Innovation Challenges Research Articles

Measuring the Impact of Technological Evolutions on Fine Arts Competence Development

Technological evaluations have significantly enhanced college students’ fine arts competence development by providing advanced tools and platforms that foster creativity, improve technical skills, and enable innovative artistic expression. In this study 500 college students were mentioned as participators. The variables Technological Tools, Technical Proficiency, Advanced Technologies, Creativity and Innovation, Online Platforms, Skill Development, and Collaborative Competencies are built to evaluate various aspects of technological and creative capabilities in educational and professional settings. Fine arts competitions like the (Artificial Intelligence) AI art contest, digital choreography competition, and speech AI innovation challenge are held for the students to improve their skill development. The questionnaires are taken to measure the student's technological skills development based on before and after competitions. The SPSS software version 28 is used to statistically analyze the data with multiple regression analysis and pearson correlation analysis. The results showed that the integration of technological tools and platforms significantly improved college student's technical proficiency, creativity, and collaborative skills in fine arts. Students exhibited notable enhancements in skill development and engagement with advanced technologies post-competition. Technology significantly enhances fine arts education by improving students' artistic skills and collaboration. Embracing digital tools offers valuable opportunities to enrich curricula and foster innovation.

Dental Identification System in Public Health: Innovations and Ethical Challenges: A Narrative Review.

Dental identification systems (DISs) encompass various techniques used for forensic identification, serving as alternatives or complements to genetic methods. Technologies such as microchip implants, prosthetic inscriptions, microSD cards, and identification plaques have been proposed to address limitations in comparative methods, offering streamlined processes for forensic experts. This study reviews current and potential DIS implementations, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and community benefits. Literature analysis from PubMed (2008-2024) yielded 17 relevant articles on implantable DISs, enabling direct subject identification via teeth or prostheses. The integration of DIS aims to enhance accuracy and speed in personal profiling and legal identification, promoting technology transfer in dentistry. It will be necessary to develop strict privacy regulations to protect patient data and establish ethical guidelines for their use. The study's aim is to highlight that the universal adoption of DISs could mitigate healthcare disputes and facilitate data exchange in clinical settings, which is particularly beneficial for vulnerable populations.

Metaverse adventures into libraries: what librarians and information users need to know

PurposeThe study explores the transformative potential of the metaverse in libraries, highlighting opportunities for innovative patron engagement and challenges such as digital equity, privacy concerns, and accessibility barriers.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed an interpretive content/document analysis approach, drawing insights from diverse literature sources including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.FindingsThe findings indicate that through the integration of immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), libraries can enrich their offerings and reach a broader audience. However, addressing challenges in libraries requires proactive measures, including bridging the digital divide and implementing inclusive design practices. Furthermore, cultivating metaliteracy skills among librarians and information users is essential to navigating the complexities of the metaverse responsibly.Originality/valueThe study’s originality lies in its comprehensive exploration of the implications of the metaverse for libraries and information users. Thus, exploring the nexus of immersive technologies, digital equity, and the evolving role of libraries, the research provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by the metaverse. The value outlines the key strategies for libraries to thrive in the metaverse by emphasizing the integration of immersive technologies, enhancing digital literacy, fostering collaborative partnerships, prioritizing accessible design, investing in research and innovation, and advocating for inclusive policies, the study equips libraries with a roadmap to fulfill their mission of providing equitable access to information and fostering lifelong learning in the digital age. The insights from the study will inform the strategic planning and decision-making of library administrators, policymakers, and information professionals as they navigate the transformative potential of the metaverse.

Directions for the development of higher education aimed at stimulating students' creative abilities and self-education in scientific research: developing a model of interpersonal learning

In academic education, particularly in the context of collaborative research, the interaction between academic faculty, students, and scholars through electronic information media presents both innovative opportunities and challenges. While these technologies offer enhanced learning methods, they also raise concerns about the erosion of interpersonal connections, which are crucial to the educational process. This study aims to explore the dynamics of informational self-education and its impact on both faculty and students, recognizing the dual influence of positive and negative factors. Academic learning and collaborative research are complex processes that encompass cognitive, motivational, emotional, and behavioral dimensions, all of which are influenced by economic and financial mechanisms. The primary goal of this research is to identify and develop a model of interpersonal learning that can enhance the effectiveness of higher education. Through a comprehensive analysis, the study concludes that while informational self-education offers new avenues for improving the quality of academic teaching, the role of interpersonal learning, particularly when supported by advanced information technologies, is of paramount importance. This study underscores the need for a balanced approach that integrates the benefits of informational self-education with the essential human elements of interpersonal learning to foster a more effective and holistic educational experience.

Sustainable Competitive Advantage in the Legal Industry: A Review of Business Strategies and Market Entry Approaches for Gowling WLG in Japan and Nigeria

The modern business landscape has been notably disrupted by events like the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced global trade by 13% to 23% in 2020, affecting the triple bottom line—profit, people, and planet—of the legal industry. This research develops a sustainable competitive advantage framework for Gowling WLG in emerging markets, focusing on Japan and Nigeria. The study compares Gowling WLG's business strategies and market entry approaches through a strategic management model and case study design, comparing the firm's operations in these diverse markets. Data was collected via document analysis, interviews, field observations, and megatrend articles to evaluate the competitive landscape. A context analysis of existing literature helped formulate relevant themes. Findings reveal the dynamic nature of the legal sector, influenced by political stability, economic conditions, technological advancements, and environmental concerns. Despite challenges like Brexit, global growth opportunities and threats coexist. Gowling's strengths include global recognition and advanced technology, but it also faces challenges in innovation and leadership. Opportunities lie in expanding the high-legal industry and offering sustainability-focused services, though cybersecurity risks and economic instability are significant threats. Strategic alliances with local firms for risk management and expertise are advised. Entering Japan requires thorough research, local collaboration, and cultural sensitivity. This research contributes to the empirical and theoretical literature, noting data reliability limitations, especially in Nigeria.

Overcoming Obstacles of Tesla: Strategies for Problem-Solving

This study aims to explore the key issues currently faced by Tesla Inc. and its potential solutions, further proposing recommendations that have significant impacts on business operations and sustainable development. As a leading electric vehicle and clean energy company, Tesla's innovative models and challenges reflect the major trends in today's automotive industry and new energy sector. It also plays a pivotal role in advancing electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions as the global demand for reducing carbon emissions and improving energy are continuously growing. However, the company faces a series of challenges in production process, market competition and the safety concerns. By thoroughly analyzing these problems and challenges this study aims to provide solutions to help it overcome existing obstacles. By using a comprehensive research methodology to examining Tesla's practices and challenges in various aspects, this paper could identify core issues and provide strategic recommendations to help it mitigate the problems.

Foresight study using scenarios and the Delphi method in the leather agroindustrial chain to 2035 - Alignment of results with open innovation

ObjectiveThe objective of this article is to prioritize technologies, innovations, and new businesses related to the leather agroindustrial chain in the department of Quindío (Colombia) for the year 2035. MethodThe prospective scenario and Delphi methods were used to prioritize key variables, technologies, actors, innovations, objectives, and scenarios in the leather agroindustry. As a previous phase, the Scopus database was used with the critical factors of leather, tanning, tanneries, tannery, leather transformation, cowhide, and suede, and the results were used as input for structured, anonymous and reiterative consultations with national and international experts on topics related to the chain and with a time horizon of 2035. The questionnaire was posed by groupings, including product and by-product innovation, sustainability, technology, and genetics, and, for the first round of the Delphi method, was sent to more than 70 national and industry experts/stakeholders, representatives of universities, the public and private sectors, and organizations related to the chain. FindingsAfter conducting a bibliometric analysis, key terms related to the leather sector were visualized and a validation was made for MICMAC methods, with 44 variables found; with topics ranging from raw materials to current regulations. For the MACTOR method, future objectives were determined for clean technologies, the creation of new product development, and an R&D&I Center for productive transformation. Meanwhile, for the Delphi method, 44 technologies and innovations were prioritized through rounds with complementary analysis using Python and natural language processing. ConclusionsTopics such as vegan leather made, from mushrooms; bio-leather or leather made, from mango peel; nanofibers, nanocomposites, biogas production, nanofiltration, 4D Printing, Artificial Intelligence to improve leather quality; augmented reality to improve customer experience; genetic improvement of animals to improve leather quality, among others, in which innovation challenges and open innovation strategies can be generated, as well as in R&D&I projects, were identified.

Real-Time and Long-Term Challenges of Remote Learning and Innovation: Cases from Police and Technology Organisations

This study investigates the evolving landscape of learning and innovation within organisations that are particularly affected by the increasing digitalisation and prevalence of remote work and trainings. Focusing on the police and technology sectors, in this research 20 individuals were interviewed, identifying both real-time and long-term challenges associated with remote learning and innovation. In the police sector, the real-time challenges included one-way efficiency, encompassing impracticality, unidimensional learning situations, and efficiency-driven multitasking. A long-term challenge was individualistic performance orientation, suggesting a shift in learning responsibility from the organisation to the individual. In the technology sector, the real-time challenges involved incomplete detections during remote innovation, encompassing missing artefacts, unlikely coincidences, and narrow observations. A long-term challenge was the weakening of social bonds, with subthemes such as community distancing and a decline in social skills. The study emphasises the critical need for appropriate remote workplace pedagogy, community reinforcement and well-planned training to address these challenges, emphasising that the values guiding remote work and virtual environments play a crucial role in shaping learning outcomes.

“Crowding Out” or “Reservoir Effect”? Unraveling the Impact of Financialization on Green Innovation in Heavy Polluting Enterprises: Evidence from China’s Listed Companies

In the era of green transformation and sustainable development, green innovation has become a key force driving the greenization of the economy and society, as well as achieving global sustainable development goals. This study aims to investigate the impact of financialization on green innovation in heavy polluting enterprises, a sector where enhancing green innovation capabilities is crucial for both industry transformation and sustained economic growth. As the financialization of enterprises deepens, its effects on green innovation become increasingly significant. Based on data from 667 listed companies in China, we explore the mechanisms through which financialization influences green innovation. Our findings reveal that financialization has both a potential “reservoir” effect, which provides financial support for green innovation, and a significant “crowding out” effect, with the latter outweighing the former, thereby suppressing investment in green innovation. Further analysis indicates that these effects exhibit significant heterogeneity across different property rights, regions, and corporate debt-to-asset ratios. Additionally, the short-term debt-paying ability of enterprises and market competitiveness play important regulatory and threshold roles in this relationship. This study not only provides a new perspective for understanding the relationship between the financialization of heavy polluting enterprises and green innovation but also offers valuable insights for promoting the coordinated development of both and addressing the challenges of green innovation.

Ethical challenges in healthcare innovation: A leadership perspective.

Innovation is essential for advancing and sustaining healthcare systems, particularly in hospitals. While innovation offers solutions to challenges such as chronic disease management, access to care, and patient safety, it also introduces significant ethical dilemmas for health leaders. This column explores the broad ethical issues associated with healthcare innovation, focusing on resource allocation, support for diverse healthcare professions, equitable access to care, and the emphasis on technology-based innovations. It highlights the complexities of funding innovation through government, private sector, universities, donors, and the unpaid work of healthcare providers. The column also addresses the disparities in innovation support across different professions and the potential for innovation to exacerbate healthcare inequities. Potential solutions are proposed, including the establishment of interdisciplinary councils, dedicated innovation funds, and public-private partnerships. By prioritizing ethical leadership and balanced innovation strategies, health leaders can ensure that advancements benefit all stakeholders, fostering a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system in Canada.

Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Nanotechnology: Navigating the Challenges of Responsible Innovation

Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Nanotechnology: Navigating the Challenges of Responsible Innovation

Innovation management model for functional food ingredients and additives. Alignment with hype cycle, Python S-curves, and open innovation variables

ObjectiveThe objective of this article is to generate an innovation management model for organizations in the functional food ingredients and additives sector, based on prioritization of variables, stakeholder consultation, technology surveillance, HypeCycle for emerging technologies and S-curves. Method and analysisA literature review was conducted on innovation management models and associated articles were selected from which the relevant variables. Three surveys were used; one for the statistical analysis of 97 initial variables, prioritizing a total of 32 variables that were the input for survey II; survey III validated a graphical conceptual model of innovation management; the HypeCycle and S-curves Were used to analyze the emergence component as input for open innovation strategies. three possible innovation management models for the sector were validated by stakeholders of an organization in the sector, from a statistical point of view, mode, modal frequency and consensus percentages were used in the 3 surveys and non-linear regression models, T value, P value and Durwin Watson in the calculations of S curves. FindingsFrom the literature review, 97 variables were identified, prioritizing 32 of them by stakeholders in survey one. Excellent, good, average and poor states were generated on these variables in survey two, including analysis of relevance and congruence for each question, the Survey 3 presented three graphic concept models for prioritization, obtaining 1 MGI prioritized for the sector, in the Hypecycle methodology 13 emergency components related to nanoencapsulation were identified, in S curves 13 nonlinear regression models were applied in nanoencapsulation, mixing and drying obtaining inflection points in the years 2016 – 2020 for nanoencapsulation technology, 2020–2030 for mixing and 2033 – 2042 for drying technology. Finally, 7 open innovation platforms with previous innovation challenges in food and agribusiness were identified. ConclusionsThe MGI proposed for the sector under analysis corresponds to a structured one that facilitates the identification, development and commercialization of new ingredients and functional food additives, improving competitiveness and response to market and user demands.Furthermore, the alignment with the Hypecycle or over-expectation cycles with the proposed MGI allowed us to capture how this methodology helps manage the adoption of emerging technologies in nanoencapsulation, mixing and drying. Regarding the analysis variables, the research showed the importance of integrating these variables with external collaborations, such as collective collaboration, and with open innovation platforms, to promote the co-creation and expansion of knowledge in the food ingredients and additives industry. functional in Colombia, the complementary S-curve methodology allowed us to discover that the life cycle of the mixing and drying technology has not reached its inflection point, which constitutes an opportunity for organizations in the sector. This could be validated through of Python libraries and code to validate turning point calculations.This article is relevant to explore new alternatives for the co-development of innovation management models - MGI -, applied to specific sectors taking into account open innovation variables. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that the results obtained, aligned with the prioritization of variables, consultation with stakeholders, technological surveillance, Hypecycle and S-curves, become inputs for specific strategies and challenges of Open Innovation for ingredient and additive industries. functional foods and opportunities for R&D&i activities and projects in this sector.

Backcasting supports cross-sectoral collaboration and social-technical innovation bundling: case studies in agri-food systems

There is a clear and urgent call to transform our food systems as a critical nexus to tackle ongoing global climate, biodiversity, equity, and nutrition crises. Many food and agricultural innovations are being developed and scaled but these innovations often target sector-specific problems and remain disconnected from the more complex demand for transformative change at scale. To bridge this demand for systemic change within the innovation ecosystem, initiatives are applying various approaches such as visioning, holistic assessments, innovation portfolio management and multistakeholder co-creation. Here we report on insights from applying a food systems tailored backcasting approach in a diversity of settings since 2021, including a national food system dialogue, a youth business innovation challenge, a landscape multi-stakeholder platform, a public-private sector co-learning session, an agroecological transitions program, and a hybrid food systems university course for graduate students and global professionals. We thereby build on existing literature and case studies of how change happens (or does not happen) and aim to use those insights to support food systems change makers. Across these settings, the backcasting approach asks participants to connect innovations with broader systems-change visions, to anticipate tradeoffs for multiple food system outcomes and population groups, and to cross sectoral boundaries. The use cases demonstrate that the backcasting process contributes to changes in views, practices and structures that participants work with. Specifically, it supports moving beyond “silver bullet” innovation approaches, the bundling of social and technical innovations, and building action-oriented cross-sectoral bridges. Food systems change is complex and innovations alone are insufficient to address its complexity. But innovations can play a positive role if connected to more holistic systems-change processes and goals. Considering strengths and limitations of the backcasting approach, the diversity of practical applications supports its potential to connect innovations to holistic food systems visions, to strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration and to bundle social and technical innovations for desirable food systems change.

Service innovation challenges in UAE government entities: Identification and examination of the impact of organizational size and excellence model implementation

Government entities face unique challenges in public service innovation, often overlooked in research focused on the private and broader public sectors. To address this gap, an empirical study was conducted to identify and rank these challenges and assess the extent to which these challenges are impacted by organizational size and the adoption of the Government Excellence Model (GEM). Through expert consultation and questionnaires, 22 challenges were identified and categorized, with ten highlighted as critical, half of which relate to innovation culture. The study found that organizational size has no significant impact, while GEM-adopting entities perceive six challenges as less significant. These findings provide valuable guidance for policymakers in the UAE and similar contexts to overcome the challenges of public service innovation.

Unlocking data’s potential: navigating the challenges of data-driven innovation for start-ups

Purpose Data-driven innovation is a key pillar for economic development in the 21st century, accordingly the role and value of data in developing new products, services and business models has gained attention. The study aims to identify three important factors explaining the challenges faced by young entrepreneurial firms when seeking to use public data in their business development. Design/methodology/approach This study presents the user journeys of five data-driven start-ups in the capital region of Norway aiming to use public data in their business development process. Multiple methods for data collection were used, such as interviews, observations and secondary data. Findings The study reveals how differences in culture, communication and work methods across stakeholders and sectors affect and delay the process of gaining access to data. Moreover, how various forms of knowledge are expressed differently throughout the user journeys of the start-up firms, with stronger dependency on explicit and codified in early phase, and tacit and experience-based knowledge in later stages, each stage relating to the maturity of the entrepreneurial ecosystem for data-driven innovation. Therefore, the ecosystem for data-driven innovation may be further developed through arenas for collaboration that simplify the process for access to – and use of public data. Originality/value The study reveals how young entrepreneurial firms identify opportunities whilst simultaneously facing substantial barriers when they seek to take advantage of publicly available data and transforming them into value creating activities. The study contributes to the theoretical understanding of data-driven innovation by exploring the user journeys of start-up firms and identifying the challenges they face when utilizing public data, highlighting the importance of a mature ecosystem, collaboration for market development and the evolving role of tacit and experience-based knowledge throughout the business development process.

Meeting the Growing Energy Needs of Artificial Intelligence, Vertical Farms, and Cooling

The convergence of economic development, urbanization, technological innovation, and environmental challenges necessitates novel approaches to meeting and managing energy demands. Three emerging trends present unique challenges that make striking the appropriate balance to meet societal needs particularly challenging for our energy systems.

Knowledge tensions and decision-making challenges in open innovation: Standardization as a de-biasing mechanism

Complexities in external knowledge evaluation present significant “limits” to open innovation (OI), challenging decision making in the processes of searching, accessing, and using external knowledge for recombination, which are central to the OI paradigm. Grounded in the theory of attitudes, this study investigates the role of standardization in preventing the negative behavioral influence of “not invented here” (NIH) and “not-shared-here” (NSH) attitudes on knowledge search and sourcing decisions by debiasing decisional paths associated with reluctance to adopt OI. Using hurdle model estimations on 600 small-and medium-sized enterprises, the results of the study reveal that NIH and NSH attitudes are the origin of decision-making biases at different stages of OI implementation, where external knowledge is the focus of evaluation. Proactive standardization efforts are shown to be effective in countering the impact of NIH and NSH attitudes on knowledge sourcing decisions and on the intensity of knowledge sourcing, typically leading to bounded search, inward decisions, and anticipated termination of projects. This study provides insights into the influence of standardization efforts specifically addressing challenges related to the evaluation of external knowledge, where the likelihood of failure is higher and associated costs are significant.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Livestock Industry for higher productivity and sustainability: The case of Albania

The livestock sector plays an important role in the economic development of the country. This sector is a source of income and employment for many Albanian families who live mainly in rural areas. A large part of the population in our country deals with livestock. But regardless of all the contributions that livestock makes to the food chain, financial sustainability, and the entire economy, this sector faces many challenges. Based on the literature review, a questionnaire to identify these challenges was constructed. The questionnaire contains questions with answers on the Likert scale, is addressed to livestock farmers in Albania, and serves to identify the main challenges affecting the livestock sector. The questionnaire divided the challenges of the livestock sector into five parts, including animal welfare and livestock production, sustainable practices and environmental sustainability, market challenges, information, communication technologies and livestock marketing challenges, and challenges of innovations in livestock production. Animal welfare affects the productivity of the livestock sector. The risk of the spread of epidemic diseases and the high costs of vaccination and medications are a concern for Albanian farmers, who often have difficulties ensuring sustainable profits. In recent years, the livestock sector has faced high input costs. Lack of infrastructure also hinders the efficiency of the livestock sector. The need for sustainable practices and environmental sustainability demands more attention. While farmers want to adopt sustainable livestock methods, they face difficulties in implementing them. Unpredictable livestock prices complicate financial planning for farmers. In addition, small farms face challenges competing with larger ones. Farmers face difficulties in becoming part of new markets due to a lack of effective marketing channels. The lack of a labor force is the biggest challenge that the livestock sector in Albania is facing. Innovation often serves to solve many problems in the livestock sector. Farmers use new technologies to increase livestock productivity. But the use of new technologies requires knowledge, which Albanian farmers often don’t have. They do not have the proper education to understand and apply these technologies. In conclusion, this paper aims to highlight the various problems faced by the livestock sector. Overcoming these problems by dealing directly with them can increase the productivity of the livestock sector, ensuring a better future for the industry.

Digital Green Shipping Innovation

Coupled with digital-enabled Industry 4.0 development, shipping operators increasingly leverage popular digital technologies to innovate green shipping practices. This study provides insights into the concept, adoption, and challenges of digital green shipping innovation (DGSI) to advance knowledge in the field. Such innovation elevates green shipping for environmentally friendly cargo handling and movement by digital technology applications. Against this backdrop, this study reviews literature involving DGSI and identifies four categories of practices. We develop propositions concerning its antecedents and outcomes to understand its adoption. The challenges and opportunities for adopting DGSI are also identified with managerial guidance to plan green innovation in the shipping industry. This research enriches the knowledge of green shipping in the digital-enabled era with insights and guideposts for managers and policymakers to understand the value of digital technologies for greener shipping operations.

A Brief Discussion on the Development and Inheritance of Chinese Woodblock Printing Art

Chinese woodblock printing art, as an ancient art form, carries the long history and profound cultural heritage of the Chinese nation. From the emergence of woodblock printing technology in the Tang Dynasty, to the prosperity of the Song and Yuan Dynasties, and then to the diversified development of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, woodblock printing not only witnessed the changes in Chinese society, but also reflected the aesthetic tastes and spiritual pursuits of people in different historical periods. Since modern times, woodblock prints have continuously integrated new artistic concepts and techniques while inheriting tradition, showcasing a unique style of the times. However, in the era of globalization and modernization, this traditional art form faces challenges in inheritance and innovation.