Sustainable Social Development Research Articles

The Effect of the National Specially Monitored Firms Program on Water-Polluting Firms’ Green Total Factor Productivity

Since 2007, the National Specially Monitored Firms (NSMF) program has been a key instrument in the Chinese government’s environmental regulation efforts and a crucial approach for achieving sustainable development in China. There is limited literature examining its effect on green total factor productivity (GTFP). This study investigates the effect of this policy on water-polluting firms’ GTFP using pollution discharge data from Chinese industrial firms and employing a time-varying difference-in-differences model. The findings illustrate that (1) the NSMF program significantly enhances the GTFP of water-polluting firms, primarily by promoting technological progress; (2) the NSMF program advances water-polluting firms’ GTFP through three channels: alleviating financing constraints, improving human capital, enhancing pollution treatment technologies. This study provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness of the NSMF program, offering valuable insights for the formulation of command-and-control environmental regulations and the pursuit of sustainable social development in the future.

Technology of State Regulation of Regional Economy: A Systematic Approach

The article is dedicated to the examination of the issues pertaining to the development of a framework for the regulation of the regional economy at the state level. The object of the research is the process of state regulation of the regional economy. The focus of this research is an examination of the interrelationships between the state and regional economic development, with a particular emphasis on the role of state regulation in fostering regional economic growth. The purpose of the study is to form the technology of state regulation of the regional economy based on the criterion of synergy arising as a result of the interaction of legislative, executive, and control and supervisory activities by public authorities. The article elucidates the manner in which the technology of state regulation of the regional economy is constituted. It encompasses a number of structural elements, including state institutional policy, state regulatory policy, legislative activity, executive activity, control and supervisory activity, regional economic policy, and the economic environment. These elements function in concert to reconcile interests and enhance social reproduction and sustainable economic development. Such an approach to state regulation of the regional economy will expand the opportunities of the federal center to positively influence economic dynamics at the regional level, which will minimize the amplitude of fluctuations in the level of GRP and smooth out regional differences in economic and social development.

ESG, technological innovation and firm value: evidence from china

In alignment with China's “dual carbon” goals - peak carbon by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, this strategy underlines the necessity for economic transmutation and advancement to realize more sustainable economic growth. Concurrently, it draws attention to the imperative of the green development philosophy and the significance of climate change. In light of these policy directives, more rigorous standards of environmental conservation and social responsibility are imposed on publicly listed companies, particularly those in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The objective of this paper is to explore the synergistic effect of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and technological innovation on firm value in this context. This research is grounded on panel data from A-share listed pharmaceutical manufacturing companies surveyed over a decade - 2012 to 2021, incorporating 98 firms as the research sample. The findings reveal that: (1) there is a considerable positive correlation between a company's ESG factors and its value. This suggests an escalating interest from investors and the market in corporate social responsibility and sustainable development capacity; (2) technological innovation serves as a conduit, playing a partially mediating role, through which corporate ESG performance not only directly influences firm value but also indirectly boosts it by fostering innovation. The robustness test further validates our findings, demonstrating the reliability of the research outcomes. Advanced research indicates that the synergistic effect of ESG factors and technological innovation on increasing firm value is conspicuously significant in non-state-owned enterprises and those grappling with lower financing constraints. This suggests the role of ESG and technological innovation in enhancing firm value is more pivotal in specific contexts.

Development of the Methodology for Analysing the Social Activity of Companies Based on the Sustainability Report

Modern business conditions in the period of globalisation and instability of the external environment are characterised by the need to pay special attention to the issues of corporate social responsibility and social activity of companies. In times of crisis, it is companies, along with the state, that should act as a pillar for society. The aim of the research is to analyse the social activity of organisations and assess the level of their involvement in the sustainable development strategy on the example of companies in the Russian oil and gas sector. The study pays special attention to the issues of regulatory and legal support for the preparation of non-financial reporting. The analysis led to the determination that the extent of companies’ engagement in the execution of the sustainable social development strategy is markedly deficient. Currently, the disclosure of a company’s social investments in non-financial reporting is undertaken on a voluntary basis. As a consequence, variances exist in the formats employed, the frequency of reporting, and the alignment with the corporate interests of the organisation. This approach hinders the establishment of a dependable evaluation and comparison of data, as well as impedes the thorough analysis of the influence exerted by companies on social development. The novelty of this study centres around conducting a thorough evaluation of social activity and corporate engagement in the execution of sustainable development strategies. Moreover, the authors have contributed by identifying a set of recommended indicators for mandatory disclosure in non-financial reporting.

Social Innovation and Sustainable Development: An Approach in the Portuguese Municipal Context

With the aim of identifying the determinants and impacts of social innovation on local sustainable development, this article analyses a set of projects funded by the Portugal Social Innovation public initiative in 10 municipalities in the country where there was local authority investment. Using documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs and local authority investors, it concludes that the experience led to the promotion of new practices, new collaborative relationships and the empowerment of local social action networks. However, it is noted that sustainable development is not yet seen as an operative concept by the stakeholders involved.

Strategic prospects for using international experience of foreign investment in Armenia

The article analyzes the strategic prospects for creating stable conditions for attracting additional volumes of foreign investment in the Armenian economy, which is due to the lack of own funds for sustainable social and economic development. The relevance of issues related to the role and place of foreign investment in Armenia, occurring due to the globalization of the world and regional economy, creating or limiting conditions for the movement of capital, has increased sharply in light of the sharp intensification of the policy of attracting foreign investment in the South Caucasus region. The practical experience of the transition period of the market economy of Armenia is summarized, as the country became more dependent on the level of regional and global integration. At this time, flows of foreign capital emerged not only in the form of government borrowings, but also in the form of diaspora transfers, assistance from international organizations, and the creation of joint ventures with Armenian entrepreneurs. Restrictions on obtaining high technologies, both in the form of goods and technical documentation, and in the form of direct investment, were gradually lifted.

Relationship Between Green Finance Availability and Purchase Intentions in Generation Z and Millennials: Moderating Role of Consciousness

This study examines how the availability of green finance influences the purchasing intentions of Generation Z and Millennials, with consciousness as a moderating factor. A structured questionnaire was deployed to collect the data to measure five reflective constructs: purchase intention, Gen Z and Millennials’ green finance, environmental consciousness, future consciousness and status consciousness. The valid responses of 500 participants working at various levels in the information technology industry were subjected to normality tests, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling analysis. The data were normally distributed (Shapiro‒Wilk statistic p>0.05), and the survey instrument maintained internal consistency and reliability, as revealed by the Cronbach’s alpha values (>0.70). The structural equation modeling results revealed an excellent model fit, and the Gen Z and Millennials’ financial availability, future consciousness and status consciousness constructs were statistically significant and impacted the purchasing intentions of Gen Z and Millennials. Slope analysis reveals that consciousness is statistically significant and moderates the relationship between Gen Z and Millennial financing availability and purchase intentions. Consciousness strengthens the positive relationship between Gen Z and millennial finance availability and purchase intentions. The article reports novel findings that affect the purchase intentions of customers regarding the availability of green financing to Generation Z and Millennials. This is a new empirical study in which Generation Z and Millennials. This empirical study highlighted the environmental, social and managerial implications for green finance providers. Green finance opportunities need to be provided to Gen Z and Millennials so that they can make a habit of engaging in green finance practices. This will promote environmental protection, increase greener consumption options, and ensure social equity and sustainable economic development. If the green financing opportunities promoted to Gen Z and Millennials, more businesses can opt for greener options, greener products and greener marketing.

Spatiotemporal evolution in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in 2000–2020

Assessing the sustainable development level of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) is of great significance for China’s sustainable development. With rich natural resources, a fragile ecological environment, and a relatively low level of economic development, the QTP is typical of regions in China where conflict between socio-economic development and environmental protection is prominent. However, there is a lack of assessment of spatiotemporal progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the QTP. To address this gap in knowledge, cluster analysis was used to quantitatively assess spatiotemporal changes in SDG indicators and sustainable development levels in different counties of the QTP from 2000 to 2020. The results show that the sustainable development level of the QTP is increasing; the growth rate of the sustainable development in 2010–2020 was three times that of 2000–2010. The level of sustainable development in the eastern region is significantly higher than that in the western region. However, while the level of sustainable environmental development is high, the levels of sustainable social and economic development remain low. Certain factors, including precipitation, slope, population density, and cultivated area, are strongly positively correlated with the sustainable development of the QTP. The findings of our study can serve as a valuable reference for other jurisdictions seeking to evaluate their evolution towards the SDGs.

Medium and long-term energy demand forecasts by sectors in China under the goal of “carbon peaking & carbon neutrality”: Based on the LEAP-China model

Energy is a critical material foundation for sustainable economic and social development and national security, and it is of great significance to explore China's medium and long-term energy demand to realize the “dual-carbon” goal. Based on the current state of economic and social development and energy consumption, the LEAP-CHINA model is constructed to create baseline scenario, structural adjustment scenario, technology abatement scenario, and comprehensive scenario to forecast China's total energy demand, end-use industry subsectors, end-use energy subvarieties, processing and conversion sectors from 2022 to 2060. The results show: (1) China's total energy demand showed a “rapid increase before 2039, a slow increase between 2039 and 2049, and a gentle decrease after peaking in 2049". (2) The contribution rate of energy conservation and emission reduction was comprehensive scenario > technology abatement scenario > industrial adjustment scenario > baseline scenario > energy adjustment scenario. (3) Industry was the largest energy demand industry, and the rest of the industries' energy demand share was decreasing. (4) There is a definite trend towards power system decarbonization and energy system electrification, with non-fossil energy power generation anticipated to increase to 78%–82 % in 2060. Finally, it proposes countermeasures for China's energy development in the medium and long-term.

Forecast of Commodity Energy Consumption and Structure of Rural Households in Sichuan Province

With the growth in energy consumption, problems such as environmental pollution and resource depletion are becoming more and more prominent, and the sustainable use of energy resources and sustainable economic and social development can be achieved only through scientific forecasting and effective management. Forecasting the changing trend of energy consumption structure can guide the government and society to take corresponding measures for environmental protection and sustainable development, and reduce the negative impact of energy consumption on the environment. Based on the current development situation of commodity energy in rural households in Sichuan Province and related consumption data, this paper uses the grey prediction model and Markov model to predict the consumption and consumption structure of commodity energy in rural households in Sichuan Province. It is found that among the four types of commodity energy consumed by rural households in Sichuan Province, the consumption of electricity shows exponential and growth, and it is expected that the consumption of electricity by rural households in Sichuan Province from 2022 to 2025 will be 3,316,166, 3,582,203, 3,886,622, and 4,216,240 tonnes of standard coal, respectively. Meanwhile, using Markov chain to predict the consumption structure, it is found that under the no-planning constraint scenario, the share of energy consumption of electricity and natural gas is increasing, while the share of energy consumption of coal and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will be decreasing, and the shares of energy consumption of coal, electricity, natural gas, and LPG will be 1.97 per cent, 75.82 per cent, 26.36 per cent, and 0.02 per cent, respectively, by 2030.

Tejiendo el futuro sostenible de la mano del capital social: Un enfoque desde la participación comunitaria

The research sought to analyze the relationship between social capital and sustainable development in the context of rural agricultural producers considering the interacting factors. The methodology was quantitative, under a non-experimental cross-sectional design, the sample is 40 agricultural producers to whom the instrument called Trust Index questionnaire was applied. The study identified the categories credibility, respect, impartiality, pride and camaraderie as notable elements in the substrate of the organizational fabric; where producers play a relevant role in local development processes. The research concludes that sustainable development in rural areas requires adequate intra- and inter-organizational collaborative relationships and that public policies and private interventions must allocate budgets to the promotion of efficient associations with a high organizational climate.

Hidden emotional trends on social media regarding the Thailand–China high-speed railway project: a deep learning approach with ChatGPT integration

Leveraging sentiment analysis on social media reveals hidden emotional trends by providing deep insights into the public’s collective opinions and feelings because social media can reflect most opinions based on true feelings. However, there is no time-series analysis of Thai opinions on social media regarding government projects in Thailand. Therefore, the focus of this research is to survey and dynamically analyze sentiment on social media platforms, particularly YouTube, regarding the Thailand–China High-Speed Rail Project (Thai–China HSR Project). This is a major project involving an investment of over 500 billion baht, a collaborative effort between the Thai and Chinese governments aimed at developing transportation infrastructure. It leads the public concerns of Thai people about the potential economic and social impacts. The deep learning (DL) technique was used for this analysis by the Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) model, together with WangchanBERTa, a Thai language model specifically designed to analyze opinions from Thai comments received from YouTube from July 2015 to January 2024. The analysis reveals that citizens’ sentiments are primarily neutral, with more negative than positive sentiments with the passing years. Results also indicate that the data volume has increased since 2019 and peaked in 2022. Negative comments peaked in January 2022, and based on our analysis, such negative comments followed news covering the opening of the China–Laos Railway on December 1, 2021. Video contents were related to the Thai–China HSR Project, which provides comparative reviews and analysis of government operations. Additionally, we explore the possibility of integrating AI technology based on the ChatGPT 4 model to support data interpretation. Although the AI model can interpret data quickly and efficiently serve as a convenient method for users, the results lack the in-depth analysis that should be done by experts in the field. The proposed framework could be useful to government agencies and can be used to quickly and efficiently survey and track public opinion. The results can be used for policy planning, strategic decision-making, and improving communications to better inform citizens about projects and operations, leading to the country’s sustainable economic and social development.

DEVELOPMENT OF THAI HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS TOWARDS THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)

At the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, held on September 25, 2015, at the United Nations Headquarters, Thailand, along with 193 United Nation (UN) member states, signed and adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This global development framework aims to achieve sustainable social, economic, and environmental development by 2030, ensuring that no one is left behind. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which serve as a guide for all countries to work together, consist of 17 main goals and 169 SDG targets that are universal, interconnected, and mutually reinforcing. And, there are also 247 indicators designed to monitor and evaluate the progress of development. The SDGs can be grouped according to five interconnected dimensions, known as the 5Ps: People: Focus on developing and eradicating poverty and hunger and reducing inequality within society. Planet: Emphasize the protection and preservation of natural resources and climate for future generations. Prosperity: Promote well-being and a harmonious coexistence with nature. Peace: Uphold principles of peaceful coexistence, a peaceful society, and non-discrimination. Partnership: Foster collaboration among all sectors to drive the sustainable development agenda forward.

ANALYZING COMPANY’S COMPETITIVENESS: DEFINITIONS AND INFLUENCING FACTORS

The article is devoted to the study of the competitiveness of the enterprise as an economic concept and an object of assessment. Issues that remain unresolved, despite the significant level of development of this issue, are considered. In particular, the problems of the integration of digital technologies as one of the main factors of competitiveness are highlighted, the importance of the adaptability of cross-industry innovations is shown, and the relationship between the concepts of sustainable development and the competitiveness of the enterprise is explained. It was determined that today enterprises, forming competitive advantages, face new challenges in the context of globalization. Much of the existing research focuses on static models of competitiveness, while prospective studies should pay more attention to how corporations can maintain competitiveness in a dynamic global marketplace. The article identifies the main factors in the formation of sustainable competitive advantages of enterprises in the conditions of the digital economy and the intensive spread of technologies. The authors proposed a schematic visualization of the multifaceted meaningful interrelationship of competitiveness and the main business competencies of innovative enterprises. Based on the analysis of scientific sources and previous empirical studies of the authors, the list of competitiveness factors is summarized, which is based on a synthetic approach and includes external, internal, macroeconomic, environmental, social, technological, innovative and other factors. It is emphasized that one of the key levers of the mechanism of formation of sustainable competitive advantages of enterprises in modern conditions of uncertainty is market adaptability, which is subject to economic analysis and forecasting. Thus, the authors note that innovation potential has become a key element for maintaining competitiveness, especially in technology-driven industries, while corporate social responsibility and sustainable development are increasingly seen as integral components of long-term competitiveness; moreover, with the deepening of globalization, companies must possess the ability to adapt to the conditions of international markets in order to remain competitive in the long term. The priority direction of further research is the development of a model for evaluating the market adaptability of innovatively active enterprises operating in growing markets.

A new method to quantify the impacts of human activity on soil conservation service

Human activities and climate change impact ecosystem services, thereby affecting economic and social sustainable development. Measuring the heterogeneity in space and time of how human activities affect ecosystem services poses a challenge for the sustainable management of land resources. Based on “human appropriation of net primary production (HANPP) - Fractional Vegetation Cover (FVC) - Soil Conservation Service (SCS)” cascading effect, first, a geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) model was employed to assess the impact of HANPP in percent of potential NPP (hereafter HANPP%) on the FVC; second, changes in the FVC caused by human activities were quantified; and third, the potential soil conservation service (SCSp) and actual soil conservation service (SCSa) were estimated using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model, and the difference between them represented the changes in soil conservation service caused by human activities (SCSh). Taking the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau as a case study, we found that the GTWR model was well suited for analyzing the relationship between the HANPP% and the FVC (R2 = 0.897). The HANPP resulted in a decrease in the FVC from 0.222 in 2001 to 0.199 in 2019 and correspondingly resulted in a decrease in the ratio of SCSh to SCSp from 8.95% to 7.24%. This study provides a quantitative method that allows quantifying the influence of human activity on ecosystem services closely related to the FVC.

Participatory governance for the temporary use of urban abandoned areas. A socio-spatial approach to the “Old Hospital” area in Alexandroupolis, Greece

The reuse of urban abandoned areas, which is constantly increasing, is necessary for urban sustainable development. This paper seeks to examine whether temporary use adopting participatory processes is an appropriate tool for the reuse of urban abandoned areas, while studying the implications for social capital by taking advantage of the social dynamics of space, reinforcing sustainable urban development. We focus on the case of the “Old Hospital” of Alexandroupolis, in Greece, a long-term abandoned area in the inner city. Adopting a socio-spatial perspective through the approach of Lefebvre and Remy, it highlights that temporary use of urban abandoned areas strengthens the socio-spatial dynamics, in conjunction with the logics of space production and appropriation, spatial practices, representations of space and representational spaces. The qualitative survey with local government and stakeholders shows how the production of space applies “top-down” governance and captures visionary scenarios of reuse via temporary use. The quantitative survey with locals identifies weak social capital, which poses obstacles to urban development and community's acceptance of the reuse scenarios. We suggest new logics of space production, through participatory governance for the temporary use of the urban abandoned areas that could enhance social capital and sustainable development, exploiting the social dynamics.

Self-assembled chromium-based nitrogen carrier for chemical looping ammonia synthesis

Industrially, ammonia is generated mainly using the energy-intensive and CO2-emitting Haber-Bosch process, which is not conducive to sustainable economic and social development. The chemical looping ammonia synthesis (CLAS) is capable of coupling green energy, which is one of the available alternatives to the Haber-Bosch process, but the ammonia production rate of most of its nitrogen carriers is unsatisfactory. In this work, we designed a self-assembled nitrogen carrier using ZSM-5 molecular sieve (ZSM-5) and nickel (Ni) to modify chromium nitride (CrN). ZSM-5 molecular sieves have a rich pore structure, which enables the gas-phase reactants to react with the lattice nitrogen in the subsurface layer of the nitrogen carrier. Nickel can facilitate the dissociation of hydrogen during hydrogenation due to its higher hydrogen affinity. The ammonia production rate of the nitrogen carrier can reach 451.2 μmol g−1 h−1 at 700 °C and atmospheric pressure, and be able to remain 358 μmol g−1 h−1 after eight cycles. Furthermore, we also propose a full-coverage design strategy for nitrogen carriers: simultaneous optimization of the chemical and mass transfer processes in the nitrogen carrier. This work advances the design of high-performance nitrogen carrier, thus facilitating the applications of CLAS for the distributed ammonia synthesis.

Meta-analysis of Heavy Metal Pollution in Soil-crop Systems in China's Urban-Rural Fringe

Owing to the influence of human activities, the issue of heavy metal pollution in farmland soil at the urban-rural fringe has become increasingly prominent. An accurate understanding of the characteristics of soil-crop heavy metal pollution in these areas is of great significance for ensuring food safety and promoting social sustainable development. Most of the existing studies rely on small-scale field monitoring, but research at the national level has not effectively captured the unique pollution dynamics of this urban-rural interface. Based on the published literature, the present study investigated the status of heavy metal pollution in the soil-crop system within China's urban-rural fringe through Meta-analysis. On this basis, the study evaluated the risks to human health associated with heavy metals in major crops in a given region. The results showed that heavy metals were accumulated in farmland soil in the urban-rural fringe of China, especially in Cd （Igeo = 0.89） pollution, and its distinct spatial heterogeneity patterns emerged. When considering different types of cultivated land, paddy fields and irrigated land exhibited a higher tendency of heavy metal accumulation. From the varying urbanization levels, the accumulation of heavy metals in soils of small and medium-sized cities was more obvious. For crops in the urban-rural fringe, Cd and Pb had the highest exceedance rate in rice （28.25% and 39.64%） and wheat （27.72% and 42.72%）. The health risk assessment results of heavy metals in crops showed that Cd was the main element that posed human health risks, which had some degree of non-carcinogenic risk and unacceptable carcinogenic risk to both children and adults.

The Role of Small Industries in Achieving Sustainable Development in Qassim Region (KSA)

Small industries are one of the most important pillars of sustainable development. Accordingly, many governments have supported the establishment and growth of small industries. In this respect, Saudi Arabia has taken great steps ahead to ensure the spread and growth of this important economic sector. This study sought to know the role of small industries in achieving sustainable development in Qassim (KSA). It used the historical, inductive and spatial analysis approaches. The population included all small industries in Qassim, and this study was applied to the entire study population, which resulted in 112 small industries. The findings revealed that small industries in Qassim have achieved sustainable economic and environmental development, yet they have failed to achieve sustainable social development. Thus, this study recommends that small industries in Qassim should increase the rate of national workforce so as to achieve sustainable social development.

Forecasting China's renewable energy consumption using a novel dynamic fractional-order discrete grey multi-power model

Accurately predicting renewable energy consumption is crucial for sustainable social and economic development, especially in China during its energy transition. This research introduces a novel dynamic fractional-order discrete grey multi-power model (DFDGMM(1,1,N)) to enable accurate forecasting of renewable energy consumption in China. The proposed method introduces a fractional-order accumulation operator and three power exponents that not only ensure the priority of new information, but also accurately capture the nonlinear traits of system data. It also incorporates a dynamic time delay function to account for the time lag between energy and economic development, enhancing the model's flexibility. Additionally, the study combines the whale optimization algorithm and the double-error idea to optimal parameter search. The proposed model is versatile and can be simplified into 14 other grey models. The case study demonstrates the model's impressive predictive accuracy, with a fitting error of 4.02 % and a test error of 0.89 %. The model is then employed to forecast renewable energy consumption in China, predicting a rapid annual growth rate of 17.25 % from 2022 to 2030. Overall, this article successfully constructs a dynamic prediction model in theory and scientifically provides valuable data support for the nation's energy development planning in practice.