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on South East Asia |
| By: | Rivera, John Paolo R.; Alcantara, Lailani L.; Vergara, Kimberly Christie S. |
| Abstract: | This paper probes the evolving landscape of social enterprises (SEs) in the Philippines by examining how practitioners define identity, legitimacy, resilience, and ecosystem support needs. Through key informant interviews with SEs affiliated with The Spark Project, grassroots perspectives on certification, government engagement, and the risks of "social washing" were explored. Findings revealed that while SEs share a strong social mission and community focus, the lack of a harmonized definition and inclusive certification system hinders trust-building and policy integration. Respondents emphasized the need for flexible legal recognition, context-sensitive standards, and government support beyond regulation, including access to finance and storytelling. By situating practitioner voices within global SE typologies and aligning them with national innovation policy frameworks, actionable insights for creating an enabling environment that fosters authenticity, inclusion, resilience, and impact are provided. Comments to this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph. |
| Keywords: | social enterprise, certification, inclusive innovation, ecosystem governance |
| Date: | 2026 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:dpaper:dp_2026-05 |
| By: | Sarah Cattan (Institute for Fiscal Studies); Antonio Dalla-Zuanna (Institute for Fiscal Studies); Jan Stuhler (Institute for Fiscal Studies); Po Yin Wong (Queen Mary University) |
| Date: | 2026–04–15 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ifs:ifsewp:26/28 |
| By: | Melad, Kris Ann M.; Abrigo, Michael R.M.; Pablo, Centene V.; Diola, Douglas Kurt Gregor C. |
| Abstract: | This study examines the career aspirations of economically disadvantaged Filipino children participating in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Philippines' flagship conditional cash transfer program. Using data from 9, 958 children aged 10 to 25 collected through the Fourth Wave Impact Evaluation Survey, we document children's preferred occupations and analyze how these aspirations relate to individual, household, and program participation factors. Children in both 4Ps and non-4Ps households demonstrate ambitious career aspirations, predominantly targeting professional and service occupations that represent substantial upward mobility compared to their parents' current employment in elementary or agricultural work. These aspirations remain stable from ages 10 to 25, suggesting that children form career goals relatively early and maintain them through adolescence into early adulthood. Using a regression discontinuity design, we find no detectable causal effect of 4Ps eligibility on children's career aspirations. Program participation does not influence the income levels associated with children's dream occupations or the probability of aspiring to professional careers or service/sales work. These null findings are robust across multiple specifications, bandwidth choices, and outcome measures. Multinomial logit analysis reveals that parental aspirations are the dominant determinant of children's career goals, with coefficients far exceeding those of other factors in the model. When parents aspire for their child to become a professional, children are significantly more likely to hold professional aspirations themselves (coefficient = 3.167, z = 24.06). Gender also plays a significant role: boys are much less likely to aspire to professional or service occupations. Individual characteristics such as grit and functional literacy show modest positive associations with professional aspirations, but their effects are small compared to parental influence. Our findings indicate that while 4Ps has been shown in prior evaluations to improve educational outcomes, it does not expand children's career aspirations. Cash transfers alone may be insufficient to reshape aspirations; additional interventions targeting parental knowledge and expectations, providing career information and guidance, and creating exposure to diverse role models may be necessary to broaden what disadvantaged children perceive as feasible career options for their futures. Comments to this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph. |
| Keywords: | career aspirations, conditional cash transfer, 4Ps, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, youth development, poverty, social protection, intergenerational mobility |
| Date: | 2026 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:dpaper:dp_2026-04 |
| By: | Cortez, Michael Angelo A.; Rivera, John Paolo R. |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the relationship between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance and corporate financial performance (CFP) among publicly listed firms in the Philippines from 2015 to 2024. Using Bloomberg's ESG scores, a triangulated econometric framework was employed that combines contemporaneous estimation via Feasible Generalized Least Squares and dynamic panel modeling via the Panel Generalized Method of Moments. The analysis incorporated both aggregated ESG scores and disaggregated pillars—Environmental (E), Social (S), and Governance (G)—and examined their respective impacts across a comprehensive set of CFP indicators, including profitability, liquidity, solvency, efficiency, growth, and market valuation. Results revealed that Governance performance emerged as the most consistently significant predictor, demonstrating positive associations with firm growth and market-based metrics. Governance scores also exerted robust contemporaneous effects, particularly on asset growth and market capitalization. However, social performance exhibited delayed financial implications, with lagged effects primarily influencing profitability indicators in the dynamic panel model. Environmental scores showed limited and less consistent impact, reflecting the underweighting of environmental strategies in firm-level financial outcomes during the period. Meanwhile, macroeconomic variables such as gross domestic product (GDP) growth and the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) were included as moderators. While GDP growth had minimal influence, WACC remained a binding constraint in specific governance-CFP pathways, indicating the persistent role of capital cost management in sustainability-aligned financial decisions. These findings provide actionable insights for corporate managers, investors, and policymakers by highlighting the financial relevance of governance-driven ESG strategies, the time-sensitive value of social investments, and the need to manage capital costs prudently to promote ESG-aligned performance. Comments to this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph. |
| Keywords: | ESG performance, corporate financial performance, governance and firm value, dynamic panel data, Philippine publicly listed firms |
| Date: | 2026 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:dpaper:dp_2026-06 |
| By: | Doan-Pham, Phil; Mavisakalyan, Astghik; True, Jacqui |
| Abstract: | Can legal reforms shift social norms around intimate partner violence (IPV)? We examine Vietnam's 2007 Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control using a difference-in-differences strategy that leverages the greater relevance of legal protections for married and cohabiting women relative to single women, generating differential exposure to the reform. Using nationally representative data from the Vietnam Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, we find significant reductions in women's acceptance of IPV following the law's introduction. The effects are particularly pronounced among disadvantaged groups, including women with lower education, ethnic minority women, and rural residents. These findings indicate that legal reforms can meaningfully reshape social norms surrounding gender-based violence, with particularly strong impacts among marginalized populations that may face higher barriers to change. |
| Date: | 2026 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:glodps:1743 |
| By: | Alloysius Joko Purwanto (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)); Yasushi Ueki |
| Abstract: | ASEAN’s automotive industry is entering a critical transition phase as electrification, digitalisation, and decarbonisation reshape global vehicle markets. While electric vehicle (EV) adoption is accelerating across ASEAN, the region faces structural challenges: policy uncertainty, prolonged market stagnation, and fragmented industrial competitiveness. At the same time, ASEAN remains a vital production base in the global automotive value chain, particularly for internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). This policy brief draws on ERIA’s ongoing work under the ASEAN–Japan Co-Creation Initiative and the proposed ASEAN–Japan Next-Generation Vehicle Industry Masterplan. It argues that ASEAN’s transition should follow varied, differentiated pathways rather than a single, linear electrification trajectory. A phased and diversified approach – combining ICE, HEV, x EV, sustainable fuels, and mobility services – is essential to preserve industrial competitiveness while advancing climate objectives. The brief outlines a strategic framework built around three pillars: (i) technology and market transition pathways; (ii) industrial transformation through decarbonisation, digitalisation, and servitisation; and (iii) strengthened regional and ASEAN–Japan collaboration. It concludes with policy recommendations to enhance policy predictability, mobilise investment, and position ASEAN as a resilient and competitive hub in the global next-generation vehicle ecosystem. Latest Articles |
| Date: | 2026–03–24 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:era:wpaper:pb-2025-22 |
| By: | Ritika Juneja (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER)); Ashok Gulati; Kirti Goel; Aishwarya Rohtagi |
| Abstract: | India's Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) in pineapple has stayed below 1 since 2013, underscoring its limited competitive edge globally. RCA stood at 0.04 in 2013, peaked at 0.10 in 2017, and settled at 0.06 by 2023. This aligns with India’s stagnant export share, just 0.2 percent of global pineapple exports. Indian pineapples fetched around USD 589/tonne, marginally higher than Costa Rica’s USD 556/tonne and slightly below the Philippines’ USD 593/tonne, offering India a modest price advantage in low-volume, price-sensitive markets like the UAE, Nepal, the Maldives, and Qatar. However, India continues to lack traction in premium markets (EU, USA, Japan, South Korea) due to market access barriers, stringent compliance standards, and regulatory limitations. Competition from countries like Costa Rica and the Philippines, backed by superior supply chains, high-yield varieties (e.g. MD-2), and strong export ecosystems (e.g. institutions like CANAPEP) adds further pressure. |
| Keywords: | agri-market, Pineapple Export, APEDA, icrier |
| Date: | 2026–03 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bdc:report:26-r-10 |
| By: | Bushra, Batool; Taguchi, Hiroyuki |
| Abstract: | This study used a structural gravity trade model and the Trade in Value-Added database of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development to examine how free trade agreements (FTAs) impact global value chain (GVC) participation in Pakistan. This study contributes to the literature by enriching evidence regarding the relationship between FTAs and GVCs, an issue rarely addressed in prior research. The study found that South Asian FTA terms related to the relationship between Pakistan and India, and Pakistan’s FTAs with China and Malaysia facilitated backward GVC participation in Pakistan by increasing foreign value-added inputs from India, China, and Malaysia into Pakistan’s exports. The implication for policymakers is that potential exists for exploring GVC activities because some GVC linkages, such as those between Pakistan and Bangladesh, remain underdeveloped. |
| Keywords: | South Asian Free Trade Agreement, global value chains, backward GVC participation, structural gravity trade model, Trade in Value-Added database |
| JEL: | F13 F14 O53 |
| Date: | 2026–03 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:128268 |
| By: | Sulakshana Rao (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER)); Ashok Gulati; Ayushi Gupta; Riya Jain |
| Abstract: | This report analyses the global apparel competitiveness across China, Bangladesh and Vietnam through five pillars of competitiveness (scale and capacity, capital, labour, trade facilitation and institutional mechanisms). China's rise is driven by vertically integrated mega-clusters and predictable fiscal-financial systems; Bangladesh leveraged liquidity instruments such as back-to-back letter of credit and bonded warehouses to compress lead times; and Vietnam combined FDI-driven industrial parks with FTA access. By synthesising international experience with India’s structural realities, this report outlines a practical pathway for accelerating these reforms and repositioning India as a scale-driven, fibre-diverse, digitally enabled and women-inclusive global sourcing hub. |
| Keywords: | agri-market, Apparel export, Global Competitiveness, Kotak-Karma, icrier |
| Date: | 2026–03 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bdc:report:26-r-11 |
| By: | Hiroshi IYETOMI; Yuta ARAI; Yuichi IKEDA |
| Abstract: | The ongoing geopolitical tensions between the United States and China are reshaping global production networks, particularly in the electronics industry, where East Asia serves as a central manufacturing hub. This study empirically examines Japan's position within the evolving East Asian electronics value chain using firm-level supply chain data. We construct a global supply chain network consisting of 15, 292 nodes (firms) and 27, 751 links (transactional relationships), centered on the electronics industry along with its two closely related sectors: the automotive and aerospace-defense industries. Our findings indicate that Japan continues to occupy an important upstream position, particularly in electronic components, manufacturing equipment, and precision instruments. However, a decline in the relative market share and network centrality of Japanese firms in the mainstream semiconductor industry suggests a departure from Japan's former dominance. In contrast, we identify a distinct automotive cluster in which Japanese firms remain highly competitive. The analysis also reveals an aerospace and defense community dominated by U.S. and European firms, characterized by limited participation from Japanese firms and the potential strategic exclusion of China. Furthermore, we uncover a separate cluster linking electronics, automation, and utilities, where Japanese firms play a prominent role with a 58% share. This cluster highlights a unique structural feature of industrial organization in Japan. |
| Date: | 2026–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eti:dpaper:26025 |
| By: | Venkatachalam Anbumozhi (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)) |
| Abstract: | Brunei Darussalam has a strategic opportunity to align climate action with long-term ecological stewardship and economic diversification through the development of a high-integrity forest carbon market. With extensive intact forest cover, strong state-led governance, and globally significant peatland ecosystems, Brunei is well positioned to pursue carbon finance as a complementary policy instrument to support its nationally determined contribution objectives under the Paris Agreement. This policy brief examines the technical, institutional, and governance foundations required to establish a credible forest carbon market in Brunei Darussalam, with a particular focus on peatland-based carbon projects. It underscores the importance of robust data systems, conservative baselines, and comprehensive risk management to ensure environmental integrity. The brief also assesses social and environmental safeguards, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and market-positioning strategies, including participation in voluntary carbon markets and potential engagement under Article 6 cooperative approaches. The analysis finds that while Brunei’s strong legal protections for forests pose challenges for demonstrating additionality, they also provide a solid foundation for generating premium, high-integrity carbon credits if carbon market mechanisms are used to support enhanced conservation, monitoring, and restoration activities. By embedding rights-based safeguards, transparent governance arrangements, and long-term stewardship frameworks, Brunei can position itself as a regional model for people-centred, high-quality forest carbon finance. Latest Articles |
| Date: | 2026–03–24 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:era:wpaper:pb-2025-23 |
| By: | Ken ITAKURA; Yutaro KIMATA; Shujiro URATA |
| Abstract: | This study provides a quantitative evaluation of the economic impact of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest regional trade agreement. We adopt two methodological approaches. First, we conduct an ex post evaluation using a structural gravity model applied to panel data on bilateral trade in goods and services, inward foreign direct investment (FDI), and import tariffs. Second, we implement an ex ante analysis using a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to simulate potential medium-term economic gains from deeper integration. Our ex post results indicate that RCEP has limited short-term effects on goods trade and inward FDI within the region. However, services trade shows clear gains, and the responsiveness of goods imports to tariffs has increased. Drawing on empirical estimates, the CGE analysis simulates a set of policy scenarios that include tariff reductions, reductions in non-tariff barriers (NTBs) in goods and services trade, and improved investment conditions. The simulation results show that deeper integration, particularly in NTB reductions and investment commitments, produces substantial economic benefits: by 2040, real GDP in RCEP increases by 1.5%, and economic welfare by 1.3%. These findings imply that realizing RCEP's full economic potential depends critically on progress in reducing NTBs and facilitating cross-border investment. |
| Date: | 2026–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eti:dpaper:26029 |
| By: | Fei, Yue; Hege, Ulrich; Jia, Xiao |
| Abstract: | We study how IPO reforms transmit to venture capital (VC) markets using the introduction of China’s entrepreneurial boards, ChiNext and the registration-based STAR. We document that both boards attract younger, higher-growth firms with weaker fundamentals in levels, but postIPO growth persists for ChiNext firms while decelerating sharply for STAR firms. VC backing plays different roles across regimes: on ChiNext it aligns with valuation premia and long-run outperformance, whereas on STAR it mainly predicts higher first-day returns. To identify causal effects on VC allocation, we construct novel text-based regulatory exposure measures from listing documents using keyword matching and Sentence-BERT semantic similarity, and show that VC financing reallocates toward firms more aligned with "supported" activities. |
| Keywords: | IPO Reforms; IPO Listing Requirements; Venture Capital; Business Description; BERT; China |
| JEL: | G24 G28 |
| Date: | 2026–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tse:wpaper:131666 |
| By: | Vinod J. Kannankeril Joseph (Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany) |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the association between thermal stress and child health outcomes in India by linking individual-level data from the National Family Health Survey (2019–21) with high-resolution climate reanalysis data. The study examines the effects of multiple thermal indicators, 2 m temperature, mean radiant temperature, and Universal Thermal Climate Index on stunting, wasting, underweight, and concurrent stunting and wasting among children under five. Logistic regression models adjusted for socioeconomic and maternal characteristics indicate that the likelihood of acute undernutrition (wasting and underweight) increases significantly with higher heat exposure, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged households, whereas stunting levels decrease. The analysis identifies heterogeneity by sex, residence, maternal education, and access to electricity. The findings underscore the role of heat stress as a determinant of acute child malnutrition, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Integrating climate information into public health and nutrition programs is critical to safeguarding child growth and resilience in a warming climate. |
| Keywords: | India, child nutrition, climate, health |
| JEL: | J1 Z0 |
| Date: | 2026 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dem:wpaper:wp-2026-011 |