This research examines the influence of virtual community platform attributes on luxury consumers’ purchase intentions, with a specific focus on the role of policy innovation in digital infrastructure. The study aims to 1) identify key factors affecting purchase intentions toward luxury products in virtual environments; 2) develop and validate a structural equation model to analyze these intentions; and 3) provide actionable insights for luxury goods marketers to refine their strategies within these platforms. Utilizing a structural equation model, the study investigates the interactions among various determinants of consumer behavior in virtual communities, highlighting the impact of policy innovation. Data was collected through purposive sampling from 1142 respondents in China’s top 10 high-spending cities on luxury goods, ensuring data relevance. The findings emphasize the significance of knowledge sharing, interactive communication, and leaders’ opinions in virtual communities in building consumer trust and shaping perceptions of online reviews. These elements influence purchase intentions directly and indirectly, with consumer trust serving as a crucial mediator. The study reveals the substantial impact of virtual community attributes on fostering consumer trust and shaping buying decisions for luxury items, underlining the contribution of social development processes. Moreover, the role of policy innovation is found to be significant in enhancing these virtual community dynamics, suggesting that regulatory changes can positively influence consumer engagement and trust. The conclusions offer valuable implications for marketers, proposing strategies to boost consumer engagement and drive sales in virtual settings. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of digital consumer behavior and provides practical strategies for innovation and growth within the luxury goods sector, emphasizing the critical role of policy innovation in shaping these dynamics.

The northern territories of Russia need high-quality strategic digital changes in the structure of the regional economy. Digitalization and the introduction of digital technologies in the medium term will be able to transform economic relations in the old industrial and raw materials regions of the North, improve the quality of life of local communities. The growth of digital inequality among the regions under study leads to disproportions in their socio-economic development. The purpose of this study is to develop and test a methodology for assessing the level of development of the digital infrastructure of the Russian northern regions, including classification of an indicators system for each level of digital infrastructure, calculation of an integral index and typology of the territories under study. The objects of the study were 13 northern regions of the Russian Federation, the entire territory of which is classified as regions of the Extreme North and equivalent areas. The methodology made it possible to determine the level of technical, technological and personnel readiness of the northern regions for digitalization, to identify regions with the best solutions at each level of digital infrastructure development. The analysis of the results in dynamics helped to assess the effectiveness of regional policy for managing digitalization processes. As a result, the authors came to the conclusion that increasing the competitiveness of northern regions in the era of rapid digitalization is possible through investments in human capital and the creation of a network of scientific and technological clusters. The presented approach to assessing the development of individual levels and elements of digital infrastructure will allow for the diagnosis of priority needs of territories under study in the field of digitalization. The results of the study can form the basis for regional policy in the field of sustainable digital development of Russia.

This study aimed to analyze government policies in education during the Covid-19 pandemic and how teachers exercised discretion in dealing with limitations in policy implementation. This research work used the desk review method to obtain data on government policies in the field of education during the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, interviews were conducted to determine the discretion taken in implementing the learning-from-home policy. There were three learning models during the pandemic: face-to-face learning in turns (shifts), online learning, and home visits. Online learning policies did not work well at the pandemic’s beginning due to limited infrastructure and human resources. To overcome various limitations, the government provided internet quota assistance and curriculum adjustments and improved online learning infrastructure. The discretion taken by the teachers in implementing the learning-from-home policy was very dependent on the student’s condition and the availability of the internet network. The practical implication of this research is that street-level bureaucrats need to pay attention to discretionary standards when deciding to provide satisfaction to the people they serve.