Analyzing Singapore’s ride-hailing regulation through its technocracy using social practice theory

Ride-hailing or private hire has taken the Singapore transport network by storm in the past few years. Singapore has had more than three revisions of its ride-hailing regulation in the six years since the arrival of the disruptive technology. Often quoted in the list of cities with commendable public transport policy, Singapore still manages to find a viable and significant position for ride-hailing. Cities from around the world are all searching for a model of regulation for ride-hailing that can be elevated as a benchmark. Singapore, to a large extent, has formulated a successful model based on current market parameters and, more importantly, an adaptive one that evolves constantly with the constantly disruptive technology. The experts and regulators of the Singapore transport sector were interviewed in depth, tapping into their opinions and technocratic commentaries on the city-state’s Point-to-Point, or P2P, sector regulation. The data were analyzed using the three-element model of social practice theory as an alternative to conventional behavioral studies, thereby eliminating bias on the commuters and rather shifting focus to the practice. Content analysis utilizing QDA is executed for categorization through fine-level inductive matrix coding to elaborate upon the policy derivatives of the Singapore model. The unique addition of the research to ride-hailing policy is the comprehension of the commonalities and patterns across industrial and technological disruption, practice and policy irrespective of sectoral variations, thanks to the utilization of social practice theory. The first-of-its-kind policy exercise in the sector can be repeated for any city, which is a direct testament to the simplicity and exhaustivity of the methodology, benefiting both operators and investors through equitable policy formulation.

Just Transition and Place-Based Policy in Coal-Dependent Areas

Recently, the interrelated concepts of the place-based approach, spatial justice, and just transition appear not only in scientific dialogue but also in developing policies that seek to address spatial inequalities. This article attempts to discuss the European, national, and local just transition policies and to assess the extent to which these policies are in line with the place-based model, as reflected in the Barca report (2009). The study reference area at the regional level is Western Macedonia, for which the transition towards an alternative, sustainable, and just path stands a very challenging policy exercise. The empirical section involved questionnaires with local specialists and professionals who hold profound knowledge and experience of the area. The results of the analysis revealed that just transition policies designed only at a European level demonstrate a high-level degree of relationship with the place-based model. The exact opposite seems to prevail at the level of national and regional policies.

Artists, Temporality, and the Governance of Collaborative Place-Making

Place-making is a policy exercise rooted in a politics of both space and time. By examining the temporal sequencing of discursive relations and governance networks in the cultural redevelopment of Güterbahnhof Moabit in Berlin, this article demonstrates the fallacy of place-making via artist proxy. It documents the hidden expectations of artist stakeholders and the overextension of their capacities in their municipally delegated and self-assumed roles as “strategic” and “collaborative” partners with local government in place-making processes. It argues that contrary to collaborative and participatory governance ideals, artists are often singularly responsibilized by civic leaders to realize place-narratives for a community rather than with them, which creates a fundamental barrier to community engagement.

A Digest of Selected Judgments of the Supreme Court of Israel

The following is a survey of major judgments of the Supreme Court of Israel published in (1990) 44 Piskei Din, volumes (i) and (ii), directly following upon our last digest which appeared in (1991) 25 Is. L. R. 219.I. Constitutional and Administrative LawMedianwest Herzliya Medical Centre Ltd. v. Director General of the Ministry of Health & the Minister of Health (1990) 44(i) P.D. 19Commodities and Services (Control) Law, 1957 —parallel legislation — effects of policy — exercise of discretionThe petitioner, a company registered in Israel, was established by a group of private, foreign investors for the purpose of developing and operating a number of private medical centres, and providing medical services. The petition centred on the respondents' refusal to allow the petitioner to open a hospital in Haifa. According to the respondents, their refusal reflected a general policy to oppose the establishment of additional public or private hospitals.