This study provides an empirical examination of the design and modification of China’s urban social security programme. In doing so, this study complements the popular assumption regarding the correlation between economic growth and social security development. Focusing on the economic and political motivations behind the ruling party’s decision to implement social security, this study first discusses the modification of urban social security and welfare in China. It then empirically demonstrates the mechanisms behind the system’s operation. This study proposes the following hypothesis: in a country like China, a change in the doctrine of the ruling party will affect government alliances, negating the positive impact of economic growth on the development of social security. In demonstrating this hypothesis, this study identifies a political precondition impacting the explanatory power of popular conceptions of social security development.

Infrastructure development is critical to delivering growth, reducing poverty and addressing broader development goals, as argued in the World Bank Report Transformation through Infrastructure (2012). This paper surveys the literature of the linkages between infrastructure investment and economic growth, discusses the role of infrastructure in the participation of global value chains and in supporting economic upgrades, highlights the challenges faced the least developed countries and provides policy recommendations. It suggests that addressing the bottlenecks in infrastructure is a necessary condition to provide a window of opportunity for an economy to develop following its comparative advantage. With the right conditions, good infrastructure can support an economy, particularly a less developed economy, to reap the benefit through the participation in the global value chains to upgrade the economic structure.

Globalization and economic integration have an impact on increasing trade volume and economic growth in various countries, especially those that are open in their economies. This situation also provides ease of capital mobility between countries, which makes investment not only rely on domestic investment but also on foreign direct investment. Exchange rates and inflation also affect export growth, imports, and economic growth. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of exchange rate, inflation, foreign direct investment, government expenditure, and economic openness on export and import growth.  This study used time series data during the period 1980–2021, sourced from UNCTAD, ASYB, and Indonesian Central Bank (BI). The analysis model used is multiple linear regression with the help of EViews software, which first tests classical assumptions so that the regression results are Best Linier Unbiased Estimator (BLUE). The results show that foreign direct investment and government spending can significantly increase the rate of exports and imports. Meanwhile, the depreciating rupiah against the US dollar cannot encourage an increase in both exports and imports. Furthermore, foreign direct investment, government spending, and economic openness can significantly increase economic growth. The other variables, net exports and inflation, have no effect on Indonesia’s economic growth rate.

Intellectual property (IP) is a crucial issue as it directly impacts economic growth. This research analyzed the dynamic governance reconstruction within Indonesia’s Ministry of Law and Human Rights aimed at transforming it into a world-class Intellectual Property Office (IPO). A systematic review of 20 articles was conducted. The results showed that the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) under the Ministry has numerous opportunities to become a world-class IPO. Protecting intellectual works through IP rights enhances inclusiveness, such as ensuring operational freedoms. The Indonesian government is employing dynamic governance methods to contextualize and implement bureaucratic reforms. However, there is resistance to change as old habits conflict with the new order, posing a challenge to bureaucratic reform. Strategies to create a world-class IPO involve improving technology utilization and fostering innovation. The protection of IP rights has widened inclusivity by enabling operational freedoms. Under dynamic governance, the bureaucracy is being restructured to be more context-aware and agile in its execution. Yet, ingrained practices resist reform, creating friction with the new systems being instituted. Initiatives to elevate the DGIP include technological modernization and promoting a more innovative culture. By reviewing these aspects systematically, the research provides insights into the opportunities and challenges in transforming Indonesia’s IP office into a world-class institution capable of driving economic growth through robust IP governance.

The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) marks the beginning of a revolutionary period for the global economic environments, particularly in the developing economies of Africa. This concept paper explores the various ways in which AI can stimulate economic growth and innovation in developing markets, despite the challenges they face. By examining examples like VetAfrica, we investigate how AI-powered applications are transforming conventional business models and improving access to financial resources. This highlights the potential of AI in overcoming obstacles such as inefficient procedures and restricted availability of capital. Although AI shows potential, its implementation in these areas faces obstacles such as insufficient digital infrastructure, limited data availability, and a lack of necessary skills. There is a strong focus on the need for a balanced integration of AI, which involves aligning technological progress with ethical considerations and economic inclusivity. This paper focuses on clarifying the capabilities of AI in addressing economic disparities, improving productivity, and promoting sustainable development. It also aims to address the challenges associated with digital infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and workforce transformation. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of relevant theories, literature, and policy documents, complemented by comparative analysis across South Africa, Nigeria, and Mauritius to illustrate transformative strategies in AI adoption. We propose strategic recommendations to effectively and ethically utilize the potential of AI, by advocating for substantial investments in digital infrastructure, education, and legal frameworks. This will enable Africa to fully benefit from the transformative impact of AI on its economic landscape. This discourse seeks to offer valuable insights for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors, emphasizing innovative AI applications for business growth and financing, thereby promoting economic empowerment in developing economies.

Developing countries have witnessed a rise in infrastructure spending over the past decades; however, infrastructure spending in most developed countries, particularly the US, continues to decline. As a result, in 2021, the US Congress passed a Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, which invests $1 trillion in the country’s infrastructure every year. Using the principal component analysis and VAR estimation, we analyzed the impact of infrastructure (transportation and water, railway networks, aviation, energy, and fixed telephone lines) on economic growth in the US. Our findings show that infrastructure spending positively and significantly impacted economic growth. Additionally, the impulse response analysis shows that shocks to infrastructure spending had positive and persistent effects on economic growth. Our results suggest that infrastructure investment spurs economic growth. Based on our findings, sustained public spending on transport and water, railway networks, aviation, energy, and fixed telephone lines infrastructure by the US government will positively impact economic growth in the country. The study also suggests that policies that promote infrastructure spending, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) passed by the US Congress, should be enhanced to boost economic growth in the US.