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The aim of this paper is to explore the existing linkages between Bolivian universities and the renewable energy (RE) sector as well as the current role and future potential of the higher education institutions to reduce the technology gap in the RE sector by technology and knowledge transfer.

The investigation is based on two surveys carried out in the frame of the JELARE project, financed by the EU ALFA III programme, with university stakeholders as well as market representatives from the RE sector.

The main findings were that Bolivian universities are far behind the market needs regarding RE technology transfer, the linkages between the higher education institutions and the market are weak and there is a lack of finance and expertise on both sides. On the other hand, potentials can be seen in the introduction of RE study programmes, the implementation of long‐term research strategies as well as internships and applied research programmes conducted jointly.

The research reveals significant deficits in university technology transfer towards the Bolivian RE market, but on the other hand it shows chances which can be taken as a starting‐point by policy makers and other stakeholders to boost local innovation and the development of the RE market.

University technology transfer regarding REs in poor developing countries has been scarcely investigated until the moment and the links between universities and RE labour market in Bolivia specifically have not been subject to research. The explorative surveys undertaken build a base for further research in this topic.

The rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic upended societies across the world, with billions forced into lockdowns. As countries contemplated instating and rolling back lockdown measures, and considered the impact of pandemic fatigue on policy measures, and furthermore to prepare for the improved management of future pandemics, this study examines the effectiveness of policy measures in limiting the spread of infections and fatalities.

The methodological approach in the study centres on a fixed effects panel regression analysis and employs the COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index, which comprises eight containment measures and three health campaigns, with progressive degrees of stringency, in order to investigate the efficacy of government policies.

Findings suggest that some government policies were effective at reducing implicit mortality rates, infection cases and fatalities during the first four months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Solid stringency measures to reduce mortality rates include public gathering restrictions on more than 100 attendees, and international travel limits for developed countries and islands. Fatalities can further be reduced through the closing of public transport, whereas infection cases also experience benefits from public information campaigns. Comparable results are observed in a robustness test across 12 months.

Some non-pharmaceutical policies are shown to be more effective than others at reducing the spread of infections, fatalities and mortality rates, and support policymakers to manage future pandemics more effectively.