This study investigates the complex interrelationship between democracy, corruption, and economic growth in Greece over the period 2012–2022. Using data from Transparency International, the Economist Intelligence Unit, and Eurostat, appropriate methods such as Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, Generalized Method of Moments(GMM) estimation, and Granger causality tests were applied. The findings reveal that increased democracy correlates positively with reported corruption, likely reflecting heightened transparency and exposure. Conversely, economic growth shows a negative association with corruption, underlining the role of structural reforms and institutional improvements. These insights emphasize the need for strengthening democratic institutions, promoting digital governance, and implementing targeted economic reforms to reduce corruption and foster sustainable development.

The prospects of digital infrastructure in promoting rural economic growth and development are by and large immense. The paper found that rural development is considerably important for economic development and for achievement of sustainable livelihoods that increases people’s ability to achieve good health and wellbeing that enable the achievement of sustainable development. The paper found that digital imbalance and digital illiteracy in the rural areas hinder implementation of digital infrastructure to lead to rural economic growth. Digital infrastructure is the source of economic opportunities that enables local people in the rural areas to be more creative in achieving development success. It enables them to have a unique sense of place and fashioning of vibrant economic and financial opportunities that ensure the achievement of sustainable rural economic development. However, the paper found that the application of digital infrastructure to South Africa’s rural areas in the bid to promote rural economic growth has been hindered by factors like the digital divide, financial constraints, digital illiteracy and the failure to own a smart phone. These factors hinder digital infrastructure from leading to sustainable rural economic development and growth. The paper used secondary data gathered from existing literature. The use of qualitative research methodology and document and content analysis techniques became vital in the process of collecting and analyzing collected data.

The importance of tourism to nations’ socioeconomic development cannot be overemphasised as it has proven to be a significant source of revenue for many countries globally. However, sub-Saharan nations like Nigeria have not tapped into the unlimited potential of tourism in their development drive, hence the continuous grappling with underdevelopment challenges. This study examines how tourism impacts socioeconomic growth in Nigeria, focusing on well-known tourist destinations in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study adopts quantitative and qualitative mixed-method research using survey questionnaires and in-depth interviews to elicit responses from visitors at the tourist centres and the tourists’ operations. Data were analysed using simple percentages of frequency distribution tables and thematic analysis. The Neo-liberal theory was adopted as a theoretical framework for the study. The findings highlight the need for better infrastructure, security measures, destination awareness, better housing, financial help, the development of a competent workforce, solid governmental policies, the conservation of cultural and natural assets, and encouragement of collaboration. Future studies may focus primarily on three areas: the evaluation of tourism’s economic impacts, the effectiveness of specific tourist development programs, and the role of tourism in community empowerment.

This study compares Human Resource Development (HRD) in Vietnam and Malaysia, looking at their methods, problems, and institutional frameworks in the context of ASEAN economic integration and Industry 4.0. Based on Cho and McLean’s (2004) integrated HRD model, this paper looks at recent research (from 2018 to 2023) to look at important topics such globalization, demographic changes, vocational training alignment, and technology disruption. Vietnam has a vast workforce, but it still has problems with low productivity, skill mismatches, and not being ready for the global market. On the other hand, Malaysia’s institutional HRD structures are making more progress, even though its workforce is getting older and not everyone is adapting to digital transformation at the same rate. The study shows that we need HRD policies that are tailored to each industry, training that is delivered in a decentralized way, and stronger relationships between the public and commercial sectors. It also stresses how important it is for national HRD policies to include global competences and initiatives that help everyone learn new skills. The study adds a unique framework for comparing HRD and gives policymakers, educators, and practitioners useful information, even though it is constrained by its use of secondary data. Future study should use mixed-methods to confirm results and look into interventions that work in specific situations. The study shows that Vietnam and Malaysia need personalized, inclusive, and forward thinking HRD systems to produce strong and competitive workforces in the post-pandemic, digital driven global economy.

This research examines data from 1989 to 2022 across 48 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries using a novel panel data regression approach to uncover how conflict undermines economic stability. The study identifies the destruction of infrastructure, disruption of human capital development, and deterrence of investment as primary channels through which conflict negatively impacts economies. These findings support the hypothesis that armed conflict severely hampers economic performance in SSA, highlighting the urgency for effective conflict resolution strategies and robust institutional frameworks. The negative impacts extend beyond immediate losses, altering income growth trajectories and perpetuating poverty long after hostilities cease. Regional spillover effects emphasize the interconnectedness of SSA economies, where conflict in one country affects its neighbors. The research provides innovative insights by disaggregating impact pathways and employing a robust methodology, revealing the complexity of conflict's economic consequences. It underscores the need for comprehensive policy interventions to foster resilience and sustainable development in conflict-prone regions. While there is evidence of potential post-conflict growth, the overall net effect of armed conflict remains profoundly negative, diminishing economic prospects. Future research should focus on strengthening long-term resilience mechanisms and policy measures to enhance the peace dividend. Addressing the root causes of conflict and investing in peace-building efforts are essential for transforming SSA's economic landscape and ensuring sustainable growth and development.

The persistence of coastal ecosystems is jeopardized by deforestation, conversion, and climate change, despite their capacity to store more carbon than terrestrial vegetation. The study’s objectives were to investigate how spatiotemporal changes impacted blue carbon storage and sequestration in the Satkhira coastal region of Bangladesh over the past three decades and, additionally to assess the monetary consequences of changing blue carbon sequestration. For analyzing the landscape change (LSC) patterns of the last three decades, considering 1992, 2007, and 2022, the LSC transformations were evaluated in the research area. Landsat 5 of 1992 and 2007, and Landsat 8 OLI-TIRS multitemporal satellite images of 2022 were acquired and the Geographical Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS) techniques were applied for spatiotemporal analysis, interpreting and mapping the output. The spatiotemporal dynamics of carbon storage and sequestration of 1992, 2007, and 2022 were evaluated by the InVEST carbon model based on the present research years. The significant finding demonstrated that anthropogenic activity diminished vegetation cover, vegetation land decreased by 7.73% over the last three decades, and agriculture land converted to mariculture. 21.74% of mariculture land increased over the last 30 years, and agriculture land decreased by 12.71%. From 1992 to 2022, this constant LSC transformation significantly changed carbon storage, which went from 11,706.12 Mega gram (Mg) to 9168.03 Mg. In the past 30 years, 2538.09 Mg of carbon has been emitted into the atmosphere, with a combined market worth of almost 0.86 million USD. The findings may guide policymakers in establishing a coastal management strategy that will be beneficial for carbon storage and sequestration to balance socioeconomic growth and preserve numerous environmental services.