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Miracle, or marginal gain?

A study by MIT economists suggests that industrial policy has a relatively limited impact on GDP growth, with average long-run gains of 1.08% in favorable circumstances. The research indicates that local consumer demand can curb the impact of industrial policy, putting a ceiling on directed growth.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateDec 18, 2024

Study calls for city fashion waste shakeup

A study published in Nature Cities analyzed textile waste in various cities, finding that most donated clothes are exported or thrown away. Experts call for a change in how cities handle fashion waste, suggesting the need for local recycling and reuse facilities.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Cities·TypeCase study·DateNov 20, 2024

Multilingual gossip in Elizabethan London

Researchers uncovered evidence of state monitoring of migrant gossip in multiple languages, with churches aiming to have 'eyes everywhere'. The average person would hear multiple languages daily, and records kept by churches reveal the voices of regular people.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalTransactions of the Royal Historical Society·DateSep 24, 2024

Study reveals shifting landscape of UN human rights discourse

A new study reveals a significant evolution in the UN's approach to human rights, with growing emphasis on disability and business-related rights. The research highlights the importance of corporate responsibility and suggests a move toward a more comprehensive understanding of human rights that encompasses economic and social rights.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalHuman Rights Law Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 24, 2024

US states shape foreign policy amid national China unease, research shows

A new study by University of Notre Dame researchers finds that US states are shaping US-China relations through subnational diplomacy, ranging from pro-engagement to confrontation. States like California and Indiana engage with China through climate partnerships and educational exchanges, while others adopt more confrontational policies.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPublius The Journal of Federalism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2024

Facing illegal wildlife trade in the European union: A call for comprehensive measures

A new study proposes three measures to improve the EU's response to illegal wildlife trade, including creating a database of all species trade and establishing regulations to prohibit the import of illegally captured specimens. The proposals aim to transform the EU into a model of environmental protection concerning wildlife trade.

Can hunger be eradicated by 2030?

A new study at McGill University suggests that international food assistance systems are not designed to eradicate hunger by 2030. The authors argue that a paradigm shift is needed in the existing systems, prioritizing a human-rights based approach over the dominant discourse on trade regimes.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of International Trade Law and Policy·DateFeb 26, 2024

Disentangling nature’s contributions to international trade

Researchers developed a multi-step process to quantify the dependency of international trade on Nature's Contributions to People (NCPs), including spatial mapping and tracing international trade flows. The study aims to improve knowledge about the complex relationship between nature and international trade, supporting implementing Targ...

Regulation makes crypto markets more efficient

A new study finds that regulated cryptocurrencies create the most efficient markets, providing protection for investors. Unregulated ICOs were found to be the least efficient, while IEOs and exchange-based regulation approached traditional stock market levels of efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2024

Why an unusual global export industry keeps growing in a developing country

The Citrus Growers` Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has played a crucial role in the industry's success, driving growth through a resilient coalition of growers and independent resources mandated by the government. The CGA invests in research and development to stay ahead of changing market demands and fosters competitive rivalry ...

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalEuropean Journal of Development Research·TypeCase study·DateSep 27, 2023

Why endangered wildlife needs AML law coverage and banks need to share IWT intelligence

The illegal wildlife trade is a significant financial portfolio that creates state-level security and development risks. Implementing AML laws and sharing intelligence with banks can boost IWT law enforcement. Countries like Singapore, UK, and Australia are making progress in combating money laundering and IWT.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalJournal of Money Laundering Control·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 26, 2023

Employment dynamics: a closer look at rising exports and ICT penetration

The article explores how export diversification and ICT shape employment patterns, with research highlighting the importance of diversified trade baskets to minimize economic uncertainties. Tailored trade policies can unlock employment opportunities for both high-skilled and low-skilled workers, fostering sustainable growth.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalJournal of International Commerce Economics and Policy·DateJul 26, 2023

Sanctions on Russia’s businesses haven’t worked

New research on Russia's sanctions reveals that targeted firms temporarily suffered modest losses but eventually adapted by reorganizing subsidiaries, altering supply chains, or seeking government support. This suggests that economic sanctions are unlikely to deter or reverse aggressive actions by other countries.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Management Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2023

Global flows of toxic mercury

The global biogeochemical mercury cycle is closely tied to international trade routes, with emissions primarily linked to artisanal gold mining and smelting. Strategies to mitigate mercury exposure include production-side controls and consumption taxes to influence consumer behavior.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 23, 2023

Historical memories have long reach in consumer preferences, study finds

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that historical memories have a lasting impact on consumer behavior, particularly in the automotive industry. The research analyzed vehicle registration data and archival records to show how past conflicts can affect car sales, with Japanese cars experiencing significant drops in sales...

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalMarketing Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 18, 2023

Best path to fair living wage for global supply chain workers may take an indirect route new research suggests

A study by the University of Toronto found that intervening at the management practice level can empower workers and significantly raise wages in sustainable ways. H&M Group's initiative, which included workplace dialogue programs and wage management systems, resulted in a 5% average wage increase across 1800 factories in nine countries.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Accounting Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2023

The future is foggy for Arctic shipping

A new study finds that Arctic shipping is plagued by increasing fog, which reduces visibility and causes costly delays. Ships crossing the Northwest Passage are more likely to encounter fog than those in the Northern Sea Route, leading to increased sailing times and costs.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 27, 2023

How US cotton exports are shifting in response to competition and trade policy

Global market trends are changing as Brazil catches up with US cotton exports, driven by trade policies and increased production. Brazilian cotton exports have risen significantly, while US exports have declined, especially in the Chinese market.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2023

New analysis maps out impacts of marine chokepoint closures

A new study by Lincoln F. Pratson at Duke University uses GIS data and international trade simulations to estimate the types and amounts of disrupted trade if a chokepoint is closed, including increased shipping times and costs. The analysis highlights the importance of marine chokepoints in global economic security.

SourceDuke University·JournalCommunications in Transportation Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 22, 2022

Despite fears, 3D printing has positive effects on global trade

New research by UC San Diego's School of Global Policy and Strategy finds that 3D printing technology has a positive impact on global trade. The study reveals that production processes changed but supply chains remained intact, leading to a doubling or near-doubling in producers' exports after five years.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of International Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2022

Melting Arctic ice could transform international shipping routes, study finds

Climate change is causing rapid warming in the Arctic Ocean, which may lead to shorter, more eco-friendly maritime trade routes. This could reduce the shipping industry's carbon footprint and weaken Russia's control over trade routes through the Arctic. New trade routes could also increase global shipping infrastructure resilience.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 20, 2022

Albert Winsemius and Singapore

A team of NTU Singapore economists compiled a detailed study of Albert Winsemius' influence on Singapore's early economic development, analyzing his affinity with Singapore and his contributions to the country's economic growth. The book examines his synergy with pioneering leaders like Lee Kuan Yew and Dr Goh Keng Swee.

Foreign fishing fleets and trade are taking fish nutrients away from malnourished people

A new study reveals that foreign fishing fleets and international seafood trade are taking fish nutrients away from malnourished populations, exacerbating nutrition insecurity. The research found that over 60% of countries receive net gains in fish-derived nutrients through international trade, while a third have net losses.

SourceLancaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 23, 2022

Emissions tied to the international trade of agricultural goods are rising

A UCI-led study shows that the global trade of agricultural goods is driving a growth in greenhouse gas emissions in less-developed nations, with land-use change contributing three-quarters of these emissions. The study highlights the need for importers to adopt 'buy clean' policies and for regions to improve supply chain transparency.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 6, 2022

Research: Partnership between humanitarian organizations and governments is essential for providing cash assistance to refugees

Research from Indiana University reveals that cash assistance is a double-edged sword, harming both refugees and local residents if not implemented correctly. Humanitarian organizations can extend cash assistance to host regions with market power by partnering with local governments.

SourceIndiana University·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2022

Well-off countries need trade to cut environmental woes

A new study in Nature Sustainability shows that international trade improved the sustainable development goals of 70% of developed countries but reduced them by over 60% for developing countries. The research found that trading with distant countries had more environmental benefits, as close neighbors often share similar constraints.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 13, 2020