Balancing heritage preservation and tourism development: a case study of Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark, Vietnam

The integration of digital technologies in agriculture has the potential to revolutionize biodiversity conservation efforts. This article explores the role of regulations and recommended practices in promoting the adoption of digital technologies for biodiversity conservation in agricultural practices. Through a comprehensive review of the literature and analysis of current trends, the article highlights the importance of regulatory frameworks and recommended practices in shaping the adoption and implementation of digital technologies in agriculture. It examines various policies and initiatives aimed at stimulating the use of digital tools for monitoring, reporting, and mitigating the impact on biodiversity. Furthermore, the article discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of digital technologies in agricultural practices for biodiversity conservation. It concludes by proposing recommendations for improving the regulatory framework and promoting the sustainable use of digital technologies to enhance biodiversity conservation in agriculture.

<p>Adoption of digital technologies are expected to transform current agricultural system towards sustainability. Mobile application (app) designed to assist farmers decision making has started to revolutionize the agriculture sector of Indonesia. The app offer solutions to farmers by providing information of season prediction, cropping pattern, recommended fertilizers and varieties and so on. This paper aims to review a framework related to diffusion and adoption of digital farming technologies that integrating farm level evidence then compare it with local data based on the empirical view of public agricultural R&D agency. The result indicates that the framework could be the basis for application to foster the adoption of digital technologies where the highlight provides important aspects of the adoption process. The findings also provide what matters more or less.<strong> </strong>However, limitations remain and future research is needed to improve the understanding.</p><strong>Keywords</strong>: Digital technologies, mobile application, adoption, agriculture sector

As digitalization in the agricultural sector has intensified, the number of studies addressing adoption and use of digital technologies in crop production and livestock farming has also increased. However, digitalization trends in the context of small-scale farming have mainly been excluded from such studies. The focus of this paper is on investigating the sequential adoption of precision agriculture (PA) and other digital technologies, and the use of multiple technologies in a small-scale agricultural region in southern Germany. An online survey of farmers yielded a total of 2,390 observations, of which 1,820 operate in field farming, and 1,376 were livestock farmers. A heuristic approach was deployed to identify adoption patterns. Probable multiple uses of 30 digital farming technologies and decision-support applications, as well as potential trends of sequential technology adoption were analyzed for four sequential points of adoption (entry technology, currently used technologies, and planned short-term and mid-term investments). Results show that Bavarian farmers cannot be described as exceedingly digitalized but show potential adoption rates of 15–20% within the next five years for technologies such as barn robotics, section control, variable-rate applications, and maps from satellite data. Established use of entry technologies (e.g., automatic milking systems, digital field records, automatic steering systems) increased the probability of adoption of additional technologies. Among the most used technologies, the current focus is on user-friendly automation solutions that reduce farmers’ workload. Identifying current equipment and technology trends in small-scale agriculture is essential to strengthen policy efforts to promote digitalization.

As digital technologies emerge and improve rapidly, firms face changing tradeoffs in terms of their technology infrastructure and strategic direction. Hence, many of them adopt new digital technology and develop new business models and strategies. The literature on strategic alignment of IT suggests that firms need to synchronize these different domains of choice. We therefore, ask how far firms renew their strategy as they adopt new technologies. In this article, we study this question empirically by assessing if the adoption of new digital technologies is associated with, or even leads to, changes to firm strategy using a detailed survey-based dataset on firms’ strategy renewal and their adoption of digital technologies. We observe a strong positive association between the extent of strategy change and the stage of adoption of advanced digital technologies overall, suggesting a tight coupling between (technological) structure and strategy. Further, using instrumental variable regressions to disentangle the two effects, we find that the adoption of new technologies may lead to a large and robust effect on strategy change: the more extensive the adoption, the larger the change in strategy. This result is robust to various specifications and across industries. However, we notice substantial differences across technologies, potentially pointing at heterogeneity in their strategic nature or maturity level.

The adoption of digital technologies has become a strategic necessity for enterprises operating in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven business environment. Enterprise Resource Management (ERM) systems integrate key business functions such as finance, human resources, production, inventory, and customer management into a unified digital platform. For Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the effective adoption of digital ERM technologies can significantly enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and decision-making capabilities. The present study examines the level of adoption of digital technologies in Enterprise Resource Management among MSMEs in Amravati city, Maharashtra. The study aims to analyze awareness levels, adoption patterns, perceived benefits, and challenges faced by MSMEs while implementing digital ERM systems. A descriptive research design was adopted, and primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 100 MSME owners and managers across manufacturing, trading, and service sectors. Secondary data were obtained from academic journals, government reports, and published literature. The findings indicate that while awareness regarding digital ERM technologies is moderate, the level of adoption remains limited due to financial constraints, lack of technical expertise, and resistance to organizational change. The study concludes that targeted training programs, government incentives, and affordable digital solutions are essential to promote wider adoption of digital ERM systems among MSMEs in Amravati city. Keywords: Digital Technologies, Enterprise Resource Management, MSMEs, Digital Adoption, Amravati City

This study assessed the role of information technology in the Conservation of intangible cultural heritage in Tanzania specifically at Bagamoyo. It assessed the role of information technology in the protection and inheritance of intangible cultural heritage and the development of information technology in the protection and inheritance of intangible cultural heritage. The study used a quantitative approach through a case study design as the framework for data collection. The study collected data from 40 respondents through questionnaire and observation guide. The data was analysed using SPSS, where frequencies and percentages as well as mean scores were computed after which tables were derived. The study found that Information technology in important in conservation of both intangible and tangible cultural heritage albeit with some challenges. Some of the important aspects of information technology in cultural heritage conservation were such as Digital documentation, analysis and restoration, enhancing accessibility, virtual and augmented reality, language and accessibility, Documentation and archiving, digitization of performances and art forms, oral history preservation, and enhancing accessibility were important aspects through which information technology is used for cultural heritage conservation. The study recommended for enhance digital documentation and archiving, increase funding and resource allocation, develop collaborative partnerships, implement community engagement programs, enhance accessibility and sharing of digital resources and leveraging mobile technology and social media.

Digital technologies play a major role in reducing the cost of operations in tour firms. The main focus of the study was to find out the adoption of digital technologies as a driver of cost leadership strategy in tour firms within Nairobi City County. The specific objective was to investigate the influence of mobile applications on cost leadership strategy in tour firms in Nairobi City County. Embedded research design was applied in the study. The study adopted the null hypothesis that mobile applications had no statistically significant influence on cost leadership strategy in tour firms within Nairobi City County. The study population was 278 tour firms obtained from the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) list where a sample of 164 tour firms were selected through the application of Yemane’s (1967) sample size formula. 10 tour firm mangers were selected for interviews. Systematic random sampling was utilized for the determination of the sample size of 164 tour firms. Semi-structured questionnaires and interview schedules were utilized as data instruments. Questionnaires were filled by tour consultants while interviews were conducted with tour firm managers. 133 respondents filled out the questionnaires representing 81% response rate while 7 interviewees were conducted representing 70% response rate. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used during data analysis. The study utilized both ANOVA and multiple regression tests to test the hypotheses, and influence between the adoption of digital technology and cost leadership strategy. The results of the R Square equals 0.919 therefore revealing that 91.9% of cost leadership is attributed to mobile applications. The study confirmed there was a statistical significance (p =.000) between mobile applications and cost leadership. Mobile applications as a digital technology tool accounted for a positive significant increase (B = 637) in cost leadership strategy. The study concluded that there is a positive strong influence between the adoption of mobile applications and cost leadership strategy. The study recommends that tour firms should fully adopt digital technologies to maximize cost control, minimize marketing costs, and promote operational efficiency

Purpose This study aims to develop a maturity model to assess manufacturing companies’ adoption of digital technologies for energy efficiency and to formulate strategies to facilitate progress toward higher maturity levels. To achieve this goal, the study will identify and analyze the challenges inherent in the adoption and implementation of digital technologies for energy efficiency. Design/methodology/approach This study used a mixed methodology, combining analysis of the literature for building a maturity model and a questionnaire for validating the model and developing strategies for advancing maturity. The questionnaire was answered by 101 Swedish manufacturing companies. Findings The findings reveal that the aluminum industries and iron and steel industries exhibit higher maturity levels in adopting digital technologies. Most companies are intermediate adopters utilizing core technologies such as the Internet of things, cloud and big data for energy use monitoring, analysis and reporting. A smaller subset of companies, identified as leading adopters, reached the highest maturity level, integrating artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and machine learning into their energy management systems to optimize both production and energy use. A key challenge identified is the “lack of knowledge” regarding the adoption and implementation of these technologies. Research limitations/implications It is essential to emphasize that the developed maturity model does not prioritize the adoption of multiple types of digital technologies. From a maturity standpoint, what truly matters is how effectively the information obtained from digital technologies is utilized in energy efficiency and energy management work to create knowledge and, thus, add value to the organization. Practical implications The maturity model and the strategies for advancing maturity related to the adoption of digital technology for energy efficiency are designed to be applicable to all types of manufacturing industries regardless of what sector or country the company is active in. The model can also be used by academia or other actors interested in evaluating the maturity level for the adoption of digital technologies for energy efficiency in companies in the manufacturing industry. The developed strategies offer guidance on determining which activities to undertake within the organization based on its current level of maturity. Originality/value This study’s main contributions are: (1) the maturity model to assess digital technology adoption for energy efficiency, (2) a set of strategies to advance maturity in adoption and (3) empirical investigation of maturity levels in the adoption of digital technologies for energy efficiency in 101 Swedish manufacturing companies.

PurposeManufacturers seek to innovate and improve processes using new digital technologies. However, knowledge about these new technologies often resides outside a firm's boundaries. The authors draw on the concept of absorptive capacity and the literature on open innovation to explore the role of external search in the digitization of manufacturing.Design/methodology/approachThe authors developed and distributed a survey to manufacturing firms in Switzerland, for which 151 complete responses were received from senior managers. The authors used multiple linear regressions to study the relations among the breadth and depth of external search, firms' adoption of digital technologies and operational performance outcomes.FindingsExternal search depth was found to relate positively to higher adoption of computing technologies and shop floor connectivity technologies. No significant correlation was found between external search breadth and firms' adoption of digital technologies. Regarding performance outcomes, there is some evidence that increased adoption of digital technologies relates positively to higher volume flexibility, but not to increased production cost competitiveness.Practical implicationsManufacturing firms that aim to digitize their processes can benefit from inbound open process innovation, but its utility varies for different clusters of digital technologies. Generally, the findings suggest that firms should build strong ties with a few external knowledge partners rather than surface relations with many.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the growing literature on the digitization of manufacturing with an analysis of the relation between firms' external search and their adoption of digital technologies. It adds early empirical insights to the literature on open process innovation.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malaysia, Malacca is known for its traditions and historical treasures, notably traditional Malay houses. These houses are architectural jewels that represent the multiracialism and historical evolution of the Malay community, but major challenges such as urbanization, reduced accessibility, and a lack of public awareness make preserving them more challenging. Hence, this study employs the ADDIE model to develop the Exp AR: Malacca, an augmented reality (AR) application in an attempt to promote Malacca's traditional Malay houses to tourists and to preserve its cultural and historical significance. The app bridges the gap between modern technology and heritage preservation by overlaying interactive 3D models of traditional Malay houses, historical insights, and immersive features. Through interviews and observations, the research incorporates feedback from two industry experts, two residents, and five tourists. The result shows a high rate of satisfaction regarding the users' experience and engagement, with some recommendations for improvement. Using AR and a physical map as tools, this project proposes how technology could reshape cultural tourism by making tourism to heritage sites more engaging while fostering a deeper appreciation for Malacca's legacy. The contribution of this research is to provide insights for sustainable tourism development and the adoption of digital technologies in cultural heritage management, ensuring traditional Malay houses in Malacca continue to be appreciated and preserved for future generations.

Virtual Reality (VR) has become one of the emerging technologies over the past decade for improving the quality of life in human experiences. It has exciting and popular applications in entertainment, sports, education, and even digital documentation of notable or historical sites, allowing users to immerse themselves in an alternate reality. By combining the principles of software development and immersive VR, real-life VR experiences seek to transport users to an interactive environment where they can view, observe, and experience historical events and artifacts in a new way. There are several steps involved in VR development of cultural and historical sites that require a solid understanding for adaptable and scalable design. This paper is a review of the VR development process for notable historic preservation VR projects. This process can be used to create immersive VR experiences for other cultural sites.

Digital transformation plays an increasingly important role in the growth and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), yet little is known regarding spatial inequalities in their adoption of advanced digital technologies. Using recent data from the Flash Eurobarometer 486, we study the spatial patterns of drivers for the implementation of new digital technologies in SMEs in Europe. In our analysis, the focus is on the possible influence of location. Considerable heterogeneity of SMEs is found in their propensity to adopt advanced digital technologies related to the strength of the local business environment and to the urban/rural hierarchy.Plain English Summary: European SMEs and DigitalisationThe adoption of digital technologies favours the competitiveness, resilience, and internationalisation of firms, but SMEs, which form the backbone of the EU economy, are lagging behind. A recent survey reveals that location greatly influences the probability that European SMEs adopt digital technology. Rural and small-town SMEs are less likely to be adopters, even when country, sector, and firm-specific characteristics are taken into account. However, good business environments always encourage the adoption of digitalisation technologies, whatever the geographic location of an SME. Innovators tend to be adopters, especially when they employ green innovation or management innovation. Larger SMEs, companies that are part of a business group, grow more rapidly, and/or export, are all more likely to adopt digital technologies. Policy-makers need to contemplate the urban/rural-divide and promote strong business environments in all types of locations. Public encouragement towards innovation is likely to indirectly promote easier access to digital technologies.

This paper presents a study on the implementation of virtual reality (VR) techniques in the restoration and conservation of the Chhoto Sona Mosque in Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh. The mosque, which was built during the reign of Alauddin Husayn Shah in the 15th century, is considered a remarkable accomplishment of the Sultanate period. Despite the loss of some of its original features, the mosque still stands as an important cultural and historical site in Bangladesh. The study utilizes 3D digitalization techniques to recreate the mosque’s past and present features, including its beautiful tiled floors, gilded domes and adjacent water body which were demolished over time. By combining fieldwork, laboratory work, and digital technologies, the study demonstrates the potential of VR restoration and conservation in promoting tourism and cultural preservation in Bangladesh. The article also discusses the challenges faced during the digitalization process and the potential for future research in this area. The study provides valuable insights into the use of digital technologies in heritage conservation and restoration, and the potential of VR to preserve cultural heritage sites for future generations.

This study describes the perception, adoption, and acceptance factors involved in the deployment of digital technologies for public health in Latin America and considers the implications for future digital health interventions. We conducted a descriptive analysis using nationally representative data from a phone survey conducted in 2020 in 10 countries in Latin America. We found that early in the pandemic, in countries with existing applications, 74% of the population used a smartphone, 47% had knowledge of the government app to report symptoms, but only 2% reported using it. Those interviewed reported that they are willing to share their personal data during a pandemic (61%) 50 percentage points higher than in non-pandemic times, although understanding how their personal data was used by the government and private companies was extremely low. More than 70% reported that they would use an application to report symptoms and would use an app that accesses their location or that uses contact tracing technology to alert them about possible exposure. Also, at least half of the users agree with preventive measures against COVID-19 such as daily follow-up calls, tracking via GPS for quarantine enforcement, and daily visits. In all countries, adoption of digital technologies increases if individuals or their relatives report they are infected; it decreases when end-users do not trust the anonymity policies or are concerned about government surveillance. Yet, encouraging greater adoption of digital technologies strongly depends on who designed the technology. Results show that 73% of users would prefer an app designed by an international organization such as the WHO to an app designed by the local government (64%) or a telephone company (56%). The study concludes with a reflection on the promising results of digital technologies and discusses the importance of considering users perceptions, factors for acceptance, and trust when pursuing adoption of digital technologies.

Purpose: This article aims to investigate the impact of digital transformation on public hospital management in Peru, with a specific focus on enhancing the patient experience through the adoption of digital technologies. Objective: The primary objective is to assess the effectiveness of digital transformation strategies in improving the efficiency and accessibility of health services in public hospitals, ultimately aiming to enhance the overall patient experience. Theoretical Reference: The study is grounded in a mixed-method approach, incorporating elements of qualitative and quantitative research. It includes a comparative analysis of digital transformation strategies implemented in a representative sample of public hospitals at international, regional, and national levels. Method: The research design involves in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals and patients, as well as the analysis of secondary data from national and international health databases. The study encompasses a diverse sample of public hospitals, considering varying technological capabilities and levels of digital development. Results and Conclusion: The findings indicate that the progressive implementation of digital technologies in public hospitals in Peru has shown promise in improving the efficiency and accessibility of health services. However, challenges related to infrastructure, systems integration, and data security remain. The study underscores the need for a comprehensive and coordinated strategy for digital transformation in public hospital management. Implications of Research: The study highlights the importance of greater investment and development of digital health policies at the national level to bridge the gap in the adoption and implementation of digital technologies in hospital management. It emphasizes the significance of a collaborative approach between government, healthcare providers, and technology developers to drive digital transformation in the healthcare sector in Peru. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the understanding of the potential of digital transformation in public hospital management, particularly in developing countries like Peru. It provides insights into the challenges, opportunities, and implications of implementing digital technologies to enhance the patient experience and improve healthcare delivery in public hospitals.