| 1. |
- Abu Hatab, Assem, et al.
(författare)
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COVID-19 risk perception and food security in the MENA region: evidence from a multi-wave household survey
- 2024
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Ingår i: Food Security. - : Springer Nature. - 1876-4517 .- 1876-4525. ; 16, s. 989-1008
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The COVID-19 pandemic had disruptive consequences for MENA countries’ agri-food value chains that exacerbated poverty and jeopardized food security. This study examines the relationship between individuals’ perception of contracting COVID-19 and their experience of food insecurity, using longitudinal data from the Combined COVID-19 MENA Monitor Household survey. It also investigates the underlying mechanisms of COVID-19 concerns and explores coping strategies employed by households to identify vulnerabilities in food security. The results provide compelling evidence of a strong association between individuals’ concern about the virus and various dimensions of food security, particularly reduced purchasing power and decreased meal frequency. Notably, this association follows an inverted U-shaped curve, with food insecurity initially increasing as worry grows, but declining after individuals contract the virus. High levels of concern were also linked to significant income decreases and worsening economic conditions. Moreover, individuals with higher concerns were more likely to rely on specific coping strategies, particularly spending savings and obtaining funds from relatives or friends. These findings underscore the need for government interventions during disease outbreaks and economic downturns to focus on alleviating individuals’ worry and fear to facilitate informed decision-making that minimizes food insecurity consequences. Additionally, the findings emphasize the need to strengthen social protection systems during public health and economic challenges to ensure food security for vulnerable populations.
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| 2. |
- Hellsmark, Hans, 1974, et al.
(författare)
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Innovation System Strengths and Weaknesses in Progressing Sustainable Technology : The Case of Swedish Biorefinery Development
- 2016
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Ingår i: Journal of Cleaner Production. - : Elsevier BV. - 0959-6526 .- 1879-1786. ; 131, s. 702-715
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Based on the combination of economic challenges and uncertain policy conditions in the United States, European Union, and elsewhere, the development of advanced biorefineries has progressed slower than anticipated. This has delayed the transition to a more sustainable and less carbon-intensive economy. In this article, we adopt the technological innovation system (TIS) approach to analyze advanced biorefinery development in Sweden, a front-runner country in current development. The analysis highlights a number of system strengths (e.g., long-term research funding; significant research infrastructure; strong actor networks) that have contributed to developing the Swedish TIS, but also important system weaknesses (e.g., weak coordination among ministries; lack of industrial absorptive capacity; unclear roles) inhibiting it. The article highlights a combination of four policy measures that build on the system strengths to address the system weaknesses: (a) the implementation of a deployment policy for creating domestic niche markets; (b) improved policy timing and more structured coordination among different governmental agencies; (c) the provision of stronger incentives for mature industries to invest in R&D and improve their absorptive capacity; and (d) improved organization and financing of existing research infrastructure. In addition to the empirical contribution, the article contributes with novel insights into the TIS framework by highlighting the dynamics between system strengths and weaknesses, and suggests that system strengths should be better emphasized in future TIS studies
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| 3. |
- Söderholm, Patrik, 1968-, et al.
(författare)
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The political economy of industrial pollution control : environmental regulation in Swedish industry for five decades
- 2022
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Ingår i: Journal of Environmental Planning and Management. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0964-0568 .- 1360-0559. ; 65:6, s. 1056-1087
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The paper analyzes the prerequisites for a regulatory-driven transition toward radically lower air and water pollution in industry. This is achieved in the empirical context of the Swedish mining and metals industry, and by investigating the environmental licensing processes during two regulatory systems. The paper derives an analytical framework that explores under what circumstances such licensing processes can result in radical emissions reductions without seriously jeopardizing the competitiveness of the industry. Archived material covering six environmental licensing processes, three during each system, is used to illustrate the various design and implementation issues. The results suggest that regulatory-driven green transitions benefit from trust-based bargaining procedures in which companies are involved in repeated interactions with regulatory authorities, and which extended probation periods permit tests of novel abatement technologies (including innovation). The findings also illustrate the importance of abstaining from simplified normative notions about policy instrument choice (e.g. taxes versus standards).
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| 4. |
- Söderholm, Patrik, 1968-, et al.
(författare)
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Technological development for sustainability : The role of network management in the innovation policy mix
- 2019
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Ingår i: Technological forecasting & social change. - : Elsevier. - 0040-1625 .- 1873-5509. ; 138, s. 309-323
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Despite the key role of actor networks in progressing new sustainable technologies, there is a shortage of conceptual knowledge on how policy can help strengthen collaborative practices in such networks. The objective of this paper is to analyze the roles of such policies – so-called network management – throughout the entire technological development processes. The analysis draws on the public management and sustainability transitions literatures, and discusses how various network characteristics could affect the development of sustainable technologies, including how different categories of network management strategies could be deployed to influence actor collaborations. The paper's main contribution is an analytical framework that addresses the changing roles of network management at the interface between various phases of the technological development process, illustrated with the empirical case of advanced biorefinery technology development in Sweden. Furthermore, the analysis also addresses some challenges that policy makers are likely to encounter when pursuing network management strategies, and identifies a number of negative consequences of ignoring such instruments in the innovation policy mix. The latter include inefficient actor role-taking, the emergence of small, ineffective and competing actor networks in similar technological fields, and a shortage of interpretative knowledge.
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| 5. |
- Ejdemo, Thomas, et al.
(författare)
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Möjligheter och hinder för en grön energiomställning : erfarenheter från andra regioner med lärdomar för Norrbotten
- 2017
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Denna rapport har tagits fram inom ramen för projektet Gröna energiinvesteringar som finan-sieras av Europeiska regionala utvecklingsfonden, Region Norrbotten, Länsstyrelsen i Norr-bottens län och Energimyndigheten. Projektet har drivits av Energikontor Norr i samverkan med Luleå tekniska universitet (Energiteknik, Nationalekonomi samt Entreprenörskap och Innovation) och Företagarna Norrbotten.Syftet med rapporten är att (a) öka förståelsen för de mervärden som kan uppstå regionalt och lokalt av en omställning av energisystemet och vilka hinder som kan finnas för en sådan omställning; samt att (b) identifiera olika former av strategier, styrmedel och affärsmodeller som kan bidra till realiserandet av nya hållbara energillösningar. Detta åstadkoms genom att konsultera och syntetisera relevanta erfarenheter från tidigare energiomställningsprocesser, samt genom att diskutera förutsättningarna för en sådan omställning i Norrbotten.Rapporten innehåller tre huvudsakliga delar. Den första delen är generell och baseras på erfarenheter och lärdomar från andra regioner och länder. Här diskuteras hinder för hållbara energiprojekt, med fokus på betydelsen av goda finansieringsmöjligheter, förutsättningar för etablerandet av ny teknologi samt hinder i form av sociala konstruktioner såsom stereotypa föreställningar om kön, etnicitet etc. En fallstudie av de hinder som kan försvåra ett ökat utnyttjande av industriell överskottsvärme belyser en rad faktorer som är viktiga att hantera i många former av samverkansprojekt på energiområdet. Den första delen av rapporten beskriver också hur hållbara energiprojekt kan bidra till regional ekonomisk utveckling, och identifierar vilka faktorer som påverkar hur stora dessa effekter kan bli. En viktig lärdom är att positiva spridningseffekter på den lokala ekonomin inte alltid sker automatiskt; olika åtgärder och strategier för att förstärka dessa effekter är ofta viktiga. Därför diskuteras även ett antal sådana strategier, t.ex. fondlösningar, lokalt ägande, gräsrotsfinansiering, samt olika strategier som syftar till att aktivt stärka de aktörsnätverk som behöver växa fram kring de nya projekten.Rapportens andra del vänder blicken mot Norrbotten, och diskuterar förutsättningarna för att en hållbar energiomställning med betydande mervärden för den ekonomiska utvecklingen kan åstadkommas i länet. Dessa förutsättningar beskrivs med utgångspunkt i de existerande strategier som finns för att stimulera regional ekonomisk tillväxt; en gemensam nämnare för dessa är att de pekar på möjligheterna att förena regionala tillväxtmål med en hållbar energiomställning. Här diskuteras även de regionala förutsättningarna för inkluderande, inte minst jämställd, innovation i länet.I rapportens tredje och avslutande del sammanfattas de viktigaste lärdomarna från rapporten. Här tydliggörs relevansen av de tidigare erfarenheterna och lärdomarna för det regionala sammanhanget, och vi diskuterar, med utgångspunkt i intervjuer av projektägare, erfarenheter rörande hinder, mervärden, strategier etc. från sju olika energiprojekt som följts och studerats i projektet Gröna energiinvesteringar. I ett avslutande kapitel lyfts ett antal viktiga lärdomar och rekommendationer för det fortsatta energiomställningsarbetet i länet fram.
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| 6. |
- Bergquist, Ann-Kristin, et al.
(författare)
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Command-and-control revisited : environmental compliance and technological change in Swedish industry 1970-1990
- 2013
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Ingår i: Ecological Economics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0921-8009 .- 1873-6106. ; 85, s. 6-19
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper addresses the issue of environmental policy instrument choice for achieving deep emission reductions in the industrial sector. Specifically, it provides: (a) a theoretical and empirical review of the conditions under which performance standards can provide efficient incentives for deep emission reductions and technology adoption; and (b) an analysis of the design and the outcomes of the standards-based regulation of industrial pollutants in Sweden during the period 1970–1990. Our empirical findings suggest that the Swedish regulatory approach comprised many key elements of an efficient policy-induced transition towards radically lower emissions in the metal smelting and pulp and paper industries. The regulation relied solely on performance standards, thus granting flexibility to firms in terms of selecting the appropriate compliance measures. These standards were implemented in combination with extended compliance periods. R&D projects and the new knowledge that was advanced incrementally in interaction between the company, the environmental authorities and research institutions provided a direct catalyst to the regulatory process. In these ways the Swedish regulatory approach provided scope for creative solutions, environmental innovation, and permitted the affected companies to coordinate pollution abatement measures with productive investments.
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| 7. |
- Kurkkio, Monika, et al.
(författare)
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Mapping the Nordic mining and metal industry : for the purpose of enhancing and developing its innovative capability
- 2014
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Rapport (populärvet., debatt m.m.)abstract
- First, a descriptive overview of the Nordic mining and metal industry is provided. It shows that thereare a number of disparities among the firms in theNordic mining and metal industry, but there are alsomany similarities. Finland and Sweden both havewell-developed mining and metal industries. The geo-logical conditions are comparable and, consequently,production and outlook are in the main relativelysimilar for firms producing minerals and metals.Norway’s mineral and metal production mostlyconsists of industrial minerals, the potential of whichis promising. Greenland has great potential in its newmineral deposits. However, there are several challenges(e.g. difficulties in accessing the new mineral deposits,and problems related to infrastructure and a shortageof skilled workers) which need to be overcomebefore the mineral deposits can be explored.Key challenges for innovation have been identifiedand categorised into (a) specific challenges for keyactors and (b) cross-border challenges involvingseveral groups of producing firms in the Nordicmining and metal industry. The major innovationchallenges specific to the mining companies arein-creased production costs,atraditional and conservativemind-setanda short-term focus on exploration.Majorinnovation challenges for the metal producers areprimarilyold production plants and technology, low profitmargins and lack of employees with the right type of skills.The equipment suppliers’ foremost challenges arethe difficulties ofconducting experiments and testsandgaining access to the right type of knowledge.The analysisshows thatdemand for sustainable mining, difficultiesrelated to the exploration of new mineral deposits, a conserv-ative attitude towards innovation in the mining industry,global competition and procurement methods that emphasisepure cost concerns and the absence of pilot and demonstra-tion plantsare at this time the foremost cross-borderchallenges for innovation within the Nordic miningand metal industry.
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| 8. |
- Hellsmark, Hans, 1974, et al.
(författare)
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The Role of Pilot and Demonstration Plants in Technology Development and Innovation Policy
- 2016
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Ingår i: Research Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0048-7333 .- 1873-7625. ; 45:9, s. 1743-1761
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Pilot- and demonstration plants (PDPs) represent bridges between generating basic knowledge and technological breakthroughs on the one hand, and industrial applications and commercial adoption on the other. This paper reports on a longitudinal study of how two technological fields that received significant public funding evolved—biochemical conversion of biomass and thermal conversion of black liquor. In doing so, this study makes two contributions. First, it provides a framework for analyzing the roles of various types of PDPs in developing new technology. The framework highlights the learning processes taking place at and around these plants and how they contribute to reducing different types of risks. It also elaborates on the importance of actor networks and institutional preconditions, and how both network performance and institutions can be influenced through various strategies. Second, the article contributes with new insights into the challenges of innovation policy in a PDP context. A policy mix is often required because policy cannot be considered meaningfully at a single level of government and will therefore be influenced heavily by limited foresight and politics (both nationally and locally). Therefore, policy must address both the need for parallel and iterative public funding of R&D and different types of plants, as well as attempts to directly influence collaborative processes in actor networks.
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| 9. |
- Andersson, Camilla, 1979-, et al.
(författare)
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Impacts of the Productive Safety Net Program in Ethiopia on livestock and tree holdings of rural households
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of Development Economics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0304-3878 .- 1872-6089. ; 94:1, s. 119-126
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We evaluated the impacts of the Ethiopian Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) on rural households' holdings of livestock and forest assets/trees. We found no indication that participation in PSNP induces households to disinvest in livestock or trees. In fact, households that participated in the program increased the number of trees planted, but there was no increase in their livestock holdings. We found no strong evidence that the PSNP protects livestock in times of shock. Shocks appear to lead households to disinvest in livestock, but not in trees. Our results suggest that there is increased forestry activity as a result of PSNP, and that improved credit access encourages households to increase their livestock holdings.
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| 10. |
- Näsman, Mattias, 1989-, et al.
(författare)
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A promised land? : First summary of the research program
- 2023
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This document lays out the background for the research program “A promised land? Drivers, challenges and opportunities related to the (green) industrialization of Northern Sweden,” (nr. M22-0029) awarded by the Swedish Riksbankens Jubileumsfond’s in 2022. The document summarizes work in progress and may therefore be updated and republished in different versions according to the requirements of the program. This interdisciplinary program aims to understand the economic, social, and political challenges and opportunities of the ongoing industrial transformation in northern Sweden. A key element of the program is to identify drivers, obstacles, and preconditions in a historical, present, and forward-looking process-perspective.
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