a systemic perspective acknowledging environmental, economic, and socio-cultural impacts. This includes professional technology assessments and inclusive decision-making processes to foster sustainable development.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalGAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society·DateApr 7, 2021

Militarization negatively influences green growth

A study of 21 OECD countries from 1980 to 2016 found that military spending hindered green economic growth. Militarization is a major consumer of non-renewable energy and causes significant air and environmental pollution. Economists recommend reducing military spending and transitioning to renewable energy sources.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateMar 16, 2021

Building networks not enough to expand rural broadband

Rural broadband cooperatives face high operation and maintenance costs, low population density, and prohibitively high service fees. Policymakers should consider eliminating property taxes on broadband infrastructure and payments to rent space on poles to make high-speed internet more affordable.

SourceCornell University·JournalTelecommunications Policy·DateMar 5, 2021

Almost 30% of advanced manufacturing technologies used in Russia are acquired abroad

A recent study by HSE University researchers found that Russian enterprises rely heavily on imported advanced manufacturing technologies, with only a few organizations developing their own solutions. The demand for domestically developed AMT is increasing, particularly in regions with diversified economies.

South Africa: the rising temperatures will cost up to 20% of per capita GDP

A recent study predicts that climate change in South Africa will lead to a 20% decrease in per capita GDP by the end of the century. The researchers analyzed data on temperature changes and labor availability, finding that low-skilled workers are disproportionately affected, leading to a closing wage gap but reduced overall output.