The infrastructure of a country has significant effects on both the lives of its citizens and its place in international markets. As such, it is imperative to develop policies to promote the quality of a nation’s infrastructure. The Handbook of Research on Economic, Financial, and Industrial Impacts on Infrastructure Development is a pivotal reference source for the latest scholarly research on various initiatives and policies developed to enhance the current infrastructure of modern nations. Including the role of economics, finance, and multiple industry perspectives, this book covers a range of pertinent topics such as R&D initiatives, foreign direct investment, and trade liberalization, and this publication is an ideal reference source for researchers, academics, practitioners, and students interested in recent trends in infrastructure development.

"Policy-makers often call for expanding public spending on infrastructure, which includes a broad range of investments from roads and bridges to digital networks that will expand access to high-speed broadband. Some point to near-term macro-economic benefits and job creation, others focus on long-term effects on productivity and economic growth. This volume explores the links between infrastructure spending and economic outcomes, as well as key economic issues in the funding and management of infrastructure projects. It draws together research studies that describe the short-run stimulus effects of infrastructure spending, develop new estimates of the stock of U.S. infrastructure capital, and explore the incentive aspects of public-private partnerships (PPPs). A salient issue is the treatment of risk in evaluating publicly-funded infrastructure projects and in connection with PPPs. The goal of the volume is to provide a reference for researchers seeking to expand research on infrastructure issues, and for policy-makers tasked with determining the appropriate level of infrastructure spending"--

One of the major tools of attaining proper development all around the world is complete financial inclusion, such that all classes of people can secure their lifestyles through access to financial services from formal sectors. Expanding access to resources and increasing self-employment opportunities help reduce poverty and improve social development. The Handbook of Research on Microfinancial Impacts on Women Empowerment, Poverty, and Inequality is an essential reference source that discusses the role of financial inclusion in gender equality, as well as economic independence and self-employment. Featuring research on topics such as inequality, collaborative economy, and social responsibility, this publication is ideally designed for policy makers, economic researchers, and academicians seeking coverage on social mobilization, capital formation, capacity building, and pro-poor economy designs.

As many countries have increased their budgets to allow for newer technologies and a stronger military force, defense spending has become a popular debate topic around the world. As such, it is vital to understand the interplay between the military expenditure and economic growth and development across countries. The Handbook of Research on Military Expenditure on Economic and Political Resources is a critical scholarly publication that explores the interplay between the military expenditure and economic growth and development across countries. Featuring coverage on a wide range of topics such as defense management, economic growth, and dynamic panel model, this publication is geared towards academicians, researchers, and professionals seeking current research on the interplay between the military expenditure and economic growth and development across countries.

Microfinance is a broad variety of services, such as microcredit, for entrepreneurs and small businesses lacking access to banking and other financial services. As many smaller businesses and entrepreneurs may not be able to secure credit services, many microfinance promoters believe that it encourages entrepreneurial activities and inclusive growth. Microfinance and Its Impact on Entrepreneurial Development, Sustainability, and Inclusive Growth is an essential resource that empirically explores the role of microfinance in entrepreneurship development and the operational sustainability of microfinance institutions. It also highlights the impact of microfinance on entrepreneurship development in different countries and regions. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as risk management, women entrepreneurship, and strategic management, this book provides essential research for entrepreneurs, business managers, policy makers, researchers in the field of finance, and business professionals seeking relevant research on microfinance systems.

This book focuses on the contribution of Information Technology (IT) and Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) in shaping the current and future global economic scenario, with a special focus on Asia, and taking into account the three broad macroeconomic dimensions — growth, sustainability and governance mechanisms. The last two decades have witnessed a structural shift in the world economy due to the tremendous growth in gross domestic product share for the service sector; in fact, service has emerged as the dominant sector and the main driver of GDP growth. This is mainly attributable to the spectacular success of the IT sector in the new knowledge economy. Tradability, technology and transportability – the three T’s – govern productivity growth in today’s services. Growing Asian economies such as India, China and Vietnam, using their demographic advantages, have been reaping the benefits of this boom. The book’s content focuses on recent debates and discussions concerning the issue of long-term sustainability and governance, especially in India, as these companies are facing continuous challenges in terms of international competition, salary inflation, health hazards, scarcity of talent, employee attrition, security concerns, global slowdown and many other technology-related issues. The book further highlights how the increased application of IT-based products and services is resulting in harsh inequalities concerning income distribution in many developing countries of Asia, mainly because of its labor shedding nature, and hence might be detrimental to sustainable development, if suitable policy measures are not implemented to counter these effects. The book provides a wealth of information for researchers, graduate students and political scientists alike, as well as thought-provoking insights for social scientists, policymakers and government officials. It also offers a valuable source of data for business and management professionals, and for members of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Infrastructure development presents significant challenges for both developing and developed countries, hindering their progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Governments often struggle to effectively leverage the necessary resources and expertise for financing and managing infrastructure projects, resulting in untapped potential for sustainable and inclusive development. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals Through Infrastructure Development, edited by Cristina Raluca Gh. Popescu, Poshan Yu, and Yue Wei, offers a comprehensive guide to address these challenges. Focusing on public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a transformative solution, the book equips policymakers, investors, practitioners, and researchers with the essential knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of infrastructure development and leverage the expertise and resources of the private sector. By showcasing successful case studies, analyzing critical success factors, and providing valuable insights into the implementation of PPPs in both developing and developed countries, this book becomes an indispensable resource for driving progress towards the SDGs. Covering crucial topics such as financing, risk management, legal frameworks, and sustainability considerations, it empowers readers to make informed decisions and foster collaborative partnerships between the public and private sectors. Through its comprehensive roadmap, this book enables stakeholders to unlock the full potential of sustainable and inclusive infrastructure development, paving the way for a prosperous future for all.

As the global financial crisis has touched the entire world, it is important for entrepreneurs, government officials, and researchers to reflect on its long-lasting effects to the economy. Economic Growth in Latin America and the Impact of the Global Financial Crisis is a pivotal reference source containing the latest academic research on risk, economic growth and information security in the Latin American economy. Including coverage among a variety of applicable viewpoints and subjects such as telecommunication, subprime lending, and public education, this book is an ideal reference source for government officials, researchers, academics, and upper-level students seeking innovative research on entrepreneurship and the European debt crisis.

First, the book documents the evolution of Asia's infrastructure over the past half-century and reviews existing literature on the role of infrastructure investment in supporting growth and social development. It highlights the positive impact of mass transit investments on land and property values, and the possibility of taxing the increase in values to finance these investments. It then examines Asia's current practices and new solutions that can help meet the infrastructure gap. It discusses the role of institutions, how innovation can foster energy infrastructure investments, and the role of bond markets in infrastructure investments. The book explores ASEAN+3 efforts in developing local currency bond markets to provide long-term local financing for infrastructure investment while providing financial resilience. It also examines the use of green bonds to finance sustainable growth in Asia.

Democratization of Africa and Its Impact on the Global Economy delves into the intricate relationship between democracy, governance, and development in Africa, shedding light on the continent's progress and its implications for the global economy. From its historical context rooted in colonialism and apartheid regimes to the present-day challenges of weak governance and underdevelopment, this book critically examines the factors that have shaped Africa's political and socioeconomic landscape. This book offers a comprehensive exploration of democracy, governance, and development in Africa. It delves into various topics such as models of democracy, electoral systems, political leadership, state building, democratic deficits, political violence, corruption, and the challenges of democratic consolidation. Additionally, it examines the significance of democratic governance, good governance principles, civil society engagement, and political accountability in shaping Africa's political landscape. Through a multi-disciplinary lens encompassing political science, development studies, anthropology, sociology, international relations, and public administration, the book offers a platform for scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and researchers to engage in critical dialogue and propose innovative strategies for Africa's renewal.