Specific Industry Research Articles

The diffusion of industrial robots in Europe: regional or country effect?

Abstract The paper investigates whether the penetration of advanced manufacturing technologies can be better explained at the regional or national level. If regional effects prevail, policy actions would focus on local investments, while if country effects make regional covariates redundant, they should be redirected to more structural reform of the national systems of innovation. In this respect, the contribution is 2-fold. First, data on acquisitions of industrial robots in the five largest European economies are rescaled at regional levels to draw a clear picture of winners and losers in the robotics race after the 2008 financial crisis. Second, we explain differential of growth rates in robot adoption with (1) traditional measures of industrial variety, (2) an unsupervised machine learning approach classifying a region’s industry profile (3) usual determinants of innovation and, thereafter test the robustness of the results when country effects are added. As the main result, we highlight a process of regional convergence in which country-fixed effects hold greater explanatory power, although related variety and the number of skilled people are statistically significant regional explanatory factors. We do not discover a specific industry mix associated with the rise of adoption, but we highlight the one associated with its decline.

Industrial Specialization in China: Effects of Central Tools Governing Subnational Agency

Abstract We examine how the central government's management of subnational governments' agency influences the smartness of the latter's industrial specialization choices. Based on smart industrial specialization theory and agency theory, we hypothesize how two central government tools governing subnational governments' agency – facilitating their organizational efficacy and promoting their officials to higher ranks – explain recent industrial specialization choices by China's 31 provincial governments. We find that provincial governments with greater organizational efficacy, measured by access to better-resourced local state-owned enterprises in focal industries, make smarter specialization policies. In addition, we show that provincial governments with greater numbers of officials previously promoted to the central government make, contrary to conventional wisdom, potentially less smart specialization policies. Our research extends smart specialization theory by explaining that central government tools governing subnational agency problems can have knock-on effects making subnational governments' industrial specialization choices smart or unsmart.

Be digital to be sustainable! The mediating role of sustainable supply chain practices in triggering the effects of digitalisation on Sustainable Development Goals in the European Union

Research background: European Union (EU) economies need to enhance sustainable supply chains (SSCs) through digitalisation to realise sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, the impact of digitalisation on the SDGs is complex and multifaceted, and the role of SSCs in mediating this relationship is not fully understood. While extant research has delved into the influence of digitalisation on SSCs, predominantly within specific industries or geographic regions, a research gap persists concerning large-N samples and the generalisability of results. Purpose of the article: This study evaluates the role of digitalisation in achieving SDGs along with the mediation of SSCs based on the resource-based view, the triple-bottom-line, and dynamic capabilities theories. Methods: The study has extracted panel data from Eurostat from 2013 to 2022 and evaluated these data through partial least squares structural equation modelling to estimate the association among constructs. The sample covers the EU–27 countries and consists of 270 observations. Digitalisation is operationalised as the use of digital technologies to, for instance, innovate business models, provide new revenue streams and value-producing opportunities, and enhance, streamline, and make supply chain processes more efficient and environmentally sustainable. SSC practices encompass the design, planning, execution, and monitoring of supply chain activities to create value, optimise resources, and minimise environmental impact. Findings & value-added: The findings indicate that digitalisation has a positive association with SDGs and SSC practices. The study also noted that SSC initiatives play a mediating role between digitalisation and SDGs among the EU economies. These interesting insights could direct policymakers to enforce the initiative of digitalisation in SSCs to boost SDGs in EU economies. Although the literature on digitalisation and SSCs has gained significant attention, this is the first study in these domains.

Private Equity Funds Acquiring Venture-Capital-Backed Companies: Shifting from Opportunism to Industry Specialization?

Private Equity Funds Acquiring Venture-Capital-Backed Companies: Shifting from Opportunism to Industry Specialization?

Blockchain in Enterprise Resource Planning Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Emerging Trends, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

Abstract This research paper conducts a systematic review of the integration of blockchain technology with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, a burgeoning field at the intersection of advanced technology and business management. The primary objective is to bridge the knowledge gap by synthesizing existing literature, providing insights into the current state, challenges, and potential of blockchain in enhancing ERP systems. The study follows a structured methodology involving four key stages: Literature Retrieval, Literature Screening, Biblio-metric Analysis, and Content Analysis. A comprehensive literature search in the Scopus database resulted in the identification and analysis of 250 scholarly articles, narrowed down to 66 relevant publications. The findings highlight a significant trend towards decentralized ERP solutions, driven by blockchain’s promise of enhanced security, transparency, and efficiency. Key areas impacted by blockchain integration include supply chain management, accounting, security, traceability, purchasing, and process automation within ERP systems. The bibliometric analysis reveals a growing academic interest in this domain, with a focus on scalability, data security, and interoperability. However, the integration faces challenges such as technical complexity, cultural resistance, and regulatory uncertainties. The study concludes that while blockchain presents transformative opportunities for ERP systems, realizing this potential requires overcoming substantial technical and organizational hurdles. Future research should concentrate on developing scalable, interoperable blockchain solutions, tailored to specific industry needs and compliant with regulatory standards, thereby facilitating widespread adoption and maximizing the benefits of blockchain in ERP systems.

Industry specialisation of the Kemerovsk region – Kuzbass: trends and problems that affect economic growth and development of the region

The article is devoted to studying the influence of industry specialisation of the Kemerovo region – Kuzbass on the economic growth of the entity. The purpose of the study is to identify the most significant trends and problems of the industry specialisation that affect the development of the region. Using methods of scientific knowledge – description, synthesis and generalisation of the data obtained; literature review, graphical method – the following has been conducted: analysis of the dynamics of structural changes in the gross regional product (hereinafter referred to as GRP) of the Kemerovo region – Kuzbass; assessment of trends in the movement of main industry indicators and indicators of regional industry. The information base of the study consists of foreign and domestic publications devoted to the analysis of the GRP sectoral structure; statistical data from the Federal State Statistics Service and its territorial authority for the Kemerovo Region – Kuzbass. Based on the analysis of the structural changes dynamics, an increase in the contribution of the raw materials sector to the country’s gross domestic product and an increase in the share of mineral extraction in the industry structure of the GRP of the Kemerovo region – Kuzbass have been revealed. The trend of decrease in the industrial production index is analysed, it is shown that it has a trend similar to the dynamics of the decline in mining production, and the reasons for the decline are described. The strengthening trend of economic growth in the Kemerovo region – Kuzbass based on the raw model has been determined. East Asian models of economic growth are considered. The expediency of using international experience in the design of high-tech industries on the basis of private investment in the research and development sector, and its adaptation to the realities of the development of Russian regions is indicated. A conclusion is drawn about the need to support the technological sovereignty of the country and the transition of the development of the Kemerovo region – Kuzbass to a non-primary model.

Broken rung roles in the female leadership deficit phenomenon in Indonesia

The underrepresentation of women in top management positions is marked by a decline in participation as the hierarchy rises. This study investigates the impact of the "broken rung" phenomenon—referring to unfair promotion systems as a key barrier to female career advancement—on the leadership deficit among women in Indonesia. Using a qualitative methodology and a phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. The research analysis followed four stages of coding: open coding, axial coding, selective coding, and process coding. Findings reveal that gender stereotypes in certain industries and occupations contribute to the scarcity of female leaders. The shortage of female leaders initially stems from the limited presence of women in specific industries, influenced by these stereotypes. The "broken rung" is not the primary factor in Indonesia’s female leadership deficit, as there were already few women in specific sectors before unfair company systems impacted them. The root cause is not an unfriendly promotion system, but rather the unequal distribution of female workers across industries. Feminine-dominated sectors see higher female representation, while masculine-dominated sectors do not. Unfortunately, a significant portion of jobs are perceived as masculine, leading to an overrepresentation of male-dominated industries.

Analysis of the Russian market of educational programs in the field of additional professional education for specialists of pharmaceutical companies

Abstract Aim conduct an analysis of the Russian market of educational programs in the field of additional professional education for specialists of pharmaceutical companies. Material and methods. The analysis of the market of educational programs was based on the data of the annual reporting of a number of institutions of higher education (reports on the results of the annual self-examination, reports on the results of activities and on the use of assigned state property, monitoring in the main areas of the educational institution of higher education, information and analytical materials based on the results of monitoring the effectiveness of activities educational institutions of higher education) for the period from 2017 to 2021. Based on data obtained, the share indicators of educational organizations in the Russian market of educational services in the field of additional education for specialists of pharmaceutical enterprises were determined. The share indicator was used to determine the concentration of educational services and the level of competition in the market using the concentration index and the Herfindahl-Hirschman index. In addition, during the work, such methods of analysis as generalization, methods of logical, systemic and comparative analysis, expert forecasting were used. Results. Based on the analysis, data were obtained on the profitability of the market for additional professional education services for pharmaceutical industry specialists; the presence of a high level of concentration of educational services in the market of additional professional education with a slight level of competition was established; the features of the implementation of additional professional training for specialists in the pharmaceutical industry are determined. Conclusion. The importance of additional professional education for specialists in the pharmaceutical industry has been confirmed. The further direction of development of the sphere of additional professional education for workers of pharmaceutical enterprises has been determined. The increase in the Russian market of additional educational programs based on current data on the development of the industry was justified. Recommendations have been formulated to expand the currently implemented programs of additional professional education based on the growing needs of the pharmaceutical market.

Beneficial Impacts of MSIB Internship Program on PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk for Students in Preparing Professional Skills

Internships are widely recognized as a vital component of higher education, providing students with practical experience and enhancing their employability. This research reviews existing literature to examine the impact of internships on the development of professional skills. This study employs a quantitative research method. The data in this study consists of responses regarding professional skills, social skills, and internship placements obtained through a questionnaire on Google Forms. The respondents in this study totaled 49 individuals who are participants of MSIB internship program in PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk, which come from universities all over Indonesia, including the University of Indonesia, Gadjah Mada University, Airlangga University, Malang State University, Brawijaya University, and Bandung Institute of Technology. The data obtained was then analyzed descriptively with the help of the SPSS application. At the MSIB internship program in PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk 96.74% of students stated that they gained advantages regarding professional skill while attending the internships program, while 96.16% of students were satisfied with the learning process during the internship. The findings indicate that internships significantly improve various competencies essential for career success, including effective communication, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, leadership, adaptability, stress tolerance, and decision-making. Internships also offer valuable insights into specific industries, clarify career goals, and provide opportunities for networking. Despite the overwhelmingly positive impact, areas such as leadership development and career relevance require further attention. The study suggests integrating structured internship programs into academic curricula, enhancing leadership opportunities, aligning placements with career aspirations, and providing training on soft skills. By implementing these recommendations, educational institutions and organizations can maximize the benefits of internships, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their professional careers.

The Heart of the Matter: Compassionate Leadership in Unfeeling Environments

This article explores how compassionate leadership can thrive even within organizations primarily focused on results and profits. It defines compassionate leadership as understanding employees holistically and building trusting relationships. While compassion can clash with short-term, numbers-driven cultures, the article outlines strategies compassionate managers can use. These include developing emotional intelligence, leading by example, refining metrics beyond outputs, establishing compassionate processes, and cultivating social support. Specific industry examples show compassionate leadership in healthcare, higher education, and tech startups. The article concludes that cultivating emotional intelligence and holistic wellbeing metrics can help shift mindsets to recognize sustainable success depends on sustainable, cared-for workforces. Compassion makes both cultural and business sense by valuing people fully within demanding work environments.

The structure and dynamics of the auto parts industry: Product space and complexity perspectives

Economic structures are strong determinants of diversification, growth, innovation, inequality, and many other socio-economic outcomes; however, structural change's effect on specific industries remains unexplored. This study investigates Japan's automotive components industry, analyzing its productive structure (the auto parts product space) and structural change process. We develop exploratory and econometric analyses that unify the measures of product relatedness and complexity. The firm-level data analysis shows that specific structural properties in international and domestic economies also exist in the automobile industry. This fractal structure implies that common principles and regularities underlie the formation of productive structures, notwithstanding the economies’ size, maturity, and industrial scope differences. The exploratory and econometric analyses indicate that the events of a product's appearance are not random but are significantly contingent on the network topology of the product space. Furthermore, network topology significantly impacts the development of complex products with sophisticated capabilities.

Sustainable Business Strategies: Exploring the Role of Corporate Social Responsibility and Virtual Reality in Enhancing Brand Value

This study explores the intersection of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in developing sustainable business strategies that enhance brand value. Employing a qualitative research methodology through a comprehensive literature review and library research, the paper investigates how CSR initiatives, when integrated with immersive VR technologies, contribute to long-term brand equity and consumer engagement. The research highlights CSR's evolving role in aligning corporate activities with social and environmental goals, which not only strengthens stakeholder relationships but also increases brand loyalty. In parallel, VR technologies are gaining traction in marketing and brand communication, offering immersive experiences that create deeper emotional connections with consumers. The study analyzes recent case studies and academic discussions, illustrating how VR can enhance CSR's impact by making initiatives more accessible and engaging to a broader audience. This synergy between CSR and VR not only fosters a stronger brand identity but also provides a competitive advantage by differentiating brands in an increasingly socially conscious marketplace. The findings suggest that businesses leveraging CSR strategies alongside VR can cultivate a sustainable brand narrative that resonates with both customers and stakeholders, thereby improving overall brand value and driving sustainable growth. Future research is encouraged to further examine specific industries where these strategies can be most effectively implemented.

Spatial–Temporal Characteristics, Source Apportionment, and Health Risks of Atmospheric Volatile Organic Compounds in China: A Comprehensive Review

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are ubiquitous in the atmosphere, posing significant adverse impacts on air quality and human health. However, current research on atmospheric VOCs mainly focuses on specific regions or industries, without comprehensive national-level analysis. In this study, a total of 99 articles on atmospheric VOCs in China published from 2015 to 2024 were screened, and data on their concentrations, source apportionment, and health risks were extracted and summarized. The results revealed that the annual average concentrations of TVOCs and their groups in China generally increased and then decreased between 2011 and 2022, peaking in 2018–2019. A distinct seasonal pattern was observed, with the highest concentrations occurring in winter, followed by autumn, spring, and summer. TVOC emissions were highly concentrated in northern and eastern China, mainly contributed by alkanes and alkenes. Source apportionment of VOCs indicated that vehicle sources (32.9% ± 14.3%), industrial emissions (18.0% ± 12.8%), and other combustion sources (13.0% ± 13.0%) were the primary sources of VOCs in China. There was a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between the annual mean VOC concentration and population size, and a notable negative correlation (p < 0.05) with GDP per capita. Atmospheric VOCs had no non-carcinogenic risk (HI = 0.5) but exhibited a probable carcinogenic risk (7.5 × 10−5), with relatively high values for 1,2-dibromoethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, and naphthalene. The health risk was predominantly driven by halocarbons. These findings are essential for a better understanding of atmospheric VOCs and for developing more targeted VOC control measures.

Industrial agglomeration, environmental regulation, and high‐quality development in rural China: From the perspective of spatial effect

AbstractExplore the interaction and spatial spillover effects between industrial agglomeration, environmental regulation, and high‐quality development of agriculture and rural areas, formulate appropriate industrial and environmental policies for different regions, guide the orderly agglomeration of agricultural sectors, and adjust the intensity of environmental regulation, which will help achieve high‐quality development. This manuscript firstly deconstructs the internal logic among industrial agglomeration, environmental regulation, and high‐quality development. Secondly, the Super‐SBM model is used to calculate the high‐quality development efficiency in rural China from 2000 to 2020. Finally, the Spatial Dubin Model (SDM) is used to analyze the spatial spillover effects and regional differences of industrial agglomeration, environmental regulation, and their integration impact on high‐quality development in rural China. The results show that: ① From 2000 to 2020, the high‐quality development efficiency shows a downward trend in fluctuation, and high‐quality development needs to be improved. ② There are significant regional differences in the effects of industrial agglomeration and environmental regulation on the high‐quality development efficiency. Industrial specialization agglomeration can effectively improve the high‐quality development efficiency, while industrial diversification agglomeration has uncertain effects. ③ The integration of environmental regulation and diversification agglomeration inhibits the high‐quality development efficiency, while the integration with specialization agglomeration has a stronger effect on improving high‐quality development efficiency. It is necessary to further enhance the effect of diversification agglomeration.

Heterogeneous influences of specialization and diversification on regional R&D performance: a China, Europe, and US comparison

Abstract We study the impact of industrial specialization and diversification on regional R&D performance. We respond to a need to consider specialization and diversification as being complementary and to cover a broad geographical scope. Based on Malmquist-based data envelopment analysis, we disclose disparity in R&D productivity and underlying efficiency and technical change in regions in China, Europe, and in the USA in the period 2015–19. For provinces in China, industrial diversification affects regional R&D productivity growth and efficiency enhancement in a U-shape mode. For European countries, specialization has a U-shaped influence on R&D productivity change, and diversification has an inverted U-shaped influence on productivity and efficiency change. We find no significant influence of specialization and diversification on the improvement of R&D performance at the level of states in the USA. Our findings point to place-based specificities and complementarity between specialization and diversification and come with policy recommendations for enhancing regional R&D performance.

Analysis of Market Diversification Trends and Network Characteristics Based on M&A Transactions in North America

Despite the increasing investment opportunities in emerging technologies, strategic alliance and dynamic investment strategy suffer from a limited understanding of the market investment trends and industry convergence. Therefore, this study aims to develop a structured framework to examine the market diversification trend and the industry-to-industry influential degree. The proposed framework utilizes M&A transaction activities from the interests of buyer and target industries from 2009 to 2018 in North America. The M&A network is then examined for the difference in the structural characteristics between the buyer and target industries. This study identifies market irregularity and diversification trends and applies the initial findings as market-level evidence to elucidate industry convergence potentials. Degrees of a specific industry’s influence on other industries are also presented and discussed from the perspectives of buyer and target industries. The findings of this study contribute to the development of industry convergence conceptual model and advances knowledge regarding market diversification, collaboration-driven industry convergence, and investment strategy.

The effects of global product design on supply chain efficiency and natural resources management

The significance of global product design as a primary factor in determining supply chain efficiency and natural resource management. This study examines the impact of global product design changes on process and supply chain practices. Specifically, it seeks to understand in promoting sustainable practices across global supply chains. This study, utilizes the fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods to evaluate the criteria, sub-criteria, and various significant opportunities influencing sustainable product design and supply chain management. The fuzzy AHP method is used to assess the key criteria and their respective sub-criteria. The fuzzy TOPSIS method is used to rank the opportunities in driving sustainable practices across global supply chains. The results of fuzzy AHP show that innovation and product differentiation (C4), economic viability (C1), and supply chain efficiency (C5) are the crucial criteria. While the results of fuzzy TOPSIS present that supply chain transparency (O2) is the most suitable opportunity, followed by circular economy practices (O1) and policy advocacy and compliance (O6) in adopting global product design on supply chain efficiency and natural resources management. Thus, this study is highly relevant to the governments, industry specialists, and policymakers who aim at enhancing the dynamic business environment and sustainable development.

Integrating Digital Trends into Candidate Journeys and Employer Branding: A Book Review

Given the evolving landscape of recruitment, the integration of technologi-cal and media trends has revolutionized recruitment processes, transform-ing how companies attract potential future colleagues. “Digitales Recruiting entlang der Candidate Journey. Maßnahmen und Best Practices für erfol-greiches Employer Branding” by Michael Lorenz and Frank Nientiedt (2023) offers insights and guidelines on integrating digital components at every stage of the candidate journey. The book serves as a comprehensive guide to the complex field of digital recruiting strategies. From raising awareness to making a final hiring decision, Lorenz and Nientiedt (2023) break down the stages of the candidate journey, explaining how digital tools can be used to optimize recruitment processes and outcomes. Drawing on related research and specific industry best practices, the book discusses va-rious aspects of digital recruitment, including social media recruiting, app-licant tracking systems, predictive analytics and more. The implementation of digital technologies to create a seamless and candidate-centric recru-itment process is a primary focus. The book highlights the potential of di-gital recruiting strategies by providing methods on how to leverage social media platforms to enhance employer branding or how to use algorithms powered by artificial intelligence to identify top talent...

Integrating resource-based and market-based views in the fisheries industry – CEO perspectives

Icelandic fisheries have been driven by access to natural resources, focused on fishing, processing, and selling products to wholesalers. The purpose of this study is to identify competitive advantage in the industry and find out how it is evolving within the perspective of resource-based view (RBV) and market-based view (MBV). In addition, this study is aimed at providing empirical evidence that can improve the understanding of competitive advantage in RBV and MBV perspectives in academic research. This study involves qualitative case studies based on in-depth elite interviews with chief executive officers (CEOs) of Icelandic fishing companies holding around 50% of the allowable national fishing quota. The findings suggest a transition from an RBV to an MBV to strengthen the competitive advantage of the industry. Key findings stress the significance of growth strategy, enhancing integration, value chain control, and brand development within the MBV perspective. Furthermore, the identified competitive advantage integrates strengths from the RBV with a market perspective for the fisheries industry. By considering these research views jointly, the understanding of companies' strategic behaviors and outcomes in a specific industry is expanded. This study offers, in addition, actionable insights and recommendation for top management and stakeholders in the Icelandic fishing industry, highlighting a shift from RBV to MBV strategies and underscoring the importance of internal resource integration for sustaining competitiveness. Moreover, the study proposes a model showing the prospective competitive advantage of the industry. Additionally, it contributes to the ongoing discussion on competitive advantage and provides valuable industry-specific insights. Limitation of this study is that it may not fully represent the entire fishing industry in Iceland and relies exclusively on the perspectives of CEOs.

Navigating organizational change through a processual perspective on the transition toward the circular economy: Save The Duck case study

PurposeBy rooting our study in Lewin’s change management theory, we conduct an in-depth case study of a medium-sized fashion firm transitioning toward a CE. Through adopting a multi-level and processual perspective, we offer empirical evidence of the change process and elucidate the drivers and resistance to change factors.Design/methodology/approachWe opt for a single in-depth longitudinal case study of a fashion firm that was born with a sustainable business model and that is in transition toward the CE. We involve multiple informants, and we adopt a processual approach to uncover the drivers and resistance to change factors at different organizational levels (i.e. top and middle management and operational levels).FindingsOur findings enable us to highlight novel key drivers and resistance factors at the organizational level. Regarding the former, we reveal the involvement of top and middle management in the decision-making process and the recruitment of young people. For the resistance factors, we identify adaptation to structural change, reluctant mindset, internal divergence of ideas, and commitment of all organizational levels to the CE.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper presents some limitations. First, our research is based on a single in-depth case study, which, while allowing for rich, detailed exploration, inherently limits the statistical generalizability of our findings. Focusing just on one organization located in a specific industry and geographical context means that our results may not be directly applicable to all organizational settings. Firms belonging to other industries would probably show different patterns of change due to industry-specific drivers and barriers. Also, the institutional and geographical contexts of our case study inevitably influence the cognitive and cultural aspects of the drivers and barriers we identified. Then, our research provides a processual yet not longitudinal view of OCCE, thus not fully capturing the long-term dynamics of the phenomenon.Practical implicationsOur findings underscore the critical role of visionary leadership, particularly stemming from the CEO, in driving CE transition. Leaders should articulate a clear vision for sustainability, foster a culture of experimentation and actively identify opportunities for CE implementation. Moreover, our results suggest that organizational culture plays a fundamental role in supporting CE transition. Creating a dedicated sustainability team to coordinate CE initiatives and counter the internal resistance, fostering the engagement of all organizational levels in CE initiatives, developing training programs to enhance CE knowledge and skills throughout the organization and recruiting young talents are some of the key recommendations we posit to firms aiming to start the process of CE transition.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the emerging literature on “Organizational Change toward a Circular Economy” (OCCE) by providing a processual analysis of organizational change toward the CE. Through an in-depth exploratory study of a fashion firm in transition toward the CE, we were able to identify drivers and resistance factors and to offer a visual map of our findings to graphically show the change toward the CE and the drivers and resistance to change factors that have thus far been under-investigated from an organizational level (Graessler et al., 2024).