Industry Association Research Articles

The role of trade associations in promoting corporate sustainability transition and reporting: A case study in the food supply chain

AbstractThis study seeks to examine the interconnections and potential influencing factors between firms' sustainability initiatives and the pressures exerted by industry associations for sustainability reporting. Given the reluctance of many firms to disclose their sustainability efforts, particular attention is directed toward the Italian meat and cured meat industry, with a focus on uncovering the drivers that link firms' sustainability actions to the level of engagement by industry associations in promoting sustainability reporting. Employing a multiple case study design, this research adopts a qualitative and interpretative methodology, leveraging semi‐structured interviews to elucidate pertinent strengths and weaknesses associated with both external and internal factors, as well as managerial strategies. Encompassing various stages of the supply chain, from genetic selection and animal husbandry to processing and distribution, this study aims to bridge a gap in the existing literature on sustainability reporting by shedding light on firms' approaches to both reporting and action. Furthermore, it offers novel insights into the often‐overlooked meso‐level factors influencing firms' propensity for sustainability reporting, including the role played by trade associations.

A Framework for Risk Mitigation in Halal Self-Declaration for SMEs and MSMEs in Indonesia

This research examines the challenges and risk mitigation strategies associated with Halal self-declaration among Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the context of the forthcoming Halal certification enforcement policy in Indonesia. The study aims to enable SMEs and MSMEs to actively participate in the Halal industry, with the intent to promote economic inclusivity and ensure the accuracy, integrity, and reputation of Halal products. The research explores potential consequences such as mislabeling, cross-contamination, reputational damage, legal repercussions, negative market impact, and erosion of Halal industry credibility. In this research, a structured thematic analysis approach is conducted. The findings of the study propose risk mitigation strategies, including risk identification, framework development, education programs, accessible guidance materials, the implementation of independent verification and audits collaboration with certification bodies and regulatory agencies, awareness campaigns, and continuous improvement and evaluation. The outcomes of this research benefit SMEs, MSMEs, certification bodies, industry associations, regulatory agencies, and consumers, enhancing compliance with Halal standards, consumer confidence, and market competitiveness.

Empirical Evidence of Inbound Open Innovation Practice by Ghanaian SMEs

Inbound open innovation (IOI) is credited with high productivity in businesses. However, this is marred by resource and structural constraints in Ghanaian SMEs. Therefore, this study explores the odds of Ghanaian SMEs engaging in inbound open innovation given SMEs characteristics and IOI collaboration modes. Further, we examine the mediating effect of SMEs’ CEO characteristics in increasing or decreasing these odds. Using a sample of 657 registered SMEs’ of the Association of Ghanaian Industries, the survey data is estimated with a stepwise logistic regression model to show the multiplicative effects of the variables. The results show that the odds of engaging in inbound open innovation is higher for; SMEs located in urban areas, SMEs with partnership or company ownership structure, SMEs with research and development departments, SMEs not collaborating with universities, manufacturing SMEs, and SMEs that are relatively bigger in size. Further, these odds increase when the characteristics of CEOs of the sampled SMEs are accounted for in the model. Thus, the characteristics and traits of CEOs are only useful given the right resources and environment. Relying on the major (main) outcomes of the study further feasible suggestions are recommended.

The 24th International Seaweed Symposium - ‘Seaweeds in a changing world’

The 24th edition of the International Seaweed Symposium (ISS), an academic-industry event that dates back to 1952, was held for the first time in Oceania. The local organizing committee chaired by Professor Catriona Hurd, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, and Professor Michael A. Borowitzka, Murdoch University, Western Australia worked tirelessly to curate a program that balanced scientific rigor with engaging discussions, providing ample opportunities for networking and collaboration. “Seaweeds in a changing world” was the theme of this symposium, participants from 48 countries from all over the world attended this symposium from 19-24 February 2023. More than 576 on-site and 207 virtual participants registered for the Symposium who contributed to the success of this event. The International Seaweed Association (ISA) ensures the continued development of seaweed and its benefits and serves as a bridge between research academia and industry. The ISA is ready to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the ISS and is also proud to announce that the 25th International Seaweed Symposium (ISS) will be held in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, 4-9 May, 2025 with the Local support of Ocean Networks Canada, Cascadia Seaweed, and the Pacific Seaweed Industry Association (https://iss25.com).

PENGEMBANGAN USAHA KECIL MENENGAH EKONOMI KREATIF MELALUI UNIQLO NEIGHBORHOOD COLLABORATION

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the creative economy sector have great potential to drive local economic growth and enrich urban culture. However, there are still very few partnership programs carried out by international brands with SMEs. This article aims to evaluate the cooperation of multinational companies, through the UNIQLO neighborhood collaboration program can inspire creative economy SMEs to develop their business capacity. The PESTEL approach (Political, Economic, Socio-Cultural, Technology, Environmental, Law) is applied to identify external factors that influence the success of collaboration programs. The results of the analysis show that (1) the regulatory framework and government policies play a significant role; (2) the ability of purchasing power and access to finance to be supportive from an economic aspect; (3) the acceptance of creative economy SME products is a key factor in socio-cultural success; (4) technology support in operationalization and marketing plays a positive role; (5) a positive image of environmentally friendly SME products is an added value; (6) Intellectual property rights support the legalization aspect. Although the UNIQLO neighborhood program is still relatively new, it has had a positive impact on creative economy SMEs. The challenge is to develop a sustainable strategy for the optimization of this cooperation program through strengthening the capacity of SMEs, collaboration with educational institutions and industry associations, and effective marketing efforts.

Digital technology-enabled AEC project management: practical use cases, deployment patterns and emerging trends

PurposeDespite extensive academic research related to digital technologies (DT), their integration into architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) projects lags in practice. This paper aims to discover DT deployment patterns and emerging trends in real-life AEC projects.Design/methodology/approachA case study methodology was adopted, including individual case analyses and comparative multiple-case analyses.FindingsThe results revealed the temporal distribution of DT in practical AEC projects, specific DT products/software, major project types integrated with digital solutions, DT application areas and project stages and associated project performance. Three distinct patterns in DT adoption have been observed, reflecting the evolution of DT applications, the progression from single to multiple DT integration and alignment with emerging industry requirements. The DT adoption behavior in the studied cases has been examined using the technology-organization-environment-human (TOE + H) framework. Further, eight emerging trend streams for future DT adoption were identified, with “leveraging the diverse features of certain mature DT” being a shared recognition of all studied companies.Practical implicationsThis research offers actionable insights for AEC companies, facilitating the development of customized DT implementation roadmaps aligned with organizational needs. Policymakers, industry associations and DT suppliers may leverage these findings for informed decision-making, collaborative educational initiatives and product/service customization.Originality/valueThis research provides empirical evidence of applicable products/software, application areas and project performance. The examination of the TOE + H framework offers a holistic understanding of the collective influences on DT adoption. The identification of emerging trends addresses the evolving demands of the AEC industry in the digital era.

How can the policy combination promote the development of green buildings? ---Analysis based on stage perspective

The development of green buildings (GBs) relies on the incentives and penalty provided by government policies. Firstly, different development stages of GBs are identified in this study, and an evolutionary game approach is used to explore the stage characteristics and behavioral strategies of key stakeholders at different stages. Thereafter, considering the multidimensional synergistic effects of government incentive and penalty policies at different stages, this study investigates how to set and match incentive and penalty combinations at different development stages of GBs. Research indicates that the “incentive and penalty combinations” in policies is a core element for the benign development of the GBs. In the preliminary stage, the level of green technology innovation significantly influences the direction of the system. The “light incentive and light penalty” policy of government is preferable as it can guide developers and consumers to understand GBs, thus opening up the green building market. In the growth stage, the maturity of green technology plays a significant role. The “heavy incentive and heavy penalty” policy of government is effective, which helps developers compensate for construction costs, actively develop GBs, and effectively avoid deviant behavior. Meanwhile, consumers also change their purchasing preferences based on the benefits of GBs. In the mature stage, the role of industry associations becomes more prominent after the government withdraws from the market. The supervision strategy of “strong supervision and light penalty” effectively manages the green building market. Consumers continue to trust the quality of GBs from developers, and the synergy among the government, developers, and consumers collectively promotes the maturity of the green building market.

A set-covering approach to minimize the variety of standard chemical process pumps in equipment pools

A decision framework is presented to minimize the number of distinct ISO 2858 compliant standard chemical process pumps in an equipment pool. Two model variants are introduced: (i) the set cover problem to find the minimum number of ISO-sizes required to meet a given set of specifications, and (ii) the maximum coverage problem to investigate the trade-off between application coverage and equipment variety in the pump pool. A case study is carried out in cooperation with Evonik Operations GmbH applying the framework to a real-world data set; the results of which suggest significant potential to rationalize pumping equipment variety. Numerically, the decision model(s) were found tractable and thus readily applicable for industrial scale analyses. By including a model of centrifugal pump operating ranges taken from a dimensioning tool developed at German chemical industry association VCI, we eliminate the need to integrate further simulation software and minimize equipment-data requirements.

Pathway to net zero: Reviewing sustainable aviation fuels, environmental impacts and pricing

Supporting the pathway to net zero carbon emissions in the aviation industry, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) will contribute to a large extent to reduce net CO2 emissions in the next decades to deliver on climate targets. For this reason, the large-scale uptake of SAFs in aviation is on top of the agenda of regulatory policy. However, challenges remain for building the respective infrastructure and supply chains at the appropriate scale to produce and distribute SAF at a reasonable cost. Currently, only one percent of fuels consumed by airlines in Europe are blended with sustainable aviation fuels. The paper examines current SAF production pathways, environmental benefits, and estimated fuel prices from the state-of-the art literature. Further, regulatory policies established by governments, regulatory agencies and industry associations are examined, regarding blending mandates in different regional markets. The authors conclude with the statistical analysis of minimum selling prices for different types of SAF, and discuss their respective availability.

Digitalization of the Energy Complex of the Republic of Belarus: State Analysis, Promising Areas, Alternative Proposal for Evaluating Efficiency

This article reflects a number of components that characterize the processes of digital transformation of the energy complex of the Republic of Belarus: costs for general activities, publication interest among industry specialists, the regulatory and legal basis for studying the ongoing process. A high degree of promotion of the state in terms of standardization and automation of energy in Belarus was also noted, including in comparison at the level of unification of the EAEU. A number of measures have been proposed in order to ensure the preselective functioning of the industry in the context of sanctions restrictions on the supply of equipment and software. The author proposes to conduct such an assessment, alternative to the indicators proposed in the Strategy of informatization and digital transformation of the state association of electric power industry «Belenergo» for the period of 2021–2025.

Practical Questions for Securing Nucleic Acid Synthesis.

Affordable and accurate nucleic acid synthesis is foundational to modern biotechnology, but raises security concerns because it facilitates the construction of pathogens and other potentially dangerous biological agents. Nucleic acid synthesis screening can reduce the risk of providing potentially harmful nucleic acids to those without a legitimate use for them. Governments, industry associations, and biosecurity organizations have offered guidance on synthesis screening for a decade, and are now considering how to translate industry best practices into regulatory frameworks. A review of existing guidance documents, policy proposals, and other published literature was performed. We distinguish five categories of practical questions for policymakers: challenges associated with customer screening, sequence screening, the interaction between domestic and global regulations, commercial implications of screening, and finally, challenges associated with benchtop nucleic acid synthesis devices. There are a number of recommendations in public literature that target the implementation of robust customer and sequence screening, several of which have been incorporated into the recent United States White House Executive Order on artificial intelligence. There appears to be fewer solutions proposed to address challenges associated with the global screening landscape, or the commercial implications of screening requirements, and limited discussion on securing the benchtop synthesis landscape. This paper aims at providing a comprehensive resource for policymakers, outlining a set of questions governments, and other stakeholders, must answer when implementing screening requirements to secure nucleic acid synthesis.

A Cybersecurity Collaborative Model: Best Practices Sharing Among South African Tourism and Hospitality Businesses

In an increasingly interconnected digital landscape, cybersecurity has emerged as a paramount concern for South African tourism and hospitality businesses, especially those mostly serving international travellers who depend on online services for bookings and payments. This abstract introduces a comprehensive research study that centres on developing a collaborative cybersecurity model. The primary objective of this model is to facilitate the exchange of best practices among South African tourism establishments, thereby fortifying their collective defences against evolving cyber threats. This research study is based on a systematic literature review that encompasses a diverse array of tourism and hospitality businesses, including hotels, travel agencies, and tour operators. The study delves into existing collaborative initiatives, explores the perceived advantages of information sharing, and examines the challenges that may hinder the effective implementation of collaborative cybersecurity practices. The literature highlighted numerous cybersecurity risks associated with these types of businesses but also revealed a common shortage of dedicated cybersecurity resources and expertise. Collaborative models are regarded as a promising avenue to address these deficits. Businesses actively participating in collaborative networks report tangible benefits, including improved threat intelligence, cost-effective cybersecurity solutions, and enhanced capabilities for incident response. The outcomes of this research endeavour aspire to offer practical insights and actionable recommendations for South African tourism and hospitality businesses, policymakers, and industry associations seeking to cultivate a culture of cybersecurity collaboration. Ultimately, the collaborative model advocated herein contributes to the creation of a more secure online environment for local and international tourists visiting South Africa. This, in turn, safeguards the reputation and long-term sustainability of the tourism and hospitality sector in the country.

Enhancing Food Safety Measures in Micro Small Medium Enterprises: A Comprehensive Analysis of MSMEs in Kemiling Bandar Lampung

MSMEs in the food business, especially in Indonesia, encounter major obstacles in adhering to food safety requirements because of their restricted resources and technical knowledge. This study investigates the effects of applying Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) methodology on enhancing food safety standards at a particular MSME, Desi Kue, situated in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia. The study uses surveys, interviews, and hazard analysis assessments to identify potential dangers and suggest effective management techniques to improve food safety processes at Desi Kue. Customized education and training programs are crucial for enhancing awareness and comprehension of food safety among MSME stakeholders. The report emphasizes the importance of adjusting food safety policies and resources to tackle the specific difficulties encountered by MSMEs. MSMEs can effectively adopt HACCP principles by working with regulatory organizations and industry associations. This will help improve consumer trust, ensure public health, and promote sustainable growth in the food sector. This study offers significant insights for Desi Kue and MSMEs in Indonesia and other developing countries, enabling them to capitalize on prospects for competitiveness and growth in the global market by implementing strong food safety management systems.

The Political Relevance of Company Executives and Company Performance: A Literature Review

In recent years, the intricate and multifaceted relationship between the political activities of corporate executives and the performance of their respective companies has garnered significant attention from scholars, policymakers, and business leaders alike. This comprehensive literature review embarks on a scholarly exploration, aiming to delve deep into the complex dynamics that characterize the influence of corporate executives' political engagement on not only company performance but also broader political outcomes. To achieve this, the review draws upon a diverse body of evidence, encompassing empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and illuminating case analyses, thereby illuminating the intricate interplay between corporate leadership, political involvement, and business success.The literature review begins by examining the evolving nexus between the realms of politics and corporate leadership. Recent years have witnessed a pronounced intertwining of these two domains, with corporate executives emerging as pivotal players in shaping political outcomes. Their involvement takes diverse forms, including but not limited to campaign contributions, lobbying efforts, active participation in industry associations, and advocacy for policy changes, collectively endowing them with substantial influence. This intersection of corporate interests with political agendas raises critical questions about the alignment of these interests and the potential consequences they may bear on company performance.

Study of the Impact of the Big Data Era on Accounting and Auditing

In the wake of rapid advancements in science and technology, big data has emerged as a pivotal facet of contemporary society, revolutionizing the way we collect, analyze, and utilize information. Its integration into accounting and auditing practices has witnessed a steady and expansive trajectory, fundamentally reshaping traditional approaches to financial analysis, risk assessment, and compliance monitoring. This paper aims to delve into the profound influence of the big data era on the realms of accounting and auditing, meticulously dissecting the challenges and opportunities that accompany this evolution. As organizations grapple with unprecedented volumes of data generated from diverse sources such as social media, IoT devices, and transactional records, the traditional methods of financial reporting and auditing are being challenged. The sheer volume, velocity, and variety of data require innovative approaches to extract meaningful insights while ensuring data integrity and reliability. Moreover, the emergence of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms offers promising avenues for automating routine tasks, enhancing analytical capabilities, and detecting anomalies with greater accuracy and efficiency. However, the proliferation of big data also presents formidable challenges, ranging from data privacy and security concerns to the complexities of data integration and interoperability. Accounting and auditing professionals must navigate this complex landscape while upholding ethical standards, regulatory compliance, and professional skepticism. Moreover, the rapid pace of technological change necessitates continuous learning and adaptation to stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices. In light of these challenges and opportunities, this paper endeavors to proffer strategic countermeasures tailored to navigate this transformative landscape effectively. From leveraging advanced analytics tools and cloud computing platforms to investing in cybersecurity measures and talent development initiatives, organizations can enhance their capacity to harness the potential of big data while mitigating associated risks. Moreover, collaboration between stakeholders, including regulators, industry associations, and academia, is essential to foster innovation, knowledge sharing, and industry-wide standards. By embracing the opportunities afforded by the big data era while addressing its inherent challenges, accounting and auditing professionals can position themselves as trusted advisors, equipped to provide actionable insights and strategic guidance in an increasingly data-driven world. Through continuous collaboration, innovation, and adaptation, the profession can seize the transformative potential of big data to drive sustainable growth, enhance transparency, and uphold the integrity of financial markets.

How does world economic policy uncertainty influence the carbon dioxide emission reporting and performance? Study of Fortune Global 500 firms.

This study contributes significantly to the field by utilising the World Economic Policy Uncertainty (WEPU) Index, as devised by (Ahir in Nat Bureau Econ Res2022), to scrutinise its impact on carbon dioxide emission reporting and performance. Employing the generalised method of moments (GMM) on a substantial dataset of 604 Fortune Global 500 firms spanning from 2005 to 2020, our analysis reveals crucial insights. The research elucidates the dual influence of WEPU Index: a positive correlation with carbon dioxide emission reporting and a negative correlation aimed at mitigating adverse effects and promoting sustainable practices, thereby enhancing firm trust. Moreover, the findings shed light on how companies in emission-intensive industries tend to ramp up carbon dioxide emission reporting, potentially to bolster investor confidence, particularly during high WEPU Index periods. Furthermore, this study uncovers a compelling association between high emitters and lowered carbon dioxide emission performance, stemming from political and social pressures to integrate environmental considerations. Notably, this pressure intensifies during periods of increased WEPU Index. The empirical results presented in this study carry immediate practical implications. Specifically, they offer valuable insights for regulatory bodies and industry associations, guiding the development of enhanced environmental and social reporting regulations and guidelines, particularly concerning carbon emission reporting and performance.

Tony F. W. Embleton in the Acoustics Section, Physics Division, of the National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)

Tony completed his PhD in three years at Imperial College (London) studying under Dr. R.W.B. Stephens. He then joined George Thiessen and Edgar Shaw at NRCC to form the core of what became arguably the most influential and productive research group in acoustics in Canada from the 1960s to the 1980s. An important activity was service to industry, a role Tony embraced by collaborating with industry associations, participating in committees and directing his research activities. Working with George Thiessen, he succeeded in reducing the noise of couch rolls, a major source of noise in paper making, by randomizing the pattern of holes through which air was sucked to dry the paper. Other successful noise control projects included staggered stator blades for gas turbine engines and mufflers for rock drills. Tony made seminal contributions to outdoor sound propagation and refined condenser microphone calibration. In addition to his research and outreach, he found time for professional service to the ASA and CAA, including serving as founding editor of what is now Canadian Acoustics, and to develop standards and mentor younger scientists, He is remembered for his cheerfulness and willingness to provide advice and engage in conversation on any and all topics.

Tujuan pembangunan berkelanjutan ke-17: Kemitraan untuk mencapai tujuan dan implikasinya pada lembaga bidang pangan Indonesia (studi di Badan Pangan Nasional)

Background: The 17th goal of sustainable development emphasizes on strengthening global partnerships encompassing human development, including food aspects. The institutional sector is the sector that supports food security. Integration and collaboration between sectors are highly necessary to ensure food security from food provision to distribution to consumers because supporting food security requires the involvement of cross-sectoral participation and is the duty and responsibility of the state involving the entire society. The National Food Agency (Bapanas) assists the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture in managing food with the main tasks involving policy coordination, supply and price stabilization, food vulnerability, diversification of consumption, and food security. This article analyzes the systematic and integrated partnerships of Bapanas. Methods: This was done through literature review and unstructured interviews from open discussions with the Deputy of Food Vulnerability Field of Bapanas. Finding: International institutions in the global context, such as FAO, WFP, and WHO, play a crucial role in food policies, and Indonesia partners with FAO and WFP. Bapanas collaborates with various parties, including international institutions, universities, and food industry associations, and involves local partnerships, such as Food Guardians, to support consolidation programs and diversification of consumption as well as food security in Indonesia. Conclusion: Synergy between food supply, handling, and distribution sectors is needed to support food security, with the key role of institutional and sectoral coordination in governance.

Impact of Entrepreneurial Orientation on Small and Medium Enterprises Performance

The study aims to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial orientation on small and medium enterprises' performance. A survey-based quantitative research design was used to collect primary data from registered SMEs. There are 3010 registered small and medium-sized enterprises. A stratified sampling technique was used for calculating sample size, and 353 respondents were selected for data collection with the help of a questionnaire; analysis was performed through descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, and regression analysis were performed. The result shows There is a positive impact of risk-taking on small and medium sized enterprises' performance, a positive impact of innovation on small and medium-sized enterprises' performance, a positive impact of proactiveness on small and medium-sized enterprises' performance, a positive impact of autonomy the on small and medium-size enterprises' performance. The competitive aggressiveness has a positive impact on small and medium-size enterprises' performance. The study recommended the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and SME performance is a topic of significant significance and potential for providing clues to the keys to success in this vital economic sector. When we know how entrepreneurial orientation affects SME performance, policy leaders in government and businesses, financial institutions or industry associations, and other stakeholders will be able to devise tailored strategies that promote a favourable environment for the growth and continued existence of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises; Further research can also shed light on some of the actionable advice for SMEs to improve their entrepreneurial capability and competitive advantage.

Sustainable Growth Strategies for Bangladesh’s Leather Industry: Policy Recommendations and Future Perspectives

This study offers an in-depth analysis of the challenges and opportunities confronting the leather industry in Bangladesh, a sector poised for significant growth. Through extensive literature review and qualitative research, the paper identifies key areas such as policy framework strengthening, enhancing financial accessibility for SMEs, promoting technological innovation, and ensuring environmental compliance as instrumental for the industry’s sustainable development. Furthermore, the study underscores the need for human capital development, infrastructure enhancement, and strengthened industry associations to bolster the sector’s competitiveness on the global stage. Recognizing the industry’s potential contribution to Bangladesh’s economic development, this research proposes comprehensive policy recommendations to aid stakeholders in realizing this potential. Limitations of the study and avenues for future research are also discussed, inviting further academic and practical engagement in this vital sector.