Relating Sustainable Business Development Practices and Information Management in Promoting Digital Green Innovation: Evidence From China.

This paper analyses the relationship between the intellectual capital of higher education institutions (HEIs) and their sustainable development practices, and assesses whether higher education institutions’ sustainable development practices are related to their stakeholders’ quality of life. Using a structural equation model, two model specifications are estimated, gathering primary data from a convenience sample composed of 738 full-time students and 587 teachers/researchers at seven Portuguese higher education institutions. The findings reveal that intellectual capital influences sustainable development practices directly and positively, whereas sustainable development practices influence students’ quality of life in a significant way, although the same is not verified for teachers/researchers. These findings provide insightful implications for policy-making and intellectual capital management for practices in higher education institutions; firstly, by showing that the sustainable development concept is associated with HEIs’ practices of economic, environmental, social and organisational sustainability; secondly, by concluding that public Portuguese HEIs need to improve the social dimension of their sustainable development practices, and here there may be room for improvement in the institution through better and more proficient social engagement that is more directed to the challenges of sustainability and social change; and thirdly, by showing that the inclusion of better sustainable practices has repercussions on the quality of life of all stakeholders.

Green innovations are being deployed in manufacturing industries to promote organisational sustainability by embracing sustainable development practices (SDPs). However, little is known about how corporate green innovation (CGI) is influenced by the knowledge management process (KMP). To fill this gap, we have developed a multidimensional framework based on the resource‐based view (RBV) theory that provides a foundation for sculpturing the process by which KMP was observed to capture and sustain CGI through SDPs. Data were collected from 393 respondents of large‐ and medium‐sized manufacturing corporations in Pakistan and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). This study provides several key findings. First, KMP dimensions (acquisition, dissemination and application) significantly improve the SDPs' dimensions (environment, economic and social). Second, SDP dimensions play a significant role in achieving CGI. Third, the implementation of SDPs partially mediates the relationship between the KMP and CGI. Furthermore, the fsQCA results signify the robustness of all integrated constructs. Our results demonstrate that investing in and adopting the latest technologies and sustainable practices are not only valuable for long‐term success but the soft concerns such as managing organisational knowledge are also vital in the current knowledge‐based economy. Finally, in light of our findings, theoretical and managerial implications, with propositions for future studies, have been provided at the end of the paper.

Purpose Healthcare organizations are rethinking their practices in response to the framework provided by the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The purpose of this paper is to explore whether, how and why sustainable development practices have been implemented in the healthcare sector. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a systematic literature review, carried out using Scopus and Web of Science databases. The papers were analyzed according to the five activity-based theoretical framework categories: purpose, subject, community, object and practices. Findings Results reveal a lack of research regarding the integration of sustainable development and SDGs into managerial systems or functions. Moreover, they identify key areas of interest within sustainable development and healthcare practices, offering guidance for future research and strategies to better align healthcare with the SDGs. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that aims to summarize the scientific literature on this topic through the lens of the activity-based theoretical framework, allowing for an analysis of the literature that investigates how sustainable development practices shape organizational life.

The first edition of the Annual Report on Islands and Sustainable Development 2022, compiles nine (9) powerful case studies and introduces new island ecological and development indexes. Pitched mainly in Chinese Islands-which have seldom found their way in Western literature, the report focuses on the sustainable development of small islands, including in other regions such as the Caribbean. The sustainable development of small islands is critical, especially in the era of climate change and its potential negative impacts and pressures that can disrupt ‘life’ on these small islands. In this regard, there is a stark need to measure and understand the scale and temporal trajectory of an island’s ecological and development status. In part A of the book, titled: ‘Progress in the Theories of Islands and Sustainable Development’; the ICI (island ecological index) and IDI (island development index) are presented. These indexes were developed and tested in over 40 Chinese Islands, in the period 2017 to 2021. The ICI is graded based on the scale of: ‘excellent’, ‘good’, ‘moderate’ and ‘poor’, with excellent meaning that the island’s ecological status is “… excellent and stable, and the island is well protected and managed”. At the lower end, a poor ecological status suggests that the island has a “… fairly poor and fragile ecological condition, and is in desperate need of strengthening protection, restoration and management”, The IDI applies a similar scale of ‘good’, ‘moderate’ and ‘average’. An island that has a ‘good’ IDI, “… has a good and compressive development with outstanding results…” on the three pillars of sustainable development- economy, society/cultural and ecology. The nine case studies, penned in part B titled: ‘Case Studies of Islands and Sustainable Development’, consider a broad range of topics and practices under the sustainable development theme. These include, food and fisheries, tourism, education, partnerships, renewable energy, coastal defense, ecosystem health and whole island renewal and restoration. In the first case study, some key sustainable development practices are highlighted on Dachen Islands, which are now rising from the ashes. These focus on moving towards carbon neutrality, fisheries transformation and blue development. In a similar vein, a whole island renewal is considered on Purple Island, but with a different focus of sustainable development practices. In this case educational enhancement courses to improve place attachment and belonging; improving livability of the island; actively creating a favorite destination were highlighted. Tourism features in the case on Pingtan Islands. The role of social media, policy adjustment and diversity and expansion of product supply are presented as some key sustainable practices. On Gogunsan Islands, sustainable development practices associated with the largest land reclamation project in Korea are presented, inter alia: the optimization of the spatial planning, the commitment to eco-friendly development and the planning for a renewable energy. The development of a collaborative project between communities and an educational institution, reports on the creation of sustainable development student ambassadors, on the small island of Grenada. Ecosystem health restoration in the Miaodao Archipelago, suggests the establishment of an ecosystem health model and the conduct of island ecosystem health assessments as two key sustainable development practices. On Pingdao Island, the sustainable developed practices are crafted from the perspective of industrial upgrading. These include the relocation of the residents to allow for the remediation and restoration of the land and sea utilization and the improvement of the industry chain. Seaweed on Bum-Bum Island is proposed as a sustainable development practice that would support the lives and livelihoods of the Bajau Laut (sea nomads), who depend and live solely on the sea. In this case investments in farming, processing, R&D and market development are proposed. Finally, the development of Sponge Cities or a low-impact development of rainwater systems, is presented as a ‘good sustainable practice for the Zhoushan Islands. An outline as to how this can be achieved is summarized. In sum, this report is an excellent first attempt that brings-out a variety of theories and cases that focuses island sustainable development.

Academics, business leaders, and policymakers are paying more and more attention to sustainable development. The influence of external forces on sustainable development practices, which could predict green innovation, is, however, still unexplored. This paper seeks to explore the role of external pressures on sustainable development practices in the driving of green innovation in Saudi Arabia. We took a quantitative approach through an online survey to collect the required data from manufacturing companies in Saudi Arabia. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data. The results revealed that institutional pressures (i.e., governance pressure, customer pressures, and competitive pressure) are key drivers of sustainable development practices and green innovation. They also indicated that sustainable development practices (i.e., environmental sustainability, social sustainability, and economic environmental sustainability) have a significant influence on green innovation. Our findings lead us to propose that green innovation is influenced by external pressures and sustainable development practices.

Sustainable development practices have become very important for firms to go beyond short-term profitability, towards economic, environmental and social sustainability. This research aims to examine the relationship between a firm’s sustainable development practices and its financial performance. Modelled as a multidimensional construct, sustainable development practices are represented by environmental practices, social practices in the workplace and social practices in the community, while financial performance is determined by profitability and growth. Using a mixed method survey, data were obtained from 389 textile firms in Vietnam, where there is a dire need to promote sustainable and environmental practices. Data analysis using partial least squares structural equation modeling demonstrates that sustainable development practices positively affect financial performance directly and indirectly via customer loyalty, employee satisfaction and corporate reputation. The findings also reveal the moderating role of entrepreneurial orientation, whereby the impact of sustainable development practices on financial performance is stronger for firms that are more innovative, proactive and willing to take risks. Taken together, these findings provide support for firms to holistically implement sustainable development practices and adopt an entrepreneurial orientation.

Over the past two years, the Covid 19 pandemic was the greatest communicable outbreak that has upended almost every aspect of our lives. Despite this, the progress in realizing sustainable development remains as a challenge in the global perspective and yet it should be eliminated. The world is facing a pragmatic threat of climate change which potentially damage the Earth’s ecosystems. There is a need for all relevant parties to cooperatively care for the environment in decreasing the environmental degradation and climate change in achieving sustainability to leave no one left behind. Our study highlights the perception of the firm at firm-level that can link environmental sustainability practices and firm performance, especifically in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Hence, in this study, we will examine how corporate sustainability orientation influences firm performance, and how corporate sustainability orientation influences firm performance through environmental practices with the use of the Natural Resource-based View (NRBV) theory and Stakeholder theory. This study uses a judgmental sampling method with a set of criteria to have an accurate result for the study. A total of 219 responses were collected and this study uses a Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach in data analysis. From the analysis, both corporate sustainability orientation and environmental practices were found significant, while the relationship between corporate sustainability orientation and firm performance was found significant through the indirect effect. For future studies, this study suggests researcher to explore corporate sustainability orientation in the perspective of firm-level and individual-level to have a comparison in terms of perception towards sustainability practices and how it impacts the firm performance.

This research aims to analyze the influence of financial inclusion policies, network features and sustainable development strategies on the performance and market competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia. The research was conducted using a quantitative approach involving 325 MSMEs from various industrial sectors. The analytical method used is Partial Least Squares (PLS) in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the correlation between variables. The research results show that there is a significant positive correlation between market competitiveness, financial inclusion, network features, sustainable development practices and the performance of MSME companies. The conclusion is that sustainable development practices, involvement in business networks, and access to financial services have a significant positive impact on market competitiveness and performance of MSME companies. The implication of these findings is the importance of integrating sustainability programs, encouraging business collaboration, and expanding financial inclusion to support sustainable growth and competitiveness of MSMEs in Indonesia. Keywords: Market Competitiveness, Network Characteristics, Financial Inclusion, Sustainable Development, MSMEs This research aims to analyze the influence of financial inclusion policies, network features and sustainable development strategies on the performance and market competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia. The research was conducted using a quantitative approach involving 325 MSMEs from various industrial sectors. The analytical method used is Partial Least Squares (PLS) in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the correlation between variables. The research results show that there is a significant positive correlation between market competitiveness, financial inclusion, network features, sustainable development practices and the performance of MSME companies. The conclusion is that sustainable development practices, involvement in business networks, and access to financial services have a significant positive impact on market competitiveness and performance of MSME companies. The implication of these findings is the importance of integrating sustainability programs, encouraging business collaboration, and expanding financial inclusion to support sustainable growth and competitiveness of MSMEs in Indonesia. Keywords: Market Competitiveness, Network Characteristics, Financial Inclusion, Sustainable Development, MSMEs

The study focused on the importance of raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainable development in schools, specifically on Tablas Island in the Province of Romblon. Involving 292 senior high school students from nine educational institutions, the study aimed to examine the relationship between students' environmental awareness and their sustainable development practices. The results showed that students exhibited a good level of both environmental awareness (AWM=3.24) and sustainable development practices (AWM=3.22). Statistical analysis revealed several significant correlations, particularly between practices like waste management, tree planting, composting, and issues such as pollution, climate change, and forest conservation. These findings underscore that greater environmental awareness is linked to more active participation in sustainable development practices. Based on the study's findings, integrating environmental education into school curricula and enforcing environmental protection laws are essential to improve students' environmental awareness and sustainable behaviors. Schools can enhance these practices by fostering stronger connections with the broader community, local government units, and environmental organizations. This collaborative approach, extending beyond the classroom, is crucial for achieving sustainability, as it involves students, schools, and external stakeholders working together to create a more sustainable future. Strengthening these partnerships can amplify the impact of sustainable practices, ensuring that they are not only practiced within schools but also across the entire community. Keywords: Environmental Awareness, Sustainable Development Practices, Senior High School Students, Tablas Island Philippines DOI: 10.7176/JEES/15-5-01 Publication date: October 31st 2025

Sustainable development is all around us nowadays. Every day we are poured in with initiatives and information related to sustainable development. The world leaders talk about the green economy, circular economy, green deals, and sustainable development. However, what actually drives the companies to apply sustainable development principles in their business operations? Whether these are the different legislative requirements at the national and international level or the pure economic interest of the companies to earn additional income from their sustainable actions? The present paper highlights the key results of the project "International Business and Sustainable Practices" and attempts to summarize the motivations for the business to be sustainable. The research focuses on the three key dimensions of sustainability (economic, environmental, and social) and the sustainable development practices of internationally operating companies. The main objectives of the study are to identify the major business environment factors influencing the implementation of sustainable practices by companies operating internationally and to analyze the best sustainable development practices. The present study is primarily desk research based on the review of existing literature for developing and promoting the concept of sustainability in everyday business practices. Research papers, projects, and reports of international organisations working for sustainable development are extensively reviewed. The study found that internal environment factors like managers’ attitude, employees, and financial benefits are the key motives for the organisations to apply sustainable development practices in their business operations.

The article examines the problem of the readiness of typical representatives of the Ukrainian generation Z, who are currently from 10 to 24 years old, to buy eco-products and support sustainable business practices. The basis for the relevant conclusions was the results of a Google Forms survey of students of the Scientific Lyceum at Zhytomyr Polytechnic and students of Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University (N = 174). Based on the analysis of the answers, the most common characteristics of the product were systematized, according to which a typical representative of gen Z determines that it is an eco-product (green color, packaging, energy efficiency, environmental label, relatively higher price, shelf life, does not harm the environment, includes no plastic, made from recycled resources, made from natural biodegradable materials). Attention was also drawn to certain characteristics of eco-products («the possibility to return packaging (glass)», «the product is not tested on animals», «the product is not disposable», «if I am familiar with the manufacturer from past experience», «support for sustainable production», «sign (labeling – green crane)», «minimum packaging», «waste minimization»), which can also set trends in this area in the future. Based on the confirmation of the hypotheses put forward (1. Representatives of the generation Z are insensitive to the higher level of costs (the product is more expensive) associated with the purchase of eco-products and support for businesses that position themselves as sustainable; 2. Representatives of the generation Z practice sustainable practices in everyday life; 3. Representatives of the generation Z support the production of eco-friendly goods and the involvement of business in sustainable development practices) – it was verified that a typical representative of the generation Z is characterized by: insensitivity to the higher level of costs associated with the purchase of eco-products and support for businesses that position themselves as sustainable; implementation of sustainable practices in everyday life; supporting the production of eco-friendly goods and involving businesses in sustainable development practices. A further direction for research is the need to develop an integrated approach to the creation of digital educational content for the marketing purposes of a business that professes sustainable practices and sells eco-products.

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to investigate factors promoting innovation and application of internet of things in academic and research information organizations.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative research design involved survey of selected academic and research information organizations in public and private chartered institutions. Information professionals, digital content managers, information systems and technologists that normally consume big data and technological resources were involved in the process of data collection using structured questionnaire and content analysis. Information organizations and information practitioners were selected from public and private academic and research institutions.FindingsInnovation of internet of things has increasingly transformed and changed academic and research information organizations as the source of knowledge in addition to expanding access to education, data, information and communication anywhere anytime through hyperconnectivity and networking. Internet of things technologies such as mobile of things, web of things, digital information systems and personal devices are widely applied by digital natives in academic and research information organizations. Mobilization platform and devices is the single biggest provider of data, information and knowledge in academic and research organizations. Modern trends in education and knowledge practices in academic institutions and information organizations depends upon internet of things, digital repositories, electronic books and journals, social media interfaces, multimedia applications, information portal hubs and interactive websites, although challenges regarding inadequate information communication technology infrastructure and social computing facilities still persist.Research limitations/implicationsInformation organizations in public and private chartered academic and research institutions were adopted in the study. Respondents handling and supporting information management, planning and decision-making provided the necessary data. Information professionals, digital content managers, information systems and technologists are proactively involved in data and information analytics.Practical implicationsAcademic and research information organizations are powerhouses that provide knowledge to support research, teaching and learning for sustainable development and the betterment of humanity and society. Innovation of internet of things and associated technologies provides practical aspects of attaining sustainable information development practices in the contemporary knowledge society. Internet of things technologies, principles of economies of scale and investment and customer needs entail that information organizations and practitioners should provide appropriate and smart systems and solutions.Social implicationsModern academic and research information organizations have the social corporate responsibility to offer technological innovations to heighten access to knowledge and learning in academic and research institutions. Economically, innovation and application of internet of things provide unlimited access to big data and information in organizations all the time anywhere anytime.Originality/valueData management is a growing phenomenon that information practitioners need to fully understand in the digital economies. Information professionals need to embrace and appreciate innovation and application of internet of things technologies whose role in sustainable development practices is critical in academic and research organizations.

Foreword by Sara Parkin OBE (Co-founder and Programme Director, Forum for the Future). Preface. 1 Contextual Background. 1.1 Sustainable Development Context. 1.1.1 Origins of Sustainable Development. 1.1.2 The WCED 'Bruntland' Report7. 1.1.3 Earth Summit. 1.1.4 Local Agenda. 1.1.5 UK Response to Sustainable Development. 1.1.6 Earth Summit II. 1.2 The Built Environment. 1.2.1 The Built Environment Professions. 1.2.2 The Built Environment and Sustainable Development. 1.2.3 Corporate and Individual Sustainability Responsibilities. 1.3 Chapter Structure and Style. 1.4 Directory Explanatory Notes. 1.5 Webpage Caveat. 2 Biodiversity. 2.1 Biodiversity and the Built Environment. 2.2 Key Biodiversity Elements. 2.3 Sustainability Challenges for Biodiversity. 2.4 Biodiversity Theme Index. 2.5 Biodiversity Policy Tables. 3 Climate Change. 3.1 Climate Change and the Built Environment. 3.2 Key Climate Change Elements. 3.3 Sustainability Challenges for Climate Change. 3.4 Climate Change Theme Index 59. 3.5 Climate Change Policy Tables. 4 Construction. 4.1 Construction Context. 4.2 Key Construction Elements. 4.3 Sustainability Challenges for Construction. 4.4 Construction Theme Index. 4.5 Construction Policy Tables. 5 Energy. 5.1 Energy and the Built Environment. 5.2 Key Energy Elements. 5.3 Sustainability Challenges for Energy. 5.4 Energy Theme Index. 5.5 Energy Policy Tables. 6 Environment. 6.1 Environment and the Built Environment. 6.2 Key Environment Elements. 6.3 Sustainability Challenges for the Environment. 6.4 Environment Theme Index. 6.5 Environment Policy Tables. 7 Planning. 7.1 Planning and the Built Environment. 7.2 Key Planning Elements. 7.3 Sustainability Challenges for Planning. 7.4 Planning Theme Index. 7.5 Planning Policy Tables. 8 Pollution. 8.1 Pollution and the Built Environment. 8.2 Key Pollution Elements. 8.3 Sustainability Challenges for Pollution. 8.4 Pollution Theme Index. 8.5 Pollution Policy Tables. 9 Social Issues. 9.1 Social Issues and the Built Environment. 9.2 Key Elements of Social Issues. 9.3 Sustainability Challenges for Social Issues. 9.4 Social Issues Theme Index. 9.5 Social Issues Policy Tables. 10 Sustainable Development Policy and Practice. 10.1 Sustainable Development Policy and Practice and the Built Environment. 10.2 Key Sustainable Development Policy and Practice Elements. 10.3 The Sustainability Challenge. 10.4 Sustainable Development Policy and Practice Theme Index. 10.5 Sustainable Development Policy and Practice Tables. 11 Transport. 11.1 Transport and the Built Environment. 11.2 Key Transport Elements. 11.3 Sustainability Challenges for Transport. 11.4 Transport Theme Index. 11.5 Transport Policy Tables. 12 Urban Development. 12.1 Urban Development and the Built Environment. 12.2 Key Urban Development Elements. 12.3 Sustainability Challenges for Urban Development. 12.4 Urban Development Theme Index. 12.5 Urban Development Policy Tables. 13 Waste Management. 13.1 Waste Management and the Built Environment. 13.2 Key Waste Management Elements. 13.3 Sustainability Challenges for Waste Management. 13.4 Waste Management Theme Index. 14 Water. 14.1 Water and the Built Environment. 14.2 Key Water Elements. 14.3 Sustainability Challenges for Water. 14.4 Water Theme Index. 14.5 Water Policy Tables. Index

The study sought to examine the role that coercive isomorphic pressures play in the sustainable development practices by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The survey research approach was utilised in the research through 222 self-administered questionnaires distributed to SME owners and managers. The structural equation modelling (SEM) method was utilised to analyse the data through the Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) method in Amos Version 24 software. Major findings in this study are that coercive isomorphic pressures have a significant impact on all the three dimensions of sustainable development which are economic, environmental and social. The implications are that government, environmental pressure groups and other stakeholders need to take into consideration the coercive pressures such as laws and regulations in pressuring small businesses to enhance sustainability practices. The research contributes by unearthing the extent to which coercive pressures impact the behaviour and practices of SMEs in sustainability practices. The study indicates that eventually small firms are expected to behave the same when it comes to adopting sustainability practices due to coercive isomorphism. The findings of this study further contribute toward understanding the concept of sustainable development in practice and theory.

Using a multi‐layer review based on stakeholder, institutional and legitimacy theories, the current study presents and empirically analyses a novel conceptual framework addressing the relationship between sustainable development practices, internationalization and students' satisfaction in public higher education institutions. Based on participants' self‐perception, a questionnaire was distributed to 738 students at seven Portuguese public higher education institutions. Structural equation modeling was utilized to estimate the multivariate causal relationships. The evidence shows that SDP are positively, directly, and significantly related to internationalization and students' satisfaction. Students' satisfaction is directly and significantly associated with internationalization, also revealing a moderating effect on the relationship between sustainable development practices and internationalization. To achieve legitimacy among their stakeholders, public higher education institutions must build an institutional commitment to sustainability by adopting and disseminating sustainable development practices with actions on a livable campus.