Information and regulation for technology adoption: Policy lessons from Uganda

Information and regulation for technology adoption: Policy lessons from Uganda PDF Author: Gilligan, Daniel O.
Publisher: Intl Food Policy Res Inst
ISBN:
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 6

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Book Description
Key Messages - Adoption of productivity-enhancing agricultural technology is low, partly because many of these products are of low-quality and because farmers cannot distinguish between high- and low-quality products. Consequently, farmers do not purchase the products and high-quality producers exit markets. - Governments and/or private regulators can create opportunities for farmers to learn about product quality and increase adoption. One option is a product assurance scheme that provides information to farmers about the quality of the product they purchase. - An example comes from the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, which created a product assurance scheme called Kakasa. The scheme led to large increases in the adoption of both glyphosate herbicide and hybrid maize seed, which both participated in the scheme. - Policymakers should consider providing information to farmers about the quality of agricultural inputs. This can be done without a complicated system of testing, and product assurance can generate sustained increases in adoption and become selfsustaining over time when companies contribute to the scheme.

Information and regulation for technology adoption: Policy lessons from Uganda

Information and regulation for technology adoption: Policy lessons from Uganda PDF Author: Gilligan, Daniel O.
Publisher: Intl Food Policy Res Inst
ISBN:
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 6

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Book Description
Key Messages - Adoption of productivity-enhancing agricultural technology is low, partly because many of these products are of low-quality and because farmers cannot distinguish between high- and low-quality products. Consequently, farmers do not purchase the products and high-quality producers exit markets. - Governments and/or private regulators can create opportunities for farmers to learn about product quality and increase adoption. One option is a product assurance scheme that provides information to farmers about the quality of the product they purchase. - An example comes from the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, which created a product assurance scheme called Kakasa. The scheme led to large increases in the adoption of both glyphosate herbicide and hybrid maize seed, which both participated in the scheme. - Policymakers should consider providing information to farmers about the quality of agricultural inputs. This can be done without a complicated system of testing, and product assurance can generate sustained increases in adoption and become selfsustaining over time when companies contribute to the scheme.

E-Parliament and ICT-Based Legislation: Concept, Experiences and Lessons

E-Parliament and ICT-Based Legislation: Concept, Experiences and Lessons PDF Author: Sobaci, Mehmet Zahid
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 161350330X
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 371

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Book Description
Concepts such as e-voting, e-democracy, e-participation, online campaigning, and e-parliament are the most powerful proof of the use of ICTs in political activities, processes, and institutions. E-Parliament and ICT-Based Legislation: Concept, Experiences and Lessons presents a conceptual framework regarding e-parliament and analyzes the impacts of ICTs on the structure of parliament, its functions, relations with other actors, and the legislative process. As a result of the means and opportunities created by ICTs, parliaments have had a chance to simplify and integrate their administrative processes and involve citizens in legislative processes. This book reflects on new understandings, developments, and practices in parliaments within the framework of ICT usage.

Encyclopedia of Developing Regional Communities with Information and Communication Technology

Encyclopedia of Developing Regional Communities with Information and Communication Technology PDF Author: Marshall, Stewart
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 1591407915
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 804

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Book Description
"This encyclopedia provides a thorough examination of concepts, technologies, policies, training, and applications of ICT in support of economic and regional developments around the globe"--Provided by publisher.

Financial Inclusion Regulatory Practices in SADC

Financial Inclusion Regulatory Practices in SADC PDF Author: Howard Chitimira
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1000875466
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 237

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Book Description
Against a background of calls to prioritise the improvement of financial inclusion in Africa, this book provides an analysis of current financial inclusion measures in Southern Africa. Evaluating the existing strengths and weaknesses of financial inclusion in Africa, it identifies opportunities to improve inclusive financial services and aid poverty reduction in the region. With a focus on South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe as case studies for assessing current financial inclusion in the context of particular challenges faced by unbanked and underbanked customers, who are easy targets for cybercriminals due to low levels of digital literacy, it looks into the regulation and promotion of financial inclusion in Southern Africa. The book explores financial inclusion in the context of digital transformation in the 21st century, examining the regulation and promotion of financial inclusion in the context of digital transformation, as well as the challenges related to financial inclusion. Suggesting improvements to aspects of company law, securities and financial markets in the Southern African Development Community region, the book offers a comprehensive study on the regulation and promotion of financial inclusion in the Southern African Development Community region. It will be essential reading for students and academics researching financial inclusion, international economic law and development.

Exploring Entrepreneurial Intentions, Innovation, and Performance in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Exploring Entrepreneurial Intentions, Innovation, and Performance in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises PDF Author: Anna Ujwary-Gil
Publisher: Cognitione Foundation for the Dissemination of Knowledge and Science
ISBN: 8396659168
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 125

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Book Description
Entrepreneurial experience and venture success: A comprehensive meta-analysis of performance determinants Abstract PURPOSE: In both theory and practice, the entrepreneur’s prior experience is considered to be one of the most important human capital factors affecting venture performance. Nonetheless, the research on the effect of experience on venture performance has produced inconclusive findings. The literature explaining this inconclusiveness is sparse, but several determinants have been identified, such as the variability in the conceptualization and measurement of experience and performance, age of the investigated ventures, types of industry, or size and composition of venture management. The inconsistency of these features across primary studies makes it difficult to compare the results and to integrate findings. METHODOLOGY: This meta-analysis reviews and summarizes 80 primary studies in order to investigate the relationship between entrepreneur’s experience and venture performance. We investigated the effect of five determinants of this relationship, namely the type of experience, type of performance, venture age, size of managerial team, and composition of managerial team. A random effect model was applied and the correlation coefficient was used as an indicator of effect size. FINDINGS: The study found that experience positively affected venture performance, although the magnitude of the effect was rather small. Venture performance showed to have the strongest significant relationship with start-up experience, followed by industrial, working, and managerial experience. International, functional, and entrepreneurial experience had a non-significant effect on venture performance. Moreover, the effect of experience on venture performance was not significant for older ventures. Experience significantly affected two types of venture performance, namely the size of venture and profitability, while the effect on growth was non-significant. Finally, of all the types of venture management, the experience of owner-inclusive entrepreneurial teams had the greatest effect on venture performance. IMPLICATIONS: Investor practitioners may find it helpful to assess entrepreneurs’ experience within a broader context, taking account of the types of experience the entrepreneur possesses. Entrepreneurs’ international, functional, and entrepreneurial experience should be considered very carefully, as they had a non-significant effect on venture performance. In contrast, having experience of founding a venture or of a particular industry seems to provide more value than experience of doing business internationally, or being in business for many years. Another important aspect that investors and venture capitalists should take into account is the size and composition of the entrepreneurial team and the extent to which the venture proposal reflects the different types of experience the team members possess. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: The study contributes to the human capital literature by firstly attempting to examine systematically the overall magnitude of the relationship between entrepreneur’s experience and venture performance. It also contributes by investigating the determinants of the relationship between experience and venture performance. It summarizes and combines previous inconclusive findings about the impact of different types of experience on different venture performance outcomes. Keywords: entrepreneurial experience, venture performance, entrepreneurship, human capital, learning by doing, meta-analysis, start-up, investor decision-making, performance, knowledge generation Entrepreneurial orientation and SME export performance: Unveiling the mediating roles of innovation capability and international networking accessibility in the brass industry Abstract PURPOSE: This paper answered the research gap on entrepreneurial orientation with a sample of small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) export performance and the mediating role of innovation capability and international networking accessibility that has not been tested in previous research. This study also tested the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on SMEs’ export performance in the global market. The mediating role of international networking accessibility and innovation capability on SMEs’ export performance also became another focus of this study. METHODOLOGY: This paper implemented a quantitative approach with 282 owners or managers of the SMEs brass industry cluster in Boyolali, Indonesia, who were examined using purposive sampling. FINDINGS: The findings of this study revealed that entrepreneurial orientation did not significantly affect SMEs’ export performance but did significantly affect innovation capability and international networking accessibility. Another empirical test found that innovation capability had significantly affected SMEs’ export performance and the international networking accessibility. International networking accessibility also significantly affected the performance of export SMEs. This study also found an important mediating role of international network accessibility and innovation capability in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and SMEs’ export performance. IMPLICATIONS: This study contributes to research investigating the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on performance by conducting in-depth studies on innovation capabilities and international networking accessibility. Many studies have tested the mediating role of innovation capability and international networking accessibility. The practical implication of this study is that it can help managers or owners of SMEs better understand and find optimal solutions through enhancing innovation capability and international networking accessibility, which can be instilled in the characteristics of SME owners or managers to improve performance. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: The results of this study indicate the mediating role of innovation capability and accessibility of international networking on SMEs’ export performance. Therefore, the main contribution of the study is to determine the mediating role of innovation capability and international network accessibility in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and performance by integrating the theoretical perspective of the resource-based view (RBV). Keywords: entrepreneurial orientation, SME export performance, innovation capability, international networking accessibility, brass industry, Indonesia, resource-based view, RBV Relationship between knowledge transfer and sustainable innovation in interorganizational environments of small and medium-sized enterprises Abstract PURPOSE: The trends promoted for the strengthening of capacities that allow the interaction and valuation of knowledge as an intangible asset, deserve a management based on its transfer as a basis that drives innovation. Based on this, the purpose of the study is to examine the relationships between knowledge transfer (KT) and sustainable innovation (SI) in interorganizational contexts of small and medium-sized companies. METHODOLOGY: A process was carried out through the application of a questionnaire addressed to managers and owners of 109 small and medium-sized companies of activity in management and the development of information and communication technologies in two regions of Colombia. To show the significant differences between the two selected populations, a non-parametric Mann-Whitney test for independent samples was applied. Likewise, an application of the K-means algorithm was used to group the variables into subsets. The study of the data was complemented with the multivariate technique and the principal components analysis (PCA) to validate the contrasting of the declared hypotheses. FINDINGS: The results determine that by means of the Mann-Whitney non-parametric test for independent samples there are significant differences between the two selected populations. Likewise, the positive correlation between the variables of knowledge transfer and innovation is confirmed, as well as designing the interactions and the flow of processes between the components that support the aforementioned variables from the theoretical and empirical approach, whose interaction capacity between them has to promote the innovative potential under sustainability principles in small and medium-sized enterprises. IMPLICATIONS: Based on the results of the research carried out, scenarios are promoted through which it is sought to strengthen the interorganizational management of small and medium-sized enterprises, minimizing the barriers that weaken their stability. As well as promoting new ways of valuing knowledge as an intangible asset that, when transferred, generates effects in innovation management as part of the strengthening and interorganizational sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: It is based on the generation of value through the proposal of a design of a system of relations between the components that promote the transfer of knowledge and sustainable innovation. Its structure is based on empirical results that allowed defining five strategic stages that show the relationships between the components that promote interorganizational and competitive management of tangible and intangible assets available in small and medium-sized enterprises. Keywords: knowledge transfer, sustainable innovation, interorganizational environments, knowledge management, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, SMEs, intangible assets, Colombia Comparative analysis of national innovation systems: Implications for SMEs' adoption of fourth industrial revolution technologies in developing and developed countries Abstract PURPOSE: This study aims to identify the differences and similarities in the innovation systems of developing vs. developed countries that influence SMEs’ adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies. There is a notable absence of comparative research between National Innovation Systems (NIS) of developing and developed countries. Additionally, the current scholarly conversation lacks a holistic view of NIS. Our study aims to fill these gaps by employing Lundvall’s framework to explore both developed and developing countries’ systems comprehensively. METHODOLOGY: The data was collected through a Systematic Literature Review, identifying a total of 695 publications from SCOPUS, Web of Science (WoS), and ProQuest. The PRISMA process was adhered to, resulting in 32 papers undergoing quality evaluation using Gough’s ‘weight of evidence’ guidelines. Twenty-nine primary papers were selected, comprising twelve from developed countries, another twelve from developing countries, and the remainder from both categories. Using Qualitative Meta-synthesis (QMS) with ATLAS.ti, a systematic alignment of codes with research inquiries pertaining to NIS ensued, revealing a multifaceted spectrum of findings across these scholarly investigations. FINDINGS: We found that there are similarities and differences between the innovation systems of developed and developing nations. The similarities include the intra-firm interactions taking place between managers and workers, inter-firm relations between the SMEs and Academia and other SMEs, as well as the role of the government in providing funding and regulation (albeit at significantly varying degrees). The most significant differences observed were in the funding mechanisms, the role of the government, and the R&D systems. It was found that governments in developed countries provided SMEs with substantial incentives, tax credits, and subsidies to adopt 4IR technologies, which appears to positively impact the adoption rate. We conclude by developing a conceptual framework for the NIS necessary for the adoption of SMEs’ 4IR technologies in developing countries. IMPLICATIONS: This study contributes to the literature on innovation systems by examining the NIS of both developed and developing countries. This analysis allows us to gain deeper insights into how specific aspects of each country (developed or developing) affect (positively or negatively) SMEs’ adoption of 4IR technologies. Practically, it informs governments in developing countries on which aspects to focus on in their NIS to increase the rate of the adoption of 4IR technologies by SMEs. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: A distinctive aspect of this study lies in the creation of a comprehensive conceptual model delineating the essential components of the innovation system pivotal for the successful integration of 4IR technologies within SMEs. This model is designed to serve as a practical tool for governments in developing countries, providing a structured framework to facilitate and enhance the strategic development of their innovation landscapes. Keywords: national innovation systems, fourth industrial revolution technologies, SME, adoption, developed countries, developing countries, comparative analysis, government policies, Lundvall’s framework, qualitative meta-synthesis Social cognitive career theory and higher education students’ entrepreneurial intention: The role of perceived educational support and perceived entrepreneurial opportunity Abstract PURPOSE: This study aims to integrate insights from the Socio-Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) and entrepreneurship literature to develop a research framework of how perceived entrepreneurial opportunities (PEO) and perceived educational support (PES) shape the progression of entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and entrepreneurial career interests (ECI). Additionally, this study investigates whether ECI mediates the effects of PEO and PES on entrepreneurial intention (EI) and how PEO and PES moderate the effects of ESE and ECI on EI. METHODOLOGY: A sample of 888 university students was recruited from Vietnam. Cronbach’s alpha and confirmatory factor analyses were adopted to test the reliability and validity of the scales. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is then used to test formulated hypotheses. FINDINGS: The current study demonstrates that ESE and ECI directly trigger EI. Although PES and PEO did not directly impact EI, their influence on EI was mediated through ESE and ECI. In addition, PEO was found to act as a positive catalyst for the transformation of ESE and ECI into EI. The greater the entrepreneurial opportunities students perceive, the more likely they are to convert ESE and ECI into intentions to become entrepreneurs. IMPLICATIONS: This study makes a significant contribution by emphasizing the relevance of the SCCT framework in understanding entrepreneurship and brings to the forefront the role of PES and PEO in shaping the progression of ESE, ECI and, ultimately, EI. In addition, the findings of this study provide practical implications for nascent entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship educators, and policymakers. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: This study is one of the first to investigate the role of PEO and PES in the development of Vietnamese students’ SES, ECI and, ultimately, their intention to engage in entrepreneurship. Keywords: entrepreneurial intention, social cognitive career theory, perceived educational support, perceived entrepreneurial opportunities, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, entrepreneurial career interests, structural equation modeling, SEM Entrepreneurial intentions of students from Latvia, Poland, and Ukraine: The role of perceived entrepreneurial education results Abstract Purpose: Our main aim is to establish which factors influence entrepreneurial intentions, with a particular focus on the role of entrepreneurial education and university support in Central and Eastern European countries (CEE). An additional aim is to determine the differences in these perceptions between students from seemingly similar but rather different CEE countries. Methodology: We based our study mainly on two theory constructs, namely the entrepreneurial support model (ESM) and entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE). Both concepts often appear in research on entrepreneurial intentions, but they are not used together. Moreover, we proposed a new education-related factor – perceived entrepreneurial education results (PEER). To verify hypotheses quantitative research was conducted using surveys among 2,085 first-year undergraduate students from three technical universities in three countries: Latvia, Poland and Ukraine. Findings: The results of the study indicate that entrepreneurial self-efficacy, perceived entrepreneurial education results, and perceived educational and relational support all influence the intention of students to launch a venture. The research did not provide support for the hypothesis of an impact of perceived structural support (PSS) on intentions. The impact of perceived educational and relational support appeared to be less important than the impact of ESE and PEER on intentions. Additionally, we identified that there are significant differences between students from the analysed countries. Implications for theory and practice: Our research has identified a new factor, not previously used in studies of entrepreneurial intentions, that is, perceived entrepreneurial education results. This new factor can be used in research as a complement to self-efficacy and it refers to hard skills related, in this particular case, to entrepreneurship. The results show the importance of the national context, implying the need to take this into account when modelling support policies at a national level. The findings can be used to remodel how this knowledge is delivered to young people. Originality and value: Firstly, we proposed the inclusion of a new education-related component called perceived entrepreneurial education results, which can examine the perceived results of education at any level, in our case, at the secondary school level. Secondly, we showed the stronger influence of factors related to perceptions of one's own skills than perceptions of support from the environment. In addition, we demonstrated that making judgements or recommendations about entrepreneurial support, for rather similar countries, should be considered separately. Furthermore, we conceptualised the three aspects ESE, PEER and ESM in a new way. Finally, we also proved that the role of individual factors varies from country to country, even if the countries belong to the same cultural background and share a similar past experience. Keywords: entrepreneurial intentions, entrepreneurial education, perceived entrepreneurial support model, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, perceived entrepreneurial educational results, Central and Eastern European Countries, CEE countries, comparative analysis

Powering the Digital Economy: Opportunities and Risks of Artificial Intelligence in Finance

Powering the Digital Economy: Opportunities and Risks of Artificial Intelligence in Finance PDF Author: El Bachir Boukherouaa
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
ISBN: 1589063953
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 35

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Book Description
This paper discusses the impact of the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in the financial sector. It highlights the benefits these technologies bring in terms of financial deepening and efficiency, while raising concerns about its potential in widening the digital divide between advanced and developing economies. The paper advances the discussion on the impact of this technology by distilling and categorizing the unique risks that it could pose to the integrity and stability of the financial system, policy challenges, and potential regulatory approaches. The evolving nature of this technology and its application in finance means that the full extent of its strengths and weaknesses is yet to be fully understood. Given the risk of unexpected pitfalls, countries will need to strengthen prudential oversight.

The Routledge Handbook of African Law

The Routledge Handbook of African Law PDF Author: Muna Ndulo
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351142348
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 673

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Book Description
The Routledge Handbook of African Law provides a comprehensive, critical overview of the contemporary legal terrain in Africa. The international team of expert contributors adopt an analytical and comparative approach so that readers can see the nexus between different jurisdictions and different legal traditions across the continent. The volume is divided into five parts covering: Legal Pluralism and African Legal Systems The State, Institutions, Constitutionalism, and Democratic Governance Economic Development, Technology, Trade, and Investment Human Rights, Gender-Based Violence, and Access to Justice International Law, Institutions, and International Criminal Law Providing important insights into both the specific contexts of African legal systems and the ways in which these legal traditions intersect with the wider world, this handbook will be an essential resource for academics, researchers, lawyers, and graduate and undergraduate students studying this ever-evolving field.

Energy Regulation in Africa

Energy Regulation in Africa PDF Author: Ishmael Ackah
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3031526775
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 631

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Book Description


Genetically modified crops in Africa

Genetically modified crops in Africa PDF Author: Falck-Zepeda, José Benjamin
Publisher: Intl Food Policy Res Inst
ISBN: 0896297950
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 266

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Book Description
A variable climate, political instability, and other constraints have limited agricultural development in African countries south of the Sahara. Genetically modified (GM) crops are one tool for enhancing agricultural productivity and food security despite such constraints. Genetically Modified Crops in Africa: Economic and Policy Lessons from Countries South of the Sahara investigates how this tool might be effectively used by evaluating the benefits, costs, and risks for African countries of adopting GM crops. The authors gather together studies on GM crops’ economic effects and impact on trade, how consumers view such crops, and other issues. They find that GM crops have had, on average, a positive economic effect in the nations where they were used and identify future steps for enhancing GM crop adoption’s positive effects. Promising policy initiatives include making biosafety regulations that do not make GM crop development prohibitively expensive, fostering intraregional trade in GM crops, and providing more and better information about GM crops to consumers who might currently be skeptical of them. These and other findings in Genetically Modified Crops in Africa indicate ways biotechnology can contribute to economic development in Africa south of the Sahara.

e-Infrastructure and e-Services for Developing Countries

e-Infrastructure and e-Services for Developing Countries PDF Author: Amos Nungu
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 331916886X
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 304

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Book Description
This book constitutes the thoroughly refereed proceedings of the 6th International Conference on e-Infrastructure and e-Services for Developing Countries, AFRICOMM 2014, held in Kampala, Uganda, November 24-25, 2014. The 31 revised full papers were carefully selected from 57 submissions and cover topics such as communication infrastructure, health, IoT, cloud computing and TVWS, ICT4D applications, access to information, and ICT4D miscellaneous.