Greening the BRI countries through economic and political reforms

Abstract

Preserving the environment and promoting sustainable development are essential objectives for a state aimed at improving the standard of living for present and future generations. The depletion of natural resources and environmental degradation are serious concerns for policymakers worldwide. However, to fulfill its role effectively, a state must have strong institutional capacity. Studies have shown that inadequate governance and weak institutional quality are associated with environmental degradation, lower economic growth, unfavorable development outcomes, and increased inequality. Economic and political reforms are necessary to overcome these issues, while the concept of institutional reforms to save the environment is novel and hardly discussed in the earlier literature, especially in the context of BRI countries. So, this study explores the impact of economic and political reforms on the environment by applying a difference-in-differences approach to the data of 45 BRI economies from 2000 to 2022. The empirical findings reveal a negative relationship between economic and political reforms on ecological footprints, emphasizing the need for institutional reform to preserve the environment in the BRI region. Institutional reforms have a significant contribution to environmental sustainability by fostering better governance, political stability, and an environment conducive to reforms-driven decision-making. These reforms can help address the environmental challenges associated with large-scale infrastructure and economic development projects like the BRI, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.

Spatio-Temporal analysis of exports of cultural products and their affecting factors for spatial distribution

“…It can lead to a dual effect. On one hand, it fosters cultural homogenization by promoting more commercially viable, standardized products that appeal to global audiences [ 14 , 52 ]. On the other, it encourages the export of diverse cultural products, allowing for the representation of various cultural identities and expressions.…”

Role of scientific and technological innovations on industrial upgradation in China: A spatial econometric analysis

“…Government interference, such as subsidies, preferential policies, and regulations, can distort market signals and hinder the efficient allocation of resources. This can lead to the misallocation of capital and resources, hindering industrial upgradation [ 31 ]. Government policies that protect domestic industries from foreign competition can reduce incentives for industries to upgrade and innovate.…”

“…It refers to the process of improving and modernizing industrial infrastructure, processes, technologies, and practices to enhance efficiency, productivity, quality, and competitiveness. Industries need to stay relevant, meet changing market demands, and remain competitive in the global economy [ 31 ]. The variable of industrial upgradation is computed by considering the ratio of labor productivity in each industry to the proportion of output value of various industries in the total value.…”

Application of multimedia technology to innovative vocational education on learning satisfaction in China

“…Multimedia tools offer opportunities for continuous assessment and feedback [58]. Educators can track progress, assess performance, and adapt teaching strategies based on real-time data, ensuring continuous improvement in the learning process [67][68][69][70]. While initial setup costs may exist, multimedia technology often proves cost-effective in the long run.…”

“…Multimedia technology has fundamentally transformed vocational education by making it more engaging, accessible, practical, and tailored to individual needs [28]. Its integration has not only enhanced the learning experience but also aligned education more closely with industry requirements, better preparing students for the workforce [68,[71][72][73][74].…”