@misc{Pomp, author = {Pomp, Caron}, title = {The Regional Innovation System and Smart Specialisation in the "energy region" Lusatia}, series = {List Forum f{\"u}r Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik}, volume = {49}, journal = {List Forum f{\"u}r Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer Berlin Heidelberg}, issn = {2364-3943}, doi = {10.1007/s41025-023-00250-5}, pages = {45 -- 68}, abstract = {Lusatia, a rural-peripheral region in Eastern Germany, currently faces structural change due to the planned phase-out of lignite mining. Against the backdrop of the EU Smart Specialisation (S2) strategy, structural change funds need to be invested where it can strengthen Lusatia's Regional Innovation System (RIS). With Lusatia's history, energy seems a promising topic S2. However, it is questionable if there is a critical mass of actors and research for energy topics in the region that could enable regional competitiveness. This paper addresses this issue by analysing the current state of Lusatia's RIS and the potentials for S2. I use empirical data from statistical offices and the "F{\"o}rderkatalog" as well as data on new research projects and institutes for my analysis. The gathered data suggest that the region's RIS is rather thin. While the proclaimed image of an "energy region" is not reflected in the data yet, this may change due to the structural change program and the strategic orientation of the region. S2 may be successful if the new institutes and research projects enable the attraction of skilled workers and firms and at the same time manage to increase the absorption capacity of existing firms in the region. Building a critical mass for cooperation and innovation is achievable, at least in the larger cities such as Cottbus. Monitoring and evaluation of the impacts of the invested funds will be crucial.}, language = {en} } @misc{BergerNagase, author = {Berger, Wolfram and Nagase, Yoko}, title = {A landfill tax refund scheme : analysis and simulation for local governments in the UK}, series = {International journal of environment and waste management : IJEWM}, volume = {38}, journal = {International journal of environment and waste management : IJEWM}, number = {1}, publisher = {Inderscience Enterprises}, address = {Geneva}, issn = {1478-9868}, doi = {10.1504/IJEWM.2024.10068220}, pages = {1 -- 23}, abstract = {Taxes on waste such as a conventional landfill tax belong to a policymakers standard arsenal to reduce pollution, encourage recycling and reuse of materials, and promote the circular economy. Yet introducing or tightening such taxes typically causes political resistance from the regulated parties. We propose a tax refund scheme that can mitigate this problem. Under the scheme, waste management authorities would be required to pay a tax on landfill waste before the resulting tax revenue is rebated to them. Waste-reducing efforts would be stimulated because the refund structure rewards authorities that outperform others in reducing landfilled waste. Using the 2019-2020 data on municipal solid waste we present a simulation of our policy proposal for the UK that can serve as a policy design blueprint for other countries. The information requirements for the policy scheme are low, and its design and administration are simple.}, language = {en} }