Sustainable Technological Innovation Research Articles

Operationalising ‘One Health’ through Primary Healthcare Approach

Abstract The countries worldwide have recognised the importance of the One Health (OH). This review examines the need and potential for the integration of OH into Primary Health Care (PHC) Approach. One Health through PHC has been implemented in many. Successful initiatives include mobile phone-based surveillance for zoonotic diseases in Kenya, innovative vaccination campaigns in Chad and measures to combat antimicrobial resistance in several nations. Collaboration and partnerships play a pivotal role in overcoming challenges such as resource constraints, policy alignment and limited intersectoral collaboration. The review emphasises integrating OH in primary healthcare so that the healthcare providers can contribute to addressing complex global health challenges and promoting the well-being of individuals, animals and the environment. The sustainable strategies, capacity building, advocacy and technological innovations to effectively implement the OH approach through PHC, ultimately improving health outcomes and ensuring a sustainable planet.

Supporting Sustainable and User-Oriented Educational Technology Innovation with the University Innovation Canvas

Supporting Sustainable and User-Oriented Educational Technology Innovation with the University Innovation Canvas

A Review on the Relationship of Climate Variability and Extremes with Crop Production

Risks are always present in agriculture for a variety of reasons. Climate-related risks are the most significant among them since they can occur unexpectedly and cannot be avoided. The main climatic factors influencing crop productivity are rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and rising atmospheric CO2. The average global temperature is expected to rise by 2oC until 2100, which would result in significant global economic losses. The average global temperature is currently rising steadily. The concentration of CO2, which makes up a large amount of greenhouse gases, is rising alarmingly. Climate change, with rising temperatures and increased greenhouse gas emissions, impacts agriculture significantly, leading to varied crop yields and potentially catastrophic economic consequences. While some regions may experience favorable effects, overall, climate variability poses challenges such as reduced crop productivity, increased pest activity, and elevated food costs, particularly affecting underdeveloped nations. Environmental policies must be adaptable and flexible to mitigate these impacts effectively. Farmers' responses to climate change, influenced by perceptions and data accessibility, drive both mitigation and adaptation efforts. Sustainable agriculture, conservation practices, and technological innovations play key roles in mitigating climate change impacts and enhancing resilience in farming communities, though success depends on multiple factors including local perceptions, technical feasibility, and economic viability. This paper reviews the causes of climate change, the climate variables affecting crop production and the mitigation and adaptation strategies against climate change.

China’s Digital Economy: A Dual Mission of Carbon-Emission Reduction and Efficiency Enhancement

With the introduction of China’s dual carbon goals and the rise of the digital economy as a new model of economic development, the role of the digital economy in achieving green growth is garnering increasing attention. This paper constructs a comprehensive digital economy index, utilizing panel data from 30 provinces in China between 2006 and 2017, and employs the System GMM method to examine the comprehensive impact of the digital economy on low-carbon development from the perspectives of “emission reduction” and “efficiency enhancement”. The primary findings indicate that the digital economy aids China in meeting its dual carbon goals by reducing carbon emissions (CEs) and increasing carbon emissions’ efficiency (CEE). However, this impact varies with different components of the digital economy, and the role of digital finance is limited. This conclusion underscores the necessity of subdividing digital economy indicators. Our conclusions have been substantiated through various robustness checks, including but not limited to the method of distinguishing pure emission reduction from efficiency enhancement. Additionally, our research reveals the dynamic nonlinear effects of the digital economy in promoting emission reduction and efficiency enhancement. Green regulations that exceed a threshold value enhance emission reduction and efficiency, while the impact of sustainable technological innovation may be constrained by changes in policy and market environments. Academically, this study offers a new perspective on the complex relationship between the digital economy and its effectiveness in reducing carbon and enhancing efficiency. From a policy standpoint, it provides insights for China and other countries in advancing energy conservation and emission-reduction initiatives.

Achieving sustainable development with sustainable packaging: A natural‐resource‐based view perspective

AbstractSustainable packaging is a pivotal aspect of sustainable development, involving multi‐faceted issues such as stakeholder management and environmental policy compliance. Despite the efforts to find packaging solutions, the extant literature is largely fragmented, featuring a high level of heterogeneity among studies that spread across different disciplines, with the majority examining important packaging issues in isolation. A study that systematically consolidates findings of different important areas of sustainable packaging implementation is lacking. This challenges companies' adoption of research findings in business strategy development. Thus, this paper conducts a systematic literature review combining keyword co‐occurrence analysis, thematic analysis and qualitative content analysis to uncover major research domains, consolidate important findings and reveal unsolved research gaps, which are crucial to advancing sustainable packaging management. The findings reveal four major research domains: (1) sustainable packaging materials and properties, (2) management practices of sustainable packaging, (3) consumer behaviours towards sustainable packaging and (4) packaging waste management. Drawing on the natural‐resource‐based view (NRBV) theory and the review findings, this study proposes four future research directions: (1) identifying ways to enhance the commercialisation of sustainable packaging technological innovations, (2) uncovering reasons for insufficient social aspect investigation in sustainable packaging research, (3) exploring strategies to enhance stakeholder integration in sustainable packaging management and (4) examining contingency factors of packaging waste management effectiveness. The research agenda is important to provide practical and managerial insights for business strategy development in sustainable packaging to achieve pollution prevention, product stewardship and sustainable development capabilities to gain future growth and competitive advantage.

A comprehensive review of redefining agricultural economics for sustainable development: Overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in a changing world

This paper critically examines the evolving field of agricultural economics and its imperative to transition towards sustainable development. Traditional agricultural practices have often been associated with environmental degradation, resource depletion, and social inequities. This paper reviews the current state of agricultural economics, identifies key challenges, and proposes a framework for redefining the discipline to align with the principles of sustainable development. It provides a comprehensive overview of the topic, demonstrating a clear understanding of the issues and challenges in agricultural economics. It offers valuable insights into the role of agricultural economics in promoting sustainable development and provides a well-structured framework for redefining the discipline to meet the needs of the future. The study highlights the evolving role of agricultural economics in achieving sustainable development, with a focus on both challenges and opportunities. The methods involve a thorough literature review, analyzing principles of sustainable agriculture, economic instruments, technological innovations, and social dimensions. Case studies from diverse regions illustrate successful implementations of sustainable practices. The findings underscore the significance of agroecology, economic incentives, and market mechanisms in promoting sustainable agriculture. Precision agriculture and biotechnology emerge as pivotal technologies, but ethical considerations are paramount. Social dimensions, including rural development and gender equity, play crucial roles in achieving sustainability. The review identifies barriers to adoption and proposes future research directions to advance the field. Overall, the review advocates for a paradigm shift in agricultural economics, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and sustainable approach to address global challenges and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Forest Biomass in Bioenergy Production in the Changing Geopolitical Environment of the EU

The article examines the potential utilization of forest biomass in bioenergy production in Europe, taking into account limiting and developmental factors. The methodology includes a strategic analysis and the use of PEST analysis to evaluate the market for wood biomass. In the context of the current geopolitical situation and the decarbonization goals of the EU, the authors recommend accelerating energy transformation and highlighting forest biomass as an alternative within renewable energy sources. A literature review indicates the need to revise EU assumptions to enable the use of wood for bioenergy production, taking into account the needs of the wood industry. The analysis of economic factors shows competitiveness of forest biomass against coal, yet challenges arise regarding resource availability and competition with other energy sources. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of sustainable forest resource management and technological innovation. In the context of an energy crisis, the article underscores the role of innovation and recycling in alleviating shortages in energy markets. Conclusions highlight the imperative to develop a sustainable energy strategy for forest resource management and engage EU countries in the development of new biofuel and renewable energy sources for energy security and environmental protection.

The Relationship Between Green Finance, Sustainable Technological Innovation and Energy Efficiency

Sustainable technological innovation can promote this progress in finance. This optimization and upgrading of energy efficiency can provide a good energy environment for green development. The collaborative innovation of financial enterprises has brought such development to the tertiary industry, driving the upgrading of consumer demand, and thus promoting the development of green finance. At this same time, sustainable technological innovation will increase investment in environmental protection, reduce energy consumption, promote the reduction of carbon emissions in the financial industry, and accelerate the development of green finance. This paper uses the data envelopment analysis method to calculate the Marquis production efficiency index, examines the dynamic generation efficiency of intertemporal energy input and output, and calculates the energy efficiency of green finance. This article measures and deconstructs energy efficiency at the provincial level, and pays attention to its changes. The study depicted the efficiency distribution of 28 provinces in two stages of the survey period. By using random kernel estimation for two periods during the survey period, dynamic distribution three-dimensional maps and density contour maps of total factor energy productivity, energy utilization efficiency, and energy allocation efficiency growth rates were drawn for the two periods. The results show that the transfer probability group of energy efficiency and its decomposition terms mainly falls near the diagonal, indicating that TFP and its decomposition term growth rate have certain transferability. From 2005 to 2015, the energy utilization efficiency of the seven economic regions has been significantly improved, and the energy efficiency differences in different regions have gradually converged. The energy efficiency of the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta is the highest and has been continuously improved, followed by the Beijing Delta, the central region, the northeast region and the southwest region are again in terms of energy efficiency. Compared with provinces with relatively poor industrial structures, provinces with better industrial structures do not have significant advantages in energy efficiency, while provinces with higher levels of technological innovation typically have relatively higher energy efficiency.

Energy Management System Technology in Smart Grid

The smart grid, envisioned as the future of the power industry, aims to revolutionize energy supply with efficiency and sustainability. This paper extensively examines the critical role of Energy Management System (EMS) technology within the smart grid framework. By harnessing advanced technologies like distributed energy storage, intelligent energy management, electric vehicle charging, intelligent energy dispatching, and fault perception diagnosis, the smart grid promises heightened power system efficiency, reliability, and environmental consciousness. In today's dynamic energy landscape, the integration of renewable sources introduces a unique challenge due to their inherent volatility. EMS emerges as the linchpin, offering real-time monitoring and data-driven optimization to ensure grid stability amid fluctuating supply. The smart grid, with advanced information technology and intelligent control strategies, leans heavily on EMS for seamless energy production, transmission, and consumption. However, challenges persist, encompassing stable energy supply, security, infrastructure upgrades, and cross-border standardization. Yet, with sustained technological innovation and collaborative efforts, a future of intelligent, sustainable, and reliable power systems is attainable. In conclusion, EMS integration into the smart grid not only signifies technological progress but also heralds a monumental shift towards a greener, more sustainable energy landscape. This paper provides a comprehensive exploration of how EMS, as the backbone of the smart grid, empowers us to navigate the complexities of modern energy demands, paving the way for a brighter, more efficient future.

Green Marketing in Sustainable Business: Utilizing Fly Ash as a Cement Substitute to Reduce CO2 Emissions in the Mortar Industry

Green marketing has become increasingly important in efforts to achieve sustainable business, especially in the mortar industry. The use of fly ash as a cement substitute has emerged as a technological innovation aimed at reducing CO2 emissions in mortar production. This research explores the close relationship between green marketing and the use of fly ash in this industry, as well as its impact on business sustainability. Through analysis of green marketing strategies, the use of fly ash in mortar composition, and the associated environmental impacts, this research aims to provide in-depth insight into how sustainable business practices and technological innovation can collaborate in creating environmentally friendly products. By focusing on this research, companies can advance their efforts to reduce CO2 emissions while strengthening their corporate image as an entity that cares about the environment and is committed to sustainability. This research promotes efforts to replace conventional practices with more sustainable and environmental approaches, leading to broader benefits for our planet and society as a whole.

Innovative Strategy for Sustainable Business Model Development with Value and Social Impact Approach for Economic Sustainability

Economic sustainability has become a primary concern in addressing global challenges. Confronting the complexity of economic sustainability challenges, innovation and the development of sustainable business models are crucial. This research aims to identify, develop, and test innovative strategies for sustainable business model development with a focus on value and social impact. The study employs a comprehensive examination of previously published works, utilizing qualitative analysis to achieve a holistic understanding of the topic, spanning the timeframe from 2016 to 2023. The findings indicate that the development of sustainable business models with a focus on value and social impact is an essential strategic step amid the complexity of economic, social, and environmental challenges. The implementation of these strategies is not only a moral responsibility for companies but also an urgent necessity in the face of rapid global changes. Engaging various aspects, including economic, social, and environmental dimensions, several key points need emphasis, namely the integration of sustainable values, technological and product innovation, stakeholder collaboration and engagement, employee development, and performance reporting and accountability.

UTILIZATION OF SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY TO MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS MAIN CHALLENGES

In tackling the increasing adverse effects of climate change, the significance of sustainable technologies cannot be overemphasized. To comprehensively assess the gravity of the climate predicament and appraise the effectiveness of sustainable technological innovations, this study highlights the urgent necessity for joint ventures aimed at surmounting barricades inhibiting the smooth integration of these technologies in diverse sectors. Disturbingly, the findings of this investigation illustrate a notable upsurge in the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which can be attributed to economic undertakings, industrial activities, energy consumption, and policies, all of which compound the global climate crisis. Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly important in the fight against global warming. Carbonization, which releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, is largely to blame for exacerbating the problem. This process has had devastating effects on ecosystems and biodiversity. To combat these effects, we need to transition away from using fossil fuels and towards using renewable energy sources. However, operational challenges in integrating renewable energy into existing electricity networks, coupled with a lack of public awareness and education about renewable energy, pose significant obstacles to widespread adoption. KEYWORDS: Climate Change, Sustainable Technologies, Carbonization, Renewable Energy, Integration Challenges

Unlocking sustainable competitive advantage: exploring the impact of technological innovations on performance in Mexican SMEs within the tourism sector

AbstractThis research inquiry explores the interplay between environmentally sustainable practices, technological innovations and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) performance in Mexico's tourism sector. The tourism industry in Mexico holds immense economic significance, contributing significantly to employment and revenue generation. However, the sector also faces challenges related to environmental sustainability. Thus, the objective of this research is to assess how the integration of sustainable environmental practices influences the operational outcomes of SMEs. Furthermore, it also aims to conclude the role of technological innovation, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), digitalization and gender in this relationship. A structural equation modeling approach was applied to a sample of 797 Mexican SMEs in the tourism sector. Our findings provide evidence of several contributions: first, environmental sustainability practices improve performance; second, technological innovation, ICT and digitalization play a critical mediating role in specific relationships to foster performance; finally, incentives encourage sustainable practices related to environmental improvement, especially when the SME's CEO is a woman. The results of this study hold practical significance for the SME sector, as it demonstrates that by adopting sustainable practices, SMEs can strengthen their market position, improve technological innovativeness, minimize environmental impact and capitalize on emerging business prospects.

Transformation of the national financial system of Ukraine: comprehension and ways of integration to sustainability

The article analyzes modern scientific approaches to sustainable finance and features of the transition of national financial systems, markets, financial flows in the direction from unsustainable to innovative sustainable technologies. The latest practice of implementing investment and financial activities in accordance with the goals of sustainable development is systematized. In the context of building a system of sustainable finance in Ukraine, the parity of two vectors of its functioning should be taken into account: ensuring both the sustainability of the financial sector itself and the sustainable functioning of the economy as a whole. That is, the development of the national system of sustainable finance in Ukraine is based on the generally recognized world practice in the field of sustainable finance and the decisions of the United Nations Organization, which relate to the financial aspects of sustainable development. In the context of this transformational process, Ukraine joined the Paris Agreement and received the Second Nationally Determined Contribution, which is a concept of state development to achieve ecologically and economically expedient transformations in all sectors of the economy. Financing of the Second Nationally Determined Contribution by 2030 should include a combination of domestic budget allocations, the private sector (domestic and foreign), bilateral and multilateral financial mechanisms, and international assistance. The article focuses on the need to understand the concepts and tools for ensuring financial stability, to determine the differentiated characteristics of the main directions of the transformation of the financial system and typologies of its transition. The authors single out the basic characteristics of transitions to sustainability and innovation processes: rethinking the achievement of new economic, environmental and social goals; time limit; creation of new socially inclusive, fair, ecologically sustainable economic systems; rejuvenation of the economic system through constant innovation; ensuring support for the financial orientation of transitions to sustainable development, which require integration and coordination of financial flows.

Retracted: Performance of Sustainable Development and Technological Innovation Based on Green Manufacturing Technology of Artificial Intelligence and Block Chain

Retracted: Performance of Sustainable Development and Technological Innovation Based on Green Manufacturing Technology of Artificial Intelligence and Block Chain

WHY IS THE TRANSITION TO A GREEN ECONOMY IMPORTANT FOR ACHIEVING SUSTAINABILITY? A REVIEW OF SOME THEORETICAL APPROACHES AND EMPIRICAL RESEARCH PRESENTED IN THE LITERATURE

The transition to a green economy and sustainability have recently emerged as crucial topics in modern economic theory. The green economy is a sustainable vision for prosperity and growth that can enhance quality of life and the whole economy while increasing ecological and social well-being. Promoting the creation and acceptance of sustainable technological innovation is essential to a green economy approach. The major goal of this article is to highlight the importance and factors of transitioning to a green economy for achieving sustainability by reviewing the findings of theoretical approaches (microeconomic and macroeconomic) and empirical research. This article also contributes by outlining the crucial macroeconomic challenges of a green economy transition in achieving sustainability and responding to environmental hazards. In order to clarify the numerous aspects of a green economy, this article provides a generic framework that embraces a number of thoughts, ideas, and concepts and investigates how they connect to sustainability. This paper also addresses some difficulties that decision-makers must adequately recognise to pursue sustainable and efficient transformation and recommends a few directions for future research.

Sustainable green electricity, technological innovation, and ecological footprint: Does democratic accountability moderate the nexus?

Sustainable green electricity, technological innovation, and ecological footprint: Does democratic accountability moderate the nexus?

The Nexus between Agricultural Technology Adaptation and Productivity: Evidence from Hydro Greenhouse Systems in the Mullaitivu District

Sustainable technological innovation can resolve the economic crisis that exists within a nation. Sri Lanka is a developing country with one out of every six people suffering from multidimensional poverty (UNICEF, 2022). The research serves as an experimental approach to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals [SDG] of no poverty (SDG No. 1), decent employment and economic growth (SDG No. 8), and industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG No. 9). The study involves conducting an experimental survey in the Mullaitivu District, focusing on three agricultural households selected from three Grama Niladhari Divisions (GNDs). The selection of these households was done using a stratified simple random sampling technique, ensuring representative coverage of the district. The study conducted utilizes technologically sophisticated interventions, referred to as a hydro greenhouse. This encompasses a greenhouse that is furnished with a hydroponic system, along with the inclusion of a photosynthetically active radiation diode. The control and experimental setups were reviewed for a period of 90 days. In conclusion, technological intervention in agriculture across war-torn regions has resulted in a significant increase in productivity, reduction in cost, and effective land and water utilization. Productivity was determined based on plant height and fruit yield. The households were trained on the construction and management techniques of the prototype named hydro greenhouse. To facilitate the commercialization of this method, it was proposed that the GND and DS officers leverage the results of the conducted experiment to obtain financial support from both governmental and non-governmental organizations.
 Keywords: Agricultural Technology, Greenhouse, Hydroponic System, Poverty Alleviation, Productivity

The impacts of economic policy uncertainty, energy consumption, sustainable innovation, and quality of governance on green growth in emerging economies

This study investigates the impacts of economic policy uncertainty (EPU), energy consumption (EC), sustainable technological innovation (STI), and quality of governance on green growth (GG). Besides, it examines the moderating effect of STI and governance quality on the association between EPU and GG. It applies a Pooled Mean Group Autoregressive Distributed Lag estimator for 25 emerging economies for periods 1991–2019. For the robustness test, we utilize the asymptotic distribution of the Cross-section Augmented Distributed Lag to control for cross-sectional dependence concerns. We drive two indicators for GG by applying the principal component approach and directional distance function. The findings imply that STI and quality of governance have significant positive impacts on GG. However, EPU and EC adversely impact GG in emerging economies. Besides, quality of governance and STI positively moderate EPU's influence on GG, implying that countries with better quality of governance and promote STI mitigate the detrimental effects of high EPU on GG. Moreover, we run the causality analysis to investigate the causal relationship between target variables and GG. Policy suggestions are proposed based on the results.

Water 2050: A New Magic 8 Ball

AWWA's Water 2050 initiative seeks to chart the future of water by focusing on five key drivers: sustainability, technology, economics, governance, and social and demographic issues. The goal is that by focusing on each driver, making connections between them, and taking intentional action now, the result will be better water for future generations. While each of the five drivers is integral to water's future, technology could have the greatest effect. It is advancing faster and faster. Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of those fast-advancing technologies. It was also identified during the Water 2050 Technology Think Tank as key to transforming water services in 2050, specifically related to optimizing efficiency, improving operations, and strengthening water quality. I remember a term paper for my college philosophy class. I made the case that as society became dependent on technology, original knowledge would eventually be replaced by technology knowledge—the result being when technology mistakenly tells us 2 + 2 = 5, we will “know” it to be true. I now wonder if AI could be the technology I imagined. To find out, I (ironically) asked an AI technology called ChatGPT about water in 2050. Water is essential for life, but its availability and quality are increasingly threatened by population growth, climate change, and pollution. It is imperative that we adopt sustainable water management practices, such as reducing water waste, increasing water reuse, and promoting efficient irrigation methods. In addition, technological innovations . . . will play a crucial role in ensuring adequate and safe water supplies. In conclusion, the future of water in 2050 will depend on a combination of sustainable water management practices, technological innovations, and greater protection of water quality. It is imperative that we prioritize water management and conservation efforts now to ensure a secure and sustainable water supply for future generations. This mostly aligns with the Water 2050 conclusions. The last sentence includes one of our key points—taking steps now is critical to a better future because waiting for the future to come to us is not a strategy. In the year 2050, AI is expected to play a significant role in water services. Smart water management systems powered by AI will be able to optimize water usage, reduce waste, and detect leaks or other issues in real time. AI-powered sensors and monitoring systems will improve water quality and reduce the risk of contamination by providing early warning of potential threats. Interestingly, many aspects of this answer—optimizing water, detecting leaks, using sensors—again align with the recommendations included in the Water 2050 Technology Think Tank report. In 2050, the water utility workforce is expected to become more diverse and highly skilled, with a greater emphasis on technology and innovation. AI and automation will streamline operations, reducing the need for manual labor. However, highly trained technicians and engineers will still be necessary to operate and maintain advanced technologies. Again, ChatGPT mostly aligns with AWWA's think tank recommendations. My conversation with ChatGPT continued for some time. While it was fun, like using a modern-day Magic 8 Ball, it did not ease my concern—rather, it focused it. For one thing, ChatGPT does not actually think—the “A” does stand for artificial, after all. In fact, it told me “my responses are based solely on the input provided to me, and I may not always understand the context or intent behind a question.” Assuming AI does play an increasingly significant role in water services by 2050, knowledge organizations like AWWA must ensure true knowledge is available for AI technology to find. Remember, ChatGPT cannot evaluate context; it only provides access to what it finds, irrespective of whether it is right or wrong. The good news: ChatGPT agrees that 2 + 2 = 4.