Regional Policy Research Articles

The spillover effect of economic institutions on the environment: A global evidence from spatial econometric analysis.

This study examines the impact of economic institutions on ecological footprint and their spatial spillover effects globally, covering the period from 2000 to 2021. We focus on economic institutions because institutions that espouse economic freedom are essential for safeguarding environmental quality. We hypothesize that the spatial influence of these institutions varies both globally and regionally. The Moran's I test reveals significant spatial associations among countries, while the Wald and likelihood tests identify the spatial Durbin model as the most appropriate approach. Furthermore, the Hausman test indicates that a fixed effects model best captures the coefficients. Globally, economic institutions demonstrate a direct reduction effect of 16.4% and a spillover reduction effect of 4.4% on ecological footprint. However, these effects show considerable regional variation. In North America, East Asia and the Pacific, the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and Central Asia, economic institutions effectively reduce ecological footprint, while their impact is negligible in other regions. These regional differences underscore the importance of addressing institutional deficiencies, encouraging policymakers in regions with limited effects to learn from best practices to enhance institutional effectiveness. These insights collectively advance the literature on economic institutions and environmental economics, emphasizing regional policy adaptation and the transboundary effects of institutional quality. The findings further reveal that economic institutions moderate GDP per capita to curb ecological footprint significantly. These conclusions hold even after addressing endogeneity using the generalized spatial two-stage least squares method. The study recommends that policies promoting economic freedom are essential to mitigate global environmental degradation.

The impact of China's regional economic integration strategy on the circular economy: Policy effects and spatial spillovers.

Concerns about global climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation continue to escalate. Within this context, the circular economy has received widespread attention as a model of sustainable development. Simultaneously, China's regional economic integration (REI) strategy has been regarded as an important tool for promoting economic growth and optimizing resource allocation. However, existing studies have mainly focused on the impact of REI on economic growth, and there are insufficient empirical studies on how this strategy affects the circular economy. Still fewer such studies are set in a unified research framework; there is also a lack of heterogeneity analyses that introduce carbon emission characteristics. Therefore, this study analyzes panel data from urban centers in China, spanning from 2007 to 2021 and focusing on the Yangtze River Delta (YRD). Using the staggered difference-in-difference (DID) model, propensity score matching and difference-in-difference (PSM-DID), spatial Durbin model, entropy weight TOPSIS, and other methods, this study examines the policy effects and spatial spillovers of the REI strategy on the circular economy. This study also quantifies the policy implications of REI on the circular economy, analyzes the heterogeneous effects of REI in cities with different carbon emission levels, and explores the spatial spillover effects of REI on the circular economy. The key findings are that: (1) REI implementation effectively promotes a circular economy. (2) There is heterogeneity in this effect at different levels of carbon emissions. The promotion effect is more significant for high carbon emission cities, while the integration strategy has a smaller marginal effect on the circular economy of low carbon emission cities. (3) There are spatial spillover and regional linkage effects at the interregional level, indicating a significant spatial dependence between REI and the circular economy. In other words, strategy implementation in one city positively influences the circular economy in neighboring cities. This study systematically and empirically investigates the impact of REI on the circular economy, reveals the heterogeneity of the carbon emission levels of REI affecting the circular economy, and provides new evidence for the environmental Kuznets curve theory. Furthermore, the spatial spillover effect of REI is quantified; quantifying the spatial spillover effect of REI expands the spatial dimension of regional sustainable development. Ultimately, this study emphasizes the need to maximize the environmental benefits of the REI strategy on the circular economy. This could be done by designing cross-regional circular economy projects, coordinating regional policy efforts, and implementing differentiated strategies to promote sustainable development.

Analysing the interplay of regional economic structures and COVID-19's impact on Irish regions

ABSTRACT This paper analyses the regional economic impacts of COVID-19 in Ireland. The results show regional labour market impacts were related to pre-existing economic structures rather than infection rates. Drivers of the employment shock were found to be regional specialisms in tourism focused sectors. Cushions were provided by regional specialisms in agriculture, healthcare and the knowledge intensive service sectors. For more rural regions that appeared more resilient to the labour market shock, cushions were likely provided by employment in slower growth potential sectors. During the recovery phase, these cushions can become anchors contributing to regional divergence. Consequently, some regions less severely impacted by the pandemic shock may, in fact, face more difficult structural challenges in the longer term. The pandemic has thus exacerbated pre-existing structural issues that are likely related to the observed regional economic divergence and findings of regional development traps since the recovery from the previous recessionary period of the 2010s. The broad implication is that that the regional recovery from the pandemic will not be based purely on short term COVID-19 exposure. In general terms, regional policy should look beyond the initial pandemic shocks to the key underlying development issues. A central point here is that there are no quick transformational fixes rather long-term structural imbalances need to be met. The key policy challenge, in the Irish case, is to avoid the trend from the previous economic crisis of regional divergence during the recovery phase.

Care farm as a chance for social services for the silver generation

Background: The article presents results of my research on the state of knowledge and people’s readiness to run a care farm. Research objectives: The article scrutinizes care farm as forms of providing social services in rural areas as well as preparing people and institutions to conduct this type of activity. The text stems from a fragment of own research commissioned by Poland’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2022. The study aimed to provide knowledge about the demand for advisory and training services for people running care farms in Poland and people planning to start this type of business. Research design and methods: I conducted the study using a survey. I prepared three survey questionnaires and addressed them to people running or intending to establish a care farm (78), Agricultural Advisory Centers (190), regional social policy centers, and social economy support centers (18). Apart from the groups indicated above, the study included local government units (social welfare centers, district family assistance centers, district labor office), Agricultural Advisory Centers in part relating to care farms, people engaged in activities other than agricultural (agritourism farm with the potential to run a care farm, horse riding and hippotherapy activities, family social welfare home), and a social enterprise. Results: The main results show the problem of an insufficient number of entities providing care services (61.1% of respondents). However, a care farm can successfully provide social services, including care services (94.4% of respondents), and 88.9% of respondents indicated their significant role in the deinstitutionalization of social services. Conclusions: Respondents expectations concern support in the form of training on topics related to the creation and operation of care farms, running and managing this type of institution, care services, and an elderly caretaker course. In turn, the advice should concern searching for financing sources and legal aspects of the care farms functioning – which is consistent with the support offered by Agricultural Advisory Centers – submitting offers in public procurement, and concluding contracts for the provision of services. Further barriers arise from the poor level of knowledge about care farms among more than half of the surveyed Regional Centers for Social Policy and Social Economy Support Centers as well as low or no knowledge of the GROWID project in this group of respondents.

ЭКОНОМЕТРИЧЕСКИЙ АНАЛИЗ ВЛИЯНИЯ СОЦИАЛЬНО -ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИХ ФАКТОРОВ НА КАЧЕСТВО ЖИЗНИ НАСЕЛЕНИЯ В ЮЖНОМ ФЕДЕРАЛЬНОМ ОКРУГЕ

This article presents an econometric analysis of the impact of socio-economic factors on the quality of life of the population in the Southern Federal District (SFD). The quality of life is considered as a key indicator of sustainable development in modern conditions. The use of regression analysis made it possible to identify statistically significant dependencies between socio-economic variables and quality of life. The results show that the level of income and NTR have the greatest impact on the quality of life in the regions of the Southern Federal District. The findings of the study may be useful for developers of regional policies to improve the living conditions of the population, as well as for further research in the field of social economics

Moving for mobility? Suburban spatial imaginaries

The critique of urban sprawl and the increased focus on low-carbon transitions have led to changes in urban and regional policies and planning in many city regions. This article examines sociocultural and lived dimensions of suburban sustainable mobility transitions by exploring different spatial imaginaries of suburban towns, mobility systems, and sustainable transitions from the perspectives of new residents, real estate marketing, and regional transport planning in the Greater Oslo Region. Empirically, the article investigates how households who have recently relocated to transit-oriented suburban nodes designed to promote low carbon mobility perceive the role of mobility prospects in their decision to relocate. This exploration is set against other social and material features at their new residential location. The article includes an analysis of the spatial imaginaries of regional transport plans and real estate marketing, as these imaginaries potentially play an important role in the spatial transformation and comprehension of these places and spaces and further households’ decisions to move there. These spatial imaginaries are contrasted with in-movers’ imagination, revealing potential disconnections between planning ideals, marketing strategies, and lived experiences. By shedding light on the interplay between spatial planning, marketing strategies, and lived experiences, this research contributes to broader discussions in mobility, housing, urban studies, and planning, promoting a nuanced understanding of the socio-cultural factors of sustainable suburban transformations.

Evaluating the CO2 emissions implications of hydrogen energy policies in North China based on a dedicated hydrogen planning model

ABSTRACT The role of hydrogen is emphasized in many countries’ energy and climate strategies, yet the impacts of regional hydrogen-supporting policies remain underexplored. This study analyzes recently announced hydrogen-supporting policies across five provinces in northern China. Four scenarios – Current Policy (CP), Announced Policy (AP), Enhanced Policy (EP), and Net-Zero Emissions (NZE) – are developed and assessed using a dedicated hydrogen planning model, MESSAGEix-H2NC. With cumulative demand of end-use applications expanding 1.3 times compared to CP, the AP scenario’s absence of carbon emission constraints leads to a reliance on non-clean hydrogen, resulting in higher carbon emissions than CP. Cost reductions under EP achieve lower emission intensity (11.9 kgCO2/kgH2 by 2030 and 3.6 kgCO2/kgH2 by 2060). Consequently, the investment gap for EP grows from $2.4 billion in 2025 to $89.7 billion in 2060, while the gap for more thorough net-zero emissions (NZE) expands from $10 billion in 2025 to $107 billion in 2060. The investment gap between EP and NZE relative to CP expands over time. Overall, the model results highlight potential deficiencies in current hydrogen development plans and incentive policies in northern China. These findings reveal a misalignment between current policies and CO2 reduction targets and underscore the need for accelerated technological advancements to improve cost competitiveness. Key policy insights Current hydrogen-supporting policies in northern China lack effective coordination with national CO2 emissions reduction goals, hindering clean hydrogen development. Formulating an integrated policy framework and more ambitious emission reduction goals is necessary. Regional variations in renewable and fossil energy resources and development strategies highlight the importance of tailored interventions to promote cleaner technologies across diverse provincial contexts. The annual investment required to achieve green hydrogen dominant and low-carbon transformation goals needs to be at least 1.3 times the current level. By 2060, this gap will widen to nearly 22 times the business-as-usual investment level in the corresponding year. Coordinated policy efforts that integrate carbon emission constraints and support technological advancements can significantly enhance the competitiveness and environmental sustainability of northern China’s hydrogen industry.

Drivers of mangrove area change and suppression in Brazil from 2000 to 2020.

Mangrove area loss is increasing globally, and drivers of loss differ depending not only on natural conditions but also on national and regional policies. Some countries with the most mangrove area, for instance, Brazil, lack broad systematic quantification of specific drivers of mangrove land-use and land-cover (LULC) change dynamics. We investigated the direct conversion (i.e., replacement) of mangrove forests due to changes in 21 types of LULC across Brazil from 2000 to 2020 based on annual LULC maps developed by the MapBiomas project. We quantified the area changes at national, regional, and state scales. We also determined and quantified mangrove forest conversion for each of the 21 LULC types with a pixel comparison analysis and identified temporal trends with a time-series analysis. The total conversion of mangrove area (3429km2) was offset by a gain that was twice as large (6776km2). Forest formations and water bodies, which may be interpreted as natural or indirect anthropogenic changes, were associated with most of the areas where mangrove cover was lost. Land-use modifications, mainly creation of pastures, accounted for 4% of direct mangrove conversions. We found that changes in LULC categories and patterns of gain and loss of mangrove areas differed among Brazilian states and regions. Based on other research, they also differ between Brazil and other countries. Thus, integrated mangrove forest conservation and management efforts that transcend political boundaries are essential to effectively address negative impacts on mangrove forests. We provide an interactive map to allow qualitative assessments of mangrove conversion drivers by different stakeholders, such as managers, policymakers, and nongovernmental organizations.

The impact of credit on the economic development of Brazilian states (2002–2019)

This study examines the intersection between credit and economic development in Brazil, focusing on regional disparities. Using a robust methodology and updated data, the findings reveal that the unequal distribution of credit significantly impacts growth, particularly in the North, Northeast, and Central-West regions, which rely more on short-term credit. The banks' preference for liquidity contributes to credit rationing, with regions having more developed banking systems being less affected. The study emphasizes the need for tailored strategies in credit and regional development policies and suggests future research should incorporate longitudinal approaches and international comparative analyses.

НАЦИОНАЛЬНО-ТЕРРИТОРИАЛЬНОЕ РАЗМЕЖЕВАНИЕ СРЕДНЕЙ АЗИИ И ОБРАЗОВАНИЕ КАРАКАЛПАКСКОЙ АВТОНОМНОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

In the context of the complex ethno-cultural mosaic of Central Asia, it is highly relevant to examine the historical and political prerequisites of the national-territorial delimitation that took place in the region during the 20th century. The purpose of this article is to analyze this complex process during the early years of Soviet power when the foundations of state institutions and the administrative-territorial structure of the USSR were being established. In this regard, the article focuses on revealing this process through the example of the formation of the Karakalpak Autonomous Region as a result of Soviet attempts to create stable administrative units based on the ethnic and cultural diversity of the region. Taking into account the ethno-territorial features of Karakalpakstan, determining its place and status within the future Soviet Central Asian region had its own specific characteristics and challenges. Examining and characterizing these aspects is also one of the objectives of this article. Analyzing the significance of Karakalpakstan in the context of interethnic relations, the article emphasizes the need for further study of national-territorial delimitation in Central Asia to better understand contemporary regional policies and ethnic dynamics. Exploring the historical experience of this process using the principles of historicism, as well as systemic and comparative methods, provides an opportunity to identify the causes and prerequisites of subsequent events related to the issues of national-territorial construction in the former Soviet Central Asian republics.

Chronic respiratory disease among women in India: district-wise geospatial distribution and influencing factors

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are one of the major noncommunicable diseases, which affect adult women more than men, especially in a lower-middle-income country like India. The study was aimed to understand the district-wise prevalence and spatial distribution of CRDs among reproductive women and to reveal the significant influencing factors of the disease in India. The study was executed based on the data from the Indian fifth NFHS (2019–2021). Descriptive statistics, spatial mapping, and non-parametric statistical analysis have been executed in this study. The study results reflect that the prevalence of women having CRDs is found mainly in the districts of the northeast, east, and southeast parts. There is an association between CRDs with age, women’s smoking habits, currently have diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, and the kitchen without ventilation. We hope this work will add new facts and findings to the issue. It will guide policymakers in adopting and implementing proper local, regional, and national-level policies that consider the deprived districts and raise awareness about improving women’s health by controlling the CRD burden.

“Ich-Mupong”, a swollen stomach: an ethnographic study of the daily lived experiences of schoolchildren in schistosomiasis high transmission areas along Lake Albert, Hoima District

BackgroundOur primary focus was Schistosoma mansoni infection and schoolchildren. Within communities the social environment may promote individual risk of infection for the school-aged children. There will also be demographic groups who are not targeted or reached by preventive chemotherapy campaigns. The behaviours of these other groups will interact with those of school-aged children, resulting in further infection risk through exposure-related behaviours. Furthermore, perception of the disease may significantly influence the schoolchildren’s lived experience of the infection and associated disease. It is therefore crucial to document the daily experiences of schoolchildren living in schistosomiasis high transmission areas along Lake Albert, Hoima District.MethodsAn ethnographic study explored schoolchildren’s perspectives and daily life organisations that shape their risk of schistosomiaisis and their perceptions of the disease. The study was conducted between November 2022 and August 2023. It involved in-depth interviews with schoolchildren and their parents, key informant interviews, focus group discussions with schoolchildren, and participant observations. Data was analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis. Code reports were generated inductively using ATLAS.ti (Version 7).ResultsThe study revealed a significant level of knowledge and awareness about schistosomiasis among schoolchildren. They had understanding of the risk factors, continued exposure, and experiences of illness, though they had little autonomy to address these through their own behaviour as they were influenced by the behaviour of others and macro-factors such as WASH provision and economic need. Study participants experienced individual-level effects of schistosomiasis such as educational impacts and isolation as a significant form of stigma.ConclusionsThere is a need for continued community sensitisation and awareness campaigns to address social stigma, educational impact, and contamination and exposure-related behaviours. National and regional policies and programmes on WASH, livelihood and poverty eradication programmes need to be revisited in schistosomiasis high transmission areas to help provide alternatives and improve schoolchildren’s lived experiences.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

HPV genotypes in invasive cervical cancer: prevalence, risk attribution, and optimized vaccine strategies in western China

BackgroundUnderstanding the HPV genotype distribution in invasive cervical cancer (ICC) is essential for vaccine optimization. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of HPV genotypes in ICC tissues from patients in western China, with the aim of informing regional vaccine policy and prevention strategies.MethodsDNA was extracted from 1,908 paraffin-embedded ICC samples, and 23 HPV genotypes were detected via PCR and reverse dot hybridization gene chip assays. The genotypic distribution of HPV infections was analyzed, the attribution of each HPV genotype found in multiple infection cases was calculated using the fractional contribution approximation. Furthermore, the cumulative attribution rates of HPV genotypes included in each vaccine combination were totaled to estimate the potential vaccination coverage of ICC across various histologic types and age groups.ResultsThe overall prevalence of HPV infection was 94.9% (95% CI 93.8–95.8) among 1,908 women with ICC. HPV genotypes 16 and 18 were detected in 1645 of 1810 HPV-positive patients (90.9, 95% CI 89.5–92.1) of ICC. HPV16, 18, 33, 52, and 58 were detected in 1,749 patients (96.6, 95% CI 95.7–97.4), the five most common genotypes in different age groups. HPV genotypes contained in the 9-valent vaccine were detected in 1776 patients (98.1, 95% CI 97.4–98.7). By weighted imputation analysis, the cumulative attribution rates of the bivalent vaccine was 83.4%, and that of the nine-valent vaccine was 89.8%. Optimization group A included the five genotypes with the highest prevalence, HPV16, 18, 33, 52, and 58, with a cumulative attribution rates of 88.5%, and optimization group B included the nine most common HPV genotypes, HPV16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 52, 58, and 59, with a cumulative attribution rates of 90.5%.ConclusionOur comprehensive postsurgical analysis of HPV in ICC patients in western China revealed that the incorporation of the bivalent vaccine into the national program is cost-effective, with group A optimization closely matching the vaccination coverage of the 9-valent vaccine, which can be used to guide future prevention strategies.

An inter-regional input-output table series of China from 1987–2017 with integrated carbon emission data

Inter-regional input-output (IRIO) tables are essential for socioeconomic and environmental analysis. This paper compiled a continuous time series of Chinese IRIO tables with a detailed regional and sectoral classification, covering a longer period from 1987 to 2017 than existing Chinese IRIO tables. Additionally, we integrated the China provincial CO2 emission inventory data (1987–2017) to analyze trends and identify the main driving factors behind regional economic linkages and carbon emissions changes. Specifically, we adjusted the initial values of the international and interprovincial imports and exports using customs data. Subsequently, we employed the minimum cross-entropy model to balance the adjusted input-output tables (IOTs) from both row and column perspectives. Following this, we estimated the interprovincial trade flow for each sector using the gravity model. Then, we balanced these estimates with the minimum cross-entropy model to form the multi-regional input-output (MRIO) table. Finally, we constructed the IRIO table based on the proportion assumption. The compiled IRIO tables, integrated with carbon emission data, have significant applications in regional economic analysis, policy evaluation, and environmental studies.

KOMPLEKS KEAMANAN REGIONAL INDO-PASIFIK SEBAGAI FAKTOR PEMICU PEMBENTUKAN AUKUS

The Indo-Pacific region is currently at risk of developing into a regional security complex. The Indo-Pacific saw a rise in enmity patterns among states in this region. This issue arises because China’s more assertive regional policy, especially the United States, makes other states uneasy. This paper questioned whether China’s aggressiveness was the only factor driving the establishment of AUKUS. Using a qualitative method with interpretative analysis, this paper, therefore, aims to research further the Indo-Pacific’s rising amity and enmity patterns that led to the AUKUS establishment. The authors will employ four variables from Barry Buzan and Ole Wæver’s regional security complex theory, namely boundary, anarchic structure, polarity, and social construction, to comprehend and explain these patterns. Based on the findings, the authors concluded that each of these four variables played a part in changing the Indo-Pacific strategic environment and encouraged the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia to deepen their partnerships through AUKUS.

Biofuel Pellets as a Sustainable Energy Solution: Exploring the Role of Biomass and Regional Waste Management in Turkey's TR63 Region

In recent years, the increasing demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources has led to significant interest in biofuels. Bifuel pellets, which combine biomass materials with fossil fuels, have emerged as an innovative and environmentally friendly energy solution. Typically made from agricultural residues, wood waste, or energy crops, blended with fossil fuels such as coal or oil derivatives, bifuel pellets offer improved energy efficiency and combustion properties. By bridging the gap between traditional fossil fuels and renewable energy alternatives, bifuel pellets provide a transitional solution that enhances both calorific value and combustion efficiency. The dual composition of these pellets allows for better adaptation to existing energy infrastructures while supporting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. In Turkey, regional development and waste management strategies have been shaped by the adoption of the Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS) system since 2002. The TR63 NUTS Level 2 Region, which includes the provinces of Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and Osmaniye, plays a critical role in agriculture and livestock production. Due to these activities, the region contributes significantly to waste generation. This research highlights the potential of bifuel pellets as a viable energy option for the TR63 Region, where agricultural and livestock residues could serve as essential feedstock for sustainable energy production. The integration of bifuel pellets into regional energy policies could help address environmental goals while reducing dependence on conventional fossil fuels.

A Multidecadal Assessment of Haze Development and Fluctuations in Visibility for Arabian Peninsula

AbstractDeteriorating visibility (VR) is an exacerbating problem in the Arabian Peninsula (AP) under the prevailing natural and anthropogenic causes. The main objective of this paper is to analyze the long-term (1975–2023) trends of visibility fluctuations and development of haze for six countries including Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Iraq (IRQ), Qatar (QTR), Kuwait (KWT), United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman (OMN). To comprehend the time-based patterns of visibility across the ME, we utilized the Mann Kendall (MK) and Modified Mann Kendall (MMK) trend estimators in both space and time. The daily visibility of QTR exhibits significant variations from 1975 to 2023, with the lowest and greatest values representing the dynamic character of visibility in the region. Oman’s daily visibility have revealed complex pattern with frequent occurrence of close to zero visibility starting from 1975. Visibility in KWT was 0.5 km in 1994, indicating a period of exceptionally poor visibility whereas the daily mean visibility for KSA was approximately 0.6 km. The UAE data shows strong seasonal spikes in visibility, with peaks of about 2 km. IRQ air quality was severely misty on days when visibility was approximately 0.4 km. Among the six countries, visibility in KWT is improving at 0.06 km/year, while visibility in IRQ is decreasing rapidly at the rate of -0.26 km/year. Keeping in account the overall trends over the decades to assess current visibility conditions, Visibility in KWT and QTR is improving at the fastest trend of + 0.15 and + 0.05 km/year respectively as compared to OMN, IRQ, UAE and KSA. Policymakers in the region can work on regional environmental policies to further improve the regional atmospheric visibility.

The shadow economy's impact on the sustainability of the regional business development

Subject. This article discusses the problems of strategic planning and entrepreneurship as one of the drivers of socio-economic development at the levels of the country and regions. Objectives. The article aims to analyze the interrelations and interdependencies between the level of the shadow economy and the sustainability of the development of regional entrepreneurial systems. Methods. For the study, I used economic and statistical methods. Results. The article finds that the shadow economy has a significant impact on the sustainability of the development of regional entrepreneurial systems, including the possibilities of functioning of entrepreneurial structures, as well as on the state of the external (regional) environment. In turn, the entrepreneurial system directly affects the shadow sector, increasing or neutralizing the incentives of various economic agents to develop their activities outside the formal economy. Conclusions. The existence of a two-way relationship between the shadow economy and the entrepreneurial system of the region predetermines the need to take into account the scale of the shadow sector when developing measures to achieve the strategic socio-economic and environmental goals of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The lack of such accounting has a negative impact on the objectivity of assessing the effectiveness of regional socio-economic policy. The development of regional strategies and programmes, taking into account the established interrelations, will make it possible to legalize the funds concentrated in the shadow sector and use them to implement measures aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the development of systems at different levels.

The Shi’a Paramilitary Units “Al Hashd al Shaabi” in Iraqi and Regional Policy

The Shi’a Paramilitary Units “Al Hashd al Shaabi” in Iraqi and Regional Policy

The Sakhalin industry management personnel providing during the Great Patriotic War

The reseach is scant in Far Eastern historiography on the problem of providing the Sakhalin industrial sectors and enterprises with managerial personnel during the Great Patriotic War. The author introduced into scientific circulation a number of documents extracted from the funds of the State Historical Archive of the Sakhalin Region and the State Archive of the Khabarovsk Territory, as well as materials published in documents collections and periodicals. The data analysis allowed us to present a more detailed picture of senior personnel provision to leading industries and enterprises of Northern Sakhalin during the Great Patriotic War and to obtain that the problem of a senior personnel shortage in industries remained aggravated by their turnover, high though not of an urgent need. The paper identifies the specific results the activities of the party and Soviet bodies led to in eliminating the shortage of management personnel in the Sakhalin industrial sectors. In particular, it was found that the situation has been changing since 1943. It revealed in the state's refusal to reqruite personnel from the oil industry, conducting a policy on the ground aimed not only to consolidate personnel but also to organise a system for improving their skills, as well as inviting personnel from other regions of the country. According to the statistical data collected during the study, the measures taken by the end of the war resulted in resolving the shortage of management personnel for the leading Sakhalin sectors of the economy and enterprises. It is obvious, that the investigation of the experience of providing a particular region’s industry with senior personnel in wartime conditions can find its further development in subsequent research, and might be useful for educational activities as well as the implementation of modern regional personnel policy.