Sustained Impact Research Articles

Virtual relational capital for business development: a case study

Purpose The study aims to investigate virtual relational capital (VRC) to evaluate to what extent virtual relations (VR), obtained by using new technologies, support the development of firms, also considering the increasing sustainability’s needs. The study addresses the literature gap on VRC dynamics through an empirical analysis. Design/methodology/approach The investigation focuses on a single case study in the lighting industry, deepening the case of a small Italian company. The case is analyzed through the lens of the CAOS framework model by Paoloni, nurtured through direct semi-structured interviews with the entrepreneur and some managers and consultants, and data collected via web scraping. Findings VRC, obtained by the use of new technological tools, contributes to developing and fostering the innovation ecosystem in which companies need to create new skills and synergic alliances with other stakeholders. Moreover, VR can improve commercial and sales performance, stakeholder engagement and sustainability, including alignment with the circular economy and waste management principles. VRC can support smaller companies with more limited resources to connect to a broader range of actors, raising their voices with policymakers and other relevant international institutions. Originality/value The study contributes to the theoretical understanding of VRC, especially in an era in which new technologies play a fundamental role for both businesses and people. It also provides practical insights into how companies, especially smaller ones, can maximize their sustainable impact by strategically adopting virtual interactions with meaningful stakeholders like customers, key executive partners, industrial associations and policymakers.

Can batik craft products in the red-light area improve sustainable social and economic impact? A case study of the largest former prostitution area in Southeast Asia

The batik industry in the ex-Dolly area of Surabaya has undergone significant transformation from its history as a red-light district to a hub for creative batik production. This study aims to assess the environmental and social impacts of the development batik industry in the ex-Dolly area using the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) method. Through a qualitative case study approach, key stakeholders including batik artisans, local communities, and government agencies were engaged to evaluate the industry's sustainability and development. Baseline data collection and impact assessments revealed both positive and negative effects on the environment and social well-being of artisans. Mitigation measures were proposed to address issues such as water pollution, waste management, and working conditions. The results and discussions highlighted the importance of sustainable practices and community involvement in enhancing batik industry's overall impact. The study concludes that by implementing targeted strategies and monitoring mechanisms, the batik industry in the ex-Dolly area can achieve long-term sustainability and positive social outcomes. The implications of this research extend to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and local communities, emphasizing the need for responsible environmental and social practices in the development of creative industries.

Integrating ICT for Enhanced Maize Market Access: A Business Model for Storage and e-Marketing in Char Land

Aims: This paper puts forth the idea of MaizeConnect—a business model centred on information and communication technology (ICT) to improve a lot of rural maize farmers in Bangladesh when it comes to accessing markets. Methodology: The research was conducted in the char areas of Jamalpur District, where the Making Markets Work for the Chars (M4C) project is being implemented. The research undertakes a mixed-methods approach of desk reviews, stakeholder consultations, and SWOT analysis to understand the model's viability and impact. A situation analysis was conducted in the selected research sites to understand the current marketing practices, identify gaps, and determine the specific needs of marginal farmers. Results: An innovative e-marketing model has been developed for ensuring better access to smallholders in Bangladesh. This model not only seeks to give farmers direct access to buyers but also aims to tackle the problem of postharvest maize losses. The rural farmers are mostly poor, producing maize on a small scale. They don't have much power to negotiate, which makes their situation look pretty grim. MaizeConnect focuses on transforming the maize sector by providing easy-to-use technology, with three main benefits: price stabilization, market connectivity, and payment system inclusion. The model relies on collaboration between government, NGOs, and the private sector, with continuous support essential for sustained impact. Conclusion: There is a unique opportunity to transform the rural agricultural landscape in Bangladesh through ICT integration in the maize value chain—specifically in improving market access and storage solutions. The MaizeConnect model can overcome key challenges including post-harvest losses, market inefficiencies, and the integration of smallholder farmers into a more profitable value chain.

Policy Oversimplification in the First 100 Days Post-Regional Head Elections

The 100-day work period concept is often used to evaluate the initial performance of elected officials, including in Indonesia. While useful as an early indicator, this concept tends to oversimplify the complex policymaking process into campaign promises that must be fulfilled in a short timeframe. This study highlights the phenomenon of oversimplification during this period, where policies often focus on visible short-term outcomes at the expense of sustainability and long-term impact. Using semi-structured interviews, policy document analysis, and data triangulation, the research identifies that policy evaluations during the 100-day period frequently emphasize administrative and statistical achievements without considering deeper social changes. The study recommends a more sustainable approach to policy formulation and evidence-based evaluation involving various stakeholders. The findings suggest that policy success should be measured based on its ability to foster inclusive change, reduce social inequality, and improve community quality of life in the long term. Further research is needed to develop ongoing evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact of policies beyond the 100-day work period.

Generative Artificial Intelligence and the Impact on Sustainability

An increasingly popular subcategory of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is Generative AI (GAI), which encompasses technologies capable of creating new content, such as images, text, and music, often resembling outputs made by humans. The potential impact by GAI on sustainability is multifaceted. On the positive side, generative AI can aid in optimizing processes, developing innovative solutions, and identifying patterns in large datasets related to sustainability. This can lead to more efficient resource management, reduced energy consumption, and the creation of more sustainable products. However, there are also potential negative impacts, such as increased energy consumption associated with training and running generative AI models, as well as the potential for unintended consequences or biases in the generated content. Additionally, overreliance on generative AI may lead to reduced human oversight, which could undermine holistic, interdisciplinary, and collaborative approaches to sustainability. The aim of this paper is to explore the potential impacts on sustainability by generative artificial intelligence through a review of prior research on the topic. The study was conducted with a scoping literature review approach to identify potential impacts by generative AI on sustainability. Data were collected through a search in the database Scopus during the spring semester of 2024. Keywords, relevant for the study, were combined with Boolean operators. Papers identified through the search underwent a manual screening process by the authors, in which papers were selected for inclusion or exclusion in the study based on a set of criteria. Included paper were then analyzed with thematic analysis, according to the guidelines by Braun and Clarke. A categorization matrix, based in prior research on sustainability, supported the analysis and deductive coding of collected data. Results of the study highlight generative AI’s potential impact on sustainability that relate to both environmental aspects, economic aspects, and social aspects of sustainability. These different aspects of sustainability impact make this research an important contribution for deepening the understanding of generative AI and its potential consequences for society. Findings of the study provide theoretical contribution, implications for practice, and recommendations for future research on generative AI and sustainability.

From intent to impact: top management’s commitment influence on sustainable risk management under stakeholder pressure

PurposeThe present study adopted a system thinking methodology to investigate the influence of top management commitment (TMC) on sustainable risk management (SRM) influenced by stakeholder pressures.Design/methodology/approachThree variables and 23 measurement items were derived from existing literature sources. Moreover, the methodology employed for data collection in this study involved a questionnaire. The constructs previously documented in the literature were utilized as the foundation for developing the questionnaire. Of 220 sent questionnaires, 106 valid responses were used for further analysis. To enhance objectivity, a causal loop diagram and a stock and flow diagram were created using a system thinking approach. These visual representations aim to illustrate the impact of top management factors on SRM under stakeholder pressure-related factors.FindingsThe results of the descriptive test indicate that the safety and quality issues emerged as the most significant, with the highest mean impact of 4.08 on sustainable risk impact assessments. Employee influence on customer relationships also showed a high mean impact of 4.08, while understanding customer requirements closely followed with a mean of 3.98. Additionally, causal loop analysis uncovered complex interconnections among these factors, emphasizing the intricate nature of SRM. Further, a five-year simulation analysis highlighted that SRM effectiveness is significantly enhanced when top management fosters a robust organizational culture. These findings emphasize the critical roles of safety, quality and customer-focused factors in sustainability, underscoring the importance of leadership in fostering effective, holistic sustainability and risk management strategies.Originality/valueThis research highlights top management’s pivotal role in effective SRM by integrating sustainability into core strategies. It identifies critical factors and emphasizes the solid organizational culture fostered by senior management, which is essential for long-term SRM effectiveness. The study’s focus on safety, quality and customer relations underscores the need for comprehensive sustainability strategies.

Unpacking Proximity for Sustainability in Short Food Supply Chains

ABSTRACTShort food supply chains (SFSCs) have been frequently named as sustainable alternatives to global chains, associated with the concept of local chain, and emphasizing the role of geographical proximity for achieving sustainability. However, it is also recognized that geographical proximity is not enough to build SFSCs and create a sustainable impact. A multi‐dimensional approach identifies three types of proximity: geographical, relational, and informational proximity to define SFSCs. Hence, the aim of this study is to extend that body of literature by investigating the role of relational and informational proximities in SFSCs. We analyze a set of 23 companies in four food industry sectors in Italy to characterize the practices implemented to build proximity, upstream and downstream, in their supply chains. Our findings reveal a combination of different practices along the three proximity dimensions that define SFSCs. These results allow also to underline how specific practices for relational and information proximity are paramount for attaining sustainability objectives in SFSCs.

The contradictory impact of ESG performance on corporate competitiveness: Empirical evidence from China's Capital Market

In recent years, with the increasing awareness of sustainable development, corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance has garnered widespread attention from investors and has had a sustained impact on long-term business operations. The mechanisms by which ESG performance affects corporations primarily include the "governance effect" and the "window-dressing effect." Aimed at high-quality development goals, what kind of impact does ESG performance have on corporate competitiveness? This paper attempts to explore the economic relationship between corporate ESG performance and corporate competitiveness in China's capital market through theoretical analysis and empirical testing. The research results show that ESG performance significantly promotes corporate competitiveness, particularly through the "social" dimension (S) and "governance" dimension (G). ESG performance significantly enhances corporate competitiveness by increasing corporate philanthropic donations and improving total factor productivity, demonstrating the "governance effect" of ESG. However, in the "environmental" dimension (E), ESG performance instead leads to an increase in corporate carbon emissions, which may indicate that corporate efforts in environmental areas are more for superficial appearance, exhibiting the "window-dressing effect" of ESG. This study reveals the crucial role of ESG practices in enhancing corporate competitiveness, providing theoretical support and policy implications for promoting corporate competitiveness and achieving high-quality development goals.

Multifunctional nanocomposites based on kaolinite/titania/iron applied to hydrogen peroxide production and bisphenol–A removal

The rising global demand for hydrogen peroxide, recognized for its eco–friendly properties, underscores the need for greener synthesis methods. Traditional production processes pose environmental risks, while direct synthesis faces challenges like water formation, explosion hazards, and stability issues, limiting industrial application. On the other hand, Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor widely used in plastics, presents significant environmental and health concerns due to its potential leaching into food and water. The present work introduces efficient and selective photocatalysts aimed at sustainable hydrogen peroxide synthesis and BPA degradation. Both processes were enhanced by the synergistic properties of Fe2O3–TiO2 nanoparticles dispersed within a kaolinite matrix. The Fe2O3–TiO2 photocatalysts, characterized by photoluminescence spectroscopy and X–ray diffraction, showed reduced emission upon iron incorporation and anatase presence on the kaolinite surface. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated through hydroxylation of terephthalic acid, revealing a 127 μmol/L min hydroxylation rate for the KaFeTi400 sample. BPA degradation studies indicated optimal performance in acidic conditions, achieving 96 % removal in 2 h and 98 % in 4 h, with the addition of H2O2 enhancing efficiency. Further, the photocatalyst facilitated benzyl alcohol oxidation to benzaldehyde, demonstrating a H2O2 production rate of 120 μmol. These findings highlight the multifunctional capabilities and environmental benefits of the photocatalyst, underscoring its potential for sustainable hydrogen peroxide synthesis and broader applications in environmental remediation. The catalysts address the pressing challenges associated with hydrogen peroxide synthesis and pollutant removal, particularly in the context of sustainability and environmental impact.

Fabrication and testing of PVDF-Fish scales based sustainable piezoelectric impact sensor

Structural health monitoring is essential to modern infrastructure management, ensuring safety, optimizing costs, and enhancing structures' overall performance and reliability. Leftover fish scales (FS) in varying quantities (5, 10, 15, and 20wt.%) are reinforced into a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix to develop highly flexible piezoelectric composites, which are then assessed as impact sensors. The role of FS loading on the mechanical and dielectric behavior of PVDF is also investigated. PVDF with 10% FS loading showed maximum Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and Elastic modulus (E) of 37MPa and 1192MPa, respectively. A 56% and 67% enhancement in UTS and E values over pure PVDF matrix is recorded. Piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) are then fabricated to check the piezo response of composites under various loading conditions using a human hand (finger tapping, palm tapping, film twisting, and wrist pressing). The device with a maximum piezo response is further assessed for potential impact sensing under different impact loading conditions. The recorded results are analyzed statistically using the Weibull distribution approach to cater to the o/p voltage variations for each test load. The potential for sustainability and circular economies is significantly expanded with a cost-effective, highly sensitive piezoelectric impact sensor crafted from FS.

Sustainability reporting quality and firm value in ASEAN+3: A series moderation model

AbstractResearch on sustainability and firm value has increased recently. However, there is little evidence in this context from ASEAN+3 (i.e., three major Asian economies [South Korea, Japan, and China] and six dynamic economies in the ASEAN region [Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam]). Therefore, this study explores the impact of sustainability reporting quality on firm value in the ASEAN+3 context. The study also explores the moderating role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, board gender diversity, board size, and the number of board meetings on the “sustainability reporting quality—firm value nexus.” Data collected from Thomson Reuters Asset4 with a sample size of 923 firms during the period 2019–2023 (4615 firm‐year observations). Regression analysis techniques used include pooled ordinary least squares, fixed effects, and random effects models. The analysis results show new and unique discoveries from ASEAN+3. First, sustainability reporting quality has a positive impact on firm value. Second, ESG practices negatively moderate the “sustainability reporting quality—firm value nexus.” Third, the higher number of board members reduces the “sustainability reporting quality—firm value nexus”; however, the negative level of major economies is lower than that of ASEAN countries. Finally, the firm with more independent female directors strengthens the “sustainability reporting quality—firm value nexus.” This study enriches signaling theory and agency theory by highlighting the complex relationship between components and firm value. To enhance firm value within ASEAN+3, policymakers should prioritize standardized ESG reporting regulations and transparent communication channels; stakeholders must hold managers accountable for genuine ESG implementation and high‐quality reporting; and businesses should prioritize board diversity, particularly independent female directors, alongside sustainability training.

Plant-based Meat Analogs: Perspectives on Their Meatiness, Nutritional Profile, Environmental Sustainability, Acceptance and Challenges.

Plant-based meat analogs (PBMAs) have been the subject of interest over the past few years due to consumers' demand for environmentally friendly, healthful, and non-animal-based foods. A better comprehension of the composition, structure, texture, nutrition, and sustainability of these PBMAs is necessary. This review articulates the protein sources and composition of PBMAs and their "meatiness" with respect to texture, structure, and flavor enhancement. The components used in the analogs, such as unsaturated fats, fibers, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and plant-based oils enriching their nutritional profile, are described. The study identifies the environmental and sustainability impact of PBMAs, as crucial to the survival and maintenance of biodiversity. More studies are warranted to scope and underscore the significance of the analogs and comprehend the texture or structure-function relationships. Further product development and testing thereof may ultimately result in quality meat analogs that respect meat taste, health and acceptance of consumers, environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and current challenges.

Towards the integrated supply chain practices through industry 4.0: A bibliometric and systematic review

AbstractModern agri‐food supply chains are gradually becoming complex due to perishability, seasonality, frequent disruption, fluctuating consumer requirements and environmental concerns. Implementing multiple practices may help to address this complexity and develop a robust agri‐food supply chain that enables a competitive edge for the organisation. This paper discusses the possibility of integrating various supply chain practices through Industry 4.0 in the agri‐food supply chain. In addition, getting insights from bibliometric and systematic reviews. The study tried to search for various possible keywords to import the data on multiple research platforms such as Web of Science, Science Direct and Scopus. All the collected data were merged into a single file, removing duplicates and verifying the papers based on the abstract and title for relevancy. Finally, the study concluded the systematic review of 97 research articles. By analyzing the content of all the articles and reviewing articles through a bibliometric package of ‘R’. The paper's finding suggests that integrating all these practices mentioned in the article gives a collaborative output of a sustainable, efficient, flexible and resilient supply chain that leverages Industry 4.0 technology to market dynamics while maximizing sustainable impact. The researcher and practitioner advised a wise implementation of all the supply chain practices mentioned in this article and suggested understanding their benefit to the organisation. This study also presented a future research direction focusing on the practical application of Industry 4.0 and collaborative supply chain practices.

Sustainable sourcing and quality service delivery in the Nigerian beverage industry

The viability of the Nigerian beverage industries hinges significantly on the accessibility and quality of their raw materials. The quantity and quality of these raw materials directly impact the quality of products they can deliver to the market. The main objective of the study examined the complex relationships that exists between sustainable sourcing methods, high-quality service provision, and consumer views in the Nigerian beverage industry. This study examined the sustainable sourcing and quality service delivery in the Beverage Industry. Other specific objectives were to; (i) establish the effect of environmental sustainability on customer assurance, (ii) determine the impact of economic sustainability on customer interaction; and (iii) evaluate the influence of social sustainability on customer reliability in beverage industry. Questionnaires were used to elicit the needed data from sample size of 243 respondents in which random sampling techniques were used. The hypotheses were tested using multiple linear regression. The result of the findings showed that sustainable sourcing has significant impact on quality service delivery in the Nigerian Beverage Industry using 7up bottling company as a case study. Results concluded that sustainable sourcing factors such as environmental sustainability, economic sustainability and social sustainability positively affect quality service delivery of 7up bottling company. The study recommends that 7up Bottling Company should continue investing in eco-friendly practices, prioritize transparent communication with its customers about its sustainable sourcing initiatives, and 7up bottling company should ensure economic stability and responsible pricing.

Evaluation of reliability and resilience in wind integrated power systems using 80 meter mast measurements

Renewable energy sources, especially wind turbine generators, are increasingly considered viable alternatives to conventional electric power generation due to their sustainability and positive environmental impact. The rising penetration of wind power highlights the importance of developing widely applicable methods to evaluate the concrete benefits of incorporating wind turbines into traditional power systems. This work proposes an approach for assessing the reliability and resilience of power systems incorporating wind power. Evaluating the impact of wind energy generation on system reliability involves analyzing metrics such as Loss of Load Expectation (LOLE) and Expected Energy Not Supplied (EENS). Additionally, a conceptual framework is developed which is aimed at enhancing the evaluation of power system resilience, when subjected to severe wind events. To evaluate the impact of wind storms on network resilience, a Monte Carlo Optimal Power Flow approach is utilized. The Average Energy Not Supplied (AENS) is used as the resilience metric and is computed for different rated speeds of wind turbines. The proposed methods for evaluating the reliability and resilience of the power systems are tested using the IEEE-RTS 24 bus system. Real-time wind resource data measured at an 80-meters mast at Paradeep location in the Odisha state on the east coast of India are used to evaluate the indices.

Collective Action for Seed Producer Cooperatives and Their Role in Improving the Sustainable Seed Supply and Impacts: The Case of Ethiopia

Seed is an essential component in crop production. Using superior seed from improved cultivars can increase yield by as much as fifty per cent per hectare. High-quality seed also encourages using extra agricultural inputs like fertilizers and insecticides. The Ethiopian seed system development strategy recognizes the formal, intermediary, and farmer seed systems. The farmers' system is the primary seed source, with relatively little contribution from the formal system. The public sector primarily controls the formal system's breeding and seed distribution. The formal, farmers', and intermediary systems are comparable to each other. The government encourages Seed Producers Cooperatives (SPCs) to cultivate and supply seeds to the market. Cooperatives (SPCs) supply of high-quality seeds for various crops in response to local and international demand and the needs of farmers. This helps to ensure national seed security. Policymakers and development experts have recognized the significant role of SPCs in Ethiopia's seed industry, and the country's agricultural development initiatives reflect this. It is essential to reform the seed industry to have a positive impact on Ethiopian agriculture's progress. However, the seed industry in Ethiopia faces limitations due to institutional, organizational, technical, and infrastructure challenges, preventing it from meeting the increasing demand from different agro-ecologies and farming systems. Despite this, little research has been conducted to study and document SPCs' involvement in the seed industry and their contributions. Unfortunately, not much work has gone into examining and recording their contributions to increasing seed access and availability as well as their involvement in the seed industry. Concerning improving seed supply and guaranteeing seed security in Ethiopia, this review aimed to evaluate Seed Producers Cooperatives' present standing in the seed industry.

Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Interactive Relationship Between Digital Economy and Green Development in China

A digital economy parallel with green development holds profound significance for achieving sustainability. The primary objective of this study was to explore the synergistic interaction effects between the digital economy and green development in China and forecast their future development. This study analyzed the spatio-temporal characteristics of provincial digital economy and green development in China by integrating a combined assignment method, an unconditional spatial kernel density estimation method, and a standard deviation ellipse model. The interplay between the digital economy and green development was examined using a panel vector autoregression model. Additionally, digital economy and green development levels were forecasted using univariate time series and radial basis function kernel ε-support vector regression models. The results indicate that both the digital economy and green development levels in China exhibited an upward trend from 2013 to 2021, with the digital economy increasing at a faster rate. However, both domains demonstrated regional disparities in their development processes. The mutual interaction between the digital economy and green development intensified as the lag period increased. The digital economy contributed 21% to green development, whereas green development contributed 18% to the digital economy. The initial effect of the digital economy on green development was negative, however, this impact gradually diminished over time. Additionally, the influence of green development on the digital economy was shown to follow a consistent trend of transitioning from negative to positive across the eastern, central, and western regions. Therefore, it can be seen that the digital economy exerts a sustainable impact on green development, albeit with a one-phase lag. This research provides a scientific basis for the deep integration of the digital economy and green development, thereby fostering sustainable socioeconomic growth.

Exploring the host response in infected lung organoids using NanoString technology: A statistical analysis of gene expression data.

In this study, we used a three-dimensional airway "organ tissue equivalent" (OTE) model at an air-liquid interface (ALI) to mimic human airways. We investigated the effects of three viruses (Influenza A virus (IAV), Human metapneumovirus (MPV), and Parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3) on this model, incorporating various control conditions for data integrity. Our primary objective was to assess gene expression using the NanoString platform in OTE models infected with these viruses at 24- and 72-hour intervals, focusing on 773 specific genes. To enhance the comprehensiveness of our analysis, we introduced a novel algorithm, namely MAS (Magnitude-Altitude Score). This innovative approach uniquely combines biological significance, as indicated by fold changes in gene expression, with statistical rigor, as represented by adjusted p-values. By incorporating both dimensions, MAS ensures that the genes identified as differentially expressed are not mere statistical artifacts but hold genuine biological relevance, providing a more holistic understanding of the airway tissue response to viral infections. Our results unveiled distinct patterns of gene expression in response to viral infections. At 24 hours post-IAV infection, a robust interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) response was evident, marked by the upregulation of key genes including IFIT2, RSAD2, IFIT3, IFNL1, IFIT1, IFNB1, ISG15, OAS2, OASL, and MX1, collectively highlighting a formidable antiviral defense. MPV infection at the same time point displayed a dual innate and adaptive immune response, with highly expressed ISGs, immune cell recruitment signaled by CXCL10, and early adaptive immune engagement indicated by TXK and CD79A. In contrast, PIV3 infection at 24 hours triggered a transcriptional response dominated by ISGs, active immune cell recruitment through CXCL10, and inflammation modulation through OSM. The picture evolved at 72 hours post-infection. For IAV, ISGs and immune responses persisted, suggesting a sustained impact. MPV infection at this time point showed a shift towards IL17A and genes related to cellular signaling and immune responses, indicating adaptation to the viral challenge over time. In the case of PIV3, the transcriptional response remained interferon-centric, indicating a mature antiviral state. Our analysis underscored the pivotal role of ISGs across all infections and time points, emphasizing their universal significance in antiviral defense. Temporal shifts in gene expression indicative of adaptation and fine-tuning of the immune response. Additionally, the identification of shared and unique genes unveiled host-specific responses to specific pathogens. IAV exerted a sustained impact on genes from the initial 24 hours, while PIV3 displayed a delayed yet substantial genomic response, suggestive of a gradual and nuanced strategy.

Impact of artificial intelligence and knowledge management on proactive green innovation: the moderating role of trust and sustainability

PurposeIn this research, we seek to understand the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) and knowledge management (KM) processes in enhancing proactive green innovation (PGI) within oil and gas organizations. It also aims to investigate the moderator role of trust and sustainability in these relationships.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs a quantitative analysis. Surveys have been gathered from the middle-line managers of twenty-four oil and gas government organizations to evaluate the perceptions of the managers towards AI, KM processes, trust, sustainability measures and proactive measures toward green innovation. Analytical and statistical tools that were employed in this study, including structural equation modeling with SmartPLSv3.9, have been used to analyze the data and to examine the measurement and structural models of this study.FindingsThe study results reveal a significant and positive impact of AI utilization, KM processes and PGI within oil and gas organizations. Furthermore, trust and sustainability turn out to be viable moderators affecting, and influencing the strength and direction of AI, KM and PGI relationships. In particular, higher levels of trust and more substantial sustainability commitments enhance the positive impact of AI and KM on green innovation outcomes.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the impact of AI, KM, trust and sustainability offers valuable insights for organizational leaders and policymakers seeking to promote proactive green innovation within the oil and gas industry. Thus, organizations can increase the efficiency of sustainable product development, process improvement and environmental management by using robust AI technologies and effective KM systems. Furthermore, fostering trust among stakeholders and embedding sustainability principles into organizational culture can amplify the effectiveness of AI and KM initiatives in driving green innovation outcomes.Originality/valueThis study extends the current knowledge by assessing the effect of AI and KM on proactive green innovation while accounting for trust and sustainability as moderators. Utilizing quantitative methods offers a nuanced understanding of the complex interactions between these variables, thereby advancing theoretical knowledge in the fields of innovation management, sustainability and organizational behavior. Additionally, the identification of specific mechanisms and contextual factors enriches practical insights for organizational practitioners striving for a practical understanding of the dynamics of the complexities of sustainable innovation in an AI-driven era.

Meeting Market and Societal Ambitions with New Robust Grape Varietals: Sustainability, the Green Deal, and Wineries’ Resilience

This study investigates the sustainability impact of fungus-resistant grape varieties within viticulture, addressing economic, ecological, and social dimensions. Pesticide management is of paramount importance for wineries but causes additional costs, impairs sustainability, and faces societal non-acceptance. Digital monitoring of four German wineries for two consecutive years allowed us to compare treatments of traditional and robust varietals. The results demonstrate that the latter enables a significant reduction in pesticide treatments, can be key for copper reduction, and is of paramount importance for organic winemaking. By reducing pesticide dependency, lowering operational costs, hedging risks, and improving labor efficiency, FRW present a key to sustainable viticulture. The results suggest that robust varietals present a means to comply with societal pressure and to meet EU Green Deal ambitions. This paper contributes new, practice-oriented knowledge on FRW’s role in sustainable viticulture, confirming both the ecological and economic advantages in real-world settings, alongside unique insights into social sustainability and market positioning strategies. Sustainability impact is quantified, and a newly introduced productivity metric allows for the orchestration of resilience. The findings contribute to the discourse on sustainable agriculture by validating FRW as a strategic response to climate and regulatory pressures, resilience, and competitive positioning.