Sustainability

24 pages, 2007 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Marketing as a Driver of Change Towards the Circular Economy

by Pedro Antonio Martín-Cervantes, Parisa Ziarati, Pablo de Frutos Madrazo and Iza Gigauri

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5105; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115105 (registering DOI) - 2 Jun 2025

This study explores the emerging link between digital marketing and the circular economy, situated within the broader context of sustainability and digital transformation. Through a scientometric analysis of 276 documents indexed in Scopus, the research maps the conceptual, intellectual, and collaborative landscape of [...] Read more.

This study explores the emerging link between digital marketing and the circular economy, situated within the broader context of sustainability and digital transformation. Through a scientometric analysis of 276 documents indexed in Scopus, the research maps the conceptual, intellectual, and collaborative landscape of this intersection. The dataset was refined using the PRISMA standards, and the analysis was carried out with the R package bibliometrix. The findings reveal a highly fragmented body of literature, with a few prolific authors and limited international cooperation. Most of the influential publications are concentrated in a small number of sources, particularly the journal Sustainability. Thematic mapping identifies growing interest in areas such as consumer perception, sustainable development, and the adoption of digital tools by micro-enterprises, while other topics like recycling or public health remain peripheral. Although the scholarly output has surged in recent years (especially during 2023 and 2024), the field still lacks coherent theoretical frameworks or dominant research schools. Overall, digital marketing appears to be a promising driver for promoting circular practices, but further applied studies and enhanced international collaboration are essential to consolidate this line of inquiry. Full article

21 pages, 1068 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Analysis of Technological Value in the Intelligent Connected Vehicles Field from the Patent Licensing Perspective

by Jiaxin Yuan, Xianhui Zong, Guiyang Zhang and Yong Qi

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5104; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115104 (registering DOI) - 2 Jun 2025

Abstract

Patent licensing is essential for sustainable technological diffusion, fostering innovation and strengthening industrial resilience. However, the determinants influencing patent licensing decisions remain underexplored. This study investigates these factors at both the enterprise and patent levels, emphasizing their role in promoting sustainable industrial innovation [...] Read more.

Patent licensing is essential for sustainable technological diffusion, fostering innovation and strengthening industrial resilience. However, the determinants influencing patent licensing decisions remain underexplored. This study investigates these factors at both the enterprise and patent levels, emphasizing their role in promoting sustainable industrial innovation and knowledge transfer. Given the low proportion of licensed patents, this research proposes a measurement framework to identify thematically similar but unlicensed patents and applies a conditional logistic regression model to analyze the factors affecting licensing decisions. Using patent abstracts from the intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs) sector, topic modeling is conducted to classify technological themes, and Kullback–Leibler divergence is applied to measure differences between licensed and unlicensed patents. The results indicate that technological prestige and depth negatively influence licensing, whereas technological breadth, advancement, and stability have a positive effect. From a sustainability perspective, enterprises should optimize technology management to support responsible knowledge transfer and green innovation. Universities should enhance patent quality and innovation impact to contribute more effectively to sustainable development. Policymakers should refine patent licensing frameworks to foster an efficient, inclusive, and sustainable intellectual property ecosystem, thereby facilitating cross-sectoral technology diffusion, advancing eco-friendly industrial transformation, and promoting sustainable economic growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Governance Development and Strategy)

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28 pages, 759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Life Expectancy and Its Determinants in Selected European Union (EU) and Non-EU Countries in the Mediterranean Region

by Irina Alexandra Georgescu, Adela Bâra and Simona-Vasilica Oprea

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5103; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115103 (registering DOI) - 2 Jun 2025

Abstract

In the Mediterranean region, countries grapple with a mix of environmental pressures, such as air pollution and climate vulnerability, alongside economic disparities and migration issues. In this context, we aim to highlight the interaction between migration (NMIG), economic growth (GDP), foreign direct investments [...] Read more.

In the Mediterranean region, countries grapple with a mix of environmental pressures, such as air pollution and climate vulnerability, alongside economic disparities and migration issues. In this context, we aim to highlight the interaction between migration (NMIG), economic growth (GDP), foreign direct investments (FDI), fossil fuel (FF) usage, consumption from renewables (RENC), CO₂ emissions, and life expectancy (LE). This is important for gaining insights into how policies in areas like energy, environment, migration, and FDI influence long-term health outcomes. Our research examines the determinants of LE in two groups of Mediterranean countries (EU-Med8 and Non-EU-Med4) using a panel ARDL approach. The long-run results for Med8 indicate that RENC positively influences LE, while FF has a significant negative effect. Economic growth and migration also play important roles, with GDP positively affecting LE. The error correction term (ECT) confirms convergence toward long-run equilibrium. For Med4, FF consumption and CO₂ negatively affect LE, while migration and FDI exhibit mixed results. These findings suggest that while renewable energy transitions benefit LE in EU Mediterranean countries, challenges persist in non-EU countries, where energy infrastructure and investment patterns may not yet support positive health outcomes. Full article

25 pages, 4595 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Spatial Pattern of the Carbon Footprint of China’s E‑Commerce Express Packaging Considering Embodied Carbon Transfer

by Zi-Han Luo and Chang-Zheng Zhu

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5102; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115102 (registering DOI) - 2 Jun 2025

Abstract

With the rapid development of e-commerce in China, carbon emissions from express packaging have become increasingly prominent, and the division of inter-regional emission responsibilities has emerged as a key research focus. Based on the principle of shared responsibility between producers and consumers, this [...] Read more.

With the rapid development of e-commerce in China, carbon emissions from express packaging have become increasingly prominent, and the division of inter-regional emission responsibilities has emerged as a key research focus. Based on the principle of shared responsibility between producers and consumers, this study integrates life cycle assessment (LCA) and spatial decomposition analysis to quantify the full-life-cycle carbon footprint of China’s e-commerce express packaging across the raw material, production, and disposal stages and calculates the inter-provincial embodied carbon transfer. The findings show that: (1) in 2022, total emissions reached 41.209 million t CO₂e, exhibiting a “more in the east, less in the west” spatial pattern, with Guangdong Province as the largest source; (2) plastic packaging generates roughly twice the upstream emissions of paper packaging, while paper packaging surpasses plastic during disposal; and (3) significant inter-provincial disparities exist in embodied carbon transfer, with seven southeastern coastal provinces as net exporters and a net-import pattern of “more in the east, less in the west; more in the south, less in the north,” accounting for 40 % of the total transfer. Based on this, it is recommended that the government attach great importance to the issue of responsibility allocation arising from the embodied carbon transfer of e-commerce express packaging. Full article

16 pages, 679 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Impact of China’s Carbon Market on Carbon Emission Efficiency from the Total-Factor Perspective

by Ruirui Fang, Yue Ma and Lianyong Feng

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5101; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115101 (registering DOI) - 2 Jun 2025

Abstract

Excessive carbon emission presents a considerable danger to the sustainability of global development. The carbon market, a crucial mechanism to cut carbon emissions, is gaining more attention from the Chinese government. In this study, provincial-level total-factor carbon emission efficiency in China is assessed, [...] Read more.

Excessive carbon emission presents a considerable danger to the sustainability of global development. The carbon market, a crucial mechanism to cut carbon emissions, is gaining more attention from the Chinese government. In this study, provincial-level total-factor carbon emission efficiency in China is assessed, and the influence of the national carbon market on this efficiency is examined. Through the introduction of the carbon market’s internal constraint mechanism, a novel perspective for analyzing the driving mechanism is constructed. Empirical findings indicate that the carbon market significantly improves total-factor carbon emission efficiency. Currently, the constraint mechanism acts as the primary driver of this improvement, while the role of the market-based mechanism remains underutilized. Mediation analysis suggests that the improvement is mainly achieved through adjustments in the energy structure; by contrast, neither technological innovation nor industrial restructuring exhibits a significant effect. The conclusions are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of China’s carbon market. Lastly, several recommendations are proposed. Full article

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26 pages, 1487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Smart City Construction on PM_2.5 Concentrations: Empirical Analysis from Chinese Counties

by Chenxue Li, Yuxin Duan, Zhicheng Zhou and Shen Zhong

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5100; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115100 (registering DOI) - 2 Jun 2025

Abstract

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) pollution poses a major threat to human physical and mental health. Smart cities (SCs) provide innovative paths for PM_2.5 pollution prevention and control through Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring, intelligent transportation optimization, and other technological means. [...] Read more.

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) pollution poses a major threat to human physical and mental health. Smart cities (SCs) provide innovative paths for PM_2.5 pollution prevention and control through Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring, intelligent transportation optimization, and other technological means. Based on the panel data of 2,141 counties in China between 2006 and 2021, this paper constructs a difference-in-differences with multiple time periods (MDID) to systematically assess the impact of SC on PM_2.5 concentration and analyze its mechanism of action by combining the satellite remote sensing PM_2.5 concentration (PM_2.5C) and the list of smart city pilots. This study finds the following: (1) SC significantly reduced the PM_2.5 concentration in the test area by about 3.58%. This conclusion was verified through rigorous robustness testing; (2) SC can effectively reduce PM_2.5C through the innovation effect; (3) High-quality economic development can strengthen the emission reduction effect of SC on PM_2.5C; (4) The environmental benefits of SC show significant spatial heterogeneity, with the largest PM_2.5 reductions occurring in the western regions (4.3% reduction), followed by regions with mature digital infrastructure and cities in high administrative level cities. The results of this study provide a reference for the regional differentiated implementation of the “14th Five-Year Plan for the Development of Innovative Smarter Cities”, and make targeted recommendations for the synergistic management of air quality under the “dual-carbon” goal. Full article

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19 pages, 10370 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Constructing a Composite Ecological Security Pattern Through Blind Zone Reduction and Ecological Risk Networks: A Case Study of the Middle Yangtze River Urban Agglomeration, China

by Xuankun Yang, Xiaojian Wei and Jin Cai

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5099; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115099 (registering DOI) - 2 Jun 2025

Abstract

The Middle Yangtze River Urban Agglomeration, a critical ecological barrier in China, faces escalating pressures from rapid urbanization and climate change, leading to fragmented landscapes and degraded ecosystem services. To address the synergistic challenges of ecological protection and risk management, this paper takes [...] Read more.

The Middle Yangtze River Urban Agglomeration, a critical ecological barrier in China, faces escalating pressures from rapid urbanization and climate change, leading to fragmented landscapes and degraded ecosystem services. To address the synergistic challenges of ecological protection and risk management, this paper takes the urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River as the study area, and obtains the source patches through morphological spatial pattern analysis. Based on the spatial distribution of risky source areas, ecological blind zones are cut down by optimizing buffer zones and merging fragmented patches. Finally, a composite ecological network is constructed through circuit theory superimposed on the dual network method. The results showed that (1) there are 16 ecological source patches and 16 risk source patches in the study area. Six complementary ecological sources and four new ecological sources were obtained through the blind zone reduction strategy. The percentage of ecological blind zones reduced from 58.4% to 39.5%. (2) The integrated nodes with 11,366 connecting edges were identified. The integrated nodes are distributed around the central Jiuling-Mafushan Mountains, mainly in the western and southern areas of the Dongting Lake Plain. (3) Primary integration nodes are critical for network stability, with a 75% node failure threshold triggering systemic collapse. The proposed strategy of “mountain protection–plain control–railway monitoring” is consistent with China’s territorial and spatial planning. By incorporating the risk network into the conservation framework, this study provides feasible insights for balancing development and sustainability in ecologically fragile areas. Full article

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24 pages, 563 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Making Sustained Green Innovation in Firms Happen: The Role of CEO Openness

by Li Liu, Wenxiu Hu, Fangyun Wang and Li Yang

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5098; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115098 (registering DOI) - 2 Jun 2025

Abstract

Sustained green innovation in firms is a crucial driver of sustainable economic development. Chief executive officer (CEO) openness, as a key personality trait related to leadership effectiveness, has an important but largely overlooked impact on sustained green innovation. This study aims to explore [...] Read more.

Sustained green innovation in firms is a crucial driver of sustainable economic development. Chief executive officer (CEO) openness, as a key personality trait related to leadership effectiveness, has an important but largely overlooked impact on sustained green innovation. This study aims to explore the impact of CEO openness on sustained green innovation and its boundary conditions. Using data from Chinese A-share-listed firms between 2011 and 2023, we find that CEO openness has a significant positive impact on sustained green innovation in firms. The moderating effects reveal that both digitalization level and CEO shareholding strengthen the positive effect of CEO openness on sustained green innovation. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that this positive effect is more pronounced in state-owned enterprises, firms in non-heavily polluting industries, and those with high analyst coverage. These findings provide theoretical support for understanding the determinants of sustained green innovation through the lens of CEO personality. They also enrich the growing literature on the impact of CEO openness on corporate decision-making. Furthermore, this study recommends that firms prioritize CEO openness in selection, enhance digital infrastructure, and improve equity incentive measures to ultimately foster sustained green innovation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Organizational Performance for Sustainable Future—2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How to Encourage Green Product Development Performance: A Stainable Leadership Perspective

by Chien-Hsiang Huang, Tai-Wei Chang, Chih-Wen Ting and Stanley Y. B. Huang

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5097; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115097 (registering DOI) - 2 Jun 2025

Abstract

This article aims to develop the concept of green job engagement to open the relationship between sustainable leadership and green product development performance, with institutional pressure as a moderating variable. This article collects 186 research and development personnel and their supervisors from the [...] Read more.

This article aims to develop the concept of green job engagement to open the relationship between sustainable leadership and green product development performance, with institutional pressure as a moderating variable. This article collects 186 research and development personnel and their supervisors from the research and development departments of technology manufacturing companies to conduct an empirical investigation into green product development performance. The analysis results confirm that, when the research department head adopts a higher level of sustainable leadership at the initial time point, it will lead to the development of green work engagement of these research and development personnel, which will, in turn, lead to their green product development performance. This relationship is positively influenced by institutional pressure. This article empirically examines the causal linkage between sustainable leadership, green job engagement, green product development performance, and institutional pressure. The result shows that sustainable leadership can promote green product development performance and provide research and development departments with practical strategies for conducting green product development performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Leadership, Environment Innovation, Societal Transitions and Innovation Business Model)

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20 pages, 2486 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptive Predictive Maintenance and Energy Optimization in Metro Systems Using Deep Reinforcement Learning

by Mohammed Hatim Rziki, Atmane E. Hadbi, Mohamed Khalifa Boutahir and Mohammed Chaouki Abounaima

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5096; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115096 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2025

Abstract

The rapid growth of urban metro systems requires novel strategies to guarantee operational dependability and energy efficiency. This article describes a new way to use deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to help metro networks with predictive maintenance that adapts to changing conditions and energy [...] Read more.

The rapid growth of urban metro systems requires novel strategies to guarantee operational dependability and energy efficiency. This article describes a new way to use deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to help metro networks with predictive maintenance that adapts to changing conditions and energy optimization. We used real-world transit data from the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) to model the maintenance scheduling and energy management problem as a Markov Decision Process. This included important operational metrics like peak-hour demand, train arrival times, and station stop densities. A custom reinforcement learning environment mimics the changing conditions of metro operations. Deep Q-Networks (DQNs) and Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) sophisticated deep reinforcement learning techniques were used to identify the optimal policies for decreasing energy consumption and downtime. The PPO hyperparameters were additionally optimized using Bayesian optimization by implementing Optuna, which produces a far greater performance than baseline DQNs and basic PPO. Comparative tests showed that our improved DRL-based method improves the accuracy of predictive maintenance and the efficiency of energy use, which lowers operational costs and raises the dependability of the service. These results show that advanced learning and optimization techniques could be added to public transportation systems in cities. This could lead to more sustainable and smart transportation management in big cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Data-Driven Solutions for Sustainable Systems)

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18 pages, 568 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Let’s Take the Pulse of the Classroom on Sustainability! An Exploratory Study on Student Views and Teacher Solution Suggestions Regarding Sustainable Development Goals

by Hacer Efe and Ünsal Umdu Topsakal

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5095; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115095 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2025

Abstract

Sustainable development goals aim to build a sustainable and prosperous world for future generations. Education, one of the sustainable development goals, is also an important predictor of other development goals. The aim of this study is to analyze the views and suggestions of [...] Read more.

Sustainable development goals aim to build a sustainable and prosperous world for future generations. Education, one of the sustainable development goals, is also an important predictor of other development goals. The aim of this study is to analyze the views and suggestions of students and teachers on sustainable development goals. In this context, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 students and three teachers who participated in the study and the interview form prepared by the researchers as a data collection tool was analyzed with content analysis. As a result of the analysis, students’ answers were concentrated on the themes of environmental pollution, social equality, renewable energy sources, natural habitats, and improvement of the economy regarding sustainable development goals; teachers’ answers were concentrated on the themes of changes in curriculum and textbooks, in-school/outside-school activities, and collaborations that schools will establish with institutions. As a result of this study, it was concluded that students’ views and teachers’ solution suggestions regarding sustainable development goals were limited. Since this study is a qualitative study covering both students and teachers, it is expected to provide a good starting point in planning and developing educational strategies for sustainable development goals. Full article

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26 pages, 1052 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Open Innovation Model for Cultivating Global Talent: The Case of Non-Profit Organizations and University Alliances

by Cheng-Wen Lee, Pei-Tong Liu, Yin-Hsiang Thy and Choong Leng Peng

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5094; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115094 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2025

Abstract

In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, the need to cultivate innovation-ready, globally competent talent has become a strategic imperative. This study critically investigates how sustainable open innovation strategies—particularly within non-profit organizations and university alliances—can serve as a catalyst for global talent development. Responding [...] Read more.

In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, the need to cultivate innovation-ready, globally competent talent has become a strategic imperative. This study critically investigates how sustainable open innovation strategies—particularly within non-profit organizations and university alliances—can serve as a catalyst for global talent development. Responding to the growing demand for interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral collaboration, the research employs a robust mixed-methods approach, integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to evaluate and prioritize key strategic factors. The findings reveal that initiatives such as international internship programs, operational funding mechanisms, joint research ventures, and technology transfer are essential drivers in creating environments that nurture and scale global talent. Building on these insights, this study introduces a structured, sustainable innovation model that categorizes strategies into three tiers—collaborative, interactive, and foundational service-oriented actions—providing a practical roadmap for resource optimization and strategic planning. More than a theoretical exercise, this research offers actionable guidance for non-profit leaders, academic administrators, and corporate partners. It highlights the reciprocal value of multi-sector collaboration and contributes to a broader understanding of how mission-driven innovation ecosystems can foster resilient, future-ready workforces. By positioning non-profit–academic partnerships at the center of global talent strategies, the study sets a foundation for rethinking how institutions can co-create value in addressing pressing global challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Practices and Their Impacts on Organizational Behavior)

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35 pages, 17827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining Glacier Changes Since 1990 and Predicting Future Changes in the Turpan–Hami Area, Eastern Tianshan Mountains (China), Until the End of the 21st Century

by Yuqian Chen, Baozhong He, Xing Jiang, Gulinigaer Yisilayili and Zhihao Zhang

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5093; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115093 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2025

Abstract

Glaciers, often regarded as “frozen reservoirs”, play a crucial role in replenishing numerous rivers in arid regions, contributing to ecological balance and managing river flow. Recently, the rapid shrinkage of the glaciers in the East Tianshan Mountains has affected the water quantity in [...] Read more.

Glaciers, often regarded as “frozen reservoirs”, play a crucial role in replenishing numerous rivers in arid regions, contributing to ecological balance and managing river flow. Recently, the rapid shrinkage of the glaciers in the East Tianshan Mountains has affected the water quantity in the Karez system. However, studies on glacier changes in this region are limited, and recent data are scarce. This study utilizes annual Landsat composite images from 1990 to 2022 obtained via the Google Earth Engine (GEE). It utilizes a ratio threshold approach in conjunction with visual analysis to gather the glacier dataset specific to the Turpan–Hami region. The Open Global Glacier Model (OGGM) is used to model the flowlines and mass balance of around 300 glaciers. The study analyzes the glacier change trends, distribution characteristics, and responses to climate factors in the Turpan–Hami region over the past 30 years. Additionally, future glacier changes through the end of the century are projected using CMIP6 climate data. The findings indicate that the following: (1) From 1990 to 2022, glaciers in the research area underwent considerable retreat. The total glacier area decreased from 204.04 ± 0.887 km² to 133.52 ± 0.742 km², a reduction of 70.52 km², representing a retreat rate of 34.56%. The number of glaciers also decreased from 304 in 1990 to 236 in 2022. The glacier length decreased by an average of 7.54 m·a⁻¹, with the average mass balance at −0.34 m w.e.·a⁻¹, indicating a long-term loss of glacier mass. (2) Future projections to 2100 indicate that under three climate scenarios, the area covered by glaciers could diminish by 89%, or 99%, or even vanish entirely. In the SSP585 scenario, glaciers are projected to nearly disappear by 2057. (3) Rising temperatures and solar radiation are the primary factors driving glacier retreat in the Turpan–Hami area. Especially under high emission scenarios, climate warming will accelerate the glacier retreat process. Full article

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22 pages, 430 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Research on the Sustainable Impact of FTA Strategy on the Global Value Chain Embedding of Listed Enterprises in China

by Jinlong Zhao, Yaqi Pang and Wenfan Gao

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5092; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115092 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2025

Abstract

The Free Trade Area (FTA) strategy and the participation of enterprises in global value chains (GVCs) are important aspects of China’s high-quality economic development stage. This study matches trade data from the China Customs Import and Export database with information from listed firms [...] Read more.

The Free Trade Area (FTA) strategy and the participation of enterprises in global value chains (GVCs) are important aspects of China’s high-quality economic development stage. This study matches trade data from the China Customs Import and Export database with information from listed firms in the CSMAR database, calculating the firms’ GVC embeddedness and the depth of trade agreements at the firm level. On this basis, this research employs a gravity model with fixed effects to empirically analyze the impact and mechanism of the FTA strategy on the embedding of Chinese listed firms in GVCs, utilizing data from 2000 to 2006. The results demonstrate that the FTA strategy substantially enhances the embeddedness of Chinese listed enterprises in GVCs. The heterogeneity analysis indicates that state-owned enterprises, those located in the central and western regions, manufacturing firms, and high-tech industry enterprises derive greater advantages from the FTA strategy in terms of their embeddedness in GVCs. Moreover, the mechanism analysis indicates that the FTA strategy enhances the embeddedness of enterprises in GVCs by increasing their technological innovation levels. Additionally, the internal control costs of enterprises negatively moderate the impact of the FTA strategy on their embedding in GVCs, and a “substitution effect” exists between asset operating efficiency and the FTA strategy in promoting the GVC embedding of listed firms. These findings provide empirical evidence and policy recommendations for the Chinese government to enhance the FTA strategy and sustainably improve the embeddedness of Chinese listed enterprises in GVCs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in Emerging Markets, Globalization, Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Management Strategies as a Result of Cross-Border Cooperation Volume II)

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16 pages, 278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Market Diversification and International Competitiveness of South American Coffee: A Comparative Analysis for Export Sustainability

by Hugo Daniel García Juárez, Jose Carlos Montes Ninaquispe, Heyner Yuliano Marquez Yauri, Antonio Rafae Rodríguez Abraham, Christian David Corrales Otazú, Sarita Jessica Apaza Miranda, Ericka Julissa Suysuy Chambergo, Sandra Lizzette León Luyo and Marcos Marcelo Flores Castillo

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5091; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115091 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2025

Abstract

South American coffee producers face growing challenges due to external trade dependencies and climate-induced disruptions. This study investigates the role of export market diversification as a sustainability strategy for four major regional exporters of roasted non-decaffeinated coffee: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. A [...] Read more.

South American coffee producers face growing challenges due to external trade dependencies and climate-induced disruptions. This study investigates the role of export market diversification as a sustainability strategy for four major regional exporters of roasted non-decaffeinated coffee: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. A quantitative and comparative methodology was applied over a ten-year period using the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI) to evaluate export market concentration and the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) Index—including its normalized variant—to assess international competitiveness by destination. The results reveal substantial disparities: Brazil and Colombia exhibit moderate to high diversification and relative competitiveness in select markets, while Peru and Ecuador remain dependent on a few strategic buyers, with limited or declining comparative advantages. The findings emphasize that sustained export performance in the coffee sector requires not only a broader destination portfolio but also improved positioning through trade agreements, infrastructure development, and climate-resilient innovation. This study concludes with a strategic proposal based on three pillars—commercial, logistical, and technological—to support structural transformation and enhance the long-term sustainability of the coffee trade in South America. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Business: Business Models Innovation for Circular Economy)

39 pages, 17164 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon Accounting in Construction Engineering: Methodology and Applications

by Yuechen Wu, Chaofeng Zhang, Yanzhao Liu, Wenxuan Deng, Sanpo Jike and Fushen Liu

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5090; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115090 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2025

Abstract

In the context of global carbon peak and carbon neutrality, this work proposes a carbon accounting method for construction project based on life-cycle assessment (LCA) and construction cost quota. By incorporating national standards, relevant databases and publications, three major global carbon accounting databases—ICE, [...] Read more.

In the context of global carbon peak and carbon neutrality, this work proposes a carbon accounting method for construction project based on life-cycle assessment (LCA) and construction cost quota. By incorporating national standards, relevant databases and publications, three major global carbon accounting databases—ICE, EU-EFDB, and IPCC-EFDB—were expanded to enable each database to independently perform full life-cycle carbon accounting for specific construction projects in China. The method is capable of flexibly selecting different databases and quantifying the carbon emissions of construction projects, by directly importing bill of quantities. Finally, a web-based carbon accounting tool was developed, and three databases were used to conduct full life-cycle carbon accounting on real-world construction projects, to verify the feasibility of the proposed method and compare the carbon accounting results across different databases. Our study showed that, although there were discrepancies in carbon emission estimation across different stages and processes for the construction projects, the proportions of carbon emissions at each stage and process were relatively consistent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Building: CO₂ Emissions in the Construction Industry)

30 pages, 2512 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Carbon Emission Reduction and Benefit Pathways for Chinese Urban Renewal Market Players Based on a Tripartite Evolutionary Game: A Carbon Trading Perspective

by Han Zou, Yuqing Li, Cong Sun and Ting Wu

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5089; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115089 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2025

Abstract

As the largest carbon emitter globally, China has formally adopted dual-carbon targets of achieving a carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. Urban renewal, as an essential approach to promoting sustainable urban development, plays a critical role in realizing dual-carbon targets. [...] Read more.

As the largest carbon emitter globally, China has formally adopted dual-carbon targets of achieving a carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. Urban renewal, as an essential approach to promoting sustainable urban development, plays a critical role in realizing dual-carbon targets. However, carbon emission reduction in urban renewal involves multiple stakeholders with divergent interests, significantly hindering the effective achievement of emission reduction goals. In this context, this paper innovatively selects the government, developers, and construction enterprises as game subjects and constructs an evolutionary game model of the three parties’ participation in carbon emission reduction from the perspective of carbon trading. Through simulation analysis, it explores the impacts of government subsidies, penalty mechanisms, additional benefits, and carbon trading on stakeholder decision-making. The findings indicate the following: (1) The emission reduction process in urban renewal follows an evolutionary pattern of the initial, growth, and mature stages. (2) Sensitivity analysis demonstrates that government subsidies and penalty mechanisms play important roles. (3) Additional benefits serve as intrinsic motivation for developers and construction enterprises to reduce emissions, while a well-developed carbon trading market provides additional incentives and benefit pathways for stakeholders. By integrating urban renewal with carbon trading for the first time, this study aims to enhance stakeholders’ engagement in emission reduction and provide practical reference suggestions, thereby contributing to sustainable urban development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable and Low Carbon Innovations in the Global Construction Industry)

17 pages, 892 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Human Capital in an Organisation—A Case Study of the ‘State Forests’ National Forest Holding in Poland

by Jacek Krawczyński, Marek Wieruszewski, Katarzyna Mydlarz, Marta Molińska-Glura, Jakub Glura, Wiesław Krzewina, Roman Jaszczak and Krzysztof Adamowicz

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5088; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115088 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2025

Abstract

Human capital is a key element necessary for the smooth operation of an organization based on sustainable development. It is not only important for building strategy but also affects the performance of day-to-day operations. Managers must constantly monitor the changes taking place around [...] Read more.

Human capital is a key element necessary for the smooth operation of an organization based on sustainable development. It is not only important for building strategy but also affects the performance of day-to-day operations. Managers must constantly monitor the changes taking place around the organization and make quick decisions in line with sustainability. They enable the organization to adapt to current market conditions and meet closed-loop requirements. These solutions are an important issue in forest management organizations. Considering the expanded mission of forests, it is clear that the role of forests today is much broader than just protecting biodiversity. Forestry institutions need adequate staff and human resources to effectively carry out forest management tasks and properly analyze trends and patterns of the sustainable use of forest resources. The purpose of the article was to analyze and evaluate human capital through its commitment to the organization’s tasks within the framework of sustainability. The research involved a sample for employees working in a selected unit of the State Forest Holding in Poland. The research was based on an anonymous employee survey on job engagement. The following aspects were assessed, commitment to the organization, sense of responsibility to the organization, interest in the work, and willingness to make sacrifices for the company in order to meet the demands of a modern forestry company oriented to the requirements of the new forestry strategy. Our reanalysis showed that gender and job type do not have a significant impact on commitment. However, an employee’s age and length of service do influence the behaviour and commitment of state forestry employees. Full article

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19 pages, 10093 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Network Structures Shaped by Cooperative Development and Local Collaboration Models: A Social Network Analysis Approach

by Fahriye Yavaşoğlu and Tanyel Özelçi Eceral

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5087; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115087 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2025

Abstract

This study examines the impact of cooperative development levels and collaboration models on social network relations in İzmir, Türkiye. The research aims to uncover how the developmental stages of cooperatives affect their relational positions and the structural configurations within the network. Empirical data [...] Read more.

This study examines the impact of cooperative development levels and collaboration models on social network relations in İzmir, Türkiye. The research aims to uncover how the developmental stages of cooperatives affect their relational positions and the structural configurations within the network. Empirical data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with key stakeholders. A mixed-methods design, integrating thematic content analysis with social network analysis (SNA), was employed. Development levels were evaluated based on entrepreneurial orientation and innovativeness. Sociometric data validity was enhanced through cross-validation of actor-reported ties. The SNA identified actor clusters, relationship intensities, and positional configurations within the network. Results indicate that cooperatives at advanced development stages are significantly more active in entrepreneurial and innovative initiatives and exhibit a greater degree of centrality, form denser clusters, and occupy structurally prominent positions. Finally, the results reveal that the adopted model of collaboration directly influences both the structure and quality of network relationships and that there is a significant correlation between cooperation strategies and network centrality. Although the study is limited to a focused sample of 15 local actors, including six cooperatives, and thus restricts generalizability, it provides valuable insights into the micro-dynamics of cooperative networks within localized agricultural contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)

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