Abstract
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Abstract
<p><em>Investment in research and development is a key factor in increasing countries' competitiveness. However, its impact can potentially be broader and include other socially relevant elements like job quality. In effect, the quantity of generated jobs is an incomplete indicator since it does not allow to conclude on the quality of the job generated. In this sense, this paper intends to explore the relevance of R&amp;D investments for the job quality in the European Union between 2009 and 2018. For this purpose, we investigate the effects of R&amp;D expenditures made by the business sector, government, and higher education sector on three dimensions of job quality. Three research methods are employed, i.e. univariate linear analysis, multiple linear analysis, and cluster analysis. The findings only confirm the association between R&amp;D expenditure and the number of hours worked, such that the European Union countries with the highest R&amp;D expenses are those with the lowest average weekly working hours.</em></p>

Abstract
Purpose This short communication aims to explore and synthesize the main effects of COVID-19 on the labor market in Portugal regarding the dimensions related to job security and unemployment. Design/methodology/approach Field research is used to identify and understand the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to the labor market in Portugal. Data from the National Institute of Statistics of Portugal are analyzed and compared with artifacts published in the field, which allow us to explore the impact of this phenomenon from multiple perspectives. Findings The findings indicate that the impact on the labor market is very asymmetric regarding geographical regions, sectors of activity, age groups and the nature of labor ties. The most touristic regions and those with a strong dependence on the exterior are the most affected. Young people and women with unstable employment relationships and in temporary work situations are also particularly vulnerable. Originality/value This study focuses on an emerging area with a strong impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labor market. This study seeks both to identify challenges in the Portuguese labor market and to discuss measures that should be taken to mitigate their effects, such as reforming the social security model, the role of teleworking or the more balanced development of the territory.

Abstract
Background: The estimation of the real number of COVID-19 infected people is one of the concerns of the governments around the world. In this sense, this study seeks to assess the incidence and fatality of COVID-19 in Europe considering the expected number of the infected cases. Methods: A quantitative exploratory study was performed on the top 10 countries most affected by COVID-19 by 9th June in Europe. Furthermore, this study presents three propagation estimation models of the COVID-19 that help us to understand the real incidence of the pandemic in each country. Each model is briefly explained and applied. Results: The findings revealed a great heterogeneity of COVID-19 cases and deaths among the countries. The indicator of the number of deaths reveals the greatest disparity between other countries with the United Kingdom, recording about 6 or 7 times more deaths than Russia or Germany. Infection fatality rate (IFR) tends to be a more reliable indicator when analyzing data because it is less dependent on the number of tests performed. Conclusion: Several estimation models can be used to determine the incidence of COVID-19. However, their results in European countries are still quite asymmetrical although they are more reliable than just looking at the perspective of the number of cases or deaths recorded. The infection fatality rate (IFR) emerges as a more accurate indicator by estimating the expected number of registered cases, which includes asymptomatic cases and patients with mild symptoms that are not known and reported by health authorities. © 2020 The authors.

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This study investigates the impact of Technology Balance of Payments (TBP) on countries' international competitiveness. Using dynamic panel data estimations for 26 OECD countries over the period 2000-2017, the estimations unambiguously show that a TBP surpluses significantly foster countries' international competitiveness, regardless of how this latter is measured.

Abstract
The literature focusing on rural and urban entrepreneurship has so far overlooked the conditions in which different institutional contexts can affect firms' performance. The present study addressed this gap by investigating the extent to which institutional factors impact distinctively the performance of rural and urban newly created ventures. Based on data gathered through a direct questionnaire, we obtained 408 responses from newly created ventures located in Portuguese business incubators and science parks. Resorting to econometric binary (logit) models, we found that certain institutional factors, namely EU policy support, financial support from other sources than not banks, business advice for starting up/ ongoing activities, and collaboration to access new markets, are critical for new venture export performance, particularly those located in rural settings. To a larger extent than for urban, rural new venture economic-related performance positive and significantly depend on central government policy support, close relatives' role models, and technological support at the R&D collaboration level. Given the relevance of embeddedness-related factors in rural municipalities, public authorities should follow strategies that involve a growing connection between rural entrepreneurs and a variety of actors from industry, academia and the public and private sectors in order to foster newly created venture performance.