Innovation Change Research Articles

Profitability and environmental implications of innovative practice changes and irrigation improvements

The economic and environmental benefits of practice changes and irrigation improvements are explored based on three grower case studies in the Bundaberg, Burdekin and Mackay regions that consider grower investments in best management practices, including irrigation changes. How the practice changes influenced farm economic and environmental performance are determined. Economic, biophysical and farm management data before and after the changes were used to calculate the economic benefit (Annualised Equivalent Benefit) with the Farm Economic Analysis Tool (FEAT) and an investment analysis. The economic benefit was positive for all farms, ranging from AUD29 to AUD377 per hectare per year. The same data were used to calculate indicators of environmental performance (per tonne of harvested cane) using the Cane Life Cycle Assessment (CaneLCA) tool. There were reductions in fossil-fuel use, greenhouse-gas emissions, and a potential for water pollution curtailment. For the Bundaberg case, a transition from furrow to low-pressure boom irrigation increased electricity use, which was offset by energy savings from other aspects of the production system changes. For the Burdekin case, improved water-use efficiency on a farm with permeable soils resulted in less electricity use and greenhouse gas emissions. For the Mackay case, improved utilisation of water allocation increased cane productivity and contributed to improved economic and eco-efficiency outcomes. While total water use increased, it is noted that water availability is not a constraint for the Mackay region outside of drought impacts. The Mackay case also involved a supplementary analysis of solar energy use. Overall, the case studies showed that the suites of irrigation improvements and practice changes resulted in both economic and eco-efficiency benefits.

ФОРМУВАННЯ ІНШОМОВНОЇ ПІДГОТОВКИ ЗДОБУВАЧІВ ВИЩОЇ ОСВІТИ У СТРУКТУРІ ПРОФЕСІЙНОЇ ПІДГОТОВКИ В УМОВАХ УНІВЕРСИТЕТУ: РЕАЛІЇ СЬОГОДЕННЯ

The paper deals with the descriptions of modern educational paradigms as genesis indicators of innovative changes in higher education, which are determined by integration processes aimed at introducing innovative ideas, models and technologies into the foreign language training of higher education students. Foreign language and foreign language training of higher education students is considered in the context of the competence paradigm. The conceptual foundations of foreign language training and the structure of foreign language competence are highlighted. The purpose of foreign language training of higher education students is defined, which is to form skills of tolerant interaction, communication and life-creation in the youth environment on the basis of foreign language competence. It is proved that theories of communication, multiculturalism and dialogue are used in building the content of foreign language training. The essence of dialogical interaction, which has communicative, interactive and perceptual components, is characterized. Professional dialogue interaction in the multicultural/multicultural environment of the university presupposes a certain level of accumulated professional knowledge, facilitates the implementation of multi-vector tasks facing the future specialist. It is proved that social reflection plays an important role in the foreign language training of higher education students in the structure of professional training in the university environment. It has been found that the implementation of foreign language training for higher education students at a university requires the design of an appropriate creative educational environment, built taking into account the objective laws of the processes of learning a foreign language for the purpose of professional application in the future.

Leveraging Human-Centered Design to Promote Community-Level Antiracism Efforts: A Pilot Study of the Innovation Change Lab

ABSTRACT The present study piloted Innovation Change Lab (ICL), a novel intervention to promote antiracism and human-centered design (HCD) in a rural community. Data included (1) a pre- and post-survey of antiracist attitudes; (2) post-workshop feedback surveys, and (3) a focus group at the end of the training. Participants (n = 14) identified their race as White (n = 7), Latine (n = 3), Multiracial (n = 1); and their genders as cisgender women (n = 12) and cisgender men (n = 2). Attitude change was analyzed using one-tailed t-tests. Qualitative analysis of open-ended survey questions and focus group data was conducted using content analysis. Participants reported that, with some exceptions, the curriculum was feasible and acceptable. They reported increasing their knowledge about antiacism concepts and critical racial consciousness. ICL showed evidence of shifting individual attitudes toward antiracism and increasing one’s confidence in taking action on social justice. Learning about microaggressions, cross-group discussions about socialization and race, and conducting empathy interviews with folks impacted by racism were the most impactful aspects of the curriculum. Challenges arose around taking action to change systems implicated in sustaining racism. Despite challenges, findings suggest HCD may offer strategies to support intra- and inter-personal change necessary to move toward antiracist action.

The Palliative Arts: Envisioning a New Paradigm in Palliative Care.

A growing body of evidence supports the effectiveness of arts-based interventions in nurturing human connection, healing, and reflection-for patients living with illness, their families, and their health care communities. Thus, we propose that these interventions, what we call the Palliative Arts-just as much as science-should be systematically integrated in clinical education, practice, research, wellness, leadership, and advocacy to impact person-centered outcomes. Our interprofessional team describes a variety of arts-based programming that its authors are leading to highlight the breadth of existing Palliative Arts work and point to future horizons for its integration in health care education and clinical settings. We propose that the Palliative Arts can inform a new paradigm, one with the potential to foster person-centered innovation and meaningful change in the field of palliative care-and health care at large.

Educational Innovations as Facilitating Factors for Learning of Children with Special Needs in Preschool Institutions

The objective of our study is to measure the impact of teaching innovations in facilitating the learning of preschool children (aged 3-6) with special needs. This study covers 5 municipalities of the Republic of Kosovo (Prishtina, Gjakova, Ferizaj, Gjilan, Kamenica). Data were collected through electronic questionnaires with 128 parents and 128 educators who have children with special needs. The questions were oriented around the impact of educational innovations in facilitating the learning of children with special needs. Based on the results of the present study, it is concluded that the impact of teaching innovations has shown a trend towards a positive future in facilitating learning for children with special needs. However, gradual improvements should be made to create a suitable and inclusive environment by providing innovative approaches according to the needs of children with special needs. In this study, it was understood from the respondents that educational innovations affect the facilitation of learning for children with special needs, which has also been statistically proven. According to statistics, we finally realized that parents are more principled, compared to educators. Parents are constantly looking for innovative changes, while educators are reluctant to do so, arguing that they do not have enough support from educational institutions. In quantitative terms, the phenomenon of educational innovations in facilitating the learning of children with special needs, especially in terms of the implementation of educational innovations, in terms of parents' perception, needs improvement, especially in the adaptation of educational innovations to children and completing preschool institutions with professional educators and assistants. Received: 22 August 2024 / Accepted: 29 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

ЛЮДСЬКИЙ КАПІТАЛ В КОНЦЕПЦІЇ ВІДКРИТОЇ НАУКИ

Introduction. Any economic system's development is only possible with capital participation. Over several centuries, a stable concept has emerged that considers human capital as an essential source of investment for innovation, scientific and technological progress, and the stable development of the state. At the same time, the practical realization of this concept is associated with such categories as education, science, healthcare, competencies, skills, professional abilities of employees, intellectual output, etc. The purpose of the article: The aim is to comprehensively investigate the innovative potential of human capital from the perspective of a driving force for progress in the knowledge age. Methods: Modern science is based on openness and accessibility as tools of scientific search and research. Human capital is an essential element of this search, expressed in intellectual abilities, self-development, and theoretical and practical generalizations. The basis for more profound research and generalizations is the study of internal and external influences on the formation of human capital and the definition of its role in the scientific sense. Results: Analyzing human capital through the prism of its structural formation, it is worth noting that its meaning has changed in different periods. In the twentieth century, when the economy was formed in the context of industrial development, human capital was focused on technological excellence and ingenuity. In the 21st century, economic development is dominated by the intellectual and scientific component, which is the basis for the functioning of the national system. Therefore, human capital in this period is gaining new meaning as a knowledge economy. In forming the country's national economy, the intangible form of capital is becoming increasingly important, where human resource is the basis of socio-economic development. Conclusions. As a result of the theoretical analysis of existing approaches and new proposals, the innovative economic development model is developing dynamically. Human (intellectual) capital is prioritized in this model, stimulating informatization and introducing modern scientific and technological innovations. Human capital is a complex phenomenon that adapts to modern innovative and technological changes and acts as an organizational motivator for achieving a high level of industrialization and a civilized environment.

6.Y.2. AI and health care: what are the capabilities and limitations?

Abstract With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and their implementation in health care, there is a critical need to explore the different applications and implications of AI. This workshop seeks to look at different aspects of AI, both potential applications for AI technology in health, public opinions of use of AI in health care, and the reality of implementing AI in different contexts. Understanding health care approaches to AI from different countries is a unique opportunity for shared learning of innovations across various sectors of health care and patient engagement in order to most effectively engage this emerging field. AI, in whichever form it may be incorporated into health care, has the opportunity to impart meaningful, innovative change, but understanding this new technology comes with important questions. This session will dive into research on AI in various areas of health care by 1) looking at different ways AI is being harnessed in health care; 2) discussing lessons which can be learned and adapted from other countries; 3) discussing promising solutions and approaches to implementing AI in health care; 4) discussing the limitations or concerns of integrating AI in health care. The panel will be composed of 1 moderator and 2 panelists. Panelists are experts in their fields, established researchers and practitioners, and alumni of the Harkness Fellowship from Germany and the United Kingdom. A moderator will briefly frame the discussion for the audience and introduce the speakers and their presentations before leading an interactive, engaging question and answer portion. The coherence of this panel lays in its theme of leveraging AI to enhance healthcare delivery and understanding ways we can work across countries to foster ethical, equitable AI technologies that revolutionize healthcare practices with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes and health system efficiencies. Dr. Saira Ghafur from the U.K. will begin by presenting her research on evidence-based reasons for implementing AI in health care and Dr. Benedikt Simon from Germany will close out by discussing his work in AI in Germany and the challenges that have prevented robust integration. Each panelist will speak for roughly 8-10 minutes, with about 5 minutes reserved for moderator and audience questions. Key messages • Sharing cross-country experiences and research enables us to better understand how AI can impact health care. • In weighing both the benefits and challenges or limitations of implementing AI, we can best understand effective approaches to utilizing AI in health care.

The Effect of Transformational Leadership on Organizational Culture Change: A Case Study of the Manufacturing Industry

This study aims to analyze the influence of transformational leadership on organizational culture changes in the manufacturing industry. The phenomenon behind this research is the challenges faced by the manufacturing industry in adapting to the dynamics of the business environment, such as technological developments, global competition, and demands for increased innovation and efficiency. Many manufacturing companies have difficulty adapting due to rigid organizational cultures and employee resistance to change. Transformational leadership is seen as an approach that is able to overcome these obstacles by encouraging adaptive, innovative, and performance-oriented cultural change through empowerment, motivation, and effective communication. This study uses a quantitative method with survey techniques as a data collection tool. A total of 121 respondents, consisting of employees in the manufacturing sector, were selected using the purposive sampling technique. The research instrument is in the form of a closed questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 25 software to conduct validity, reliability, and multiple linear regression tests to test the relationship and influence between transformational leadership and organizational culture change. The results of the study show that transformational leadership has a significant influence in creating a more adaptive, innovative, and performance-oriented organizational culture. Factors such as effective communication, employee engagement, and an appreciation for creativity were found to be important elements in supporting such change. These findings suggest that the application of transformational leadership is particularly relevant in the dynamic manufacturing industry, especially in the face of market challenges and changing business environments. Leaders in this industry are expected to adopt transformational leadership to build a more responsive and productive organizational culture.

The Impact of the Digital Economy on China's Economic Development

Abstract: This paper explores the impact of the digital economy on China's economic development. The digital economy, as a new form of the economy following the agricultural and industrial economies, centres on data resources and modern information networks, driving the digital transformation of all factors of production. The Chinese government places great importance on the development of the digital economy, clarifying its direction and key tasks through policy documents such as the "14th Five-Year Plan for Digital Economic Development". This paper analyses the current state of development of the digital economy in e-commerce, digital payments, and big data applications, and discusses its impact on industrial structure, employment, and consumption patterns. The study shows that the digital economy has promoted the upgrading of traditional industries and the growth of emerging industries, while also bringing about changes in employment structure and innovation in consumption methods. However, it also poses challenges to the job market, which need to be addressed through skills training and educational reform.

Financial Technology Service Companies' Innovation Change Management and Leadership-Driven Organizational Adaptability

In the context of rapid development in financial technology, financial technology service companies face unprecedented changes and challenges. This paper explores how these companies can drive organizational adaptability through innovative change management and leadership to enhance their market competitiveness. First, the paper defines financial technology and its development trends, provides an overview of core theories of change management, and analyzes the impact of change management on organizational performance. Next, it discusses the implementation framework for organizational adaptability, highlights challenges encountered during the adaptation process, and proposes corresponding solution strategies, along with methods to optimize adaptive strategies. Finally, the paper examines the organizational capabilities required for sustained change and innovation, particularly focusing on management models for continuous change and the enhancement of organizational capabilities driven by innovation. Through systematic analysis and strategic recommendations, this paper aims to provide effective frameworks for change management and leadership-driven adaptability strategies for financial technology service companies to navigate an ever-changing market environment.

Localized environmental governance for carbon dioxide removal in small island developing states: Challenges and opportunities

Accelerating the net-zero economy requires understanding energy consumption patterns, renewable technology attitudes, and acceptance of sustainable energy systems. This study explores how behavioral modification campaigns reduce residential energy use, promote energy-efficient products, and improve consumption patterns. Decentralization and digitization of energy infrastructure have spawned new markets and business models, giving customers more energy control and improving efficiency. The unique regulatory structure of Ireland's single power market makes it a compelling case study. The study examines Irish consumers' sustainable energy beliefs and behaviors from 1992 to 2022 using a 40-question survey. The data show that smart energy solutions for carbon-conscious families have pros and cons. Consumer knowledge of environmental issues and willingness to accept new energy technology are high, but cost and perceived complexity remain impediments to wider implementation. The research emphasizes technical innovation and behavioral change in energy reduction and greener energy promotion. These findings can help engineers, industry stakeholders, and politicians reach climate policy goals and carbon neutrality. Policymakers should support smart energy adoption, reduce cost barriers, and simplify the process. A fair and sustainable net-zero economy transition requires consumer education and decentralized energy market policies. This research underscores the importance of customized policies that leverage technology and behavior to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Towards the Concept of Digital Grassroots Youth Innovation

In recent years, young people have acquired a more active role in different areas of public life, such as culture, politics and gender debates. However, the relevance of their role in innovation processes has remained largely undiscussed. Are young people, in particular those from working class backgrounds, a forgotten actor for innovation and technological change policies? This study aims to understand whether the youth population—who are widely connected to the Internet, who do not necessarily participate in formal educational spaces but are increasingly acquiring digital skills autonomously—can be considered as an agent of innovation. Specifically, this study aims to propose and define the concept of Digital Grassroots Youth Innovation. It is based on both empirical and theoretical sources. On the one hand, it relies on a compilation of experiences of innovative activities related to digital technologies led by young people in Argentina. On the other hand, it is supported by a theoretical discussion on (a) the different types of innovations and their subjects, (b) the specificities of the ‘marginal mass’ in informational capitalism and (c) the characterisation of the young population in Argentina as ‘NEET’ (not in education, employment or training). Finally, we ask about the role played by digital technologies and non-formal learning in these particular innovation processes.

What can we know about legal minors who inject drugs? Exploring register data in three high-income countries

Background Research on legal minors who inject drugs is rare and beset with methodological problems. We explore the potential of register data for researching this population and present illustrative analyses contributing to the knowledge base. Method We obtained register data with national coverage from three high-income countries and assessed its analytic potential across two research themes. Descriptive analyses of the obtained data explored prevalence, mean age of debut, delay to accessing services, and treatment needs. Results There were differences in register types and variables collected within and between each country. The analytical potential of register data was assessed as good. Prevalence of injecting debut before the age of 18 (IDU < 18) was 29% (Sweden), 23% (Switzerland), and 5%–9% (Wales). IDU < 18 took longer to access services in each country than those with debut as adults. Complex treatment needs were identified, including mental health, education, and housing. Conclusion Register data is a viable method for better understanding this small, ‘hidden’ population, albeit with important caveats. Adolescent drug services may need to deliver or link to a range of treatment responses beyond drug use. Innovative outreach, and legal and policy change may be needed to ensure harm reduction access while injecting continues.

Transformative social work education through a joint MSW programme: from participatory action research to policy and practice innovation in China

ABSTRACT In China, social work was reestablished in 1988. Despite the number of social work programmes increased very fast throughout the 1990s, there was a huge need for social work-trained educators. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Peking University launched the MSW (China) Programme in 2000 to create a critical mass of social work educators who would assume future leadership in social work development in mainland China. Participatory action research was employed as a methodology to explore how social work education could transform students into catalysts for social work education and social development. Purposive sampling was adopted, and seven cohorts totaling 238 graduates who graduated from the programme were the participants in this research. Data collection and analysis were carried out throughout the action research process. We found the triple capacity building model to be a good pedagogy to foster transformation among participants, and to steer the knowledge co-creation, practice innovation, policy reform, and social change through social work education. In this paper, we will provide an overview of the background, vision, and mission, as well as the teaching pedagogy of the programme and a case study to demonstrate how social work education has an impact on policy and practice innovation in China.

Burj Rashid: a tale of two tides – rising waters and changing traditions

PurposeThis paper delves into the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and practices of Burj Rashid, an ancient historical city on Egypt’s northern coast, which stands at the meeting point of the Nile’s western branch and the Mediterranean Sea. Burj Rashid boasts a strategic location and rich natural resources and has a long history of relationships between land, people, river, sea and climate change, serving as a model for residents’ adaptation to their ever-changing surroundings.Design/methodology/approachClimate studies have exposed the village’s vulnerability to climate and topographical hazards such as rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, decreasing precipitation, encroaching seas due to sea level rise, coastal erosion and high soil salinization. These factors pose a high risk of water scarcity, crop failure in the medium term, potential famine in the long term and declining fish populations, threatening fishing communities. To address these challenges, the Net Zero: Heritage for Climate Action project - launched by the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and the First Aid and Resilience for Culture in Times of Crisis program, funded by Swedish Postcode - proposes a research and development methodology through a platform that weaves together heritage knowledge and climate science. The Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation has implemented a platform in Burj Rashid as an innovative site to study risks, vulnerabilities and capacities.FindingsThe project will explore root causes, identify risk scenarios and establish a stakeholder map to guide the development of mitigation strategies and resilience-building measures.Originality/valueBy harnessing the wisdom of TEK and integrating it with scientific knowledge, the project paves the way for innovative climate change adaptation strategies that ensure the long-term sustainability of Burj Rashid’s unique cultural heritage.

Research on the Impact Mechanism of ETS on Green Innovation in China’s High-Carbon Industries: A Perspective of Enterprise Heterogeneity

Green technology innovation is an important driving force for low-carbon development of enterprises. As a market-based environmental policy to promote greenhouse gas emission reduction, whether carbon emission trading scheme (ETS) can encourage enterprises to carry out green technology innovation under the background of “dual carbon” goal deserves further research. Taking Chinese A-share listed enterprises in the five major sectors as samples, this study constructed a modified Difference-in-Differences (DID) model to test the causal effect of ETS on green innovation in high-carbon industries. Three significant results can be summarized from the empirical study. Firstly, the ETS has a significant promoting effect on green innovation of high-carbon enterprises. And it can effectively promote high-carbon enterprises to achieve an average of a 13.24–19.56% increase in low-carbon innovation capabilities. Secondly, enterprises with different characteristics have heterogeneity in the impact of ETS implementation on green innovation. Secondly, the implementation of ETS exerts heterogeneous effects on green technology innovation across enterprises that possess diverse characteristics. Enterprises with a large capital scale (low equity concentration) have a more significant promoting effect than those with a small capital scale (high equity concentration). Thirdly, the green innovation effect of ETS exhibits significant heterogeneity across different types of industries. In the mining, manufacturing, and construction sectors, the ETS has effectively stimulated green innovation to a certain extent. There has been no significant change in green innovation in the sector of electricity, heat, gas, and water production and supply. In particular, after the implementation of the ETS, green innovation has actually been weakened in the transportation sector. As such, for policy makers, differentiated ETS policies should be implemented based on the actual situation of different industries and types of carbon-emitting enterprises.

Revolutionising the ready-made garments firms in Bangladesh: strategies for transformative change towards sustainable product innovation

ABSTRACT Ready-Made Garments (RMG) firms, particularly in developing economies such as Bangladesh, struggles to integrate sustainability into its operations and product innovation. Limited supportive policies and institutions exacerbate this challenge, hindering the industry's ability to produce high-standard and globally competitive sustainable products. Drawing on case studies of Bangladesh’s RMG firms, this qualitative paper aims to identify potential strategies and commitments to drive transformative change in the RMG firms towards sustainable product innovation. It addresses the main questions on the drivers of transformative change in sustainable product innovation, as well as firm leadership responses to sustainable development. Key findings from key informant interviews (KII) and focus group discussions (FGD) indicate drivers and strategies for transformative change towards sustainable product innovation in five dimensions: sustainability practices, market demands, firms’ commitments and initiatives, policy and regulatory framework, and technology and innovation. The findings of the paper highlights policy insights and leadership roles that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the crucial factors and guidelines for initiating transformative changes in the RMG firms towards sustainable products. Also, a framework with insights from stakeholders is developed based on the findings to provide leadership guidance and recommendations for companies in the RMG sector and other related industries.

THE POTENTIAL OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN IMPROVING THE PROCESS OF TRAINING AND RETRAINING OF MILITARY DOCTORS

The issue of improving the process of training and retraining of military doctors is determined by changes in the security environment of the state today, and the need to develop the military medical sector in the conditions of long-term resistance to russian aggression. This article highlights the potential of using digital technologies to improve the process of training and retraining of military doctors. The results of a survey of trainees at the Ukrainian Military Medical Academy (a higher military medical educational institution that provides training, retraining and advanced training of specialists in almost all specialties for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military establishment of Ukraine) are presented. It is shown that for the implementation of changes in the system of training and retraining of military doctors the Academy provides for a number of measures: introducing innovative changes in the content and methodology of education; introduction of flexible technology for planning and organizing the educational process, focused on personalization of learning; development of international scientific and scientific-medical collaborations. Based on the conducted research, it was determined that in the conditions of active hostilities in Ukraine, it is digital technologies that make it possible to quickly introduce changes in the process of training and retraining of military doctors by improving the educational and informational environment. It was established that improving the readiness of military doctors to use digital technologies in their professional activities requires their end-to-end use in the entire training system. The article provides examples of the use of digital technologies in the process of training and retraining of military doctors.

Innovation and Byzantine Alchemy in Context: The Constantinian Solidus and the Chrysopoetic Goal

The concept of innovation has not been thoroughly explored in the context of Byzantine science, much less so concerning Byzantine alchemy. This article argues that persisting historiographical biases depicting Byzantium as a stagnant culture also influence perceptions of Byzantine science as anti-innovative. Building on recent advancements in the study of innovation in Byzantine culture broadly, this article first conducts a preliminary examination of the relationship between science and innovation in Byzantium, revealing intriguing dynamics between the concepts of “tradition” and “innovation”. Next, it investigates a case study of innovation in Byzantine alchemy, namely how a monetary and economic innovation, the introduction of the solidus by Constantine the Great, likely influenced the perception of alchemy as primarily a chrysopoetic art. In essence, it explores how an external innovation can impact a scientific field, potentially leading to innovative conceptions and change within it.

A Review of emergency medical services for stroke

In the past decade, Emergency Medical Services have been associated with innovations in technology; the 911 telephone system and two-way radio have developed the notification, scheduling, and response processes. The recent twenty years have witnessed the unparalleled innovation changes of the computer framework. These new frameworks in mobile, social, cloud computing or big data concentrations essentially affect the entire society. In the last ten years, major innovation and strategic improvements have occurred, which will affect the concepts and communication methods of Emergency Medical Service in the future. Emergency Medical Service can treat various diseases in the correct way. For example, Emergency Medical Service personnel's early recognition of stroke performance is an important ideal consideration for patients with stroke patients. Pre-stroke screening tools that have been preliminarily evaluated for sensitivity and specificity are necessary to improve detection rates for the pre-court stroke by Emergency Medical Service experts. This is an excellent time for Emergency Medical Service to play a key role in achieving and transcending vision. The motivation behind this article is to provide extensive investigations and unique opportunities for Emergency Medical Service personnel groups to solve how to improve. Keywords: Emergency medical service; stroke; management; strategies; technologies.