Journal Description
Economies
Economies
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on development economics and macroeconomics, published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), EconLit, EconBiz, RePEc, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Economics) / CiteScore - Q1 (Economics, Econometrics and Finance (miscellaneous))
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 21.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 5.7 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
2.1 (2023);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.2 (2023)
Latest Articles
Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure in Sub Saharan Africa: The Role of Government and External Health Expenditures
Economies 2025, 13(5), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13050119 - 24 Apr 2025
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the impact of government and external health spending on OOPHE across 30 SSA countries from 1995 to 2021. Using advanced econometric techniques, including the cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed Lags (CS-ARDL) model and the dynamic common correlated effects (DCCE)
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This study aims to analyze the impact of government and external health spending on OOPHE across 30 SSA countries from 1995 to 2021. Using advanced econometric techniques, including the cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed Lags (CS-ARDL) model and the dynamic common correlated effects (DCCE) approach, the study examined both short-term and long-term effects. Findings reveal that in the long term, government health expenditure (GHE) has a more significant impact on reducing OOPHE compared to external health expenditure (EHE). However, in the short term, GHE initially increases OOPHE, while EHE directly reduces it. This suggests that increasing GHE is more effective for long-term progress towards SDG 3. In contrast, EHE can provide immediate relief in the short term. To achieve SDG 3, policymakers should focus on increasing GHE for sustained improvements while leveraging EHE to address short-term challenges. Combining both strategies can optimize progress toward ensuring universal health coverage and well-being for all.
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Open AccessArticle
Energy Efficiency, Consumption, and Economic Growth: A Causal Analysis in the South African Economy
by
Enock Gava, Molepa Seabela and Kanayo Ogujiuba
Economies 2025, 13(5), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13050118 - 23 Apr 2025
Abstract
Energy efficiency potentially reduces global carbon emissions, whereas the need of emerging countries to maintain economic growth and development entails a sharp increase in energy consumption. However, to meet this, current energy systems need to be transformed. Several studies find different conclusions on
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Energy efficiency potentially reduces global carbon emissions, whereas the need of emerging countries to maintain economic growth and development entails a sharp increase in energy consumption. However, to meet this, current energy systems need to be transformed. Several studies find different conclusions on the short-run and long-run relationship and the direction of causality, and none of the studies have considered energy efficiency in their model. This study investigates the direction of causality between energy efficiency, energy consumption, and economic growth in South Africa. To determine if a long-run relationship between the variables exists, the Johanson cointegration test is used, and the results indicate that there is a long-run relationship between economic growth, energy depletion, energy efficiency, non-renewable energy consumption, renewable energy consumption, and energy security, with trace statistics suggesting that the null hypothesis of no cointegration should be rejected at a 5% level of significance. The Toda and Yamamoto procedure of the Granger causality approach was then applied. This study finds a unidirectional causality between energy efficiency, non-renewable energy consumption, and economic growth and no causality between renewable energy consumption, energy depletion, energy security, and economic growth. The growth hypothesis is supported, while the neutrality hypothesis is only confirmed regarding renewable energy consumption and economic growth. The results further suggest that a unidirectional Granger causality exists between non-renewable consumption and energy efficiency, and economic growth in South Africa. In South Africa, energy efficiency is a significant tool to enhance sustainable growth and attain climate objectives. Also, energy efficiency helps to lower the costs of mitigating carbon emissions and further advance both social and economic development.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Consumption, Financial Development and Economic Growth)
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Open AccessArticle
Determinants of Value-Added Tax Revenue Transfers in Municipalities of Emerging Economies
by
Brahim Abidar, Slimane Ed-Dafali and Miloudi Kobiyh
Economies 2025, 13(5), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13050117 - 23 Apr 2025
Abstract
This paper aims to test the hypothesis of the existence of significant tax competition between communes, which mainly concerns the share of value-added tax (VAT) proceeds, by exploring the system for allocating intergovernmental transfers in Morocco and analyzing the determinants of VAT transfers
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This paper aims to test the hypothesis of the existence of significant tax competition between communes, which mainly concerns the share of value-added tax (VAT) proceeds, by exploring the system for allocating intergovernmental transfers in Morocco and analyzing the determinants of VAT transfers to local authorities. It contributes to fiscal federalism by assessing the design of the decentralized system and intergovernmental transfers. It aims to explore and understand the variables determining decentralization in Moroccan Municipalities over the period 2014–2018, based on institutional, budgetary, and political justifications, as well as their influence on local tax efficiency, highlighting the importance of intergovernmental transfers and their impacts on local government autonomy. We find that VAT revenue transfer antecedents include factors such as public expenditure, fiscal potential, tax effort, and political alignment. The results of this study can help better understand the relationship between VAT and economic variables and guide government tax policies in an emerging economy. This paper offers original perspectives on the importance of an informed vision for government decision-makers to develop effective tax policies considering stringent local budget constraints, the need for VAT revenue autonomy across levels of government, and the need for meeting the redistributive goals of the current VAT system.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Growth, Corruption, and Financial Development)
Open AccessArticle
Effect of COVID-19 on Catastrophic Medical Spending and Forgone Care in Nigeria
by
Henry Chukwuemeka Edeh, Alexander Uchenna Nnamani and Jane Oluchukwu Ozor
Economies 2025, 13(5), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13050116 - 22 Apr 2025
Abstract
In this study, we provide the first estimates of the effect of COVID-19 (COVID-19 legal restrictions) on catastrophic medical expenditure and forgone medical care in Africa. Data for this study were drawn from the 2018/19 Nigeria General Household Survey (NGHS) panel and the
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In this study, we provide the first estimates of the effect of COVID-19 (COVID-19 legal restrictions) on catastrophic medical expenditure and forgone medical care in Africa. Data for this study were drawn from the 2018/19 Nigeria General Household Survey (NGHS) panel and the 2020/21 Nigeria COVID-19 National Longitudinal Phone Survey panel (COVID-19 NLPS). The 2020/21 COVID-19 panel survey sample was drawn from the 2018/19 NGHS panel sample monitoring the same households. Hence, we leveraged a rich set of pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 panel household surveys that can be merged to track the effect of the pandemic on welfare outcomes. We found that the COVID-19 legal restrictions decreased catastrophic medical expenditure (measured by out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures exceeding 10% of total household expenditure). However, the COVID-19 legal restrictions increased the incidences of forgone medical care. The results showed a consistent positive effect on forgone medical care across waves one and two, corresponding to full and partial implementation of COVID-19 legal restrictions, respectively. However, the negative effect on catastrophic medical spending was only observed when the COVID-19 legal restrictions were fully in force, but the sign reversed when the restriction enforcement became partial. Moreover, our panel regression analyses revealed that having health insurance is associated with a reduced probability of incurring CHE and forgoing medical care relative to having no health insurance. We suggest that better policy design in terms of expanding the depth and coverage of health insurance will broaden access to quality healthcare services during and beyond the pandemic periods.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Capital Development in Africa)
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The Impact of Macroeconomic Factors on Mortality from Non-Communicable Diseases: Evidence from Azerbaijan
by
Mayis Gulaliyev, Masim Abadov, Vugar Gapagov, Irada Mehdiyeva and Jeyhun Mahmudov
Economies 2025, 13(5), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13050115 - 22 Apr 2025
Abstract
The empirical findings of this study suggest a significant long-term relationship between the probability of mortality due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among individuals aged 30–70 in Azerbaijan and key economic and social indicators, including Gross Domestic Product per Capita, Waged Employment, Human Development
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The empirical findings of this study suggest a significant long-term relationship between the probability of mortality due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among individuals aged 30–70 in Azerbaijan and key economic and social indicators, including Gross Domestic Product per Capita, Waged Employment, Human Development Index, and out-of-pocket health expenditures. The Error Correction Model coefficient (−0.724701) implies that the system adjusts back to equilibrium at a rate of 72.47% per period, highlighting a strong corrective mechanism. Additionally, in the short run, GDP, HDI, wage employment, and out-of-pocket health expenditures significantly influence mortality rates. The model’s statistical diagnostics confirm its robustness, and the results align with economic theory, reinforcing their validity and policy relevance. According to the conclusion of this research, we suggest the enhancement of the HDI and Employment, control out-of-pocket expenditures, and increase Government Healthcare Spending to significantly reduce mortality rates. This study emphasizes that enhancing social determinants like the HDI, Waged Employment, and accessible healthcare services is crucial for reducing mortality rates of NCDs. While Azerbaijan’s economic growth has improved living standards, further efforts are necessary to improve healthcare investments and reduce inequalities in health outcomes.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health Economics)
Open AccessArticle
Do Non-Cognitive Skills Produce Heterogeneous Returns Across Different Wage Levels Amongst Youth Entering the Workforce? A Quantile Mixed Model Approach
by
Garen Avanesian
Economies 2025, 13(5), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13050114 - 22 Apr 2025
Abstract
This study estimates the labor market returns to non-cognitive skills among the youth under 30 years old during the early career stage. Using data from the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS-HSE) for 2016 and 2019, it examines the effects of the Big Five
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This study estimates the labor market returns to non-cognitive skills among the youth under 30 years old during the early career stage. Using data from the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS-HSE) for 2016 and 2019, it examines the effects of the Big Five personality traits (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and emotional stability) on hourly wages. To account for potential heterogeneity in the effect of non-cognitive skills along the wage distribution, a quantile linear mixed model is employed, estimating returns at the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles while controlling for repeated observations with random intercepts at the individual level. Inverse probability weighting is applied to address the selection of employment. The results indicate that openness yields the highest returns for young workers, though its effect diminishes after controlling for educational attainment. By controlling for education, the model identifies the effect of conscientiousness below the median wage level, and that of extraversion above. Finally, the study finds that the impact of non-cognitive skills on wages evolves over the life course. First, the effects of non-cognitive skills on wages vary a lot in the youth group and the entire working population (ages 16–65). Furthermore, breaking the data down by age cohorts reveals how their significance and magnitude shift at different career stages.
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(This article belongs to the Section Labour and Education)
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Does Public Debt Encourage Economic Growth? An Application of Quantile Regressions to Panel Data for Developing Countries
by
Yohanes Maria Vianey Mudayen, Lincolin Arsyad, Rimawan Pradiptyo and Sekar Utami Setiastuti
Economies 2025, 13(4), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13040113 - 21 Apr 2025
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Previous studies on the relationship between government debt and economic growth have produced very diverse findings. This study examines the relationship between public debt and economic growth in developing countries using a quantile regression approach with fixed effects and bootstrapping on the 10%
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Previous studies on the relationship between government debt and economic growth have produced very diverse findings. This study examines the relationship between public debt and economic growth in developing countries using a quantile regression approach with fixed effects and bootstrapping on the 10% to 90% quantile distribution. The quantile grouping is based on specific percentiles of economic growth in developing countries. This study uses panel data from 127 developing countries for the period 2012 to 2019. Data were obtained from the World Development Indicators, the World Bank, and Transparency International. The results of this study indicate that public debt is not friendly to economic growth. Public debt actually hinders economic growth in developing countries, especially in the 30% to 90% quantile. Other factors that influence economic growth in developing countries are trade, inflation rates, government spending, corruption, and net foreign direct investment. Trade and net direct investment significantly increase economic growth in developing countries. Meanwhile, public debt, the inflation rate, government spending, and corruption actually inhibit economic growth in developing countries. On the other hand, education spending, private debt, tax revenues, and labor force participation do not contribute significantly to economic growth in developing countries. These findings confirm that public debt governance and governance are very important in driving economic growth in developing countries. This paper provides empirical and policy contributions to the assessment of institutional effectiveness in relation to the impact of public debt management on economic growth in developing countries.
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Settlement Intention of Foreign Workers in Japan: Bayesian Multinomial Logistic Regression Analysis
by
Mi Moe Thuzar, Shyam Kumar Karki, Andi Holik Ramdani, Waode Hanifah Istiqomah, Tokiko Inoue and Chukiat Chaiboonsri
Economies 2025, 13(4), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13040112 - 17 Apr 2025
Abstract
This study examines the intentions of foreign workers living in Okayama, Japan, to stay long-term in Japan. Utilizing a Bayesian multinomial logistic regression model, this research provides a novel analytical approach that captures parameter uncertainty and accommodates the categorical nature of migrants’ settlement
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This study examines the intentions of foreign workers living in Okayama, Japan, to stay long-term in Japan. Utilizing a Bayesian multinomial logistic regression model, this research provides a novel analytical approach that captures parameter uncertainty and accommodates the categorical nature of migrants’ settlement intentions using primary data collected via a questionnaire survey from January to March 2024. The findings reveal that residence status, previous experience of living in Japan, and graduation from a Japanese education institution significantly influence long-term settlement intentions. In addition, respondents aged 26–35 intend to stay longer than those of other ages, and those from less developed countries, such as Myanmar and Vietnam, intend to stay longer than those from China. Conversely, highly educated migrants express lower settlement intentions, suggesting a potential loss of skilled foreign labor in Japan. Notably, migrants in the Technical Intern Training Program are more likely to stay longer than those with other residence statuses, such as Highly Skilled Professional. In contrast, workers with higher education levels tend to have less intention to stay long-term, indicating a high probability of Japan losing educated foreign labor in the future. These findings contribute to understanding the dynamics of migrant workers in Japan, which is crucial for creating policies for foreign workers that can attract and support long-term settlement. These findings have important implications for policy, particularly in enhancing community integration, reducing workplace discrimination, and designing residence pathways that support long-term retention.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economics of Migration)
Open AccessArticle
The Impact of Macroeconomic Factors on the Firm’s Performance—Empirical Analysis from Türkiye
by
Orkhan Ibrahimov, László Vancsura and Anett Parádi-Dolgos
Economies 2025, 13(4), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13040111 - 17 Apr 2025
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Measuring financial performance is pivotal not only for assessing a firm’s current health but also for informing strategic decisions that shape its long-term trajectory. This study investigates how macroeconomic volatility affects the firm profitability across five major sectors in Türkiye—industrial manufacturing, food, beverage
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Measuring financial performance is pivotal not only for assessing a firm’s current health but also for informing strategic decisions that shape its long-term trajectory. This study investigates how macroeconomic volatility affects the firm profitability across five major sectors in Türkiye—industrial manufacturing, food, beverage and tobacco, chemicals and plastics, technology, and energy—during the turbulent period from 2016 to 2023. Using return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) as performance indicators, we apply panel data regression to test the impact of inflation, interest rates, unemployment, and a novel Macroeconomic Stress Index (MSI), which combines inflation and exchange rate volatility. The results reveal significant sectoral differences: firms in chemicals and manufacturing outperformed others in ROA, likely benefiting from export incentives and scale efficiencies, while energy and food sectors underperformed, constrained by regulations and cost rigidity. Notably, MSI showed a consistent and significant positive effect on both ROA and ROE, suggesting that many firms responded to macroeconomic stress by restructuring operations and improving efficiency. In contrast, interest rates had a strong negative effect on profitability, confirming the sensitivity of firms to financing costs. These findings underscore the need for targeted sector-level policy support and highlight the importance of internal adaptive capabilities in maintaining the firm’s performance under sustained economic stress.
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A Quest for Innovation Drivers with Autometrics: Do These Differ Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic for European Economies?
by
Jorge Marques, Carlos Santos and Maria Alberta Oliveira
Economies 2025, 13(4), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13040110 - 15 Apr 2025
Abstract
The literature regarding innovation drivers is usually based on variables taken from some theoretical approach and validated within a methodology. Some authors have included COVID-19 as a driver for innovations. In this paper, we address the pandemic from a different viewpoint: trying to
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The literature regarding innovation drivers is usually based on variables taken from some theoretical approach and validated within a methodology. Some authors have included COVID-19 as a driver for innovations. In this paper, we address the pandemic from a different viewpoint: trying to find if innovation drivers for European countries are the same in pre- and post-pandemic years. The automated general-to-specific model selection algorithm—Autometrics—is used. The main potentially relevant drivers for which data were available for both years and two proxies of innovation (patents and the Summary Innovation Index) were considered. The final models provided by Autometrics allow for valid inference on retained innovation drivers since they have passed a plethora of diagnostic tests, ensuring congruency. The attractiveness of the research system is the most impactful driver on the index in both years but other drivers indeed differ. SMEs’ business process innovation and their cooperation networks matter only in 2022. We found crowding-out effects of public funding of R&D (in both years, for the index). Sustainability was a driver in both periods. The ranking of common drivers also changes. Non-R&D innovation expenditures, the second most relevant before COVID-19, concedes to digitalization. Surprisingly, when patents are the proxy, digitalization is retained before COVID-19, with the attractiveness of the research system replacing it afterwards. Explanations for our findings are suggested. The main implications of our findings for innovation policy seem to be the facilitating role that the government should have in fostering linkages between stakeholders and the capacity the government might have to improve the attractiveness of the research system. Policies based on the public funding of R&D appear ineffective for European countries.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economics after the COVID-19)
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Does Inflation Targeting Reduce Economic Uncertainty? Evidence from Mexico
by
Domicio Cano-Espinosa
Economies 2025, 13(4), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13040109 - 15 Apr 2025
Abstract
This study examines the dynamic relationship between inflation, inflation uncertainty, and economic performance in Mexico using the Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity-in-Mean (GARCH-M) and bivariate GARCH-in-mean (BGARCH-M) models. Based on monthly data from 1995 to 2019, the analysis estimates nominal uncertainty and evaluates its
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This study examines the dynamic relationship between inflation, inflation uncertainty, and economic performance in Mexico using the Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity-in-Mean (GARCH-M) and bivariate GARCH-in-mean (BGARCH-M) models. Based on monthly data from 1995 to 2019, the analysis estimates nominal uncertainty and evaluates its macroeconomic implications under Mexico’s inflation-targeting regime. The results indicate a significant and positive link between past inflation and future uncertainty, underscoring the importance of maintaining low and stable inflation to contain volatility. Furthermore, inflation uncertainty is found to exert a negative influence on economic performance, particularly in terms of output variability. However, the study does not find conclusive evidence that inflation uncertainty declined following the formal adoption of inflation targeting. These findings suggest that, while Mexico has achieved price stability, inflation uncertainty remains sensitive to external shocks and policy credibility. The study contributes to the broader literature by reassessing the effectiveness of inflation targeting in an increasingly globalized and volatile environment, offering important lessons for emerging economies managing external vulnerabilities and institutional constraints.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monetary Policy and Central Banking: Challenges in the Current Environment)
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Macroeconomic Determinants of the Interest Rate Term Structure: A Svensson Model Analysis
by
Cristiane Benetti, José Monteiro Varanda Neto and Rogério Mori
Economies 2025, 13(4), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13040108 - 15 Apr 2025
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This study develops a model to predict and explain short-term fluctuations in the Brazilian local currency interest rate term structure. The model relies on the potential relationship between these movements and key macroeconomic factors. The methodology consists of two stages. First, the Svensson
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This study develops a model to predict and explain short-term fluctuations in the Brazilian local currency interest rate term structure. The model relies on the potential relationship between these movements and key macroeconomic factors. The methodology consists of two stages. First, the Svensson model is applied to fit the daily yield curve data. This involves maximizing the R2 statistic in an OLS regression, following the Nelson–Siegel approach. The median decay parameters are then fixed for subsequent estimations. In the second stage, with the daily yield curve estimates in hand, another OLS regression is conducted. This regression incorporates the idea that Svensson’s betas are influenced by macroeconomic variables.
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Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Social Grants and Economic Sufficiency
by
Thobeka Ncanywa, Ntsika Dyantyi and Abiola John Asaleye
Economies 2025, 13(4), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13040107 - 11 Apr 2025
Abstract
Entrepreneurship is crucial in promoting innovation, job creation, and poverty alleviation, particularly in developing economies. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach, using quantitative and qualitative analysis to examine macroeconomic factors’ impact on entrepreneurial activity. The quantitative analysis utilises fully modified least squares and
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Entrepreneurship is crucial in promoting innovation, job creation, and poverty alleviation, particularly in developing economies. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach, using quantitative and qualitative analysis to examine macroeconomic factors’ impact on entrepreneurial activity. The quantitative analysis utilises fully modified least squares and dynamic ordinary least squares to estimate long-run relationships, while the qualitative component applies thematic analysis to assess the role of school-based gardening initiatives in promoting students’ economic participation. Our findings indicate that government expenditure on education significantly enhances entrepreneurship, whereas access to credit remains ineffective, suggesting persistent barriers in financial intermediation. Labour force participation shows a positive relationship with entrepreneurship, supporting the idea that a more engaged labour force promotes business creation. The findings also show a negative impact of regulatory quality on entrepreneurship, stressing the need for regulatory reforms to reduce entry barriers. While technology adoption has a delayed effect, long-term investments in digital infrastructure are recommended. At the micro-level, school-based entrepreneurship programs, such as vegetable gardening, cultivate entrepreneurial skills, though sustainability depends on consistent support and resources. Based on these findings, this study suggests the need to enhance education, improve access to finance, and streamline regulatory frameworks to promote entrepreneurship.
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The Impact of Corruption on Economic Growth in SADC
by
Darlington Chizema, Ramos Emmanuel Mabugu and Christelle Meniago
Economies 2025, 13(4), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13040106 - 10 Apr 2025
Abstract
This study analyses the long-term impacts of corruption on economic growth within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, using data spanning 2005 to 2022. Through econometric modelling covering SADC countries, the research investigates the influence of corruption on the economic performance of
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This study analyses the long-term impacts of corruption on economic growth within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, using data spanning 2005 to 2022. Through econometric modelling covering SADC countries, the research investigates the influence of corruption on the economic performance of the region. Employing descriptive statistics, panel unit root tests, and the autoregressive distributed lag pooled mean group model, the findings demonstrate that corruption, human capital, gross capital formation, trade openness, and government effectiveness significantly affect economic growth, whereas foreign direct investment does not. Corruption is believed to hinder economic progress by contributing to inefficient resource distribution, emphasising the need for robust anti-corruption strategies. Besides targeted anti-corruption measures, the research advises broader approaches such as enhancing institutional abilities, promoting transparency and accountability, and encouraging international cooperation. Advancing regional integration and leveraging technology to monitor and report corruption are also crucial. Moreover, promoting trade openness and human capital development can enhance economic growth. These comprehensive approaches aim to create a more transparent and efficient setting, ultimately boosting SADC’s economic growth.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Growth, Corruption, and Financial Development)
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The Importance of Investing in the First 1000 Days of Life: Evidence and Policy Options
by
Lydia Kemunto Onsomu and Haron Ng’eno
Economies 2025, 13(4), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13040105 - 8 Apr 2025
Abstract
The first 1000 days of life starts from conception to a child’s second birthday. Research suggests that the period is critical for cognitive, physical, and emotional development. Investments in maternal and child healthcare during this period have a profound impact on long-term health,
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The first 1000 days of life starts from conception to a child’s second birthday. Research suggests that the period is critical for cognitive, physical, and emotional development. Investments in maternal and child healthcare during this period have a profound impact on long-term health, educational attainment, and economic productivity. This study examined the impact of such investments on child health outcomes in Kenya, using data from the 2015/2016 Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey (KIHBS). Key areas of focus included maternal healthcare, early antenatal care, skilled delivery, exclusive breastfeeding, proper weaning practices, immunization, and the timely treatment of childhood illnesses. Using the Cox regression hazard model, the study revealed that twins faced a higher risk of mortality compared to single births, while firstborns were less likely to die before their fifth birthday; larger household sizes were associated with reduced child mortality, and children in female-headed households had a lower likelihood of dying, likely due to better adherence to proper health and nutritional practices. Maternal health conditions, the place of delivery, and assistance during childbirth significantly influenced survival, with government health facility deliveries yielding better outcomes than homebirths. This study emphasizes the importance of educating pregnant women and mothers on health risks and public health protocols during this critical period. Strengthening healthcare systems and promoting equitable access to essential services during the first 1000 days could improve child survival rates and enhance long-term economic productivity.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Capital Development in Africa)
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The Interactions Between Digitalization, Innovation and Employment in European Companies: Insights from a Latent Class Analysis
by
Adina-Maria Vodă, Mihai Ciobotea, Doina Badea, Monica Roman and Marian Stan
Economies 2025, 13(4), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13040104 - 8 Apr 2025
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There is increasing concern regarding the association between technological change and jobs. This study explores how different patterns of digitalization and innovation relate to job creation in European companies. We use data from the European Company Survey 2019 collected by Eurofound and Cedefop.
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There is increasing concern regarding the association between technological change and jobs. This study explores how different patterns of digitalization and innovation relate to job creation in European companies. We use data from the European Company Survey 2019 collected by Eurofound and Cedefop. We apply Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to identify the typologies of companies, mainly based on their level of technology adoption, innovation practices and employment patterns. We showcase four distinct classes of companies: moderate adoption of digital technology and strong international orientation, traditional and local, medium digitalization, process innovative with local focus and digital leaders and innovators, with specific patterns regarding digitalization, innovation and job creation. The digital leaders and innovators class revealed a high level of digitalization and innovation and maintained stable employment levels, with increased investments in staff training and tendency towards automation. Conversely, less-digitalized traditional companies are more susceptible to stagnation or employment decline. In general, the employment outlook is stable, without significant employment growth, signaling the need for balanced investments in innovation and digitalization that stimulate more and better jobs. This is the first study to apply LCA to explore complex relationships between digitalization, innovation, foreign trade, training investments and employment trends and offers fresh insights into company views towards employment in the digital era.
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Access to Livelihood Assets and Vulnerability to Lower Levels of Well-Being in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya
by
Mary Nyambura Kinyanjui
Economies 2025, 13(4), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13040103 - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
This paper investigates the role that access to livelihood assets plays in reducing vulnerability to lower levels of well-being, especially for camp-based refugees. We develop the multidimensional vulnerability index using the 2019 Kakuma socioeconomic survey to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to
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This paper investigates the role that access to livelihood assets plays in reducing vulnerability to lower levels of well-being, especially for camp-based refugees. We develop the multidimensional vulnerability index using the 2019 Kakuma socioeconomic survey to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to measuring vulnerability. The fractional regression results suggest that the household head’s age and education level determine the vulnerability of refugees to lower levels of well-being. In addition, access to finance and employment substantially reduces refugees’ vulnerability. Although remittances from abroad are a prevalent source of finance among refugees, we find that remittances from abroad only lessen the prevalence of vulnerability by 1.1%. Therefore, we recommend camp refugees adopt more self-reliant ways of accessing sustainable finance. The multidimensional vulnerability index reveals a high level of food insecurity in camps caused by the influx of refugees over the years. We recommend the inclusion of refugees in farming and training on climate change to provide sustainable solutions around food security to them and the host community.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Capital Development in Africa)
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Empirical Investigation of the Sources of Inflation in Sri Lanka: Assessing the Roles of Global and Domestic Drivers
by
E. M. Ekanayake and P. M. A. L. Dissanayake
Economies 2025, 13(4), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13040102 - 2 Apr 2025
Abstract
The annual inflation rate in Sri Lanka accelerated to record levels in recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the inflation rate had declined to pre-pandemic levels by mid-2024, it is of great importance to identify the factors that caused hyperinflation during
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The annual inflation rate in Sri Lanka accelerated to record levels in recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the inflation rate had declined to pre-pandemic levels by mid-2024, it is of great importance to identify the factors that caused hyperinflation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study is to investigate the drivers of inflation in Sri Lanka using a structural vector autoregressive model and a multiple regression model. The study assesses both the global drivers and the domestic drivers of inflation. The study uses monthly data on the inflation rate, global oil price, exchange rate, policy rate, the global supply chain pressure index, and unemployment rate, covering the period from January 2020 to August 2024, focusing on the period of rapid increase in the inflation rate in Sri Lanka. The empirical results of the study provide evidence to conclude that the inflation rate in Sri Lanka during the 2020–2024 period was mainly driven by the growth rates in money supply, exchange rates, and global supply chain disruptions. The results also show that the volatility of the Sri Lanka inflation rate is mostly explained by the money supply and exchange rate movements in the long run.
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(This article belongs to the Section Macroeconomics, Monetary Economics, and Financial Markets)
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Open AccessArticle
The Effectiveness of Life Insurance Sales Force Training: Welcome “Me and AI”
by
Andrzej Janowski
Economies 2025, 13(4), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13040101 - 2 Apr 2025
Abstract
After 35 years of a free market in Poland, three life insurance companies have gained a dominant position in the market and developed certain procedural equilibrium in the area of training, allowing their status quo to be maintained. Yet, they do not take
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After 35 years of a free market in Poland, three life insurance companies have gained a dominant position in the market and developed certain procedural equilibrium in the area of training, allowing their status quo to be maintained. Yet, they do not take into account the opinions of agents and the possibility of using the latest IT developments, including artificial intelligence, which supports increasingly broad areas of activity in organisations with great success. As independent sales force training poses a challenge to any national or multinational company in a constantly changing global economy, the primary focus of this research was to analyse the opinions of the top 438 agents from dominant life insurance companies. A need was emphasised to reconfigure the existing training programmes with the potential for AI involvement to achieve a more effective educational trajectory. The research findings confirmed the necessity to reconstruct training programmes in relation to an agent’s age, education level, and seniority and offered grounds for discussing innovative AI concepts that can be relevant for future academic research in management sciences and improving organisational effectiveness, particularly in life insurance companies or other first-contact personnel-dependent institutions.
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(This article belongs to the Section Labour and Education)
Open AccessArticle
The Role of Formal and Informal Financing in Refugee Self-Employment: The Case of Urban Kenya
by
Linet Nyanchama Arisa
Economies 2025, 13(4), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13040100 - 2 Apr 2025
Abstract
Considering refugees’ employment challenges in their host countries, they often need to create jobs by starting ventures and embracing self-employment. However, this requires financing. This study seeks to assess the roles of formal and informal financing in self-employment while also looking at the
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Considering refugees’ employment challenges in their host countries, they often need to create jobs by starting ventures and embracing self-employment. However, this requires financing. This study seeks to assess the roles of formal and informal financing in self-employment while also looking at the drivers of financing decisions and self-employment among refugees in an urban setting. Using the extension of the Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition pioneered by Fairlie, this study found informal financing to be significantly associated with an individual’s decision to be self-employed, while formal financing is not. Male refugees who access informal financing have a higher probability of embracing self-employment than refugee women and Kenyan nationals; this calls for actions that encourage forming community-based organizations that promote affirmative action and steer the use of informal finance.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Capital Development in Africa)
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