The potential of entrepreneurship to reduce poverty is closely tied to critical factors such as access to finance, training and education, networks and social capital, and supportive regulatory environments. Understanding and addressing these underlying issues through the lens of the Social Capital theory can help foster an entrepreneurial spirit in cities and mitigate poverty through business and community development. This paper explores the insights and standpoints of key stakeholders about poverty in Saint John and its impact on entrepreneurship. The study uses a quantitative method and analyzes data from surveys with stakeholders. The results show that social isolation, system inflexibility, individual issues, housing, and financial support programs are significant poverty challenges in Saint John, and these issues have implications for entrepreneurship. By integrating Social Capital Theory into policy initiatives, policymakers can enhance community resilience and empower vulnerable individuals. This application of social capital principles provides a holistic framework for designing effective poverty-reduction measures, offering transformative insights applicable not only to Saint John but also to diverse small cities. The study contributes a nuanced understanding of poverty’s impact on entrepreneurship, advocating for inclusive strategies that resonate with the social fabric of communities.

Protecting the environment and the Earth's natural resources is one of the most important tasks for modern societies, economies, and countries. Changes in the environment have made climate protection a key task of state policy implemented at the local, national, and international. They also have caused such negative social manifestations as environmental radicalism and terrorism. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the capacity of state institutions to prevent environmental terrorism and radicalism, particularly in the Russian context, by identifying and prioritizing key challenges and countermeasures. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, involving both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a total of 35 articles and reviews were selected to provide a foundation for understanding eco-terrorism trends. Additionally, an expert survey was conducted with 44 qualified participants to rank problems and recommended actions. The Kendall concordance coefficient was used to assess the consistency of expert opinions. The authors conclude that low environmental awareness and insufficient cooperation between state institutions and environmental organizations are the most significant challenges in preventing eco-terrorism. To adequately and competently prevent environmental terrorism and radicalism in society, the prevention system must be based on clear and thoughtful actions by state institutions.

This article explores the possibilities of developing Oman’s tourism sector under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Tourism is a cornerstone of Oman’s economy, with the government prioritizing substantial efforts toward its development to foster economic diversification. This paper examines the broader efforts of Oman to strengthen its relations with China, which will indirectly benefit the tourism industry. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the historical exchanges and future cooperation between China and Oman under BRI, specifically focusing on developing infrastructure and technology in Oman to support the tourism sector. It has been argued that BRI has the potential to significantly contribute to the growth and development of Oman’s tourism sector through increased investment and cooperation with Chinese counterparts.

This study critically examines the relationship between Total Quality Management (TQM) and Service Quality (SQ) within Dubai’s housing sector, with a specific focus on the moderating influence of blockchain technology (BT) in this relationship. Employing a quantitative approach grounded in a deductive research strategy and positivist epistemology, data were gathered from a sample of industry professionals and subjected to rigorous analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that the deliberate deployment of TQM methodologies leads to significant improvements in SQ metrics, and the catalytic role of BT further enhances these service quality improvements. The study highlights the transformative potential of BT in recalibrating conventional paradigms of service delivery within the housing sector. Specifically, the analysis reveals that BT plays a pivotal moderating role in the relationship between TQM practices and SQ outcomes, thereby enriching our comprehension of the intricate interplay between these constructs. The study concludes by furnishing nuanced insights into the multifaceted dynamics shaping SQ within the housing sector, while also delineating avenues for future inquiry.