Browsing: O1

2018

Bio-plastic – between current practices and the challenges of a sustainable future

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Introduction. In a globalized economy built on intensive consumption of natural resources and environmentally damaging actions, it is imperative to identify solutions that help to reduce pollution. In line with efforts to maximize the value of natural resources and minimize toxic materials in the environment, many countries have developed bio-economic strategies that contribute to the conversion of bio-basic raw materials to develop organic products (bio-plastic , bio-pharmaceuticals, green chemicals etc.). In Europe, there are already countries that have established bio-economic policies (Denmark, Finland, Germany, France, Scotland and the Netherlands), and an European strategy is already being discussed at EU level. Countries that are already implementing bio-economic principles are positioned as research and innovation centers for bio-products, green energy, bio-economic processes and services. In this context, bio-plastics play an important role due to their potential to contribute to improving the quality of the environment and, implicitly, the well-being of the planet’s inhabitants.

Aim of the study. The article aims to make a brief analysis of the importance and evolution of the field of bio-plastics at a globall and European level, trying to bring forth the best examples of good practice from countries that are already implementing such policies and whose economies are becoming more and more bio (green economies). In addition to being environmentally friendly, the bio-plastics sector also has an important potential to generate job growth, costs savings and natural resources etc.
Keywords: bio-economy, bio-plastics, sustainable development
JEL Classification: O1, O13, O33, O44

2019

Learning From A Smart Asian State: Singapore

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Introduction. Rarely in the course of world history has the pace of socio-economic and political transformation been so fast as in the case of Singapore since the mid-1960s. In spite of its lack of natural resources, the tiny Asian state achieved an impressive economic development and a high living standard in a short period of time. The successful story of Singapore shows clearly why the Asian city-state needed to be smart in the sense of being strategically oriented towards building a welfare society with a pronounced technological footprint. Visionary and strong political leadership, economic pragmatism, developmental policies, technological sophistication, and exceptional living conditions are among the key features of Singapore.

Aim of the study. The aims of the paper are to present the concept of smart state and briefly analyse its implementation in Singapore. The methodological approach is based on a quantitative method and a case study. The paper shows that the appearance and development of smart state can be considered as the outcome of the spread of the knowledge society worldwide. Also, it briefly analyses the case of Singapore, a smart Asian state, and identifies some of his main features.
Keywords: smart state, Singapore, knowledge, economic development, government.
JEL Classification: F00, O1, O53footprint. Visionary and strong political leadership, economic pragmatism, developmental policies, technological sophistication, and exceptional living conditions are among the key features of Singapore. The aims of the paper are to present the concept of smart state and briefly analyse its implementation in Singapore. The methodological approach is based on a quantitative method and a case study. The paper shows that the appearance and development of smart state can be considered as the outcome of the spread of the knowledge
society worldwide. Also, it briefly analyses the case of Singapore, a smart Asian state, and identifies some of his main features.