Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Taşkın Dirsehan Author-X-Name-First: Taşkın Author-X-Name-Last: Dirsehan Title: Analysis of a Blockchain-based website using the technology acceptance model: the case of Save Ideas Abstract: Nowadays, blockchain applications appear as a new technology which disrupts traditional centralised authorities. Even though this technology has huge potential and receives increasing investments, researches are mostly limited to bitcoin, and they are limited. With subjective knowledge about blockchain and individual trust, this study attempts to focus on the technology acceptance model in order to understand the dynamics behind its use by individuals. A quantitative research study was conducted with 94 users of Save-Ideas.com, which is a blockchain-based website, and the results were analysed by Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that individuals with knowledge of blockchain technology will have greater trust in these websites and will perceive these websites as more useful. Then, people will be more likely to accept the website. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 17-25 Issue: 1 Volume: 6 Year: 2020 Keywords: blockchain; technology acceptance; digital marketing. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=109630 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:6:y:2020:i:1:p:17-25 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Lindita Komani Author-X-Name-First: Lindita Author-X-Name-Last: Komani Author-Name: Vito Bobek Author-X-Name-First: Vito Author-X-Name-Last: Bobek Title: What can be learned from Israel by the European Union in the field of innovation? Abstract: This paper looks at innovation from a theoretical and practical perspective and recent developments, including open innovation and its importance for the EU. In the first section, the authors establish a link between the pursuit of competitiveness and R%D funding, innovation and economic growth. They then discuss the current status of the EU and its member states at EU level and globally, and present expert views on the concerns and identified challenges that the EU can and would best address. The core section presents the case of Israel, which could be used as best practice for the EU in several areas. Within ten years, Israel has succeeded in becoming one of the leading countries in the innovation race. Finally, the authors critically reflect on the material presented in the paper and draw several conclusions. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 51-66 Issue: 1 Volume: 6 Year: 2020 Keywords: innovation; open innovation; Israel; the EU; defence; culture. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=109631 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:6:y:2020:i:1:p:51-66 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Iona Cecily Moore Kirkpatrick Author-X-Name-First: Iona Cecily Moore Author-X-Name-Last: Kirkpatrick Author-Name: Tatjana Horvat Author-X-Name-First: Tatjana Author-X-Name-Last: Horvat Author-Name: Vito Bobek Author-X-Name-First: Vito Author-X-Name-Last: Bobek Title: Improving competitiveness between EU rural regions through access to tertiary education and sources of innovation Abstract: The aim of this research is to highlight the relationship between tertiary education, nutritional standards and agricultural production. The authors performed the comparative theoretical analysis. The evidence shows that rural areas are lacking in role models and motivation, coupled with poor dietary standards and poorly educated elder generations. Two main issues arise from this: a society with a lack of social mobility due to poor educational standards, poor social health involving cases of childhood obesity, malnourishment and underachievement. Our solution would address the issues by putting in place a comprehensive plan of action, catering to the needs of both the educational and agricultural systems in marginalised, rural areas. The paper goes on to expand the idea of a synthesis of the two major sectors - access to tertiary education, and innovation - with a view to reaching the above goals, i.e. regional competitiveness, social welfare, viable economies and knowledge creation. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 26-40 Issue: 1 Volume: 6 Year: 2020 Keywords: access to tertiary education; innovation systems; networking; intellectual property. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=109633 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:6:y:2020:i:1:p:26-40 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Rahel T. Kibreth Author-X-Name-First: Rahel T. Author-X-Name-Last: Kibreth Title: Evaluation of Save-ideas intellectual property protection concept Abstract: In this paper, utilising the cost-benefit analysis we evaluate a unique supplementary concept to the traditional intellectual property protection and the long-term social-economic feasibility of Save-ideas company. Many creative innovators have ideas about solving problems, improving lives, increasing productivity, preventing damage, saving money, etc. But unfortunately, most of these people do not have the money, nor the time to go down the conventional IPR protection route. With changes brought about by the internet and crowd participation, new options to address this problem have emerged. Such a new solution is the save-ideas.com platform. The result of the analysis clearly justified used resources, while consequently straightening determination on continuation of the Save-Ideas (SIs) project with the current vision. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 41-50 Issue: 1 Volume: 6 Year: 2020 Keywords: IPP; intellectual property protection; CBA; cost-benefit analysis; Save-ideas; blockchain; innovations. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=109635 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:6:y:2020:i:1:p:41-50 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Nayarí Castillo-Rutz Author-X-Name-First: Nayarí Author-X-Name-Last: Castillo-Rutz Author-Name: Tatjana Horvat Author-X-Name-First: Tatjana Author-X-Name-Last: Horvat Title: Connecting and protecting knowledge from different disciplines into sensible toolbox approaches in medium-sized cities: the case of liminal city Cadasters Abstract: The paper builds a bridge between the various interest groups and promotes a functioning amalgam between authorities, specialists, planners, cultural workers and citizens. The future use of systematic instruments could support the development of long-term, socially sustainable urban projects that attract cultural tourism, promote a better life and activate civic participation. The toolbox approach highlights the issue of Intellectual Property (IP) protection. A directory that shows who owns what provides idea/trademark owners with a potential reference point to find out about their rights and the extent to which these rights are being used. This could be particularly helpful in those jurisdictions where proof of first use or genuine use is required. Block chain technology can also play an important role in the context of unregistered IP rights, as it can provide evidence of their conception, use, qualification requirements, and the country of origin. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 4-16 Issue: 1 Volume: 6 Year: 2020 Keywords: connecting knowledge protection of ideas; liminal city Cadasters; block chain. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=109640 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:6:y:2020:i:1:p:4-16 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Laura Panadès-Estruch Author-X-Name-First: Laura Author-X-Name-Last: Panadès-Estruch Title: Economic diplomacy in small countries: a four-action plan for the Cayman Islands Abstract: The Cayman Islands is finally ready to establish external relations. Starting almost from scratch, its new Ministry of International Trade, Investment, Aviation and Maritime Affairs is launching a coordinated global charm offensive. Economic diplomacy should be put at the centre of the Ministry's strategy because of Cayman's role as a world-leading offshore financial centre. This article puts forward a four-action plan to inform its early activities. It is structured in four main sections, covering each of the suggested actions, which are (i) setting up an electronic one-stop-shop for investment, (ii) humanising 'Brand Cayman', (iii) creating a worldwide network of Government offices, starting in Brussels, to deploy economic diplomacy and (iv) promoting blue-green investments on island through public-private partnerships. The methodology is desk-based research. Sources blend international and local materials for a unique perspective. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 67-84 Issue: 1 Volume: 6 Year: 2020 Keywords: Caribbean; British overseas territories; Cayman Islands; international relations; economic diplomacy; offshore; international finance; trusts; investment funds; foreign direct investment; blue investment; green investment; policy. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=109641 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:6:y:2020:i:1:p:67-84 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Shinta Hadiyantina Author-X-Name-First: Shinta Author-X-Name-Last: Hadiyantina Title: The handling of people smuggling involving foreign nationals as efforts to safeguard Indonesian territories Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the responsibility of Indonesia as a transit country against foreigners who are involved in people smuggling crime in the territory of Indonesia. The approach method used in this research was the Juridical Sociological approach, which means that this study examined the problem by researching from the aspect of law science. In handling the crime of people smuggling involving foreigners, Indonesia has its own rules in the handling of smuggled foreigners. Therefore, there needs to be coordination with other related agencies. There is a difference in the handling of this people smuggling case. This research is one of the few studies that examine people smuggling, given Indonesia's geographic position that lies between two continents and two oceans make Indonesia a very strategic area, not only bringing positive impacts for the benefit of access to transnational commerce but also the international maritime path. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 85-104 Issue: 1 Volume: 6 Year: 2020 Keywords: people smuggling; foreign nationals; safeguard Indonesian territories; juridical sociological. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=109642 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:6:y:2020:i:1:p:85-104 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Israel Dollo Hauwanga Author-X-Name-First: Israel Dollo Author-X-Name-Last: Hauwanga Author-Name: Vito Bobek Author-X-Name-First: Vito Author-X-Name-Last: Bobek Author-Name: Tatjana Horvat Author-X-Name-First: Tatjana Author-X-Name-Last: Horvat Title: Developing a context specific model in the euro zone for data security within the financial system in anticipation for digital currencies and blockchain Abstract: It is no longer just a matter of analysing and discussing the utensils of crypto-currencies and the introduction of block-chain technology in the euro zone. This paper explores the key issues related to data security and cryptographic currencies and block chaining, and reassesses the emergence of the digital central bank currency and the arguments against issuing digital central bank money. This paper also starts from the premise that digital currency can be the vice that spreads the fervour of the euro in inter-cultural transactions and that there is a direct relationship between a nation's currency and culture and its image. The questions for assessing the adequacy of the market infrastructure and the digitalised currencies extend the premonition of arguments about the weaknesses of the euro Central Bank Digital Currencies in an effort to develop a context-specific model for the euro zone. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 121-138 Issue: 2 Volume: 6 Year: 2020 Keywords: crypto-currencies; crypto-assets; socio-cultural factors; cultural change management; decentralised consensus networks; cross-cultural transactions. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=111010 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:6:y:2020:i:2:p:121-138 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Wilfried Bolewski Author-X-Name-First: Wilfried Author-X-Name-Last: Bolewski Title: EU diplomacy after Brexit Abstract: Brexit is the latest symptom of an international institutional failure to live up to public expectations. It is caused by the perception of unfulfilled participatory governance and lack of problem-solving capacities (immigration and financial crises, changing transnational identities, internal and external security) and it bears the seeds of further disintegration. Brexit has again revealed the lack of (not only institutional, but) mental preparedness of the linear mindset ('sleepwalking into crises') for the international management of disruptive events which will continue to be a regular feature and is becoming the new normality. Diplomacy and its civilising virtues (solidarity, subsidiarity, inclusion of the general public, acceptance of change as opportunity) could provide the practical values for a result-orientated mindset of problem-solving. For Diplomacy as social interaction to be successful in the context of Brexit we need innovative practical initiatives corresponding to public expectations leading to sustainable solutions and providing trust in a functional European Union. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 109-120 Issue: 2 Volume: 6 Year: 2020 Keywords: diplomacy's civilising virtues; diplomacy as social interaction; solidarity; subsidiarity; public support; cohesion; Europe of projects. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=111011 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:6:y:2020:i:2:p:109-120 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Jakša Krišto Author-X-Name-First: Jakša Author-X-Name-Last: Krišto Author-Name: Ingrid Omerzo Author-X-Name-First: Ingrid Author-X-Name-Last: Omerzo Author-Name: Ivana Zec Author-X-Name-First: Ivana Author-X-Name-Last: Zec Title: Credit unions in Croatia: challenges ahead and far forward Abstract: Credit unions as one of the prominent examples of mutual or cooperative societies in the financial sector share important tasks ranging from financial intermediation for different affinity groups, fostering financial inclusion and community development to social cohesion. In CEE countries, the mutual and cooperative sector in general and credit unions, as well, are less developed compared to advanced economies. This is due to historical and political reasons but also because of competitiveness in the financial sector, financial integration, regulatory requirements, low level of consumer protection and financial literacy. Low interest rate environment, digitalisation, development of the FinTech sector and demanding regulatory compliance could pose diverse effects on prospects of development of credit unions. The aim of this paper is to discuss development prospects of credit unions in Croatia from the perspective of regulatory changes, contemporary challenges in the financial sector, role in society and consumer perspective. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 139-155 Issue: 2 Volume: 6 Year: 2020 Keywords: credit unions; community development; financial inclusion; digitisation; Croatia. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=111017 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:6:y:2020:i:2:p:139-155 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Vasileios Vlachos Author-X-Name-First: Vasileios Author-X-Name-Last: Vlachos Title: Outward FDI location and economic diplomacy: the case of Greece Abstract: This study investigates the effects of national and European Union economic diplomacy action on the stock of Greece's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) held by 22 destination countries. The results indicate the effect of economic diplomacy instruments on the location of Greece's outward FDI vis-à-vis the respective effect of other determinants. The results are tested for differences across countries with different levels of income and for different levels of economic integration. The findings contribute to the debate on the role of economic diplomacy in international business and on the significance of developing a European economic diplomacy strategy. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 171-188 Issue: 2 Volume: 6 Year: 2020 Keywords: European Union; EU economic diplomacy; FDI; foreign direct investment; Greece. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=111019 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:6:y:2020:i:2:p:171-188 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Igor Senčar Author-X-Name-First: Igor Author-X-Name-Last: Senčar Title: Crisis context and the community of fate Abstract: Recent crises have spurred efforts at reform in specific areas of the European Union, particularly in the domain of economic and monetary union. It is evident that issues linked to the reform of the Economic and Monetary Union are unavoidable in the face of the economic consequences of the Covid-19 crisis. Deep integration among euro-area members calls for higher degrees of mutuality and risk-sharing. The underlying question they face concerns the extent to which the European integration process - as well as the concept of the Economic and Monetary Union in particular - is commensurate with the idea of the community of fate. The Covid-19 pandemic crisis highlights the challenge of effective collective action and its embeddedness in pre-legal and pre-market relationships, which are not contractual in nature. They are social bonds that serve as the foundation for both trust and cooperation. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 156-170 Issue: 2 Volume: 6 Year: 2020 Keywords: community of fate; EMU; euro area; collective action; common good; crisis; interdependence; risk-sharing; solidarity. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=111021 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:6:y:2020:i:2:p:156-170 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Vilma Hanžel Kratochwill Author-X-Name-First: Vilma Hanžel Author-X-Name-Last: Kratochwill Title: EU banking regulation on capital and liquidity ten years after the crisis: the Slovenian perspective Abstract: This paper is about the EU banking regulation, which was an important factor in many EU countries contributing to the 2007/2008 financial crisis. Its purpose and value added is to present regulatory weaknesses most relevant for Slovenia. Most notably regarding the absence of rules limiting short-term borrowing on wholesale markets, and procyclical accounting rules which impacted capital adequacy. In the last ten years, the EU banking regulation has been subject to extensive modification. We find the introduction of the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) was an important improvement. However, the Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) which was designed to address borrowing on wholesale markets is not yet legally binding. Both ratios have a drawback that they may be subject to a cliff effect. Accounting rules were amended with the new accounting standard IFRS 9, but we find that the problem of procyclicality remained. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 189-203 Issue: 2 Volume: 6 Year: 2020 Keywords: EU banking regulation; financial crisis 2007/2008; liquidity; capital adequacy; accounting; IFRS 9; Slovenia. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=111022 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:6:y:2020:i:2:p:189-203