Community Innovation Research Articles

Collaborative design approach to identify research and innovation needs within the European smart building community.

Upgrading the level of smartness in buildings can significantly contribute to improve our quality and sustainability of living, through increased energy efficiency, optimised resource management, and improved air quality and comfort. However, the fragmented nature of the sector makes it challenging to identify what is technically, socially and economically achieved today in Europe in terms of building smartness, and what should be developed and financially supported tomorrow to accelerate the roll-out of smart and energy efficient buildings. This paper introduces the collaborative process developed to involve a large community of experts in detecting and formalising research and innovation gaps related to smart buildings. This process is composed of four successive steps: 1) a communication phase to invite volunteer experts to join the proposed task forces; 2) The organisation and facilitation of online brainstorming workshops to identify research & innovation (R&I) gaps; 3) the collective drafting of a white paper synthesising the brainstorming outcomes; and 4) an open consultation to collect additional external feedback before finalising the white paper. The collaborative process developed was tested over 18 months and implemented on 12 different topics relying on 27 brainstorming workshops. Building on the collective knowledge of 135 participants, it enabled identification a significant series of R&I gaps related to smart buildings. The collective sessions as well as the open consultation phases showed overall some clear convergence on the gaps identified. It can therefore be concluded the outcome of the collaborative process reached a consensus among the targeted innovation community. The feedback collected on the process, shows that the frequency, duration and attendance of the brainstorming workshops proposed were very relevant, while the selection of online participatory tools could still be improved. This process could be replicated in other frameworks where research and innovation gaps are sought for.

Interpretation of Buddhist Scriptures from the Perspective of Sinicization of Buddhism

The interpretation of Buddhist scriptures from the perspective of Sinicization of Buddhism has undergone a long and fruitful development process. From the initial period of Buddhist transmission with grid-meaning translation, to the elaboration of Buddhist doctrines during the Wei, Jin, Northern, and Southern Dynasties, to the doctrinal taxonomy in the Sui and Tang dynasties, and then to the interpretation of mind and nature during the Song and Ming dynasties, up to the modern trend of humanistic Buddhism, the interpretation of Buddhist scriptures has always interacted with the spirit of Chinese native culture, presenting a unique landscape of integration and innovation. The Sinicized interpretation of Buddhist scriptures not only demonstrates cultural confidence but also provides wisdom and inspiration for modern society. In the future, cross-cultural dialogue with the world, interdisciplinary integration and development, digital humanities research, and innovative communication methods will become new directions and challenges for the Sinicized interpretation of Buddhist scriptures.

Inclusive innovation processes in Tanzania: From national policies to local practices in innovation hubs

Inclusive innovations have the potential to foster socio-economic development and actively involve local communities in innovation processes in sub-Saharan Africa. The importance of inclusive innovations is emphasized in the public strategies and development programmes in the region. Nevertheless, despite some donor-funded initiatives, there remains a lack of systematic knowledge on how to effectively implement inclusive innovation in communities. This research aims to scrutinize the role of inclusive innovation in Tanzania. We conduct policy analyses of the country's official innovation strategies and investigate the inclusive innovation activities undertaken by 12 innovation hubs. These hubs facilitate interactions among diverse actors, provide necessary facilities and technologies, and offer mentorship and peer support. Our results reveal that the definition and significance of inclusive innovation are presented within the national policies. However, implementation programmes are currently modest and scattered. With a few exceptions, innovation hubs have inadequate understanding and limited resources for implementing inclusive innovations in practice. This research contributes by underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborative efforts to fully leverage inclusive innovation for sustainable development in the region.

Analisis Inovasi Produk dan Komunikasi Pemasaran terhadap Minat Pengunjung Wonderland Adventure Waterpark Karawang

Wonderland Adventure Waterpark is a well-known entertainment destination among the general public, offering various types of water play attractions such as bubble baths, gorilla slides, lazy rivers, wave pools and other artificial surfing areas. The aim of this research is to find out how product innovation and marketing communications influence the interest of visitors to Wonderland Adventure Waterpark Karawang. In this research, the author uses a quantitative strategy with a descriptive and verification approach. The size of the research population involving visitor data in 2022 is 264,985 so the author decided on the sample size using the Slovin formula as 88 respondents. The results of the discussion from this research show that product development at Wonderland Adventure Waterpark received a positive response with a very high score, while marketing communication also received a positive response and was rated highly. The positive impact of product innovation and marketing communication together has an impact on visitor interest, this shows that the two complement each other in attracting visitor interest. Nevertheless, Waterpark management continues to empower product development and improve marketing communications to maintain its appeal and attract more visitors.

Pencapaian Diferensiasi Produk Melalui Strategi Inovasi dan Kreativitas Usaha Mikro Kecil dan Menengah

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play an important role in the Indonesian economy, but often face challenges such as limited access to technology, quality of human resources, and marketing. This community service activity aims to help MSMEs achieve product differentiation through innovation and creativity strategies. The methods used include theoretical training and practical workshops. The results of the activity showed an increase in participants' knowledge and skills in developing innovative products and creative marketing strategies. Evaluation through questionnaires and interviews showed participant satisfaction and increased sales after implementing new strategies. Challenges faced included limited resources and time, which were overcome through collaboration with related institutions and follow-up programs. Thus, this activity succeeded in increasing the competitiveness of MSMEs in local and international markets, as well as contributing to the national economy. The sustainability of the program is pursued through ongoing mentoring programs and the formation of MSME innovation communities. These results show that innovation and creativity strategies can be an effective solution to overcome the challenges faced by MSMEs and improve community welfare.

A global assemblage of tax haven clusters: profit shifting, tax dodging and money laundering

In this paper we explore a selection of tax haven clusters in the US and Europe as diverse but recognisable species of some fifty of the phenomena worldwide that have been seldom studied from an economic geography or spatial planning viewpoint. We treat the objects of study as being almost perfect expressions of the classical, canonical cluster configuration. They are: spatial agglomeration, untraded as well as market dependencies, small and medium-sized enterprise status, associative or agentic relationships, interaction with large firms inside or outside the cluster and knowledge acquisition, advisory, consultancy and knowledge translation services from research and innovation intermediaries - public and/or private. However, we think their characteristics demand further recognition of the interactive and often innovative communication networks by means of which these cluster incumbents interact globally. This is because they are set within a worldwide system that can be conceptualised as an exemplar of the well-known construct known as an ‘assemblage’ (Deleuze and Guattari, 2004a). Unlike more recent treatments from De Landa (2019) and others, we try to concentrate on the motive power of the ‘agentic’ impulses of ‘desire’ that motivate human action (e.g. regarding ‘God, Gold or Glory’ as commonly-rehearsed motivators for colonialism of various kinds). It has been more common to use ‘assemblage theory’ to analyse the interlocking ‘machinic’ elements of complex systems like power networks or laboratory interactions. To unlock the mysteries of system interlocking in our selected tax havens, which comprise Wilmington, Delaware (US), Ireland (EU) and Gibraltar (former EU, now British Overseas Territory) – post-Brexit - occupying a ‘quantum’ space ‘in which both the colonial and post-colonial find expression’ (Perera, 2021). Methodologically, we seek ‘pattern recognition’ to identify the lineaments that explain these clusters and the ‘agentic’ actors that motivate them.

A Fault-Tolerant Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning Framework for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles–Unmanned Ground Vehicle Coverage Path Planning

In this paper, we introduce a fault-tolerant multi-agent reinforcement learning framework called SERT-DQN to optimize the operations of UAVs with UGV central control in coverage path planning missions. Our approach leverages dual learning systems that combine individual agent autonomy with centralized strategic planning, thus enhancing the efficiency of cooperative path planning missions. This framework is designed for high performance in environments with fault uncertainty detected and operational challenges such as interruptions in connectivity and compromised sensor reliability. With the integration of an innovative communication system between agents, our system appropriately handles both static and dynamic environments. Also, we introduce similarity-based shared experience replay to attain faster convergence and sample efficiency in the multi-agent system. The architecture is specially designed to respond adaptively to such irregularities by effectively showing enhanced resilience in scenarios where data integrity is impaired due to faults or the UAV faces disruptions. Simulation results indicate that our fault tolerance algorithms are very resilient and do indeed improve mission outcomes, especially under dynamic and highly uncertain operating conditions. This approach becomes critical for the most recent sensor-based research in autonomous systems.

Harnessing the power of mobile and messaging apps for risk communication and intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons from the Western Pacific.

The spread of mis- and disinformation on mobile and messaging apps during the COVID-19 pandemic not only fuelled anxieties and mistrust in health authorities but also undermined the effectiveness of the overall public health response. Mobile and messaging apps help users stay informed and connected to their families, friends, colleagues and communities. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, these apps were also one of the primary channels where mis- and disinformation were circulated. Recognizing the importance of including mobile and messaging apps in risk communication and emergency response strategies, the World Health Organization (WHO) and some countries in the WHO Western Pacific Region independently piloted initiatives to reach messaging app users, meet their evolving information needs, and streamline health ministry communication. The enhanced use of mobile and messaging apps enabled consistent and timely communication and improved coordination during the COVID-19 pandemic. Leveraging their features also helped identify and potentially fill crucial information gaps, mitigating the harms of mis- and disinformation and fostering stronger trust in health authorities. The findings from the work carried out by WHO and countries in the Western Pacific Region identified some promising innovative communication interventions using mobile and messaging apps. While these interventions should be further explored and evaluated, they have demonstrated that interventions need to be proactive, flexible, and able to adapt to changes in mis- and disinformation content being shared through messaging apps.

Urban green space in transition: A cross-continental perspective from eight Global North and South cities

Urban green space (UGS) plays a vital role in enhancing the resilience and livability of cities. However, the distribution and accessibility of these spaces often vary significantly within and between cities, raising concerns about environmental justice and social equity. This study aims to analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of UGS and assess population exposure and equality implications across eight diverse cities from the Global North (GN) and Global South (GS) over the past three decades. Employing a multimethod approach combining geospatial analysis, remote sensing, and statistical techniques, this study reveals an alarming global trend of decreasing UGS, with GS cities experiencing more rapid decline than GN cities. The analysis of UGS exposure uncovers distinct trends and variations across cities, with GN cities generally having higher exposure but showing a concerning decline over time, while GS cities display mixed patterns. Arid-climate cities Phoenix and Riyadh have managed to maintain low but stable UGS levels despite their unique climatic challenges. Urbanization emerges as a dominant force driving the decline in UGS, with GS cities facing significantly higher pressures than GN cities. The findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive urban greening strategies that prioritize UGS protection and expansion, innovative policies, community engagement, and data-driven decision-making to promote equitable and sustainable urban environments. This study contributes to the growing research on urban greening by providing a comparative analysis of UGS trajectories and exposure equality implications across diverse cities, underscoring the importance of context-specific approaches and inclusive planning processes.

Harnessing the Power of Social Media, Pricing Strategies, Brand Image, and Product Quality in Shaping Purchase Decisions

This research aims to determine whether there is an influence of social media, price, brand image and product quality on purchasing decisions for ASUS brand laptops. The population of this research is YARSI University students who buy or use ASUS brand laptops. The sampling technique uses a non-probability method, with a purposive sampling technique through distributing questionnaires. The data analysis methods used are multiple regression analysis. The research results show that (1) the influence of social media has a negative and insignificant effect on purchasing decisions. (2) price has a negative and insignificant effect on purchasing decisions. (3) brand image has a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions. (4) product quality has a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions. (5) Simultaneously, all independent variables have a significant influence on purchasing decisions. The managerial implications of this research indicate that companies must focus on integrated marketing strategies on social media to increase interaction and engagement with consumers. Competitive and transparent price management can increase product attractiveness, while a positive brand image needs to be built through consistent and innovative communication.

Р ОЛЬ ТВОРЧЕСКИХ ИНДУСТРИЙ В КРЕАТИВНОЙ ЭКОНОМИКЕ САНКТ-ПЕТЕРБУРГА В НАЧАЛЕ 2020-Х ГОДОВ

The development of the “creativity economy” of St. Petersburg in the early 2020s reflects the significant potential of the city’s creative space, which has been emerging since the 2000s in various spheres of modern culture – design and architecture, art and fashion, cinema and television, music and exhibition business, advertising and marketing, interactive media and video games – which will allow the city on the Neva in the foreseeable future to become a leader in the creative industries of Russia in order to serve as a resource influencing modernization processes, both in the economy and in culture. The legislator generates favorable opportunities for this, in particular, the Fundamentals of State Cultural Policy notes the importance of interconnected processes to “create conditions for the development of creative industries”, the production of “economic values in the process of creative activity”, which are focused on “capitalization of cultural products and their presentation on the market”. Legal deci- sions in St. Petersburg comprehensively support the spheres of creative industries, influencing their innovative soil, communication and information space, stimulate the environment, influence the market and modernize the principles of social partnership with- in the boundaries of government, business and culture in order to improve the quality of life of Russian society.

The Impact of Resilience, Commitment, and Psychological Well-being on Sustainability with Performance as a Mediating Variable: An Organizational Study

In a dynamic and competitive era of globalization, organizational sustainability has become a primary focus for various organizations, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Organizational sustainability involves an organization's ability to continue operating and growing over the long term, despite facing various challenges and uncertainties. This study aims to examine the impact of organizational resilience, organizational commitment, and psychological well-being on organizational sustainability, as well as the role of organizational performance as a mediating variable in the context of MSMEs in Jakarta, Indonesia. The study employs a quantitative approach utilizing SEM-PLS methodology to explore the interrelationships among relevant variables. The research was conducted on 100 MSMEs in Jakarta, Indonesia, using an online questionnaire as the data collection tool. This research found that organizational resilience, reflected in adaptability, innovation, recovery, preparedness, and effective communication, has a positive and significant impact on the sustainability of MSMEs. Additionally, organizational commitment, measured through affective, continuance, and normative commitment, along with employees' psychological well-being characterized by autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relationships, life purpose, and self-acceptance also significantly contributes to organizational sustainability.

Strategi Komunikasi Pemasaran dalam Optimalisasi Media Sosial Instagram Nafas Pertama

This research aims to identify and analyze First Breath marketing communication strategies in optimizing Instagram. First Breath, a birth documentation vendor, uses Instagram to expand its market and increase interaction with its audience. Using Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) theory, this research focuses on advertising, sales promotions, public relations, direct marketing, interactive marketing, events and experiences, and word of mouth marketing. The research method is a qualitative case study through in-depth interviews with the marketing team, Instagram content analysis, and participant observation. The research results show that First Breath's communication strategy includes attractive visuals, collaboration with influencers, educational and inspirational content, as well as the use of Instagram's interactive features such as Stories and Reels. Consistency in branding and messaging is also important for a positive image and customer loyalty. In conclusion, optimizing Instagram through an integrated marketing communications strategy increases audience engagement and expands market reach. This research provides insight into best practices in utilizing social media for effective marketing communications, as well as recommendations for similar companies in developing innovative and efficient digital communications strategies.

Predicted and Prized Critical Skills for a Graduate to Produce Effective Innovation

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have been mandated with the task to train and produce graduates with the capability to contribute to the economy and improve societies through teaching and learning. Furthermore, they are tasked with the responsibility to produce graduates with the capability to produce innovations that change the world for the better. For a university to produce such graduates it would need to focus on the curriculum and ensure that the skills and knowledge taught are relevant to produce innovative graduates. The purpose of this research paper was to identify the predicted and prized skills that a graduate can use to produce groundbreaking innovations. This objective would yield guidance on the most critical skills that should be included in a BCom degree to produce graduates with the capability to produce groundbreaking innovations. This research employed a Mixed-method approach with the use of both qualitative and quantitative approach. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with 11 participants from the University of Johannesburg commercialisation units and an online questionnaire from 69 innovation experts from the South African Business Innovation Community (Innovation Summit), and the Innovation, Sustainability and Visionary Leadership Group. Data was collected through descriptive content analysis with the aid of Atlas.ti and inferential statistical analysis. This study is part of a completed PhD study, the reporting is only on Predicted and Prized critical skills for a BCom degree graduate. Based on the results ideation, reasoning, problem solving, complex problem solving, critical thinking, creativity and analytical thinking are skills and competences predicted to improve innovation and produce graduates with the capability to innovate. Furthermore, based on the results critical thinking, judgement and decision making are very significant skills for a person with a BCom degree. In conclusion, HEIs should place more emphasis on critical thinking skills within the curriculum and complex problem-solving skills. These skills should not only be exclusive to certain programmes but throughout the entire HEI’s curriculum.

Aspects Considered Relevant in Higher Education Curriculum to PRODUCE Business innovative Graduates

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have been tasked with the responsibility to generate knowledge through research and educate students and PRODUCE graduates with the capability to innovate and develop business innovation through entrepreneurial teaching. Therefore, it is significant for a university to align itself with the needs of the industry to PRODUCE graduates with the capability to PRODUCE business innovation. The purpose of this research was to determine aspects considered relevant in the Higher Education curriculum to PRODUCE graduates ready to develop business innovation and become entrepreneurs. The mixed-method research approach was deemed suitable for this research, therefore both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through the use of semi-structured interviews with 11 participants from the University of Johannesburg commercialisation units and an online questionnaire from 69 innovation experts from the South African Business Innovation Community (Innovation Summit), and the Innovation, Sustainability, and Visionary Leadership Group. The data collected was then analysed through descriptive content analysis and statistical analysis. This study is part of a PhD study completed in 2022 and only the results about the aspects considered relevant in the Higher Education curriculum to PRODUCE graduates ready to develop business innovation are presented and discussed. Based on the findings it is significant to note that aspects, such as creativity; originality and initiative; critical thinking and analysis; analytical thinking and innovation complex problem solving; and entrepreneurship are relevant and suitable for the university curriculum. In conclusion, more emphasis should be reflected in the Higher Education curriculum on these aspects mentioned above to PRODUCE graduates ready and capable of developing and producing business innovation. Higher Education Institutions should regularly implement interventions to improve their curriculum to best suit the needs of the industry or the business sector.

Research on Innovation of Communication Path of Anhui Tea Culture in Short Video Era

With the rapid rise of short video platforms, profound changes have taken place in the way of information dissemination, which provides a new opportunity for the dissemination of traditional culture. Anhui tea culture, as an important part of Chinese excellent traditional culture, how to innovate the communication path in the era of short video has become a topic worthy of discussion. This paper aims to analyze the characteristics of the current short video era, explore the status quo of Anhui tea culture communication, and put forward suggestions on innovative communication paths.

Emergence of AI-Generated Multimedia: Visionary Physicists in Radiology Reincarnated.

AI-powered multimedia generation technologies, particularly video synthesis through stable diffusion and transformers, offer transformative potential for radiology education, communication, and visualization. This study explores various AI-generated multimedia categories, including image and video generation, as well as voice cloning, with a focus on video synthesis and future possibilities like scan-to-video generation. Utilizing tools such as Midjourney, RunwaymL Gen2, D-ID, and ElevenLabs, we aimed to reincarnate deceased influential physicists in radiology, demonstrating AI's capability to generate realistic content with accessible tools, fostering creativity and innovation in the radiology community. We created 440 images through 110 prompts using image-to-image generation, 22 videos via image-to-video generation, and two videos showcasing text-to-voice and voice cloning techniques from December 1-7, 2023. Realism decreased from image-to-image to image-to-video and voiceover-to-video generations, with the latter requiring adjustments for lip, mouth, and head movements without incorporating facial expressions, eye movement, or hand motions. Potential applications in radiology include improving and speeding up medical 3D visualization, as well as enhancing educational content, information delivery, patient interactions, and teleconsultations. The paper addresses limitations and ethical considerations associated with AI-generated content, emphasizing responsible use and interdisciplinary collaboration for further development. These technologies are rapidly evolving, and future versions are expected to address current challenges. The ongoing advancements in AI-generated multimedia have the potential to revolutionize various aspects of radiology practice, education, and patient care, opening new avenues for research and clinical applications in the field.

Technological innovations and sustainability: Shaping the future of smart cities in urban planning

Smart cities have surfaced as pioneers in new urban planning practices during this era of increased urbanization rates. These advanced technologies have been implemented to improve life and solve many problems we are facing nowadays. This study seeks to investigate smart cities that can be developed in their advantages and disadvantages, as well as opportunities and threats. The main goal is to make technology more evenly accessible and utilizable within different urban neighborhoods. Our approach to analysing smart cities is multidisciplinary, including several sectors like urban planning, green city programmes, innovative urban enterprises, and information and communication technology (ICT). The study introduces eight novel models and integrates them into a comprehensive framework to assess smart cities, offering several possible applications. Findings indicate that digital technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) can significantly transform urban dynamics, per the findings. Conversely, they emphasise significant security, privacy, and economic parity concerns. The success and widespread implementation of innovative city projects will depend on how these challenges are resolved. It is imperative to tackle these issues to ensure the ongoing feasibility of intelligent cities as a viable choice for urban development. This study emphasises the need for a well-rounded approach that maximises benefits and minimises risks to promote inclusive, safe, and equitable urban environments via smart city advancements.

Peran Electronic Word of Mouth sebagai Strategi Komunikasi Pemasaran pada Produk Avoskin

Communication strategy for Avoskin products, a beauty brand based in Indonesia. The research method used is qualitative with a case study approach. Data was collected through analysis of e-WOM content on social media as well as documentation studies related to Avoskin's marketing strategy. The research results show that Avoskin has succeeded in building a reputation as a high-quality and sustainable beauty brand. By focusing on innovation, product quality and effective communication via social media, Avoskin can reach and build strong relationships with its consumers, especially women aged 18 to 34 who care about the environment and natural ingredients. Marketing strategies focusing on product quality, informative communication, and commitment to sustainability have helped Avoskin gain recognition and awards in the Indonesian beauty industry. Even though it faces the challenges of increasingly fierce competition, Avoskin has the opportunity to expand its market and increase its visibility locally and globally. Avoskin's success proves that local brands can compete and excel in the global market with dedication, innovation and commitment to quality and sustainability.

The European Statistics Awards for Nowcasting: A New Approach to Engage with the Scientific Community and to Foster Improved Timeliness of Official Statistics

The European Statistics Awards Programme is a multiannual program for engaging with, and tapping into the potential of, the research and innovation community at large. This is achieved through competitions with pecuniary prizes for the best performers. One of the strands within that program offers awards for the accurate nowcasting of monthly time series of interest to policymakers. This paper presents the design of the nowcasting competition as well as the performance of the best entries of the first annual round. In terms of accuracy, the competition has generated promising results—which do however need further fine-tuning before being possible to deploy in statistical production. The competitions feature a particular prize for submissions having a potential for scaling up to regular statistical production—and in response to this, teams have submitted ample documentation (including code). The awards program should also generate experience that the official statistics community can learn from. This paper demonstrates how the multi-annual nature of the program has allowed various design changes to be implemented for the last nowcasting round. The main work now lies ahead: the paper outlines the plans for further developing the most promising competition contributions, potentially leading to new Eurostat experimental statistics products.