Suchergebnisse

The Mediterranean Sea is increasingly exploited by a range of maritime activities, all of which are predicted to expand substantially over the next 20 years: wind farms, oil extraction, cables, shipping routes, fisheries and other human activities including tourism. The increased demand for the limited space and marine resources, increased conflict between maritime sectors as well as between human use and nature has triggered the European Commission to consider an EU-integrated spatial approach towards EU maritime areas in the form of a Marine Spatial Planning Directive. In July 2014, the European Parliament and the Council adopted legislation to create a common framework for maritime spatial planning in Europe. While each EU country will be free to plan its own maritime activities, local, regional and national planning in shared seas would be made more compatible through a set of minimum common requirements. ; The MedTrends project is inspired by WWF"s 2010 report "Future trends in the Baltic Sea", which highlights the substantial growth trend expected in the Baltic region over the next 20 years, showing how the Baltic Sea governance framework is clearly ill-equipped to meet oncoming challenges. In a nutshell the MedTrends project has been scoped to illustrate and map the most likely integrated scenarios of marine economic growth at a transnational level in Med-EU countries for the next 20 years. The potential cumulative impacts of human activities at sea will be assessed and put into the perspective of the 10% marine protected areas target set for the Mediterranean. ; The project has the scope of carrying out an overall analysis of growth trends and potential cumulative impacts of human activities at sea, with particular reference to both the set Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) target of 10% of coastal and marine protected areas in the Mediterranean (CBD target 11), as well as to the achievement of the Good Environmental Status (GES) objective set by the European Union"s Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The over-arching sectors chosen for this exercise include wind energy, shipping, ports, oil and gas exploration and extraction, pipelines and cables, coastal development, sand and gravel extraction, military activity, industrial pollution, tourism and recreation, commercial fishing, aquaculture, agricultural runoff, climate change, coastal chemical plants, desalinization plants. As far as Malta"s national reporting is concerned, the following themes were examined on the basis of their local relevance: maritime transport, oil and gas exploration and extraction, pipelines and cables, coastal development, extraction of non-living resources (including dredging and water for potable use), infrastructure, land-based activities, tourism, recreational and commercial fishing, marine aquaculture, safety and security and waste disposal. ; This report thus forms part of a collection of other national reports compiled by the MedTrends partners. A transnational report outlining scenarios for the future development is another MedTrends deliverable, meant to outline the future scenario of sectoral development in the Mediterranean. At both the national and transnational levels, advisory committees have been set up to provide advice and assist in the provision of data and information. ; peer-reviewed

The rise of the activity of Ukraine in foreign markets and the formation of own capable markets is accompanied by a gradual increase in economic risks and threats faced by domestic producers. First of all, they are associated with: increased levels of competition for markets from domestic and foreign producers; the monopolization of internal market; the imperfection of legislation regulating relations in the field of entrepreneurship; the existence of social problems; the lack of established methods and means to ensure their own economic security, insufficient number of specialists in this field, etc. In the super complex current conditions it is very important for enterprises to provide their own economic security, to organize their own business. The purpose of the article is to establish the role and place of innovation and investment component in the system of economic security of enterprises, as well as to prove the necessity for the implementation of a vector of innovation and investment development of enterprises to ensure their economic security in long term run. At microlevel economic security characterizes sustainable economic condition of an enterprise and the presence of its immunity to the effects of internal and external factors, which provide guaranteed protection of economic interests, social policies, and the availability of sufficient resources potential for economic activities. Economic security as a basic element of economic system of higher levels (regional, national) is the basis for the reproduction of key national interests. It leads to the existence of internal mechanisms of production, distribution, exchange and consumption, which are the stages of social reproduction. In addition, economic security provides a transition from confrontation to threats (which have an external nature to the subject of safety) to ensure the sustainability of the business entity. Innovative susceptibility is the criterion for the efficiency and competitiveness of businesses in the modern world in the face of new global challenge. So the generation, production, commercialization and implementation of innovations, support for innovation activity is a top priority of the modern enterprise. The components of economic potential are the basis for the development of long-term forecasts and plans for economic security, describe investment mechanisms to ensure economic security. The factors of economic security of enterprises at the present stage are described in the article. The basic development strategies of enterprises due to current conditions are determined. ; В статті визначено роль і місце інноваційно-інвестиційної складової в системі економічної безпеки підприємств та обґрунтовано необхідність реалізації вектора інноваційно-нвестиційного розвитку підприємств для забезпечення їх економічної безпеки у довгостроковому періоді. Уточнено визначення економічної безпеки підприємств, окреслено найважливіші чинники економічної безпеки на рівні підприємства. Критeрiєм eфeктивнocтi тa кoнкурeнтocпрoмoжнocтi підприємства в cучacнoму cвiтi при нoвих глoбaльних викликaх cьoгoдeння є iннoвaцiйнa сприйнятливість, тому гeнeрaцiя, прoдукувaння, кoмeрцiaлiзaцiя тa впрoвaджeння iннoвaцiй, зaбeзпeчeння iннoвaцiйнoї aктивнocтi є гoлoвним прioритeтoм рoзвитку сучасного підприємства. Визначено складові економічного потенціалу – основи для розробки довгострокових прогнозів та планів забезпечення економічної безпеки підприємств, окреслено інвecтицiйнi мeхaнiзми забезпечення економічної безпеки. Систематизовано фактори забезпечення економічної безпеки підприємств на сучасному етапі, визначено базові стратегії розвитку.

Since the Australian Government first sent officials to Thailand after the Second World War to oversee the safe return of prisoners-of-war, Australia's security relationship with Thailand has developed considerably. Strong bilateral agreements between the two nation's Defence, Police forces and security organisations have been established by previous Governments and are still strongly supported by the current administrations of both countries. The ongoing security relationship with Thailand includes combined military exercises that engage all three branches of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Royal Thai Armed Forces (RT AF), intelligence exchange such as tactical information used by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Royal Thai Police (RTP) to fight crime, high-level security dialogue between Government Ministers and departmental staff and also educational exchange including both civilian and military educational institutions. More recently since the graduation of Crown Prince Vajiralongkom in 1976 the Royal Military College Duntroon and the ADF have educated many of Thailand's military and political elite. However, the Australia-Thai security relationship is not without its challenges. Thailand's recent political unrest, violence in the southernmost provinces, allegations of human rights abuses and questions over the King's choice of his successor could all affect the level of engagement between the two Nations. Australia must tread carefully regarding these issues offering support to Thailand through knowledge exchange and using the relationship to guide Thailand to uphold democracy while always remaining respectful of Thailand's autonomy. Looking forward, Australia must seek to maintain and deepen its already well established links with Thailand. In terms of education.exchange it is especially important that prospective. students have at least basic communication skills in the other's language as this can influence the number of students that foreign institutions are able to accept. Both the Australian and Thai governments must do more to improve the study of the each other's language before students begin an exchange. Australia must also develop on existing intelligence exchanges especially those between the respective Police forces and security organisations. This interaction helps to ensure the integrity of each nation's borders and the safety of its people. Additionally it is in Australia's interests to maintain and expand combined military training with their Thai counterparts. By building mutual trust, knowledge, cooperation and professional relationships between the Defence Forces, the ease of working together during a time of crisis in the region will be greatly enhanced. This has already been demonstrated through the deployment of both nation's troops in support of the United Nations missions to East Timor. What is particularly encouraging is that during this engagement both Australian and Thai troops experienced working under the command of the other's military hierarchy. Finally high-level security dialogue between Ministers and departmental staff from each nation's national security organisations must be maintained and strengthened. By supporting frequent communication between these groups future regional events can be dealt with efficiently and promptly. As this paper demonstrates, the Australia-Thai security relationship is well established and through pursuit of further engagements in these four areas it will continue to expand and strengthen in the future.

The Indian Ocean Region(IOR) has attracted increasing strategic and political attention in recent years. It hosts a third of the world's population, a trillion dollar economy, and rapidly growing levels of consumerism and individual wealth. Much of the world's trade in energy crosses the Indian Ocean and flows through its choke points. Regional wars and crises have led to unprecedented levels of external involvement, reinforced by strategic competition between India and China, energy politics, and issues of environmental and human security. Australia's interests in the IOR are many and varied. Indian Ocean trade routes are critical to the survival of all major world economies, and vital to Australia's import and export markets and sea-lines of communication. Fastgrowing populations and economies in the IOR offer many opportunities for enhanced economic and trade cooperation with Australia. At the same time, uneven distribution of wealth, food and water shortages, and acute environmental stress may provoke political instability in the region. The IOR is the zone of Australia's interaction with most significant neighbours including the People's Republic of China, India, Indonesia, and others- many of which are presently undergoing major security, social and economic challenges. Despite the strategic and economic importance of the IOR to Australia, the capacity of Australian graduates to interact effectively and sensitively with the countries of the region is stagnant or declining. Indonesian studies and Indonesian language learning in Australian education is in crisis, and enrolments in Indonesian at Australian universities plummeted by 40 percent from 2001-2010. The study of India and the countries of South and West Asia has contracted significantly in recent years, where from the 1960s Australia was a world leader. In 2002 the Indian Ocean Centre at Curtin University closed due to funding and internal structural issues. The study of Africa suffers from a severe lack of facilities and incentives in Australia, particularly after the African Research Institute at LaTrobe University- the only major African studies centre in Australasia- closed at the end of 2006. Australia can no longer afford to neglect the study of other regions, languages and cultures. Nor can it continue to shift focus from one country to the next. Selective and politicised funding does not make for sound scholarship or reliable analysis. In order to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances, Australian students need to appreciate the diversity of the IOR and understand issues central to the region as a whole. As a step towards enhancing Australia's Indian Ocean knowledge base, this report recommends the establishment of an Indian Ocean Centre at a Western Australian University. The Centre would aim to improve research and scholarship on the IOR and to provide both country-specific and region wide education for undergraduate students in the languages, cultures, histories, societies and security issues of the region. The Centre would offer programs with a strong research component, preferably multidisciplinary in approach. It would also have a mandatory language requirement, with extensive study of one language country culture of the IOR placed in a larger conceptual framework.

Species and ecosystems worldwide are threatened by human activities, and intensive conservation efforts are needed to slow the ongoing biodiversity crisis (Tittensor et al. 2014). Islands are crucial to the conservation of global biodiversity: in just 5.5% of the earth's land area, they contain a disproportionate amount of terrestrial species, including an estimated 19% of birds and 17% of rodents. Islands are also highly vulnerable to human impact; 77% of known terrestrial vertebrate extinctions have taken place on islands and 40% of critically endangered species currently inhabit them (Tershy et al. In press). The leading cause of extinction and endangerment on islands is introduced species (Tershy et al. In press). In particular, animals associated with humans, such as such as rats, mice, pigs, goats, rabbits, and cats, have become feral on a large percentage of the world's roughly 400,000 islands (Atkinson 1985). These invaders have a myriad of direct and indirect effects on insular species, such as overgrazing of native plants, predation of native animals, competition with natives for food and other resources, and alteration of important physical and chemical ecosystem processes (Croll et al. 2005, Towns et al. 2006, Fukami et al. 2006, Kurle et al. 2008, Spear and Chown 2009, Simberloff 2011, Medina et al. 2011).The eradication of invasive mammals from islands is an increasingly utilized conservation tool with a strong record of mitigating or reversing much of the damage caused by invasions (Barun et al. 2011a). Nearly 1,100 successful eradications to date have removed invasive mammals from 750 islands globally (DIISE 2014). Ongoing developments in eradication technologies are creating opportunities to eradicate invasive vertebrates from increasingly large and complex islands (Howald et al. 2007, Burbidge 2011, Campbell et al. 2011). Consequently, national and regional government agencies and conservation organizations are increasingly investing in vigorous eradication programs on islands. However, the global scale of island invasions greatly outweighs the resources available to undertake eradication projects. To ensure that biodiversity conservation resources are allocated as effectively and efficiently as possible, islands must be prioritized for eradications.In my dissertation I address the island prioritization problem comprehensively. First, I develop a statistical model that explains global island extinctions as a function of invasive mammal presence, native taxonomy, and island attributes (Chapter 1). I use this model to isolate and quantify the impacts of invasive mammals on globally threatened island vertebrate species, and to predict the benefits to these species from invasive mammal eradication. Then, I combine these predicted benefits with eradication cost estimates, and develop an optimization model that identifies sets of islands where specified conservation goals can be attained via eradication for the minimum cost (Chapter 2). Finally, I assess the importance of socio-political factors in global conservation planning (Chapter 3). Taken together, the sections of my dissertation synthesize global data on island biodiversity, threats, costs, and governance, and provide results and tools that strengthen global prioritization efforts for invasive mammal eradications on islands.

Programom Vlade Republike Hrvatske za razdoblje od 2011. do 2015. godine te Strate¬gijom razvoja poduzetništva od 2013. do 2020. godine nastao je "Poduzetnički impuls" 2015. Temeljem takvih programa postignuti su pozitivni pomaci te rast ukupnog gospo¬darstva bez obzira na gospodarsku krizu. Sektor malog i srednjeg poduzetništva za 2013. godinu pokazuje porast investicija u visini od 19,83%, čime su i ukupni prihodi porasli za 5,6%, kao i broj zaposlenih te izvoz. Zakonom o trgovačkim društvima, odnosno izmjena¬ma i dopunama, omogućeno je jednostavnije poslovanje, čime se ostvaruje porast broja otvorenih poduzeća. Ministarstvo poduzetništva i obrta Republike Hrvatske naglašava kako je u posljednje tri godine provedbom navedenog Zakona, otvoreno 34.198 tvrtki i 25.818 obrta. Unutar Zakona o obrtu smanjen je iznos obveznog doprinosa za 50% te je ukinut varijabilni dio komorskog doprinosa. Strategija Europa 2020 i Zajednički strateški okvir omogućuju sredstva za kohezijsku politiku Republike Hrvatske s ciljem zapošljava¬nja, povećanja energetske učinkovitosti i iskoristivosti obnovljivih izvora energije, rast ulaganja u istraživanje i razvoj, ulaganje u obrazovanje te smanjenje siromaštva. Aktiv¬nostima Regionalnog centra za razvoj poduzetničkih kompetencija zemalja jugoistočne Europe podiže se svijest svakog pojedinca unutar formalnog i neformalnog obrazovanja. Cjeloživotno učenje važno je za razvoj malog i srednjeg poduzetništva kako bi se postigla što bolja učinkovitost te kako bi se zapošljavale osobe s visokom akademskom kvalifikaci¬jom. Takav obrazovni kadar u potpunosti lakše može dostići konkurentniju razinu pojedi¬nih proizvoda i usluga te učinkovitiji poslovni model u pogledu inovacija. ; The program of the Croatian Government for the period 2011 to 2015 and Entrepreneurship Development Strategy 2013 to 2020 created the "Business impulse" in 2015. Positive pro¬gress and growth of the entire sector, regardless of the economic crisis, have been achieved on the basis of such programs. Sector SMEs in 2013 shows an increase of investments by the amount of 19.83%, thus the total revenue increased by 5.6%, as well as the number of employees and the exports. Companies Act and Amendments have enabled one to run a business more smoothly resulting in an increase of opened companies. The Ministry of En¬trepreneurship and Crafts of the Republic of Croatia points out that in the last three years the implementation of the above mentioned Act have resulted in opening 34.198 compa¬nies and 25.818 trades. Within the Crafts Act there has been a reduction in the amount of mandatory contributions by 50% and abolished the variable part of the chamber contribu¬tions. The Europe 2020 strategy and the Common Strategic Framework provide funds for Croatian cohesion policy in order to increase employment, energy efficiency and utilization of renewable energy, investment in research and development, investment in education, and poverty reduction. Activities of the Regional Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning SEE countries raises the awareness of formal and informal education. Lifelong learning is im¬portant for the development of SMEs in order to achieve the best efficiency, and to employ people with high academic qualifications. It is absolutely easier for educated personnel to reach a more competitive level of individual products and services, and more effective business model in terms of innovation.

Climate change mitigation requires gigaton-scale carbon dioxide removal technologies, yet few examples exist beyond niche markets. This dissertation informs large-scale implementation of bioenergy with carbon capture and sequestration (BECCS), a carbon-negative energy technology. It builds on existing literature with a novel focus on deployment, design, commercialization, and communication of BECCS. BECCS, combined with aggressive renewable deployment and fossil emission reductions, can enable a carbon-negative power system in Western North America by 2050, with up to 145% emissions reduction from 1990 levels. BECCS complements other sources of renewable energy, and can be deployed in a manner consistent with regional policies and design considerations. The amount of biomass resource available limits the level of fossil CO2 emissions that can still satisfy carbon emissions caps. Offsets produced by BECCS are more valuable to the power system than the electricity it provides. Implied costs of carbon for BECCS are relatively low (~$75/ton CO2 at scale) for a capital-intensive technology.Optimal scales for BECCS are an order of magnitude larger than proposed scales found in existing literature. Deviations from optimal scaled size have little effect on overall systems costs – suggesting that other factors, including regulatory, political, or logistical considerations, may ultimately have a greater influence on plant size than the techno-economic factors considered.The flexibility of thermochemical conversion enables a viable transition pathway for firms, utilities and governments to achieve net-negative CO2 emissions in production of electricity and fuels given increasingly stringent climate policy. Primary research, development (R&D), and deployment needs are in large-scale biomass logistics, gasification, gas cleaning, and geological CO2 storage. R&D programs, subsidies, and policy that recognize co-conversion processes can support this pathway to commercialization. Here, firms can embrace a gradual transition pathway to deep decarbonization, limiting economic dislocation and increasing transfer of knowledge between the fossil and renewable sectors.Global cumulative capital investment needs for BECCS through 2050 are over $1.9 trillion (2015$, 4% real interest rate) for scenarios likely to limit global warming to 2 °C. This scenario envisions deployment of as much as 24 GW/yr of BECCS by 2040 in the electricity sector. To achieve theses rates of deployment within 15-20 years, governments and firms must commit to research, development, and deployment on an unprecedented scale.Three primary issues complicate emissions accounting for BECCS: cross-sector CO2 accounting, regrowth, and timing. Switchgrass integration decreases lifecycle greenhouse gas impacts of co-conversion systems with CCS, across a wide range of land-use change scenarios. Risks at commercial scale include adverse effects on food security, land conservation, social equity, and biodiversity, as well as competition for water resources. This dissertation argues for an iterative risk management approach to BECCS sustainability, with standards being updated as more knowledge is gained through deployment. Sustainability impacts and public opposition to BECCS may be reduced with transparent measurement and communication.Commercial-scale deployment is dependent on the coordination of a wide range of actors, many with different incentives and worldviews. Despite this problem, this dissertation challenges governments, industry incumbents, and emerging players to research, support, and deploy BECCS.

Стаття присвячена дослідженню стратегій розвитку міжнародними організаціями власних новоутвоюваних органів. Наведений аналіз стратегій розвитку на прикладі Верховного комісара ООН з прав людини та Комісара з прав людини Ради Європи. ; Cтатья посвящена исследованию стратегий развития международными организациями собственных новосозданны органов. Приведен анализ стратегий развития на примере Верховного Комиссара ООН по правам человека и Комиссара по правам человека Совета Европы. ; Problem setting: Personalized activity of individuals holding offices of individual organs in the structure of international organizations is an essential part of the activities of these organizations. Meanwhile, today legal science researches this problem mainly in the context of the development of separate branches of international law.Recent research and publications analysis: From Max Weber, the development of individual organs was studied as a question how one transforms institutions that are led by high-profile individuals into institutions that have a life and energy of their own". Current international legal research in this regard provided by H. H. Koh, F. Benua-Romer, H. Klebes, R. Kicker and the others. There are no relevant Ukrainian legal studies on this issue today.Paper objective: The purpose of the article is to review the issue on the example of a relatively new international bodies - the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe. The features of organs, crucial for the study are: the features of appointment (election) of candidate, term of his office and special activities scheduled for each of these positions.Paper main body: Comparing the Institute of the High Commissioner and the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe in personological view, we note that the personal characteristics and expert practices of the first, second and third Council of Europe Commissioner largely matches with the same first three (in same order) United Nations High Commissioners for Human Rights. This fact suggests that the election of candidates for these positions is a part of strategic transformation of the body.There is a reason to believe that the strategy of the international organizations, not only related to their desire to be effectively involved in actions within their mandate, but also with the desire to increase their influence in comparison with the other international organizations on the regional and universal level. In this regard, international organizations may be considered as international corporate structures that, among the interests of global security and sustainable development pursue the interests of the development of themselves.Conclusions of the research: - Appointment of the defined persons for positions of executive bodies of international organizations not connected with the political (external) strategies, but the strategies of their own, internal, development;- International organizations as corporate structures manage the process of strategic institutional development of their own bodies, independently;- The case of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights shows the stages of strengthening the particular sides of the bodies through the process of the selection of candidates with certain characteristics;- Strategic stage of the development of executive body is sufficient and prevail over personal characteristics of the candidate during elections.

Сучасні міжнародні відносини є поєднанням відносно автономних видів, у першу чергу політичних (дипломатичних і військових), економічних, культурних та медіа­відносин. Інтеграційні процеси є багатогранним і складним явищем, тому що вони досить складно піддаються аналізу і не мають єдиної та остаточної типології. Питання дослідження інтеграції напряму пов'язані з інтеграційними процесами в реальному світі, спрямовані на виявлення загальних тенденцій, причини, умов та основних рис цього явища. Інтеграція визначає закономірності розвитку сучасного світу, бо під її впливом відбуваються зміни глобальної структури, глобального управління і нова інтеграційна структура має забезпечити активний розвиток людства в цілому. Це основний критерій та принцип сучасного світу і відповідно до цього. Процесу інтеграції протиставляється процес дезінтеграції. Ці процеси тісно пов'язані між собою. Навіть активний інтеграційний розвиток може зупинитись у разі домінуючих дезінтеграційних тенденцій. Роль дезінтеграції полягає не лише в запереченні інтеграції, але вона також створює імпульс для нової конфігурації на регіональному просторі. Процеси інтеграції та дезінтеграції набувають все більшої актуальності у сучасній світовій політичній системі. ; Сучасні міжнародні відносини є поєднанням відносно автономних видів, у першу чергу політичних (дипломатичних і військових), економічних, культурних та медіа­відносин. Інтеграційні процеси є багатогранним і складним явищем, тому що вони досить складно піддаються аналізу і не мають єдиної та остаточної типології. Питання дослідження інтеграції напряму пов'язані з інтеграційними процесами в реальному світі, спрямовані на виявлення загальних тенденцій, причини, умов та основних рис цього явища. Інтеграція визначає закономірності розвитку сучасного світу, бо під її впливом відбуваються зміни глобальної структури, глобального управління і нова інтеграційна структура має забезпечити активний розвиток людства в цілому. Це основний критерій та принцип сучасного світу і відповідно до цього. Процесу інтеграції протиставляється процес дезінтеграції. Ці процеси тісно пов'язані між собою. Навіть активний інтеграційний розвиток може зупинитись у разі домінуючих дезінтеграційних тенденцій. Роль дезінтеграції полягає не лише в запереченні інтеграції, але вона також створює імпульс для нової конфігурації на регіональному просторі. Процеси інтеграції та дезінтеграції набувають все більшої актуальності у сучасній світовій політичній системі. ; Modern international relations are a combination of relatively autonomous species, especially political (military and diplomatic), economic, cultural and media relations. Integration is a multifaceted and complex phenomenon. It is quite difficult process which does not have definitive typology. The issue of integration research directly related to the integration processes in the real world, which identifies general trends, causes, conditions and basic features of this phenomenon. Integration determines patterns of development of the modern world, because it influences on the global structure, global governance. New integration structure should ensure an active human development in general. This is the main criteria and principles of the modern world, and according to this criteria, it is also an institutional functional mechanism. The process of integration is opposed to the process of disintegration. These processes are closely related. Role of disintegration is not only an opposition of integration but also creating momentum for a new regional configuration space. The processes of integration and disintegration become more popular in the modern political system of the world.

Purpose – The research aims to discuss the importance of introduction of ICTs in the concept of societal resilience building and analyze e-tools engaging the public in safety enhancement. Methodology – The authors of this paper analyzed scientific literature to identify the main elements of societal resilience building, to distinguish the areas in which social technologies could be applied for the purposes of enhancing resilience. Empirical study was focused on the search and content analysis of global, EU, Lithuanian national and local e-tools created to inform the public about imminent and/or actual disasters and emergencies, communicate data among civil protection authorities, and collect from and disseminate among society disaster related information. Findings – Contemporary disaster management is increasingly orienting on preventive activities based on inclusion of society. Evolving the concept of societal resilience focuses on enhancing abilities of communities or society to resist, absorb, accommodate and recover from the effects of a hazard in a timely and efficient manner. Consequently, resilience moves from a passive technical concept, relevant to resistance of infrastructures, to a socially active process, supporting the phase of risk prevention. Therefore, it should be present in all phases, from risk prevention to emergency management. In the Internet enabled society, information and communication technologies (ICTs) could foster building of the capacity of resilience in urban and regional complex systems by informing, warning and directing people for correct actions in case of disasters. There is a number of e-tools designed for exchange of information at different levels (global, EU, national, local, organizational), serving for different tasks of pre-, during or/and post-disaster management. Those could be grouped by their purposes to the following ones: e-tools for warning of communities at risk, based on broadcasting; WebGIS-based crowdsourcing platforms to collect and update user generated content; Open-source ICT platforms Oriented on Public awareness on natural disasters; ICTs for civil protection planning, decision making for response, recovery and allocation of resources in case of disasters. The most oriented on public engagement are broadcasting and crowdsourcing based ICT tools. However, the empirical research revealed that use of such kind of social technologies by Lithuanians remains relatively vague in terms of public activity: crowdsourcing platforms are mostly uploaded with small-scale problems of everyday life character, and use of the broadcasting services among citizens is not popular enough yet, and some organizational and technological barriers worsen situation even more. This could point to an assumption that Lithuanian society does not percept disasters as real threats for their lives, health, property or environment. Research limitations – The current research is not sophisticated with the comparative analysis of experiences of foreign countries in application of broadcasting and crowdsourcing based technologies for increasing societal resilience. Such analysis could be useful for development of effective means for enhancing public awareness on disasters, consequently – for building safety culture in Lithuania by application of social technologies. Therefore, investigation of good praxis could be considered as a relevant topic for further research. [.]

According to the predictions, the scale and rate of economic processes that are about to come in the next decades of the 21st century will be substantial. A further growth of Australia's importance is to be expected in the long term. The whole region of Asia, including Australia, has become interesting for politicians, entrepreneurs and researchers. In the 21st century, Australia has grown to be a significant player in the global economic policy. It seems that the economic future of the world will depend on the development of the countries in Asia. The economic situation in Australia will arguably change as some countries in that region have reached a satisfactory level of production and share in their developed economy. Economic presumptions delineate an optimistic view of the income's growth in the next decade in Australia. The statistics published by reliable both national and international institutions are helpful in unraveling economic issues, which allow to portray the bright future of Australia until 2025. It seems that the regional economic development will lead to a significant economic revival. The following issues concerning the economic policy and its results have been chosen in order to conduct an analysis: GDP per capita, economic growth, demography, the input of nations and regions in the world's production and the contribution of Australia in the world's trade. The substantial number of inhabitants (over a half of the globe's population) in this region is at the same time a serious proportion of consumers. The ongoing transformation in the life of those countries is the effect of education, communication and technology development. Thereupon, due to the economic and social development of the region, Australia will become its beneficiary and solidify its economic position. ; Według przewidywań skala i prędkość procesów ekonomicznych mających nadejść w następnych dekadach XXI wieku będzie znacząca. W dłuższej perspektywie czasowej należy spodziewać się dalszego wzrostu znaczenia Australii. Cały region Azji łącznie z Australią stał się interesujący dla polityków, przedsiębiorców i naukowców. Australia stała się w XXI wieku szczególnym podmiotem w globalnej polityce gospodarczej. Wydaje się, że od rozwoju państw położonych w Azji będzie zależała ekonomiczna przyszłość świata. Sytuacja gospodarcza w Australii będzie się zmieniała. Niektóre państwa w tym regionie osiągnęły zadowalający poziom produkcji i cieszą się już rozwiniętą gospodarką. Przesłanki ekonomiczne rysują optymistyczny obraz wzrostu dochodów dla Australii w następnej dekadzie. W rozwikłaniu zagadnień ekonomicznych pomocne są statystyki opublikowane przez wiarygodne instytucje krajowe i międzynarodowe. Upoważniają one do określenia pozytywnego trendu dotyczącego przyszłości Australii do 2025 r. Zapowiada się, że regionalny rozwój gospodarczy doprowadzi do znacznego ożywienia gospodarczego. W artykule analizie poddane zostały wybrane zagadnienia polityki gospodarczej i ich rezultaty: PKB na osobę, wzrost gospodarczy, demografia, udział państw i regionów w produkcji światowej i udział Australii w światowym handlu. Mieszkająca w regionie Azji znaczna liczba ludzi(ponad połowa populacji globu) stanowi jednocześnie poważny odsetek konsumentów. Dokonujące się przeobrażenia w życiu społeczeństw wspomnianych państw są efektem rozwoju edukacji, komunikacji i technologii. Australia w związku z dokonującym się rozwojem ekonomicznym i społecznym regionu stanie się jego beneficjentem i wzmocni się gospodarczo.

Предмет/тема. В статье рассматривается нефинансовая отчетность, которая представляет собой отражение экономических, экологических и социальных результатов деятельности компании. Развитие нефинансовой отчетности является актуальным направлением в связи с ожиданием введения обязательности нефинансовой отчетности для государственных компаний и развитием интегрированной отчетности. Однако на пути к распространению нефинансовой отчетности встают проблемы, которые проявляются под воздействием как сложившейся совокупности факторов внешней среды (экономической ситуации, политической обстановки, общественного мнения), так и внутренней среды организации (политики по раскрытию информации в нефинансовой отчетности, уровня развития корпоративного управления). Цели/задачи. В связи с этим целью исследования является выявление проблем становления и развития нефинансовой отчетности в России и определение возможных путей их решения. Методология. Для этого рассмотрены результаты исследований корпоративной отчетности в России, проведенные Российским союзом промышленников и предпринимателей, Российской региональной сетью по интегрированной отчетности, компанией Ernst&Young, выявлено мнение ученых и практиков относительно необходимости нефинансовой отчетности для успешного функционирования компании, проанализированы данные Национального регистра нефинансовых отчетов. В работе представлены классификация и характеристика основных проблем, препятствующих количественному и качественному совершенствованию нефинансовой отчетности в России, отмечены положительные и отрицательные тенденции развития данных проблем, предложены возможные пути их решения. Выводы. Сделаны выводы о необходимости законодательного закрепления обязательности нефинансовой отчетности совместно с разработкой ее методологической базы таким образом, чтобы она была адаптирована под особенности малых и средних предприятий, внимание которых к составлению нефинансовой отчетности приведет к ее более быстрому распространению. ; Importance The article considers the non-financial reporting that represents recording of economic, environmental and social aspects of company performance. The development of non-financial reporting is a topical area in anticipation of the introduction of mandatory non-financial statements presentation by State-owned companies and integrated reporting development. However, there are some challenges in communicating non-financial reports. They result from the impact of the existing external factors (economic and political situation, public opinion) and internal environment of the company (the policy of information disclosure in non-financial statements, level of corporate governance development). Objectives The aim of this work is to reveal the problems of generation and development of non-financial reporting in Russia and to identify possible solutions. Methods To that effect, we considered the results of the studies of corporate reporting in Russia conducted by the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, the Russian regional network for integrated reporting and Ernst&Young, analyzed the opinions of scientists and practitioners on non-financial reporting for successful operation of a company, and reviewed the data of the National Registry of Non-financial Reports. Results The article provides a classification and description of primary obstacles to quantitative and qualitative improvement of non-financial reporting in Russia, identifies positive and negative trends in the development of these problems, and offers possible solutions. Conclusions and Relevance We conclude that it is necessary to provide a legislative framework to prescribe a binding obligation to present non-financial reporting in conjunction with its methodological framework development so that the reporting would be adapted to the specifics of small and medium-sized enterprises. Their focus on non-financial reporting preparation will result in its faster communication.

Предмет/тема. В связи с активным формированием в последнее время контрольно-счетных органов проблема создания единой системы оценки эффективности внешнего финансового контроля в муниципальных образованиях приобрела еще большую актуальность. Цели/задачи. Цель статьи предложить критерии и показатели, характеризующие эффективность внешнего финансового контроля, и сформировать методику его оценки. Методология. С помощью общенаучных методов изучена нормативная база в области финансового контроля, существующие методики оценки эффективности и качества работы контрольных органов. Предложена авторская система показателей для оценки полноты охвата проверочными мероприятиями законодательства, регулирующего бюджетные правоотношения, успешности реализации основных полномочий органами внешнего финансового контроля и оценки качества деятельности контрольно-счетного органа. Результаты. На основании исследований представлена комплексная оценка эффективности внешнего финансового контроля на уровне муниципального образования с использованием интегрального метода. Выводы/значимость. Итоги статьи имеют прикладное значение для работы объединений органов внешнего финансового контроля, контрольно-счетных органов субъектов Федерации и муниципальных образований. Основные положения, выводы и результаты исследования были представлены и апробированы на уровне органов внешнего контроля муниципальных образований Оренбургской области. Результаты внедрены в практику работы счетных палат Адамовского, Бузулукского, Грачевского районов Оренбургской области. Применение новой методики позволит региональным контрольно-счетным органам, объединениям муниципальных контрольно-счетных органов решить ряд задач: осуществлять оценку и анализ деятельности контрольно-счетных органов муниципальных образований и давать рекомендации по повышению эффективности их работы; оценивать действительное состояние системы внешнего финансового контроля в регионе. ; Importance Dynamic formation of controlling and auditing bodies during recent years makes the problem of creating a unified system to assess the effectiveness of external financial control in municipalities even more important. Objectives The purpose of the article is to propose criteria and indicators characterizing the efficiency of external financial control and create a methodology for its assessment. Methods The study employs general scientific methods to review the regulatory framework in the area of financial control, the existing methodology for assessing the efficiency and quality of controlling authorities. Results I offer a unique system of indicators to assess the coverage of the legislation regulating legal relations of budgets, the success of exercising the major powers by external auditors, and the quality of activities performed by controlling and auditing authorities. Based on the research results, I present a comprehensive assessment of the external financial control efficiency at the municipality level, using the integral method. Application The obtained results have been introduced into practice of Audit Chambers of Adamovsky, Buzuluksky, and Grachevsky areas of the Orenburg region. The new technique application will enable regional controlling and auditing bodies, associations of municipal controlling and auditing authorities to solve a number of problems, i.e. to assess and analyze the performance of municipal controlling and auditing authorities and make recommendations to improve their efficiency, and to evaluate the actual state of the external financial control system in the region. Conclusions and Relevance The results of the study have applied significance for the work of external audit associations, controlling and auditing authorities of the Russian Federation and its municipalities. The main provisions, findings and outcomes have been presented and tested at the level of external control bodies of the Orenburg region municipalities.

Статья посвящена активизации продуктивного творчества. Рассмотрены факторы, которые формируют инновационные технологии производства и являются основой для строительства экономики инновационного типа (постоянное обновление знаний и рост потребностей в творчестве, изобретательстве, дизайне, культуре). Проанализированы основные меры, способствующие развитию экономики инновационного типа и выработке методов активизации продуктивного творчества. Изучены и систематизированы конкретные формы и направления стимулирования развития инновационной предпринимательской деятельности. В исследовании использованы общенаучные методы (наблюдение и сбор фактов, моделирование, анализ и синтез), системный подход, а также исторический, логический и графический виды анализа. Кроме этого, проанализированы отдельные меры, принятые в различных странах мира и направленные на формирование экономической системы на основе интенсивных факторов развития, среди которых ускорение научно-технического прогресса, повышение квалификации работников, улучшение использования основных оборотных фондов, повышение эффективности хозяйственной деятельности за счет лучшей ее организации. Выделены направления активизации инновационной активности, которые используются для развития национальных инновационных систем. Автором предложен комплекс методов активизации продуктивного творчества, который включает конкретные способы стимулирования предпринимательской деятельности и может быть использован при разработке мероприятий государственной поддержки на муниципальном и региональном уровнях. Также разработаны методы стимулирования социальной ответственности предпринимательства и экологизации бизнеса, которые предполагают внедрение в российскую практику таких апробированных мировым опытом правовых инструментов природопользования и сохранения окружающей среды, как экологический менеджмент и экоаудит. Практическое применение всего комплекса методов активизации продуктивного творчества будет способствовать демократизации экономических отношений, включению в воспроизводственный процесс потенциала каждого субъекта предпринимательской деятельности и развитию экономической системы на основе интенсивных факторов. ; Importance The basis for building the innovation economy is the continuous updating of knowledge and the increase in creativity, invention, design, culture, art, and creativity that shape the innovative production technologies. In this regard, the activation of productive creativity becomes a priority. Objectives The purpose of the paper is the analysis of the main measures to promote the development of innovative economy and the development of methods to enhance productive creativity. The study systematizes specific forms and directions of stimulating the development of innovative entrepreneurship. Methods For the study, I used scientific methods such as: monitoring and fact-finding, modeling, analysis and synthesis, as well as a system approach, the historical, logical and graphical analyses. Results I have analyzed certain measures taken in different countries, to identify areas of intensification of innovative activity, used for the development of national innovation systems. I am proposing a set of methods to enhance productive creativity, which includes specific ways of stimulating business activity and can be used in the development of activities of State support at the municipal and regional levels. Also I have developed methods of stimulation of enterprise social responsibility and green business, which involve integration of such proven by international experience legal instruments for environmental management and conservation of the environment, as environmental management and auditing, into Russian practice. Conclusions and Relevance In my opinion, the practical application of methods of intensification of productive creativity will contribute to the democratization of economic relations, included in the reproductive process of the potential of each business entity and promote the development of the economic system on the basis of intensive factors.

Предмет/тема. Статья посвящена формированию региональных стратегий устойчивого развития Африки, политическая карта которой сформировалась в результате искусственной нарезки государственных границ в ходе колониальной истории и последующего процесса деколонизации. Данный материк выбран для исследования с позиций выделения геоэкологических регионов. Рассмотрены социально-экономические, природные и историко-цивилизационные факторы, совместное действие которых приводит к формированию ареалов геоэкологических проблем, не совпадающих по площади и локализации с территориями административно-территориальных образований или природными районами. Для анализа экологической ситуации в странах материка и разработки мер по ее улучшению предложено выделение геоэкологических регионов межстрановых ареалов формирования экологических проблем и управления качеством природной среды. Цель исследования. Цель анализ факторов формирования геоэкологических регионов в Африке для территориального планирования устойчивого развития. Методология. В работе на основе концепции геоэкологического страноведения проанализированы различные факторы формирования геоэкологических регионов в Африке, выделены типы таких регионов, проведена оценка степени трансформации их природной среды, выявлены основные ограничения экологического развития. Результаты. Разработана и впервые для Африки реализована методика комплексного многокритериального выделения геоэкологических регионов, основанная на сочетании методов классического районирования и анализе индикаторов экологического развития. Выводы/значимость. Сделан вывод о том, что в условиях природного, этнического и экономического разнообразия геоэкологические регионы с различными ведущими факторами регионообразования демонстрируют три траектории экологического развития, связанные с преобразованием территории в ходе сельскохозяйственного воздействия и изменением плотности населения. ; Importance In the context of global environmental changes, the elaboration of regional sustainable development strategies depends on many socio-economic, natural, and historical and cultural factors. Their combined effect often leads to the formation of a wide range of environmental problems from the aspect of size and localization of the territories of administrative territorial entities or natural areas. This is especially true for Africa, the political map of which was formed as a result of artificial cutting of State boundaries during the colonial history and subsequent process of decolonization. The author proposes the allocation of geo-ecological regions, i.e. the cross-country areas of environmental problems and quality management of the natural environment, as one of the components of analysis of the environmental situation in African countries and the development of measures for its improvement. Objectives The aim of the research is to analyze the factors generating the geo-ecological areas in Africa for the spatial planning of sustainable development. Methods Using the concept of geo-ecological studies, the author analyzed the various factors of formation of geo-ecological regions in Africa, identified types of such regions, assessed the degree of transformation of their natural environment, and identified major constraints of ecological development. Results The author designed and, for the first time for Africa, implemented an integrated multi-criterion methodology for geo-ecological regions, based on a combination of the classical analysis of zoning and environmental by-country development indicators. Conclusions and Relevance The author concluded that in terms of natural, ethnic and economic diversity, the geo-ecological regions with various region-forming leading factors demonstrate three environmental development trajectories associated with the transformation of the territory at the agricultural impacts and changes in population density.