Sustainable Collaboration Research Articles

Circular supply chain and circular practices: An analysis from the perspective of sustainability and Industry 4.0

AbstractThe objective of the study was to analyse how the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies can promote circular practices within supply chains, aiming for efficiency, transparency and sustainability. The theoretical framework of the research included concepts from Industry 4.0, sustainability, circular supply chains and emerging technologies, underpinning the analysis of the integration of these elements. The research was conducted through a systematic literature review, analysing 28 articles published between 2017 and 2024 that discussed the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies into circular supply chains. The results indicate that the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies predominantly occurs through the paradox of economic growth, efficiency, and technological innovation. This integration aids in promoting circular practices by identifying waste, opportunities for material reuse, tracking waste and by‐products and predicting product demand with greater accuracy, among other benefits. The conclusion of the research highlights the importance of sustainability, innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration in driving more efficient and sustainable practices within supply chains. The contributions include the expansion of knowledge on the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies into circular supply chains, the identification of opportunities for future research, the encouragement of interdisciplinarity and collaboration, and the promotion of more efficient and sustainable practices across various sectors of the economy.

The Role of Health Systems in Cross-Sector Collaboration in Addressing Social Determinants of Health and Promoting Health and Well-Being.

The articles featured underscore the critical role of trust, strategic planning, and cross-sector partnerships in addressing health inequities, while emphasizing the need for further research on sustainable and cost-effective collaboration models. Tocco and colleagues from Northwell Health describe the formation of the Health Equity Taskforce (HET), initially aimed at equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution on Long Island. The HET has since expanded to address broader health disparities, focusing on community involvement, strategic partnerships, and sustainability. Nemiroff and colleagues discuss collaborations with community partners and payors to address social determinants of health in underserved populations, highlighting opportunities that can facilitate collaborations such as the New York State's Medicaid 1115 Demonstration Waiver.

The Role of Health Systems in Cross-Sector Collaboration in Addressing Social Determinants of Health and Promoting Health and Well-Being.

The articles featured underscore the critical role of trust, strategic planning, and cross-sector partnerships in addressing health inequities, while emphasizing the need for further research on sustainable and cost-effective collaboration models. Tocco and colleagues from Northwell Health describe the formation of the Health Equity Taskforce (HET), initially aimed at equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution on Long Island. The HET has since expanded to address broader health disparities, focusing on community involvement, strategic partnerships, and sustainability. Nemiroff and colleagues discuss collaborations with community partners and payors to address social determinants of health in underserved populations, highlighting opportunities that can facilitate collaborations such as the New York State's Medicaid 1115 Demonstration Waiver.

Service Robots in the Workplace: Fostering Sustainable Collaboration by Alleviating Perceived Burdensomeness

This study investigates the impact of job demands and perceived burdensomeness on employees’ willingness to collaborate with service robots (SRs) in the workplace, with a focus on the moderating effects of organizational support, self-esteem, and self-development. Conducted among 200 employees in South Korea, the results show that higher job demands significantly increase perceived burdensomeness, which negatively affects employees’ willingness to collaborate with SRs. Organizational support moderates the negative impact of job demands, reducing their detrimental effects, although it was less effective in buffering the reduction in social interaction. Self-esteem and self-development positively moderated the relationship between burdensomeness and collaboration. This study contributes to the understanding of sustainable workforce management by highlighting the importance of fostering personal and organizational resources to ensure that SR integration enhances both operational efficiency and employee well-being. The findings align with broader sustainability goals by promoting human–robot collaboration that optimizes resource use, enhances workforce adaptability, and maintains social and psychological balance in the workplace.

Science diplomacy in the European and Latin American and Caribbean research infrastructure collaboration

Abstract Research infrastructures (RIs) are crucial for scientific progress, innovation, and global development, necessitating international collaboration due to their complexity and cost. Science diplomacy (SD) plays a vital role in facilitating policy design, resource pooling, and governance for effective collaboration in RIs. Multinational cooperation in RIs provides financial relief and access to advanced technology and promotes cutting-edge research, benefiting scientific development and socioeconomic growth. This article explores the role of SD in European-Latin American and Caribbean (EU-LAC) RI collaboration, underscoring the importance of diverse and equitable inter-RI collaboration. The study addresses challenges in EU-LAC collaboration, emphasizing the unequal development of RIs and the need for political support. Through interpretive policy studies and stakeholder interviews, the research contributes to formulating an ideal type and a feasible scenario for sustainable collaboration, discussing policy implications and highlighting the pivotal role of SD in successful international RI partnerships.

Factors for sustainable cross-sector collaboration for health equity: a Dutch qualitative study

Abstract Background Cross-sectoral collaboration between healthcare and the social domain is necessary to address the complexity of health inequity. However, this collaboration is often unsustainable in the long-term, for example due to temporary budgets and professionals changing jobs. We explored the factors that facilitate or restrain sustainable cross-sectoral collaboration by applying an interdisciplinary theoretical lens combining insights from relevant frameworks from governance, interprofessional learning and health policy. Following, we applied the framework in an ‘Integrated Community Approach’ in two Dutch cities (Utrecht and Amersfoort). Methods A qualitative research was conducted, involving 32 semi-structured interviews with professionals involved in an ‘Integrated Community Approach’ in the two Dutch cities in 2022 and 2023. Participants worked at various levels of the municipality, or as a local professional in the medical or social domain in the community. Thematic analysis and a deductive approach were employed- based on the theoretical framework. Results We identified nine components as important for sustainable cross-sectoral collaboration. Whether these components acted as facilitator or barrier varied between participants, depending on their position and organizational context. The nine components could be summarized into three main mechanisms: 1) the foundation for collaboration, which is dependent on having a shared vision and the competencies to engage residents; 2) a pre-condition, which is having support at management level and having the right resources; 3) support, which is provided by data and flexibility. Conclusions Long-term cross-sectoral collaboration is important, complex and depends on various interconnected factors. To improve cross-sectoral collaboration in the long term, it is necessary to disentangle each theme and conduct in-depth analysis of each one individually to facilitate deeper understanding of the context and problem. Key messages • Collaboration between medical and social sectors is challenging, yet significance is clear. While the start is evident, sustaining the ‘how’ is unclear. • The opportunities and obstacles of cross-domain collaboration vary among stakeholders, influenced by both their organization and position within it.

The culture of small institutions: Unique spaces for meaningful and sustainable collaboration between academic affairs and student affairs

AbstractCollaboration between academic and student affairs fosters meaningful student engagement, supports academic achievement, and facilitates a robust campus community. Although these partnerships can be challenging to develop, small institutions occupy a unique position in higher education, as these collaborations are highly valued as fundamental to the campus culture and an essential factor in the practical life of the institution. By focusing specifically on the role of the faculty in collaboration with student affairs professionals at small institutions, this article demonstrates the unique and tremendous power of small institutions in fostering meaningful, robust, and sustainable partnerships between academic and student affairs. Because of their histories, traditions, and structure, small institutions possess a strong and distinct foundation for collaborative work with corresponding benefits and challenges. Finally, this article provides practical recommendations for student affairs professionals at small institutions about ways to draw upon their distinct culture and to understand why these partnerships are important for our students and their development, for faculty and student affairs professionals, for our institutions that are faced with mounting economic, social, and political pressures, and for the public good more broadly.

Formalizing the role of community key individuals in Utrecht, the Netherlands

Abstract Issue The disconnect between (underserved) communities and governmental bodies in Utrecht, The Netherlands, has led to uneven access to (essential) healthcare services, increasing health inequalities. This gap is often bridged by key community individuals, whose roles have historically been informal. Key individuals are often seen as volunteers who are necessary to gain access to certain communities but are rarely seen as equals in a project team, resulting in mistrust and reduced collaboration on the long term on the side of the key individuals. Description of the problem This practice describes the start of a new foundation in Utrecht that formalizes and compensates key individuals’ roles in public (health) projects. The aim was to empower them and to encourage continued participation. Effects In 2024, the foundation supported key individuals in three government projects, including a childhood vaccination awareness campaign. Interviews revealed that key individuals felt more empowered and equally valued compared to other project members. They also felt a strong responsibility for project success. However, some noted that formal structures could be restrictive. The government felt more convenience working with a formal foundation. Lessons Empowering key individuals is crucial for effective collaboration in public health. There needs to be a balance between formal structures and the flexibility of informal approaches to prevent barriers for key individuals to participate in government projects. Key messages • Formalizing key individual roles enhances public health interventions. • Fair compensation to key individuals fosters sustainable collaboration.

Leveraging Islamic Social Finance for Fair and Sustainable Tertiary Education Funding for Orphans in Malaysia: Insights from Sri Lanka

The primary objective of this paper is to draw lessons from Sri Lanka's experience with OrphanCare utilizing Islamic social finance, while also identifying avenues through which Malaysia could establish a sustainable model for achieving a similar purpose. This study uses a qualitative, exploratory approach to investigate the operational framework of OrphanCare in Sri Lanka and its potential lessons for Malaysia. Due to limited secondary sources, an unstructured interview with OrphanCare representatives was conducted to gather in-depth insights. The research unfolds in two phases: first, data collection from both primary (interviews) and secondary (reports, literature) sources to identify gaps and challenges; and second, the analysis of this data using content analysis. The OrphanCare interview from Sri Lanka offers crucial insights for Malaysia's mission in enabling orphan access to higher education. Challenges, like financial constraints and limited support networks, align with Malaysia's inequality reduction goals. Tertiary education benefits, including employability and personal growth, are highlighted. Islamic social finance lessons stress its transformative potential, while collaboration and long-term commitment are its strengths. Recommendations include education funds, support networks, career guidance, awareness campaigns, and sustainable collaborations. A regulatory framework featuring the Orphans Education Fund with a 2% annual contribution from listed companies, managed by National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), is proposed. This paper demonstrates originality by uniquely proposing the utilization of Islamic Social Finance to enhance orphan access to tertiary education. It draws insights from Sri Lanka's OrphanCare model and presents innovative strategies for Malaysia to tackle inequalities through collaborative efforts and a robust regulatory framework.

Extreme Heat and Air Quality: Community Leader Perspectives on Information Barriers and Opportunities in Two Environmental Justice Communities.

Extreme heat and air pollution exposure are leading causes of adverse cardiorespiratory health outcomes. Exposure reduction strategies are often focused at the local level. This study examined critical challenges community leaders face in understanding and sharing environmental exposure and health information. We conducted interviews with 19 community leaders of two urban environmental justice communities in Massachusetts, United States. Using directed content analysis, we examined air quality and heat perceptions, information and data resources, and barriers to understanding and communicating relevant local information. Participants shared concerns about both poor air quality and extreme heat. They also expressed the opinion that exposure risk information about these topics is siloed; heat and air quality data can be hard to access, interpret, and effectively communicate with community members. Solutions recommended by participants included community engagement, open-data portals, and creative science communication. Increasing sustainable collaborations among academic, government, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors is recommended.

Academic partnerships in transforming nursing and midwifery education in Africa: a systematic scoping review protocol

BackgroundIn recent decades, the literature on global partnerships in nursing and midwifery education, to enhance the quality of education and produce competent graduates in the labor market, is on the rise in Africa. However, there is a gap regarding the best practices and barriers in the African context. This systematic scoping review aims to map the evidence on academic partnerships in transforming nursing and midwifery education in Africa.MethodsThe review will be guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s methodology framework through five stages: (1) Identifying the research question, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) study selection, (4) charting the data, and (5) collecting, summarizing, and reporting the results. A search will be conducted with the use of the following electronic databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Applied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Additional gray literature will be searched via the World Health Organization’s website to locate relevant policies and guidelines. The search will be limited to work published in English from 2014 to 2023. All located resources will be exported to EndNote X8. All duplicates will be removed during when the abstracts are screened. Two independent reviewers will screen and extract the full text of the selected articles. Thematic analysis will be used to analyze data from this systematic scoping review.DiscussionMapping the evidence on global partnerships in transforming nursing and midwifery education in Africa will outline the best practices and preferences for sustainable collaboration. The review will also highlight knowledge gaps and limitations that could inform future research projects.Systematic review registrationhttps://osf.io/h83cy

Building locally anchored implementation science capacity: the case of the adolescent HIV implementation science alliance-supported local iS alliances.

The Fogarty International Center-led Adolescent HIV Implementation Science Alliance (AHISA) supports region-/country-specific implementation science (IS) alliances that build collaborations between research, policy, and program partners that respond to local implementation challenges. AHISA supported the development of seven locally-led IS alliances: five country-specific (i.e., Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia), one in Central and West Africa, and one with youth researchers. This article outlines the aims, activities, and outcomes of local alliances, demonstrating how they enhance sustainable IS activities to address local challenges. We conducted a desk review of each alliance's funding applications, reports, and data from the initial findings of a larger AHISA evaluation. The review analyzes common approaches, highlights their local relevance, and summarizes initial outcomes. The local alliances have a common goal: to expand implementation of successful interventions to improve adolescent HIV. We identified four overarching themes across the local alliances' activities: capacity building, priority setting, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge dissemination. Research capacity building activities include long-term mentorship between junior and senior researchers and short-term training for non-research partners. Setting priorities with members identifies local research needs and streamlines activities. Alliances incorporate substantial engagement between partners, particularly youth, who may serve as leaders and co-create activities. Dissemination shares activities and results broadly. Local IS alliances play a key role in building sustainable IS learning and collaboration platforms, enabling improved uptake of evidence into policy and programs, increased IS research capacity, and shared approaches to addressing implementation challenges.

Reimagining Architecture Education in India: Prioritizing Sustainability, Innovation, and Multidisciplinary Collaboration through the Lens of Ancient Indian Cities

This paper explores the potential transformation of architecture education in India by integrating principles of sustainability, innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration, drawing inspiration from the ancient Indian city planning methodologies. Through an examination of historical urban design practices, this study proposes a re-evaluation of contemporary architectural pedagogy to address contemporary India’s pressing issues of environmental sustainability, technological advancement, and interdisciplinary engagement.

A Bibliometric Review of Creative Economy Entrepreneurship: Implications for Community Empowerment Strategies

This study presents a bibliometric review of creative economy entrepreneurship, focusing on its implications for community empowerment strategies. Using data from Google Scholar and Scopus, the analysis covers publications from 1997 to 2024. The VOSviewer software was used to conduct co-citation, keyword co-occurrence, and network mapping analyses to identify key research trends, influential authors, and emerging topics. Results show that "creative industry" is central to discussions, with frequent connections to themes like "local wisdom," "business development," and "digital transformation." The study highlights the growing importance of digital tools and sustainability in creative entrepreneurship, particularly in empowering marginalized communities. The analysis also reveals distinct author collaboration clusters, pointing to limited interdisciplinary interactions that could benefit from further exploration. Overall, the findings suggest that while creative economy entrepreneurship is a promising tool for community empowerment, more research is needed on digital inclusion, sustainability, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. This review contributes to the understanding of how creative industries can drive both economic growth and social empowerment.

The pivotal role of higher education institutions in cultivating a sustainable development goals-centric culture

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the contribution of higher education institutions (HEIs) to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and propose strategies to cultivate a culture centred on the SDGs in HEIs.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology used encompassed an integrative literature review, combining bibliographic analysis on how HEIs incorporate the SDGs into their practices, adopting a qualitative approach for the analysis and categorization of the results.FindingsThe multifaceted contributions of HEIs in promoting the SDGs stand out, through their roles in teaching, research, management and integration and communication between university and society.Research limitations/implicationsWhile influencing policies at various levels, HEIs encounter challenges in the effective integration of SDGs into their strategies. This underscores the need for contextualized governance, understanding students’ perspectives on sustainability and active external collaboration in policy formulation.Practical implicationsThere is an urgent need to integrate SDGs into academic programmes, emphasizing the importance of redesigning curricula, actively involving teachers, researchers and students, establishing partnerships and promoting research applied to SDGs.Social implicationsThe social relevance of the study lies in the emphasis on an SDG-centred culture, involving teaching, research, outreach, community engagement and governance practices.Originality/valueThe study’s uniqueness lies in identifying persistent challenges during the transition to an SDG-centred culture, necessitating multisectoral collaboration and educational programmes that integrate sustainability principles into the strategy of HEIs.

APPLICATION OF NANOSENSOR BASED SCREEN PRINTED ELECTRODE FOR ANALYSIS OF ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER FOR PHARMACISTS AND ANALYST IN PONTIANAK

The development of nanotechnology in the world is very rapid, and the applications of nanotechnology can be felt in various fields in everyday life. For instance, to control food, nanotechnology plays a role in creating early detection tools for food additives, which are known to be dangerous if consumed by humans in excess, such as the presence of colorants that are not permitted or food additives that exceed tolerance limits. Nanosensors based on screen print electrodes (SPE) are devices that can be used for detection with various notable properties such as fast, sensitive and portable. Seeing the importance of developing and down streaming nanotechnology to society, education regarding the role of nanotechnology needs to be carried out. In this activity, nanotechnology applied in the manufacture of nanosensor devices was introduced, especially to analysts at the drug and food control center and the health service. Apart from that, through this activity, sustainable collaboration can be established between the community service team who are researchers in the field of nanosensors and users in the field who are drug and food regulatory bodies, to develop nanosensor technology according to needs in the field. This activity will be carried out in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, specifically aimed at pharmacists and analysts in the drug and food control center, health service, and industry and trade service (Disperindag). This activity will include education about nanotechnology applications in various fields as well as a demonstration on the use of SPE-based naosensor devices. From this event, in future the analyst may do the analysis in field without waiting long time analysis in laboratory. From this community service activities, scientific articles and publications can be produced in print/electronic media, as well as videos of community service activities, in accordance with the main performance indicators determined nationally.

Sustainable Collaboration and Incentive Policies for the Integration of Professional Education and Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education (IPEIEE)

The Integration of Professional Education and Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education (IPEIEE) has been recognized as an important direction for the development of higher education in enhancing the innovation and entrepreneurship awareness and ability of college students. However, universities and teachers are facing challenges while promoting IPEIEE, namely, various stakeholders, the unreasonable design of the curriculum system, and the lack of relevant incentive policies. In addition, IPEIEE in many universities has been placed on hold. Few studies have examined the innovation regime in IPEIEE, despite it being a dilemma that the field confronts. Thus, taking into account the roles of universities, teachers, and students in the evolutionary game model, this paper firstly constructs an evolutionary game model for teachers and students, in which the costs and parameters affecting the benefit matrix, as well as the stability strategy, are refined. Secondly, the behavior of universities is introduced to examine the effects of universities on strategic choices of teachers and students. Finally, a mechanism analysis is conducted in combination with the principal–agent model to gain a deeper understanding of the evolutionary stability of stakeholder strategies in the IPEIEE. The findings emphasize potential Evolutionary Stable Strategies (ESS) that universities, as promoters and guides, should take as measures concerning both economic encouragement and management encouragement to promote IPEIEE, so as that the ‘ideal state’ can be achieved. Furthermore, if specific incentives for different stakeholders are proposed and set at an appropriate intensity, this will encourage active cooperation among these stakeholders. This paper explores the evolution mechanism of innovation strategies in IPEIEE from the perspective of stakeholders, offering a better comprehension of the dynamic evolution of these strategies. The key findings also offer support for policymakers to promote the mutual development of agents in the IPEIEE, thus enhancing the overall sustainable collaborative capability of the IPEIEE.

Cost-effectiveness of promoting population health management through education, seminars, and participatory learning for individuals diagnosed with chronic diseases

Population health management is a sustainable, strategic, and interprofessional collaboration that focuses on the health needs of individuals diagnosed with and living with chronic diseases. A chronic disease is defined as a longstanding health condition that persists for more than a year and requires ongoing medical care, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Since many chronic diseases are incurable, the management and financial burden of chronic diseases remain significant concerns for individuals, clinicians, and health-care systems. Preventing and managing chronic diseases through health promotion and education continues to be a fundamental cost-effective strategy. Educational seminars and participatory learning for individuals with chronic diseases play an important role in improving health outcomes and reducing health-care costs. This perspective aims to highlight objective insights into how health education contributes to cost-effectiveness and strategic population health management.

Motivators and mechanisms for an international rural health collaboration

Collaborations are critical to address rural health challenges. We evaluated a new international collaboration between institutions in Georgia, the United States (US), and Scotland, United Kingdom (UK), to address rural health issues and to understand the barriers and facilitators to effective international collaboration efforts. A qualitative approach was used through in-depth interviews and focus groups with educators, researchers, and healthcare providers in the US and Scotland who were involved in the CONVERGE international rural health collaboration. Transcriptions were imported into the NVivo qualitative software program. A reflexive thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes from the collected data. Twelve interviews and two focus groups were conducted virtually with 17 participants. Two primary domains were identified from the thematic analysis: (1) motivators that increase engagement in international collaboration, and (2) mechanisms for, and barriers to, the continuity needed to create meaningful change. Six themes emerged related to commonality of issues, prospect of sharing knowledge, need of sustained funding and institutional support, and selection of human resources. Participants of CONVERGE were more likely to engage when they had a space to share ways to address challenging issues and integrate knowledge and practice. They were motivated by their desire for growth and the institutions they serve and emphasized that infrastructure support is vital for sustainable collaborations.

Mapping biomimicry research to sustainable development goals

This study systematically evaluates biomimicry research within the context of sustainable development goals (SDGs) to discern the interdisciplinary interplay between biomimicry and SDGs. The alignment of biomimicry with key SDGs showcases its interdisciplinary nature and potential to offer solutions across the health, sustainability, and energy sectors. This study identified two primary thematic clusters. The first thematic cluster focused on health, partnership, and life on land (SDGs 3, 17, and 15), highlighting biomimicry's role in healthcare innovations, sustainable collaboration, and land management. This cluster demonstrates the potential of biomimicry to contribute to medical technologies, emphasizing the need for cross-sectoral partnerships and ecosystem preservation. The second thematic cluster revolves around clean water, energy, infrastructure, and marine life (SDGs 6, 7, 9, and 14), showcasing nature-inspired solutions for sustainable development challenges, including energy generation and water purification. The prominence of SDG 7 within this cluster indicates that biomimicry significantly contributes to sustainable energy practices. The analysis of thematic clusters further revealed the broad applicability of biomimicry and its role in enhancing sustainable energy access and promoting ecosystem conservation. Emerging research topics, such as metaheuristics, nanogenerators, exosomes, and bioprinting, indicate a dynamic field poised for significant advancements. By mapping the connections between biomimicry and SDGs, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the field's trajectory, emphasizing its importance in advancing global sustainability efforts.