Emergent Digital Technologies Research Articles

Digital Circular Economy and the Global Ecotourism Sector: A Critical Perspective

This perspective seeks to build meaningful linkages between the digital circular economy and the global ecotourism sector. The ‘new normal’ in a post-pandemic world calls for innovative solutions to the challenge of low revenue growth in the traditional tourism sector. Ecotourism or sustainable tourism can be the way forward, provided it is coupled with emergent digital technologies of the likes of artificial intelligence, big data and the internet of things, among many others. This article relies on an existing review of literature from all over the world on the theme in order to arrive at meaningful inter-relationships between the digital circular economy and the global ecotourism sector. The main conclusion of this opinion piece is as follows. For ensuring a prosperous global ecotourism sector (or sustainable tourism), moving towards a digital circular economic framework ensures not just a reduction in the depletion of finite natural resources but also an enhancement in biodiversity and a significant reduction in business costs. Thus, ecotourism and digital circular economy aim at creating sustainable value both for businesses and the environment in more ways than one. Additionally, some of the major policy and managerial implications of this study pertain to the need for, first, greater local community involvement in the ecotourism sector; second, constant upskilling of the workforce in the sector with regard to latest digital technologies for their long-term benefit; and last, building a robust digital framework and ensuring last mile connectivity for all ecotourist destinations.

Overcoming the Challenges of Digitalization. A Study Case Based on DESI and EIBIS

Abstract In the present days, the business environment faces one important wave in its development, therefore due to the wave of rapid technological advancements, the digital era that is currently reshaping behaviour, habits, and trends, stands as a testament to the necessity of innovation and adaptation of the latest digital technologies. At first glance, the benefits of digitalization are well recognized, such as: increasing connectivity as a catalyst for communication and collaboration while increasing access to information. Hence, both businesses and individuals find themselves empowered by the great benefits of the digital era, presented as a world in which the barriers determined by time and space are no longer an issue, being transcended by the implantation of the latest digital technologies. Therefore, it is necessary to inspect the corelations between the two important indexes provided by the European database, such as DESI and EIBIS, in order to identify how the score of DESI can influence directly, or not, the business environment’s investment in digital technologies, both on single technologies and multiple technologies, taking into account the usage of the emergent digital technologies, such as: BigData, AI and Clouds. The correlations will provide a better understanding of the role of digitalization in developing the economic environment of a state, or at a bigger image, of the European Union’s business environment.

Harnessing the Power of Emerging Digital Technologies for improved Sustainability and Productivity in Biomedical Engineering and Neuroscience

This article discusses the potential of using digital technologies like blockchain, AI, IoT and big data analytics to improve resource efficiency, supply chain management, decision making and reduce fraud. It highlights how blockchain can create a transparent and tamper-proof system for tracking forest products from harvest to sale, reducing fraud and improving sustainability. The implementation of blockchain is argued to lead to substantial improvements in supply chain management through increased transparency and traceability. Moreover, AI, blockchain, IoT and advanced analytics are said to help optimize production and supply chains, detect fraud early, and improve forecasting and risk management for more efficient policies. The adoption of technologies like IoT, smart sensors and standardized data protocols is also outlined as a way to revolutionize sectors like agriculture, manufacturing and energy through enhanced productivity and efficiency. Emerging digital technologies like artificial intelligence, bioengineering, internet of things, data analytics and digital transformation offer immense potential to address global challenges and drive progress. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms can be applied to improve healthcare, education, transportation and resource management by processing large datasets. When combined with IoT, these technologies enable precision agriculture, predictive maintenance, and smart infrastructure for sustainable development. Advancements in bioengineering such as synthetic biology, biomimicry and biomanufacturing aim to solve problems in medicine, energy and environment by emulating nature. IoT connects physical objects through sensors and networks to collect and exchange data, allowing devices, vehicles and systems to become intelligent and autonomous. Analytics on these Big Data sets from connected products, facilities and natural systems help reveal valuable insights for evidence-based decision making. Digital transformation of industries and business models leverages these technologies to enhance productivity, efficiency and consumer experiences through virtual and augmented realities, cloud computing and automated processes. However, responsible innovation through interdisciplinary research and governance is required to ensure such progress addresses societal needs, reduces inequalities and minimizes environmental impacts. Cross-sector collaborations involving industry, academia and policymakers can help maximize benefits while preemptively mitigating potential risks.

Digital Approaches to Societal Grand Challenges: Toward a Broader Research Agenda on Managing Global-Local Design Tensions

Policy/Practice-Focused Abstract Despite considerable and continued resource investments, effective solutions to broad-scope problems of social interest or societal grand challenges (GCs) have proven to be elusive in many domains. In multiactor situations that characterize GCs, divergent goals, needs, priorities, and capabilities of global and local actors create organizing design tensions that need to be considered before solutions can be enacted. Emergent digital technologies can play an important and transformative role in addressing the organizing design tensions that pervade such collective action problems. In this article, we draw on Elinor Ostrom’s principles of public value creation and identify a set of eight organizing design tensions that arise from employing global and local perspectives in addressing GCs. We consider novel digital approaches—that involve alternative arrangements of digital and socio-political elements in GC settings—to resolving each of these design tensions. Our discussion foreshadows the considerable opportunity for information systems research to contribute to the broader dialog on GCs; inform GC-related policy and practice at global and local levels; and, more broadly, speed the identification and enactment of effective solutions to grand challenges.

Managing Material, Information and Human Flows in Circular Manufacturing Systems with the Help of Emerging Digital Technologies

The Circular Economy is struggling to establish itself in manufacturing systems, with the latest Circular Gap report showing that circularity is declining as the environmental situation worsens. Against this backdrop, several researchers have suggested that implementing emerging digital technologies of Industry 4.0 could be a key resource in this transition towards greater circularity in production. As circular manufacturing systems imply a relatively high complexity of flows, emerging technologies could be particularly useful in this context. After a brief review of the literature on material, information and human flows, a coupling with digital technologies is proposed to address the challenges of flow management in the circular economy. A critical analysis of the research on the use of digital technologies in the management of flows in circular manufacturing systems is then carried out. Finally, the perspectives for research in this area are presented, emphasising the need for multidisciplinary research and distinguishing the areas of research that can be commissioned to fill these research gaps. As part of a multidisciplinary project combining engineering, humanities and social sciences, this research prioritises an approach that equally integrates the three pillars of sustainable development (financial and technical, environmental and social).

Advancing Organisational Technology Readiness and Convergence of Emerging Digital Technologies (AI, IoT, I4.0) for Innovation Adoption

Advancing Organisational Technology Readiness and Convergence of Emerging Digital Technologies (AI, IoT, I4.0) for Innovation Adoption

Transforming digital value chain ecosystems for dual-carbon target: An exploration of the BDS-RAS framework

As global strategies evolve to achieve peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality, the manufacturing industry faces the dual challenge of reducing carbon emissions while maintaining economic performance. The emergence of digital technologies offers an innovative avenue to mitigate this challenge. This research aims to explore the reformulation of value chain ecosystems by employing digital technologies within a dual-carbon framework. Combining a comprehensive literature review with case studies, this study scrutinizes the impacts and specific challenges that digital technology and dual-carbon strategies pose to value chain ecosystems. Initially, the study elucidates the formation and evolution of value chain ecosystems and proposes a refined definition. Subsequently, it examines the operational processes of these ecosystems under a dual-carbon backdrop, focusing on three core attributes: resilience, adaptation, and sustainability (RAS). To achieve these attributes, we introduce the “BDS-RAS” framework, highlighting digital technologies and key measures essential for the reformation of value chain ecosystems. This framework is bifurcated into “BDS,” which encompasses three crucial domains--“basic operation support,” “decision optimization,” and “service enhancement”--and “RAS,” which represents the outcomes achievable post-implementation of “BDS” strategies within the dual-carbon context. Furthermore, the study anticipates the potential impacts of emergent digital technologies on value chain ecosystems and delineates avenues for future research. This study contributes not only a practical framework for manufacturing firms to transform their value chain ecosystems through digital technologies in a dual-carbon environment, but also provides new avenues and perspectives for academic research.

Emerging Digital Technologies in Healthcare with a Spotlight on Cybersecurity: A Narrative Review

Emerging digital technologies, such as telemedicine, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Medical Things, blockchain, and visual and augmented reality, have revolutionized the delivery of and access to healthcare services. Such technologies allow for real-time health monitoring, disease diagnosis, chronic disease management, outbreak surveillance, and rehabilitation. They help personalize treatment plans, identify trends, contribute to drug development, and enhance public health management. While emerging digital technologies have numerous benefits, they may also introduce new risks and vulnerabilities that can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive healthcare information. This review article discussed, in brief, the key emerging digital technologies in the health sector and the unique threats introduced by these technologies. We also highlighted the risks relevant to digital health cybersecurity, such as data breaches, medical device vulnerabilities, phishing, insider and third-party risks, and ransomware attacks. We suggest that the cybersecurity framework should include developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, conducting regular risk assessments, implementing strong access control, encrypting data, educating staff, implementing secure network segmentation, backing up data regularly, monitoring and detecting anomalies, establishing an incident response plan, sharing threat intelligence, and auditing third-party vendors.

Teaching Multimodal Literacies with Digital Technologies and Augmented Reality: A Cluster Analysis of Australian Teachers’ TPACK

Despite the proliferation of augmented reality (AR) apps, Australian primary teachers have yet to use them widely for the teaching of multimodal literacies. Conceptualising teachers’ knowledge of using digital technologies to teach multimodal literacies as a form of technological pedagogical content knowledge or TPACK(ML), this study examined teacher differences through a cluster analysis of survey responses collected from a sample of 142 Australian primary school teachers. Two distinct clusters of teachers were derived. The first cluster with lower TPACK(ML) comprised teachers with lower self-reported confidence in facilitating new cultures of learning that are participatory and technology-driven in nature. In their open-ended survey responses, these teachers shared their unfamiliarity with AR, as well as concerns about their personal technical competency and how AR could be integrated into the curriculum. The second cluster of teachers rated themselves higher in TPACK(ML) and in how they used technology to support language learning pedagogies. They were able to propose different pedagogical strategies to engage students’ multimodal literacies meaningfully with AR in their open-ended survey responses. The implications of the study’s findings were discussed, and recommendations were proposed for designing and sustaining differentiated forms of teacher professional development for teaching multimodal literacies with emergent digital technologies.

Emerging Digital Technologies in Patient Care: Dealing with connected, intelligent medical device vulnerabilities and failures in the healthcare sector

Emerging Digital Technologies in Patient Care: Dealing with connected, intelligent medical device vulnerabilities and failures in the healthcare sector

Digital transformation for green supply chain innovation in manufacturing operations

In the digital era, green supply chain management (GSCM) is undergoing transformations associated with innovation and performance improvements. Manufacturers adopt these innovative GSCM practices, called green supply chain digital transformation (GSCDT), by applying emergent digital technologies to GSCM for specific purposes. This study identifies and develops GSCDT practices with support from the literature and case studies of six manufacturers with operational GSCDT in diversified industries to explore the practice adoption enablers of GSCDT and contingency factors for performance improvement through GSCDT for manufacturers. We analyze the emergence and adoption of GSCDT and find that the practices are: a) unevenly implemented among the five dimensions of GSCM; b) highly reliant on top management to coordinate internal coordination among organizational units; c) more intensive in manufacturing operations with large suppliers; and d) implemented at a higher level for external practices than for internal practices. Our research findings contribute to academic knowledge by unraveling critical factors that affect the digital transformation process in GSCM and managerial insights by identifying pathways for the successful adoption of GSCDT practices.

Complementarity, Interoperability, and Level of Integration of Humanitarian Drones with Emerging Digital Technologies: A State-of-the-Art Systematic Literature Review of Mathematical Models

The adoption of drones and other emerging digital technologies (DTs) has proven essential in revolutionizing humanitarian logistics as standalone solutions. However, the interoperability of humanitarian drones with other DTs has not yet been explored. In this study, we performed a systematic literature review to attempt to fill this gap by evaluating 101 mathematical models collected from Scopus. After conducting a descriptive analysis to identify the trends of publications in terms of year, type, source, and country of origin, a content analysis ensued to investigate the complementarity, interoperability, and level of integration of humanitarian drones with eight DTs. Next, we researched how these DTs can help drones exploit their capabilities to their full potential and facilitate the various drone operations deployed across different disaster scenarios, types, and stages. Last, the solving approaches employed by the models were examined. Overall, we shifted our research focus toward several overlooked aspects in the literature and identified multiple challenges needing to be addressed. Our work resulted in the formulation of a holistic framework aiming to standardize the cooperative utilization of DTs during the execution of humanitarian drone operations, so as to enhance their real-life application and scalability.

Emerging Digital Technologies in the Workplace. 3D Printing, Work Organization and Job Quality at the Airbus Spain Case Study

This paper approaches a case study of Airbus Spain in the context of the studies on digital transformation in the workplace, with the aim of examining how the company manages the impact of digital transformation in the workplace and its impact on work organization and job quality. Airbus has based its technological change in 3D printing and additive layer manufacturing (ALM), with deep implications in its work processes, training and required skills. The experience of the social actors involved in these processes is analyzed by applying qualitative methods (key informant’s interviews). The results point to an increase in the autonomy and responsibility of the employees due to the implementation of new digital technologies that have brought about a change in organizational culture. Positive effects on job quality are also found through the reduction of work risks, improvement of the physical and social environment, reduction of the intensity of physical work and improvement of employees’ career prospects.

Volumetric Modular Construction Risks: A Comprehensive Review and Digital-Technology-Coupled Circular Mitigation Strategies

Volumetric modular construction (VMC) has considerable benefits in providing better cost, time, quality, productivity, and sustainability performance. However, the adoption is low, owing to various associated risks. This study aims to identify VMC critical risk factors (CRFs) in project stages and project attributes by conducting a systematic literature review of 91 articles. In the project stages, 31 CRFs were identified based on frequency analyses, and divided into four stages: design and planning, offsite manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and onsite assembly. The project attribute risks were divided into the following categories: implementation and schedule, supply chain and financial, safety and ergonomic, and civil and structural. Overall, design and planning risks were critical, as they are crucial in maintaining the project’s upstream and downstream flow. Finally, the study proposed a mitigation framework for using digital technology-based circular strategies to overcome VMC risks. The framework includes disruptive and emergent digital technologies aiming to mitigate risks in VMC, keeping circularity in action. In terms of theoretical contributions, this research delivers a CRF register and categorical division for professionals to better understand the landscape of VMC risks. In terms of practical contributions, the study guides the practitioners towards strategies to overcome the pertinent risks.

The Impact of Innovation Adoption of Emerging Digital Technologies within a collaborative ecosystem on Firm Innovation Performance- Focus on Emerging Economies (Middle East, Africa, and Asia)

ABSTRACT: In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, innovative technologies' rapid emergence and integration profoundly impact organisational strategies, the industry landscape, and overall economic and societal development. This article explores the adoption of specific emerging digital technologies (Artificial Intelligence (AI), Industry 4.0( I4.0 ), and the Internet of Things (IoT). It proposes a comprehensive framework to enhance firm innovation performance in organisations. A deep understanding of the future commercial utilisation of these technologies is crucial for informed decision-making. Acknowledging the interconnected nature of emerging technologies, this research emphasises the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders such as businesses, academic institutions, research organisations, regulatory bodies, and government agencies. This collaborative effort forms a unique and interdependent ecosystem essential for effectively applying, adapting, and improving emerging digital technologies. This study highlights perspective and limitations, particularly in emerging economies, by investigating the determinants that impact their implementation, mainly focusing on emerging economies. A robust framework is developed to address the research objectives by combining existing technology models, including the Diffusion of Innovation Technology-Organisation-Environment and Technology Acceptance Model. A quantitative research survey targeted managers and above in large enterprises and multinationals within the Middle East, Africa, and Asia manufacturing industries. The collected responses (n=153) were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling and Chi-Square methods. The findings of this study emphasise the advantages of the collaborative adoption of emerging digital technologies in improving firm performance. By bridging the gaps in integrating multiple emerging technologies within the innovation ecosystem, organisations can enhance their innovation capabilities and leverage them for sustainable competitive advantage. This comprehensive framework provides valuable insights and practical guidance for organisations seeking to navigate the complex landscape of emerging digital technologies and maximise their innovation potential.

Tracking the Research on Ten Emerging Digital Technologies in the AECO Industry

Application of emerging digital technology (DT) is an attractive subject of research and is indispensable to the current goal of intelligent construction in many countries. Relevant studies have either focused on the status of a specific DT or proposed preliminary/qualitative comparisons among DTs. This paper provides a systematic understanding of research on applying DTs to the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) industry using a mixed-review method. Ten emerging DTs are determined, and publications related to them in 2011–2020 are collected from the Scopus database. The overall status and comparisons of research on 10 emerging DTs by region, journal, and popularity are then presented. The content of research on them is examined through in-depth literature analysis (including research scenario, project stage, and literature evolution in a discipline) and theme classification. Future research directions including technology knowledge, development, application and management, and some practical implications for the country, industry, project, and enterprise, are finally proposed. This research will be informative for academics with regard to the emerging DT’s opportunities in this discipline and provide support for work on the digitization of the AECO industry.

When Harry, the human, met Sally, the software robot: Metaphorical sensemaking and sensegiving around an emergent digital technology

Robotic process automation (RPA) is often used in organisational digitalisation efforts to automate work processes. RPA, and the software robots at its heart, is an equivocal and contentious technology. Adopting the products of theorising approach, this study views metaphors as central sensemaking and sensegiving devices that shape the interpretation of RPA among stakeholders towards a preferred reality of ways of seeing and experiencing software robots. The empirical materials are drawn from research in three Australasian organisations that have implemented RPA. Grounding our analysis in the domains-interaction model, we identified three root metaphors: person, robot and tool, their constitutive conceptual metaphors, and intended use as heuristics devices. Our findings show that metaphor is a powerful device that employees rely on to make sense of their experiences with a new digital technology that can potentially shape their roles, work practices and job design. In addition, managers and automation team members intentionally leverage metaphors to shape others’ perceptions of a software robot’s capabilities and limitations, its implication for human work and its expanding benefits for organisations over time, among others. Metaphor as a precursor to more formal theory provides scholars with a vocabulary to understand disparate experiences with an emergent automation technology that can be further developed to generate a theory of seeing automation and working with automated agents.

Digital Technologies to Empower Human Activities in Cyber-Physical Systems

Humans play a critical role in cyber-physical systems (CPS) since they are the most flexible piece in this systems. However, their integration is not an easy task and constitutes a significant challenge, presenting different requirements according to the activities they execute and the related integration levels, i.e., Human-in-the-Loop (HitL) and Human-in-the-Mesh (HitM). This paper aims to discuss how emergent digital technologies can empower a smoother and more symbiotic integration of humans in industrial CPS. Particularly, it contributes with an analysis of different aspects and concerns that must be considered to properly enable the HitL and HitM in CPS. Three experimental case studies are presented to demonstrate the feasibility and contribution of using disruptive digital technologies to enhance the human-CPS integration, by assisting them to perform their operations in a faster and more efficient manner.

Innovation Process Modelling for Human-Centred Cultural Heritage Spaces: Developing a Business Model Canvas for Smart Digital Immersion

The cultural heritage sector offers an opportunity to gain an insight into the customs and traditions of previous generations and acquire an understanding of the progression of society. This discipline is important for an individual to maintain a sense of identity in the world and attain knowledge of important historical events. Cultural heritage items that are reflective of a group within society can be presented in the form of artefacts or works of art in a setting such as a museum or art gallery. Innovation is key when implementing technological solutions to continuously look towards new methods that will efficiently showcase all items as desired and preserve this content for future generations. A museum for example generally exhibits tangible and intangible heritage with the difference being the ability to physically interact with the items. Emergent digital technologies offer an opportunity to progress from the traditional user experience to an immersive and personalised control system. This opportunity has not yet been fully explored within the cultural heritage sector where Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IOT) can be utilised in tandem to achieve this objective. The Business Model Canvas (BMC) was created to mitigate uncertainty regarding the operation of commercial ideas through enhanced visualisation. This paper presents a populated BMC for smart digital immersion in cultural heritage spaces and addresses the significance of an alignment with the human-centred philosophy when incorporating immersive technologies in the user journey.

Emerging Digital Technologies to Improve Tax Compliance and Administration Efficiency: A Systematic Literature Review

Emerging Digital Technologies to Improve Tax Compliance and Administration Efficiency: A Systematic Literature Review