This research aims to examine in more depth the changes resulting from the Job Creation Law, which impact the level of business friendliness in Indonesia, and how to analyze these changes to improve the business environment to be more conducive to carrying out business activities. This research uses normative legal research methods and is analytical descriptive research. There have been several changes since the emergence of the Job Creation Law, such as the establishment of a limited liability company. Changes to the Job Creation Law could improve the Indonesian economy. However, juridically, this regulation gives authority to the central government to manage micro and small businesses, contrary to the principle of decentralization, which prioritizes the provision of resources to local governments.

This study investigates the potential of developing a maritime tourism project within the blue economy of Pakistan and explores the factors influencing blue growth and maritime tourism. A quantitative research approach has been adopted. The research gathered primary data from diverse experts and stakeholders within the maritime sector and related industries. The study’s target population comprised on various entities involved in these sectors. A sample of around 250 individuals was selected using a convenient sampling technique. The collected data underwent analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and the Partial Least Square (PLS) method. This approach was chosen to explore and understand the intricate relationships between variables in the context of the maritime industry. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) techniques were then employed to scrutinize the data further, allowing for a comprehensive examination of the interconnections among the variables identified in the study. This robust methodological approach enhances the study’s credibility and provides valuable insights into the dynamics of the maritime sector and its associated industries. The findings indicate that a balanced approach, valuing business sustainability, top management support, and enabling innovation structures positively impact blue growth. Additionally, uncertainty avoidance and promoting short-term goals have an appositive impact on the blue economy. Moreover, two potential barriers, Functional strategy, and weak competency, do not significantly affect the blue economy. This study lays the foundation for further exploration and implementation of strategies that promote sustainable growth and development in Pakistan’s blue economy. By integrating the insights gained from this study into policy and decision-making processes, stakeholders can work together to create a vibrant and sustainable maritime tourism sector that benefits both local communities and the environment.

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.

Using a qualitative research methodology and exploratory approach to collect data, this study assessed the effects of dependency syndrome within Africa’s international relations and its repercussions for achieving sustainable development. The collected data were analysed using document and content analysis techniques. The study revealed that dependency syndrome within Africa’s international relations has led to aid dependency, political violence, and poverty. It has promoted laziness and an inferiority complex that affects the working conditions of Africans. Further, it has promoted corruption and affected the rule of law for good governance; yet, sustainable development cannot occur without it. Moreover, dependency syndrome has inhibited innovation and led to the destruction of the local industries that are key to achieving sustainable development. The results of the study found that dependency syndrome has prevented the development of a robust transport network system that could promote African trade relations, which would lead to sustainable development. The results also posited that chronic poverty and underdevelopment in Africa are perpetuated by the dependency syndrome within Africa’s international relations. The study recommended that Africa needs to overcome dependency syndrome and reform her international relations with external world. This would require establishing a continental sovereignty that enables the continent to have one common foreign policy within its planning diplomacy endeavours.

Pattaya City is a well-known tourist destination in Thailand, famous for its beautiful beachfront, lively nightlife, and stunning natural scenery. Since 2019, the Eastern Special Development Zone Act, the so-called EEC (Eastern Economic Corridor), has positioned the city as a focal point for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), boosting its tourism-driven economy. Infrastructure improvements in the region have accelerated urban development over the past decade. However, it is uncertain whether this growth primarily comes from development within existing areas or the expansion of urban boundaries and what direction future growth may take. To investigate this, research using the Cellular Automata-Markov model has been conducted to analyze land use changes and urban growth patterns in Pattaya, using land use data from the Department of Land for 2013 and 2017. The findings suggest an upcoming city expansion along the motorway, indicating that infrastructure improvements could drive rapid urbanization in coastal areas. This urban expansion emphasizes the need for urban management and strategic land use planning in coastal cities.

This research aims to explore the impact of government policies to promote mass tourism in Bali. Qualitative method with the support of a phenomenological approach and in-depth interviews and FGD. The Butler tourism area life cycle model theory is used to evaluate the impact of tourism on land use and cultural conflict with six stages of destination development, namely exploration, involvement, development, consolidation, stagnation, and decline or rejuvenation. The findings reveal that Bali has experienced all stages of Butler’s model. From 1960–1970, Bali was in the exploration phase, offering tourists authentic experiences. At the beginning of 1970–2000, Bali had entered five phases marked by rapid tourism growth. Now, Bali reached a consolidation phase with a focus on managing tourism quality. Now, Bali is entering a phase of stagnation, facing challenges such as overcrowding and environmental degradation. Bali is at the crossroads between phases of decline and rejuvenation, with efforts to overcome environmental problems and diversify tourism products. This study concludes that mass tourism has significant positive and negative impacts on tourist destinations. Although it can improve the local economy and preserve culture, it can also cause environmental damage and cultural conflict. The Bali government’s policy strategy for the future is to overcome cultural conflicts including tourist education, sustainable tourism development, empowerment of local communities, enforcement of regulations, and intercultural dialogue. The implementation of this policy strategy can be carried out effectively to manage cultural conflicts towards a sustainable Bali tourism future.