Industrial location and public policy: the case of Kenya's textile industry

The purpose of this interim research report is to develop models of the relationship between industrial location and public policy in Kenya, to test the validity of these models using empirical data, and to use those parts of the models which appear to be valid to help improve policy outcomes. The approach will be contextual, in that government interventions will be considered in relation to the wider context of overall industrial, spatial and population policies, and in relation to the political economy of which these policies are a part. Data have been collected in interviews with government administrators, and with officials from 17 textile, knitwear and, clothing manufacturing firms. Data analysis will be based on procedures taken from the disciplines of political science and regional economics

Hierarchies, Networks and Local Government in Viet Nam

This article explores how decentralization supports the policy commitments made by the Viet Nam government to increase citizen participation and accountability, and to reduce poverty and regional disparities. The article includes a review of basic definitions of decentralization that places the case study in an international context, a brief look at the unique, historical context in Viet Nam and its relevance, a brief comparison of policy intention vs implementation reality, a preliminary analysis of the impact of decentralization during the period, and a concluding section on remaining challenges. The article examines the interplay between hierarchical and network organizations in Viet Nam, as stakeholders seek to better define the respective roles and authority of the party, and other public, quasi-public and private organizations at different territorial levels

New directions in biodiversity policy and governance? : a critique of Victoria\u27s land and biodiversity white paper

The overall condition of biodiversity in many parts of Australia is poor and declining, despite the establishment of national parks and other reserves, and the adoption of conservation activities on private land. The impacts of climate change add further challenges to sustaining biodiversity. In response to these issues, in December 2009, the State Government of Victoria released a major policy statement that aimed to provide the framework and directions to secure the health of Victoria\u27s biodiversity and associated land and water resources over the next 50 years. Given Victoria\u27s reputation for environmental policy reform and innovation, the question arises as to whether the Victorian approach will provide a model for other Australian jurisdictions to adopt or adapt. Drawing on insights from environmental policy, discourse theory, and ecological theory, this article provides a critique of Victoria\u27s approach, focusing on the way in which biodiversity is conceptualised and governed.<br /

All-optical combiner-splitter and gating devices based on straight waveguides

A two-mode optical combiner-splitter device is designed based on all straight waveguides that maintains the integrity of the two modes during propagation and allows for an analytic analysis. The design analysis has the potential to improve the precision of the device fabrication. The design is used in an analytic optical gate based on a nonlinear Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The design reduces the size of a previously proposed device and simplifies its analysis

Supporting Innovative Business Development Through Innovative Governance in Poland

Poland turned in an impressive performance since the fall of communism, and even during the global financial crisis beginning in 2008. Highly innovative public policies helped catalyze a vibrant private sector, which in turn enabled high economic growth, low unemployment, increased exports and labor productivity, leading to a much-improved standard of living for many citizens. However, comparatively low wages have led up to 12 percent of the population to live and work in other countries. One of the reasons for this is lower rates of innovation and R&amp;D spending than in peer countries.In the context of these various innovative forces and disruptions, this paper focuses on a set of policy actions supported by the Government to promote innovation and competitiveness in Poland’s private businesses. The paper seeks to answer two main questions: What is the nature of initial innovations in Poland’s public sector that enabled private sector innovation? And, were more recent government programs supported by the World Bank successful in promoting increased business innovation and competitiveness? The paper draws on the author’s recent mission to Poland as part of a World Bank evaluation of the policy operation series (IEG in press