Agile Response Research Articles

Examining airport agility at air cargo hub airports

The Covid-19 pandemic impacted nearly every aspect of airport operations, highlighting the importance of airport agility. Due to its importance, it is crutial for us to understand the role of agility at airports prior to and during unexpected disruptions. We investigated airport agility for air cargo hub airports using a structural equation model, particularly at Incheon International Airport (ICN). This study uses 27 variables to evaluate the agility of the air cargo business for a hub airport. We find that digital transformation, flight services, information sharing, and accessibility enhance the agility of air cargo hub airports. The survey shows that air cargo experts perceive ICN airport as having satisfactory agile response capabilities. Agility is essential to resilience, which will deliver a competitive advantage and aid the long-term prosperity of the air cargo business. Airports must collaborate to share, align, and improve their collective resilience to improve the productivity and performance of air cargo hubs. Developing innovative airport models enabled by new technologies, such as digital transformation, increases the efficiency and agility of the airport. The ICN's strategy as an air cargo hub airport is responsive to customer needs to mitigate disruptions through digitalization, offering value-added services with adaptability. The application of digitalization improves the airport's agility and efficiency and mitigates uncertainty in the air cargo industry.

Achieving Employees’ Agile Response in E-Governance: Exploring the Synergy of Technology and Group Collaboration

Achieving Employees’ Agile Response in E-Governance: Exploring the Synergy of Technology and Group Collaboration

The Impact of Education Management Systems on the Success of Implementing Islamic Curriculum in Indonesian Higher Education Institutions

Islamic education is equally important in a Muslim's life as any other level of education. To assess the successful inclusion of Islamic education in Indonesian higher education institutes, this study looked into the successful execution of the Islamic education curriculum via the education management system. The study used a qualitative research approach, with higher education institutes inside Indonesia's demographic boundaries being investigated and data collected. Semi-structured interviews were used to obtain data from higher authorities and administrative workers who interact with the Islamic curriculum in higher education establishments. The data was analysed using thematic analysis, which resulted in various themes indicating several potential constructs that defined the successful implementation of the Islamic education curriculum, such as systematic approaches, cultural alignment, structured decision making, agile response systems, and so on. The contributions, limits, and future ideas are discussed in the peripheral portions of the study.

Antecedents of entrepreneurial resilience in regions: A systematic literature review

Entrepreneurial resilience in regions is essential for enabling the entrepreneurial ecosystem to overcome natural disasters, catastrophes, wars, and various crisis situations it may face. However, this phenomenon has been underexplored in the literature despite its critical importance for business development, and consequently, for social progress. Therefore, the objective of this article is to conduct a systematic literature review to identify the antecedents of regional entrepreneurial resilience in situations of adversity. To achieve this goal, a qualitative, descriptive research approach was employed. Specifically, a systematic literature review was carried out following the PRISMA method, which included a total of 231 scientific articles retrieved from high impact journals. Of these, only 12% (27 documents) focused on regional entrepreneurial resilience. Five key antecedents of regional entrepreneurial resilience were identified: action orientation, the region’s historical precedents, opportunity exploitation, collaboration, resources, and preparedness. Additionally, it is suggested that future research should focus on understanding the impact of crises, identifying agile response models to crises, defining roles for each member of the entrepreneurial ecosystem to achieve economic recovery in regions, and analyzing the design of public policies that contribute to overcoming adversity. The study concludes that when a region is resilient, it is more likely to overcome crises and adversity.

Optimizing Supply Chain Transparency and Customer Compatibility with AI-Driven Models

As global supply chains become increasingly complex, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has emerged as a critical strategy for enhancing operational transparency and improving customer compatibility. This study investigates the application of AI-driven models in optimizing supply chain performance, focusing on predictive analytics, real-time data integration, and customer-centric personalization. A comprehensive experimental framework was employed, evaluating five distinct AI configurations against four key performance criteria: operational transparency, customer compatibility, cost efficiency, and delivery performance. Results demonstrated that the Real-Time Data Integration Model achieved a 20% improvement in operational transparency, allowing for enhanced visibility into inventory management and more agile responses to dynamic demand fluctuations. Additionally, the Customer-Centric Personalization Model increased customer satisfaction by 10%, emphasizing the critical role of tailored service delivery in modern supply chain management. The Cost Optimization Model yielded significant cost reductions, improving cost efficiency by 18%, though it showed a marginal decrease in customer compatibility. The findings highlight the trade-offs between cost efficiency and customer-centric strategies, suggesting that a balance is required to achieve a well-rounded and sustainable supply chain model. This research underscores the transformative potential of AI in driving efficiency, transparency, and customer satisfaction. Future work should explore the integration of advanced technologies such as 5G and further investigate scalable AI solutions capable of addressing the evolving challenges faced by global supply chains.

Strategic planning of technological innovation and the competitiveness of small Mexican enterprises

The process of technological innovation and its strategic planning (TISP) is a complex subject that small enterprises must tackle to achieve effective competitiveness (BC). Both subjects have several factors and actions that more of the small Mexican enterprises do not consider so they have low competitiveness. The objective of this research was to determine the relationship between the TISP and the Competitiveness of SMEs (BC), through the hypothetic-deductive method with a correlation scope, with the analysis of some factors such as the definition and composition of its technological platform, actions of change in it; the generation of capacities, their investment capacity, the agile response to environmental changes, and the analysis of the market and competitors, for the study variables. Throw a research instrument applied to 40 businesses in empirical research we find a 0.904 correlation factor so we propose a model that exhibits the variables and dimensions selected in this research.

An agile city? Tactical urbanism and responses to protracted displacement in the City of Amman, Jordan

This study seeks to understand the working dynamics through which Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) responds to the challenges of protracted displacement in the city, focusing particularly on the concept of “tactical urbanism” (TU) as a tool and framework. This could be broadly useful to key actors in reconsidering response strategies, strengthening the role of local administrations. The research adopted a qualitative data collection and analysis framework via participatory forums and key informant interviews, steered by guiding research questions. Findings reveal the presence of interconnected multi-scale limitations, opportunities and roles that determine GAM’s response towards displacement and constrain its ability to act within a comprehensive planning rationale. Instead, GAM is driven towards TU as an alternative approach that mitigates these determinants and offers a means for more responsive, constructive action. It is argued that TU affords a more agile response towards displacement, enhancing community engagement, innovation, resilience and identity.

Global Health Security in Vision Care: Health Systems Strengthening During Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak Responses.

During the last decade, global health security has been threatened by major Ebola virus disease outbreaks in Western Africa (2014 to 2016) and in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2018 to 2020). Particularly in Western Africa, the outbreak initially overwhelmed health care capacity in already fragile health systems. Thousands of survivors were at risk of newly recognized postacute ocular complications, and their need for urgent ophthalmic care challenged national vision health systems with scarce eye care services. In these unprecedently large outbreaks with implications for global health security, agile eye care responses were challenging, including in regard to decision coordination and requisite logistical needs. In this report, we detail vision care initiatives implemented in response to these outbreaks and highlight the need to include vision care as a critical component of the response to infectious disease outbreaks with eye health implications.

DESIGNING A MICROSERVICES BASED ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE USING TOGAF 10: A CASE STUDY APPROACH

PT Umbara Karya Sejati, operating in the home living and industrial product sectors, faced significant digital transformation challenges, marked by inefficiencies due to system integration issues and vendor dependencies that incurred cost penalties of 10-15% each month. Addressing these challenges, this research developed an Enterprise Architecture using TOGAF 10's Microservices Architecture (MSA) from the Preliminary Phase to Phase F: Migration Planning. This approach aimed to enhance system integration and operational efficiency, thereby improving modularity and scalability while reducing reliance on external vendors. A pivotal component of this architecture, an API gateway, provided robust monitoring capabilities for integration processes, enabling quick identification and prioritization of critical issues, which will assist the internal IT team's workflow. Furthermore, the research planned the establishment of a DevOps team, incorporating Agile methodologies, and scheduled IT governance and data security training to prepare for future policy development and strengthen internal controls. This strategic design equips the organization to navigate the volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) of market demands with agile and effective responses, projecting a 10% increase in both operational and cost efficiency for PT Umbara Karya Sejati.

Feasibility Assessment of a Novel Isolation Care Tent in Uganda During the 2022 Sudan ebolavirus Outbreak.

This case study describes a feasibility assessment of a novel isolation care tent used in health facilities in Uganda during the 2022 Sudan ebolavirus outbreak. The Isolation System for Treatment and Agile Response to High-Risk Infections Model 1B (ISTARI 1B) is a single-occupancy, portable, negative-pressure isolation tent designed for the safe delivery of standard care to patients with a communicable disease, including Ebola disease (Sudan). At the request of the Uganda Ministry of Health, the Makerere University Infectious Diseases Institute and University of Nebraska Medical Center partnered to evaluate 7 health facilities across 4 districts in Uganda for infrastructure, case management, and infection prevention and control (IPC) capacity relevant to isolation care and ISTARI 1B use. A 3-day workshop was held with IPC leaders to provide familiarization and hands-on experience with the ISTARI 1B, delineate appropriate use scenarios in Ugandan healthcare settings, contextualize ISTARI 1B use in case management and IPC workflows, develop a framework for site assessment and implementation readiness, and consider ongoing monitoring, assessment, and intervention tools. Workshop participants performed a comprehensive site assessment and mock deployment of the ISTARI 1B. In this case study, we describe lessons learned from health facility assessments and workshop outcomes and offer recommendations to support successful ISTARI 1B implementation. Use scenarios and implementation strategies were identified across facility levels, including tools for site assessment, training, risk communication, and ongoing quality and safety monitoring.

Reimagining healthcare supply chains: a systematic review on digital transformation with specific focus on efficiency, transparency and responsiveness

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to comprehensively explore the impact of digitalization on healthcare supply chains (HcSCs). It seeks to understand how digital technologies enhance efficiency, transparency and responsiveness within these complex logistical systems. The study aims to provide a holistic view of the transformative potential of digitalization in the healthcare sector, with a particular focus on improving patient care and streamlining operational processes.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs a systematic review methodology, carefully curating a selection of 45 relevant articles from 66 articles rigorously screened using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology to provide a holistic view. It follows established systematic review protocols, incorporating a meticulous search strategy and precise keyword selection. The chosen research design enables a comprehensive examination of the existing body of knowledge concerning digital platforms, real-time tracking technologies, transparency and responsiveness in the context of HcSCs.FindingsThe findings of this study emphasize the pivotal role of digital technologies in reshaping HcSCs. Digital platforms, real-time tracking systems and technological integrations substantially enhance efficiency, transparency and responsiveness. Data-driven decision-making, improved communication and agile responses to dynamic demands are key aspects. These findings underscore the transformative impact of digitalization on healthcare logistics, emphasizing the potential for streamlined operations, enhanced patient care and more efficient resource allocation.Research limitations/implicationsDespite the systematic methodology, this study is subject to certain limitations. It relies on existing literature, which may not cover the most recent developments in the rapidly evolving field of digital HcSCs. Furthermore, the study may be influenced by publication bias. The implications suggest the need for continued research to explore emerging digital technologies and their effects on healthcare logistics, ensuring that supply chains remain agile and responsive.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of this research are significant for HcSC managers with insights into digital technologies to enhance transparency and collaboration and improve resource visibility. The integration of data analytics can lead to more effective inventory management and demand forecasting. Blockchain (BC) technology can ensure transparent and secure transactions, fostering trust among stakeholders. For practitioners, this research offers actionable guidance for navigating the digital age, promoting operational efficiency and ensuring a consistent supply of essential medical products. Researchers can use these insights as a foundation for further exploration into the potential of digitalization in HcSCs.Social implicationsThe social implications of digitalization in HcSCs are far-reaching. They encompass improved patient care, as digital technologies enhance the efficiency, transparency and responsiveness of supply chains. This translates to better access to critical medical supplies, potentially reducing healthcare disparities and benefiting underserved populations. Enhanced patient safety is a significant social outcome, as transparent and secure transactions enabled by technologies like BC mitigate the risks associated with counterfeit medications. Furthermore, digitalization builds trust among stakeholders, promotes accountability and fosters resilient healthcare systems, which are capable of responding effectively to crises. It also has the potential to make healthcare more affordable, contributing to increased healthcare access and transparency in decision-making.Originality/valueThe originality and value of this study lie in its comprehensive synthesis of diverse findings related to digitalization in HcSCs. While prior studies have examined isolated facets of digital technology adoption, this research provides a comprehensive overview. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the transformative potential of digitalization within the healthcare sector, offering practical approaches to enhance patient care and streamline operations.

Singapore's COVID-19 crisis decision-making through centralization, legitimacy, and agility: an empirical analysis

Decision-making during health crises differs from routine decision-making and is constrained by ambiguity about evolving epidemiological situations, urgency of response, lack of evidence, and fear. Recent analyses of governance and decision-making during COVID-19, focusing on leadership qualities, involvement of specific stakeholders, and effective resource management, do not adequately address a persisting gap in understanding the determinants of decision-making during health crises at the national level. We undertook a study to understand the processes and characteristics of decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore. We used a case study approach and collected empirical evidence about public health decision-making, using a combination of key informant interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders from government, academia and civil society organizations. We argue that administrative centralization and political legitimacy played important roles in agile governance and decision-making during the pandemic in Singapore. We demonstrate the role of the Singapore government's centralization in creating a unified and coherent governance model for emergency response and the People's Action Party's (PAP) legitimacy in facilitating people's trust in the government. Health system resilience and financial reserves further facilitated an agile response, yet community participation and prioritization of vulnerable migrant populations were insufficient in the governance processes. Our analysis contributes to the theory and practice of crisis decision-making by highlighting the role of political and administrative determinants in agile crisis decision-making. This study is funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through a Cooperative Research Agreement (NU2HGH2020000037).

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Marketing Automation in China

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Marketing Automation in China Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study found that the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in marketing automation in China has revolutionized the marketing landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, personalization, and data-driven decision-making. AI technologies, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics, have enabled Chinese businesses to automate and optimize various marketing processes, leading to enhanced customer engagement and improved ROI. AI-powered marketing automation tools have facilitated precise targeting and segmentation, allowing brands to deliver highly personalized content and offers to individual consumers at the right time through the right channels. This level of personalization has significantly improved customer experiences, fostering stronger brand loyalty and higher conversion rates. Furthermore, AI has enhanced the ability of marketers in China to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, providing deep insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and trends. This has enabled more informed strategic decisions, agile responses to market changes, and proactive identification of new opportunities. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Technology Acceptance Model, Social Cognitive Theory & Resource-Based View (RBV) may be used to anchor future studies on Role of Artificial Intelligence in Marketing Automation in China. Organizations should prioritize hiring skilled AI professionals and investing in robust AI infrastructure to effectively leverage AI technologies for marketing automation. This includes building in-house capabilities or partnering with external vendors to develop and implement AI-powered marketing solutions tailored to specific business needs. Encourage marketing teams to experiment with AI-driven tools and technologies in their campaigns and initiatives. Create a supportive environment that rewards innovation and learning from failures, enabling organizations to iterate and improve AI-driven marketing strategies over time. Policymakers should collaborate with industry stakeholders to develop regulatory frameworks that govern the ethical use of AI in marketing automation. This includes establishing guidelines for data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and consumer protection to ensure that AI technologies are deployed responsibly and ethically.

The Impact of Digital Transformation on Organizational Performance in Japan

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of digital transformation on organizational performance in Japan. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Transformative impact of digital transformation on organizational performance in Japan. Key findings reveal significant improvements in efficiency and productivity through automation and AI integration, alongside enhanced customer experiences through personalized digital interactions. Innovation has been accelerated by technologies like IoT and big data analytics, enabling agile responses to market demands. Despite these advancements, challenges such as legacy system integration and cybersecurity threats persist, requiring proactive leadership and workforce upskilling. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Resource-based view (RBV), dynamic capabilities theory& technology acceptance model (TAM) may be used to anchor future studies on the digital transformation on organizational performance in Japan. Organizations should develop comprehensive digital transformation roadmaps that align with their strategic goals and operational needs. Policymakers should collaborate with industry stakeholders to develop flexible regulatory frameworks that promote innovation while safeguarding data privacy and security.

Design and Implementation of an Intelligent Campus Second-hand Trading Platform based on Microservices and Cloud Computing

With the rapid development of smart campuses, traditional campus second-hand trading methods can no longer meet the growing needs of students. This paper proposes a design scheme for an intelligent campus second-hand trading platform based on microservices and cloud computing, which provides customized trading experience for users by introducing advanced recommendation algorithms. The microservice architecture gives the platform extremely high module decoupling and autonomous scalability, ensuring the high availability and agile response of the system. The recommendation system uses a hybrid algorithm, combining content filtering and collaborative filtering, and continuously optimizes the recommendation results through machine learning, so as to accurately capture user preferences. One of the features of the platform is its community-driven data feedback mechanism, which not only can adjust the recommendation strategy in real-time but also can promote the sustainable development of campus economy and culture through data mining. In addition, the research explores a novel credit evaluation system design to establish a trustworthy trading environment. The experimental results show the technical innovation and high efficiency of the platform in multiple dimensions, which is significantly superior to the existing solutions. The successful implementation of this research indicates that the campus trading platform is moving towards a more intelligent and personalized direction, and is expected to play a key role in the smart campus ecosystem.

Strategic responses to uncertainty shocks and consequences: a study of sustainability-oriented exporters in an emerging country

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to businesses worldwide, compelling them to swiftly adapt their strategies to the evolving landscape. This study explores the relationships between uncertainty shocks (i.e. COVID-19), strategic responses, and performance outcomes, with a specific focus on general and green strategic responses.Design/methodology/approachDrawing from a sample of sustainability-oriented exporters in different industries, we examine the impact of these responses on market, financial, and operation performance by gathering data from 212 managers in Vietnam – an emerging country, and then applying PLS-SEM for analysis.FindingsOur findings reveal that sustainability-oriented exporters have exhibited adaptability by adopting general and green strategic responses in the face of the pandemic’s disruptions. Green strategic responses positively influence market, financial, and operational performance, underscoring the strategic significance of integrating sustainability considerations. However, while general strategic responses show alignment with uncertainty risks, they just impact operational performance, but do not significantly influence market and financial outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should consider diversifying the sample to encompass a wider range of firm types and geographical locations to enhance the external validity of the results. In addition, the study does not extensively explore the mechanisms that mediate or moderate the relationships between uncertainty shocks, strategic responses, and performance outcomes.Practical implicationsThe study’s implications guide practitioners toward agile responses that balance adaptability, sustainability, and performance. This study provides timely insights for sustainability-oriented firms, managers, policymakers, and researchers aiming to navigate disruptions effectively and sustainably.Originality/valueThese findings contribute to the fields of strategic management and sustainability by emphasizing the complexities of strategic responses during uncertainty shocks, and disruptions and the pivotal role of sustainability-driven strategies in enhancing performance.

Development of a New Lunar Regolith Simulant using an Automated Program Framework

Nowadays, the trend in lunar exploration missions is shifting from prospecting lunar surface to utilizing in-situ resources and establishing sustainable bridgehead. In the past, experiments were mainly focused on rover maneuvers and equipment operations. But the current shift in trend requires more complex experiments that includes preparations for resource extraction, space construction and even space agriculture. To achieve that, the experiment requires a sophisticated simulation of the lunar environment, but we are not yet prepared for this. Particularly, in the case of lunar regolith simulants, precise physical and chemical composition with a rapid development speed rate that allows different terrains to be simulated is required. However, existing lunar regolith simulants, designed for 20th-century exploration paradigms, are not sufficient to meet the requirements of modern space exploration. In order to prepare for the latest trends in space exploration, it is necessary to innovate the methodology for producing simulants. In this study, the basic framework for lunar regolith simulant development was established to realize this goal. The framework not only has a sample database and a database of potential simulation target compositions, but also has a built-in function to automatically calculate the optimal material mixing ratio through the particle swarm optimization algorithm to reproduce the target simulation, enabling fast and accurate simulant development. Using this framework, we anticipate a more agile response to the evolving needs toward simulants for space exploration.

Role of IT on the Effectiveness of Logistics and Supply Chain Management Systems in the Pharmaceutical Sector in Saudi Arabia Vision 2030

The main objective of this study is to evaluate how IT might improve the efficacy and efficiency of supply chain management and logistics systems in the pharmaceutical sector because the pharmaceutical industry is experiencing a transformation by the lofty objectives outlined by Saudi Arabia Vision 2030. The study was conducted using 150 executives working in the Saudi Arabian pharmaceutical industry's logistics and supply chain division. An open-ended survey questions were used to determine how IT technology affects pharmaceutical logistics and supply chain using non-probability sampling, logistics managers' LinkedIn accounts were selected for the sample, irrespective of the organization's size, location, or gender. SPSS statistical tools were used to analyse the data. It was found that the integration of IT tools and systems has emerged as a crucial enabler in this process. By harnessing the power of data analytics, IoT (Internet of Things), and automation, pharmaceutical companies can gain real-time insights into their supply chains. This, in turn, allows them to develop agile responses to changing market dynamics and customer expectations. Such strategic decisions, driven by IT, enable businesses to adapt quickly, reorganize their operations, and offer value-added services tailored to the specific needs of the market. Moreover, the creative application of IT solutions facilitates efficient inventory management, demand forecasting, and tracking of pharmaceutical products from manufacturing facilities to end consumers results also show that companies may simply increase the pace of the supply chain with the aid of innovative chances in major choices and judgments.

Enhancing manufacturing productivity: A review of AI-Driven supply chain management optimization and ERP systems integration

This abstract delves into the realm of manufacturing productivity enhancement through the review of AI-driven supply chain management (SCM) optimization and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems integration. As industries strive for operational excellence, the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and supply chain management emerges as a transformative force in driving efficiency, agility, and competitiveness. Through a comprehensive analysis, this abstract examines the synergistic relationship between AI-driven SCM optimization and the integration of ERP systems, elucidating their collective impact on manufacturing productivity. AI-driven SCM optimization encompasses a spectrum of technologies and methodologies, including predictive analytics, machine learning, and autonomous decision-making systems, aimed at optimizing various facets of the supply chain, from demand forecasting and inventory management to production planning and logistics optimization. By harnessing the power of AI, manufacturers can enhance forecasting accuracy, reduce lead times, optimize inventory levels, and mitigate supply chain disruptions, thereby improving overall productivity and customer satisfaction. Integration of ERP systems plays a complementary role in manufacturing productivity enhancement by providing a centralized platform for data management, process automation, and cross-functional collaboration. Through seamless integration with AI-driven SCM optimization tools, ERP systems enable real-time data exchange, actionable insights, and end-to-end visibility across the supply chain, facilitating informed decision-making and agile response to dynamic market conditions. Drawing insights from case studies and industry examples, this abstract highlights best practices, challenges, and emerging trends in AI-driven SCM optimization and ERP systems integration. Strategies for successful implementation, including organizational readiness assessment, change management, and stakeholder engagement, are discussed to guide manufacturers in unlocking the full potential of these transformative technologies. In conclusion, the convergence of AI-driven SCM optimization and ERP systems integration offers a compelling pathway for enhancing manufacturing productivity, driving operational excellence, and sustaining competitive advantage in the digital era.. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Supply Chain Management, Enterprise Resource Planning, Manufacturing Productivity, AI Integration, Predictive Analytics.

Smartening Local Energy in Europe: A Comparative Analysis of Three Cases and Their Implications for Supporting Transformative Governance Practices

Achieving global sustainability goals, while maintaining or increasing access to energy services, calls for agile and many-faceted responses. The pursuit of ‘smart local energy systems’ is one such response that involves a paradigm shift, taking the concept of an energy system away from large-scale power plants and fuel stores towards more flexible configurations to harness renewable energy flows, with highly distributed physical assets, actors, skills and controls. Smart local energy requires citizens, industry, utilities and government bodies to collaborate and learn together in order to develop effective modes of governing that meet sustainability goals and provide reliable, accessible energy services. In this article, we introduce practical implications of creating more localised energy systems with the aid of digital technologies. We then analyse three emerging European energy communities in terms of their actors, activities and alliances, to build an understanding of governance practices within and beyond the communities that are capable of fostering transformative change towards sustainability. From this, we argue that maintaining progress towards smart local energy systems requires transformative governance within and beyond initiatives. It requires local governance arrangements that are agile and responsive to new actors and activities as well as to broader external circumstances.