Challenges Of Sustainable Development Research Articles

The Significant Role of Entrepreneurial Bricolage Towards SME’s Innovation Performance in China

The evolvement of sustainability concepts has become a new global aim under the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, for which business enterprises are expected to play a crucial part in adopting sustainable procedures. The United Nations has identified enterprises and entrepreneurial activity, along with innovation, as key components in addressing the challenges of sustainable development. Nonetheless, the influence of business entrepreneurship by small enterprises varies depending on the nature of effort, and in many instances, sustainable entrepreneurship is only a source of instability and resource deployment. The major purpose of this study paper is to speak on the aspects that effect on the development of innovation performance among SMEs and how the entrepreneurial bricolage able to facilitates this process specifically to cope with the pandemic, lost income and customers demanding. The unique influence of entrepreneurial bricolage on innovation performance has yet to be identified for China settings. This study has been established the conceptual framework which constructed five variable which are innovation performance, entrepreneurial bricolage as endogenous variable, while constraint in finance, constraint in human resource and constraint in technology as exogenous variable. This produced conceptual framework backed by the theory of diffusion of innovation and expected to gather the data via questionnaire from the SMEs entrepreneurs’ enterprises in China. This study allows to contribute to the existence body of knowledge and the understanding of the entrepreneurial bricolage and the factors impacting innovation performance among SMEs.

Minor mining, major influence: Economic implications and policy challenges of artisanal gold mining

This study presents an in-depth analysis of the economic policies and implications surrounding artisanal gold mining, reframing the discussion from geographical specifics to a broader policy and economic context. Utilizing advanced geospatial data from the Landsat image collection through “Google Earth Engine,” the research evaluates the economic impact and policy challenges posed by artisanal gold mining over a period from 2011 to 2021. The approach combines change detection methodologies with machine learning to quantify the economic repercussions of land cover changes due to mining. The analysis reveals significant economic transformations, with an average of 2700 ha of land affected annually, culminating in around 48,000 ha over the decade, highlighting a critical period from 2013 to 2020. Importantly, the study identifies policy gaps, especially in the management of protected areas where approximately 800 ha of mining occurred. The findings underscore the urgent need for policy interventions to mitigate the adverse economic and environmental impacts of unregulated mining. The study contributes to a broader understanding of the economic ramifications of artisanal mining and serves as a call to action for policymakers to address the challenges of sustainable mining practices and economic development.

Training Future Managers to Address the Challenges of Sustainable Development: An Innovative, Interdisciplinary, and Multiregional Experience on Corporate Sustainability Education

This paper presents an innovative experience involving students and professors from diverse backgrounds and regions that was designed to integrate corporate sustainability (CS) knowledge into undergraduate programs. An action research approach was adopted, with the course running over one semester. The course involved 146 students with diverse academic backgrounds from universities across Brazil along with eight professors from Brazil, Chile, and South Africa. The proposed approach provides actionable insights into the integration of sustainability concepts in the higher educational setting, thereby contributing to the development of a more environmentally and socially conscious generation of professionals. The learning outcomes are discussed in the light of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Agenda, particularly SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), and SDG 13 (climate action). In addition, it is important to highlight that the dissemination of the course’s key features can be useful for universities, professors, and researchers engaged in training future professionals capable of addressing real-world problems of innovation and sustainability. By employing an action research methodology and fostering collaboration among students and professors with diverse academic backgrounds and from different countries, including Brazil, Chile, and South Africa, this paper presents a multiregional and interdisciplinary perspective that sets it apart from conventional practices. The emphasis on providing actionable insights and its potential applicability for universities, professors, and researchers involved in training future professionals further underscore its distinctive contribution to education for sustainable development.

Does financial inclusion and information communication technology affect environmental degradation in oil-producing countries?

Advances in financial inclusions have contributed to economic growth and poverty alleviation, addressing environmental implications and implementing measures to mitigate climate change. Financial inclusions force advanced countries to progress their policies in a manner that does not hinder developing countries' current and future development. Consequently, this research examined the asymmetric effects of information and communication technology (ICT), financial inclusion, consumption of primary energy, employment to population ratio, and human development index on CO2 emissions in oil-producing countries (UAE, Nigeria, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Norway, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Iraq, USA, and Canada). The study utilizes annual panel data spanning from 1990 to 2021. In addition, this study investigates the validity of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) trend on the entire sample, taking into account the effects of energy consumption and population to investigate the impact of financial inclusion on environmental degradation. The study used quantile regression, FMOLS, and FE-OLS techniques. Preliminary outcomes revealed that the data did not follow a normal distribution, emphasizing the need to use quantile regression (QR). This technique can effectively detect outliers, data non-normality, and structural changes. The outcomes from the quantile regression analysis indicate that ICT consistently reduces CO2 emissions in all quantiles (ranging from the 1st to the 9th quantile). In the same way, financial inclusion, and employment to population ratio constrains CO2 emissions across each quantile. On the other side, primary energy consumption and Human development index were found to increase CO2 emissions in each quantile (1st to 9th). The findings of this research have implications for both the academic and policy domains. By unraveling the intricate interplay between financial inclusion, ICT, and environmental degradation in oil-producing nations, the study contributes to a nuanced understanding of sustainable development challenges. Ultimately, the research aims to guide the formulation of targeted policies that leverage financial inclusion and technology to foster environmentally responsible economic growth in oil-dependent economies.

Comparative performance evaluation of ground-mounted and floating solar PV systems

The global shift towards sustainable energy sources, driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions and ensure energy sustainability, has shifted from traditional fuel-based energy generation to a surge in interest in Renewable Energy Technologies such as Solar Photovoltaic. Solar Photovoltaic energy has the potential to mitigate carbon emissions and achieve energy security that is in line with Sustainable Development Goals but challenges such as land requirements and system efficiency persist. This study compares the performance of ground-mounted and floating solar Photovoltaic systems at the Bui Generating Station in Ghana. The findings reveal that floating PV systems have several superiorities over ground-mounted systems, including lower temperatures, higher energy generation capabilities, and more efficient area cover use. However, floating PV systems are also prone to aluminium frame corrosion of the Photovoltaic modules and other metallic components within the mounting structures, which could be mitigated through design modifications. The superior performance of floating Photovoltaic systems suggests their viability as a strategic tool in achieving renewable energy targets. As floating Photovoltaic technology advances, it promises to create a greener and more resilient energy landscape.

Impact assessment of poverty alleviation on carbon inequality: evidence from households in China

Inequality and climate change are major challenges for sustainable development, but a dilemma between the objectives has been widely observed. Based on the panel data of China Household Finance Survey (CHFS), inequality in carbon emissions across income groups is witnessed, which provides basics for the study. From a quasi-natural experiment, an increase of 9.9% in household per capita carbon emissions (HCEs) of the impoverished group is found after the Targeted Poverty Alleviation policies (TPA) in China, providing evidence for the enhancement of poverty alleviation measures on equal right for household carbon emissions. Specifically, dual mechanism of transfer payments and employment assistance acting as direct and indirect strategies to enhance family wealth are examined as the pathways to carbon equality. Further, a decline in household carbon emission intensity in the impoverished group is also observed after the treatment, which implies the accelerating role of TPA in low-carbon lifestyle formulation for the impoverished families. The findings of this paper confirm the positive effect of TPA policies on carbon equality for households, and also refute the "equality-pollution dilemma", which provide insights for policy makers in formulating equitable decarbonization policies and allocating the carbon budget.

Who is on the campus dance floor of sustainability reporting? The Spanish case

IMPACT In order to address the challenges of sustainable development, it is crucial for most universities to enhance their sustainability reporting (SR) practices. SR may help universities to enhance their legitimacy. SR should be more than just elaborating and presenting a report; it should be linked to a long-term strategic orientation of the university towards sustainability. Further efforts are necessary to ensure that SR becomes deeply integrated into universities’ missions and long-term strategies. This article will be of particular interest to university managers and other stakeholders—particularly associations, networks, regulatory and oversight bodies in the sustainability field.

Consumer protection and sustainable development: key green research areas

Motivation: Consumers are an important link in the socio-economic system. In the literature, there is a noticeable increase in interest on the part of researchers in shaping consumer attitudes and behaviour in various markets, including the issue of pro-environmental attitudes and behaviour. In the context of contemporary transformations and challenges of sustainable development, the importance of solutions aimed at providing consumers with adequate protection against a variety of unfair market practices misleading consumers on the issue of green products and services is growing. The motivation for undertaking this research was the need to highlight the complexity of green issues around consumer protection and, at the same time, to address them from a sustainability perspective. This can be an important step in discussing and setting further research directions in this area. Aim: The aim of this article is to identify key green research areas undertaken around consumer protection issues while addressing them from a sustainable development perspective. The implementation of this objective consisted of a literature review of the subject listed in the Scopus database and the Web of Science database. The methods adopted were a Structured Literature Review with original Q1-Q4 queries and a Classic Literature Review. Results: In economic reality, it can be observed that an increasing number of economic actors are offering products and services that are labelled green. They support the transformation of the current economy toward a green economy. However, the analyses show that consumers are increasingly confronted with the phenomenon of greenwashing. This requires the creation of new solutions to protect consumers against such unfair practices. The results of the considerations undertaken show the interdisciplinary character of the undertaken considerations around the issue of consumer protection in the field of greenwashing.

The cooperative ESG disclosure index: an empirical approach

AbstractGrowing concern about Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance is pushing businesses, including social economy enterprises such as cooperatives, to seek solutions for Sustainable Development (SD) challenges. This study explores the current landscape of ESG reporting by Spanish cooperatives, adding to the limited knowledge about their sustainability disclosure practices. We propose a specific framework for these entities based on non-financial indicators as a preliminary step to develop an index for ESG reporting, the Cooperative ESG Reporting Index (COOPESG). In terms of methodology, the first step is to create an ad hoc database of primary data sourced through the analysis of cooperative websites. Then, by reviewing the indicators reported by these companies, these primary data are then used to develop an index. Our findings show that only half of the sampled cooperatives have a specific section on their website for ESG reporting. Regarding formats, Codes of Ethics were the most frequent type of report used, followed by the publication of information on SDGs. In terms of content disclosed, the social and governance blocks stand out, while the least information is disclosed on the economic and environmental blocks. Furthermore, there is evidence of a size and sector effect on the disclosed content. All this provides valuable insights for scholars and practitioners alike. Thus, the main practical contribution of this paper for cooperative managers is that it supports the effective disclosure of ESG in line with prevailing good practice, addressing emerging social regulation in the context of the European Union. Also, for academia this study offers a practical breakthrough in the analysis of this subject, helping to fill the gap on cooperatives found in the ESG reporting literature and setting a new research agenda.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Environmental Science for Sustainable Urban Planning

The rapid urbanization of modern cities presents significant challenges in sustainable development. To address these challenges, there is a growing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Environmental Science to enhance urban planning processes. This research aims to assess the impact and utility of AI techniques within the framework of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for sustainable urban planning. Specifically, it investigates how AI-enhanced GIS tools can be employed to improve urban development strategies and enhance sustainability assessments. Employing Spatial Analysis with GIS, this study analyzes data on land use, population density, and environmental indicators across several metropolitan areas. The methodology incorporates machine learning algorithms to predict and simulate urban growth patterns, enabling the assessment of various urban planning scenarios. The findings reveal that AI-enhanced GIS tools significantly improve the precision of development forecasts and sustainability assessments. These tools facilitate more informed decision-making in urban planning by enabling precise predictions about urban expansion and its environmental impacts. The integration of AI with environmental science not only enhances the efficiency of urban planning processes but also contributes to the resilience and sustainability of urban environments. The study provides urban planners and policymakers with advanced tools to forecast and mitigate the environmental impacts of urbanization, thereby setting a benchmark for future studies in the realm of sustainable urban planning. This research demonstrates the practical application of AI in enhancing the capabilities of GIS for complex spatial analyses, contributing significantly to the field of urban planning.

Digital Sustainability for Human Resource Management Canvas Meta-Synthesis Approach

In the era of Digital Transformation (DT) and Sustainable Development (SD), the pivotal role of Human Resources (HR) in addressing business challenges has become increasingly evident. These challenges directly impact different HR departments and processes, prompting a need for a strategic overhaul. HR management should continuously adapt its service delivery model to align with the business model and create a balance between internal and external organizational expectations and employee needs, considering the two fundamental challenges of digital transformation and sustainable development, in an agile manner. The critical role of sustainable human resource management in fostering overall business sustainability is evident. However, in many cases, HR management has failed to recognize and demonstrate its cost structure, revenue flow, and social and environmental benefits transparently for the business. This research focuses on presenting the sustainable digital human resource management canvas and its connection to the business canvas to achieve sustainability in the digital era. Employing a qualitative research methodology, this study conducts a meta-synthesis of two pivotal concepts-sustainable human resource management and digital human resource management- leveraging data from reputable databases including Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. Following meticulous screening and examination, a total of 17 articles from Q1-ranked journals were selected as the final articles for a more detailed and in-depth review. The findings from the meta-synthesis results consist of 5 dimensions and 23 components, ultimately presenting the sustainable digital human resource management canvas by modeling it after the business canvas. The distinct feature of this canvas, compared to other similar and conventional models, is the inclusion of individual sustainability in the value proposition and the creation of a digital value component, including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and big data.

Community Development Initiatives and Sustainable Tourism in Rural Thailand: A Case Study of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, renowned for its cultural heritage and natural beauty, faces the dual challenge and opportunity of sustainable tourism development. This paper explores the intricate dynamics of sustainable tourism in Chiang Mai, focusing on community-led initiatives, economic benefits, cultural preservation efforts, challenges, and opportunities. Through case studies and analysis, we examine the role of community participation, environmental stewardship, and cultural authenticity in shaping the future of tourism in the region. Despite facing challenges such as overcrowding, environmental degradation, and social disparities, Chiang Mai holds vast potential for innovative, inclusive, and environmentally responsible tourism practices. By embracing sustainable tourism principles, fostering community empowerment, and leveraging collaborative partnerships, Chiang Mai can chart a path towards a more resilient, equitable, and culturally vibrant tourism destination.

Culture-based agricultural development model in dragen village, Jaten subdistrict, Karanganyar regency

Background: Agriculture plays an important role in a country's economic development. However, the agricultural sector often faces challenges in sustainable development. This research aims to identify the potential and factors causing agricultural problems and analyse structural transformation in Dagen Village, Karanganyar Regency. Methods: The research method used a descriptive approach with data collection through interviews and literature studies. Results: The results showed that Dagen Village has great agricultural potential, but the lack of community interest in the agricultural sector and farmers' lack of knowledge about modern agricultural techniques are the main obstacles in utilising this potential. In addition, structural transformation is also occurring in Dagen Village, where there is a shift from the traditional agricultural sector to the modern economic sector. Findings: The importance of paying attention to cultural aspects in agricultural development and structural transformation is also highlighted in this study, as culture plays a role in shaping people's mindset and behaviour towards agriculture and economic development. Conclusion: Thus, this research provides insight into the importance of integration between aspects of culture, agriculture, and economic development in the context of rural development.

Promoting green transportation through changing behaviors with low-carbon-travel function of digital maps

Climate change is a challenge for global sustainable development. The transportation sector contributes considerably to global greenhouse gas emissions. In China, it accounts for about 10% of total CO2 emissions with high mitigation potential. Public transit systems can save energy and reduce carbon emissions. Carbon-inclusive action based on digital technology is becoming the primary measure for promoting green transit in China. To understand the level and nature of the public’s awareness of green transit and identify potential pathways to change their behaviors toward green transit, this study collected 7369 questionnaires nationwide and examined the public’s behavior and preferences regarding green transportation and their attitudes toward digital technologies that support green transportation, in the first such study in the Chinese context. The study found that (1) most respondents understand and accept the concept of green transportation, especially younger respondents, under the age of 39; (2) convenience, safety, and weather are the most important factors considered; (3) digital tools provide innovative and interesting options for public participation in green mobility. The government, social organizations, enterprises, and various stakeholders must strive to foster consensus and collaborative participation. This involves partnering with digital technology enterprises and establishing emission reduction standards for low-carbon living, particularly in the realm of green transportation.

Using a fuzzy cognitive map to assess interventions to reduce antimicrobial resistance in a Swedish One Health system context under potential climate change conditions

Abstract Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing One Health crisis that can be impacted by other challenges of sustainable development, such as climate change, but few interventions have been assessed with a systems-wide lens. The objectives of this study were to use a previously defined fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) of the Swedish One Health system to: 1) identify areas in the system to target interventions; and 2) test the potential ability and viability of interventions to reduce AMR under a changing climate. Methods: The FCM, based on participatory modelling workshops and literature scan, was used to assess the sustainability of eight interventions under potential climate change conditions. Network metrics were calculated to describe the system structure and identify highly impactful nodes. Results: The network metrics identified high-leverage nodes including alternative productions systems and good farming practices. None of the scenarios evaluated were able to adequately reduce AMR within the system. Conclusions: Overall, fuzzy cognitive mapping provides an innovative way to analyse the AMR system, identify high-leverage interventions, and examine potential impact of interventions using a broader systems lens.

Enhancing Maize Yield and Soil Health through the Residual Impact of Nanomaterials in Contaminated Soils to Sustain Food.

Studying the impact of residual soil nanomaterials is a promising challenge for sustainable agricultural development to improve soil health and crop productivity. The objective of this study is to assess the long-term impacts of 50, 100, and 250 mg kg-1 soil of nanobiochar (nB) and nano-water treatment residues (nWTR) on the fertility, biological activity, and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) growing in heavy metal-contaminated soils. The results showed that when nB and nWTR were added in larger quantities, the concentrations of lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and cobalt (Co) extracted with DTPA decreased. With the addition of nB or nWTR, it also showed a significant increase in exchangeable cations, cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil fertility, soil organic matter (OM), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and a decrease in soil salinity and sodicity. Catalase and dehydrogenase activities rose as nB addition increased, while they decreased when nWTR addition increased. In comparison to the control, the addition of nB and nWTR greatly boosted maize yield by 54.5-61.4% and 61.9-71.4%, respectively. These findings suggest that the researched nanomaterials' residual effect provides an eco-friendly farming method to enhance the qualities of damaged soils and boost maize production. Our research suggested that adding recycling waste in the form of nanoparticles could immobilize heavy metals, improve soil characteristics, and increase the soil's capacity for productivity.

Exploring challenges for sustainable development among circular start-ups in India

Exploring challenges for sustainable development among circular start-ups in India

Rethinking higher education in light of the sustainable development goals: results from a workshop and examples of implementation in a medical university

PurposeThis study aims to analyse student and teaching staff views on how higher education (HE) can contribute to sustainable development, and to provide examples of how a medical university has adopted the sustainable development goals (SDGs) as part of its institutional strategies and practises.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on participant views from a conference, which aimed to identify actions needed for HE to contribute to the SDGs. More than 500 students, teachers and academic leaders participated at workshops to discuss and reflect on the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in sustainable development. The discussion key points were recorded on flipcharts, and the analysis builds on all written statements from the nine workshops. Based on the findings from the workshop, steering documents and activities of a medical university were identified as examples of implementation.FindingsTwo overarching interdependent themes were identified and indicated a need to rethink the role not only of HE per se but also that of HEIs at large, to meet the challenges of sustainable development. The study also provides an example of how such organizational change can be practically implemented at a medical university, through the establishment of overarching institutional strategies, funding opportunities and external collaborations.Practical implicationsThe findings reflect a “bottom-up” call from students and educational staff for HEIs to step up and contribute to systems change – both through a change in pedagogies, as well as through an institution-wide approach and a shift in the role of HEIs in society.Originality/valueThe study is unique in providing an exemplar of the implementation of sustainable development in HE at a specific medical university.

The water-food-energy nexus evaluation and optimization of cropping system in the North China Plain: A case of county scale

Water, energy, and food, which are closely related to human beings, have been proposed by the Sustainable Development Goals, and there are closely related but contradictory relationships among the three. As one of China's main grain-producing regions, the North China Plain (NCP) with dominant grain-oriented cropping system is faced with severe challenges for agricultural sustainable development, such as water and energy shortages, as well as grain safeguard. In this study, a “TKL-WEFN” model combining Tapio decoupling, Kaya, and LMDI was used to evaluate the synergistic relationship from the water-energy-food (WEF) and determine the key drivers taking Wuqiao County in the NCP as a case. The results showed as follows: the synergistic relationship between water-food, as well as energy-food, showed a “M” shaped fluctuation trend from 2009 to 2018 in Wuqiao County. The best performance was achieved in 2011 and 2016, with the state of high yield and low resource consumption. Food increased by 9.43% and 3.52%, while water resources decreased by 5.95% and 8.91%, and energy decreased by 5.36% and 2.15% in 2011 and 2016, respectively. The changes in water consumption for irrigation and fossil energy consumption per unit area of maize and cotton, as well as the adjustment of planting structure, are the main factors affecting the sustainability of crop systems from 2009 to 2018. Water-saving irrigation, no-tillage, and cropping system transformation can improve resources supply and demand, saving 4.61%–50.27% (with an average of 19.47%) of water consumption and 1.91%–13.08% (with an average of 6.45%) of energy consumption by scenarios analysis. Therefore, changing grain-oriented cropping system while maintaining food security and developing water-saving irrigation technology can accelerate the realization of green agriculture.

Combating land degradation through human efforts: Ongoing challenges for sustainable development of global drylands

Drylands, as highly vulnerable ecosystems, support environmental functions and human well-being. Nevertheless, widespread land degradation and desertification present significant global and regional environmental challenges, with limited consensus on their area and degree. This study used time-series vegetation productivity and meteorological data from 2000 to 2020 to quantify global land degradation trends and driving factors in drylands. The results show a notable restoration of land degradation in drylands worldwide, with the area of improved land exceeding the degraded area by 1.4 times, although the threat of degradation persists. India and China emerge as pioneers in effective land improvement strategies, offering valuable experiences for other regions. Combined effects, as quantitatively distinguished by our established model, dominate the degradation and improvement processes. Notably, human activities play a decisive role in influencing land degradation trends, with the potential for either exacerbation or reversal. This study provides new perspectives on environmental health and human activities from global and regional observations. Finally, our research provides scientific support for desertification control and contributes to the overall advancement of the SDGs globally.