Sustainable Technological Innovation Research Articles

Effectiveness of Sustainable and Systemic Technological Innovations in Enhancing Students Attitude and Improve Learning of Physics in Secondary Schools in Ife, Osun State

Effectiveness of Sustainable and Systemic Technological Innovations in Enhancing Students Attitude and Improve Learning of Physics in Secondary Schools in Ife, Osun State

Text to Bits: Beyond the Revolution in Law and Lawyering

Legal futurists have presaged disruption to legal services in common law jurisdictions for decades. The profession, academy, and judiciary, trained in the conservative endeavour of risk avoidance and comfortable in the certainty of the law’s own immanence, have stood firm in the face of the inexorable shift of law from text to bits. So far it has been possible to retain the discipline’s purpose, utilising sustainable technological innovation to improve or enhance existing legal process and practice. However the advent of intelligent technologies and entirely reconceptualised modes of human interaction through software such as blockchain challenge the discipline: the profession, its processes, and the law itself. This essay traverses the digital turn, highlighting the likely transformation of law and lawyering beyond the digital revolution to date. Survival of the law itself depends upon lawyers rapidly deploying a suite of skills and dispositions suited to the next wave of disruptive innovation.

Innovation performance and influencing factors of low-carbon technological innovation under the global value chain: A case of Chinese manufacturing industry

Combing the global value chain framework and linear innovation process model, this paper analyzes the innovation performance of low-carbon technological innovation activities under the global value chain and the influencing factors. Other than previous research on sustainable technological innovation with major focus on radical innovation and socio-technical system transitions activities, this paper places focus on the general innovation characteristics of low-carbon technologies through an integrating view of global value chain and linear innovation process. This paper proposes an analytical framework of the linear innovation process under the global value chain, and uses factor analysis and a DEA-Tobit two-stage method to analyze the low-carbon technological innovation performance and its influencing factors of China's manufacturing industry under global value chain. The results show that the low-carbon technological innovation performance is diverse across different manufacturing industries in China. Moreover, among the three major influencing factors, government regulation is the only factor that shows a positive influence on low-carbon technological innovation performance, yet the effect is quite weak. Technology push displays a negative effect, and the impact of market pull on low-carbon technological innovation performance is not significant.

특허 키워드 분석을 활용한 기술인문융합 현황 분석

Department of Industrial Engineering, Seoul National UniversityAs the limitation of the existing convergence is pointed out, technology-humanities convergence which highlights the enhancement of the quality of life of humans, is focused as a solution to facilitate sustainable technological innovation. Technology-humanities convergence has already occurred in various industries, of which a consider-able number of successful cases can be noted. However, few efforts have been made to investigate technology- humanities convergence as an independent academic field.Therefore, this paper aimed to identify the status of technology-humanities convergence. To do this, first, a definition of technology-humanities convergence was proposed. Second, based on Maslow’s theory, the types of human needs and related key words were extracted. Third, patents related to human needs were collected from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (2000～2014). Fourth and last, the status of technology-humanities convergence was analyzed in terms of “convergence trends” and “convergence areas.” This research is expected to promote more creative and human-centered performances of innovation as well as to support decision-making when the innovation strategy-as attempted by the quantitative analysis of technology-humanities convergence in the perspective of sustainable competitiveness-is established.

Ceramic membrane defouling (cleaning) by air Nano Bubbles.

Ceramic membranes are among the most promising technologies for membrane applications, owing to their excellent resistance to mechanical, chemical, and thermal stresses. However, membrane fouling is still an issue that hampers the applications at large scales. Air Nano Bubbles (NBs), due to high mass transfer efficiency, could potentially prevent fouling of ceramic membrane filtration processes. In this study, bench and pilot scale ceramic membrane filtration was performed with air NBs to resist fouling. To simulate fouling, humic acid, as an organic foulant, was applied to the membrane flat sheet surface. Complete membrane clogging was achieved in less than 6 h. Membrane defouling (cleaning) was performed by directly feeding of air NBs to the membrane cells. The surface of the ceramic membrane was superbly cleaned by air NBs, as revealed by atomic force microscope (AFM) images before and after the treatment. The permeate flux recovered to its initial level (e.g., 26.7 × 10(-9) m(3)/m(2)/s at applied pressure of 275.8 kPa), which indicated that NBs successfully unclogged the pores of the membrane. The integrated ceramic membrane and air NBs system holds potential as an innovative sustainable technology.

Enhancing Outdoor Learning Through Participatory Design and Development: A Case Study of Embedding Mobile Learning at a Field Study Centre

Outdoor learning seeks to engage and enthuse students through authentic practical inquiry lessons. This article explores how participatory design and development can enable outdoor learning organisations to introduce sustainable technological innovations within their teaching practices. A case study describing a collaborative project between university researchers and an environmental education charity is presented, which highlights the challenges and issues regarding the usability, scalability and sustainability of mobile technology at a residential outdoor learning centre. It is argued that participatory research with education service providers is a contributing factor to the diffusion of mobile learning and a necessary foundation for sustainable technology-enhanced learning.

Sustainability Assessment of Alternatives for Heat Generation and Transfer in Saunas

In the search for renewable energy sources, solar energy appears, among others, as a powerful alternative; mainly for those countries located at Earth’s equatorial region. This is the case of a Fresnel device that uses solar radiation to warm-up the air; for instance, within saunas. Authors coined the term sustainable technological innovation to refer to a technological innovation in accordance to the principles of sustainability. The object of this research was comparing the sustainability of a Fresnel Lens Solar Concentration (FLSC) against the sustainability of other twelve alternatives to generate heat. This article assesses the sustainability of fourteen technological options for heat generation and transfer to saunas in the northwest region of Mexico where temperatures often reach above 45 C and where there is a greater potential for exploiting solar energy. Emergy accounting, economic analysis, and global warming potential are the three indicators considered in quantifying sustainability. Results show that infrared ceramic photovoltaic, infrared carbon photovoltaic and infrared metal photovoltaic are the most sustainable systems. The Fresnel device reached the fourth and tenth position, using electricity from photovoltaic and from grid respectively, among all fourteen assessed devices, respectively. Although Fresnel equipment does not release any global warming gases into the atmosphere, or even it demands low amount of non-renewable resources, 1.40 and 4.47 E17 seJF/yr. it requires high economic investment, 20,800 and 79,600 USD/yr, for the implementation and operation phases, which decrease its sustainability performance compared to twelve other evaluated devices.

Analysis of Sustainable Technology Innovation Benefits Based on Symbiosis Theory

Modern enterprises technology innovation increasingly pursues a balance between profits and social responsibility, and it reaps the comprehensive benefits at its best. This technology innovation should be economical, amicable, human and ecological, in a word, sustainable. Based on the symbiosis theory, the essay defines sustainable technology innovation and preliminarily analyzes the composition of sustainable technology innovation benefits and its accounting methods. The author thinks sustainable technology innovation is compatible, integrated and symbiotic with science & technology, economy, society, human being and natural environment, and then it can reap continuously the comprehensive benefits composed of scientific & technological, economic, social, human and ecological benefits. Therefore, the author further proposes a general benefit accounting method of sustainable technology innovation according to the weak, strong and welfare accounting, which is also comprehensive. It is of strategic significance to realize and grasp the benefit accounting methods.

Key factors in the technological catch‐up of China's traditional industry

PurposeThe color TV industry in China has become a mature industry. Its development demonstrates and provides reference implications for how developing industries within a country can achieve a technological leap. This paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory case study approach is taken to find the key factors in the technological catch‐up of China's traditional industry.FindingsIn the study it is found that China's color TV industry, as a mature traditional industry, has four‐dimensional key factors affecting the catch‐up of technology in the flat‐panel stage: market; merger and acquisition; international cooperation innovation for patent; and the roles of internal reform. “Market” is the window of opportunity and challenge; “merger and acquisition” is the key factor for making the patent convert from external mode to internal mode by deviant‐track. The “international cooperation innovation for patent” is also a key factor to ensure achievement of technology catch‐up and sustainable technological innovation. The role of internal reform promoter is the key factor in the technological catch‐up process in which taking entrepreneur as the core.Originality/valueThe article describes Changhong's flat‐panel TV technology catch‐up mode, analyzes four‐dimensional key factors affecting the technology catch‐up of China's color TV industry; the Chinese color TV industry as mature industry; and discusses which developments have demonstrated how to achieve a technological leap in developing industries.

Management of Sustainable Innovation in an Internationalized Company

The main objective of this study was to identify the main forms of management of sustainable technological innovation and examine the relation of these practices with the increased competitiveness of the Brazilian chemical industry in the international market. To conduct this research, we examined the management practices of a chemical industry located in southern Brazil through the descriptive and qualitative case study, using semi-structured interviews with those responsible for the company’s innovation management and analyzing secondary data. The analyses of the survey results with respect to the relation between the sustainable technological innovation management and the increased international competitiveness of the chemical industry were not conclusive. The data only show that the management practices of sustainable innovation may represent motivations for seeking international partnerships and innovations that can be converted into business opportunities in the domestic and international market.

Digital Bank Transformation: Sustainable Innovation in Financial Institutions

Introduction: Bank digital transformation is a continuous innovation from conventional commercial banks to digital banks. The driving force in traditional retail banks to carry out sustainable innovation can be seen from the internal and external sides in the form of mutually supportive operations and strategies. In the face of competitive pressures, businesses in the financial services industry increasingly depend on innovation and sustainability to succeed and survive. The stress of business competition has made many banks worldwide close their branch offices in recent years. Method: This study is a literature study that collects theoretical references relevant to sustainable innovation in financial institutions, focusing on two main topics: sustainable digital technology innovation in Fintech and banks' digital transformation. Result: Fintech uses digital technology as a sustainable solution in offering financial inclusion services that are difficult for old players in the financial industry to fulfill. Fintech appears in peer-to-peer lending, virtual marketplaces and digital currencies. For the Bank's digital transformation, several regulations from the Financial Services Authority related to sustainable innovation must be complied with. Financial Services Authority Regulation Number 51/POJK.03/2017 concerning implementing Sustainable Finance for Financial Services Institutions, Issuers and Public Companies. Financial Services Authority Regulation Number 13/POJK.02/2018 concerning Digital Financial Innovation in the Financial Services Sector. Conclusion: The driving force in the Company to carry out sustainable innovation can be seen from the internal and external sides in the form of mutually supportive operations and strategies. The proposed digital transformation strategy for the Bank's continuous innovation is as follows: compliance with regulators, customer-centric, openness principles, and making digital a core value in business.

Enhancing learning objectives by use of simple virtual microscopic slides in cellular physiology and histology: impact and attitudes

The impact and perception of students on the use of a simple, low technology-driven version of a virtual microscope in teaching and assessments in cellular physiology and histology were studied. Its impact on the time and resources of the faculty were also assessed. Simple virtual slides and conventional microscopes were used to conduct the same examinations for the same students. Students performed significantly better in the examination with the virtual slide and also showed a significantly higher preference for virtual slides. The time and cost implications of conducting examinations using the simple virtual slides were reduced by >1,400%. The results reemphasize the need for the design and adoption of simple sustainable technological innovations in developing countries to bridge gaps in purposeful learning environments.

How do we govern sustainable innovations? Mapping patterns of governance for biofuels and hybrid-electric vehicle technologies

This paper examines patterns of governance aimed at sustainable technological innovation in the transport sector. It makes an overall assessment of governance emerging in the fields of biofuel and hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) technologies, and makes a classification of its characteristics. It examines the role of different actors and levels of governance as well as preferred mechanisms and targets of governance. The assessment reveals that there are rather differential patterns of governance influencing the two fields. For instance, international-level and market-based governance are much more prevalent in biofuels, whereas industry-led and cognitive governance play comparatively stronger roles in HEV. These patterns can be understood in light of both the different institutional and actor characteristics of the two technologies, and their positions in relation to socio-technical regimes.

Developing Simple Virtual Microscopic slides in developing Countries: Impact and attitudes of Medical students

Most of the problems predominant in developing countries today have long been solved in developed nations. The challenges of the use of glass slides in the teaching and learning has been well noted, but is even further compounded in Nigeria by large class sizes. The adoption of virtual microscopy in most Nigerian medical schools have been constrained by funding gaps and this creates additional problem attaining the learning objectives of Laboratory exposures. In an attempt to meet the learning goals of our undergraduate students, we designed simple low technology‐driven version of a virtual microscope and compared the impact on learning with the conventional microscopy presently in use. Review of the perceptions and grades of 265 students of the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria show a significant preference for virtual slides and grades were also significantly increased even among visually impaired students. The time and cost implications of both teaching and conducting examinations were also reduced by over 500%. The results re‐emphasize the need for design and adoption of simple sustainable technological innovations in developing countries to bridge gaps in purposeful learning environments.

Establishing and Weighting Decision Criteria for Building System Selection in Housing Construction

A lack of value-based decision criteria leads to an inability to effectively compare prefabrication and off-site production with conventional construction, which inhibits the realization of benefits of off-site approaches. This paper develops value-based decision criteria and quantifies their relative importance for assessing building technologies systematically. The research employed a multimethodological strategy within a broad case-study-based design, with six large house-building organizations in the United Kingdom. These companies together accounted for more than one-tenth of new-build home completions in the United Kingdom. More than 50 criteria were developed, grouped under cost, time, quality, health and safety, sustainability, process, procurement, and regulatory and statutory acceptance. Cost was ranked most important, which, coupled with time and quality, predominated technology selection in these companies. Sustainability, process, and procurement were weighted lower, whereas health and safety and regulatory and statutory acceptance were deemed compulsory, hence offering no trade-off opportunity. A lack of incorporating innovative sustainable technology into corporate strategy was observed. The developed criteria and the systematic process should help house-building organizations manage technological innovation and hopefully achieve more informed corporate decisions.

ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRACTICES OF MANAGING EXTERNAL SOURCES OF TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION AND INDICATORS OF INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCE

This study has the aim of understanding the different processes for managing outside sources of technology information, with a major focus on practices that companies actually adopt. The specific intention of the study is to construct a theoretical and practical frame of reference for developing processes of sustainable technological innovation. This study, of a quantitative nature, involved carrying out a survey on Brazilian industrial companies with innovative characteristics. to identify how the management of sources of information, influences the innovative performance of the companies that participated in the survey. The independent and dependent variables suggest the existence of an association between the management of outside sources of technology information, and innovative performance. Especially important here is how the different types of sources of information influence the indicators related to innovation in products and how the type of modality of access to technology affects the indicators relating to innovation of processes.

Impact of selected economic instruments on sustainable technological innovations on the case of Poland

This paper presents research results concerning relations between selected economic instruments and sustainable innovations. The following measures of innovativeness were used: (1) organisations' financial outlays on RD activities in the field of environmental protection and (2) a number of implemented and commissioned ecological technological innovations. In the light of obtained results, it was shown that credits and fees meted out by organisations for the use of the environment have a statistically significant impact on sustainable innovations. The study did not bear out the impact of subsidies, fines and aggregate fees on planning and implementing innovations. Thereby, selected economic instruments used in Poland have a diverse and equivocal impact on sustainability innovative activities.

Gestão das fontes externas de informação: uma análise dos fatores que influenciam o desempenho inovador

O estudo propõe-se a compreender o processo de gestão de fontes externas de informação tecnológica, focalizando as práticas adotadas pelas empresas, visando construir um referencial teórico-prático para o desenvolvimento de um processo de inovação tecnológica sustentável. A gestão de fontes de informação não ajuda somente a organização a combinar as fontes de informação internas e externas a serem consideradas, mas também a ampliar as suas atividades de inovação. As empresas estão incrementando as alianças para o uso de fontes externas de informação para inovação, porém ainda carecem de uma estratégia explícita de gestão. A pesquisa survey foi realizada em empresas industriais brasileiras com características inovadoras visando contribuir para as inferências sobre a relação da gestão de fontes externas de informação tecnológica e o desempenho inovador das empresas. A hipótese formulada buscou verificar a existência de associação entre a gestão de fontes externas de informação tecnológica e o desempenho inovador. Para a comprovação da hipótese, foram realizadas análises bivariadas e univariadas por meio da utilização das técnicas estatísticas de análise fatorial, correlação de Spearman e regressão logística. As análises bivariadas e multivariadas das variáveis independentes e dependentes sugerem a existência de associação entre a gestão de fontes externas de informação tecnológica e o desempenho inovador destacando-se a influência do tipo de fonte de informação nos indicadores relativos à inovação em produtos e do tipo de modalidade de acesso à tecnologia nos indicadores relacionados à inovação em processos.

Measuring the impact of sustainable technological innovation

Nowadays technology has to support the competitive advantage of countries and at the same time sustainable economic growth patterns. This paper measures the Net Social Utility of Innovations, by a new technometric approach, which provides the sustainable economic impact of innovations on socio economic systems. The metrics is applied on the innovation of catalytic converter technology and the results show a positive impact of this innovation on geo-economic environments. This approach can provide main information for prediction and control the patterns of innovations in order to support economic and social planning oriented at sustainable development.

From biomass to electricity through integrated gasification/SOFC system-optimization and energy balance

In this paper the integrated process of biomass gasification and a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) was studied in terms of thermodynamics. The study is based on an ongoing project intending to develop an innovative sustainable technology with high efficiency. According to some assumptions, the energy balance revealed that the process can be auto-thermal. Furthermore, and due to the utilization of the hydrogen content of steam utilized in the reforming stage, the overall efficiencies to electrical power could reach very high levels.