Driver For Sustainable Development Research Articles

The impact of the new space economy on sustainability: an overview

The first overarching objective of the Space Agenda 2030 is to strengthen the role of the space sector as a major driver of sustainable development. To achieve this objective, the European Space Agency launched already 10+ years ago the ESA Business Applications Programme to foster the adoption of space technologies in non-space sectors, promoting the development of commercial satellite-based projects (i.e., projects developing business applications based on Earth Observation, Satcom and Navigation satellite technologies and data) and contributing to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).While space technologies undeniably offer substantial societal benefits, there exists an opportunity to provide professionals and academics with a comprehensive perspective on the ongoing progress of commercial satellite-based projects in their vital role in advancing the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and tackling Grand Challenges. Our research aims to clarify commercial satellite-based applications' direct and indirect impacts on SDGs and their features contributing to achieving them.We develop a taxonomy of the ESA Business Applications programme portfolio, analysing 603 commercial satellite-based applications developed between 2014 and 2022 across 34 variables (including SDGs directly or indirectly impacted), sourced from the program's web pages. We perform descriptive statistics and exploratory data analysis to present commercial satellite-based applications' direct or indirect impact on the 169 SDG targets. Finally, we describe the features of commercial satellite-based projects (e.g., geographical scope, satellite technology adopted, non-space domains of application) contributing to the SDGs' achievement.Our results show that 603 commercial satellite-based applications impact at least one SDG. Overall, SGD3 is the most impacted (136, 22 %), followed by SDG11 (105, 17 %) and SDG2 (78, 12 %). 257 Earth Observation-based applications mostly impact SDG2 (58, 23 %), SDG15 (38, 15 %) and SDG11 (34, 13 %). 230 Satellite Navigation-based applications mostly impact SDG3 (68, 30 %), SDG11 (52, 23 %) and SDG6 (22, 10 %). 116 Satellite communication-based applications mostly impact SDG3 (33, 28 %), SDG11 (16, 14 %) and SDG4 (15, 13 %). Moreover, we identify 14 application domains, and for each of them, we investigate their impact on SDGs. The application domains that mainly impact SDGs are Health (91, 16 %), Food and Agriculture (85,15 %), and Energy (51, 9 %).Our research demonstrates and strengthens the space sector's role as a major driver of sustainable development. Researchers may adopt the methodology in other contexts, overcoming the geographical and data accessibility limitations of our research.

Achieving sustainable development in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Do human capital and foreign direct investment matter?

AbstractOver the past few decades, there has been a noticeable development of interest among scholars and policymakers worldwide regarding the prominent drivers of sustainable development. The role of human capital and foreign direct investment (FDI) in fostering sustainable development, however, has been largely neglected by policymakers and scholars, despite recent emphasis on FDI amidst current economic performance worldwide, particularly in developing countries. This study empirically investigates the effect of human capital and FDI on sustainable development in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) spanning 1991–2021. The empirical analysis was implemented by deploying different techniques, such as feasible generalized least squares, panel corrected standard errors, and Lewbel two‐stage least square techniques, with the panel quantile regression approach as a robustness check. The empirical outcomes show that improvement in human capital via educational attainment fosters economic expansion, employment opportunities, and poverty reduction, whereas an increase in health human capital undermines sustainable development in SSA. The findings also reveal that increasing FDI flows to priority sectors in the region are critical for enhancing human capital, thus stimulating economic performance, job opportunities, and poverty alleviation in SSA. This study puts forward important policy implications for achieving sustainable development.

Assessment of the coupling coordination relationship between the green financial system and the sustainable development system across China

Green finance (GF) is recognized as a key driver of sustainable development. While existing studies have extensively discussed the relationship between GF and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), few have explored the coupling coordination relationship between GF and SDGs. In this paper, we use data from thirty Chinese provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) from 2008–2021 to examine the degree of coupling coordination development (CCD) between GF and the SDGs systems using the CCD model. We find that most SDGs and their sub-goals exhibit a significant upward trend, except for SDG8, 14–16. GF presents a fluctuating upward trend, with a significant decline in 2010 and 2019. The CCDs between GF and SDGs and their sub-goals generally show an M-shaped upward trend in most regions, with most of them experiencing a synchronous decline in 2011–2012 and 2019. In the analysis of regional heterogeneity, the eastern region performs better in SDG8–9, the central region performs better in SDG3, 14–15, while the western region performs better in SDG7. This paper provides empirical evidence for a further in-depth understanding of the relationship between GF and SDGs, which can contribute to advancing GF development and the SDG process.

Socio-Cultural Factors and Components of the Digital Economy in Ethnic Minority Regions

We define the digital economy as all economic activities conducted through the use of information technologies, including activities to create new markets, expand old ones, and produce digital goods and services. The digital economy has become a major driver of sustainable development and the transition towards a greener economy. However, studies show an unequal level of progress among cities, regions, and countries. Consequently, this paper explores the associations between socio-cultural factors (such as attitudes towards marriage/raising a family) and components of the digital economy (such as expenses/investment in ICT and the proportion of personal computers and the Internet in households). This study specifically examines twenty-two ethnic minority regions in Russia with data covering a five-year period. Using the Pearson correlation coefficient, the results show that socio-cultural factors including a large urban population and high divorce rates were positively associated with the digital economy, whereas a large rural population, higher birth rates, and higher natural population growth were negatively correlated with the digital economy.

Global Transformations: Trends towards Increasing Instability and Sustainable Development Drivers in Current Situation

The ongoing global transformations and the high turbulence of global processes call into question sustainability of development of most countries, make it necessary to identify factors leading to instability and search for drivers of sustainable development in current situation. The conducted research allowed us to determine that the trends towards increasing instability are mainly determined by the processes of deglobalization, the dominance of maximizing production and consumption ideas, increasing social inequality, uneven distribution of resources between the environmental, social, and economic components of sustainable development, human violation of the laws of biosphere development, insufficient environmental protection measures, the consequences of recent crises, international conflicts, disadvantages of management. The considered factors of instability growth, the strengthening of their influence and the associated risks led to setting a new task: to determine what can be a driver of stability in modern difficult situation. Our study shows that positive impulses for sustainable development include: the dissemination of ideas and steps towards the implementation of the green economy; the establishment of specific deadlines for achieving targets of sustainable development by many countries; the development of technological sovereignty of countries based on a green worldview; the implementation of the concept of sustainable development not only by governments, but also at the micro level — by companies; the emergence of new financial instruments, in particular, green and social bonds to attract capital and invest in projects with environmental and social benefits; advances in the taxonomy of green finance. An important result of the study is the conclusion that despite the possibility of deceleration in certain periods, sustainable development is a long-term trend in the functioning of our civilization and further research should be aimed at improving management decisions to support it in the short and long term.

Formation of Drivers of Sustainable Development: Administrative and Legal Support to Ensure Information Security

Formation of Drivers of Sustainable Development: Administrative and Legal Support to Ensure Information Security

THE ROLE OF FISHING PORTS IN THE SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY

Fisheries and aquaculture play an important economic, environmental and social role. The development of fisheries and aquaculture depends on many factors, including adequately equipped ports and landing sites. The aim of this paper is to highlight the roleof fishing ports in the sustainable blue economy. Fishing ports support the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture by promoting best practises for environmental protection, maintaining food quality, creating fair prices, supporting workers' rights, integrating local communities and ports, and more. The Food and Aquaculture (FAO)Blue Ports Initiative aims to strengthen the role of ports as drivers of sustainable development in coastal communities and promote the achievement of several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). However, ports are also encouraged to adopt a blue economy approach to management to achieve long-term benefits for local communities. Port management, in collaboration with scientists, policy makers, the private sector, and civil society, should focus on inclusivity, competitiveness, greening, and process efficiency, and support collaborative actions to improve the quality of life of local communities. KEYWORDS:fishery and aquaculture; ports; sustainability; blue economy; marine environment

Accelerating SME growth in the African context: Harnessing FinTech, AI, and cybersecurity for economic prosperity

The economic landscape of Africa is evolving rapidly, and the role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is increasingly recognized as a key driver of sustainable development. This review explores the potential of leveraging Financial Technology (FinTech), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Cybersecurity to accelerate SME growth in the African context, ultimately contributing to economic prosperity. In recent years, FinTech has gained prominence for its ability to revolutionize financial services. By facilitating seamless transactions, enhancing access to capital, and streamlining financial processes, FinTech presents a significant opportunity for SMEs in Africa to overcome traditional barriers to growth. The integration of AI technologies further amplifies this potential, enabling SMEs to harness data-driven insights for informed decision-making, operational efficiency, and personalized customer experiences. However, the adoption of FinTech and AI in the African SME sector necessitates robust cybersecurity measures. As digital transformation accelerates, the risk of cyber threats becomes more pronounced. Addressing these challenges requires a strategic approach to cybersecurity, encompassing robust data protection, threat intelligence, and resilient infrastructure. This review underscores the importance of a holistic approach, wherein the synergy between FinTech, AI, and Cybersecurity becomes a catalyst for economic prosperity. Policymakers, financial institutions, and technology providers must collaborate to create an enabling environment that fosters innovation, supports digital literacy, and ensures the security of digital ecosystems. By embracing this technological trifecta, African SMEs can navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape, foster innovation, and contribute significantly to job creation and economic growth. As Africa positions itself on the global stage, the strategic utilization of FinTech, AI, and Cybersecurity emerges as a pivotal driver for unlocking the full potential of SMEs and propelling the continent toward sustained economic prosperity.

Mapping the Sustainable Development in Health Tourism: A Systematic Literature Review

Health tourism is recognised as a growing industry. Therefore, sustainable development in health tourism is crucial not only for the well-being of patients but also for destinations and communities. In this sense, sustainable development in health tourism aims to develop solutions related to the environmental, social, and economic challenges faced by the country and the tourism sector. After the COVID-19 pandemic, health tourism has become popular, and despite the increase in research related to the theme, the existing literature is still relatively fragmented and lacks a comprehensive view. This study addresses this gap by investigating sustainable development in health tourism through a systematic literature review. Ninety-three articles were collected from the Web of Science database. After subjecting them to bibliometric analysis, it is possible to examine the topic’s current state of the art. This research permits the systematisation of the existing literature into five areas: (1) stakeholders of sustainable tourism, (2) impact of COVID-19, (3) health tourism, (4) challenges and opportunities, and (5) sustainability values. This research provides significant contributions to the field of sustainable development in health tourism. Firstly, it sheds light on aspects that previous literature has examined, offering valuable insights into the drivers of sustainable development in health tourism, thus enriching our comprehension of the subject. Additionally, the article delineates a prospective research agenda, suggesting various directions that can lay the foundation for upcoming inquiries and the development of pertinent theories for assessing the impact of sustainable development in health tourism.

The impact of energy security on energy innovation: a non-linear analysis

ABSTRACT Energy security is an important guarantor of national development, while energy innovation is an endogenous driver of sustainable development. This paper examines the impact of energy security on energy innovation, which has important strategic implications. Using original data from 66 countries for 1996–2019, we construct two-way fixed effects models for empirical analysis. The results show that there is a potential non-linear effect of energy security on energy innovation, and this non-linear effect shows a U-shape. In terms of influence mechanisms, the U-shaped effect of energy security on energy innovation is propagated through energy policy as a mediating mechanism. Furthermore, left-wing parties in power have stronger impact effects, and increasing government stability and decreasing financial risk have a stronger impact on the correlation between energy security and energy innovation. This paper provides new insights into understanding the influence of energy security on energy innovation and offers targeted policy recommendations.

Tripartite relationship of urban planning, city growth, and health for sustainable development in Akure, Nigeria

We live in an urban planet. As the world continues to urbanize, urban development that support the health and wellbeing of city dwellers is far more important than ever before to achieve sustainable development targets. This study explores the complex relationship among urban planning, city growth, and health as critical drivers of sustainable development in the rapidly growing nodal city of Akure, Nigeria. The study provides a four-decade spatio-temporal model of urban Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes in Akure between the years 1984 and 2023 from acquired Landsat satellite imageries. The result shows more than 20% net change increase in developed LULC classes between the study years. A strong positive correlation exists between the years covered in the analyses and urban development (r = 0.93, p = 0.002), and a strong negative relationship with the forest land use (r = −0.94, p = 0.002) with potential debilitating impacts on residents’ health, green infrastructures and the city’s sustainability in the future. Furthermore, results of key informant interviews (KIIs) of officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development (MPPUD) in Akure, Ondo State, unveil various views on the “place of health” in urban planning practices in Akure. A lack of synergy between urban planners and public health practitioners in the city and limiting scope of functions of urban planning on the impact of health in Akure were observed. Thus, we recommend the integration of a sustainable urban planning approach as a guide to manage the city.

Digital Transformation in the Context of Sustainable Development of European Countries

The country’s sustainable development is focused on improving the quality of life at the global level, ensuring equal access to education and public goods, and caring for the environment and biodiversity, as well as responsible consumption and production. Digital technologies are among the main drivers of sustainable development. It is very important to develop government strategy and choose correct measures aimed at ensuring sustainable development of the countries in terms of the digitalization processes. The purpose of the research is to investigate the nature of the correlation between indicators of digital development and sustainable development of the European countries, as well as to identify policy directions and measures regarding their digital and sustainable progress. Methods of the research are principal component analysis, geometric aggregation, and cluster analysis. The positive correlation within the digital and sustainable development is observed. Most indicators of digital and sustainable development positively correlate with each other. Based on PCA, it was found that indicators of sustainable development have a stronger intercorrelation than those of digital development. Based on the construction of integral indicators of digital and sustainable development, a cluster analysis was conducted. The main digital tools that contribute to the achievement of each of the 17 goals of sustainable development were determined. The results of the analysis provide a suitable basis for comparing the digital and sustainable development of individual countries and offer opportunities to identify tools and strategy directions for policymakers.

An economic study of women entrepreneur conditions in tirunelveli district as stewards of human resources for sustainable development

This research delves into the economic status of women entrepreneurs in Tirunelveli District, emphasizing their crucial role in sustainable development as human resource stewards. The study adopts a multidimensional approach, considering economic indicators, social factors, and entrepreneurial challenges to offer a comprehensive insight into the conditions influencing women-led enterprises in the area. The study combines quantitative and qualitative methods, utilizing surveys, interviews, and case studies for primary data. Secondary data from economic and demographic sources complement the research. Results reveal the varied sectors where women entrepreneurs contribute significantly to local economies and employment. The study analyzes challenges for women entrepreneurs like financial access, gender biases, and societal expectations. It also looks at how supportive policies affect their business environment. Using a critical approach, it assesses current support structures and suggests areas for improvement. The research explores how women entrepreneurs in Tirunelveli District contribute to sustainable development by promoting inclusive growth, community development, and environmental sustainability. It provides valuable insights for academia and policymakers, offering recommendations to improve economic conditions for women entrepreneurs and maximize their role as drivers of sustainable development.

Corporate social responsibility: A key driver of sustainable development in China's post-COVID economy.

The first goal of this research was to measure the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the sustainable development of an organization. However, the second objective examines the moderating influence of government policies, cultural norms, and stakeholder expectations on the relationship between CSR and an organization's sustainable development. This research primarily focused on the enterprises operating in the energy industry in Beijing. A sample of 498 individuals holding management positions within these enterprises was collected. The study's results established that CSR significantly influences the sustainable development of firms. Moreover, the results revealed that governmental regulations, cultural norms, and stakeholder expectations play a significant and positive role in moderating the impact of corporate social responsibility on the sustainable development of companies. The results of this study make a valuable contribution to the existing body of literature on CSR and its impact on the sustainable performance of enterprises in China.

Towards sustainable development: antecedents of green entrepreneurship intention among tourism and hospitality students in Egypt

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the antecedents of green entrepreneurship intention (GEI) amongst tourism and hospitality higher education students and further explores the effect of green entrepreneurship intention on sustainable development (SD). It also investigates the mediating role of GEI in the relationship between the antecedents of GEI and SD in students' future tasks in tourism and hospitality.Design/methodology/approachPartial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze data collected via an online questionnaire from 970 tourism and hospitality universities' students in Egypt, either undergraduate or postgraduate.FindingsThe results show that green entrepreneurship intention is positively affected by attitude, subjective norms, environmental education, risk aversion, self-efficacy and environmental values. The results also revealed that green entrepreneurship intention is a significant driver for sustainable development. Moreover, the findings revealed that GEI mediates the link between the antecedents of GEI and SD.Practical implicationsThe results offer highly persuasive insights that may be used to promote GEI and SD among tourism and hospitality students. The effectiveness of GEI in achieving SD will motivate government and educational institutions to develop GEI for university students. This study will assist policymakers in developing a novel strategy, providing a contribution to the green behavior literature in an emerging context.Originality/valueThe field of the green entrepreneur is uncharted and still in its infancy. As a result, further research is needed in the literature to better understand green entrepreneurship intention. Enhancing tourism and hospitality students' green entrepreneurial intentions will help the economy expand sustainably in the future because they are the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. The findings hold important implications for both the research community and tourism education and business management.

Implementacija zelene proračunske politike u financiranju održivog društva - iskustvo Slovenije

Sustainable societies of the future should be designed on the basis of a green public budgeting, as green public 79 spending and investment are the key drivers of sustainable development. Studies on green budgeting have so far tended to focus on green taxes and favourable regulatory regimes for specific sectors, although 14 out of 38 OECD countries have introduced these in some form. Based on secondary research of Slovenian budget documentation for the period from 2018 to 2022, our research findings show that green and sustainable content is weak, both in terms of content and scope. Only 11 out of 24 policies and only 23 out of over 3000 projects have included some ideas of the green and sustainable concept. Due to the evolving methodology and framework of green budgeting, the research challenge could be identified in a repeated and deeper analysis, including the targets and indicators in the coming years.

Digitalization and carbon footprint: Building a path to a sustainable economic growth

Digitalization is a primary driver of sustainable development. We investigate the impact of digitalization on the carbon footprints of the (national) government sector, households, enterprises, non-governmental organizations, and imported carbon footprints. We use panel data analysis to study the link between digitalization and sustainable economic growth by monitoring digital carbon footprint patterns. Our study results show that digitalization has a positive and statistically significant impact on sustainability development measured by the sustainable development goals (SDG). Furthermore, our results support the hypothesis that advancing total factor productivity, referring to green total factor productivity, is critical for meeting SDGs. Notably, we determine that the ecological footprint across sectors and countries is diverging, or at best, slowly converging at a pace that is not even close to that required to meet the 2030 SDGs. Therefore, policymakers and practitioners must strategically revise sustainability policies to ensure industrial and economic transition and adaptability to climate change and advance economic green growth and sustainable development.

ESG, Brand Trust and Brand Loyalty

The concept of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) has emerged as a key element of firm value. Its an important tool for companies to achieve sustainable development and improve their competitiveness. As a critical driver of sustainable development, companies have the responsibility to manage ESG well. Clarifying the benefits that ESG issues can bring to companies is a good way to encourage them to manage ESG. This paper aims to determine how firms ESG activities affect brand trust and brand loyalty to evaluate the benefits of firms ESG activities. Based on a sample of 169 online questionnaire, this study used SPSS to analyze the collected data and had the following results. First, it was discovered that brand trust and brand loyalty are positively impacted by all three ESG dimensions. Additionally, this study's findings showed that brand trust positively mediates the association between brand loyalty and ESG performance. According to the results of this work, firms ESG practices are not only satisfying the needs of sustainable development but also the needs of the enterprise itself. This study emphasizes the importance of ESG and provides practical implications for firms ESG activities.

Entrepreneurial Activity of Generation Z: Motives, Algorithms for Starting a Business

Objective: This article aims to assess Generation Z's entrepreneurial activities in the context of ESG principles and their contributions to sustainable development. It investigates how Zoomers' engagement in various sectors aligns with ESG factors and explores the challenges they face in promoting sustainability within the rapidly changing socio-economic landscape. Methods: A qualitative analysis approach is employed to evaluate the ESG aspects of Generation Z's entrepreneurial behaviors and their impact on sustainable development. Scientific works and data revealing the motives that challenge young people to start and run business are analyzed. The study employs methods of systemic, structural, functional and comparative analysis and synthesis, theoretical modelling and forecasting. Results: The reasons why employable young population does not involve into business activities were put under analysis, at the same time popular trends for entrepreneurial activity of youth are highlighted. The analysis is grounded in the scientific, statistical, regulatory, methodological and empirical materials that reveal the motives and algorithm of business management by representatives of Generation Z. Conclusion: Generation Z's entrepreneurial endeavors, rooted in ESG principles, are pivotal drivers of sustainable development. Their steadfast commitment to environmental responsibility, social inclusivity, and effective governance reflects a dynamic force for positive change. However, they face formidable challenges such as competition from digital ecosystems and limited access to financing. To capitalize on their innovative potential and ensure a sustainable future, fostering an ESG-friendly environment and addressing these hurdles is imperative.

Renewable energy consumption and business density as drivers of sustainable development

The East Asia and Pacific region have witnessed significant economic growth in recent decades, leading to improved living standards and increased energy consumption. However, this rapid development has also resulted in environmental degradation and heightened concerns about climate change. In response, countries in the region have been increasingly focusing on sustainable development, with renewable energy consumption and business density emerging as key drivers. Given this background, this research empirically examines the impact of entrepreneurship and clean technology on sustainable development in East Asia and the Pacific region. To control for endogeneity, the study applied system the Generalized Method of Moments (SGMM) for the data sourced from the World Development Indicators of the World Bank for the period 2015–2021. The finding indicates that both entrepreneurship and clean technology have an adverse significant impact on sustainable development in the East Asia-Pacific region. When the regions were analysed individually, the results revealed that both entrepreneurship and clean technology have a negative substantial effect on sustainable development in East Asia, but not in the Pacific region. The study concludes that entrepreneurship and renewable energy by themselves would not result in sustainable development, except some certain conditions are met. The positive impacts of entrepreneurship and renewable energy on sustainable development can only be attained when the nature, location, and practices of new businesses are low carbon in nature.JEL Classifications: Q01, Q42, Q56