This study examined socio-economic factors affecting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) e-commerce adoption, focusing on gender, income, and education. Using the 2022 National Socio-Economic Survey (Susenas) data, a logistic regression model was employed to analyze key determinants of e-commerce utilization. Additionally, an online survey of 550 MSMEs across 29 provinces was conducted to assess the impact of digitalization on business performance. In comparison, an offline study of 42 MSMEs with low digital adoption provided insights into the barriers hindering digital transformation. A natural experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of behavioral interventions in promoting the adoption of e-payments and e-commerce. The main contribution of this study lies in integrating large-scale national survey data with experimental approaches to provide a deeper understanding of digital adoption among MSMEs. Unlike previous studies focusing solely on socio-economic determinants, this research incorporated a digital nudging experiment to examine how targeted incentives influenced e-commerce participation. The findings revealed that digital transformation significantly enhanced MSME performance, particularly in turnover, product volume, customer base, and worker productivity. Socio-economic factors such as gender, household head status, and social media access significantly influenced digital adoption decisions. Behavioral nudging proved effective in increasing MSME participation in e-commerce. Although this study was limited to Susenas 2022 data and survey responses, it bridges a critical research gap by linking socio-economic factors with behavioral interventions in MSME digitalization. The findings offer key insights for policymakers in formulating evidence-based strategies to drive MSME digital transformation and e-commerce growth in Indonesia.

This study analyzes the potential of making Uzbekistan’s taxation system more inclusive by introducing a tax incentive policy related to zakat (obligatory Islamic alms for the wealthy). Additionally, it explores the establishment of relevant institutions to facilitate zakat collection and distribution. The study employs the method of comparative legal research, combined with exploratory research techniques, to examine taxation and zakat systems in different countries. The study’s findings indicate that incorporating zakat incentives, either in the form of tax credits or deductions, into Uzbekistan’s taxation system can enhance the role of zakat institutions in the country’s economy and reduce tax evasion to some extent. Moreover, it proposes a preliminary model of zakat management for Uzbekistan based on conclusions of the comparative study of various countries and analysis of the national legislation. Finally, the research highlights the necessity of a systematic approach to educate the public about zakat obligations, which is crucial for operation of proposed zakat management model and improving compliance. The study provides essential policy recommendations, including the implementation of zakat tax incentives, enhancing public zakat literacy, and ensuring the efficient operation of zakat institutions. By adopting these measures, the government of Uzbekistan can foster a more equitable and effective taxation system, contributing to socioeconomic development and poverty alleviation.

This review paper delves into the intricate landscape of the digital economy, focusing on the multifaceted interplay between innovation, competition, and consumer dynamics. It investigates the transformative impact of digital technologies on market structures and consumer behaviors, spanning areas such as e-commerce, online publishing, taxation, and big data challenges. By analyzing network effects, market concentration, and the influence of key players like Google and Amazon, this study draws on insights from previous research. Furthermore, it examines evolving regulations with an emphasis on consumer protection, competition law, and privacy concerns. Through a comprehensive exploration of the digital ecosystem, this paper offers a nuanced understanding of how businesses, consumers, and policymakers navigate the complexities of the digital marketplace.

The female labor force participation holds significant implications for various aspects of society, the economy, and individual lives. Understanding its significance involves recognizing the multifaceted impact of women’s participation in the workforce. In this context, the current study investigates the factors influencing the female labor force participation rate in Saudi Arabia while using a set of independent variables such as GDP growth, employment-to-population ratio, inflation, urban population growth, tertiary school enrollment, labor force with advanced education, fertility rate, and age dependency ratio, covering a period from 2000 to 2022. The results reveal that the employment-to-population ratio, inflation rate, urbanization, and age dependency ratio have positive and statistically significant impacts on the female labor force participation rate. This research offers valuable insights for formulating policies to foster female empowerment and overcome the obstacles that hinder their economic participation.

In developing metropolitan cities, the expansion of urban areas due to the urbanization phenomenon has resulted in massive transport infrastructure development in suburban areas. This development has prompted many governments to begin introducing Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) to organize emerging transit hubs in suburban areas into their city plans. The approach adopted to introduce TOD may differ, depending on the existing context. Countries with similar socio-cultural background typically adopt a uniform approach, but not Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur as the most developing metropolitan cities in Southeast Asia with similar urbanization and socio-cultural Based on the situation, through the examining documents and spatial analysis, this study seeks to examine the impact of different policy approach between Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur on the progressions of transport infrastructure and TOD areas in suburban. The results showed that Kuala Lumpur had a more rapid progression in transport infrastructures development, accompanied by the establishment of several transit zones in urban and suburban areas. Meanwhile, Jakarta’s approach comprised the gradual development of infrastructures, initially focusing on TOD in central urban areas and only a limited number of suburban areas with significant commuter traffic. These results indicate that differences in policy approaches in the two regions with similar urbanization and socio-cultural contexts influence the evolution of transport infrastructure and TOD areas development. Several factors contribute to these discrepancies, including efficiency, synchrony, bias, clarity of organizational structure, and conceptual comprehension. At macro basis, policy makers must underline that the characteristics suitability between the approach and region critically determines the success of urban development.