Mark Fagan

SME financing in China: the current situation, problems and possible solutions

Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) support the steady, sustainable economic growth and assist the development of Chinas market economy. This paper discusses the financing of the SMEs in China, the related problems and the possible solutions.

Catalysing institutional innovation

Innovation is expected to be the driving force behind economic growth and societal development during the 21st Century as the breadth and speed of technological innovation increases. Institutional innovation is essential to support the magnitude of technological change. The institutional innovation that is called for rests on four building blocks: efficiency, cooperation, flexibility and transparency. Governments, academic and educational institutions, NGO/NPOs and private enterprises all play important roles in the institutional transformation that is required. Public–private partnerships can be particularly effective in bringing about change. We suggest governments spearhead the institutional innovation effort by facilitating process reforms and adopting polices that support innovation.

Between Safety and Security: The Policy Challenges of Transporting Toxic Inhalation Hazards

Abstract The transportation of hazardous materials is vital to the U.S. economy and inherently dangerous. In the decade since the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, policymakers have struggled to confront the distinct safety and security challenges associated with hazardous materials transportation. Reducing the risks of “toxic inhalation hazards,” a dangerous subset of hazardous materials, from both accidents and intentional disruptions is an ongoing source of controversy. In this paper, we examine proposed risk mitigation measures and outline a policy program designed to reduce the risks associated with hazardous materials transportation. The analysis highlights the limitations and counterproductive nature of narrowly-targeted strategies exclusively designed to confront either safety or security, and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive risk-mitigation strategies.