Search Results (4)

Globally, states are incorporating various digital tools with the purpose of accelerating customs management of export and import goods. An example of this is the implementation of electronic single windows that seek to streamline the transmission of information on export and import operations by generating a single data entry point that can be accessed by different interconnected state and private entities. For customs clearance, some States require the collaboration of intermediaries known as customs agents: private actors who collaborate in the public function of customs control. Customs agents are licensed by the State to act as such, and are hired by exporters and importers to manage their operations with the customs authority. A digital reform of this type is a governance mechanism that involves coordination between institutions, interaction between the State and private actors, and the redefinition of the role of different actors. However, this can create tensions with actors who collaborate with the State. The objective of this study is to determine the perceptions of customs agents—as incumbent actors and collaborators of the State—regarding the implementation of new technologies by the State, through an analysis of the case of Chilean customs agents in the context of the implementation of a single window system for foreign trade by the Chilean customs authority. To this end, a qualitative study was conducted based on 15 semi-structured interviews with customs agents, including both current and former government officials. The data obtained were coded using MAXQDA software. The results show that the State has had to integrate customs agents into the implementation process, primarily due to their expert knowledge. On the other hand, some customs agents have viewed the implementation of the single window system with apprehension, while others have attempted to embrace the technological change since its inception, collaborating with the government. In order to protect their profession, the agents have sought opportunities for dialogue with the authorities and state agencies. Furthermore, customs agents and public officials agree that one of the system’s main weaknesses is the lack of participation from other government agencies in the operation of the single window system, thus failing to meet the State’s own established plans: the interconnection of different state agencies at a single point. This, in turn, reveals weaknesses in collaborative governance. In short, the implementation of a single window has been a major challenge for actors collaborating in the public customs function, producing tensions in its governance. Full article

Carbon dioxide emissions are the primary driver of global climate change. This study aims to analyze the relationship between inward foreign direct investment in the energy sector and CO₂ emissions in China versus other countries. For this, the co-integration methods were used. The results suggested that China should encourage the adoption of green technologies in order to reduce CO₂ emissions and enforce strict environmental laws. Another necessary step is to stop the licensing of polluting industries that emit high amounts of CO₂ emissions. The present findings can be used to develop state programs for environmental protection. Future research can examine the relationship of FDI in the energy sector with indicators other than pollution with CO₂ emissions, for example, with the consumption of renewable energy sources. Full article

Innovation has become a key factor of production, driving and sustaining firms’ productivity and competitiveness. Despite the growing importance attached to innovations, existing studies have produced different results on the factors driving firm-level innovations. This study investigates the factors driving innovations in the service and manufacturing sector firms in Thailand. The study tests proposed hypotheses using cross-sectional data on a sample of 613 firms from the World Bank enterprise survey of 2016. Our empirical results show that specific aspects of the business environment, such as policy instability, legal institutions, corruption, and informal competition, negatively influence non-technological innovations. Contrarily, we find that formal training, foreign technology licenses, research and development have marginal and additionality effects that positively enhance both technological and non-technological innovations. We provide practical implications for firm managers and policymakers in Thailand on adaptive measures to improve the business environment to make it conducive for firm-level innovations. Full article

In a domestic market, a duopoly produces a homogeneous final good, pollution, pollution abatement, and R&D, which reduces abatement cost. One of the firms (foreign) has superior technology. The government regulates the duopoly by levying a pollution tax to maximize domestic welfare. We consider the potential implementation of three innovation agreements: cooperative research joint venture (RJV), non-cooperative RJV, and licensing. In the cooperative (non-cooperative) RJV, the firms (do not) internalize R&D spillovers. We show that, for the domestic firm, the cooperative RJV dominates, and licensing is the least desirable alternative. Although licensing is dominant for the foreign firm, it is not implementable. Both RJVs are implementable. Implementation of both types of RJVs improves the competitiveness of the domestic firm and welfare. This study yields an important policy prescription: a subsidy policy that induces the foreign firm to accept a feasible cooperative RJV when it strictly prefers a feasible non-cooperative RJV is always welfare improving. Full article