Innovative Development Research Articles

Winds of change – Nomadic grassroots innovations in the maritime shipping sector

Grassroots innovations are seen as important contributors to sustainability transitions, however, given their dependence on place-specific conditions they face diffusion challenges. Responding to previously outlined gaps regarding conceptualisation and exploration of the spatiality of grassroots innovations, this paper introduces a conceptualisation of nomadic grassroots innovations. These are grassroots innovations that are mobile and perform activities in multiple places they continuously return to, conceptualised as host localities, while also being based in home localities containing for example offices and key infrastructure. Contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the geography of grassroots activities, the analysis explores the spatiality of socio-technical elements influencing three stages of development (initiation, operations, and upscaling and diffusion) of nine grassroots initiatives promoting a return to traditional sail cargo ships. Findings suggests that nomadic grassroots innovations are dependent on elements in home and host localities as well as from national and international contexts, indicating that the spatiality of nomadic grassroots innovations differs from place-based initiatives throughout all stages of development. Furthermore, analysis of challenges and opportunities for development of nomadic grassroots innovations reveals three key learnings for grassroots innovation diffusion: strategies for developing social cohesion through multi-scalar actor networks, utilising (costumer) demand for alternative solutions, and taking favourable sector conditions as a starting point when designing grassroots innovations. Combined, this could enable development of grassroots innovations that are less dependent on place-specific conditions and thereby easier to replicate, which could increase the capacity of grassroots innovations to tackle global challenges such as climate change.

Entrepreneurial passion of business and technical students: The roles of subjective norms, entrepreneurial education, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and risk propensity

Entrepreneurial passion plays a critical role in entrepreneurial intention and behavior, which in turn promote innovation, new jobs, and economic development. However, research on the antecedents of entrepreneurial passion remains scarce. This study aimed to investigate the effects of environmental factors, including subjective norms and entrepreneurial education, on entrepreneurial passion; the roles of risk propensity and entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) were examined as well. Data were gathered from 919 business and technical students in Vietnam. Analysis was performed using partial least-squares structural equation modeling. The results showed that subjective norms had positive effects on entrepreneurial passion, and subjective norms and ESE mediated the effect of entrepreneurial education on entrepreneurial passion. Moreover, risk propensity moderated the effect of ESE on entrepreneurial passion. This study is among the first studies to uncover the direct effect of subjective norms on entrepreneurial passion, as well as the moderating effects of risk propensity on the relationship between ESE and entrepreneurial passion. We also revealed the mediating roles of subjective norms and ESE in the relationship between entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurial passion.

Innovation and infrastructure: driving forces for entrepreneurship development and economic opportunities

Purpose. To determine the relationship between innovation and infrastructure to support entrepreneurship as factors of growth of economic opportunities, based on the results of empirical research. Methodology. The case method and modern tools of econometric research were used to create an economic-mathematical model that assesses the relationship between economic opportunities and indicators of economic innovation. The research is based on the results of the Gallup 75 Years Anniversary Survey on current and future economic opportunities, as well as Global Innovation Index (GII) indicators. Findings. Creating favorable conditions for doing business and developing entrepreneurship is critically important for the economic recovery of Ukraine. The high level of entrepreneurial activity among Ukrainians emphasizes the importance of the development of innovative infrastructure and business support. The developed models can be used to forecast the economic capabilities of the population, which will contribute to the return of citizens and the development of the national economy. Thus, innovations and an effective infrastructure to support entrepreneurship play a key role in ensuring sustainable economic growth and social well-being in Ukraine. The results of the study can become the basis for developing strategies for economic development and solving migration problems in the post-war period. Determinants of the growth of economic opportunities of the population (human capital) are determined. The suggested GII parameters most correlate to positive feedback on economic opportunities and growth over the next 25 years. Originality. For the first time, the relationship between economic opportunities, the development of innovations and the development of infrastructure at the enterprise has been empirically proven. Statistically significant predictors of current and future economic opportunities of the population are substantiated and relevant economic and mathematical models for their evaluation and forecasting are developed. Practical value. The results of the study are particularly relevant in the context of solving the migration crisis caused by Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. The return of citizens who have left the country depends on the creation of favorable conditions for business and the development of entrepreneurship. The developed models can be used to forecast the economic opportunities of the population in different countries, which will allow effective management of migration processes and promote the development of national economies. This will ensure the creation of a favorable business environment, which is critical for sustainable economic growth and social well-being.

Automation and innovation in home hemodialysis machines.

In this review, we discuss the timeline of innovation and technologic development in home hemodialysis (HHD) in the United States and the legislative approvals that accompanied them. The most recently FDA-approved home hemodialysis devices provide features that include on-demand and batch dialysate generation, access disconnect for venous needle dislodgement, touchscreen interface with visual and auditory prompts and animations, drop-in sterilized cartridges with prestrung tubing, hot water disinfection of tubing allowing extended-use, dialysate flow rates as high as 500 ml/min, as well as remote treatment monitoring capabilities. Furthermore, wearable/portable dialysis devices are currently under development to simplify dialysis delivery to patients with end-stage kidney disease. Home hemodialysis devices providing longitudinal hemodialysis across different clinical settings, virtual reality headsets for more personalized training, automated patient support, as well as wearable device development and innovations give hope for a future where home hemodialysis is more accessible and seamless.

Science diplomacy in the European and Latin American and Caribbean research infrastructure collaboration

Abstract Research infrastructures (RIs) are crucial for scientific progress, innovation, and global development, necessitating international collaboration due to their complexity and cost. Science diplomacy (SD) plays a vital role in facilitating policy design, resource pooling, and governance for effective collaboration in RIs. Multinational cooperation in RIs provides financial relief and access to advanced technology and promotes cutting-edge research, benefiting scientific development and socioeconomic growth. This article explores the role of SD in European-Latin American and Caribbean (EU-LAC) RI collaboration, underscoring the importance of diverse and equitable inter-RI collaboration. The study addresses challenges in EU-LAC collaboration, emphasizing the unequal development of RIs and the need for political support. Through interpretive policy studies and stakeholder interviews, the research contributes to formulating an ideal type and a feasible scenario for sustainable collaboration, discussing policy implications and highlighting the pivotal role of SD in successful international RI partnerships.

Deep Learning and Human-machine Integration in Smart Prosthetic Control: Process and Perspectives

With the rapid development of science and technology and the maturity of deep learning technology, intelligent prosthetic limb control has made significant progress in human-machine integration. While traditional prosthetic technology has seen improvements in form and function, it still faces challenges in user experience and physiological adaptability. Deep learning, with its powerful pattern recognition and decision-making capabilities, offers new possibilities to address these issues. This paper reviews the current status and future development of the application of deep learning in intelligent prosthetic limb control, emphasizing its close relationship with the concept of human-machine integration. Intelligent prosthetic control involves not only mechanical engineering and bioengineering, but also interdisciplinary integration of the fields of neural engineering, electrical engineering, motion control and computer science. This paper reviews the limitations in traditional prosthetic technology, such as accuracy and user adaptability, introduces the successful cases and latest research results of deep learning in the medical field, and explores the potential of deep reinforcement learning in optimizing complex movements and adapting to different environments. Finally, the future direction of deep learning technology in smart prosthetic limb control is envisioned, and research challenges and recommendations are presented in the hope of providing theoretical support for the innovative development of smart prosthetic limb technology and improving the quality of life of people with disabilities.

8.A. Scientific session: Engage, co-create, collaborate, transform: uniting practice and research for health innovation

Abstract Background Public health practitioners are increasingly challenged by theoretical, political, and contextual changes and innovations. To ensure that innovations are sustainable, it is important not only to include stakeholders (e.g. end-users, implementers, policy-makers), but also to actively involve them in the development, implementation and transformation of public health innovations. Participatory action research, co-creation and stakeholder engagement are proven methods to co-produce effective innovations, strengthen existing networks and promote implementation by increasing fit and applicability in practice. In this workshop, our overall aim is to bring together practitioners and researchers to improve mutual understanding and adapt practices in development, implementation and transformation of innovations. The objectives of the workshop are: 1) to increase participants’ understanding of the circumstances under which stakeholder involvement is most meaningful, and 2) to increase participants’ awareness of tools, strategies or theories to overcome challenges in stakeholder involvement. Workshop format The workshop consists of two parts: four interactive presentations that introduce important development steps of public health innovation and a problem-based discussion using a real-life case that builds upon the presentations. Interactive presentations describe (1) Theory of Change (ToC) approach for active collaboration with stakeholders, (2) co-creation of a serious game for and with healthcare providers, (3) visualising collaboration through Social Network Analysis to improve implementation, and (4) enhancing scale up with PRACTIS and Design Thinking. During the presentations, interactive tools are used to help identify the characteristics of the workshop participants (e.g. work setting, type of stakeholders), as well as their interests and needs (e.g. challenges faced, methods used). During the second part of the workshop, a health innovation is chosen from a number of pre-selected innovations from European contexts (e.g. BOB campaign, Schools4Health, LETHE) that aligns most with participants’ background and interests. Next, the main goal and known challenges within these innovations are introduced, which aids participants to formulate intermediate goals using the ToC approach. Then, they answer questions and make decisions for the discussed stages of innovation development (e.g. “Which gaps exist in the current network and how can we address them to improve collaboration?”, ‘What scalability challenges exist in this innovation and how can PRACTIS help identify them?”). In answering these questions, participants will share their knowledge and expertise with each other, while the chair facilitates the discussion. We are flexible in the format of the challenge-based discussion; depending on the number of attendees, we may work with a plenary discussion or smaller groups that work independently under the supervision of 1 or 2 facilitators each. Key messages • Non-linear approaches are needed to take into account the complicated and changing systems in which health innovation takes place. • Theory of change, co-creation, social network analysis, PRACTIS and design thinking offer practical guidance for stakeholder involvement in specific phases of health innovations.

Sustainable innovations in developing economies: a woven theoretical approach with qualitative evidence from Uganda

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to present a theoretical framework that utilizes a success story to elucidate sustainable innovations in Ugandan financial institutions. It provides valuable insights from the standpoint of a developing African nation.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized a qualitative methodology, specifically in-depth interviews with employees of Stanbic Bank Uganda. A story was constructed to depict their pragmatic experiences, emphasizing the contextual backdrop, actions taken, outcomes and lessons learned. The 12th participant marked the point of data collecting saturation.FindingsThe results suggest that financial institutions that use sustainable solutions are able to mitigate operational risks, cut costs, increase revenue and achieve long-term success. Institutional logics exert a significant influence on the behavior, practices and decision-making processes of individuals or organizations, hence impacting their inclination toward innovation and openness to change. While organizational resilience facilitates the ability to change, maintain excellence and remain competitive. Networks facilitate the exchange of information across institutions, enabling them to stay updated on market trends, regulatory changes and emerging risks. This, in turn, assists in making educated decisions.Originality/valueThis study is innovative in its utilization of a success story to exemplify sustainable improvements in financial institutions in Uganda. While several studies exist world over on sustainable innovations, this study is the first to use a success story and proposes a theoretical model that illustrates how institutional logics, networks and organizational resilience contribute to the development of sustainable innovations in a developing country.

Engaging Nursing Students in Clinical Research Through a Unique Academic-Clinical Partnership.

A unique partnership between two academic medical centers, one with a college of nursing and the other with a clinical research center (CRC), provided professional development hours focusing on clinical research and the clinical research nurse's role to generalist entry master's nursing students. Students with clinical research interests were invited to apply for the 32-hour professional development program scheduled during 4 sequential days. Didactic, observational, and role-playing experiences offered students a picture of the clinical research nurse role, research regulatory processes, and career opportunities postgraduation. Evaluation of the four cohorts who completed the program demonstrated that most participants highly agreed that the program was educational and valuable. Partnering with academic medical centers who have CRCs provides master's-level students with innovative professional development hours that foster their understanding of practice areas (e.g., clinical research, specialty role of the clinical research nurse) that are not part of their coursework. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(X):XXX-XXX.].

Digital Technology, Green Innovation, and High-Quality Economic Development: Mechanism Analysis and Empirical Evidence

Digital Technology, Green Innovation, and High-Quality Economic Development: Mechanism Analysis and Empirical Evidence

Role of Innovation, Policy, Social Media, and Environmental Munificence for Sustainable Ecotourism Development in Punjab, India

Sustainable ecotourism is tourism that meets the prerequisites of responsible travel and environmental conservation and improves the financial well-being of local businesses. This study investigates the role of ecotourism policy, innovation, and social media as direct antecedents of sustainable ecotourism development and the moderating role of environmental philanthropy. A quantitative process was used, and existing validated scales were used to develop the survey instrument. A partial least squares path modeling technique was utilized to test the model. The study results show that ecotourism policy, innovation, and social media significantly influence ecotourism development, and environmental munificence determines the moderating role. This study suggests that tourism firms and local businesses should focus more on innovations and their applications. The role of social media and influences should also be extensively promoted amongst locals, tourists, and firms to achieve sustainable ecotourism development. This study extends the research by using the sustainable tourism theory as the theoretical foundation and validating the moderating role of environmental munificence between innovation and sustainable ecotourism development.

Don’t forget institutions: a review essay of The Economics of Prosperity

AbstractExchange, division of labor, technology, capital accumulation, and entrepreneurship all contribute to economic growth. In The Economics of Prosperity, Ritenour explains how each of these concepts allow countries to develop and flourish. This book attempts to provide an extensive survey of Austrian literature surrounding development, while still preserving the author’s opinions around debated issues such as the person and function of the entrepreneur. Ritenour also takes the institution of secure private property rights as a given. This paper argues that strong private property rights must precede any discussion of exchange and specialization, particularly because exchange presupposes ownership. The ruler or ruling elites have to concede some power and uphold a strict rule of law to protect private property rights. Additionally, this paper also extends the discussion to cultural and institutional factors behind innovation and economic development, instead of relying on the Weberian work ethic to explain the Industrial Revolution. In short, economic growth requires good economic principles.

Influenza A as a True Zoonotic Pathogen: Transmission through Reservoir Hosts

Influenza A virus (IAV) represents a considerable global health threat due to its rapid mutation rates and broad host range, facilitating cross-species transmission and enabling the virus to evade immune defenses. This review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying IAV's pathogenicity, focusing on its zoonotic potential through reservoir hosts, such as wild birds and swine. The virus's ability to undergo antigenic shift and drift allows it to continually adapt to new hosts and environments, posing challenges for control and treatment. Current antiviral therapies are limited by the emergence of resistant strains, underscoring the necessity for innovative vaccine development and treatment strategies. By examining IAV's molecular evolution, immune evasion tactics, and transmission dynamics, this review highlights the critical need for enhanced surveillance, improved therapeutic options, and international cooperation to mitigate future outbreaks. A deeper understanding of these processes is essential to inform public health efforts and combat the persistent threat of IAV.

A Pentahelix Model Approach: Creating Vilage Innovation Perception in Sokaraja Village Banyumas

The development of village innovation has become unsustainable, and the financial support provided by the government each year has become less effective in driving innovation. This study aims to identify the factors influencing village innovation development from the community’s perspective. The research was conducted in Sokaraja Village, Banyumas Regency, where two sub-tofu business group were selected: Tofu business group A, which has village assets, and Tofu business group B, which does not. Data was collected through a survey of 60 respondents, 30 from each tofu business group, chosen in collaboration with the village administration. The survey, conducted between January to May 2024, explored community perceptions using the Pentahelix model, which encompasses the roles of social institutions, government programs, market support, innovation sources, and communication media, across 22 indicators. Data was analyzed descriptively using Importance Performance Analysis (IPA). Although all aspects of the Pentahelix model play a vital role in fostering village innovation, several indicators still require performance improvement. Strengthening village-owned enterprises and empowering local economic institutions is crucial to enhancing innovation efforts, with the support of the village community and assistance from external stakeholders.

Quantitative evidence of the community of shared future for mankind as a driver of sustainable development in human society

In an era marked by global economic challenges, an increasing array of non-traditional security threats, and a proliferation of conflicts and issues, China has put forth the building of a community of shared future for mankind as a way to address this question of the times. The theory of the community of shared future for mankind offers a framework to address contemporary issues by promoting equality, mutual benefit, security, justice, openness, innovation, multicultural exchange, and green development. This paper innovatively quantifies the five core principles of the theory of the community of shared future for mankind using the entropy method. It calculates the proxy variable for sustainable development, green total factor productivity, using the super-efficiency Slack-Based Measure model in Data Envelopment Analysis. Baseline regression is conducted on this basis. The Principal Component Analysis method and another Data Envelopment Analysis method, the Malmquist index, are utilized to recalculate the indicators, followed by another round of regression analysis. The results are consistent with the baseline regression. Additionally, Ordinary Least Squares, Partial Least Squares, Maximum Likelihood Estimation, Ridge regression, and Lasso regression are employed to ensure the robustness of the results. The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between the community of a shared future for mankind and the sustainable development of human society, with consistent conclusions drawn from different calculation methods and regression techniques. Through value recognition, international cooperation based on benefit-sharing and mutual reciprocity can guide humanity towards a harmonious coexistence with nature, irrespective of regional and economic disparities. This study provides quantitative evidence of the impact of the community of a shared future for mankind on the sustainable development of human society, filling a gap in existing research. Based on these findings, feasible policy recommendations are proposed to promote sustainable development in human society.

The Interaction and Balance Between Innovation and Sustainable Development

Abstract: This study explored the relationship between innovation and sustainable development, highlighting innovation as a key driver for economic growth and social progress. In contrast, sustainable development ensures the long-term viability of this growth. This study finds through a systematic literature review that innovation activities must balance environmental, social, and economic aspects to achieve green, inclusive, and sustainable development. However, certain innovations may threaten sustainable development due to disregarding long-term impacts. The requirements of sustainable development for innovation may also sometimes limit the pace and space for innovation. Therefore, it is particularly important to explore the negative impacts of innovation and sustainable development and to find a balance between the theoretical and practical levels. The study emphasises the importance of understanding the dynamic relationship between innovation and sustainable development. Through interdisciplinary cooperation and practical exploration, balancing innovation and sustainable development is crucial for promoting global sustainability. Further attention should be paid to the interaction between innovation and sustainable development, and appropriate innovation and development should be selected to achieve a balance.

Research on Strategies for High-Quality Development of Digital Economy Innovation in the Context of High-Level Opening-Up: A Case Study of Wenzhou, Zhejiang

n the context of high-level opening-up, the digital economy has become a key driver of economic growth and industrial upgrading, emerging as a central issue in China's modern economic development. This study explores the significance of digital economy innovation in this context and addresses the challenges it faces, such as the need for technological advancement, incomplete legal frameworks, and a shortage of relevant talent. Strategies to enhance technological innovation, improve legal systems, and streng1hen the cultivation and attraction of digital economy talent are proposed. The feasibility of these strategies is validated through a case study of Wenzhou, Zhejiang, providing insights for the development of China's digital economy in the new era.

Consumers’ perception and willingness to pay for hydroponic tomatoes: the effects of sustainability and quality attributes

PurposeThe agricultural sector is facing pressure due to concerns about its impact on the environment. Farmers must adapt to ensure high-quality, sustainable production. This requires efficient techniques such as soilless farming. The development of agricultural innovations depends on social acceptance; thus, it is crucial to identify the factors that influence consumers' purchasing decisions. The aim of this paper is to analyse consumers' perceptions of hydroponic cultivation techniques and their willingness to pay (WTP) a premium price for hydroponic tomatoes certified as “nickel-free” and “zero-residue”.Design/methodology/approachThe survey was conducted in Italy using tomatoes as a case study. Data were collected through an online questionnaire from a convenience sample of 292 respondents and were analysed using statistical analysis and a multiple linear regression model.FindingsThe results showed that WTP was influenced by frequency of purchase, familiarity with soilless technology, environmental sustainability, income and education. Consumers place a high value on the sustainability of the hydroponic production process and their perception of increased safety positively influences WTP. It is therefore recommended that marketing strategies focus on the environmental sustainability and safety of hydroponic products. In addition, it may be beneficial to implement a certification system specific to hydroponic cultivation, in addition to the existing “nickel-free” and “zero-residue” certifications.Originality/valueThis study introduces several novel elements: it is the first to assess the Italian consumers’ perceptions and WTP for a hydroponic product. Secondly, it assesses WTP in relation to several aspects of increasing relevance related to health claims, namely “nickel-free” and “zero-residue”.

Marketing in agribusiness: an analysis of digital marketing in strengthening the agricultural sector

This course completion work addressed the impact of digital marketing on Brazilian agribusiness, highlighting the growing importance of digital marketing as a vital tool for strengthening the brand, in addition to providing connections between rural producers and other companies. The objective was to analyze how digital marketing with effective strategies positively impacts agribusiness companies, covering areas such as sales, visibility, brand strengthening and positioning, increasing credibility and the role of social networks in communicating with rural producers and other companies in the sector. This study not only highlighted the importance of digital marketing in adapting agribusiness to new consumer standards, but also emphasizes its urgency, complementing traditional marketing to face contemporary challenges, boosting innovation, competitiveness and sustainable development of the Brazilian agricultural sector.

Factors influencing the adoption of extended reality (XR) applications in libraries for sustainable innovative services: a systematic literature review (SLR)

Purpose This study aims to identify the factors influencing the adoption of extended reality (XR) applications in libraries for sustainable innovative services and reveal the challenges of adopting XR technology in libraries. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was applied to address the study’s objectives. The 26 most relevant seminal studies published in peer-reviewed journals were selected to conduct the study. Findings The findings showed that access to digital collections, skill development, marketing, innovation and sustainable development factors influence the adoption of extended reality applications in libraries. The study illustrated that technical challenges, financial challenges, the unavailability of staff expertise and lack of institutional support caused barriers to the adoption of XR in libraries. Originality/value The study has added valuable literature to the existing body of knowledge. It has provided a framework to efficiently adopt extended reality in libraries for the delivery of sustainable, innovative services to library patrons.