Opportunities For Innovation Research Articles

Educação Inteligente e Imersiva e Educação para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável

This article investigates the transformative potential of Smart and Immersive Education in promoting Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), connecting technological innovations to global sustainability demands. Through a conceptual model, it explores the contributions of emerging Technologies — such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) — for the transformation of education, making it adaptive, engaging, and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The argument is made that these technologies enhance learning and empower both managers and students to take on leading roles in addressing socio-environmental challenges. The study provides a basis for new empirical research and educational practices, suggesting pathways to turn environmental and social challenges into opportunities for innovation and positive impact.

Optimization of Laser Based-Powder Bed Fusion Parameters for Controlled Porosity in Titanium Alloy Components

Laser based-powder bed fusion (LB-PBF) enables fast, efficient, and cost-effective production of high-performing products. While advanced functionalities are often derived from geometric complexity, the capability to tailor material properties also offers significant opportunities for technical innovation across many fields. This study explores the optimization of the LB-PBF process parameters for producing Ti6Al4V titanium alloy parts with controlled porosity. To this end, cuboid and lamellar samples were fabricated by systematically varying laser power, hatch distance, and layer thickness according to a full factorial Design of Experiments, and the resulting specimens were thoroughly characterized by analyzing envelope porosity, surface roughness and waviness, surface morphology, and surface area. A selection of specimens was further examined using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) to investigate the atomic structure and nanometric porosity of the material. The results demonstrated the possibility to finely control the porosity and surface characteristics of Ti6Al4V within specific LB-PBF process ranges. The pores were found to be mostly closed even for thin walls, while the surface roughness was recognized as the primary factor impacting the surface area. The lamellar samples obtained by exposing single scan tracks showed nearly an order-of-magnitude increase in both surface area and pore volume, thereby laying the groundwork for the production of parts with optimized porosity.

The catalytic effect of digitalization and health measures during COVID-19 on corporate social responsibility in the African context

Purpose This study aims to examine the effect of digitalization and sanitary measures during the COVID-19 pandemic on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the African context. While CSR has traditionally been analyzed in developed markets, this paper explores how multinational subsidiaries can leverage CSR practices to create financial opportunities and market stability for themselves and their communities in Africa. Design/methodology/approach The authors use a panel of data from six listed African companies for the period ranking from January 2006–2022 to analyze the effect of financial performance (FP), digitalization and health measures on the social responsibility of these companies. The authors provide a robust test that improves the understanding of the impact of pandemics and innovation on CSR, using Machine Learning (ML) linear regression. Findings The results show that the social responsibility of African companies is highly dependent on FP and digitalization. On the other hand, the authors demonstrate that the moderating role of epidemic instability negatively affects social responsibility through FP, but on the other hand strengthens CSR in the presence of digitalization. The results of the initial analysis remain largely unchanged, demonstrating the validity and robustness of the empirical results through ML models. This article highlights some of the obstacles and opportunities for CSR adapted to the crisis context. The authors conclude that adjusting innovation strategies improves the forecasting performance of responsible companies, especially in a context of instability. Research limitations/implications The paper clearly shows that CSR literature varies across different regions. Given that the financial market in Africa is characterized by a lack of opportunity for innovation as well as financial stability, this paper represents an important first step in the elaboration of a CSR development strategy. In light of the results presented above, the study makes an important contribution to the literature on CSR, in particular the CSR practices of multinationals in developing countries and also provides CSR managers with various insights into the types of support they will need to leverage and improve the internal underpinnings of their CSR strategies and collaboration. Practical implications The results of this study contribute to the understanding of digital transformation in responsible business, offering empirical evidence of its benefits in tackling the health crisis. In addition, the study highlights the role of an innovative approach in enhancing reputation and developing sustainable, trusting relationships with stakeholders. Originality/value This research pioneers the academic link between innovation and epidemic crisis in responsible business, filling a notable gap and introducing a new academic perspective. In concrete terms, it provides women entrepreneurs with actionable insights into the digital strategies essential to improving business performance in a context of instability. Methodologically, the study sets a benchmark for research innovation, using ML to provide a reproducible model for exposing robust results and for future research in this evolving field.

Maximizing STEM resources for diplomats: A framework for speed, depth, and accuracy

AbstractIn the evolving landscape of science diplomacy, frontline diplomats increasingly rely on effective access to STEM knowledge to advance national interests and address global challenges. This paper presents a framework organizations can use for evaluating the approaches and tools available to their frontline diplomats, focusing on three key metrics: response time (speed), content depth and applicability, and consistency in accuracy. By evaluating tools via these metrics, the framework highlights the need for mechanisms that offer quick access to in‐depth and reliable STEM information, thus optimizing diplomatic effectiveness. The study provides examples from the US foreign affairs perspective within categories such as web searches, training programs, and consulting services, identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement. Identifying tools that maximize speed, depth, and accuracy, this framework aims to guide organizations in refining their resources, thereby equipping diplomats with the tools necessary to navigate complex, science‐driven global issues.

How Academic Social Workers Negotiate Their Direct Practice Skills and Qualitative Research Techniques.

The field of social work has been invested in assessing the alignment between direct practice skills and qualitative research techniques. Nevertheless, some of the debates surrounding this relationship have not been attended to recently-and less so in empirical ways. This qualitative study aimed to assess the relationship between practice and research skills with the goal of enhancing training in our field. Twenty academic social workers who conduct qualitative research participated in semistructured interviews. Thirteen were female, 13 were White, 11 had a doctoral degree, and their ages ranged from 27 to 65 years. Autoethnography and constructivist grounded theory approaches guided the analysis. Findings were contained in three themes: transferable techniques, bidirectional benefits, and pedagogical possibilities. Data underscore the role of reflexivity and boundaries in forging spaces amenable to appropriate data collection. Findings also supported a nuanced assessment of how qualitative research in social work may deliver benefits to both researcher and interviewee. Respondents suggest guidelines to ensure that training opportunities are ethically sound and consistent with social work values. Findings from this study may inform innovative enrichment opportunities for the field of social work across both research and practice.

Innovative Applications of Parametric Design and Digital Tools in Architecture: Exploring the Integration of Generative Design and BIM Technology

Abstract. Through parametric design and generative design, as well as the broader Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach, there is now a whole body of new tools being used by architects to are opening up new ways of designing buildings in innovative, efficient and sustainably responsible ways. This paper presents the emergence of parametric design and its evolution from simple structural optimisations to complex fulling the design of complete buildings and entire urban areas. The paper discusses the integration of both parametric design and generative design with Building Information Modelling (BIM). This technology pairing enables architects to research and test hundreds of design alternatives and optimise for particular variables, such as structural integrity, material efficiency and energy use. This paper showcases a number of case studies of how these technologies are applied to develop innovative and sustainable urban environments (eg, Sidewalk Toronto) and discusses the challenges associated with adopting these technologies, such as computational requirements and a lack of digital interoperability between these technologies. The paper concludes by identifying the innovation opportunities for sustainable development and the future of architectural practice that these technologies are offering.

Community-based Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: Promoting Digital Health Literacy among People in Precarious Living Conditions

The rapidly advancing digital transformation is opening up innovative opportunities for disease prevention and health promotion, particularly through sociotechnical innovations. Digitally-enabled interventions serve as augmentative tools for disseminating health-related information and promoting individual empowerment and self-efficacy. Despite their potential, digital media in community-based disease prevention and health promotion face challenges, such as the need for low-threshold design and consideration of technological acceptance factors. People in precarious life situations, who often face limited access and lower literacy towards digital technologies, could benefit from targeted measures geared to their specific needs. At the same time, it is important to highlight the risks of insufficient digital health literacy, which can have a negative impact on health. Promoting digital health literacy therefore appears to be an essential tool for improving the health situation of people in precarious living circumstances. This article argues for evidence-based and targeted further development of digital interventions for health promotion that are tailored to the needs of people in precarious living conditions and emphasizes the central role of digital health literacy in this process. In this contribution, the area of early childhood intervention is considered for exemplification.

Collective attention overload in a global manufacturing company: a case study

AbstractThe rapid evolution of information technology (IT) platforms has enabled the collection of vast volumes of data for decision support. These technologies have facilitated an increase in information sharing and collaboration, promising to accelerate problem-solving and foster innovation. However, despite the advancements in this sophisticated and evolving technological landscape, scholars have raised concerns that the collective attention of organizations may be compromised primarily due to the overwhelming volume of information that employees are exposed to daily. Given the limited nature of human attention, this excessive information can impair decision-making and restrict an organization’s capacity to achieve performance enhancements. To understand the IT impact on collective attention, we conducted a case study in a multinational organization in the engineering and electronics sector. Our participants described how an IT platform designed to encourage information sharing and collaboration affected collective mindfulness of opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Despite an innovation culture and careful implementation, the IT platform induced a level of information sharing and collaboration that overwhelmed collective attention, leading to employees failing to achieve the anticipated performance improvements. Our findings caution organizations about how emerging technologies may induce attention overload, undermine collective attention, and detract from collective mindfulness of business opportunities. Our research findings confront the prevalent assumption that an abundance of high-quality information invariably leads to enhanced organizational performance. The article concludes by proposing a research agenda aimed at defining guidelines for the adoption of collaborative IT platforms that prevent overloading collective attention.

Foundation Source acquires Vennfi

Foundation Source, a leading provider of cloud‐based software for private foundations and planned giving, has acquired Vennfi, the financial technology company powering Charityvest, a leading donor‐advised fund sponsor. According to Foundation Source, the acquisition will allow it to leverage Vennfi's donor‐advised fund (DAF) functionality to provide modern giving experiences and create new opportunities for innovation and growth in the philanthropic sector.

Promoting Innovation in Public Organisations: An Analysis in a National Public Institution in Algeria

Organisational innovation has become a critical factor for the survival and competitiveness of public-sector organisations. This form of innovation entails the introduction of new ways of doing and organising work that aimed at enhancing the organisation’s capacity to achieve its objectives. The aim of this study is therefore to explore the conditions that stimulate the development of organisational innovation in the context of a national public institution experiencing transformation and modernisation in Algeria. More specifically, our aim is to identify the internal and external conditions that facilitate the emergence of innovation, using a descriptive and analytical approach based on qualitative data collection (interviews and observations). The results of this work show that innovation is not isolated in the organisation, but is influenced by the organisation’s internal and external environment. This environment exerts pressure but also provides the conditions and the opportunities for innovation. The existence of a clear development strategy and project-based working structures provides a favourable context for innovation. Innovation is also a collective phenomenon, arising from the contribution of all key people in the organisation and the mobilisation of collective capacities through the role of leadership and the organisational support. Public organisations must therefore pay particular attention to these aspects in order to create value and innovate in their practices and remain competitive in an increasingly turbulent environment.

Examining the ethical and sustainability challenges of legal education’s AI revolution

ABSTRACT Two of the forces that have most shaped the landscape in higher education over the last few years have been sustainability on one hand and Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the other. Bringing these phenomena together, this article examines the multifaceted sustainability challenges posed by integrating AI into legal education. The integration of AI into legal education has promised to revolutionise the field, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency and innovation. However, this transformative shift is accompanied by ethical and sustainability challenges. This article explores important sustainability issues arising from AI adoption in legal education, emphasising equity, ethics and the long-term viability of AI-driven initiatives. Strategies to promote fairness, inclusivity and ethical AI practices are explored, alongside resource allocation schemes, digital divide mitigation and sustainable faculty training programmes. Ethical considerations are examined, focusing on AI biases and policies for promoting equity and inclusion. This article also discusses the challenge of regulatory compliance in an evolving AI landscape. The intersection of AI adoption, sustainability ethics and legal education necessitates a conscientious integration of sustainability principles to navigate ethical dilemmas responsibly. By addressing these challenges, legal education can lead the way in shaping a future where AI serves as a valuable tool.

Towards a Context-Contingent Stage Theory of Entrepreneurial Opportunity: Introducing the PETII Model

Understanding opportunity is a crucial aspect of entrepreneurship research. Existing studies have extensively examined individual factors in facilitating entrepreneurial activities such as new venture creation. Although there are some discussions on contextual factors, few connect context with the origin of entrepreneurship—opportunity. Recognising the objectivity of entrepreneurial opportunity, this theoretical article first proposes two types of opportunities—innovative opportunity and imitative opportunity—to understand the nature of opportunity. It then proposes a systematic framework—the PETII (Population, Economic status, Technological advancement, Industry life cycle, Institutions) model—to analyse the role of context in the distribution of opportunity. Furthermore, it examines how both objective contextual factors and subjective individual factors influence each of the three stages in the entrepreneurship opportunity theory, from opportunity discovery, to opportunity evaluation and to opportunity exploitation. The research helps understand the origin of entrepreneurship opportunities and can stimulate thoughts on how to encourage entrepreneurship in different places. Further discussions and implications are given at the end.

Mobile app review analysis for crowdsourcing of software requirements: a mapping study of automated and semi-automated tools

Mobile app reviews are valuable for gaining user feedback on features, usability, and areas for improvement. Analyzing these reviews manually is difficult due to volume and structure, leading to the need for automated techniques. This mapping study categorizes existing approaches for automated and semi-automated tools by analyzing 180 primary studies. Techniques include topic modeling, collocation finding, association rule-based, aspect-based sentiment analysis, frequency-based, word vector-based, and hybrid approaches. The study compares various tools for analyzing mobile app reviews based on performance, scalability, and user-friendliness. Tools like KEFE, MERIT, DIVER, SAFER, SIRA, T-FEX, RE-BERT, and AOBTM outperformed baseline tools like IDEA and SAFE in identifying emerging issues and extracting relevant information. The study also discusses limitations such as manual intervention, linguistic complexities, scalability issues, and interpretability challenges in incorporating user feedback. Overall, this mapping study outlines the current state of feature extraction from app reviews, suggesting future research and innovation opportunities for extracting software requirements from mobile app reviews, thereby improving mobile app development.

Material efficiency at the component level: how much metal can we do without?

Global production of steel and aluminium is a major driver of greenhouse gas emissions. Various processes might allow continued primary production of the two metals, but all depend on emissions-free electricity or carbon storage, and global capacity of these two key resources will be below demand for decades to come. As a result, zero-emissions steel and aluminium will mainly come from recycling, but supply will be lower than demand. This motivates demand reduction, and for the first time, this article estimates the inefficiency in current metal use by component type. The results demonstrate that around 80% of steel and 90% of aluminium liquid metal produced today may be unnecessary. Around 40% of liquid steel and 60% of liquid aluminium are never used in final components as they are removed along the supply chain of manufacturing. Of the metal that enters final service, approximately one-third could be saved by avoiding component over-specification. A further third could be saved, where the properties of metal are not used to their limits. These results point to specific opportunities for innovation in design and manufacturing technology, of which the highest priority is to re-think the use of sheet metal in construction.This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Sustainable metals: science and systems'.

Review of the Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities for Maritime Small Modular Reactors in Republic of Korea

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) offer transformative potential for maritime propulsion by providing significant benefits such as reduced emissions, enhanced fuel efficiency, and greater operational autonomy. However, their integration into the maritime sector presents complex regulatory challenges due to the convergence of nuclear and maritime laws. A unified, harmonized regulatory framework is essential to ensure safety, radioactive waste management, and accident prevention. While initiatives led by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and International Maritime Organization (IMO) are progressing, key gaps remain, particularly regarding maritime-specific risk assessments, emergency response protocols, and cross-border regulatory harmonization. Enhanced collaboration between regulatory bodies, pilot projects, and transparent engagement with stakeholders will be critical to refining safety protocols and accelerating regulatory alignment. Public acceptance remains a vital factor, requiring rigorous environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and transparent communication to build trust and align SMR-powered vessels with global sustainability objectives. While challenges persist, they also present opportunities for innovation and international cooperation. By addressing these regulatory and public acceptance challenges through coordinated efforts and policies, SMR propulsion can become a cornerstone of a more sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced maritime sector. Successful deployment will position SMRs as a key component of the global energy transition, driving progress toward low-carbon shipping and a greener maritime industry.

Clean energy challenges and innovation opportunities in Kazakhstan

Abstract Kazakhstan has pledged to transition to a low-carbon economy by implementing national policies and strategies that promote clean energy innovation. However, Kazakhstan is still falling short of its expected targets for energy transition, and there is a lack of knowledge regarding the country’s challenges and opportunities for clean energy development. Towards this end, the current study identifies and assesses the enablers and barriers related to clean energy innovation in Kazakhstan. Using the combination of SWOT analysis, survey data from 41 experts and the DEMATEL decision support tool, we evaluated the key factors affecting Kazakhstan’s clean energy innovation and their implications for energy transition. Assessment results show that the immature business environment, underpinned by technological, institutional, and socioeconomic factors, is perceived as a high-impact constraint for clean energy innovation and green finance deployment in Kazakhstan. Skilled labour shortages, high reliance on hydrocarbons and low retail energy prices are significant challenges to Kazakhstan’s clean energy innovation. The low-profit margin and high investment risk in clean energy projects are identified as transition barriers in the power and energy-intensive industries. In contrast, Kazakhstan’s endowments of resources critical for developing clean energy technologies (rare earth metals, uranium, gas) and the potential of low-carbon investments (e.g. carbon storage) are perceived as prominent enablers of clean energy innovation. Results are consistent across expert subgroups (academia, industry, NGOs, etc). Findings call for policy support to modern and attractive business environments, capacity, and human capital development. The findings can provide helpful insights for countries in Central Asia and beyond with similar socioeconomic structures that aim for a timely energy transition.

Nursing student reflections on a research internship: A reflective discussion following the Gibbs' reflective cycle

BackgroundEvidence-based practice underscores the importance of utilising research-based skills in the delivery of care. However, entry-to-practice nursing curriculums in Australia currently do not provide students with practical research opportunities. Acknowledging this gap, an Australian university initiated a two-month summer research internship that aim to expose undergraduate nursing students to clinical research under the mentorship of a nursing academic. AimTo understand the opportunities and challenges of a research internship and its contribution to developing research knowledge and skills for future nursing practice and leadership. DesignA reflective discussion following the six stages of the Gibbs' Reflective Cycle. SettingsA two-month research internship at an Australian University was held over the summer. ParticipantsTwo successful nursing students (FO and BM) who were both students in the Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) program. MethodsFollowing the Gibbs' Reflective Cycle, a description of the internship experience was outlined, alongside feelings encountered. The opportunities and challenges of the internship are explored, evaluated, and analysed with related literature to inform an overall conclusion. To support other nursing students pursuing similar research endeavours during their professional transition, an action plan was developed. ResultsThe optional summer research internship proved to be a valuable experience for participating nursing students. FO and BM were granted co-authorship on their respective research projects, providing opportunities at international nursing and midwifery conferences and several avenues for career advancement. ConclusionsNursing research internships contribute to students' personal and professional development. This paper highlights the need for universities to provide innovative educational opportunities to students that enrich evidence-based nursing practice and inspire further opportunities.

Improvizing West Java MSMEs Using Quality Service Gaps Model

This study aims to understand the challenges and opportunities for the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in West Java. With a very large number, MSMEs in West Java have great potential to drive economic growth. However, various obstacles such as access to capital, information, and technology are still an obstacle. This research proposes the application of the Service Science framework to map the MSME ecosystem and identify opportunities for service innovation. Thus, it is expected to increase the competitiveness of MSMEs and make a greater contribution to the regional economy. This research reveals that MSMEs in West Java face significant constraints in terms of access to capital, information, and technology. Through in-depth interviews with 8 MSME owners, this research aims to understand in-depth the challenges and opportunities faced by micro, small and medium enterprises. Thematic analysis of the interview data identified a gap between the ideal conditions that MSMEs desire and the actual conditions they experience. Using the Service Quality Gap Model, this study created four action plans to improve MSMEs in West Java. By addressing the identified gaps and encouraging collaboration between MSMEs, government, academia and industry, the Sadulur platform can catalyze the sustainable growth and development of MSMEs in West Java. These gaps, which we refer to as 'customer gaps', are manifested in four main themes: 1) the potential for MSMEs to create innovative products more easily, 2) the need to develop a strong business foundation and build sustainable brand value, 3) the importance of improving business processes and management to increase efficiency, and 4) the need to build good relationships with external parties to expand networks and business opportunities. These findings form the basis for formulating an action plan to improve the quality of services provided to MSMEs.

Artificial Intelligence: Communication, Technology, and Society (a Systematic Literature Review)

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has transformed the way various social sectors operate, including healthcare, communications, and decision-making. The integration of AI into these domains not only opens up new opportunities for efficiency and innovation, but also presents significant challenges. Among these challenges, the emergence of algorithmic bias, inadequate data protection, technical limitations, and complex ethical dilemmas are of major concern. These issues affect the reliability and fairness of the use of AI technologies, potentially harming individuals and society as a whole. This study aims to investigate the barriers associated with the implementation of AI in society and provide theoretical and methodological solutions to address these challenges. This study uses a systematic literature review methodology to review 40 journals, with the aim of identifying key issues and suggesting solutions for the ethical and successful integration of AI. The findings show that the potential of AI is often hampered by biased algorithms, inadequate privacy laws, and a lack of transparency in decision-making processes. The study recommends the use of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including experimental research and case studies, to investigate practical applications of AI. In addition, a multidisciplinary approach is suggested to address the technical and social dimensions of AI applications.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Agent-Based Modeling in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industry: A Comprehensive Review

This paper explores the transformative impact of agent-based modeling (ABM) on the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, highlighting its indispensable role in revolutionizing project management, construction processes, safety protocols, and sustainability initiatives including energy optimization and occupants’ comfort. Through an in-depth review of 178 documents published between 1970 and 2024 on current practices and the integration of ABM with emerging digital technologies, this study underscores the critical importance of ABM in facilitating enhanced decision-making, resource optimization, and complex system simulations. For instance, ABM is shown to reduce project delays by up to 15% through enhanced resource allocation and improve safety outcomes by simulating worker behavior and identifying potential hazards in dynamic construction environments. The results reveal ABM’s potential to significantly improve construction methodologies, integrate technological advancements seamlessly, and contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient building practices. Furthermore, this paper identifies key areas for future research, including the exploration of ABM’s capabilities in conjunction with other digital innovations to unlock new avenues for efficiency and sustainability in construction. This study sets out a forward-looking agenda for providing this modeling approach to address contemporary challenges and harness opportunities for innovation and growth in the AEC sector.