Community Innovation Research Articles

Creating an Innovative Community for the Sustainable Self-reliant Debt Management and Community Mediation by Enhancing the Legal Skills of the Tha Fa Tai Community Leaders and Elders Through Active Learnings Methods

Creating an Innovative Community for the Sustainable Self-reliant Debt Management and Community Mediation by Enhancing the Legal Skills of the Tha Fa Tai Community Leaders and Elders Through Active Learnings Methods

Responsive service design and workforce strengthening: Recommendations to improve aged care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This study aimed to develop innovative and practical strategies and recommendations for aged care policy and practice that support the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A research symposium was held in June 2023 on Kaurna Country at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. The symposium brought together 70 attendees including aged care consumers, Federal and State Government representatives, advocacy services, health, aged care and social service providers, and health and aged care researchers. Two roundtable sessions titled 'Responsive Service Design' and 'Workforce Strengthening' were conducted following a World Café approach. Data were analysed thematically. This paper proposes recommendations relating to innovation and improvement within aged care policy and practice. Recommendations for responsive service design and workforce strengthening include the following: (1) promote genuine engagement and involvement, (2) establish partnerships between sectors, (3) ensure compliance, (4) innovative communication and feedback pathways, (5) holistic approaches to well-being, (6) prioritise cultural safety and (7) flexible recruitment and retention strategies. Working together and building partnerships between diverse stakeholders including community members, workforce, service providers and policymakers is required for sustainable and meaningful innovation within the aged care sector. Our recommendations, driven by community needs, provide an opportunity to ensure the innovation and implementation of ongoing aged care reforms meet the needs and expectations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Feasibility Study on the International Promotion of Wushu Bingdao under the Belt and Road Initiative: A Strategy Exploration Based on Multi-Method Analysis

Abstract Background: This study aims to explore the feasibility of the international promotion of Wushu Bingdao within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. As a significant component of traditional Chinese culture, Wushu Bingdao holds potential for cross-cultural exchange. However, its promotion faces multiple challenges in the globalized context, such as cultural differences, a shortage of skilled practitioners, market competition, and the limitations of traditional promotion methods. Methods: Utilizing literature review, expert interviews, and qualitative analysis, this study systematically reviews literature related to the promotion of Wushu Bingdao, analyzing its cultural connotations and historical heritage, and identifying key obstacles to international promotion. Strategic recommendations are proposed to address these challenges. Results: The study reveals that enhancing the understanding of the cultural essence of wushu, developing a specialized team of international promotion professionals, standardizing the Wushu Bingdao system, and employing innovative international communication methods can significantly increase the visibility and influence of Wushu Bingdao globally, facilitating its exchange and development within global cultural diversity. Conclusion: Despite the numerous challenges facing the international promotion of Wushu Bingdao, leveraging the Belt and Road Initiative platform and combining innovative promotion strategies offer the potential for broader recognition and practice of Chinese Wushu Bingdao worldwide.

How action learning broke down silos, built referent power, and created sustainable capability building

This paper presents a case study of how technology support moved from being a just in time (JIT) help service to developing capability and capacity building through a process of building digital self-efficacy (DSE). By active membership of the UNSW Online Learning and Innovation Community of Practice (OLI CoP) a process of action learning cycles was undertaken in partnership to focus on pedagogy ahead of technology. By doing so, a scalable change process was initiated that brings the coalition of the willing into being core university influencers. As a result, the academics see technology become embedded into their pedagogical practice rather than a tool alone. This case provides insights from the key learnings which have, in turn, enabled a new model of technology support delivery. This model has also provided career growth opportunities for both academics and the educational technology services (ETS) team, while also supporting student learning.

Challenges of innovation management in health system organizations: evidence from Germany

ABSTRACT The introduction of innovations poses particular challenges for organizations in the healthcare sector. These can be analyzed based on adoption and diffusion theory. In this study, a two-stage qualitative research design consisting of expert interviews (n = 13) and 3 workshops (n = 26) was used to analyze the experiences of healthcare professionals and related disciplines concerning innovation perception and communication and to derive management challenges for organizations. As part of the interview analysis, a total of 489 text segments were deductively assigned to the diffusion process categories of innovation (n = 100), process (n = 15), social system (n = 15) and information exchange channels (n = 59), and a further 219 text segments, synthesized into 18 categories, were inductively identified as management challenges. The results were validated during the workshop and expanded to include findings on innovation transfer and innovation perception. It was shown that digital innovations in organizations in the healthcare system context are associated with high expectations and that these can be influenced by various interacting communication partners and channels. There is a growing impression that the adoption and diffusion processes of telemedicine and digital innovations on an individual, social and organizational level are more subliminal than previously assumed.

THE EFFECT OF STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE WITH THE MEDIATING ROLE OF INNOVATION (CASE STUDY: MIANDOAB CITY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT)

This study aimed to explore the effect of strategic human resource management practices on organizational performance with the mediating role of organizational innovation in the Miandoab City education department. This research is practical, in terms of purpose, and among descriptive studies in terms of data collection method. The statistical population of the research was all the experts of the Miandoab city education department, who were selected by simple random sampling method number of 218 people. To collect data, three questionnaires on strategic human resource management by Chen and Hong (2009), organizational performance by Ahmadi (2012), and organizational innovation by Shoham et al., (2012) were used. The validity of the questions was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis, and the results showed that strategic human resource management has a significant effect on organizational performance with a factor of 44%, and on organizational innovation with a factor of 76%. Organizational innovation significantly affects organizational performance with a factor of 59%. The results also confirmed the mediating role of organizational innovation in the research community. The study emphasizes the necessity of paying more attention to the strategic methods of human resource management and strengthening innovation to cope with scientific and technological advances.

Empirical Determinants of Innovation in European Countries: Firm-level Analysis Based on CIS 2018

This study examines the role of perceptions about environmental regulations and their influence on the innovative performance and productivity of firms in Germany, Southern Europe, and Central and Eastern Europe. Utilizing the CDM model for innovative performance and data stemming from the Community Innovation Survey (CIS), we explore the alignment with the Porter hypothesis, which posits that well-designed environmental regulations can stimulate technological innovation and enhance market competitiveness. Our findings present a mixed view: in Germany, positive perceptions about environmental regulations correlate with the initiation of innovation activities, contributing to an increase in labour productivity. This supports the Porter hypothesis, evidencing that regulations can lead to beneficial ‘innovation offsets’ such as reduced resource use and pollution. Conversely, in Southern Europe and Central and Eastern Europe, the perceptions about these regulations on innovation activities are insignificant, with no considerable correlation observed between perceptions about environmental regulations and innovation output. Our findings are crucial for policymakers, environmental regulators, and business leaders aiming to leverage environmental regulations to boost innovation and competitiveness within their regions.

Comparing Provider and ChatGPT Responses to Breast Reconstruction Patient Questions in the Electronic Health Record.

Patient-directed Electronic Health Record (EHR) messaging is used as an adjunct to enhance patient-physician interactions but further burdens the physician. There is a need for clear electronic patient communication in all aspects of medicine, including plastic surgery. We can potentially utilize innovative communication tools like ChatGPT. This study assesses ChatGPT's effectiveness in answering breast reconstruction queries, comparing its accuracy, empathy, and readability with healthcare providers' responses. Ten deidentified questions regarding breast reconstruction were extracted from electronic messages. They were presented to ChatGPT3, ChatGPT4, plastic surgeons, and advanced practice providers for response. ChatGPT3 and ChatGPT4 were also prompted to give brief responses. Using 1-5 Likert scoring, accuracy and empathy were graded by 2 plastic surgeons and medical students, respectively. Readability was measured using Flesch Reading Ease. Grades were compared using 2-tailed t tests. Combined provider responses had better Flesch Reading Ease scores compared to all combined chatbot responses (53.3 ± 13.3 vs 36.0 ± 11.6, P < 0.001) and combined brief chatbot responses (53.3 ± 13.3 vs 34.7 ± 12.8, P < 0.001). Empathy scores were higher in all combined chatbot than in those from combined providers (2.9 ± 0.8 vs 2.0 ± 0.9, P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in accuracy between combined providers and all combined chatbot responses (4.3 ± 0.9 vs 4.5 ± 0.6, P = 0.170) or combined brief chatbot responses (4.3 ± 0.9 vs 4.6 ± 0.6, P = 0.128). Amid the time constraints and complexities of plastic surgery decision making, our study underscores ChatGPT's potential to enhance patient communication. ChatGPT excels in empathy and accuracy, yet its readability presents limitations that should be addressed.

Bringing the community into the classroom: professional identity and practice of social workers who studied alongside at-risk adolescent girls

ABSTRACT This study explores the professional identity development of social workers who participated in an academic elective course alongside at-risk adolescent girls aged 16–18. The course, influenced by critical pedagogy, and community and feminist social work, emphasized three core principles: flattening power hierarchies, challenging socio-structural oppression, and mutual learning. In-depth interviews were conducted with course graduates, social workers with 1 to 4 years of experience. Phenomenological analysis uncovered that the course acted as a ‘transitional space’ between student and professional life. Three subthemes emerged: recognizing the vulnerability and strengths of adolescent girls, reflecting on personal life experiences, and learning about forming partnerships with clients. Forming partnerships with clients was enabled by three vehicles: daring to be equal, daring to be authentic, and learning from clients’ knowledge. This study highlights the creation of a ‘community of practice’ through innovative teaching methods and community involvement. It underscores the importance of hands-on experiences and engagement with real-life contexts to bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing understanding of concepts like partnership and nonhierarchical approaches in both community and general social work.

Urban green spaces and public realm design in Cairo: Enhancing quality of life and environmental sustainability

The paper explores the pressing challenges and promising initiatives in enhancing urban green spaces and the public realm in Cairo, a metropolis grappling with rapid population growth and environmental degradation. As the city struggles with density, air pollution, and a shortage of green areas—far below the recommended standard for urban health—the article highlights key efforts to revitalize public spaces. Notable projects include the creation of large parks like Al-Azhar Park, the redevelopment of the Nile riverfront through projects such as Mamsha Ahl Misr, and the introduction of green infrastructure solutions like street trees, green roofs, and sustainable urban drainage systems. Despite these advancements, Cairo faces significant obstacles, including limited public land, budget constraints, and water scarcity. However, there are opportunities to address these challenges through innovative urban agriculture, public-private partnerships, and community participation in green space development. The paper suggests that through continued investment and thoughtful urban design, Cairo can foster a more sustainable, livable environment. By integrating green infrastructure into future development projects, the city holds potential to transform its landscape and improve the quality of life for its residents in the coming decades.

The effects of environmental innovations on labor productivity: how does it pay to be green

ABSTRACT Due to growing environmental concerns, environmental innovations (EIs) have gained prominence in firms’ strategies. This study delves into the productivity effects of regulation-driven environmental innovations using data from four Finnish Community Innovation Survey (CIS) waves. Instrumental variable estimation controls for the endogeneity of voluntary and regulation-driven EIs in a novel way. Our results support the prior findings on the strong Porter hypothesis that environmental regulation improves performance. However, the results also hint at a delay before environmental innovations translate into higher productivity. We also find that regulation-driven EIs improve performance in services. Small firms do not benefit relatively less, although they are inclined to do fewer voluntary EIs. Environmental regulation may favor firms in the Nordic context due to firms being close to the industry frontier.

Coopetitive service innovation: the role of geographical proximity, innovation focus and customer cooperation

PurposePrevious research on the impact of coopetition on innovation performance has provided contradictory results. Thus, this study aims to fill the gap by gathering data to explain the impact of coopetition on service innovation, considering the partners’ geographical proximity, innovation focus of the firm and cooperation with customers.Design/methodology/approachA logistic regression model is applied, and four hypotheses are tested using data from the Eurostat Community Innovation Survey 2018. The cross-sectional data set consists of 13,723 firms innovating services in selected European Union countries.FindingsThe findings verify the importance of coopetition for service innovation. However, the coopetitive partners’ nationality does not have a significant impact. Furthermore, the integration of customer cooperation with coopetition enhances service innovation. Hence, competing partners seem not to avoid cooperation in output functions near the customers. To coopete in innovation is risky, but the findings reveal that partners develop novel services through coopetition, intended to produce a higher return to compensate for the risks.Originality/valuePresumably, this is one of the first large-scale studies examining the impact of coopetition on service innovation in a European context. This study indicates that coopetition amplifies service innovation, thus reducing the divergent views on the impact of coopetition on innovation performance. It responds to the request for more research on the context of coopetitive innovation by explaining how the firms’ geographical proximity, innovation focus and cooperation with customers impact their service innovation performance.

Influence of Strategic Customer Retention Practices on the Performance of Automotive Firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Purpose: The main focus of the study was to establish how strategic customer retention practices influences performance of automotive firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study specifically focused on establishing the influence of customer support programs, technological advancements, and strategic communication practices and customer’s motivation programs on performance of automotive firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study was anchored on Expectancy Theory, Diffusion of Innovation Theory, Communication Theory and Customer Service Theory. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive survey research design and targeted 18 franchised automotive firms registered by Kenya Motor Industry Association. The unit of observation comprised of employees in strategic, marketing and IT departments. A total of 80 respondents were involved in the study. Primary data was utilized in the study and was gathered through 5-point Likert scale structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted in analyzing the collected data. The statistics were generated by help of SPSS software and results presented in form of tables and figures. The study conducted a pilot test before the main study on two randomly selected automotive firms to assess the reliability and validity of questionnaires. Respondents involved in the pilot study was not be included in the main study. Findings: The study established that strategic customer retention practices accounts for 61.8% in variations of performance of automotive firms in Nairobi County. The study further established that strategic customer retention practices comprising of customer support programs, technological advancements, and strategic communication practices and customer’s motivation programs positively and significantly influences performance of the firm. This was depicted by beta values of 0.508, 0.324, 0.216, and 0.196 and significant values of 0.000, 0.000, 0.007, and 0.012. Unique Contribution to theory, Policy and Practice: The study concluded that enhancing the strategic customer retention practices leads to enhanced performance levels of the firms. The study provided recommendations to the management of the automotive firms to enhance aspects of customer support programs, technological advancements, and strategic communication practices and customer’s motivation programs since the practices leads to enhanced performance levels of the firms.

Coordination of NPCs in multi-agent systems based on behavior trees

Abstract. This paper addresses the design and coordination challenges of controlling non-player characters' (NPCs) behaviors in multi-agent systems (MAS) using behavior trees (BTs), which are preferred over finite state machines (FSMs) due to their hierarchical structure and ease of maintenance. While BTs effectively resolve the question of "What to do next?" for individual NPCs, their application in MAS, particularly with the integration of a blackboard system for central control, reveals limitations in efficiency, robustness, and heuristic capacity as system complexity increases. To explore solutions to these challenges, this study analyzes various algorithms that enhance the functionality of behavior trees within MAS. The research focuses on three primary areas: the optimization of behavior trees, the development of behavior tree search algorithms, and the improvement of communication algorithms within BTs. Methods involve a comparative analysis of existing and new algorithmic approaches to identify and address inefficiencies in NPC coordination. The findings indicate that advanced behavior tree configurations, when combined with innovative search and communication strategies, significantly improve the coordination, robustness, and operational efficiency of MAS. These enhancements allow for more dynamic and responsive NPC interactions in complex gaming environments.

Transient Implantable Electronics for Postsurgery Preventive Medicine

AbstractThe field of postoperative care has seen a remarkable shift toward the utilization of electronic implantable devices, including sensors, biosensors, stimulators, and drug delivery systems, all designed with a biodegradable form factor and wireless data/power transmission capability. These technologies hold immense potential for postsurgery out‐of‐hospital monitoring during the postdischarged period, where continuous monitoring of physiological signals is lacking. Furthermore, these devices eliminate the need for secondary surgeries required for device retrieval as they can safely degraded in the body, thus enhancing patient recovery. This review delves into the latest advancements in biodegradable implantable devices, examining their application in monitoring vital signs, the innovative wireless communication and powering technologies they employ, and the biodegradable materials that enable their function. The analysis extends to evaluating the efficacy and limitations of these devices across various medical applications. Moreover, it explores future research directions, emphasizing material advancements, device miniaturization, customization, and the integration of artificial intelligence to create closed‐loop therapeutic systems. This comprehensive review underscores the transformative potential of these technologies in enhancing postoperative care and outlines the pathway for future innovations in this dynamic field.

Navigating Communication in Nursing Homes During COVID-19: Perspectives From Families, Healthcare Professionals, and Managers in Southern Switzerland-A Qualitative Study.

This study aims to understand the effectiveness and challenges of communication strategies implemented to maintain contact between nursing home (NH) residents and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, by considering the perspectives of families, healthcare professionals, and NH managers. Using a qualitative research design, the study analyzed in-depth semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders (N = 34), including family members, NH staff, and managers. The study found that communication strategies like video calls, telephone calls, and window visits were generally appreciated and facilitated contact between residents and their families. However, challenges emerged around technical and organizational issues. Both internal and external stakeholders concurred that an increase in technological and human resources was necessary to alleviate these challenges. The study underscores the importance of innovative and flexible communication strategies to sustain connections between NH residents and their families in crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Future readiness calls for increased investment in human and technical resources, and a commitment to understanding and addressing the diverse communication needs of NH residents.

A Profession of Accessible Conversations: Convo Communications

In this article, I study how a Deaf-owned company, Convo Communications, builds on accessibility as the baseline from which members contribute to more inclusive workspaces through innovative technologies and communication practices. I analyze the company’s website, blog posts, and videos to demonstrate how this organization embodies the value of accessible communication and a collective vision, how the members design more accessible ways to connect and use their expertise to educate other businesses and professionals, and the organizational commitment to communication diversity and accessible conversations. The findings lead to implications for even more inclusive business and professional communication practices.

Associations Between Characteristics of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors and Their Use of Different Social Media Platforms: An Observational Study of Social Media Accounts.

Background: The growing number of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors and their unmet needs demand innovative communication and care strategies. This study uses social media data to examine how survivors' demographic and clinical characteristics relate to their social media use. Methods: Data from 300 AYA cancer survivors on six social media sites (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Reddit, X/formerly Twitter) were collected between August 2022 and March 2023 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and statistical tests (chi-square, Fisher's exact, Welch, Games-Howell post-hoc, logistic regression). Results: Significant differences were observed across platforms for mean current age (p < 0.001) and age at diagnosis (p < 0.001). We also found significant associations between social media type used and current age, age at diagnosis, years since diagnosis, and the timing of social media account creation. AYAs who created their social media account post-diagnosis were less likely to use YouTube (p = 0.003) and more likely to use Facebook (p = 0.009). Treatment completion was associated with increased use of platform X (p = 0.004). Non-White individuals in our sample were less likely to use Facebook (p = 0.008). Significant associations were found between observed sex and platform usage (p < 0.001), with males more likely to use Reddit (p < 0.001) and X (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Significant associations were found between demographic and clinical attributes of AYA cancer survivors and the type of social media they used, suggesting that AYA-specific social media-based interventions should be tailored to subgroup characteristics (e.g., social media type, developmental stage based on age at diagnosis and current age, sex).

Innovating Through Public–Private Partnership

The article titled Innovating through Public-Private Partnership, explores the potential of public-private partnerships (PPP) as a means to foster innovation, economic stabilization, and sustainable community development. It highlights how the collaboration between public administration authorities and private or non-governmental sectors can address pressing societal challenges, including global warming, healthcare modernization, and technological advancements. The research outlines the essential components of PPPs, including financial models, management frameworks, and project evaluation criteria, with a particular focus on innovation-driven initiatives. Various stages of establishing a successful PPP are examined, from project conceptualization and partner selection to implementation and performance monitoring. Furthermore, the paper delves into the importance of funding methods and risk management, demonstrating how a well-structured PPP can combine public and private resources to deliver public goods effectively. The article also provides insights into sector-specific innovation strategies, such as digitalization and renewable energy projects. The case for renewable energy production through PPPs, involving solar and wind energy, is highlighted as a sustainable development model that strengthens collaboration between public and private sectors. By analyzing a five-year history of PPP projects in Europe and providing forecasts for the future, the paper underscores the growing relevance of PPPs in achieving long-term goals for economic and infrastructural development. The study concludes with recommendations for fostering a conducive environment for PPPs, such as legislative reform, the creation of national databases, and investment in education and training to enhance the success and innovation potential of PPPs.

Walk-centric deliberations

This article outlines methods of practice-oriented teaching at universities integrating democracy, sustainability, and learning in adult education.. The methods highlight the potential for democratic innovation in local communities in which diverse perspectives come together to address societal challenges. With a focus on sustainability and the connection among place, space, and pedagogy it introduces ‘Voice-Resonance Walks,’ a deliberative method piloted in Stuttgart, Germany, for social work education. It also highlights pilot deliberations at the district (Mini-Studentlab Deliberative Walks) and cityscape (Public Transport Walks) levels in Hamburg, Germany, involving interdisciplinary student groups in lifelong learning. These examples illustrate how higher education institutions are engaging with the public sphere, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups of citizens and on fostering civic learning. They aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills to become future experts, decision-makers, and active citizens, capable of understanding the challenges facing both their local neighborhoods and diverse urban spaces.