Green Transition and Technology for Sustainable Management

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to explore the intersection between sustainability, digital innovation, and green technologies in driving the transition toward more environmentally responsible and resource-efficient business practices. The main focus of this Special Issue is on how emerging technologies, digital transformations, and policy frameworks can facilitate sustainable management across industries, fostering long-term economic and ecological resilience.

Depletions in natural resources and increasing environmental crises are consequences of inefficient production and consumption, prompting a global push for sustainable solutions. Businesses, with their innovation and adaptability, play a key role in leading green transition (Jamali et al., 2022).

The circular economy (CE) has emerged as a transformative model that balances economic growth with environmental responsibility by minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency (Kirchherr et al., 2023; Manniche et al., 2021). It aims to retain the value of materials, components, and products within the economy, fostering sustainability and inclusivity (Urbinati et al., 2021; Boluk et al., 2019). Additionally, the CE encourages public participation by promoting awareness and responsible consumption.

As concerns about sustainability grow, the CE has become central to global research and policy discussions, emphasizing the need for decarbonization, energy efficiency, and reduced carbon emissions (Hysa et al., 2020). It is seen as a paradigm shift that replaces the traditional "take, make, dispose" model within a closed-loop system, where waste is eliminated through resource restoration, renewable energy use, and sustainable design (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2015). Inspired by nature’s self-sustaining cycles, the CE presents a viable pathway toward long-term economic resilience within planetary boundaries (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2020).

The green transition has also generated a global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy and sustainable practices to combat climate change and environmental degradation. It involves changes in energy production, industrial processes, transportation, and lifestyle choices to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impacts. The stakeholders have specific concerns regarding renewable energy expansion, energy efficiency improvements, and the electrification of transportation.

This Special Issue aligns with the journal’s focus on sustainability, environmental management, and technology-driven business transformation by (1) investigating technological solutions for achieving sustainability goals; (2) Examining policy frameworks and regulatory mechanisms that support the green transition; (3) Highlighting case studies and best practices in corporate sustainability, digital business models, and green entrepreneurship; and (4) assessing the economic, social, and environmental impact of digital innovation in sustainability efforts.

This Special Issue provides a multidisciplinary platform for researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to share insights, strategies, and cutting-edge research that advance the global sustainability agenda through technology-driven solutions.

We encourage scholars and practitioners to examine and explore the theme of ‘Green Transition and Technology for Sustainable Management’ by deepening the following research agenda, including (but not limited to) the topics below:

• Redesigning value network and proposition on the basis of the circular economy principles.
• Challenges, barriers, and solutions for green transition.
• Harmonizing sustainable development goals and circular tourism.
• The impact of circular economy initiatives on social and environmental sustainability.
• Circular design, renewable energy sources, and other sustainable-by-design initiatives in the hospitality sector.
• The role of technological advancements in the transition pathway.
• Sustainable business innovations and eco-entrepreneurship.
• Green manufacturing and Industry 4.0 solutions.
• The impact of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policies on corporate strategies.
• Global and regional policy frameworks supporting green technology adoption.
• Emerging trends in impact-driven entrepreneurship.
• Sustainable development.
• Human resources and AI.
• Energy transition and circular economy.
• Twin transition – international experiences and local solutions.
• Non financial performance and green transition.

References:

1. Boluk, K.A., Cavaliere, C.T., Higgins-Desbiolles, F., 2019. A critical framework for interrogating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda in tourism. Journal of Sustainable Tourism 27, 847–864.
2. Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2020). The circular economy: a transformative Covid-19 recovery strategy: How policymakers can pave the way to a low carbon, prosperous future (2020)
3. EMF - Ellen MacArthur Foundation Growth, (2015) “A Circular Economy Vision for a Competitive Europe. Isle of Wight, UK, Ellen MacArthur Foundation”, Available online: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/assets/downloads/publications/EllenMacArthurFoundation_Growth-Within_July15.pdf.
4. Hysa, E., Kruja, A., Rehman, N. U., & Laurenti, R. (2020). Circular economy innovation and environmental sustainability impact on economic growth: An integrated model for sustainable development. Sustainability, 12(12), 4831.
5. Jamali, D., Barkemeyer, R., Samara, G., & Markovic, S. (2022). The SDGs: A change agenda shaping the future of business and humanity at large. Business Ethics, the Environment & Responsibility, 31(4), 899-903.
6. Kirchherr, J., Urbinati, A., & Hartley, K. (2023). Circular economy: A new research field?. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 27(5), 1239-1251.
7. Manniche, J., Larsen, K. T., Broegaard, R. B., (2021) “The circular economy in tourism: transition perspectives for business and research”, Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, 21 (3), pp. 247-264.
8. Urbinati, A., Franzò, S., and Chiaroni, D., (2021) “Enablers and Barriers for Circular Business Models: an empirical analysis in the Italian automotive industry”, Sustainable Production and Consumption, 27, pp. 551-566.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Valentina Ndou
Prof. Dr. Eglantina Hysa
Dr. Otilia Manta
Prof. Dr. Mirela Panait
Guest Editors

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• green technology
• sustainable digital transformation
• circular economy innovation
• renewable energy systems
• artificial intelligence and sustainability
• environmental, social, and governance strategies and corporate sustainability