The trends of export activities development of small and medium enterprises: world experience and russian practice

The article analyzes the peculiarities of export activities of small and medium-sized businesses, shows the high involvement of companies belonging to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the high-tech sector. The contribution of SMEs to the creation of the value of a product/service through the introduction of innovations and their adaptation to different contexts by providing new or niche products that meet the diverse needs of customers is noted. Based on the analysis of the world practice of export activities of SMEs, the author concludes that SMEs can contribute to economic diversification and economic sustainability. This is especially true for resource-rich countries that are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in raw material prices. The emphasis is placed on the analysis of the export activity of Russian SMEs, an insignificant share of SMEs in the total volume of exports in comparison with other countries is highlighted. It is concluded that Russian small and medium-sized businesses are in the process of formation, which makes them vulnerable to the influence of both external and internal threats. It is shown what impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on SMEs. It was emphasized that the main problems for such companies were non-fulfillment of contractual obligations and a sharp decline in demand.

The Impact of Government Spending on Economic Diversification for the Period (2004-2019) and its Reflection on the Path of Rehabilitation of the Iraqi Economy

The research aims to measure and analyze the relationship between government spending and economic diversification in Iraq for the period (2004-2019), using the ARDL model. The research concluded that there is a long-term positive equilibrium relationship between investment spending and economic diversification in Iraq. When investment spending increases by (1%), this will lead to an increase in economic diversification by (0.23%), assuming that operating spending is stable, and the opposite happens in the case of decline. In addition to the existence of a long-term inverse equilibrium relationship between operating spending and economic diversification in Iraq, as an increase in operating spending by (1%) will lead to a decrease in economic diversification by (0.73%), assuming the stability of investment spending, and the opposite will happen in the event of decline.

Strategizing Human Development for a Country in Transition from a Resource-Based to a Knowledge-Based Economy

Human development plays a profound role in achieving sustainable development, by utilizing the power of well-educated blue- and white-collar laborers, academics, politicians, and people from every layer of society and the economy. However, there is no single path for human development. Planning, designing, and implementing policies for human development require country-specific approaches, based on unique characteristics such as historical development trajectories, future goals, the commitment of leadership, culture, geography, and climate, to name a few. Such strategies become even further challenging for countries that aim to achieve radical transformations from resource-based to innovation-driven and knowledge-based economies, to achieve sustainable development. In this study, a conceptual model for a holistic human development strategy in line with sustainable economic development was first designed by employing design and systems thinking approaches. Second, under the guidance of this conceptual model, an integrated policy framework for Qatar is proposed to propel the quality and quantity of human capital to achieve economic diversification and, thus, sustainable development. Third, semi-structured interviews with experts and decision-makers in relevant fields were conducted to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed policy framework. As a proof-of-concept, the interview results validated—but were not limited to—the following outcomes. First, the proposed conceptual model has considerable potential to deliver robust, feasible, and effective policies from the initiation to the implementation of strategy development. Second, selectively recruiting highly skilled expatriate professionals under progressive residency policies provides incentives for them to become long-term residents. This would attract global human capital to complement the aim of economic diversification, a sustainable economy, and human development goals. Third, carefully designed university-industry-government partnerships and technical training programs will enable the development of appropriate innovation, professional, and business skills in the local population and facilitate economic diversification goals. Finally, empowering female entrepreneurs and investors will increase women’s empowerment while accelerating economic diversification—and, thus, sustainable development.

ESPACIOS NATURALES PROTEGIDOS, RETO DEMOGRÁFICO Y TURISMO.EL EJEMPLO DE LA RESERVA DE LA BIOSFERA Y PARQUE NACIONAL DE MONFRAGÜE (EXTREMADURA, ESPAÑA)

Los espacios naturales protegidos son uno de los recursos más demandados desde el punto de vista turístico. Esta investigación analiza las relaciones causa-efecto que ha tenido la declaración de Monfragüe como Reserva de la Biosfera y Parque Nacional en el comportamiento demográfico, económico y turístico del territorio que comprende. Desde una metodología cualitativa, apoyado en el análisis de fuentes estadísticas, se concluye que las expectativas depositadas en el turismo no han conseguido frenar la despoblación ni potenciar la diversificación económica. Protected natural areas are one of the most demanded resources from the tourist point of view. This research analyses the cause-effect relationships that the declaration of Monfragüe as a Biosphere Reserve and National Park has had on the demographic, economic and tourist behaviour of the territory it encompasses. From a qualitative methodology, supported by the analysis of statistical sources, it is concluded that the expectations placed in tourism have not managed to halt depopulation or promote economic diversification.

Bolivia’s ambitious development plans face challenges

Significance The strategy, which has attracted criticism from opponents as being overly statist, is based largely on the policy orientation adopted by the Morales administrations between 2006 and 2019. Broadly, it seeks to promote economic diversification and import substitution under the aegis of an interventionist state. Impacts Import substitution will face problems arising from the scale of contraband shipped through neighbouring countries. Most of Bolivia’s main exports are capital intensive, providing only limited employment spin-offs. Fiscal constraints and lower reserves may limit the resources available for public investment.

Comparing Cars With Apples? Identifying the Appropriate Benchmark Countries for Relative Ecological Pollution Rankings and International Learning

One of the most difficult tasks that economies face is how to generate economic growth without causing environmental damage. Research in economic complexity has provided new methods to reveal structural constraints and opportunities for green economic diversification and sophistication, as well as the effects of economic complexity on environmental pollution indicators. However, no research so far has compared the ecological efficiency of countries with similar productive structures and levels of economic complexity, and used this information to identify the best learning partners. This matters, because there are substantial differences in the environmental damage caused by the same product in different countries, and green diversification needs to be complemented by substantial efficiency improvements of existing products. In this article, we use data on 774 different types of exports, CO2 emissions, and the ecological footprint of 99 countries to create first a relative ecological pollution ranking (REPR). Then, we use methods from network science to reveal a benchmark network of the best learning partners based on country pairs with a large extent of export similarity, yet significant differences in pollution values. This is important because it helps to reveal adequate benchmark countries for efficiency improvements and sustainable production, considering that countries may specialize in substantially different types of economic activities. Finally, the article i) illustrates large efficiency improvements within current global output levels, ii) helps to identify countries that can best learn from each other, and iii) improves the information base in international negotiations for the sake of a cleaner global production system.