Explore the vast range of titles available.

Commercialisation of intellectual property (IP) constitutes a vital part of a state’s economy and signifi cantly contributes to the development and success of any innovative project. At the same time, commercialisation of IP is directly linked to the adopted legislation on patent rights as it regulates the protection and exploitation of IP. This article seeks to compare the IP commercialisation frameworks in Georgia and Estonia and identify the challenges encountered in patent protection mechanisms in Georgia. Estonia and Georgia are both located in the Eastern European region and share similar legal systems and constitutions. By aligning its legislative framework with European Union standards and supporting universities and fostering a culture of innovation, Estonia sets a notable example in IP commercialisation. However, Georgia’s legislative framework still lacks certain elements that are crucial for developing IP commercialisation. The low number of registered patent applications in Georgia indicates the challenges and obstacles in this fi eld. The comparison of legal frameworks and practices in these countries can provide important insights into the challenges and solutions in IP commercialisation. The article examines how inefficient legislative framework leads to inconsistent patent protection mechanisms in Georgia, creating barriers in IP commercialisation, while underlining Estonia’s success in innovation and the establishment of a progressive IP commercialisation landscape.The article also presents a set of recommendations for Georgia to align its framework with EU standards, initiating joining the European Patent Convention, strengthening IP enforcement, and promoting open IP policies in universities, following Estonia’s model.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the economic studies on Brexit, highlighting that they have focused mainly on its negative impact on trade. The economic intuition behind these outcomes is provided, explaining why they are asymmetric with the UK being much more harmed than EU-27. Design/methodology/approach The importance of foreign multinationals in the UK and of UK’s multinationals abroad is shown using a non-standard quantification, which may be preferable than conventional methodologies. In addition, EU trade and investment legislative regimes are explained. Particular attention is paid to the change after the 2009 Lisbon Treaty which transfers foreign investment to the exclusive competence of the EU as opposed to EU states. Findings The data show that EU-27 is a much less important investment than trade partner for UK. Originality/value Although modelling the economy-wide impact of multinationals is challenging, the data and EU legislative framework analyzed suggest it is very much worthwhile. Other considerations about UK’s diminished leveraging power to negotiate after its EU’s withdrawal are also considered.

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa face persistent operational inefficiencies due to leadership instability, corruption, financial mismanagement, and deteriorating infrastructure. These challenges are exacerbated by the fragmented nature of governance and procurement regulations. The absence of a unified legislative framework has significantly impeded the effectiveness of SOEs in maintaining sound governance and conducting procurement processes. This article explores the consequences of this fragmented legal framework and its impact on governance and procurement operations. Through semi-structured interviews with professionals from Eskom and the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA), the researchers gathered insights into the challenges associated with the current regulatory landscape. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify key patterns and provide empirical data to enhance governance and procurement practices in SOEs. The study aims to examine how legislative fragmentation affects governance and procurement, and to provide actionable recommendations for improving SOE efficiency. Findings suggest the need for harmonised policies, central oversight, e-governance systems, and continuous training to enhance transparency, accountability, and operational performance. The findings also aim to support SOE executives in optimising operational efficiency. Key recommendations include harmonising procurement policies, creating a central oversight body, and adopting e-governance systems. Enhancing internal controls is also essential. Together, these measures will strengthen transparency, accountability, and operational performance in South African SOEs.

The agricultural use of good quality sludge represents a value-added route to ensure growth sustainability in Europe, where raw material availability, for example, for phosphorus, is insufficient to meet demand. However, the possible presence of pathogens, pharmaceuticals and heavy metals requires specific regulations to minimize sludge-related health issues and environmental risks. The current regulation on sludge agricultural use applied by many EU countries is here presented and compared, highlighting scarce harmonization of the legislative framework among Member States. Actual issues, such as the fate of emerging micropollutants and microplastics in sludge-amended soils, and public health concerns regarding sludge spreading during the COVID-19 epidemic, are considered, too.

National audit systems play an important role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. European Union countries apply different approaches to the organisation and conduct of audits of public resources, which requires an analysis of their experience to identify best practices and possible areas for improvement. The purpose of this study is to identify the best practices in the field of auditing the effectiveness of the use of public funds aimed at infrastructure development, based on the experience of the European Union countries. The research methods include comparative analysis, classification by several criteria, study of the institutional structure, audit methodology, the degree of independence of audit bodies and the use of innovative technologies. The study highlights the importance of international cooperation to improve the quality of auditing and fight corruption. It is noted that despite the diversity of audit approaches in the European Union, there are common problems, such as professional development and the fight against corruption. Auditing plays a key role in ensuring the sustainability of infrastructure projects and improving public funds management. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the use of funds, in particular on the example of the Fehmarnbelt project, shows the possibility of significant budget savings and increased transparency. An important aspect of the study was also the identification of limitations and possible directions for further analysis, aiming to improve the effectiveness of audit practices and adapt them to changes in the financial and technological environment.

This paper analyzes the current situation and development perspectives of photovoltaic (PV – Photovoltaic) systems in Romania, with and without energy storage (ESS – Energy Storage Systems) . The study highlights the role of the national and European legislative frameworks in supporting the transition toward renewable energy and the integration of energy storage systems. The analysis is based on recent reports and official documents from ANRE, IRENA, the European Commission, and other authoritative sources.

Worldwide, the use of fossil fuels covers almost 80% of the entire energy needs. In the European Union (EU), 2020 represents a watershed: for the first time, renewables were the main source of electricity. In Italy, the latest surveys demonstrate an increase in the use of alternative energy sources. European legislative framework highlights the importance of these new trends encouraging (and imposing) the use of renewables. The necessity to become more proactive in the energy production–consumption process and in the achievement of sustainability targets brings people to create Energy Communities (ECs) to manage their own energy supply chain. The authors present an overview of the main legislative framework in the EU and Italy in relation to ECs, analyzing the energy consumption, the electricity and heat energy production potentiality, and the energy balance in a portion of an Italian middle-size city in the Milan metropolitan area. Moreover, they underline the technical, regulatory, and planning possibilities to achieve energy independence, exchanging energy among the selected urban district when there is a surplus in production. Lastly, the authors underline the strengths and barriers to the development of ECs.

This paper examines the legislative and institutional framework for water management in North Macedonia, emphasizing gender and social inclusion. The Law on Waters establishes the legislative basis, with the Government defining river basin districts and adopting the National Strategy and Water Master Plan. The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning (MoEPP) oversees water management activities, including granting concessions, adopting river basin management plans, and setting water quality standards. However, the MoEPP’s capacity is insufficient to meet all obligations in line with the principles of Leave No One Behind (LNOB) and Gender Equality (GE).The Ministry of Health (MH) is responsible for identifying water bodies suitable for human consumption and bathing, ensuring the safety and health of drinking and bathing waters, and protecting the population from water-borne diseases.The paper also discusses principles of good governance in groundwater management (GWM) from a gender and social inclusion perspective. Good governance involves inclusive, transparent, and accountable decision-making processes at both central and local levels. Key principles include treating water as an economic, social, and environmental good, managing water resources at the lowest appropriate level, and recognizing the central role of women in water management.A survey of 20 institutions responsible for GWM revealed that 50% operate at the central level and 50% at the local level, highlighting the importance of broad-based participation and negotiation among various stakeholders.

This fascinating book looks at the phenomenon of murder and poisoning in the nineteenth century. Focusing on the case of William Palmer, a medical doctor who in 1856 was convicted of murder by poisoning, it examines how his case baffled toxicologists, doctors, detectives and judges. The investigation commences with an overview of the practice of toxicology in the Victorian era, and goes on to explore the demands imposed by legal testimony on scientific work to convict criminals. In addressing Palmer's trial, Burney focuses on the testimony of Alfred Swaine Taylor, a leading expert on poisons, and integrates the medical, legal and literary evidence to make sense of the trial itself and the sinister place of poison in wider Victorian society. Ian Burney has produced an exemplary work of cultural history, mixing a keen understanding of the contemporary social and cultural landscape with the scientific and medical history of the period.

Agritouristic guesthouse expansion in Romania has been influenced by the interaction between legislative and economic conditions. In this comparative study, we examine the northwestern and northeaster development regions through a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) in order to gain insight into how these factors affect the expansion of agritourism. The objective is to measure the impact of regulatory frameworks and economic landscapes on the establishment and evolution of agritourism businesses. Final findings reveal distinct regulatory environments, accessibility of finance, and market dynamics across regions. On the practical level, this research highlights the importance of legislative and economic conditions in stimulating or hindering the development of agritourism. The findings provide strategic insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to enhance sustainable growth in the agritourism sector, focusing on targeted responses adapted to regional challenges and opportunities.