Opportunities For Sustainable Development Research Articles

Analysis of the Relationship between the Implementation of Circular Economy Principles and Financial Inclusion to Poverty Alleviation in Indonesia

This qualitative study explores the relationship between circular economy principles, financial inclusion, and poverty alleviation in Indonesia. Through semi-structured interviews with key informants representing various stakeholders, the research investigates the integration of circular economy initiatives into financial inclusion strategies, the impact of circular economy practices on poverty alleviation, and the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development. The findings reveal potential synergies between circular economy and financial inclusion, highlighting the role of innovative financing mechanisms, capacity building, and policy reforms in promoting inclusive growth and environmental sustainability. However, significant barriers, including risk perception, collateral requirements, and regulatory constraints, pose challenges to accessing finance for circular businesses and entrepreneurs. Addressing these barriers requires collaborative efforts from policymakers, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to create an enabling environment for circular economy investments and foster inclusive development. The study underscores the importance of holistic and integrated approaches to sustainable development, where circular economy principles and financial inclusion strategies are mutually reinforcing, contributing to shared prosperity and well-being for all Indonesians.

Strategic analysis of lithium resources by addressing challenges and opportunities for sustainable electric vehicle battery development in the era of global EV domination

Abstract The increase in the interest in electrical vehicles (EV) makes us to focus on the available resources of source materials for battery development and to improve the battery performance to achieve the complete EV domination over the others. Recent observations clearly tell us that EV and hybrid EVs are going to change the world market. As the demand is going to be high for the batteries, it is important to understand the number of reserves, production and supply of the source materials which can be used in batteries. Based on the data we must find alternatives, if there is a shortage of source material. This article briefly discusses the lithium reserves and production by the world. We also discussed the increasing demand on EV and the extraction of useful materials from the used battery for the sustainable environment and to follow the circular economy aspects.

Research on the Difference of Marriage Customs between Tibetan and Han Ethnicities in the Litang Area along the Sichuan-Tibet Railway

Promoted by the national Belt and Road Initiative and the Western development strategy, the Sichuan-Tibet railway, as an important transportation hub connecting Sichuan and Tibet, not only greatly promotes the development of the regional economy, but also provides opportunities for sustainable development of the cultures along the route. Although the tourism industry along the line shows a booming trend with culture and tourism integration that promotes economic development, the area also faces the challenge of ethnic and cultural differences. Therefore, this study aims to promote the interaction, communication, and integration of various ethnic groups along the line by reducing the friction that causes unnecessary conflicts. This study analyzes the cultural differences between Tibetan and Han marriages in Litang along the Sichuan-Tibet railway to put forward corresponding countermeasures that eliminate conflict from the cultural differences. The study found that there are significant differences between Tibetans and Han ethnicities in the Litang area in four aspects, namely, wedding ceremony, marriage custom, marriage concept, and wedding clothing. The three targeted countermeasures are proposed according to the results, which include establishing a cultural exchange platform, developing special cultural tourism products, and strengthening cultural education and dissemination.

Participatory modelling for sustainable development: Connecting coastal and rural social-ecological systems

Integrated planning and informed decision-making require an understanding of the interactions between coastal and rural social-ecological systems and quantification of the impacts of adaptive management across sectors. The Mar Menor lagoon (SE-Spain) provides an example of how a lack of integrated planning can lead to environmental and socio-economic crises. Here we present a systems approach using participatory modelling to identify optimal solutions for the sustainable development of this social-ecological system. Through a participatory process, we co-developed causal loop diagrams that formed the starting point of a System Dynamics model. Model development and its application helped facilitating knowledge exchange between stakeholders, identify challenges and opportunities for sustainable development, and evaluate the socio-economic and environmental impacts of different management and policy solutions. Model results were evaluated using multi-criteria analysis demonstrating its potential application as a decision support system to identify an optimal set of solutions.

Maintaining Printing Machines at a Textile Company

This qualitative research explores the multifaceted applications of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) in East Java, Indonesia. Utilizing interviews, observations, and literature review, the study aims to analyze PVC's utilization across diverse sectors. Results highlight its extensive use in synthetic leather, flooring, and color manufacturing, emphasizing its versatility, chemical resistance, lightweight, and water-resistant properties. Implications underscore the importance of comprehending PVC's role for sustainable development and innovation. Highlight : PVC's Versatility: The study showcases PVC's adaptability across various industries, from synthetic leather to flooring, emphasizing its diverse applications. Sustainable Development: Understanding PVC's role in industrial contexts highlights opportunities for sustainable development and innovation, contributing to environmental conservation efforts. Qualitative Approach: Utilizing interviews, observations, and literature review, the research offers in-depth insights into the utilization of PVC in East Java, Indonesia. Keywords: PVC, applications, East Java, Indonesia, qualitative research

SMEs in Indonesia: How do market and entrepreneurial approaches shape dynamic capabilities and performance?

This study delves into the impact of market orientation and entrepreneurship on dynamic capabilities and SME performance within the Culinary SME sector of West Java Province, Indonesia. The study utilized a quantitative-causal research methodology to gather data from a sample of 420 Culinary (SMEs) that had been operating for a minimum of 5 years. The acquired data was then subjected to analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate significant potential for market orientation and entrepreneurship to bolster dynamic capabilities and subsequently enhance SME performance. Furthermore, the study found that dynamic capabilities positively influence SME performance. Importantly, the study identifies an indirect pathway through which market orientation and entrepreneurship can augment SME performance by leveraging dynamic capabilities as a mediator. Practical implications emphasize the critical importance for Culinary SMEs to cultivate robust market orientation, harness entrepreneurial potential for strategic risk-taking and innovation, and fortify dynamic capabilities. Strengthening these facets enables SMEs to effectively translate market insights into actionable strategies, thereby fostering sustainable growth in a competitive business landscape. In essence, this research provides valuable insights into the interplay of market orientation, entrepreneurship, dynamic capabilities, and SME performance, offering actionable guidance for Culinary SMEs in West Java Province and beyond to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities for sustainable development and competitiveness.

Human Resource Management Practices in Startup Companies: Challenges and Opportunities

This research aims to investigate human resource management (HR) practices in start-up companies and explore the challenges and opportunities faced in this context. The research method used is a qualitative study with descriptive methods. The research results show that human resource management (HR) practices in start-up companies face unique challenges, but also offer significant opportunities for sustainable development. Start-up companies have the advantage of building an inclusive and innovation-oriented work culture, as well as taking advantage of small teams to provide a personal approach to employee development. In addition, technology adoption and partnerships with educational and training institutions are important strategies in improving HR management efficiency and accessing quality talent. Thus, the results of this research highlight the importance of an adaptive and innovative approach in HR management to support the growth and success of start-up companies in a dynamic business environment.

THE INFLUENCE OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE SERVICE SECTOR TO DRIVE SUSTAINABILITY

The authors have carried out a research paper to investigate how the digital transformation of the service sector leads to sustainability and improves the implementation and achievement of sustainable development objectives, but also to expose the challenges and opportunities through systematic research of the existing specialized literature. We live in an era of digitization, the future is certainly a digital one and the latest generation technologies have unimaginable capabilities to create infinite opportunities for sustainable development in absolutely any field or corner of the world. Digitization makes this dream of a sustainably developed world in which all 17 sustainable development objectives are fully achieved, become reality in the near future. Following the research, we concluded that the successful achievement of sustainable development objectives is represented by the power of motivation of the private sector and citizens to participate actively, but also their connection with the government by introducing a legislative framework to measure the involvement of each of the participants in order to create another framework based on bonuses by reducing taxes and other personalized benefits, and this can only be achieved through digitalization and the latest generation technologies, which definitely represent the path to a sustainably developed world of the future, the legacy of today s society for future generations. The results of this research make an important contribution to the field of study and complement the existing specialized literature.

Cashew apple in Tanzania: status of utilization, challenges, and opportunities for sustainable development

Cashew apples, although widely available and rich in nutrients are still underutilized after harvest in Tanzania. Approximately 2,327,000 metric tonnes of cashew apples are lost each year. Their counterpart, the cashew nut is highly appreciated and successfully contributes to the national economy. The huge underutilization of cashew apples is a challenge that requires urgent attention in order to achieve both national and global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Improvement of the cashew apple sector could have a positive impact on global SDGs 1, 2, and 3 targets of no poverty, zero hunger, and good health and well-being respectively. At national level, this sector could contribute to the goals of the Tanzania Development Vision (TDV) 2025, namely: high quality livelihood, particularly food self-sufficiency and food security; and a strong and competitive economy, particularly a diversified and semi-industrialized economy with a substantial industrial sector comparable to typical middle-income countries. In addition, the country’s Third Five Year Development Plan III (FYDP III) 2021/22 – 2025/26 has established key strategic interventions, notably those related to competitive industrialization, energy, and food and nutrition security to ultimately achieve the goals of the TDV 2025. To be effective, however, these strategic interventions require continued strong central and local government support and active involvement of stakeholders to ensure program effectiveness yielded towards efficient utilization of widely available natural resources such as cashew apples which has cross-cutting benefits in food, agriculture, health, energy, and economic perspectives. Therefore, the work provides evidence on the utilization status, challenges, and opportunities for sustainable development in Tanzania.

Industry 5.0: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development of Russian Industry

Industry 5.0: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development of Russian Industry

Curating culture: Instagram and the visual representation of heritage tourism in Surabaya

This study investigates how Instagram shapes public engagement with cultural heritage through a case study in Surabaya, Indonesia. Surabaya possesses diverse assets; however, its tourism potential remains underexplored compared with established destinations such as Yogyakarta. Instagram offers opportunities to study how Surabaya’s identity is visually constructed and promoted to visitors. Through hashtag #surabayaheritage, users practice certain perspectives on the city’s multifaceted history.  This study aims to investigate how Instagram shapes public engagement with cultural heritage through a case study of Surabaya, Indonesia. Specifically, this research examines how Surabaya's identity is visually constructed through the hashtag #surabayaheritage on Instagram. Employing both qualitative content analysis and critical visual discourse, this study examined 100 top Instagram posts,  revealing that heritage discourse dominated the posts, with Dutch colonial buildings being the primary photographic subjects. The research findings also emphasise that while the historical discourse emphasises architectural details and educational history, it marginalises other aspects of cultural heritage, especially those that do not originate from the colonial era. By applying visual discourse analysis, this aestheticised selective gaze indicates the productive power of Instagram conventions in framing heritage sites. Further research should incorporate non-Instagram perspectives and spatial analysis. As heritage tourism expands globally, critical examination of social media discourse provides vital insights into the risks and opportunities for inclusive and sustainable development, particularly for local communities.

Effect of Digital Banking Technology on Loan Uptake in Hotels Industry in Kenya

Digital banking technology is having a profound impact on businesses and corporate borrowing behavior. Integrating digital banking technology and its impact on hotel borrowing is a critical challenge. Limited digital literacy, uneven technology adoption and inadequate regulatory support prevent hotels from reaping the benefits. This study is based on three theories: the technology acceptance model, Institutional theory and the resource-based verification theory. This study uses literature review methodology to draw analysis and conclusions. Studies suggest that these technologies have democratized access to credit, empowered previously underserved populations, and improved financial inclusion. However, alongside these benefits, criticism of the literature also reveals ongoing concerns. These include questions of digital literacy, data security and the possible exclusion of marginalized groups. Additionally, questions arise regarding the effectiveness of digital lending platforms in accurately assessing creditworthiness and managing associated risks that may impact credit quality and overall financial stability. Although digital banking technology offers opportunities to expand access to credit, it is important to address these challenges to ensure equitable and sustainable financial inclusion outcomes. The study concludes that by leveraging the potential of mobile banking, digital payment systems and online lending platforms, hotels can more effectively address financial challenges and seize opportunities for sustainable development and success in the dynamic business landscape.

Urban Expansion Prediction and Land Use/Land Cover Change Modeling for Sustainable Urban Development

Urban expansion, a defining feature of the contemporary era, presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainable development [...]

Risk Perception Assessment of Sargassum Blooms in Dominican Republic

The Sargassum have become a cyclical phenomenon that generates ecological, economic, and social problems in the Caribbean. The situation becomes more serious in a context of voluntary acceptance of the problem, which generates difficulties regarding the behaviors to control it. This research addresses the phenomenon from the perspective of risk perception concerning Sargassum invasions in the Dominican Republic, using a tool that includes perceptual and behavioral questions. The results show an underestimation of the risk of Sargassum blooms attributed to its interpretation as a natural and inevitable phenomenon, with an insignificant effect. This underestimation does not notably affect the health or standard of living of the population involved but has not been sufficiently addressed by scientific institutions and the Dominican government. The alert about some erroneous beliefs regarding the phenomenon, as shown by these perceptions, can contribute to designing successful policies for the control and management of massive influx of Sargassum. This transformation can turn them from an environmental problem into an opportunity for sustainable development. Based on the risk analysis, actions are suggested to guarantee the sustainable management of Sargassum blooms in the Dominican Republic.

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.

Analyzing Nigeria’s Journey Towards Sustainable Development Goals: A Comprehensive Review From Inception to Present

RATIONALE: This study critically examines Nigeria's journey towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since their inception. Nigeria, a United Nations member state and a major oil producer, faces challenges like socio-economic disparities, political instability, corruption, and prevalent poverty, despite its cultural richness and natural resources. OBJECTIVES: The primary aim is to evaluate Nigeria's alignment with the SDGs within its national development frameworks, highlighting the significance of these goals in addressing the country's multifaceted developmental challenges. These challenges span various sectors including poverty, health, education, and environmental sustainability. METHODS: The study conducts a detailed analysis of Nigeria's background, including its cultural diversity and developmental hurdles. It reviews national policies and initiatives, notably the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), and the role of the Ministry of Budget and National Planning in coordinating SDG efforts. RESULTS: Findings suggest partial progress in SDG integration within Nigeria’s development plans. While some strides have been made in areas like policy alignment and strategic planning, challenges persist in effective implementation and tackling systemic issues like inequality and corruption. CONCLUSION: The analysis reveals that, while Nigeria has made efforts to incorporate the SDGs into national policies, significant gaps remain in addressing key challenges. The complexity of Nigeria's socio-economic and political landscape presents both hurdles and opportunities for sustainable development. RECOMMENDATIONS: The study advocates for more robust policy implementation, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and targeted strategies to overcome specific challenges. By addressing these areas, Nigeria can accelerate its progress towards the SDGs, paving the way for comprehensive and sustainable national development.

Digital green innovation economy for Industry 5.0

In the context of current global economic development, Industry 5.0 and the digital green innovation economy have become hot research topics, and they are related to each other, providing new opportunities for sustainable development. Using the literature research method and a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature, this paper discusses the internal mechanism and realization path of Industry 5.0, enabling a green innovation economy, and concludes that the implementation of Industry 5.0 and the digital green innovation economy is of great significance in terms of resource efficiency, waste reduction, and carbon emission reduction. However, there are also challenges, such as technical barriers, regulatory issues, and funding needs. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the government, enterprises, and society need to work together to formulate appropriate policies and strategies to promote the integration of Industry 5.0 and the digital green innovation economy. This paper aims to emphasize the importance of a digital green innovation economy oriented to Industry 5.0, provide new impetus for future economic growth, reduce environmental pollution, promote sustainable social development, and lay a foundation for subsequent research.

Urban Agriculture and Food Security: A Narrative Review

Background Today, the world is facing the problems of population growth, urbanization, increasing need for food, depletion of water resources, and environmental degradation. Therefore, the present study investigates the impact of urban agriculture on food security. Methods: Search engines including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, Google scholar, Magiran, and scientific information database (SID) were applied with keywords such as population growth, food security, sustainable development, urban agriculture, food system to find related articles published up to 2022. Results: The impact of urban agriculture on food security can be seen through several factors such as nutritional stability, food availability, affordable food supply, and revenue generation through sales. Conclusion: Urban agriculture refers to production of food products in urban environment, where food is produced on rooftops, backyards, gardens, or in public open spaces. This work proposes new opportunities for sustainable development and urban management to make significant changes in living environment, health and land management. Furthermore, this research provides the poor in the city a chance to achieve food security by reducing household food costs.

The Guesthouse Phenomenon in the Maldives – Development and Issues

Summary The tourism industry in the Maldives has long been dominated by the “one island, one resort” model, where luxury resorts on uninhabited islands kept tourists isolated from local communities. However, recent legislative changes have opened up new opportunities for community-based tourism (CBT) with the establishment of guesthouses on inhabited islands. This shift aims to increase local participation in the tourism sector and has led to greater interaction between tourists and the island communities. The guesthouse industry has witnessed rapid growth, surpassing the number of resorts, providing more affordable options for visitors, and offering the potential for economic and social benefits for local communities. Despite the benefits, the lack of clear guidelines and varying sizes and facilities of guesthouses has caused confusion among stakeholders and tourists. The increased interaction between conservative local communities and tourists has also led to conflicts. This case study is based on a research project conducted in September 2019 exploring the sustainable development opportunities and challenges of the guesthouse tourism industry in the Maldives. Extensive in person interviews were conducted with tourists staying at three local island islands in the country, as well as guesthouse operators and managers from the same islands. Information © The Authors 2024

The Transformation of Economic Growth Pattern and Sustainable Development

The research background of this paper is the limitations of traditional economic growth models and emphasizes the necessity of transitioning towards sustainable development. The main research theme is to explore the differences between traditional economic growth models and sustainable development models through comparing and analyzing their advantages, disadvantages, and impacts. The research methodology mainly relies on literature review and comparative analysis to support the arguments and conclusions. This paper findings indicate that traditional economic growth models focus on increasing national income and GDP but neglect the issues of resource consumption and environmental pollution. Sustainable development models emphasize the efficient use of resources and environmental protection by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, improving energy efficiency, and preserving the environment. The research conclusion is that the transformation towards sustainable development is a necessary measure to address the limitations of traditional economic growth, and it requires collaborative efforts from governments, businesses, academia, and society to overcome challenges and seize opportunities for sustainable development.