Sustainable Innovation Research Articles

Sustainable Innovation in Ceiling: Exploring the Environmental Benefits of a New Plaster–Rock Wool Layered Recycled Composite

This paper presents a new layered plaster-based material for building purposes. First, a new manufacturing machine was designed to make the elaboration process easier. This manufacturing machine and the way it works are described. In this study, perlite and recycled glass wool (RGW) were added to traditional plaster with the aim of improving the performance of this material. Two series (with and without perlite) and three different layer configurations were developed and assessed. Recycled glass wool layered materials were subjected to both physical and mechanical characterisation to determine their suitability for precast elaboration. The addition of perlite resulted in a significant improvement in flexural strength. Moreover, the addition of RGW also gave rise to extra flexural strength when added. The two-layered samples performed better than the one-layered samples. Mechanical properties increased up to 75% when both the perlite and RGW layers were added. Potential Global Warming Potential (GWP 100) savings were also analysed, reporting up to 49% savings. A complementary cost analysis was performed, aimed at establishing potential savings in production costs; thus, 13–57% potential cost savings were reported. After that, a comparative analysis within the literature was conducted to contextualise the results obtained in this study.

Sustainable innovations in postharvest conservation of passion fruit

The study aimed to evaluate the post-harvest quality of sour passion fruit using carnauba wax, cassava starch, and avocado seed extract coatings. The experiments were conducted in randomized blocks with five replications and two fruits per experimental unit. Two coatings associated with biofungicide were used. The carnauba wax treatment consisted of Control: fruits coated with pure carnauba wax, Wax and Extract 1:1, Wax and Extract 1:3, and fruits coated with avocado seed extract solution. The cassava starch treatment consisted of Control: fruits coated with avocado seed extract solution, fruits coated with pure cassava starch, Starch and Extract 1:1, Starch and Extract 1:3, and subplots consisting of six periods: 00, 03, 06, 09, 12, 15 conservation days, for both experiments. Fresh matter mass loss, peel color, longitudinal and transversal diameter, fruit mass, peel mass, pulp mass, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, ratio, and pH were evaluated. Coatings, individually or in combination, influenced physicochemical attributes, presenting more adequate values for peel thickness and citric acid percentage acid in the juice. The results highlight the influence of storage time on fruit characteristics, emphasizing the need to assess specific approaches to optimize post-harvest conservation.

Sharia Economic Transformation in the Era of Industrial Revolution 4.0

. Industrial Revolution 4.0, marked by technological advances such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and blockchain, has brought significant changes in various economic sectors, including the sharia economy. Sharia economics, which is based on Islamic principles such as justice, transparency and social responsibility, faces great challenges and opportunities in this digital era. The integration of technology in the sharia economy is important to ensure its relevance and sustainability. This research analyzes the impact of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 on the sharia economy, identifies the necessary transformations, and provides strategic recommendations to overcome existing challenges. The method used is qualitative with document analysis from various primary and secondary sources. The discussion includes the adoption of technology such as blockchain to increase transparency, the use of AI and big data for risk analysis, as well as the development of sharia digital financial products and services. The research results show that technology can increase operational efficiency and sharia financial inclusion, but challenges such as rigid regulations and a lack of technological literacy must be addressed. This research provides in-depth insight into the synergy between technology and sharia principles, and paves the way for sustainable and inclusive innovation in the sharia economy.

INNOVATION RESEARCH IN THE HOTEL BUSINESS

This article delves into how innovation is transforming the hospitality industry, with a specific focus on how hotels can boost efficiency and customer satisfaction through digital advancements. It highlights the necessity for hotels to stay abreast of technological trends and evolving consumer expectations to remain competitive in the market. The analysis underscores the importance of integrating strategic planning, effective innovation management, cultural adaptability, and technological adoption to drive sustainable innovation. The article emphasizes that hotels must find a balance between traditional hospitality values and modern technological solutions to provide competitive services. It discusses key areas such as the digital transformation of hotels, various levels of innovation, and the challenges and strategies involved in implementing significant changes. The need for hotels to adapt to technological trends and consumer expectations is a recurring theme. Moreover, the article highlights the critical role of strategic planning in fostering innovation. It discusses how hotels can manage innovation by embracing cultural shifts and adopting new technologies. By doing so, hotels can create sustainable innovation that enhances their service offerings. The article also explores the potential of technologies like AI and robotics to revolutionize the guest experience. It suggests that these technologies can significantly improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The conclusion emphasizes the need for hotels to combine operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and groundbreaking innovation strategies. This approach is essential for creating unique and competitive service offerings in the hotel industry. In summary, the article underscores the importance of balancing traditional hospitality values with modern technological solutions. This balance is key to providing a unique and competitive service offering in the hotel industry, ensuring that hotels can meet the demands of today's tech-savvy consumers while maintaining their core values

Understanding the role of ‘sense of place’ in the production and consumption of innovation districts

ABSTRACT Innovation districts are purposefully designed places that unite businesses, research institutions, local communities, and cultural assets in one bounded location. While providing numerous benefits, the ultimate outcome of a successful innovation district is the creation of a robust, collaborative, and sustainable innovation ecosystem. Despite their importance, academic comprehension of innovation districts as dynamic places, particularly the relationship between person and place, remains limited. Accordingly, this research addresses this gap by exploring innovation districts through the theoretical lens of sense of place. In doing so, this paper seeks to reframe the understanding of the person-place relationship by drawing on concepts including place attachment, place identity, place dependence, and social bonding. An original propositional framework is introduced, which positions sense of place of an innovation district as an outcome of established (place dependence, place identity, place attachment) and emerging (functional, cognitive, and affective social bonding) place dimensions. Furthermore, the framework delineates critical developmental stages and anticipates innovative and social outcomes associated with these districts. Conceiving sense of place within innovation districts as a holistic consequence of their design, management, and utilisation not only enhances these districts’ economic and social vitality but also ensures their sustainability and resilience in the face of changing economic and social conditions.

The slow implementation of sustainable innovations in the asphalt paving sector: the role of actors and their interactions

International climate agreements and government policies, push the road construction industry towards more sustainable practices using alternative materials, new production techniques, and more efficient construction processes. Despite the broad availability of these sustainable solutions, their adoption is slow and uncertain. The reasons behind this remain unclear. This study employs a system innovation perspective to analyze the process that leads to the implementation of sustainable innovations in the Dutch asphalt paving sector. By exploring actors’ roles and their interactions at different stages of the process, we aim to identify key aspects influencing the pace and outcome of the innovation implementation process in the industry. The results highlight that (1) the asphalt paving sector is anchored in a project perspective that often overlooks long-term sustainability goals, (2) several key innovation roles are not fully fulfilled, and the absence of a coordinating role is leading to misunderstandings, and (3) monitoring at both the project and sector levels is lacking; there is no holistic assessment of the overall impact of innovations. Overall, the findings suggest that sustainable innovation processes in Dutch asphalt paving remain confined to the niche level, which can be overcome by redistributing actors' responsibilities, addressing the lack of system monitoring, and overcoming the project perspective could help address the challenges in the process.

TOWARDS A NEW PARADIGM: SHIRKAH PRODUCT AND SERVICE INNOVATION IN FACING THE CHALLENGES OF THE MODERN ECONOMY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

The increasing complexity of the modern economy in the digital era, accompanied by global and regional economic challenges, drives the need for adaptive and sustainable innovation of Islamic financial products and services. This study aims to analyze the potential and challenges of implementing shirkah contracts in the development of innovative products and services in Islamic financial institutions. Using the method of comprehensive literature review and comparative analysis of the implementation practices of shirkah contracts in various global Islamic financial institutions, this study found that shirkah contracts have a flexible and adaptive framework for the development of innovative products and services that are in accordance with the needs of the modern economy such as MSME financing, sharia fintech, and sharia investment. Challenges in the implementation of the shirkah contract include aspects of regulation, governance, and financial literacy. Therefore, this study recommends innovative strategies and solutions to overcome challenges and optimize the potential of shirkah contracts in facing the digital era.

Tools and Frameworks for Sustainable Business Model Innovation for German Steel, Cement, and Chemical Industries

In the decarbonization of the steel, cement, and chemical industries in Germany, green hydrogen is expected to play a crucial role. The utilization of green hydrogen in the production processes of said industries requires organizations to modify their business model, requiring sustainable business model innovation (SBMI). Numerous tools and frameworks that support organizations in the process of SBMI have been proposed in the literature in recent years. However, the applicability of these tools and frameworks for steel, cement, and chemical companies that intend to utilize green hydrogen to produce their goods remains unexplored. This paper aims to assess the suitability of SBMI tools and frameworks for steel, cement, and chemical companies planning to use green hydrogen in their production. It conducts a systematic literature review on SBMI tools and frameworks, reviews current green hydrogen projects in these industries, and evaluates the identified tools and frameworks using an evaluation matrix. Based on the evaluation, the Cambridge Business Model Innovation Process (CBMIP) was identified as the most suitable SBMI framework.

Decarbonization Drivers and Their Impact on Business Models in the Energy-Intensive Manufacturing Industry (EIMI)

EIMIs face the challenge of adapting to the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal to achieve carbon neutrality. Driven by consumer interest in low-carbon products, regulatory requirements, and investor priorities, companies are pressured to integrate sustainability beyond short-term financial gains. The growing awareness of the environmental impact of business models (BM) has fueled the development of Sustainable Business Models (SBMs). Although the importance of decarbonization of EIMIs has increased, there is a lack of industry-specific research examining the combination of decarbonization and business models, as well as their interrelationships and correlations. This study addresses the discussion on the role of SBMs in decarbonization, improving the understanding of how these drivers can be integrated to enable new BMs for EIMIs. Based on a structured literature review and semi-structured interviews within the EIMIs, the study identifies BM components influenced by these drivers requiring sustainable business model innovation (SBMI). Results show that decarbonization drivers significantly impact all BM components. Experts emphasize the importance of collaborative approaches and cooperation throughout the value chain. This research highlights the need for systematic analysis to understand how companies can manage decarbonization drivers effectively and suggests exploring potential SBM design options.

Design Options for Sustainable and Open Business Models: A Taxonomy-Based Analysis

The imperative for decarbonization forces businesses to transform their business models (BMs) and to adopt Sustainable Business Models which focus on creating value sustainably. In the context of Sustainable Business Model Innovation, maintaining close relationships within ecosystems is crucial to ensure a sustainable transformation while preserving competitiveness. As corporate boundaries become more transparent, the importance of external resources increases, leading to a shift from closed to open business models (OBM). In OBMs, stakeholders, including customers, actively co-create innovation and value creation. Our research investigates how integrating these approaches can shape BMs that effectively address decarbonization drivers and tackle the required business model innovation. We conducted a structured literature review to develop a taxonomy that outlines 64 design options across nine dimensions for sustainable, open BMs. In conclusion, this study provides sustainable and open design options, classified into detailed taxonomies. The practical applicability of this taxonomy was demonstrated through a use case classification, providing a foundation for companies and further research into designing and implementing these BMs in the context of decarbonization.

Advances and challenges in regenerative therapies for abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a significant source of mortality worldwide and carries a mortality of greater than 80% after rupture. Despite extensive efforts to develop pharmacological treatments, there is currently no effective agent to prevent aneurysm growth and rupture. Current treatment paradigms only rely on the identification and surveillance of small aneurysms, prior to ultimate open surgical or endovascular repair. Recently, regenerative therapies have emerged as promising avenues to address the degenerative changes observed in AAA. This review briefly outlines current clinical management principles, characteristics, and pharmaceutical targets of AAA. Subsequently, a thorough discussion of regenerative approaches is provided. These include cellular approaches (vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and mesenchymal stem cells) as well as the delivery of therapeutic molecules, gene therapies, and regenerative biomaterials. Lastly, additional barriers and considerations for clinical translation are provided. In conclusion, regenerative approaches hold significant promise for in situ reversal of tissue damages in AAA, necessitating sustained research and innovation to achieve successful and translatable therapies in a new era in AAA management.

Design and Development Of Musical Instruments from Recycled Materials for the Elderly in Phitsanulok Province In the Northern Part Of Thailand

This research project explores the creative potential and sustainable innovation of designing and developing musical instruments using recycled materials, specifically focusing on involving the elderly community. In an era where environmental sustainability is paramount, and the elderly population is often overlooked in creative endeavors, this study aims to bridge these two aspects, offering a unique and inclusive approach to music and recycling. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the feasibility of using recycled materials to construct functional and aesthetically pleasing musical instruments while actively engaging the elderly, music experts, geriatric specialists, product design experts, and technicians in the design and development process. By leveraging their accumulated knowledge, wisdom, and artistic sensibilities, this project seeks to empower and enrich the lives of the elderly while contributing to reducing waste and environmental conservation. Results indicate that the elderly participants derive numerous physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits from their involvement in the project, including enhanced motor skills, cognitive stimulation, and a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, the musical instruments produced demonstrate impressive innovation, sound quality, and aesthetics, underlining the viability of using recycled materials in the design of musical instruments.

Interdisciplinary integrative capabilities as a catalyst of responsible technology-enabled innovation: A higher education case study of Design MSc dissertation projects

AbstractIt has been acknowledged that global challenges are in the way of delivering responsible innovation, as reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals – a set of strategic objectives formulated by the United Nations General Assembly, to promote environmentally, societally, and economically-sustainable development. Design higher education has an important role to play in equipping the next generation of professionals with knowledge and skills for tackling pressing system-level challenges. Sustainable design research and ways of integrating emerging technologies in future design higher education curricula have, separately, attracted significant interest in recent years. However, comparatively little effort has concentrated on the role that a broader range of technologies can play in shaping the design higher education provision with system-level sustainability challenges in mind. This article presents an analysis of 180 Design MSc dissertation projects, implemented at a UK higher education institution between 2019 and 2022, focusing on research challenges of societal and industrial relevance. The data set includes a mapping of dissertation projects to relevant technologies, industry sectors, and Sustainable Development Goals. Data analysis suggests a balanced distribution of projects across a range of sustainability goals, although under-represented thematic areas have also been highlighted. The methods adopted for this study, based on a systematic study of relational patterns reflecting associations of dissertation projects with technologies, industry sectors, and sustainability goals, provide a blueprint for future data-driven research on the role played by technologies within student projects in design higher education, with an emphasis on their relevance to sustainable innovation challenges.

The Untapped Potential of Patent Law in Deterring Environmentally Unsustainable Innovation

Abstract Despite the common belief that the granting of a patent is a neutral act, patent protection is intended to encourage technological innovations that are acceptable from an ethical point of view: in fact, both international and supranational legislation exclude from patentability inventions whose commercial exploitation would be contrary to ordre public, a notion that certainly encompasses also the prevention of serious damage to the environment. However, the provisions excluding the patentability of inventions whose commercial exploitation is contrary to ordre public (and in particular to environmental ordre public) have rarely been applied in Europe. After outlining the reasons why ordre public exceptions have had very limited application in Europe so far, the paper offers a new perspective through which such exceptions should be interpreted and suggests how patent offices can play a new and more decisive role in promoting environmentally sustainable innovation.

Role of coproduction in the sustainability of innovations in applied health and social care research: a scoping review

BackgroundInnovations such as toolkits and frameworks are developed through applied health and social care research, to address identified gaps in quality or safety of care. The intention is to subsequently...

Integrative Digital Governance: The Role of Public Administration in Promoting Sustainable Development amid Post-Pandemic Technological Innovations

Abstract Our study intends to find out how integrative digital governance in public administration can support sustainable development. The Covid-19 pandemic’s effects and current technology developments presented the chance. Mainly qualitative analysis, which included case study analysis and a review of the specialized literature, made up the research approach. Using this approach, we want to find potential approaches to include digital transformation into public administration. Our initial assumption was that the digitalization of public administration might make it easier to accomplish goals related to global development. Based on the findings of our study, we can declare that digitisation of public administration has a great potential to boost effectiveness, openness and civic engagement. Technologies would make participation easier and guarantee equal access for all citizens. All the same, our study emphasizes how complicated digitalization is. This covers the possible hazards connected to digital technology included into systems of public administration. We underline as recommendations the need of implementing a cooperation strategy that includes several activity sectors and degrees of digital governance. Our study has certain limitations mostly because we chose a limited number of case studies. This reality, we think, may affect the general applicability of the obtained results. We advise considering these restrictions in case our study is replicated. Furthermore, we think that the rate at which technology is developing now calls for a constant assessment of the outcomes that are attained by incorporating post-pandemic technological advancements into digital governance. Our study adds value by advancing our understanding of sustainable development in the digital era and by drawing attention to the challenges public administration has in embracing and leveraging digital developments.

A belowground perspective on the nexus between biodiversity change, climate change, and human well‐being

AbstractSoil is central to the complex interplay among biodiversity, climate, and society. This paper examines the interconnectedness of soil biodiversity, climate change, and societal impacts, emphasizing the urgent need for integrated solutions. Human‐induced biodiversity loss and climate change intensify environmental degradation, threatening human well‐being. Soils, rich in biodiversity and vital for ecosystem function regulation, are highly vulnerable to these pressures, affecting nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and resilience. Soil also crucially regulates climate, influencing energy, water cycles, and carbon storage. Yet, climate change poses significant challenges to soil health and carbon dynamics, amplifying global warming. Integrated approaches are essential, including sustainable land management, policy interventions, technological innovations, and societal engagement. Practices like agroforestry and organic farming improve soil health and mitigate climate impacts. Effective policies and governance are crucial for promoting sustainable practices and soil conservation. Recent technologies aid in monitoring soil biodiversity and implementing sustainable land management. Societal engagement, through education and collective action, is vital for environmental stewardship. By prioritizing interdisciplinary research and addressing key frontiers, scientists can advance understanding of the soil biodiversity–climate change–society nexus, informing strategies for environmental sustainability and social equity.

Performance analysis of snail shell biomaterials in solar still for clean water production: nature-inspired innovation for sustainability.

In this current investigation, the experimental performance of a solar still basin was significantly enhanced by incorporating snail shell biomaterials. The outcomes of the snail shell-augmented solar still basin (SSSS) are compared with those of a conventional solar still (CSS). The utilization of snail shells proved to facilitate the reduction of saline water and enhance its temperature, thereby improving the productivity of the SSSS. Cumulatively, the SSSS productivity was improved by 4.3% over CSS. Furthermore, the SSSS outperformed in energy and exergy efficiency of CSS by 4.5 and 3.5%, respectively. Economically, the cost per liter of distillate (CPL) for the CSS was 3.4% higher than SSSS. Moreover, the SSSS showed a shorter estimated payback period (PBP) of 141 days which was 6 days less than CSS. Considering the environmental impact, the observed CO2 emissions from the SSSS were approximately 14.6% higher than CSS over its 10-year lifespan. Notably, the SSSS exhibited a substantial increase in the estimated carbon credit earned (CCE) compared to the CSS. Ultimately, the research underscores the efficacy of incorporating snail shells into solar still basins as a commendable approach to organic waste management, offering economic benefits without compromising environmental considerations.

The Effect of Market-Based Environmental Regulations on Green Technology Innovation—The Regulatory Effect Based on Corporate Social Responsibility

This study explores the impact of market-based environmental regulations on green technological innovation and the differential regulatory effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on different levels of green technological innovation. By analyzing data from 746 Chinese A-share listed companies from the period of 2008–2021, this paper examines the effect of market-based environmental regulations on corporate green technology innovation. The research findings are as follows: (1) Market-based environmental regulations have a significant promoting effect on green technology innovation in enterprises. (2) CSR amplifies the positive influence of market-based environmental on green technological innovation, but it has a greater impact on strategic innovations, like utility model patents, rather than substantial ones, like invention patents. Corporate may use CSR to superficially meet regulatory pressures and stakeholder expectations, focusing more on short-term compliance than on long-term sustainable innovation. Companies might utilize CSR as a superficial means to appease regulatory demands, concentrating on immediate compliance rather than fostering enduring innovation. (3) Market-based environmental regulations facilitate green technological innovation by alleviating enterprise financing constraints and improving the efficiency of innovation resource allocation. (4) The promotion effect of market-based environmental regulations on green technological innovation is particularly evident in state-owned enterprises, heavily polluted industries, and regions with high regulatory levels. The research contribution is to provide valuable insights into the implementation of market-based environmental regulations and firms’ green technological innovation. Specifically, it elucidates the nuanced regulatory effects of corporate social responsibility, presenting a fresh lens through which to reconsider the intricate mechanism of CSR’s role as a conduit between environmental policy and innovative practices.

Unlocking Innovation from Within: The Power of Tacit Knowledge and Change Adaptability in Indonesian Internal Organisational Innovation Processes

Abstract Research purpose. The study examines how tacit knowledge sharing affects internal organisational innovation by exploring change adaptability as a mediator. Hence, it tries to fill this gap and further explain the role played by tacit knowledge sharing in the entire knowledge management process. Given the mediating effect of change adaptability, this study aims to provide new insight into effective management and sharing tacit knowledge among organisations to improve their innovation processes. Design / Methodology / Approach. This study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) as the main statistical technique. Such a method is best applied in this research, where one confirms hypotheses and the relationship between observed and latent variables. The samples were selected based on judgmental non-probability and purposive sampling approaches. The SEM was used in data analysis. It contributed to understanding the relationship of the variables, such as sharing tacit knowledge, change adaptability, and internal organisational innovation. Findings. The study proved that tacit knowledge sharing is highly significant in internal organisational innovation, mediated by change adaptability. Direct effect: Tacit knowledge sharing directly affects the organisational ability to adapt to change and internal innovativeness, thus underpinning its basis. Change adaptability mediates the effect of tacit knowledge sharing on internal organisational innovation, which influences innovation outcomes. Path coefficient analysis confirms the positive influence of tacit knowledge sharing on adaptability to change and innovation. Indirect Effects: Empirical examination has proved the significant mediating effect of change adaptability in leveraging tacit knowledge for innovation. These results suggest that the strategic value of tacit knowledge and adaptability, which will drive sustainable innovation within organisations and support their integration within strategic frameworks, is fully justified. Originality / Value / Practical implications. This is a new model used for the first time to suggest novel contributions and usefulness in understanding the relationship among sharing of tacit knowledge, change adaptability, and innovation at the internal level of the organisation. Tacit knowledge sharing, combined with change adaptability, is a model for internal organisational innovation. Therefore, it fills an important gap in the existing literature: the quantification of adaptability in mediating the effect of tacit knowledge on innovation. The results of this study will provide empirical validation of these relationships and further contribute to the knowledge in practice, particularly by emphasising the mediating role of change adaptability, which has been relatively underexplored. Practically, tacit knowledge sharing within adaptive organisational environments is thus an important call towards effective adaptation to change. The level of enhancement of these dimensions as core competencies through strategies could make a difference in the success of businesses. The importance of adaptability has to be emphasised by training programs and management practices that would provide the same skills. Other important avenues include those that work towards cultivating supportive organisational cultures that would facilitate tacit knowledge exchange, support employee interaction and informal knowledge exchange, and measures to reward innovation efforts. Investment in human resources practices that encourage learning and adaptability will continue to encourage knowledge sharing and innovation, including improving training programs, offering mentorship opportunities, and developing performance management systems that support and reward behaviours around innovation. This study contributes to the literature with a developed framework and empirical examination of the interrelations between tacit knowledge sharing, change adaptability, and innovation. It provides practical strategies that can be of value to the organisation in enhancing innovation capabilities through knowledge management.