Level Of Innovation Research Articles

Local governments competing for the environment and green innovation-evidence from China

ABSTRACT Enhancing green innovation is the key to realizing high-quality development and the “dual-carbon” goal. This paper takes the data from Chinese cities from 2000 to 2018 as a sample to test the impact and mechanism of local governments’ competition for the environment on urban green innovation. The study found that local government competition for the environment can effectively promote urban green innovation, and the spatial spillover effect is significant and can lead neighboring cities to improve the level of green innovation jointly. The results of the mechanism test indicate that local government competition promotes green innovation through two channels: influencing fiscal expenditure bias and the establishment of development zones. Further analysis shows that the impact of government competition on green innovation has apparent spatial heterogeneity, while the double-threshold effect results in an “N”-shaped relationship between local government competition and urban green innovation.

Т ИПОЛОГИЗАЦИЯ РЕГИОНОВ СЕВЕРО-ЗАПАДНОГО ФЕДЕРАЛЬНОГО ОКРУГА ПО ГРУППАМ ИННОВАЦИОННОСТИ

The article examines the innovative attractiveness of the regions of the Northwestern Federal District in the territorial area of Russia according to the stages of the innovation process «research – production», as well as by combinations of these stages, that allows us to study and analyze the strengths and weaknesses in each region under study. The study of the innovativeness of the regions is based on the methodology of measuring and evaluating competitive attractiveness. To characterize the level of innovation in the regions it is proposed to calculate the coefficient of competitive attractiveness for each region of the Northwestern Federal District. It shows how much the analyzed region lags behind the advanced one in terms of the estimated indicator. The proposed methodology is being tested on the example of the regions of the Northwestern Federal District according to official statistical data 2021. In each of the variants of combinations of stages of innovative competitive attractiveness regions are typologized into three groups according to the degree of innovation, divided into groups of high innovation, medium, as well as reduced and low. General conclusions are drawn about the innovative competitive attractiveness of the regions of the North-West according to the stages of the innovation process «research – production».

Characterization of the Innovation Management of the Hotel Portoviejo

Purpose: The purpose of the research is aimed at characterizing the innovative behavior of a city hotel in Portoviejo based on the low level of technological innovation. Theoretical Framework: Innovation transcends all organizations, the traditional interpretation of the concept related to patents and inventions has gone down in history. Today in the business world of high competitiveness and high uncertainty the maxim is: innovate or perish. What this work proposes is related to the management of innovation, but not in manufacturing, but in services, where the technological level also increases dramatically, and high qualifications and careful customer service are required. The applied model is based on the functions of Technology and Innovation Management (GTI), these are: technology inventory, technology enrichment, technology optimization, technological evaluation, and technology protection. Method: The research is qualitative and quantitative with an exploratory and descriptive study with a non-experimental design and the Technology and Innovation management model is supported by the MINGI SOFWARE, which is based on the functions of the GTI and presents tools that characterize and evaluate the process. innovative. In this study, the analysis of business perspectives, the determination of the business model (Traditional or innovative), and the innovative culture of the Hotel are determined as innovative tools. Results and Conclusion: As a result, an innovative characterization of the accommodation, restoration and recreation processes is obtained; concluding that the hotel follows traditional management practices, its business perspective is aimed at sales and not the market and its innovative culture is low, hence to achieve a sustainable service process it must establish an action plan that allows the breaking of the gaps to reach a higher stage with good innovation management practices. Implications of the Research: The main contribution is in the application of the GTI characterizing tools in Ecuador and the projection necessary to increase the innovative intensity in the hotel activity. Originality/Value: The work presents originality, since the model has not been applied in South America and can contribute to good socio-environmental management practices in the hotel business.

Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): Analysis of the Technological Transfer Process and Innovation Dynamics in the Swiss Building Sector

Solar has confirmed its dominance among all power generation technologies, and along with the demand for zero-emission buildings, Photovoltaics (PV) is contributing to transforming the building skin. More than 200 products for Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) are commercialized nowadays in the EU market. However, only 1–3% of all PV installations are BIPV due to the weak penetration in the construction sector. At the state of the art, the sector lacks a specific analysis from a construction technology perspective, describing the dynamics and the traits that BIPV innovation articulates on construction and architectural processes. The authors, elaborating a new model from the building technology sector to explore the relationship between PV technology and architectural innovation, aim to identify the main principles, forms, and approaches that describe the structural organization of the “integrability” concept of PV in buildings. This study applies the method to a database of 233 real buildings located in Switzerland, a unique country leading with a 10% BIPV rate on PV installations documented between the years 1997 and 2023. The novel findings of the research suggest the definition of the levels of innovation and the reference traits of the innovative process of BIPV in the Swiss construction sector, which can also be used in other practical applications and contexts. The results of the paper are expected to impact both the scientific academy and the key players from the construction sector, encouraging the adoption of an integrated research and design approach to revolutionize the energy role of building skins with PV.

Enterprise innovation efficiency and government subsidies: Perspectives based on international investment rules

As international investment rule standards become increasingly stringent, they dampen firms' enthusiasm to enhance innovation levels through overseas investment. This study, utilizing data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2022, examines the relationship between international investment rules, enterprise innovation efficiency, and government innovation subsidies. The findings reveal: (1) Stricter international investment rule standards suppress the Enterprise innovation efficiency; (2) Government innovation subsidies serve as a moderating factor between international investment rules and enterprise innovation efficiency; (3) The impact of international investment rules on enterprise innovation efficiency exhibits heterogeneity across different regions, industries, and enterprise natures.

The impact of lifelong learning and investments in employee development on employee productivity and performance

This abstract highlights the significant positive influence of lifelong learning on both individual employee performance and broader organizational effectiveness. In today's dynamic and ever-evolving work environment, the concept of lifelong learning stands as a cornerstone for individual and organizational growth. This study investigates the profound impact of lifelong learning initiatives on employee performance within various professional settings. The findings underscore the pivotal role of lifelong learning in fostering a culture of adaptability, skill enrichment, and heightened problem-solving capabilities among employees. As employees engage in continuous education, upskilling, and professional development, a direct and positive effect on individual performance is observed. The acquisition of new competencies and knowledge positively influences productivity, innovation, and overall job proficiency. Moreover, the study revealed that a commitment to lifelong learning not only contributes to improved individual performance but also impacts organizational outcomes. Organizations that encourage a culture of continuous learning see higher levels of employee engagement, lower turnover rates, and greater levels of innovation and flexibility. A learning-centric workplace such as this leads to improved organizational performance and a competitive advantage in the marketplace. The abstract closes by arguing for the incorporation of lifelong learning initiatives into organizational strategy, emphasizing their role in improving employee performance and cultivating a resilient and adaptive workforce capable of managing the changing needs of the modern workplace.

Psychological factors influencing consumer intentions to consume cultured meat, fish and dairy

This study investigates the structure of factors that influence consumer intentions to both try and to consume cultured proteins, and their intentions to substitute vegan, vegetarian and omnivore diets with these alternative protein sources. Comprehensive survey data (N = 3862) was collected from three Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, and Norway) and analysed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Theoretically, this article draws from behavioural models of environmental psychology, identity theory, and attitude theory. Results indicate that beliefs about the necessity of an industry producing cultured proteins and impacts of cultured proteins on the global economy are significant predictors of consumer intentions. Moreover, participants who exhibited high levels of general and food innovativeness were more likely to express positive intentions to consume cultured proteins. Social norms influenced consumer intentions: Individuals surrounded by positive attitudes and intentions toward cultured proteins within their social networks were more inclined to want to consume these products. The predictor variables in the final model accounted for between 39% and 66% of the variance in the different cultured proteins related intentions. Understanding consumer intentions better can inform targeted communication strategies aimed at promoting the advantages of cultured proteins and facilitating its adoption.

The Influence of Green Supply Chain Management on Collaborative Innovation in Manufacturing Enterprises

This study utilizes questionnaire data collected from manufacturing enterprises in various regions through a survey method. It employs a moderated mediation model to empirically analyze the impact of green supply chain management on collaborative innovation and its underlying mechanisms. The results indicate that green supply chain management can promote collaborative innovation levels by fostering green innovation, and corporate social capital positively moderates the mediating effect of green innovation in the latter path. The research findings contribute to the further enhancement of collaborative innovation levels in manufacturing enterprises, expand the research on the antecedents of collaborative innovation, and provide a basis for the sustainable development of manufacturing.

From crisis to opportunity through innovation

PurposeThis study aims to explore the strategic decisions at innovation level implemented by firms to thrive and transform themselves during crises. This study also aims to provide insights to answer the question: Why do some firms decide to implement certain types of innovation during a crisis?Design/methodology/approachThis research was carried out through a multiple case study involving 22 firms. The methods were implemented in three steps to increase rigor and the replication of the study: identification and selection of cases, data collection through interviews triangulated with online information and analysis based on aggregating themes and finding patterns.FindingsIn the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the companies analyzed focused their activities mainly on developing new features or functionalities for their products or services. Most of the firms implemented innovations across nearly all ten categories outlined by Keeley et al. (2013). Many of the implemented innovations involved personalized and superior service enhancements, process efficiency optimizations, channel diversification initiatives and new ways to collaborate to generate value. In general, the main drivers that led firms to decide to implement these innovations include reducing costs, enhancing operational efficiency, generating new revenue streams, augmenting sales and enhancing client relationships.Practical implicationsThis research significantly advances the convergence of innovation, strategy and crisis in three impactful ways. First, it constructs a pragmatic and evidence-based framework, consolidating the primary catalysts, innovation categories and strategies adopted by firms in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis. Second, it offers insights for guiding decision-making processes related to innovation, presenting actionable recommendations derived from the study’s findings. Thirdly, this study highlights critical perspectives that can guide governmental intervention, facilitating the formulation of more tailored and effective policies to assist companies during crisis periods.Originality/valueThis study centers on developing countries, specifically examining Colombian firms, considering their unique characteristics and priorities. Surprisingly, there is a scarcity of studies delving into the innovation and transformation of firms during the COVID-19 crisis in nations sharing cultural, economic and political similarities with Colombia.

Harnessing the green frontier: The impact of green finance reform and digitalization on corporate green innovation

This paper empirically examines the impact of green finance reform and digitalization on corporate green innovation among non-financial and real estate listed companies in China's capital market using a generalized difference-in-differences method. The results indicate that green finance reform coupled with digital transformation significantly enhances the level of corporate green innovation. Further, heterogeneity tests reveal that the promoting effect of green finance reform and digitalization on corporate green innovation is more pronounced in non-state-owned and manufacturing enterprises.

CORPORATE FINANCIALIZATION AND GREEN TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION: EVIDENCE FROM CHINESE-LISTED MANUFACTURING COMPANIES

We examine the relationship between corporate financialization and green technological innovation using data on manufacturing companies during 2007–2020. We find that corporate financialization reduces the level of green technology innovation. Heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that financialization’s impact on green technological innovation varies across different enterprise types, especially for private enterprises, high-tech enterprises, and enterprises in eastern and western regions. Moreover, financial constraints will strengthen the influence of financialization on green technological innovation while managerial myopia will weaken the influence of financialization. The empirical insights advance our understanding of the relationship and mechanisms between financial asset investment behavior and green technological innovation in manufacturing enterprises.

Using machine learning for NEETs and sustainability studies: Determining best machine learning algorithms

In this study, we apply and compare different algorithms from machine learning to describe and predict NEET rates in 31 European countries in the period from 2005 to 2020. With this aim, we considered eleven indicators describing the socio-economic national context and the level of innovation of the economies. Besides improving knowledge about the use of machine learning algorithms for the description of the NEET phenomenon, we discuss the connections between NEETs and other indicators that connect with other relevant sustainable development goals (SDGs), such as education, the reduction of inequalities, and decent work for everyone. The reduction of NEET rates is the only goal directly addressed to young people, The article underscores the need for evidence-based approaches to measure SDG achievement, especially concerning the heterogeneous NEET population. It emphasizes the importance of machine learning algorithms as a modern methodology for understanding and addressing the NEET phenomenon within the framework of SDGs, considering the complex interrelationships of socio-economic factors contributing to social and economic sustainability.

Impacts of Low-Carbon City Pilot Policy on Urban Land Green Use Efficiency: Evidence from 283 Cities in China

On the global scale, the low-carbon city pilot policy (LCCPP) has important significance for and influence on the study of urban land green use efficiency (ULGUE). Based on the panel data of 283 cities in China from 2007 to 2019, this study uses the super-SBM model, multi-period DID model, spatial econometric model, intermediary effect model, and heterogeneity analysis methods to deeply explore the specific impact mechanism of LCCPP on ULGUE. The results show the following: (1) During the study period, the average ULGUE of the selected samples increased by 11.71 percentage points overall and showed a certain spatial agglomeration effect. (2) LCCPP has a significant promoting effect on the improvement of ULGUE, and there is a positive spatial spillover effect. (3) The impact of LCCPP on ULGUE is mainly achieved through two paths: reducing energy utilization intensity and improving urban innovation level. (4) In cities with different levels of land green use efficiency, geographical location, and resource endowment, there are significant differences in policy effects. This paper puts forward countermeasures and suggestions to comprehensively promote the sustainable development of global cities and the improvement of land green use efficiency.

Deleveraging, Debt Default Risk, and Enterprise Innovation: Evidence from China

This study, at the micro level, takes the Chinese central government's implementation of the "deleveraging" policy as a quasi natural experiment. Based on data from listed companies from 2013 to 2017, this study introduces the Metron default distance that balances financial indicators and asset value fluctuations to measure default risk. Therefore, the DID method is used to test the innovation situation of enterprises with high default risk under the "deleveraging" policy. Research has found that companies with significant default risks under policy shocks have significantly improved their innovation levels and increased their innovation achievements. Furthermore, this research studies the mechanism of the "deleveraging" policy on enterprise innovation from three perspectives: enterprise financing, investment, and business management. The implementation of the "deleveraging" policy will enhance the cash holdings and management governance level of enterprises with high default risk, thereby promoting enterprise innovation.

Architectural technology and labour organisation at the late Neolithic Liangzhu City, Yangtze Delta region, China

Building the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site of Liangzhu City and its hinterlands was an enormous undertaking that required an unprecedented level of architectural innovations, clever logistic planning, and sophisticated labour organisation. We draw on environmental, archaeological and experimental data on the preparation and construction of grass-wrapped clay blocks at the Liangzhu City and investigate the importance of technological innovations to understand architectural energetics and labour organisation behind the unprecedented urbanisation at Liangzhu and beyond in prehistoric Yangtze Delta region. We estimate that each clay block took only around 5 min to prepare by 2–4 workers. Considering digging and other tasks, a small group of 3–4 workers would have been the most efficient arrangement in the preparation of grass-wrapped clay blocks. We reproduced different types of clay blocks, classified their sizes, and identified the standard sized (45x15 × 15cm) clay blocks that match with archaeological finds. Our results also show that standard-sized clay blocks had a more optimal grass-earth ratio which increased the drainage efficiency of the built clay-blocked structures and their resistance to weathering in wet conditions. The different architectural technologies applied by the Liangzhu builders constituted the Liangzhu builders’ earth-building toolkit. To maximize the efficiency, labour was divided and organised according to different construction tasks. The clay-blocked structures and stone beddings were mostly built by smaller groups, who were responsible for the preparation, transportation and construction tasks. Mobilization and division of labour during these construction activities might not follow the classical top-down process. Instead, the need to apply different architectural technologies, each restrained by availability of resources, convenience of transportation, and/or intrinsic engineering properties, at construction sites in a predominantly aquatic environment, prompted a creative form of labour organisation. Our study therefore provides fresh insights into understanding labour organisation, social structure and power relations at the Liangzhu Civilisation.

Investigating the impact of artificial intelligence development on water pollution in China

Analysing the impacts of AI development on water pollution is of great significance for improving water environment management measures and promoting global sustainable development. In this study, macro and micro panel data of China from 2008 to 2019 were used to measure the development level of AI at the industry and provincial levels in China, and a panel data regression model was constructed to analyse the effects of AI development on water pollution and regional heterogeneity. The measurement results show that the development level of AI is increasing. Among the six industries, the intelligence level of the manufacturing industry has developed the fastest, by approximately 48.74 times compared with the baseline. At the provincial level, Guangdong Province made the greatest progress in intelligence level, increasing by approximately 23.6 times. The regression results show that AI technology is helpful in reducing the level of water pollution, and this conclusion remains valid after the regression of instrumental variables and robustness testing. In terms of regional heterogeneity, AI technology can significantly reduce the degree of water pollution in eastern and western China. However, the development of AI technology in the central region has no significant impact on water pollution, and a risk of increasing the degree of water pollution exists. The reasons may be that the eastern region has high levels of economic vitality and technological innovation and a strong ability to transform AI achievements, which can significantly improve the water environment. Industrial support policies in the western region are strong, and the application of AI can quickly improve production methods and significantly reduce water pollution levels. In comparison, the levels of economic development, technological innovation, and policy support in the central region need to be strengthened, so the environmental effect of AI is not significant.

Government reform and innovation performance in China

Innovation is key for economic growth and well-being. The capacity for innovation, however, is profoundly influenced by the quality of local institutions. Although the impact of national institutions on innovation is well-documented, the effects of subnational institutional variations on innovation remain underexplored. This paper studies the impact of government agency reforms, designed to enhance local government effectiveness, on the innovation performance of city-regions in China. We examine the adoption of these reforms between 2009 and 2016 as an exogenous shock to regional institutions. Our analysis identifies a positive and significant relationship between improvements in institutional quality and the innovation performance of Chinese city-regions, particularly pronounced in regions with medium to high levels of innovation. The results are robust to a series of checks including placebo and endogeneity tests and potential confounding policies. This research highlights the critical role of government institutions in driving innovation across China, bringing to the fore important regional variations in the adoption of government agency reforms that are defining the country’s innovation landscape.

The Impact of Digital Infrastructure Development on the Consumption Upgrade of the Population

Building new infrastructure, which is embodied in digital infrastructure, has a major influence on China's economy's quality of development while also having a major effect on the upgrading of citizens' consumption. This paper uses the entropy weight method to synthesize the composite index of residents' consumption upgrading and the composite index of digital infrastructure construction based on panel data from 31 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2020. Then, it applies the two-way fixed effect model to study and analyze the relationship between residents' consumption upgrading and the development of digital infrastructure. The results of the study show that, firstly, the construction of digital infrastructure is conducive to enhancing residents' consumption upgrading, and passes the stability test and endogeneity test. Second, the mediating effect analysis shows that digital infrastructure construction promotes residents' consumption upgrading through industrial structure upgrading and increasing income level. Third, the promoting effect of digital infrastructure construction on residents' consumption upgrading is more significant for residents with lower levels of population aging, higher levels of innovation, and residents in the western region. Given this, it is recommended that digital infrastructure development is further developed to optimize the impact of digital infrastructure development on residents' consumption upgrading and to promote residents' consumption upgrading.

Evaluation and influencing factors of green transformation in three major urban agglomerations in China

Since the 21st century, the world has increasingly focused on the issue of sustainable development, and the green transformation issues have become a new hot topic worldwide. Green and low-carbon transformation has become an international consensus. Urban agglomerations are important connections between urban development and regional coordination, as well as important spatial carriers for economic activities. They are not only the main source of carbon emissions, but also the main battlefield for energy conservation and emission reduction. As an important field for carbon reduction, the green transformation of cities is crucial for achieving the “dual carbon” goals. This article focuses on 48 cities in the three most mature and influential urban agglomerations in China from 2011 to 2019, namely, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration, the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, and the Pearl River Delta urban agglomeration. The three-stage DEA model and Malmquist index model are used to measure the green transformation efficiency of the three urban agglomerations from both dynamic and static perspectives, and a Tobit regression model is constructed to explore the influencing factors of green transformation efficiency in urban agglomerations. Research has found that: 1) From a static perspective, the overall efficiency of green transformation in the three major urban agglomerations is at a high level, but from a temporal perspective, it shows a downward trend. The Pearl River Delta urban agglomeration is known for its green development, with the highest average efficiency of green transformation, followed by the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration has the lowest level of green transformation; 2) From a dynamic perspective, technological progress is the main driving factor for improving the efficiency of green transformation in the three major urban agglomerations. Therefore, the government should pay special attention to the progressiveness of technology when formulating relevant policies to promote urban green transformation; 3) From the perspective of spatiotemporal differences, there are significant differences in the spatiotemporal characteristics of green transformation among the three major urban agglomerations, and there are significant differences in green transformation strategies among different urban agglomerations. Eliminating environmental factors and random interference is necessary for accurately measuring the efficiency of green transformation in urban agglomerations; 4) From the perspective of influencing factors, factors such as industrial structure upgrading, green innovation level, and environmental regulation intensity jointly affect the efficiency of green transformation in urban agglomerations. Based on this, we should pay attention to the differences between urban agglomerations and implement policies tailored to local conditions; Strengthen the network system of urban agglomerations and avoid conflicts between cities; Encourage green technology innovation, accelerate industrial structure upgrading, and so on. This article focuses on the issue of green transformation in urban agglomerations, and conducts research from three perspectives: efficiency measurement, influencing factors, and implementation mechanisms. A relatively systematic theoretical framework for green transformation in urban agglomerations is formed, and an evaluation index system for green transformation efficiency in urban agglomerations is constructed and optimized. The composition mechanism of the five dimensional evaluation system for transformation efficiency is analyzed, and the bottleneck and breakthrough direction of the three major urban agglomerations in China in the development process are grasped. It has a good demonstration effect on the green transformation of other urban agglomerations.

How can open public data promote efficient and equitable green production? Evidence from eco-efficiency in China.

Nowadays, concurrent attention to economic development and ecological issues is becoming an important trend. In this paper, we measure the eco-efficiency of 285 Chinese cities from 2003 to 2019 using a non-radial directional distance function and the data envelopment analysis method, based on which we analyze the club convergence of cities' eco-efficiency using the logt test; we estimate the impact of open public data platforms on eco-efficiency and its convergence using a multi-period difference in difference model and panel-ordered logit model, respectively. We find that, first, open public data platforms improve cities' eco-efficiency by about 6.5%, and the impact mechanisms include scale efficiency, technical efficiency, and total factor productivity, or, at the micro level, increasing the economic agglomeration degree, boosting the amount of foreign investment used, and increasing green innovation level. Second, there are three convergence clubs of eco-efficiency in China's cities, whose average eco-efficiency trends are above, close to, and below average, respectively. Third, public data platforms significantly increase the probability of cities belonging to the convergence clubs of high and medium eco-efficiency (Clubs 1 and 2) and decrease the probability of belonging to the low one (Club 3). However, the mechanisms only include technical efficiency and total factor productivity, or the amount of foreign investment used and the green innovation level at the micro level.