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This study examines how Generation Z’s values align with entrepreneurial orientation in the Fourth Sector (FS), which merges public, private, and non-profit dynamics to balance financial sustainability with socio-environmental impact. Using Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS), we analyze the influence of economic–financial, biospheric, and altruistic values of the university students’ inclination toward entrepreneurship in the FS. The study draws on a convenience sample of 139 undergraduate students from the School of Economics and Business Sciences at the University of Extremadura, located in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura, Spain. Our findings reveal that economic–financial values are the strongest predictor, underscoring the enduring importance of financial viability in shaping entrepreneurial intent. Biospheric values also play a significant role, highlighting sustainability and environmental awareness as key motivators. While altruistic values exhibit a positive relationship with FS entrepreneurship, this effect is not statistically significant, indicating that Generation Z prioritizes economic and environmental considerations over pure altruism when engaging in this sector. These insights contribute to the understanding of how a group of university students from Generation Z approaches sustainable business models and provide strategic guidance for fostering entrepreneurship that effectively integrates financial sustainability with environmental responsibility. Specifically, Generation Z is expected to be particularly receptive to entrepreneurship initiatives focused on biodiversity conservation. Full article

The objective of this study is to analyze the current situation of out-of-home catering (OHC) in Germany concerning the use of regional organic food using a case study; we also aim to determine the potential and challenges that exist in increasing the proportion of regional organic food in OHC. The food purchasing data from three canteens of the company were analyzed concerning regionality, seasonality, and organic share. The companies’ employees were asked about their willingness to pay and their attitude towards regional organic food using an online questionnaire. A price comparison between organically and conventionally grown food was carried out with food wholesalers’ product price lists. The study confirms the potential to increase the share of regional organic food in OHC. With their private purchasing behavior, eating habits and willingness to pay a surcharge for organic quality in the company restaurants, the consumers confirm that they support an increase in the regional organic share. Regional organic food could be purchased from (organic) wholesalers. However, the study also shows that the cost of sourcing organic food is on average 50% higher than that of conventional food and that this price markup is the main reason for consumers not buying organic food. Full article

The emergence of generative AI has caused a major dilemma—as higher education institutions prepare students for the workforce, the development of digital skills must become a normative aim, while simultaneously preserving academic integrity and credibility. The challenge they face is not simply a matter of using AI responsibly but typically of reconciling two opposing duties: (A) preparing students for the future of work, and (B) maintaining the traditional role of developing personal academic skills, such as critical thinking, the ability to acquire knowledge, and the capacity to produce original work. Higher education institutions must typically balance these objectives while addressing financial considerations, creating value for students and employers, and meeting accreditation requirements. Against this need, this multiple-case study of fifty universities across eight countries examined institutional response to generative AI. The content analysis revealed apparent confusion and a lack of established best practices, as proposed actions varied widely, from complete bans on generated content to the development of custom AI assistants for students and faculty. Oftentimes, the onus fell on individual faculty to exercise discretion in the use of AI, suggesting an inconsistent application of academic policy. We conclude by recognizing that time and innovation will be required for the apparent confusion of higher education institutions in responding to this challenge to be resolved and suggest some possible approaches to that. Our results, however, suggest that their top concern now is the potential for irresponsible use of AI by students to cheat on assessments. We, therefore, recommend that, in the short term, and likely in the long term, the credibility of awards is urgently safeguarded and argue that this could be achieved by ensuring at least some human-proctored assessments are integrated into courses, e.g., in the form of real-location examinations and viva voces. Full article

Knowledge-based regional development policies have become increasingly popular in recent decades and have been widely disseminated and applied. The regional scale and regional policy have been no exception to this general trend, resulting in the coining of new terms, such as the knowledge region (KR). The use of this term has, however, suffered the consequences of a lack of consensus over its meaning. This has proven problematic and resulted in the term being applied in different ways according to the territorial context. To address this problem, the present study offers a definition of the term that identifies the main components of these different regional realities and provides examples of its appropriate use based on good practices. This new contribution has been based on the PRISMA methodology. The results highlight the existence of key components and the need for a governance framework that serves as a fundamental pillar of knowledge-based regional development. This study concludes with a proposal for a definition of the knowledge region that could be used as a model and basis for future research in this field. Full article

Background: The global space economy has grown remarkably, witnessing a 10-fold increase in active satellites during the last 15 years. This growth was accompanied by both the increase in geopolitical tensions feeding huge investments (the New Space Race), on the one hand, and the transformation, shifting from a domain historically dominated by government-led programs to one partially energized by commercial players and innovative business models (“New Space”), on the other hand. Objective: To assess the space economy’s current state and future prospects by considering its economic and social dimensions. Methods: Over 120 scholarly articles and “grey” literature positions (e.g., industry reports) were reviewed. The review was structured by a modified Structure–Conduct–Performance framework originally developed by industrial organization (IO) scholars. Findings: Outer space creates extremely harsh conditions for placing and operating objects in orbits, which results in high launching costs, steep reliability standards, capital intensity, and risks that are unmatched in most terrestrial industries. One of the main motivations to venture into this harsh domain was, and still is, the desire to dominate or the fear of being subjugated by others. This “original sin”, born of geopolitical rivalries, continues to cast a shadow over the space economy, channeling the majority of public space budgets into military-related programs. Moreover, many space technologies have a dual-use feature. Not surprisingly, governments are still the major source of demand, dominating midstream in the space value chain. This triad—harsh physics, great power rivalry, and a state-centric midstream—produces a specificity of the sector. In the recent two decades, new entrants (called “New Space”) have begun altering market structure, resulting in new conduct patterns focused on pursuits towards serial production, reusability, and lowering costs. Performance outcomes are mixed. While some efficiency gains are unprecedented, some doubts about market power and negative externalities arise. The assessment of the space economy’s performance is a challenge, as such, due to the blurred boundary between political objectives (supplying public goods, mitigating negative externalities) and economic optimization. Such trade-offs are becoming even more complicated considering the potential conflict between national and global perspectives. The paper offers a preliminary, descriptive study of the space economy through the lens of the modified S-C-P framework, laying basic foundations for the future, possibly more rigorous research of the increasingly important space economy. Full article

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) is growing exponentially in public entities, contributing to the improvement of the design and provision of services, as well as to the internal management and efficiency of public institutions. However, the potential of artificial intelligence systems for the public sector also entails a set of risks related, among other areas, to privacy, confidentiality, security, transparency or bias and discrimination. The Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), when auditing public services and policies, must adapt their human and technological resources to this new scenario. This paper analyses the implications of AI penetration in the public sector, as well as the challenges that these technological developments pose to SAIs to improve effectiveness and efficiency in their auditing tasks. This paper presents a conceptual and exploratory analysis, informed by documentary evidence and case illustrations. Given the dynamic evolution of AI research, the findings should be interpreted as a contribution to ongoing debates, rather than definitive conclusions. It also reviews the status of the audits of systems based on algorithms carried out by some SAIs. Full article

Wine markets have deeply changed in recent decades in many regards. In particular, wine trade patterns have been deeply reshaped, and this also affects traditional EU exporters, who operate in a more competitive environment, with new players challenging their position and forcing them to readjust their strategies. This study analyzes recent trends in the wine exports of major EU producers. Its goal is to contribute to assessing to what extent their positioning in the international wine markets differs, and to understand the kind of competition they engage in within destination markets, with a focus on the role of their export quality as a major competitive advantage. This analysis only looks at bottled wines, both still and sparkling. It combines the use of traditional trade indicators—such as export quotas, penetration rates, and the average unit value of exports (AUV) with an innovative indicator, called C-Consy, aimed at measuring the sophistication levels of the destination markets. The results show that EU competitors behave in different ways and move along different paths. Some of them show an increasing ability to sell their products in higher segments of sophisticated markets. Others are also quite well positioned in the global arena, but they are fighting to fully catch up with the increasing demand for more sophisticated products from their clients. Some have managed to improve quality and hence advance to higher market segments, while others have shown greater weakness in facing global competition. Looking at typologies, exporters do not always show the same positioning and trends for still and sparkling wines. Full article

Understanding agricultural production dynamics is vital for addressing global food security in the least developed countries. In Senegal, the issues of rural development and enhancing agricultural productivity are still less understood. Using survey data (n = 600) from the Thiès region, this study aims to explore factors that influence agricultural productivity in Senegal. The multinomial probit model is estimated using maximum simulated likelihood (MSL) methods. This approach is necessary due to the presence of multiple-choice categories. The results highlight that young farmers aged 18–30 are less likely to achieve high production (>10 tons) compared to their older counterparts (p < 0.01). In contrast, older farmers (31–60) report higher income stability (p < 0.05). Education levels also impact production, with farmers having lower or upper secondary education being less likely to attain high production than illiterate farmers (p < 0.05). Receiving subsidies reduces the likelihood of high production (p < 0.01). Larger landholdings (>1 ha) correlate with lower production odds (p < 0.01), suggesting diminishing returns. Gender disparities are evident, with male farmers being 45.6% more likely to report income declines (p < 0.1). Marginal effects show that acquiring land through rental or purchase significantly boosts income (p < 0.01), while traditional ploughing increases the sown area (p < 0.01). Policymakers should enhance training in agriculture, improve subsidies, secure land tenure, and promote certified seeds to boost productivity. This study highlights the need for targeted policies on training, subsidies, land tenure, and sustainable practices to enhance Senegal’s agricultural productivity. Full article

In today’s evolving society, meaningful development cannot be fully realized without acknowledging the vital role of the electronics sector, especially as it functions within informal markets. These markets have become more than just centers of commerce; they serve as informal learning grounds where many young people acquire entrepreneurial skills, develop resilience, and find alternatives to social vices. For many, informal entrepreneurship is not just an option but a means of survival and self-empowerment. Despite their growing relevance, the link between the entrepreneurial abilities nurtured in these informal markets and actual business performance has not been adequately examined. This study, therefore, aimed to explore how informal electronics entrepreneurs in a developing economy navigate their environment, overcome challenges, and create wealth through vision, innovation, and calculated risk-taking. Anchored in institutional theory, the research employed a qualitative approach, using cluster, purposive, and simple random sampling to select participants from key informal business units. Interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed using QSR NVivo 12, allowing for deep insight into the lived experiences of the entrepreneurs. Findings revealed that 78% of participants emphasized practical suggestions that aid informal business survival, such as customer-driven innovations, adaptive strategies, and avoiding confrontations with regulatory agencies. Key attributes such as foresight, adaptability, and risk management accounted for 66% of the variance in corporate success. Strategic and innovative approaches are enabling informal firms to endure and prosper, since 61% of respondents associated these competencies with organizational success. The new BSP framework, which integrates institutional and contingency theories, illustrates how informal enterprises endure by conforming to or opposing institutional pressures and adjusting to environmental changes. The results indicate that, when properly understood and supported, the informal electronics sector may develop sustainably. This study demonstrates that informal entrepreneurship is influenced by formal regulations, informal norms, and local enforcement mechanisms, therefore enhancing institutional theory and elucidating business behavior in developing nations. The Business Survival Paradigm [BSP] illustrates how informal enterprises navigate institutional obstacles to endure. It advocates for policies that integrate the official and informal sectors while fostering sustainable development. The paper advocates for ongoing market research to assist informal firms in remaining up-to-date. It implores authorities to acknowledge the innovative potential of the informal sector and to provide supportive frameworks for sustainable growth and formal transition where feasible. Full article

HIV/AIDS remains a global public health concern, with a high prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) initiatives, including preexposure prophylaxis (PREP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), significantly reduced HIV infections in South Africa and Nigeria. The suspension of United States (U.S.) foreign aid may impact these preventive measures. Although some emergency aid programs were exempted, uncertainty persists, impacting global health initiatives, especially in South Africa and Nigeria. This study investigates the public health impacts of the United States (U.S.) government’s January 2025 suspension of U.S. foreign aid, focusing on its implications for HIV prevention initiatives, such as PREP and PEP, in South Africa and Nigeria. We comprehensively searched keywords such as PEPFAR, PREP, PEP, HIV infection in South Africa or Nigeria, antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, public healthcare impact, 2025 Trump’s foreign aid withdrawal, titles, and abstracts in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science. The search results were screened from 500 to 150 included articles based on their relevance and quality assessment for inclusion. The review unveiled that Nigeria maintained a continuous increase in HIV/AIDS-related deaths and new HIV infections from 1990, reaching the climax between 1999 and 2005, showing approximately 110,000 HIV/AIDS-related deaths and 200,000 new HIV infections. Notably, due to the PEPFAR intervention in Nigeria, an improved decrease in both HIV/AIDS-related deaths (45,000) and new HIV infections (75,000) was experienced from 2010 to 2023. South Africa experienced a rapid increase between 1990 and 2003 in both HIV/AIDS-related deaths and new HIV infections, reaching the climax around the early 2000s, with about 520,000 new HIV infections and 260,000 HIV/AIDS-related deaths in 2005. Furthermore, there was a continuous decline from 2005 onwards, with 50,000 HIV/AIDS-related deaths and 150,000 new HIV infections by 2023. Therefore, the suspension of this aid threatens disruptions in ARV therapy, possible increases in HIV transmission, shortages in PREP and PEP, the retrenchment of healthcare workers, the suspension of non-governmental organization activities, and the reversal of gains in vulnerable populations, reversing progress toward the 95-95-95 vision, increasing morbidity and mortality rates and financial strain on healthcare systems in these two countries. We recommend proactive measures, such as increased budget allocations for healthcare reforms, exploring local vaccine and health product development and diversifying funding sources in Nigeria, and implementing universal healthcare coverage for South Africans to mitigate the adverse consequences of aid withdrawal. Full article

The pilot phase of a research study is essential for refining methodological and theoretical aspects before a full-scale launch. Using participatory action research with youth and sector partners, this study tested the design and implementation of a longitudinal research project, focusing on four key areas: recruitment strategies, survey design, incentive strategies, and participant engagement and retention. The study compares two recruitment messages, assessed survey clarity and completion rates, tested financial and non-financial incentives, and evaluated participants’ willingness to share contact information and LinkedIn profiles. Data were collected through surveys (n = 91) and focus groups (n = 11) with young people aged 15–29 from across Canada who completed an RBC Future Launch-funded program. Findings indicated that branding and messaging in recruitment emails influenced response rates. Despite concerns about survey length, 97% of participants completed it, with most finishing within 15 min. Among the incentives offered, a CAD 10 payment resulted in the highest response rate. Additionally, both the CAD 10 incentive and the LinkedIn Learning licenses increased participants’ willingness to share LinkedIn profiles. The pilot study provided valuable insights into optimizing recruitment, survey design, and incentive structures for a longitudinal study. These findings provide insights for improving participant engagement and retention in research studies, as well as a co-creation approach to research design. Full article

Local governments and municipalities are finding themselves increasingly challenged in planning and managing external conditions of escalating complexity, ranging from climate and environmental changes to unplanned migration, and major economic changes exacerbating inequalities. Local governments are generally unprepared for the long-term planning and lack the requisite strategic guidance for confronting the complexities posed by these growing threats at multiple fronts. The inadequacy of contemporary public management to these emerging problems further increases the risks to citizen well-being and future economic vitality. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to identify and describe specific characteristics of transformative management practices drawn from system science that can more adequately address complexity. To this end, the authors review the literature on municipal public management practices and assess the lack of systemic approaches consistent with complexity science. The service ecosystems perspective is proposed as an approach with the potential for managing in high complexity in urban contexts. The limitations of contemporary public management are examined through an emerging systems lens. These limitations are then contrasted with insights from the service ecosystems perspective to delineate the characteristics of more systemic management practices. The findings of this analysis point to three such characteristics: integrative, collective, and adaptive practices. The authors illustrate these characteristics and discuss their implications for shifting municipal management practice. They conclude with specific recommendations for research, practice, and policy. Full article

This research presents a synthesis of social entrepreneurship (SE) in rural communities with a tourism vocation, adopting a systemic perspective applied to the case of Yecapixtla, Morelos, Mexico. Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) was used to diagnose the current state of the SE system in the Food and Beverage (F&B) sector, considering its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study included direct observation, field notes, and systemic modelling tools such as the structured problem situation and the rich picture, in order to interpret the relationships among the actors involved. The results show that SE plays a strategic role in the sustainability of the destination, but it faces conflicting relationships with government actors and structural limitations that hinder its consolidation. Optimal relationships were identified among community actors, as well as opportunities to improve tourism governance. The study concludes that the systemic approach enables a clearer view of the conflicts, capacities, and opportunities within the system, highlighting the need to create systemic strategies that strengthen SE as a driver of sustainable development. Full article

This paper argues that investing in artificial intelligence (AI) in developing economies involves significant trade-offs requiring ethical, financial, and geopolitical scrutiny. While AI is increasingly seen as a vehicle for technological leapfrogging, such ambitions often mask structural constraints, including weak infrastructure, limited institutional capacity, and external dependency. Using the economic theory of opportunity cost—extended through the political economy and digital governance perspectives—this study critically examines AI policy strategies in Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda. A qualitative design grounded in secondary data and a thematic analysis reveal how AI investment may reallocate scarce resources away from essential services, exacerbate inequality, and entrench strategic technological dependency. This paper proposes a public policy framework built on four principles—sequential readiness, strategic alignment, ethical governance, and capacity building—to guide equitable AI deployment. It argues for establishing a digital social compact between states, citizens, and technology actors to safeguard public interest in AI-driven development. Finally, this paper outlines a future research agenda emphasizing the mixed-method evaluation of AI’s long-term social impacts, including employment, inclusion, and public service delivery. Full article

This study analyses the effects of public hospital mergers in Portugal, particularly the creation of hospital centers, on productivity levels. Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of New Public Management and Efficiency Theory, a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach, combined with the Malmquist Productivity Index, was used to evaluate performance. Results for the 2013–2015 period show no statistically significant difference in productivity levels between merged hospitals (hospital centers) and non-merged hospitals (hospital units). However, for hospitals merged in 2007, there is evidence of significant productivity gains in the post-merger period (2008–2014). These findings partially support the assumptions of New Public Management and Efficiency Theory concerning efficiency improvements through hospital mergers in the public sector. Full article

In terms of climate change, while tourism’s natural resources may be considered climate vulnerable, a large part of tourism’s primary industries are high carbon consumers. With the growth of worldwide efforts to adopt climate resilience actions across all industries, Destination Management Organizations could become focal points for raising awareness and leadership among local tourism stakeholders. The manuscript communicates a simple, reproducible approach to observing and analyzing climate change at a high territorial granularity to empower local destinations with the capability to disseminate quantifiable information about past, current, and future climate projections. In relation to Slovakia’s 39 local destinations, the approach utilizes six sub-sets of the latest high-resolution Köppen–Geiger climate classification grid data. The main climate categories’ similarity for local destinations was measured across six periods through the Pearson Correlation Coefficient of Pairwise Euclidean Distances between the linkage matrices of hierarchical clusters adopting Ward’s Linkage Method. The Shannon Entropy Analysis was adopted for the quantification of the homogeneity of the DMOs’ main climate categories, and Weighted Variance Analysis was adopted to identify the main climate categories’ weight fluctuations. The current results indicate not only a major shift from destination climates classified as cold to temperate, but also a transformation to more heterogeneous climates in the future. Full article

The healthcare sector significantly impacts environmental sustainability, with nurses contributing to waste and energy use while also being positioned to lead change through sustainable practices. However, only one validated tool, the Nurses’ Environmental Awareness Tool (NEAT), is currently available to assess their environmental awareness. This study aimed to adapt the NEAT into Italian and evaluate its psychometric properties. The Italian version was developed using a five-phase approach, followed by a cross-sectional validation study to assess its validity and reliability. A sample of 382 nurses and nursing students was included. The Italian NEAT demonstrated optimal content and face validity indices, satisfactory goodness-of-fit indices confirming the original six-subscale structure (Comparative Fit Index 0.85–0.92; Tucker–Lewis Index 0.80–0.90; Standardized Root Mean Square Residual 0.05–0.08; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation 0.06–0.14), and good reliability values (Cronbach’s α 0.77–0.90; omega-ω ≥ 0.80). Construct validity results were likewise satisfactory. The participants’ scores suggested limited knowledge but adequate environmental awareness and ecological behaviors. The Italian version of the NEAT is designed for screening purposes, guiding educational interventions, and supporting research in both clinical and academic contexts. By contributing to the advancement of knowledge on sustainability in healthcare, it promotes environmentally responsible practices within the nursing profession. Full article

The increasing waste of agricultural products is a significant threat to food security worldwide, including Iran. The horticultural sector faces a critical challenge with significant fruit waste, particularly apples, occurring at various supply chain stages. Coping with this problem and improving apple waste management at the garden level is important for achieving sustainable agriculture and food security goals. This study aimed to identify the main factors influencing apple waste from the viewpoint of apple gardeners in Tehran province, Iran, which plays a pivotal role in apple production and supplying the fruit to markets nationwide. The statistical population of the study was apple gardeners in Tehran province (N = 9310), out of which 188 people were selected as a sample by applying the Cochran formula. The data were collected through a researcher-made structured questionnaire developed for this study. Personal face-to-face interviews were conducted with the gardeners by adopting a cluster sampling technique. A panel judgment of the faculty members in the Department of Agricultural Management and Development at the University of Tehran confirmed the questionnaire’s validity. Its reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha value above 0.7. The collected data were later analyzed by descriptive statistics measures and confirmatory factor analysis in SPSS and Smart PLS software. This study found that inefficient harvesting practices are the primary contributors to apple waste in Tehran, particularly due to improper handling and timing. It highlighted the need for better training, improved harvesting methods, and enhanced infrastructure. Addressing these factors through targeted interventions could significantly reduce apple waste, improving both economic viability and sustainability in the region’s apple production sector. Full article

Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key middle power, leveraging niche diplomacy to expand its global influence. This study examines how the Kingdom strategically employs mediation, religious diplomacy, humanitarian aid, energy leadership, and sports diplomacy to shape regional and international dynamics. Unlike great powers, middle powers focus on specialized areas where they hold a comparative advantage, allowing them to exert influence despite material constraints. Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic recalibration aligns with its Vision 2030 agenda, prioritizing economic diversification, regional stability, and multilateral engagement. Saudi Arabia enhances its geopolitical significance by positioning itself as a mediator in regional conflicts, reinforcing its religious leadership, investing in sports diplomacy, and maintaining energy dominance. This study contributes to understanding middle power strategies in international relations, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s role as a stabilizing force in an evolving global order. Full article