This study employs a quasi-experimental methodology, utilizing two-stage residuals regression, propensity score matching (PSM), and difference-in-differences (DiD) techniques to examine the relationship between the leader’s background, environmental policy, and environmental performance in some 55 developing countries. The analysis is based on a sample of 189 presidents from 1995 to 2018. The findings of this study demonstrate that the leader’s educational and professional background exhibits global variations in estimation techniques, yet the results from environmental policies remain consistent. The results indicate that a leader’s background is not a significant factor in environmental performance; rather, environmental response is positively influenced by their actions.

Banking services nowadays are shifted from manual to electronic, but not every country of the world has managed to transform its payment system to electronic level due to some cultural antecedents. In developing countries like Nigeria, the introduction of electronic banking has undergone some stages starting from the improvement of the method of payments and to the provision of several electronic payment platforms as alternative means for cash payments to customers. The success of these electronic payment platforms depends on the level of adoption by consumers. The growing reliance on digital financial transactions globally has left a gap in understanding adoption patterns in developing countries. This study aims to identify and analyze the factors influencing Nigerian retail shoppers’ use of electronic point-of-sale (POS) systems. A structured survey was conducted among 237 respondents across six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, using SEM (Structural Equation Modelling) to test hypotheses derived from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The results indicate that performance expectancy, ease of use, and social influence significantly affect users’ intention to adopt POS systems. This research underscores the importance of technological relevance, ease, and peer influence in enhancing adoption rates, providing actionable insights for policymakers and financial institutions in similar socioeconomic contexts.  

The deep integration of the digital economy and the construction of smart cities has become an urgent and important way to increase the competitiveness of cities. Smart cities, as an important application scenario for the digital economy, are reconstructing the industrial lifestyle and management system in cities through the efficient distribution of data elements and the constant expansion of technological innovation opportunities. Objective: to analyze the specific parameters of the construction and development of smart cities in the People’s Republic of China, managed by the digital economy, based on four dimensions: a) technology empowerment: creation of intelligent infrastructure systems; b) data management: activation of a new impulse in the field of urban management and services; c) industrial integration: environmental development digital economy and urban development; d) innovation management: creation of a multidimensional and coordinated digital governance model. Are given as an example before the advanced Chinese cities of Hangzhou and Shenzhen: the actual results in economic development, improving the livelihoods of the population, and the effectiveness of sustainable development: promoting the construction of environmentally friendly, low-carbon and sustainable cities, improving the alignment and accessibility of public services in cities at the prefectural level or higher. The analysis showed that the digital economy has significantly increased the operational efficiency and innovative capabilities of smart cities, but also faces challenges such as barriers to data exchange and uneven regional development, data security risks, and technological ethics.

In the context of the global aspiration for sustainable development and the need to diversify the regional economy, the development of bioeconomy based on the use of renewable biological resources is of particular relevance. This article is devoted to the analysis of prospects and barriers to the development of bioeconomy in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), parties demonstrating high achievements of world leaders and characterized by extreme climatic conditions, which determine the specific use of bioresources. The purpose of the study is to identify the key factors contributing to and hindering the development of bioeconomy in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), as well as to develop a strategy for realizing the potential of this industry. The study was carried out using a qualitative approach based on the analysis of secondary data. The materials used were scientific publications, regulatory acts and national projects. A SWOT analysis was used to assess the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the development of bioeconomy. Additionally, statistical data of the regional economy were used. Research methodology: an analysis of literary sources and a comparative analysis of the regional context. The results of the study show that the opportunities for the development of bioeconomy in Yakutia are bioenergy (use of agricultural waste and timber processing), biotechnology (processing of wild plants, production of biopharmaceutical products), ecotourism and modernization of traditional nature management, determining factors. The key barriers are: underdeveloped infrastructure, production problems, lack of qualified personnel, environmental risks (associated, in particular, with climate change). The practical significance of the research lies in the proposed recommendations for overcoming these obstacles, including attracting investment, state support for economic development projects, development of the education system and integration of modern technologies with constant changes in issues.

Within the framework of the spatial development program of the Russian Federation, decisions are being made on the formation of a system of key settlement. Their selection is carried out in accordance with the regulations. When forming programs for the socio-economic development of such settlements, the relevant mechanism is to take into account the subjective assessment of the population of the key settlement. The purpose of this article is to analyze a survey of residents of the urban settlement of Aldan in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) and compare its results with key tasks of spatial development. This survey was conducted as part of a research project: “Identification of key features of key settlement of urban and rural settlements in the context of spatial development trends in the Sakha (Republic Yakutia), in September 2024. The questionnaire was developed so that respondents would assess the settlement in accordance with the priority areas of spatial development of the territories of the Russian Federation. The questions were collected in the appropriate thematic blocks. The residents gave an assessment of the directions of socio-economic development of the city. Aldan in accordance with the selected thematic blocks; the main factors ensuring a high quality of life are identified, according to which, in the opinion of the population, it is necessary to build program documents for the development of the settlement. The majority of respondents rated the current state of the economy as “satisfactory”, “rather positive”. The respondents acknowledge that the social activity of the residents is necessary for the further development of the settlement, but assess it as average and satisfactory. They also identified areas that, in the opinion of the population, really ensure the quality of life of people, really operate and work in the locality, and in accordance with which it is necessary to coordinate territorial development programs. Such surveys are an effective mechanism for the adoption of policy documents by government authorities when making decisions on the development of settlements, including those designated as reference ones. They make it possible to identify the problems of the existing situation and coordinate further development.

In the context of the globalization of the tourism industry and increasing competition between regions, marketing and promotion of tourism clusters in Yakutia remain insufficiently studied, despite the unique potential of the region, combining natural landscapes, ethnocultural heritage and extreme tourism. The problem lies in the insufficient elaboration of marketing solutions adapted to the specifics of the Arctic territories, and the weak integration of digital tools into the promotion of local clusters, which limits their recognition of the region. The purpose of the study is to develop scientifically based approaches to marketing tourism clusters in Yakutia to increase the attractiveness of the region and attract more tourists. The materials used are data on existing tourist clusters, tourist reviews, as well as the results of marketing research conducted in the region. Research methods include SWOT analysis, comparative analysis, and a google survey. The results show that the use of modern digital technologies and the active promotion of the region’s unique cultural and natural resources can significantly increase interest in Yakutia’s tourism clusters. Based on this research, recommendations have been developed to improve marketing strategies. The conclusion highlights the practical significance of the results obtained for local authorities and entrepreneurs, as well as opens up prospects for further research in the field of sustainable tourism development in the region. Effective application of the proposed strategies can contribute not only to the economic growth of Yakutia, but also to the preservation of its unique cultural heritage.