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This paper examines the trajectory of global income inequality since 1981. Commonly used (relative) definitions indicate a decline in global inequality since the late 1980s. Looking ahead, it has been intuited that the influence of China's economic development—and that of other rapidly growing, populous nations—on the between-country component will, at some juncture, diminish and start to add to global inequality should economic growth persist. Our paper formalizes the turning point of global inequality through a simple model. For illustrative purposes, we empirically present the implications for the timing of the turning point in the context of a weaker post-pandemic growth recovery versus a stronger, albeit improbable, post-pandemic growth recovery. We conclude by arguing that the era of declining global income inequality is likely over, considering the forces influencing both the between-country and within-country components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determination of macroeconomic policies in real-time requires assessing the correct information regarding current economic conditions. This statement spurred researchers to develop methods involving high-frequency data for risk analysis. This paper extends the quarterly growth-at-risk (GaR) approach by involving a machine-learning approach based on the Mixed-Frequency Data Sampling Quantile Regression Neural Network (MIDAS-QRNN) model. This paper shows that the MIDAS-QRNN model has the best prediction accuracy and can show good PDB nowcasting. The monthly financial GaR can detect unusual economic growth movements during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the spillover effect of government locations on economic growth by exploring more than 180 relocation events of city governments in China. Empirical results demonstrate that government relocations improve regional economic growth measured by night lights. This positive effect decreases with the distance to city governments' new locations. Government relocations are also found to accelerate urbanization. Potential mechanisms include the changes in land conversion and firm birth patterns in the move-in areas. These results indicate that the relocation of local governments can be an effective place-based policy to improve economic growth and urbanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We build an endogenous growth model featuring a new mode of human capital accumulation in a data economy. Data are generated as the byproducts of economic activities and then used by consumers for human capital accumulation apart from education. Although we find similar growth patterns compared with those in the related literature, economic growth is further accelerated by the new use of data factor. Quantitative analyses suggest that although the accumulation of human capital is promoted by the increasing importance of data, this promotion is not unlimited since data may over-absorb resources and crowd out education. In the transition dynamics, we see that consumers suffer temporary welfare loss. However, as data become a key factor in human capital accumulation, welfare ultimately increases. Our paper provides a first view of the effect of the data factor in the process of human capital accumulation. • Digital economy promotes economic growth through human capital accumulation. • A model is built to incorporate data into human capital accumulation. • The promotion effect of data on human capital accumulation is not unlimited. • In transition dynamics, consumers may face temporary welfare loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the moderating role of the macroeconomic environment in the crash risk-policy uncertainty sensitivity. We find that managers have lower risk perception and crash risk is less sensitive to policy uncertainty during periods of economic expansion. Managers' risk perception is the critical channel through which the macroeconomic environment affects the relationship between crash risk and policy uncertainty. Consequently, when firms' managers have an accurate understanding of the future economic environment, the moderating effect of economic growth is lower. This manifests in the weaker moderating effect of economic growth for SOEs and firms with stronger managerial ability, lower managerial ownership, and high media attention, which further supports the risk perception channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we develop a three-period gender-based Overlapping Generations (OLG) model of economic growth for Côte d'Ivoire in which life expectancy is endogenized and the rate of change of the poverty rate is linked to the growth rate of output per capita. We then calibrate the model using the country-specific calibration data to illustrate the role of public policies in the model, and its implications for long-term growth, gender equality, and poverty in Côte d'Ivoire. To this end, we discuss three sets of quantitative experiments: broad-based development policies (increase in education spending and infrastructure investment, and governance reform), gender-based policies (reduction in gender bias in the market place, increase in women's bargaining power, and reduction in family bias against girls' education), and a composite reform program (combination of pro-growth, pro-gender policies). Overall, our findings suggest that Côte d'Ivoire could achieve better growth and poverty outcomes if the country could implement a composite reform program that includes comprehensive development and gender-based policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• EKs and global paper output have increased continually since 1971. • 64% of countries had peak to generate HS-EKs from 1991–2000. • HS-EK generation efficiency is independent of economic status. • Topics have homogenized since 1980s. • The homogenization is negatively correlated with HS-EK generation efficiency. While advantages of global homogenization and standardization have been discussed on scientific and technological research activities, specific discussion on the disadvantages to generate scientific innovation has been limited. In this study, we aim to clarify the impact of globalization to generate emerging topics in life science and medicine by applying the emerging keywords (EKs) and highly successful emerging keywords (HS-EKs) methodology, which represent scientometric elements of emerging topics and high-impact emerging topics, respectively, as indicators. We analyzed all paper output from 53 countries using PubMed and found a global increase in paper output and EK generation in line with economic growth in the past 50 years. However, the efficiency to generate scientific innovation, reflected in HS-EKs, was significantly reduced and this effect was independent of country-level economic output. We also reported homogenization in research topics over the study period as a possible factor for the observed decrease in HS-EK generation efficiency. Finally, we discuss the foundational issues that gave rise to homogenized science, the impact on scientific innovation, and what policies might be necessary to repair the scientific innovation-generating engine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the relationship among Research and Development (R&D) expenditure, government effectiveness, and voice accountability in 15 Latin American countries. R&D expenditure is a crucial driver of innovation and economic growth, and effective governance and voice accountability are essential for promoting transparency and citizen participation in decision-making processes. The study utilizes a panel dataset from 2002 to 2021 and employs computer data analysis to estimate the effects of changes in government effectiveness and voice accountability on R&D expenditure. The findings reveal a positive impact of government effectiveness and voice accountability on R&D expenditure. A 1% increase in government effectiveness is associated with a 0.618% increase in research development expenditure, while a 1% rise in voice accountability corresponds to a 0.625% increase. These results highlight the importance of effective governance and citizen engagement in fostering R&D investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines how local industrial structure changes after bureaucratic transfers across Chinese cities. Utilizing firm-level data within the manufacturing sector, we show a positive and significant effect of transferred local leaders on the industrial similarity between cities connected by them, and this response arises 3 years after the transfers. However, when transferring between cities with notable disparities in resource endowments, local leaders induce diminished industrial similarity among connected cities. Our mechanism analyses then find that, after transferred leaders arrive, new superstar firms are more likely to be attracted to their current jurisdictions and new industries in which their previous jurisdictions have already superstar firms tend to be developed in the current jurisdictions, thus making the industrial structure between the connected cities more similar. Furthermore, we find that transferred local leaders contribute to the synchronization of regional economic growth through facilitating the diffusion of productive capabilities across cities. • This paper examines how local industrial structure changes after bureaucratic transfers across Chinese cities. • Transferred local leaders contributes to a convergence of the industrial structure between the connected cities. • Superstar firms who follow local leaders' movements contribute to the increase of the industrial similarity between connected cities. • Transferred local leaders contribute to the synchronization of regional economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the domain of global socio-economic dynamics, the pivotal role of food production (FP) cannot be overstated. It constitutes the bedrock of fundamental human necessities while being inexorably linked with critical aspects such as economic expansion, societal equilibrium, and geopolitical interplays. The multifaceted nature of FP appears through its direct impact on macroeconomic indicators and its latent influence on international relations and policy-making. This critical nexus underscores the imperative for a comprehensive understanding and strategic management of food production processes to sustain and enhance global socio-economic stability and growth. Investigating the nexus between green finance (GF) and FP is pivotal for ensuring national security and promoting sustainable economic development. This research thus paper examines GF's impact on FP in China as outlined in the 2017 green finance policies. It employs the difference-in-differences (DID) method and analyzes a balanced panel dataset comprising 282 cities in China from 2009 to 2020. The results show that GF has an inhibitory effect on FP, and this remains valid after a range of reliability checks, including parallel trend assessments and placebo tests. Further findings of transmission mechanism analysis indicate that non-agricultural factors and financial exclusion are critical for GF's inhibitory effect on FP. Heterogeneity analyses show that GF's inhibitory effect on FP is more pronounced in the main food-producing areas, the main food-marketing areas, and cities with better infrastructure. The empirical results of this paper comprehensively illustrate GF's impact on FP and how it contributes to the achievement of food security objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change leads to the frequent occurrence of natural disasters. It has had a severe impact on agricultural economic growth in China. Based on data in China from 2004 to 2020, this paper uses a fixed-effect model to discuss the effects of natural disasters on agricultural economic growth. The empirical results are as follows. (1) Natural disasters negatively affect agricultural economic growth. The regression coefficient of natural disasters on agricultural economic growth is −0.1183. (2) The inhibition of agricultural economic growth by natural disasters is more prominent in areas with low government attention and average agricultural production conditions. (3) The mechanism analysis shows that natural disasters inhibit agricultural economic growth through channels that cause the spread of diseases and pests. (4) Expanding the scale of agricultural insurance can prevent the impact of natural disasters on agricultural economic growth. This research provides policy recommendations for preventing the negative impacts of natural disasters. Agricultural producers should raise awareness of disaster management and improve the accuracy of disaster warning mechanisms. • This paper measures the level of natural disasters in China. • This paper expands the application field of functional data analysis methods. • This paper examines the mechanism of natural disasters affecting agricultural economic growth. • This paper provides policy suggestions for ensuring agricultural economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine and port economy estimation is conducive to the understanding of the development law of marine economy degree. This study proposes a neural-learning network estimation model of the marine economy degree based on a priori architectural knowledge and adopts time-combined class array columns and multivariate modeling methods to estimate the indicators reflecting the development level of the marine economy degree in the ZJP region. The study adopts the PK_NN multivariate modeling method, taking cargo transportation volume, cargo turnover, cargo carrying value of ports near the sea, foreign trade throughput, port container throughput, and port container throughput as multivariate model inputs, and compared with the other modeling methods, the model of the time combination class array columns of type GM_11, which has a better comprehensive performance. Finally, the PK_NN time-combined class array column model is used to estimate the development level of the marine economy in the ZJP region near the seaport from 2011 to 2020, and the results show that the estimated value of the marine economy in the ZJP region is close to the actual planning value of the ZJP region. The algorithm was applied to estimate the economic degree curves of the five near-seaport areas of ABCDE under different harbor head construction art modes, and the results showed that the relative value error of the estimation was controlled between 4% and 10%, and the fluctuation ranges of each month's specific growth value area estimation were comparable. This proves the effectiveness and accuracy of the a priori marine neural-learning-based network algorithm in this paper. • The algorithm was applied to estimate the economic degree curves of the five near-seaport areas of ABCDE under different harbor head construction art modes, and the results showed that the relative value error of the estimation was controlled between 4% and 10%, and the fluctuation ranges of each month's specific growth value area estimation were comparable. • This proves the effectiveness and accuracy of the a priori marine neural-learning-based network algorithm in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic inequality, in terms of income or wealth, is one of the most complex and perplexing challenges of our current capitalist economic system. While the dynamic relationship between income inequality and economic growth has been extensively investigated (since the beginning of the last century), the dynamic link between wealth inequality (or wealth concentration) and economic growth has been largely ignored in the literature, taking more attention in recent years. This paper asserts that the accumulation of non-productive assets/luxury goods is an important determinant of wealth inequality, as well as a determinant of the relationship between wealth inequality and economic growth. In this paper our aim is to show that an increase in wealth inequality is associated with a slowdown in economic growth. In particular, the paper shows that there is a negative relationship between wealth inequality and economic growth in France because poor households own a relatively large fraction of non-productive luxury goods. Nevertheless, this is not the case in the US, which is what explains that such negative relationship is not observed there. We conclude that a redistribution of wealth (from the rich to the poor) is important for attaining a sustained economic growth performance. • This paper contributes to the analysis of economic growth and wealth inequality in France and the United States. • We propose a macroeconomic model that includes both productive and non-productive assets. • Economic growth slows as the aggregate stock of non-productive assets increases as wealth inequality increases. • Redistribution will enrich the poorest households and therefore decrease their propensity to own unproductive assets. • Wealth inequality and economic growth may have a non-linear relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Developing a renewable economic sustainable framework in urban systems. • Introducing a PBOA to efficiently schedule domestic device usage patterns. • Comparing the PBOA, DE and PSOA performance for energy management. This paper delves into the critical intersection of urban energy management, economic growth, and environmental sustainability through the integration of renewable energy sources in smart urban homes. The escalating demand for power has created an energy scarcity, necessitating innovative solutions to balance supply and consumption. In this context, the transition from traditional electric grids to smart grids (SG) is gaining prominence. To harness the potential of smart urban homes, particularly in the context of renewable energy, solar panels on rooftops have become indispensable. Smart grid technologies enable users to engage in demand response strategies, offering incentives and financial benefits for flexible device usage. This study introduces a novel optimization algorithm, the Polar Bear Optimization Algorithm (PBOA), designed to schedule domestic device usage patterns efficiently. To evaluate the effectiveness of PBOA, this paper conducts comparative analyses with other optimization algorithms such as Differential Evolution (DE) and Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm (PSOA). Energy cost metrics, including Critical Peak Price (CPP) and Real-Time Price (RTP), are employed to assess cost reduction strategies. The primary focus of this study is to minimize energy costs and reduce the Peak to Average Ratio (PAR), thereby promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability in smart urban homes. It should be noted that neural network (NN) machine learning technique has been used for forecasting the weather and renewable energies output power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Does foreign aid always contribute to economic development in recipient countries? This question has never been fully addressed. Using data on US aid to 128 countries worldwide from 2000 to 2019, this paper examines the relationship between US aid and economic growth in recipient countries, and the moderating role of institutional quality and absorptive capacity in shaping this relationship. Different types of US aid are considered, including economic aid and military aid. The results show that the relationship between economic aid and economic growth is U-shaped, while military aid has a positive linear relationship with economic growth. Moreover, we find that the institutional quality of the recipient country negatively moderates the relationship between US aid and economic growth. Additionally, the absorptive capacity of the recipient country positively moderates the relationship between economic aid and economic growth, whereas the relationship between military aid and economic growth is not affected by absorptive capacity. • The US economic aid-economic growth nexus is U-shaped, while the military aid-economic growth nexus is positively linear. • The institutional quality has a negative moderating effect on the US aid-economic growth nexus. • Absorptive capacity has a positive moderating effect on the economic aid-economic growth nexus. • The military aid-economic growth nexus is not affected by the moderating effect of absorptive capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contemporary times, where most academic research mainly focuses on the factors of economic and environmental sustainability and emissions reduction. Yet, very little attention has been paid to the identification of the factors of renewable energy, which requires appropriate policy-level attention. Consequently, this research investigated two developed economies, i.e., Germany and the USA, from 1991 to 2021 where, the objective of the study includes using novel and robust empirical methods to test the causal relationship between renewable energy and CO2 emissions, economic growth, technological innovations and oil prices. Using the normality and unit root estimators, this study observed that non-normal data distribution, yet all the variables are stationary. Using time-series and panel cointegration tests, the results validate the cointegration between economic growth, oil prices, carbon emission, technological innovation, and renewable energy adoption in the United States whereas Germany does not show cointegration between the variables. This study employ 's the Morlet-Wavelet approaches and key findings show that all these variables have a significant role in improving renewable energy adoption in both the region. Furthermore, results show a unidirectional and bidirectional causal association between the variables via the panel-stacked Granger causality test. This study recommends effective policy ramifications concerning improved investment in technological innovation, improved low-carbon production, and diverting economic growth to renewable energy transition. Use of improved new time-series method of wavelet coherence show the key contribution in this paper with new evidence of time frequency analysis on how external variables affect renewable energy consumption in developed countries of US and Germany. The objective includes understanding the effects of CO2 emissions, economic growth, technological innovations and oil prices on renewable energy which would give evidence to policy makers and environmentalists on how developed countries should improve clean energy adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring pathways for China to achieve the dual goals of stabilizing economic growth and promoting green development provides important reference value for countries worldwide. This is particularly crucial in addressing global climate change and achieving carbon neutrality. This paper focuses on 108 cities within the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China, employing the Generalised Spatial Two-Stage Least Squares (GS2SLS) method to conduct an in-depth analysis of the impact of manufacturing agglomeration on green development performance. This study finds that, at the current stage, manufacturing agglomeration can effectively promote green development performance; however, the impact exhibits a U-shaped relationship. This means that the effect of manufacturing agglomeration on green development performance initially decreases and then increases. Additionally, knowledge spillover effects, resource allocation effects, and structural upgrading effects are important channels contributing to this nonlinear relationship. Extended analysis reveals that in the cities of the lower Yangtze River region, there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between manufacturing agglomeration and green development performance, while in the middle and upper reaches, the relationship is U-shaped. Furthermore, the expansion of city size positively promotes the green development effects of manufacturing agglomeration. These conclusions not only provide important guidance for China in achieving high-quality green development but also offer significant insights for developing countries worldwide in attaining the dual goals of economic growth and green development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analyses empirically the role of FDI as an interactive factor in the democracy, corruption, economic growth, ICT and carbon emissions nexus in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We use the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR) technique with data from 37 SSA countries covering the period 1970–2019. We find evidence that corruption and democracy create a significantly negative association with carbon emissions across most quantiles for the SSA countries. Conversely, economic growth, ICT and FDI develops a significantly positive relationship with environmental quality. Thus, the paper confirms validity of the Pollution Haven Hypothesis in SSA countries. More results demonstrate that the interaction variables, corruption × FDI, democracy × FDI, economic development × FDI also produces positive and significant links with carbon emissions, but the link between ICT × FDI and emissions is insignificantly negative. In conclusion, our findings indicate the need for a targeted approach towards improving FDI to fight corruption, enhance democracy, ICT and economic growth in pursuit of green economy and sustainable development in SSA. [Display omitted] • Both corruption & democracy have a significantly negative association with carbon emissions (across quantiles). • Economic growth, ICT, and FDI are linked to higher environmental quality. • The Pollution Haven Hypothesis in SSA countries is validated. • Corruption, democracy & growth affect emissions more with high FDI. • FDI interactions with ICT has minimal negative effect on emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates how political instability affects the development of renewable energy innovation (REI) through empirical analysis of cross-country data from 60 countries over the period of 2002–2020. The results show that political instability has a negative impact on renewable energy innovation, particularly in countries with a robust renewable energy technology base. Specifically, every single type of renewable energy technology has decreased in response to political instability, with wind and solar being the most affected. We also find the non-linearity of such impact with different levels of government corruption, democracy, and military expenditure based on the threshold effect analysis. Therefore, governance quality matters when confronting political instability. Further analysis indicates that economic growth, technological development, and public R&D for renewable energy technologies are the mediating channels. These results provide significant policy implications and a better understanding of national innovation activities in renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing 'Climate Adaptation Imaginaries', this paper explores visions of futures in relation to climate change and adaptation in the Swedish Arctic, a region where climatic changes are rapid and pronounced. The analysis draws on interviews with civil servants working with adaptation, fieldwork in the region of Norrbotten in Sweden, and relevant documents. The analysis focuses on future visions and whether, and how, they incorporate adaptation to the climate crisis as a strategy to achieve the vision. Particular focus is given to how adaptation is understood in terms of approach (reactive vs. proactive), aim (incremental vs. transformational) and focus (direct effects, or whether transboundary effects are included). Four different kinds of visions emerge in the material: economic growth coupled with a reactive approach; 'green' economic growth with proactive and incremental adaptation; a transformed locally anchored and regenerative society; and finally, a range of dystopia(s). It is only the two visions based on economic growth that are collectively held, materially embedded and hold political influence in the region. A variety of dystopias emerge as the main alternative presented by civil servants. This leaves adaptation guided by at best proactive, incremental and short-term focused strategies, and at worst driven by disparate dystopic visions. • Develops Climate Adaptation Imaginaries to analyse visions and strategies in adaptation governance. • Climate Adaptation Imaginaries focused on economic growth hinder transformational adaptation. • Climate Adaptation Imaginaries focused on economic growth omit negative transboundary risks. • Acknowledging transboundary climate risks is important for developing alternative visions of the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing economic and industrial activities have put a large strain on the marine environment and ecosystem, presenting the marine economy with a tradeoff between economic expansion and environmental conservation. Though the Porter hypothesis depicts a win-win situation, it is crucial to consider the conditions under which environmental regulations generate positive effects. This paper is to study how the synergy between market-based and government-based environmental regulations affects marine economic resilience, whereas maintaining economic resilience is a prerequisite for promoting innovation and productivity. The findings indicate that each 1 % increase in the synergistic level of environmental regulations resulted in a 0.234 % improvement in marine economic resilience. The heterogeneity tests indicate that the relationship is still significant if the marine economy characterizes high industrial diversity, high industrial upgrading, and large scale, while environmental regulation in coastal provinces that marine industrial structure is not advanced negatively affects marine economic resilience. • It is crucial to consider the conditions that the Porter hypothesis is valid. • The synergy of government-based and market-based environmental regulations matters. • Synergistic environmental regulations positively affect marine economic resilience. • There are heterogeneous factors affecting the causal relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propulsion of economic growth is a multifaceted construct, influenced by technology, capital, and resource management, with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) being a significant contributors to innovation and employment. This study examines the growth of Scottish SMEs across four sectors over a 14-year period (2008–2021) by employing a novel statistical approach to understand their development trajectories within the framework of open innovation. The paper engaged in a longitudinal analysis to assess trends and inform policy for sustainable growth by the utilization of open-access data. Theoretical metrics such as the Average Growth Rate, Compound Average Growth Rate (CAGR), and Year-Over-Year (YoY) Growth were applied to evaluate sectoral performance. The findings revealed varied growth patterns; the information technology sector exhibited a robust increase, while the telecommunications sector showed significant percentage growth. Conversely, the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector experienced a decline that suggests a potential market gap. An affirmative trajectory in CAGR was observed in most sectors except ICT, which corroborates a shift in technological evolution and market needs. The study illuminates the dynamic economic landscape of Scottish SMEs, with telecoms emerging as the most prosperous sector in terms of growth rates, thus indicates a shifting economic focus. The study's limitations are briefly discussed, in addition to the need for updated databases and further research employing predictive modeling with machine learning to enhance forecasting capabilities and foster open innovation for sustainable economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern economies rely on economic growth for stability and prosperity. Further, periods of stagnation and recession are currently associated with poor health and wellbeing outcomes for citizens. However, 50 years of research indicates that this state of dependency is ecologically unsustainable. It is therefore critical that we better understand the growth dependency of our economies and welfare systems, and how to overcome it. In this paper we first offer a working definition of growth dependency, clarifying its core dimensions. Next, taking the UK's adult social care sector as a case study, we argue that growth dependencies emerge in the welfare state as a result of three distinct dynamics: 1) growth in manifest needs; 2) labour productivity growth; 3) the pursuit of economic rents. Lastly, we propose a novel, sector-led framework for identifying, analysing and transforming growth dependencies. We make the case that the growth dependency of the welfare state is not inevitable, but is instead the product of specific social, economic and structural factors that can be disrupted and transformed, if we can find the political will to do so. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reflect the trend of electricity consumption (EC) in China's Pearl River Delta (PRD) under a balanced environment and economy, this paper proposes an EC forecasting framework from the perspective of optimal economic growth. The historical GDP statistics of the PRD are calibrated with data from the new "NPP-VIIRS-like" nighttime light dataset from 2000 to 2020, and two simulation scenarios of optimal economic growth are constructed according to the carbon emission reduction rate. Finally, based on the electricity data from 2000 to 2017, an error correction model is constructed to predict and compare the trend of EC in the PRD under different carbon emission scenarios. The results demonstrate the following. (1) The economic growth path under low-carbon constraints is more closely aligned with the actual economic development of the PRD. (2) The electricity demand required to sustain optimal economic growth in the PRD under low-carbon constraints is projected to reach saturation around 2037, approximately a decade earlier than the scenario without carbon constraints. The results of the projections are expected to guide future work on power system planning and economic development assessment in the context of carbon reduction. • The balance between environmental resources and economic development is considered. • The optimal economic growth path under the low-carbon goal is measured. • Calibration of regional statistics with the nighttime light dataset "NPP-VIIRS-like". • The error correction model is built as a short-term regulation mechanism for power prediction. • Predicted electricity demand for optimal economic growth in the PRD under different scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the planet moves further into the human-induced Anthropocene there is an urgent need to reconsider the values, practices, and politics leading to widespread ecological degradation. The prioritisation of economic growth by the most dominant political institutions encourages limitless expansion while minimizing awareness of the ecological vulnerability of the planet. Commoning presents an alternative political structure based on transformative practices of collective care or caring with. In this paper, we investigate how communities in Skouries of Halkidiki, Greece, are responding to the imposition of large-scale mining through three different commons initiatives. The women's collective, the chamomile commons, and the ten-day festival. These commons provide insights into how instances of caring with performed by human and nonhuman others are the foundations of local place-based politics. We argue that already existing examples of commoning and caring with can make visible a more fitting politics for the Anthropocene that can benefit decision-making at national and international levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has become a global agenda for the transition toward sustainable energy systems; the Mercosur region faces unique opportunities and challenges in harnessing the potential of renewable resources. Against this backdrop, this study thoroughly investigates the determinants of renewable energy consumption (REC) for Mercosur nations. The research examined the influence of economic expansion, green finance, technological innovation, human capital, government effectiveness, and urbanization on the integration and transition of REC. Incorporating a comprehensive approach, the study integrated the CS-ARDL econometric model and panel data for over three decades (1990–2021). The analysis revealed that economic expansion, green finance, technological innovation, human capital and government effectiveness are advantageous and essential for advancing REC deployment in the Mercosur nations. In addition, the outcome espoused that urbanization is detrimental to the progress of REC. Moreover, there is a one-way causality between economic expansion, green finance, technological innovation and green finance to REC. Still, there is a bi-directional link between human capital, urbanization, and renewable energy consumption. The outcome of this paper contributes to the ongoing discussion on sustainable development, providing essential insight for stakeholders, policy-makers and researchers seeking to investigate the complexities of transitioning towards a more resilient and greener energy landscape. • The analysis revealed that EXP, HUC, TNI, GFN, and GEF are advantageous for the advancement of REC. • The empirical outcome espoused that URB is detrimental to the progress of REC. • There is one-way causality between EXP, GFN, TNI, and GEF to REC. • There exists a two-way causality between HUC, URB, and REC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationship between government environmental governance (GEG) and regional green development. The findings suggest that GEG boosts green innovation by promoting the "innovation compensation effect" while inhibiting regional green development due to increased environmental costs, supported by the "compliance cost effect". The relationship between GEG and regional green development is moderated by economic development and environmental pollution in an inverted U-shaped pattern. When economic development and environmental pollution are at lesser levels, the positive effect of GEG amplifies as economic growth and environmental pollution ascend. However, if economic growth and environmental pollution continue to escalate, the positive impact of GEG will lose its strength. In low-carbon pilot cities, GEG negatively affects regional green development, whereas the opposite effect is seen in non-pilot cities. Regardless, there is an inverted U-shaped moderating impact of economic development or environmental pollution in both low-carbon pilot and non-pilot cities, yet the inflection point varies across regions. This paper offers an original perspective by creating a theoretical link between green development and environmental governance and emphasizes the significance of a nonlinear viewpoint when examining the relationship between variables in the regional green development process, thereby expanding our understanding of green development phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the immense pressure of environmental pollution, economic growth and energy usage, green growth is recognized as the fundamental development strategy in Europe. This paper assesses environmental efficiency (ENE) of 54 industries from 28 European countries across the three sectors of an economy over the 2000–2014 period using a non-radial directional distance function (DDF). The aim of this study is to shed light and provide a deeper understanding of the different levels of technological heterogeneity that exist among industries by incorporating the metafrontier approach under distinct sector and country-specific production frontiers. The results reveal that industries present higher levels of environmental efficiency within their sectors while manufacturing industries achieve the lowest progress in environmental efficiency. Thus, it is critical to introduce and implement sector-oriented policies rather than common guidelines for all European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sustainable economy through the rational spatial expansion of coastal areas is an increasingly essential global topic. This paper aims to explore the mechanism by which supporting cities influence the spatial expansion of economic development zones (EDZs) in 264 coastal EDZs of China during 1995–2020. Meanwhile, the effects of variations in the distance between supporting cities and coastal EDZs and different city scales are considered. The results provide new explanations for realizing the sustainable development of the coastal economy by planning EDZs at a suitable location from the supporting city. The supporting cities' economic strength can significantly contribute to the spatial expansion of coastal EDZs. The influence shows a distance decay law when the distance is less than 47.692 km, between 47.692 and 58.039 km, and greater than 58.039 km, with impact coefficients of 0.479, 0.393, and 0.212, respectively. The average spatial scale of coastal EDZs varies in an "inverted U–shape" with increasing distance. The average spatial scale of the urban general radiation type (47.692 km ≤ distance <58.039 km) is the largest. Supporting cities' scale affects the economic radiation range of supporting cities. The results suggest three implications for the future development of coastal EDZs. 1) Building the EDZ while incorporating practical development needs; 2) Scientifically planning the spatial layout of EDZs; 3) The synergistic development of supporting cities, transportation hubs, and EDZs. [Display omitted] • Supporting cities can promote coastal economic development zones' expansion. • The contribution of supporting cities to zone expansion shows a distance decay law. • The average spatial scale of coastal zones shows an "inverted U-shaped" change. • Supporting cities scale affects the economic radiation range by supporting cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior studies have largely debated and demonstrated the positive effect of economic liberalization on economic growth, but they have not clarified how and to which extent economic liberalization affects corporate investment, the main driver of a country's economic growth. This paper investigates the relationship between economic liberalization and corporate investment by modelling the microeconomic channels through which economic liberalization affects corporate investment. Our theoretical framework extends the standard neoclassical model of firm value maximization to incorporate the effect of economic liberalization on corporate investment via several microeconomic channels. We test the theoretical predictions of our model by using a large and heterogeneous sample of non-financial US firms for the period 2000–2019. The empirical results support our hypotheses that economic liberalization positively affects corporate investment both directly and indirectly through different channels. These effects hold, although with different intensity, for all dimensions of economic liberalization. • We investigate the relationship between economic liberalization and economic growth by modelling the microeconomics channels through which economic liberalization affects corporate investment and hence economic growth. • The theoretical predictions of the model are tested on a large and heterogeneous sample of non-financial U.S and Canadian firms over the period 2000–2019. • Empirical results suggest that economic liberalization positively affects economic growth by enhancing corporate investment via different channels or effects. • These different effects hold, although with different intensity, for many constituent components of economic liberalization/freedom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper builds on the empirical literature that analyses the relationship between government efficiency and economic growth by investigating the link on a sample of about 3800 Italian municipalities. While the correlation has been explored at country or regional level, empirical studies at municipal or city level are virtually absent. This is a severe limitation given the numerous fiscal decentralization reforms that took place in many European countries over the last few decades aimed at increasing the autonomy and responsibilities of sub-national government. Estimation results show that government efficiency, when instrumented, is conducive for economic growth. The effect is larger for low populated municipalities, for those located in the South of Italy, and in more peripheral areas. Results are robust to alternative measures of efficiency and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degrowth and post-growth economics has emerged as a particularly fruitful approach in the debates about the reorientation of economies in the Global North towards environmental sustainability, equality, need satisfaction and democracy. This perspective promotes a planned reduction of energy and resource use in the Global North to limit environmental pressures and global inequalities and improving well-being. Yet, the specifics of this "design" are not precisely delineated. On the one hand, there is a wide acceptance, at the abstract, most general, even definitional level, that degrowth involves planning or amounts to a planned transition. On the other hand, there is strikingly little explicit engagement with, debate on, and research into what exactly "planning beyond growth" could look like. This gap urgently needs to be addressed. By exploring the degrowth-planning nexus, this paper seeks to lay a foundation for this effort. First, it identifies in the degrowth/postgrowth literature the obstacles and the opportunities for further engagement with planning. Second, it advances an agenda-setting framework, delineating problems relative to democratic ecological planning beyond growth along three axis: elaboration, implementation and multilevel dynamics. • Laying the ground for an engagement between research on democratic planning and degrowth/postgrowth. • Identifying the obstacles to a more substantial engagement with debates on planning in the degrowth/postgrowth literature. • Delineating the key requirements and challenges for democratic planning beyond growth. • Advancing a bridging framework from the current economic institutional setting towards planning beyond growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of environmental quality for the movement of human capital and economic development is growing. This study utilizes the difference-in-difference (DID) approach to analyze the effects of the implementation of new ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) on economic development and investigate its underlying mechanism. The research indicates that the NAAQS promotes urban economic growth, and this impact tends to progressively intensify over time. According to the analysis of the mechanism, the NAAQS had a significant impact on the city's human capital, which in turn contributed to economic growth. The analysis of heterogeneity indicates that the NAAQS promotes economic growth primarily in the eastern region, in large and medium-sized cities, and in cities where the government pays more attention to environmental protection. This study offers a new explanation for how environmental information disclosure (EID) promotes economic growth and provides policy enlightenment for local governments on how to increase talent inflow. [Display omitted] • New ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) are taken as a quasi-natural experiment. • The generalized multiperiod DID method is used in this paper. • NAAQS can promote economic growth. • Human capital structure plays an intermediary role between NAAQS and economic growth. • The policy effects are affected by the heterogeneity across cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution is an essential constraint to the sustainable growth of regional economy. This paper uses the super efficiency slacks-based measure data envelopment analysis (SBM-DEA) model to measure the efficiency of sustainable economic growth (ESEG) in the European Union (EU) and applies the spatial econometric model to explore the impact of environmental regulation intensity (ERI) on ESEG in the EU. The results show that the ESEG in the EU shows an N-shaped growth trend and the spatial pattern of "Western Europe > Eastern Europe > Central Europe > Northern Europe > Southern Europe" from 2001 to 2019. The impact of ERI on the ESEG in the EU presents a "U" shape, indicating that increasing ERI first reduces ESGE, and after reaching the turning point of ESGE, continuing to increase ERI will promote ESGE. Further analysis shows the ERI have spatial spillover effect on the ESEG, while the spatial spillover effect in the eastern and western regions of the EU is different. Improving the ERI in the western region is not only conducive to the ESEG of the country but also has a positive spillover effect on neighboring countries. However, the spatial agglomeration effect in the eastern region is not significant. In addition to environmental regulation, labor & capital structure, research and development (R&D) expenditure, GDP per capita and trade value have a significant impact on the ESGE of a country and neighboring countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses how and in what way different regional industrial development paths emerge through narratives about a natural resource-based industry in a peripheral region. The way in which industries are portrayed can shape how individuals or groups interpret the role of the industry, and thereby foster positive or negative attitudes towards it. We explore the dynamics in the traditional and slow-innovative lumber industry in Norway where digitalisation has recently 'turned the table' and contributed to upscaling and renewal of the production process. We identify heterogenic narratives among policy makers and within the industry itself. The pro-innovative narrative articulates a viable source of economic growth in the region and the industry as a key player in the bioeconomy, contrasted with a traditionalist view of the industry as containing low-skilled workers, low innovation performance and strong vulnerability towards extra-regional market changes. We argue that there are important reasons to concentrate on the role of narratives and discursive practices in regional development. • The regional industry path development literature has shown limited interest in the lumber industry, and has almost totally overlooked the industry from a narrative approach in connection to the periphery. • The way in which industries are portrayed can shape how individuals or groups interpret the role of the industry, and foster positive or negative attitudes towards it. • The pro-innovative narrative articulates a viable source of economic growth in the region and the industry as a key player in the bioeconomy, contrasted with a traditionalist view of the industry as containing low-skilled workers, low innovation performance and strong vulnerability towards extra-regional market changes. • The traditional con-narrative raises the threshold (or hinders it) for innovation capability in the region by highlighting problematic issues for the lumber industry through its reputation. The con-narrative highlights important barriers for renewal, and the role of institutional lock-ins is essential to understand this in greater depth. However, the analysis demonstrates that the progressive approach and innovation narrative lower the threshold and facilitate innovative capability in rural regions by highlighting enabling factors upon which regional business sectors rely. • Possible new development paths are disputed even among the firms belonging to the same sector and operating in the same geographical area. Hence, tackling the topic of narratives and power relations when studying regional development dynamics is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]