The Role of Innovation for the Economic Growth and Development of the States. The Case of the Emerging Countries

At the beginning of the XXIst century, the importance of innovation is brought in light mainly due to the huge differences that exist between the living standard of the richest and of the poorest nations, differences that could be partly explained through the fact that the most advanced countries pay a greater attention to the intensive side of economic activity. The purpose of this paper is to determine the way in which innovation actually influences the economic growth and the prosperity of a country. Being known that between the stock of human and social capital, on one side, and the innovation, on the other side, there is a strong positive correlation, we will try to identify the possibilities that developing economies have to foster the innovation. The relationship between human capital and innovation will be analyzed in order to see how it could be optimized so that to obtain the best results on both micro and macroeconomic level. The example of China, whose fast development astonished the world, will serve as a model in reaching out our purposes.

THE MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES AND THE LOW-COST MARKETS OF SOUTH-EAST ASIA

In order to be considered a low-cost market, the cost advantage of one or more factors of production offered by a state – generally, a developing one – must be exploited by the multinational firms. Therefore, we may speak about these markets only after 19multinational company, low-cost market, foreign direct investments, developing state, location advantages

THE CRISIS’ EFECTS ON THE STOCK OF ROMANIAN HUMAN CAPITAL

The knowledge, skills and abilities, as main aspects of human capital, have significant influences on the economic development of a country. Unfortunately, in Romania, the low level of human capital at the young people, combined with one of the Europe’s lhuman capital, education, economic development, financial crisis

The Role of Innovation for the Economic Growth and Development of the States. The Case of the Emerging Countries

At the beginning of the XXIst century, the importance of innovation is brought in light mainly due to the huge differences that exist between the living standard of the richest and of the poorest nations, differences that could be partly explained through the fact that the most advanced countries pay a greater attention to the intensive side of economic activity. The purpose of this paper is to determine the way in which innovation actually influences the economic growth and the prosperity of a country. Being known that between the stock of human and social capital, on one side, and the innovation, on the other side, there is a strong positive correlation, we will try to identify the possibilities that developing economies have to foster the innovation. The relationship between human capital and innovation will be analyzed in order to see how it could be optimized so that to obtain the best results on both micro and macroeconomic level. The example of China, whose fast development astonished the world, will serve as a model in reaching out our purposes

Inflation – Unemployment Dilemma. A Cross-Country Analysis

According to Phillips’ study, there is an inverse link between inflation and unemployment. The major consequence of these imbalances lies in authorities’ ability to correct one of them, usually the unemployment, by influencing the components of the aggregate demand. Phillips' opinion is later countered by Friedman’s principle of currency neutrality. Together with Phelps, Friedman argues that, in the long run, the Phillips curve is vertical and any attempt to lower the unemployment below the natural rate leads to a simultaneous rise in unemployment and inflation. This paper aims to analyze the impact of the economic policy measures on the evolution of inflation and unemployment in the G7 countries, starting from the monetary criticism regarding the inefficiency of monetary impulses. In order to achieve this purpose, the developed econometric analysis tries to identify the existence and the direction of the nexus between variables, both in the short and long term, by using causality and cointegration methods, such as Granger, Granger-Wald and Johansen tests. Our findings support Phillips model on the short run, indicating that there is an inverse link between the inflation rate and the unemployment rate in the G7 states, during the analyzed period. However, on the long run, our results indicate that inflation and unemployment can coexist, fact that allows us to agree with the monetarist theories

Global Interdependence and its Effects on Social Work Education in the United States

Social workers in the United States are confronted on a daily basis with challenges reflecting the imprint of globalization. Nevertheless, research shows that most of them are not trained to deal with the global realities of the 21st century, including how to use a rights-based sustainable development approach. This article proposes the use of a rights-based development model as opposed to a charity-based approach. It provides a rationale for implementing a global perspective in social work education that addresses sustainable development consistent with social work values and unique mission. Furthermore, it proposes that it is paramount to adhere to a global perspective in social work education, especially in light of growing global interdependence in economics, communication, and human migration. The article discusses the implications of trends in online/distance education learning to global social work practice, and outlines implications of globalization and the growing global interdependence to social work theory, welfare policy, and practice. It also stresses the need to include this content in field education. The article concludes with a discussion on how to incorporate global content into social work curricula and how to overcome the barriers that may emerge in this process

International Service-Learning Trips: A Framework for Developing Cross-Cultural Competence

The International Federation of Social Workers (2017) calls for social work professionals to be empowering agents who understand the context and diversity of their client populations. At the same time, research on evidence-based practice suggests that cultural immersion is one of the best ways for students to develop much-needed cultural competence and appreciation for diversity (Anderson, Lawton, Rexeisen, & Hubbard, 2006; Pence & Macgillivray, 2008). This article proposes that students would benefit more from having the opportunity to get hands-on experience in needs assessments, appreciative inquiry, program designs, implementations, and evaluations of grassroots sustainable development programs than simply being involved in charitable endeavors. Furthermore, it proposes that international exposure through well-crafted international service-learning trips can assist in the development of cross-cultural competence needed to empower individuals and communities to produce social change. International service-learning trips have great potential to help prepare students for successful careers with culturally diverse populations nationally and internationally. The educational model presented in this article stems from best practices developed during several international service-learning trips and international study tours. Such trips and tours were based on a human rights sustainable development approach and not on a charity model. The article discusses the phases and activities recommended for the development of a successful international service- learning trip and provides recommendations for the pre-, during, and post-trip experiences

Challenges for China’s Sustainable Growth

For more than a quarter of a century, China has experienced a significant economic growth. Yet, this rapid growth has brought on many economic, social and environmental challenges, which might negatively influence the future development of the country. The objective of this paper is to analyse the Chinese economic evolution in order to determine if its growth model is sustainable over time. The research methods consisted in an investigation of the specialized literature, which helped us formulate four research hypotheses, and in a statistical analysis of secondary data, which allowed us develop four models, in order to test the hypotheses. The conclusions show that, to sustain the growth rate, China needs to increase its human capital stock, to keep the pace of attracting the foreign investments, to reduce the size of the government, to diminish the public consumption and to invest in the renewable energy, for increasing the energy efficiency.JEL Codes - Q01; I25; F21; Q5

The Social Worker\u27s Role in the Context of Forced Migration: A Global Perspective

It has become increasingly more difficult to encounter news of today’s events and not become aware of the people who are suffering behind the scenes unfolding on our television sets, radio newscasts, screens and newspapers. Due to the multitude of media reports, we are more aware of what is happening in the remote corners of our world than we were only a few years ago. This awareness includes the fates of the people suffering from displacement due to conflict and violence. This paper seeks to explore available professional literature and present an exploratory study of the issues faced by today’s displaced populations as well as potential ways in which social workers can play a pivotal role in responding to these issues

Biblical Foundations of Modern Social Work Values and Practice Competencies

Modern social work values and practice competencies establish the foundation from which social work educators teach future practitioners much needed knowledge and skills for competent practice. The profession’s two major organizations provide the platform upon which this paper was crafted. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) provides the profession’s Code of Ethics, which presents the values and ethical principles guiding social work practice; the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) provides the competency-based framework for social work education. Through the ages, the Bible has presented guidelines regarding: working with the poor and other vulnerable populations in their social context, addressing issues related to the inherent worth of human beings as created in God’s image, and teaching individuals about the value of knowledge and wisdom that comes from studying the Holy Scriptures. These same values and principles inform today’s social work practitioners and educators through promoting an understanding of, and value for, human life, dignity, and the individual experience in each complex social context. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of how social work values and graduate practice competencies, even though presented in a secular context in their original sources, clearly align with timeless biblical principles