Sustainable Innovation Research Articles

Connecting the green to the digital: Integrating Eco Cities and Smart Regions

<p>This article explores the integration of Eco Cities and Smart Regions to create sustainable and innovative urban environments. Eco Cities focus on environmental sustainability through renewable energy, waste management, and green infrastructure, aiming to reduce ecological footprints and promote healthy lifestyles. Smart Regions, on the other hand, utilize advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analytics to enhance public service efficiency, optimize resource use, and foster economic development. The study highlights how combining these two approaches can lead to significant benefits, including improved operational efficiency, better quality of life, environmental resilience, and active citizen participation. Case studies of cities like Copenhagen and Singapore demonstrate successful integration, showcasing achievements in sustainability and technological innovation. The article also identifies the main challenges in this integration, including technical compatibility, cybersecurity risks, high initial investments, digital inequality, and the need for robust governance frameworks. Overcoming these challenges requires collaborative efforts among governments, private sectors, and civil society, as well as innovative financing strategies and capacity-building programs. Future considerations emphasize the need for a holistic approach to urban planning that incorporates emerging technologies, flexible and adaptive strategies, and inclusive citizen engagement. By addressing these factors, cities and regions can become more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive, meeting the needs of both current and future generations. This integrated approach promises to transform urban environments into hubs of sustainability and innovation, driving long-term positive outcomes for society and the environment.<strong></strong></p>

The Spatial Pattern Evolution of Urban Innovation Actors and the Planning Response to Path Dependency: A Case Study of Guangzhou City, China

The capacity for urban innovation is a significant symbol of contemporary urban development. In order to promote sustainable urban innovation, it is crucial to match and optimize innovation spaces, actors, and their behavioral needs. Based on the data from patent inventions, which are commonly used to represent urban innovation, in this study, we investigated the formation mechanism of Guangzhou’s innovation pattern and its characteristics from 1990 to 2020 using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. The results indicated that Guangzhou’s innovation spaces developed a center-radiation structure of “two districts and seven cores”. We investigated the path dependence of spaces, actors, and behavioral needs by examining the interaction between the innovation space layout and behavioral needs. The findings provide theoretical support for the city’s sustainable development in terms of innovation in the future.

The adoption of innovative urban mobility solutions from the service-dominant logic

PurposeUrban centers, with their dense populations and evolving mobility patterns, are pivotal in addressing global sustainability challenges. This study focuses on identifying the key elements driving the adoption of sustainable urban mobility innovations, with a renewed emphasis on cycling as a core component.Design/methodology/approachEmploying the Service Dominant Logic framework, this research examines how various conditions associated with the cycling ecosystem influence the adoption or negation of bicycles as a sustainable mode of urban transportation. The study conducts a comprehensive analysis across 60 cities to unravel these dynamics.FindingsThe investigation reveals that five distinct combinations of conditions facilitate the adoption of bicycles, while two specific combinations lead to its negation. Importantly, the study uncovers the presence of a “lock-in” mechanism, a critical factor in hindering bicycle adoption in urban settings.Originality/valueThis research contributes significantly to the field of sustainable urban mobility by integrating Service-Dominant Logic with empirical findings from a diverse set of global cities. It provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of factors influencing cycling adoption, offering a nuanced understanding of the barriers and drivers in this domain. The identification of a “lock-in” mechanism as a key impediment to cycling adoption adds a novel dimension to existing literature, presenting actionable pathways for policymakers and urban planners to foster more sustainable and bike-friendly urban environments.

Intersection of the digital economy, redundant resources, and enterprise innovation: Unveiling the significance of Firm's resource consumption in China

In the era of the digital economy, the significance of green technological innovation for enterprises' sustainable development is pivotal. Effectively utilizing redundant resources is crucial to enterprises' sustainable development and innovation. Given this, we explore the impact of the digital economy and redundant resources on enterprises' green technology innovation. It uses a double fixed-effects model on the enterprise-level data of the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2013 to 2021. The study shows that developing the digital economy can significantly enhance enterprises' green technology innovation. The effect is more obvious in high-tech enterprises, non-heavily polluted enterprises, enterprises in the eastern region, and non-state-owned enterprises. It also test the mediating effect of redundant resources and find that the digital economy can help enterprises exploit unabsorbed redundant resources, absorbed redundant resources, and organizational redundant resources, reduce the negative impacts of redundant resources on enterprises, and enhance their level of green technological innovation. It offer valuable policy suggestions.

FUTURE‐PROOFING ORGANIZATIONS WITH CONSCIOUS LEADERSHIP

AbstractThe author, who is the founder and CEO of the Conscious Leadership Company, notes that the purpose of the article is “to help organizations navigate the complexities of the changed work environment and to lay down clear actions that catalyze sustained performance and innovation. It is designed to serve as guidance for organizations aiming to not just survive but thrive in this new era, setting themselves apart as leaders within their industry.” She discusses empathy, flexibility, and well‐being; within the latter, stating, “Leaders must create an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and understood.” She discusses the principles of high‐performing teams, and outlines conscious leadership, which she describes as a “new paradigm.” For teams, “leaders cultivate self‐efficacy by encouraging open dialogue and showing receptiveness to new ideas and feedback – they enable the team to believe in itself and the people within it.” The benefits of conscious leadership include enhanced team performance, employee well‐being, and organizational resilience. Challenges addressed are burnout prevention, shifting mindsets, resistance to change, and tackling problems head‐on. She concludes that the article “underscored the importance of trust, diversity, psychological safety, and the five core capabilities of Conscious Leadership – Togetherness, Growth, Awareness, Resilience, and Purpose.”

Government Management for Sustainable Economic Development and Innovation

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze whether efficient and effective government management promotes sustainable economic growth and innovation. It seeks to understand how the income generated through GDP per capita is related to the effectiveness and efficiency with which the government of the State of Nayarit performs. Theoretical Framework: Effective and efficient government management, which uses innovative technologies to improve public administration, is the basis of the research. The relevance of economic diversification for resilience to external events is highlighted, based on the endogenous growth theory, which emphasizes the role of innovation and human capital in economic development. Transparency and citizen participation, which are fundamental for a modern and effective government, are promoted by open government innovation. Method: A non-experimental research of quantitative type was established, in which information was collected on the study variables (Hernández et al., 2014). Subsequently, a correlational type of research was conducted, considering four socioeconomic development indicators of the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness A.C. The research was conducted in Nayarit, Mexico, considering the periods from 2021 to 2023. Subsequently, Spearman's Rho correlation was performed because the Shapiro-Wilk normality test did not meet the normality assumption. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal important relationships and implications in the theory of efficient and effective government administration; first, it shows that improvements in tax collection efficiency are directly related to economic growth and diversification in Nayarit, Mexico. On the other hand, economic growth is driven by internal factors such as investment in human capital and innovation, further suggesting that greater economic complexity can lead to lower own revenues and ultimately to a lack of technological infrastructure or adequate public policies. Implications of the research: The practical and theoretical implications of this study highlight the importance of efficient and strategic government management, the need for economic diversification policies, and the re-evaluation of economic theory in specific contexts. The differences and limitations observed suggest areas for future research and improvements in data collection. Originality/Value: The present research contributes to the line of public administration and economic development, since the results found motivate the generation of sustainable growth and economic diversification policies. The above, adds to the content on state level income and GDP, in this particular case to the state of Nayarit, Mexico.

Αn integrated framework to monitor progress of sustainable urban development strategies, addressing societal, ecological and innovation dilemmas

This paper presents an integrated Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework, an all-encompassing approach suitable for European cities and regions aiming to monitor and evaluate the implementation and results of sustainable urban development strategies or projects related to urban planning, transport planning, or urban energy management. The framework features a co-created and co-implemented reflexive and adaptive method tailored specifically for strategies or projects that introduce innovative elements from contemporary research and innovation in science and technology, such as net-zero development, systemic solutions for cities, or integrated urban mobility and planning. The approach to designing and implementing the M&E framework was realized through a six-phase process: (i) development of the M&E framework, (ii) tailoring indicators to each region’s specificities, (iii) developing data collection questionnaires and a reporting database, (iv) collecting the data, (v) populating the database, and (vi) writing the final report. The framework was tested and enhanced with four European regional authorities over a 19-month period, enabling them to address their so-called 'policy dilemmas,' defined as the challenges they face in balancing societal and inclusivity objectives with economic and innovation goals. This framework is designed for replication in future sustainable urban development strategies or projects with similar societal, ecological, and innovation objectives.

Are clusters and industrial districts really driving sustainability innovation?

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore and conducts a critical literature review to answer a fundamental question in the industrial district literature: are clusters and industrial (clusters/IDs) driving sustainability innovation? By intersecting different yet related strands of literature, the authors take stock of what the authors know about sustainability innovation in clusters/IDs.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews the literature for conceptualizing sustainability innovation in clusters/districts.FindingsInsights point out that the sustainability innovation process (development and diffusion) in clusters/IDs and their firms couples into mainstream cluster/IDs framework; clusters/IDs enable sustainability innovation through usual mechanisms, fostering collective change toward sustainability innovation, vis-à-vis other settings and strengthening firm sustainability innovation and performance. Sustainability innovation in clusters/IDs requires coupling different multi-scalar institutional systems effectively, and the cooperation of local organizations and policymakers for co-designing dedicated policies. Collective actions are important and firm heterogeneity needs to be considered in the clusters/IDs framework.Originality/valueThis study is original because it provides state-of-the-art on sustainability innovation in clusters/districts, enabling the topic to advance in this direction.

Unlocking the Potential of Metaverse Integration in Supply Chains: A Literature Review

As an emerging technology, the metaverse can enhance supply chain (SC) resilience, efficiency, and agility, as well as provide new business models, product development, and cost reduction. Research on metaverse integration in SC and its adoption is limited, with no review papers in the main databases. This study aims to explore the framework for metaverse integration in SC through systematic and bibliometric literature reviews. It summarizes the role and benefits of metaverse technologies in SC, concluding with extensive research problems related to technology adoption, research theory identification, and adaptability surveys. Additionally, it verifies potential influencing factors, distinguishes prospective performance outcomes in SC performance, SC capability, and firm general performance, and establishes internal correlations between theory, influencing factors, and outcomes. This study underscores the significance of implementing metaverse integration to enhance the effectiveness of SCs and indicates an agenda for future research on metaverse adoption. Recognizing the necessity to integrate modern technology, such as metaverse, to implement manufacturing innovation for sustainability. This research intends to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

How Business–Government Relationships Drive Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship: A Study of 292 Cities in China Using NCA and TDQCA

Innovation is the driving force for achieving sustainable economic development, and healthy business–government relationships are the foundation and guarantee for promoting the sustainability of digital innovation and entrepreneurship. However, current academic research on the impact of business–government relations on digital innovation and entrepreneurship often neglects the configurational effects of various factors. Therefore, this study constructed an analytical framework from the new dimension of “close” and “clean” business–government relationships, selected 292 Chinese cities as research subjects, and employed the Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) and Time-Differencing Qualitative Comparative Analysis (TDQCA) methods. From a configurational perspective, it explored the relationship between business–government relations and digital innovation and entrepreneurship. The results showed the following: Firstly, the various business–government relationship factors did not have a single linear impact on digital innovation and entrepreneurship, and configuration was more crucial than a single factor. Secondly, based on the integration of research findings and the theoretical framework, five successful configurations were proposed. However, these configurations possess certain adaptability and need to be tailored to local conditions. Thirdly, analyzing the three “non” condition variables in these five configurations, including “clean” business–government relationships, government efficiency, and new infrastructure, also contributed to enhancing the sustainability of digital innovation and entrepreneurship outcomes. Additionally, the study analyzed the implications of these critical configurations for five key stakeholders: government, enterprises, research institutions and academia, policymakers, and the public. Specifically, the government can implement policies tailored to local conditions to promote the sustainable development of digital innovation and entrepreneurship. These policies include increasing investment in digital infrastructure, simplifying approval processes, and enhancing the efficiency of government services.

Measuring intra-industry trade and productivity in the South African pharmaceutical sector

Background: The South African pharmaceutical sector is Africa’s largest and most advanced but heavily depends on imported products and active pharmaceutical ingredients to meet its demands. The status quo is due to low intra-industry trade, which is necessary to induce innovation and technological progress essential for accelerating local production, export growth and reducing dependence on imports.Aim: The primary objective of this article was to examine intra-industry trade in South Africa’s pharmaceutical sector and subsequently, total factor productivity (TFP) as a key driver of intra-industry trade.Setting: Intra-industry trade was measured using data obtained from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development databases, while the TFP was measured using data from the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) covering 2001–2021.Method: The marginal intra-industry trade index (MIIT) and unmatched changes in trade (UMCIT) were used to measure intra-industry trade, while the Malmquist total factor productivity (MTFP) index was used to analyse SARB data to determine TFP.Results: The MIIT index and UMCIT revealed that trade is predominantly inter-industry with episodes of industry specialisation and significant intra-industry changes. The MTFP results showed that TFP is solely driven by technical changes.Conclusion: The study recommends that South Africa should develop a coordinated and sustainable innovation system in the pharmaceutical sector. This will help prevent sporadic technological advancements and promote intra-industry trade.Contribution: The article contributes to the empirical literature on intra-industry trade in developing countries by showing the correlation between an improvement in TFP and an increase in intra-industry trade necessary to stimulate domestic production to reduce high import demand.

EU Capacity to Bolster and Stimulate Research and Innovation: Who is the Leader in Development?

Abstract This study investigates the role of innovation in attaining economic growth and development in the 27 EU Member States (EU-27). Our analytical approach employs advanced panel data econometric methods, including an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and data mapping analysis. Additionally, an interactive approach to regulatory quality was introduced to evaluate its influence on economic development. The results suggest that innovation significantly impacts economic development in both the long and short term. Empirical evidence indicates that the quality of regulatory frameworks is a main factor in shaping economic development in both the long and short terms. The main findings imply the need for countries to align their strategies with the effective integration of digital technologies and sustained innovation and further substantially invest resources in R&D capabilities to ensure robust economic progress. Among the countries examined, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, and Denmark exhibited the highest levels of innovation. Some nations, with significant economic potential, such as Romania and Bulgaria, tend to underinvest in R&D.

Sustainable design: Circular innovation design method under process reengineering

The theory of sustainable business process reengineering has been widely applied in various disciplines and has achieved outstanding results. The theory is used to the research of product innovation design method in this work, and the entire process of product innovation design method is reshaped, bringing new development and new direction for product innovation design. Redesign processes in line with societal trends and in a sustainable direction. Furthermore, it may effectively address the inadequacies of conventional design methodologies during the application process. Then, increase corporate efficiency in order to accomplish significant improvements in enterprise cost, quality, service, and speed. The study applies the systematic induction method, research analysis method, and other comprehensive research methods to analyze and study the existing design process and method, as well as excavate the shortcomings and limitations that exist in the process's application of the existing design method. Based on the BPR theory, the sustainable innovation design method for full chain products is divided into five design processes: scenario implantation, requirement extraction, functional determination, structural optimization, formal innovation, and material selection. In addition, the feasibility and accuracy of this method are verified through lifesaving equipment cases. Secondly, three principles for sustainable product innovation design were proposed. On the one hand, products made by designers and college students can truly meet customer needs, generate disruptive innovative designs, and improve the market competitiveness of industrial products. On the other hand, design is no longer a single stage, but a complete, systematic, and comprehensive set of design processes aimed at improving design efficiency and achieving sustainable product development.

Wine law, sustainable innovation and the emergence of a wine constitution

Innovation is essential for addressing the current challenges of the wine sector and ensuring its sustainable future. Law plays a pivotal role in fostering and disseminating innovation. At the same time, innovations can present legislators with significant challenges and cause legal disruption. This paper evaluates the innovativeness of European Wine Law in light of the ongoing sustainability transformation. The focus of EU regulations is wine quality and authenticity, mainly through the protection of Geographical Indications (GIs). In Regulation (EU) 2021/2117, the EU legislator recently introduced new rules on fungus-resistant grape varieties, de-alcoholised products, and digital labelling. We describe the effects of these rules on the respective innovation systems and assess how, vice versa, these innovations exert disruptive pressure on wine law. While the legal framework shows remarkable flexibility, a reconfiguration seems necessary at the level of GIs. The sustainability transformation implies an openness to innovation even for traditional producers. Regulatory Sandboxes in GI product specifications could allow for more experimentation without compromising heritage. A wine constitution could guide the transformation towards a more resilient and sustainable wine system.

Integrating Sustainability and Digitalization in Business Model Innovation. A Bibliometric Study

Abstract The aim of the study is to get a comprehensive understanding of the research landscape at the nexus between business model innovation, sustainability and/or digitalization, in order to determine key research patterns and trends. Accordingly, the following objectives have guided the development of the paper: (a) to examine the dynamics and structure of the research output (articles and citations) on the topic; (b) to explore the network of the most impactful articles; (c) to trace the origins of the research on the topic; (d) to decipher current developments in the research on the topic; and (e) to search for emerging trends in the research on the topic. An advanced search of the SCOPUS database was conducted to identify the relevant literature available; 1195 articles (published between 2014 and 2023) were selected and exported in VOSviewer for bibliometric analysis. The results suggest the emergence of a niche research area in the broad strategic management field, bringing together four related (sub)topics: (1) circular economy and sustainable business models; (2) tools, frameworks and processes for sustainable business model innovation; (3) digitalization and business model transformation; (4) business models for societal and sustainability transitions. For this research area to crystallize, the identified emerging research trends – on digital innovation and technology; strategic management and analytical methods; supply chain and manufacturing; policy, governance and sustainability – need to be further explored, both individually (in search of refinement and clarity) and collectively (in search of consistency and synergy).

The green Fintech paradox: understanding the dynamics of green brand positioning and user decision-making in the digital financial landscape

Purpose The ever-evolving landscape of financial technology (Fintech) has revolutionised payment methods and raised questions about what drives user behaviour in adopting these innovative solutions. This study, using narrative transportation theory as an underpinning theory, aims to investigate into the dynamics of green user behaviour in adopting Fintech payments. Design/methodology/approach This study used a deductive approach, and with data obtained from 635 respondents through the purposive sampling technique, partial least squares structural equation modelling was employed to yield significant insights. Findings The study found a positive association between green brand positioning and product differentiation. However, it unexpectedly didn't impact user attitudes towards Fintech payments. Green brand image and perceived performance positively influenced product differentiation. Perceived product differentiation fully mediated the association between green brand positioning and user attitudes. The study introduced fear of missing out's (FOMO) moderating role, enriching eco-conscious marketing insights and user behaviour understanding. Research limitations/implications This study reveals crucial implications for marketers, policymakers and user experience (UX) designers operating within the Fintech industry. It emphasises green brand positioning's impact on product differentiation, user attitudes and its mediating role. It advocates for sustainability integration, innovation, strategic messaging and user-centric improvements to optimise user perceptions and competitiveness in the evolving Fintech landscape. The study's cross-sectional design may limit the ability to establish causal relationships over time and overlook temporal changes in green Fintech adoption dynamics; thus, longitudinal studies are warranted to better understand the evolving nature of user attitudes and behaviours towards green Fintech payments. Originality/value This study adds novelty to the existing body of literature by introducing the dimension of innovation appeal to green brand positioning and employing narrative transportation theory in the Fintech realm. The findings also add novelty by highlighting the moderating impact of fear of missing out in predicting the association between green brand positioning and product differentiation in the realm of green Fintech and green use behaviour.

Changing Constellations of Hybridity Through the Phases of Sustainable Business Model Innovation

Changing Constellations of Hybridity Through the Phases of Sustainable Business Model Innovation

Planning Strategies for Slum Improvement in Bathinda City

Slum improvement is a critical challenge faced by urban planners and policy-makers globally as burgeoning urban population outstrips the capacity of cities to provide adequate housing and services. This paper explores comprehensive strategies for the improvement of slums focusing on sustainable development, community involvement and policy innovation. By analyzing successful case studies from diverse urban contexts, the paper identifies key elements that contributes to effective slum upgrading including secure land tenure, provision of basic services, economic opportunities and participatory planning process. The research highlights the importance of integrating slum communities into the broader urban framework to ensure social equity and economic inclusiveness. Recommendations are provided for policymakers and urban planners on designing and implementing holistic slum improvement programs that can adapt to the unique needs of each community, fostering resilience and sustainable urban growth. This study also involves finding locational attributes of slums and assessment of present status of slums. The study is focused on the Bathinda Municipal Corporation and information for the analysis is culled from secondary sources. Slums in Bathinda tend to cluster around undeveloped regions, empty lots, and water features (such as the Sarhind canal) and other forms of urban sprawl. As they find it the most suitable and safe place to live. They settle near industrial areas because of their work. The vast majority of slum inhabitants own property and live in permanent residences. However, the actual causes of the difficulties include substantial property prices and a lack of critical amenities such as drainage, sewage, water supply, and solid waste disposal. Furthermore, in the informal home supply sector, there is insufficient land accessible to the poor in Bathinda.

Understanding Supply Chain Orchestration Mechanisms to Achieve Sustainability-Oriented Innovation

Understanding Supply Chain Orchestration Mechanisms to Achieve Sustainability-Oriented Innovation

Context-Driven Innovation Ecosystem: The Environmentally Sustainable Innovation of Power Battery

Context-Driven Innovation Ecosystem: The Environmentally Sustainable Innovation of Power Battery