Innovation Growth Research Articles

This article examines financial management and risk management issues in Kazakhstan’s fuel and energy complex (FEC) under conditions of innovative development. The relevance of the study stems from the FEC’s critical role in Kazakhstan’s economy and the need to ensure its sustainability amid volatile global markets and a national push for innovation. The working hypothesis is that by applying modern financial planning tools, scenario-based risk analysis, and diversification strategies, both external and internal risks in the FEC can be effectively managed without undermining innovative growth. The research methodology includes a review of recent literature by Kazakhstani and international scholars, analysis of industry data from the last five years, and scenario modeling of financial outcomes under varying conditions. Key findings indicate that Kazakhstan’s FEC faces significant risks due to heavy dependence on oil and gas and exposure to global price volatility. Aging infrastructure – with major power plants averaging 40–55 years old and over half of equipment worn out– further exacerbates operational risks. Nevertheless, scenario analysis shows that implementing financial risk mitigation (such as hedging and maintaining sovereign savings) and investing in innovation (such as renewable energy, which grew to 6.4% of electricity generation by 2024) can improve the FEC’s resilience. The study concludes with recommendations including sectoral diversification, improved corporate governance, and strategic use of financial buffers. These measures can be applied in practice by policymakers and energy enterprises to enhance energy security and support sustainable, innovation-driven development.

The forestry sector has experienced continuous growth in investments and technological innovations, particularly in harvesting operations, which have been significantly enhanced by these advancements. In this context, the systematic monitoring of operator performance is an essential tool for assessing individual progress over time, based on the experience acquired in machine operation. This approach enables managers to track learning curves, plan targeted training actions, and promote the continuous improvement of operational efficiency. The objective of this study was to evaluate the productivity evolution of Harvester and Forwarder operators as a function of field experience in a forestry company in the southwestern region of the Maranhão state, Brazil. The average time consumption for performing operational cycles and their elements was assessed, correlating the time spent with experience duration and the average individual volumes of the harvested areas. A time and motion study was used to evaluate operators without prior experience. The time consumed in each element of the operational cycle and the effective working time for cutting and extraction operations were determined. In the Harvester cycle, the “Processing” element accounted for the highest percentage of time consumption, whereas in the Forwarder cycle, the “Loading” stage was the most time-consuming, regardless of the operators’ level of experience. Correlation analysis showed that, for the Harvester, the average individual volumes of the harvested areas had a greater influence on the evolution of cycle time consumption than operator experience. Conversely, for the Forwarder, field experience showed a more significant correlation. The practical experience of operators showed a significant impact on productivity, with percentage gains of 71.0% for the Harvester and 84.6% for the Forwarder. These results demonstrate that the accumulation of operational experience is directly related to performance improvement, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring of operator performance over time.

The rapid growth of the gaming industry demands innovation in map design to maintain dynamic and non-repetitive gameplay experiences. This study aims to implement the Random Walk algorithm to generate procedural maps for Scrollbearer, a roguelike game developed using C# in Unity. The algorithm constructs random corridors and rooms from a starting point, integrated with dead end handling and Corridor First mechanics to ensure map connectivity. The research applies a Research and Development (R&D) approach with quantitative evaluation through Likert-scale questionnaires. Test results demonstrate that procedural maps significantly enhance replayability, with 79.5% of players preferring this mode due to unique layout variations and higher challenge levels (score 4.07/5). Exploration satisfaction in the procedural mode also outperformed the static mode (score 4.34/5). These findings validate the effectiveness of the Random Walk algorithm in creating dynamic maps for roguelike games, while providing a foundation for future enhancements such as biome diversity and random events.

Introduction: The rapid growth of digital innovation has reshaped higher education, making open and distance e-learning essential for accessibility and flexibility. This study focuses on the P-OUS (Peruse, Offer, Uphold, and Sow) Open Distance Learning Model implemented at Pangasinan State University – Open University Systems, highlighting its integration of science and technology to support graduate education in diverse fields.Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the P-OUS model by examining its relevance, resource adequacy, implementation quality, and program outcomes.Method: Guided by Stufflebeam’s CIPP evaluation framework, the study utilized a structured questionnaire distributed via Google Forms to students from the Doctor of Education, Master of Arts in Education, Master of Science in Fisheries, and Master in Development Management programs. Data analysis combined descriptive statistics for demographics, technology access, and satisfaction levels with thematic analysis of qualitative feedback on perceived barriers and experiences.Results and Conclusion: Findings indicate that the P-OUS model effectively promotes inclusive and flexible learning. Quantitative results show that 83% of students reported high satisfaction with course design and interaction, while 78% expressed positive engagement in collaborative learning. The overall mean satisfaction score of 4.32/5 reflects strong approval of learning flexibility and accessibility. However, challenges remain, including technical limitations (42%), pedagogical inconsistencies (31%), and personal time-management constraints (27%). The study concludes that the P-OUS model enhances learner inclusion, adaptability, and engagement in graduate online education. Sustainable implementation requires optimizing workload and assessment pacing, strengthening communication and faculty presence, expanding mobile-first and offline access.

Modern global challenges caused by climate change, depletion of natural resources, degradation of ecosystems and increasing energy dependence necessitate a transition to a new model of economic development — the green economy. The authors emphasize that for Ukraine, which seeks integration into the European Union and will be in uncertain conditions of post-war recovery, the issue of forming an effective strategy for green economic transformation is becoming particularly relevant. Despite the presence of natural resource potential, the domestic economy remains resource- and energy-intensive, with a high level of dependence on fossil fuels, a low share of innovative technologies and a significant environmental burden on the environment. At the same time, the country’s reconstruction after the war devastation creates a unique window of opportunity for the transition to a sustainable development model based on the European “green course”. During the study, the SWOT analysis tool was used to identify the key landmarks of green transformation, which allowed us to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the formation of Ukraine's green economy, as well as the opportunities and threats to its development in modern conditions. The use of the SWOT analysis tool allowed us to systematize the results of previous studies and determine the strategic objectives of the development of Ukraine's green economy, which consist in combining ecological modernization, innovative growth and social justice in the conditions of post-war recovery. Achieving the goal of the article involves generalizing the theoretical foundations of the formation of a green economy, analyzing the European experience of implementing sustainable development policies, and determining priority areas for adapting these approaches to Ukrainian conditions in the context of post-war recovery and integration into the EU.The results of the analysis became the basis for the formation of strategic objectives for the development of a green economy aimed at using the potential of internal advantages and external opportunities while minimizing the impact of threats and overcoming internal limitations.

ABSTRACT Using panel data of 53 countries from 2006 to 2021, this paper finds that the digital economy promotes the transition and growth of green innovation but also raises the share of low-quality green patents. However, the gains in high-quality patents are greater, improving the overall quality structure of national green innovation. Mechanism analysis shows that ICT trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), and green innovation cooperation are the main channels. Particularly for countries with high levels of economic development and innovation foundations, the digital economy plays a more prominent role in fostering the development of high-quality green innovations.

The article presents the results of 2020–2023 experiments to assess the effectiveness of using newgeneration growth stimulants on spring soft wheat, spring barley, and oats on leached chernozem of the foreststeppe of the Novosibirsk Ob region. It is shown that the experimental fields of the Irmen breeding farm, Ordynsky district, Novosibirsk region had an average humus content of 6.78 %, a cation exchange capacity of 49.5 mmol/100g of soil at a pH of 6.4. The bulk density of the soil in the arable layer (0–30 cm) was 1.10 g/cm3, the lowest moisture content was 33.7 %, and the porosity was 54.3%. The soils contained 0.24% total nitrogen according to Kjeldahl, 0.24 % phosphorus, and 1.32 % potassium. The concentration of easily hydrolyzable nitrogen according to Tyurin, Kononova, Korinfild is 9.47, mobile phosphorus according to Chirikov is 26.9 mg and exchangeable potassium according to Maslova is 15.7 mg per 100 g of soil at a pH of salt extract of 5.87 (slightly acidic and close to neutral soils). Meteorological conditions during the years of research differed both in temperature and in the amount of precipitation during the growing season. It is shown that innovative growth stimulants (Energy-M, Krezacin and Novosil) are more effective when used as pre-sowing treatment in the following doses: Energy-M 4.5 g / t, Krezacin 4 g / t and Novosil 50 mg / t with a working fluid consumption of 10 l / t. At the same time, the excess over the control (water) was 19, 22 and 24% for spring wheat, respectively. In addition, the efficiency of using stimulants during the growing season, as well as a combination of these treatment periods, was revealed. The parameters were effective both on spring soft wheat and on spring barley and oats. In studies of the Paustian barley variety and Max oats, the yield increase was 28 % and 26 %. The growth stimulants Krezatsin and Novosil were more effective than the Energy-M preparation. The dispersion analysis showed that the yield depended on the variety by 30 %, the growth stimulant – 26 % and the method of their application – by 24 %. In years with different weather conditions, the efficiency of using organomineral fertilizer was shown by pre-sowing treatment of 2 l / t with a working fluid consumption of 10 l / t followed by three-fold spraying in the phases of tillering, flag leaf and heading at a dose of 2 l / ha with a working fluid consumption of 300 l / ha. The increase in yield under the influence of this preparation was 25 % for spring wheat of the Likamero variety and 31–23 % for Novosibirskskaya variety, with an improvement in the quality indicators of the grain.

Forecasting heavy rainfall poses a significant challenge for meteorological departments, as it is closely related to human life and the economy, being also a reason for the natural calamities, such as droughts and floods, that people face around the world each year. The precision of rainfall prediction is of enormous significance for countries such as India, whose economy is mainly dependent on agriculture. Rainfall prediction supports evading floods, saving properties, and human lives. There is a need to improve cooperative platforms for weather forecasting on large-scale meteorological data to address the global climate challenge. With the rapid improvement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) is progressively becoming popular for forecasting rainfall. Federated Learning (FL) is a subset of ML that has become a popular technology for data analysis for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The innovative growth of IoT-based methods improves smart agriculture, leading to advanced agricultural systems that progressively increase crop yields, reduce irrigation waste, and make it more profitable. This study presents a Method for Rainfall Prediction by employing Attention Convolutional Recurrent Networks and the Golden Jackal Optimization (EMRF-ACRNGJO) approach. The proposed technique initially performs data preprocessing in various stages, such as missing value handling, duplicate removal, categorical to numerical encoding, and scaling. An Attention-based Convolutional Recurrent Neural Network (A-CRNN) is utilized for classification tasks, using the Golden Jackal Optimization (GJO) method for the hyperparameter tuning process. The EMRF-ACRNGJO method was tested on a benchmark dataset, demonstrating an accuracy of 73.30%.

The article examines the content and essence of digitalization as a multidimensional socio-economic process that transforms the basic mechanisms of functioning of modern society. The key technological, economic, social, political and institutional, cultural prerequisites for the emergence of digitalization are identified. Its impact on individual areas is analyzed: public administration, economy, education, healthcare and the social sphere. It is proven that digitalization is implemented as a holistic process that manifests itself differently at the macro-, meso- and micro-levels. It is studied that at the macro-level, transformation forms new guidelines for state policy, affects the competitiveness of the national economy and determines the vector of international integration; at the meso-level, it changes the internal structures of organizations, business models, management approaches, as well as mechanisms of interaction between sectors; at the micro level – transforms a person’s lifestyle, their digital skills, information habits, social roles and opportunities for self-realization. Key trends and analytical guidelines that determine the essence and direction of transformational changes are identified: digitalization as an inter-sectoral driver of transformations; reorientation to the efficiency and needs of the end user; integration of advanced technologies; strengthening the social dimension of digitalization; the key role of the state as an active subject of transformation. It is proven that digitalization appears as a system-forming factor of modern socio-economic development, and its effective implementation requires a strategic vision, investments in digital infrastructure, increasing the digital competences of the population, improving regulatory and legal regulation and inter-sectoral interaction. It is substantiated that a comprehensive, coordinated approach will make it possible to use the potential of digitalization to ensure innovative growth, social cohesion and global competitiveness of the state. Therefore, digitalization is gaining strategic importance as a tool for increasing state capacity, adapting to crisis challenges, and gradually integrating into the European digital space; digital initiatives demonstrate the high potential of digital technologies for modernizing public administration, education, healthcare, and social protection.

Environmental risk management and innovation: The impact of patent insurance pilots on clean technology development.

The article examines specific features of marketing of EdTech industry software products in the context of post-pandemic instability. It emphasizes that a high level of entrepreneurial initiative, start-up activity, and support from international donors provide a favourable foundation for innovative growth, yet require well-balanced marketing solutions capable of ensuring the adaptability, scalability, and social relevance of educational IT-products. It is established that under modern crisis conditions, marketing in the EdTech sector acquires strategic importance, transforming into an integral tool for adapting to market changes and structural challenges driven by the digitalization of the educational process. The key goals and functions of marketing in the anti-crisis management of EdTech companies are clarified. The study identifies key factors influencing companies’ competitiveness, particularly the use of digital technologies, personalization of learning content, and the implementation of flexible business models. It is argued that successful commercialization of EdTech products requires a rethinking of marketing’s role from a secondary function to a strategic component of business management. A model of marketing transformation for EdTech companies is proposed, which takes into account the specifics of post-pandemic turbulence and ensures business resilience through enhanced customer centricity. Special attention is paid to regional aspects of marketing strategy development, which determine the dominance of B2C approaches in developing countries and a focus on B2B clients in advanced economies. The article systematizes the most common business models used in the EdTech industry under current post-pandemic conditions. It analyzes typical learning trajectory models to deepen the understanding of the needs of EdTech target segments. It is concluded that effective marketing of EdTech companies requires integration at all stages of educational product development, including design, promotion, and post-sale support. A promising direction for future research is the empirical analysis of the effectiveness of marketing approaches in different national contexts.

Purpose Hybrid business offerings in international markets have gained momentum in recent times due to the dramatic growth of service innovations. In this realm, data-driven service innovation (DDSI) transforms marketing dynamics to gain a competitive edge in international markets. Despite the exponential growth of DDSI, the phases of new product development and the factors that determine the ultimate success of such innovations in global markets remain unknown. Therefore, this paper presents an integrative framework that combines the steps of DDSI, international market orientation and international platform orientation factors to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on a systematic literature review and thematic analysis, the study presents a conceptual framework that outlines the phases of DDSI and relevant market and infrastructural capabilities for effectiveness in international marketing. Findings For hybrid business offerings in international markets, the findings of our review and thematic analysis show that seven DDSI phases (i.e. data product conceptualization, data refinement, data acquisition, data storage and retrieval, product distribution, product presentation and market feedback), three market orientation capabilities (i.e. marketing capabilities, marketing agility, marketing ecosystem and end-user priority) and two infrastructural capabilities (i.e. data and technology capabilities) are critical to create, communicate and deliver value. Research limitations/implications Based on dynamic capability and market orientation theories, we propose a DDSI framework to address existing knowledge gaps and provide guidance to managers for the successful execution of service innovation processes and their respective marketing programmes in international domains. Originality/value Our study is one of the early attempts to present a DDSI framework for hybrid business offerings in international markets. The findings of our research offer critical theoretical insights and managerial guidelines for expanding knowledge of innovation and its respective policies, thereby promoting the sustained growth of international marketing and business.

ABSTRACT Culture plays an important role in the formation mechanism of innovation. This study examines the enduring impact of Confucian culture on regional innovation through multi-source data, including Confucian temple sites (Tang-Qing dynasties, 618-1911) and Chinese economic and social data. The findings indicate that Confucian culture positively influences regional innovation primarily via three pathways: governance quality, educational quality, and intellectual property protection. Heterogeneity analyses indicate that Confucian cultural influences are more pronounced in regions with lower business credit and function as substitutes for formal institutions and foreign cultures. The study helps to understand the current mystery of rapid innovation growth in East Asia from a cultural lens.

Aim. The work aimed to conduct system analysis of modern approaches to application of newest technologies by enterprises in the regions of the Russian Federation (RF), as well as develop recommendations for the formation of effective models of their technological updating, taking into account regional and industry specifics.Objectives. The work seeks to characterize modern approaches and tools for application of new technologies by enterprises in the regions of the Russian Federation and assess their impact on innovative development; to identify key criteria for assessing the level of application of newest technologies, and conduct an empirical analysis of the levels of technology application in different regions of the country; to develop recommendations for considering regional characteristics and determining effective models of technology application to ensure the innovative development of enterprises in the regions of the Russian Federation.Methods. The study employed a comparative analysis of regional characteristics influencing the choice of a technological renewal model and an assessment of significance of the criteria identified. The study is based on an analysis of published scientific papers and statistical information.Results. The empirical study results revealed regional differentiation in the application of technologies, with regions with a developed urban environment and a solid scientific base leading. The importance of taking into account regional characteristics when choosing optimal models of technological renewal is demonstrated. It is argued that it is necessary to develop comprehensive methodological approaches combining technological, institutional, and evolutionary aspects of the application of newest technologies by enterprises at the regional level.Conclusions. The study confirmed significant regional differences in the technological development of Russian enterprises. The work substantiates the need for a differentiated approach combining adaptive models of technology application (innovation ecosystems for leaders, strengthening public-private partnerships for middle-market companies, infrastructure programs for outsiders) with a key role of public-private-scientific synergy, which will reduce disproportions and ensure sustainable innovative growth

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of digital financial inclusion on innovation growth in China over the period 2011–2018. We provide empirical evidence that indicates the significant benefit of provincial digital financial inclusion on firm innovation. For the three main dimensions of digital financial inclusion, we show that coverage breadth and usage depth have consistent positive impacts on firm innovation, except for the digitalization level. In particular, we find that provinces with a lower level of economic development and firms with a higher debt structure benefit the most from the progress in digital financial inclusion. We also find that the value of digital financial inclusion is magnified with increased efforts by the government and in the face of high uncertainty. Our study contributes to the literature on the relationship between digital financial inclusion and corporate policies and provides policy implications for the promotion of digital financial inclusion.

As China has entered a critical phase of economic and social transformation, innovation has been elevated as the central pillar of high-quality development. At the same time, the country is facing a rapid demographic shift marked by declining birth rates and accelerated aging of its labor force. Drawing on theoretical frameworks and regional case studies, this study investigates the complex relationship between population aging and innovation-driven economic growth in China. It explores how changes in labor force structure affect the accumulation of innovation resources, knowledge spillovers, and technological diffusion. While conventional views warn that an aging population may reduce R&D vitality and create a talent gap recent perspectives highlight opportunities in the silver economy and related industries. The study analyzes representative models in regions such as Shanghai and Shenzhen to identify adaptive strategies that mitigate aging-related constraints and sustain innovation performance. Findings show that with the right policy incentives and structural adjustments, innovation growth remains resilient despite demographic challenges. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for leveraging demographic characteristics to support localized innovation systems and long-term sustainable development.

Continuing professional development (CPD) offerings in pulmonary and critical care medicine, such as grand rounds lectures and online trainings, are traditionally chosen on the basis of physician interest or expert opinion. The current era of rapid growth in medical innovation requires high-value education for clinicians to prevent decay of knowledge and learn new skills, with an eye to addressing performance gaps and improving clinical outcomes, rather than meeting local licensing requirements. Faculty development for CPD on how to explicitly plan and design high-value educational interventions for faculty members and measuring improvements in practice is needed. CPD courses should adhere to principles of effective adult learning, with faculty members taught to incorporate active learning strategies into multimodal, longitudinal educational interventions that are most effective in translating learning into sustained practice. CPD activities should allow time for reflection, practice, and feedback and include practical tips so that attendees can immediately apply learnings in their work setting. Providers of CPD should work with local quality improvement and implementation leaders so that CPD aligns with complex organizational needs and clinical gaps so that offerings are directed at improving clinical care at the local level. We suggest that organizations identify "just one opportunity" to develop such an intervention that addresses a local organizational priority, with buy-in from clinician educator collaborators with leadership sponsors. Organizations should further incentivize such work with local and regional scholarship opportunities that provide academic recognition for the efforts. Creative strategies may be necessary to provide resources for such high-value CPD. Regional interinstitutional learning collaboratives may be helpful in sharing infrastructure, conserving cost, sharing faculty members, and providing space and equipment to develop CPD programs that are of mutual interest to local healthcare systems. Evidence-based guidelines and implementation materials provided by national professional societies can be adapted by local CPD teams to their organizational context. Education researchers involved in these programs could pursue small grants from foundations or government agencies to help defray costs.

Innovation and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are associated with economic development and industrial revitalization. Innovation and digitalization have long been established as the primary contributors to improved business performance in SMEs, and digitalization is becoming increasingly regarded as enabling the transformation of business model and operational capabilities. However, South African SMEs face many challenges in adopting digitization and fostering innovation. This paper critically examines how South African SMEs can systematically leverage business innovation and digitalization to acquire sustainable competitive advantage. The study used a systematic literature review approach, focusing on literature published from 2019 through 2024. Through database analysis of academic literature and industry trends, the study aimed to discover the best practices, barriers, and the role of external partnerships in fostering innovation and digital transformation. The findings indicate that SMEs that emphasize innovation and digital technology improve their productivity and competitiveness. However, obstacles including a lack of funding, expertise, and restricted access to technology prevent many SMEs from reaching their full potential. To overcome these obstacles and promote a culture of ongoing innovation, cooperation with outside partners and emphasis on consumer interactions is crucial. This article contributes to innovation in the digital transformation landscape of SMEs by offering approaches and frameworks for South African SMEs to facilitate the adoption of innovation and digitization for sustainable competitive advantage. This addresses a core gap by guiding how to overcome barriers such as constraints of resources and focus on collaborative networks to drive digital and innovative growth.

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the development of e-commerce in Ukraine amidst digital transformation, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, the full-scale war with the Russian Federation, and integration into global market processes. E-commerce has been identified as one of the key drivers of the modern digital economy, which not only transforms business models but influences consumer practices, payment behavior, and the infrastructure of economic interaction. It was noted that in the conditions of hybrid warfare, e-commerce has become a flexible tool for adapting Ukrainian businesses to crisis conditions The main e-commerce models, their features, and the level of implementation in Ukraine were outlined. Changes in consumer behavior were analyzed: the dominance of mobile transactions, the advantage of Android devices, the growth of the popularity of digital wallets, and online payments. The dependence of the level of solvency on the type of operating system was revealed, where IOS users demonstrate a 17% higher average purchase. The research includes a sector-specific analysis: rapid growth in demand for food products, pharmaceuticals, and pet supplies; a decline in average spend in clothing and electronics categories. Emphasis is placed on seasonal demand, the effectiveness of marketing campaigns during promotional periods, and shifts in consumer behavior. Empirical data is presented on the increase in conversion rates and the growth of repeat purchases due to the application of personalized customer communication strategies. Particular attention is paid to the provision of innovations in financial and logistics services: expanded opportunities for "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) services, the use of cryptocurrencies, and improvements in business operations through cloud technologies, customer relationship management systems, and analytical tools. The final part considers strategic guidelines for post-war recovery of Ukrainian entrepreneurship, the role of international donor support, grant programs, and the need to strengthen internal sources of economic growth. The article concludes with a summary of the transformational impact of e-commerce on Ukraine’s economy and its potential as a driver of innovation growth in the face of global challenges.

Against the backdrop of the surging wave of big data, the field of marketing is undergoing unprecedented changes, and its mechanism of impact on enterprise economic growth is becoming increasingly complex and diverse. This study focuses on marketing innovation driven by big data, and deeply analyzes how it has become a key driving force for enterprise economic growth. By integrating multidimensional theories and empirical analysis, the profound impact of big data empowering marketing innovation on enterprise economic growth in precision marketing, product and service innovation, customer relationship management optimization, cost control, and operational efficiency improvement has been revealed. This provides solid theoretical support for the formulation of marketing strategies for enterprises, and also points out the direction for enterprises to seize marketing innovation opportunities and achieve sustainable growth in the digital economy era. It enriches the theoretical system of marketing and economic growth, and helps the academic and practical communities jointly explore new growth paths in the era of big data.