Globalization and E-Commerce VIII: Environment and Policy in Taiwan

The international environment is the most important factor that drives the diffusion of B2B e-commerce in Taiwan. The digital information network that enables supply-chain management is used by Taiwanese firms as a means to protect their position in global production. National environment elements, such as telecommunication infrastructures and human resources, are useful reinforcing factors, but not powerful enough to drive the whole process. Government policies play a role only to the extent that they encourage a certain approach to e-commerce solutions. In the case of B2C e-commerce, Internet penetration among the general population is a precondition for diffusion. On-line security concerning trading and payment is critical for the acceptance of electronic commerce by Internet users and the national environment is crucial in this regard. Nevertheless, the most effective driver for the diffusion of electronic trade appears to be innovation of the right products. Without such products, the diffusion of e-commerce will be limited, even with the right environment and policies

Cloud computing and adult literacy: How cloud computing can sustain the promise of adult learning

Adult literacy in Canada consists of a patchwork of large and small adult education providers: many of them are autonomous community societies, some are school boards, and others are community college based, as well as a range of independent community-based groups. Funding for adult literacy comes from several pockets: from different provincial and/or federal government departments and from charitable organizations. Much of the federal funding is short term in response to shifting government priorities. Indeed, Crooks et al. [1] suggest that the ongoing funding search, with the attendant application and reporting activities, detracts from the ability to provide more effectively planned and sustainable adult education programs. A major challenge for adult literacy providers is that while their client base has significant human and economic potential, low-literacy adults are not perceived as large contributors to the economy, and thus, much of the funding is intermittent—from project to project.Alpha Adult Literacy Ontari

The complex interaction between Global Production Networks, Digital Information Systems and International Knowledge Transfers

Traditionally many studies of knowledge in economics have focused on localized networks and intra-regional collaborations. However, the rising frequency by which firms collaborate within the context of global networks of production and innovation, the increasingly intricate divisions of labor involved and the extensive use of the Internet to facilitate interaction are all relatively novel trends that underline the importance of knowledge creation and flows across different locations. Focusing on this topic, the present chapter examines the complex interactions between global production networks (GPN), digital information systems (DIS) and knowledge transfers in information technology industries. It seeks to disentangle the various conduits through which different kinds of knowledge are transferred within such networks, and investigate how recent generations of DIS are affecting those knowledge transfers. The paper concludes that the dual expansion of GPN and DIS is adding new complexity to the practice of innovation: To access knowledge necessary for sustained creativity firms often have to link up with remote partners in GPN, but to be able to absorb and utilize this knowledge, they also frequently have to engage in local interactive learning processes. These local- global linkages - and the various skills necessary to operate them - are strongly interdependent, mutually reinforcing and critical for the development and maintenance of innovation-based competitiveness.

EQUITABLE PHARMACOGENETIC TESTING IMPLEMENTATION FOR RURAL AND UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS

Pharmacogenetic testing has potential to transform healthcare, yet implementation strategies have been limited to major academic medical centers serving metropolitan communities and large health systems. In contrast, rural, community-based health systems are slow to implement these advances, threatening to exacerbate existing healthcare disparities for rural populations. A majority of Montanans live in rural areas, with unique challenges in providing access to pharmacogenetics. We have established partnerships with three clinical sites who serve rural, underserved populations including American Indian, pediatric, and low socioeconomic status patients. We conducted a needs assessment for pharmacogenetic testing implementation by interviewing 48 key stakeholders. Interview questions were centered around participants opinions regarding pharmacogenetics and their perceived barriers and facilitators for implementation of testing. A codebook was created by analysis and organization of common themes. Positive opinions on using pharmacogenetics to guide therapy were common. Perceived benefits included reduced time to symptom management, fewer adverse events, and improved adherence. Concerns expressed in similar studies based in larger medical centers were also present, including conflicts with reimbursement and test turnaround time. Unique concerns for vulnerable, underserved populations included equitable access based on socioeconomic status and sensitivity to culture and historical injustices, particularly for tribal people. Participants were enthusiastic about using telehealth to implement pharmacogenetics in these communities. This will provide an innovative strategy for pharmacogenetic testing and consultations. Participants were eager to implement testing in their facilities. Many concerns can be mitigated with a strategic implementation plan targeted for underserved patients. Our model will implement pharmacogenetics using a telehealth delivery model centered at the University of Montana with outreach to rural health systems and providers. This has the potential to expand as new health innovations are translated into practice. Future work in this area will involve assisting partner sites with implementation efforts and measuring clinical outcomes related to testing services. Our study will help overcome the unique challenges in delivering pharmacogenetics to rural and underserved communities and we aim to provide a model for states with similar patient populations. Our goal is to pave the way for equitable access to pharmacogenetics for all

Cloud computing and adult literacy: How cloud computing can sustain the promise of adult learning

Cloud Computing and Adult Literacy is the final report of an Alpha Plus Project to examine How cloud computing can sustain the promise of Adult Learning. The report includes a review of recent literature on cloud computing, on the role of technology in literacy, and on the characteristics of the Adult Literacy in Canada.AlphaPlus, Athabasca Universit

ACLP - Broadband Planning Tool Kit - October 2022

This Tool Kit provides state and local policymakers with a range of resources and analyses for use during broadband planning. The Tool Kit focuses on the array of grant and other funding opportunities available to states and localities as a result of the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, as well as other pandemic-era stimulus programs. However, the Tool Kit is also useful for broadband planning outside of these specific funding programs. Indeed, the Tool Kit offers foundational planning resources that can be used now and in the future by officials, ISPs, and other stakeholders in the broadband space