Special Issue "Digitalization and Sustainable Development"

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2021.

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Manuela Tvaronaviciene
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Business Technology and Entrepreneurship, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Sauletekio 11, 10223 Vilnius, Lithuania
2. Department of Strategic Management, General Jonas Zemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania, Silo 5, 10322 Vilnius, Lithuania
Interests: energy transformation toward sustainability; green economy; consumption patterns; social responsibility; clusters; innovations; cybersecurity; knowledge management; security and sustainability; sustainable development of organizations; sustainable development of industries and countries

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

You are invited to submit your paper to this Special Issue, which is devoted to a wide range of questions related to digitalization processes that inevitably affect the sustainable development patterns in organizations, industries, and regions. 

The Issue will focus the following problems: digitalization, internationalization and digitalization, e-commerce, industry 4.0, cybersecurity, e-government, energy transformations toward sustainability, smart grids, digitalization and the circular economy, knowledge management, digitalization and education, and a wide range issues related to digital entrepreneurship and sustainable development of industries and countries. 

The purpose of the Issue is gather studies revealing and discussing contemporary challenges to sustainable development on the levels of organizations, industries, societies, and countries.

Prof. Manuela Tvaronaviciene
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • digitalization
  • internationalization and digitalization
  • e-commerce
  • industry 4.0
  • cybersecurity
  • e-government
  • energy transformations towards sustainability
  • smart grids
  • digitalization and circular economy
  • knowledge management
  • digitalization and education
  • anti-money laundering (AML)

Published Papers (16 papers)

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Research

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Article
Fermatean Fuzzy CRITIC-COPRAS Method for Evaluating the Challenges to Industry 4.0 Adoption for a Sustainable Digital Transformation
Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9577; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179577 - 25 Aug 2021
Viewed by 324
Abstract
Decision and policymakers are looking at the potential of Industry 4.0 smart technologies to create a green economy as the European Commission aims to deliver the European Green Deal by rethinking policies for clean energy supply. Industry 4.0 will eventually be applied to [...] Read more.
Decision and policymakers are looking at the potential of Industry 4.0 smart technologies to create a green economy as the European Commission aims to deliver the European Green Deal by rethinking policies for clean energy supply. Industry 4.0 will eventually be applied to all aspects of life; however, it is necessary to identify the challenges to the adoption of Industry 4.0 for a sustainable digital transformation. In this vein, the present study aims to identify the challenges to the adoption of Industry 4.0 in fintech companies and to develop a novel Fermatean fuzzy CRITIC-COPRAS method to rank the identified challenges and evaluate the performance of companies concerning the weighted challenges based on three decision experts’ support. The results indicated that “difficulty in coordination and collaboration” is the most significant challenge to the adoption of Industry 4.0 out of the fourteen identified challenges, followed by “resistance to change” and “governmental support.” In addition, the superiority and efficiency of the proposed method were investigated through comparative analyses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digitalization and Sustainable Development)
Article
Where Is the Age of Digitalization Heading? The Meaning, Characteristics, and Implications of Contemporary Digital Transformation
Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 8909; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13168909 - 09 Aug 2021
Viewed by 365
Abstract
Digital transformation is perceived not only as a change in certain technology but also as a large transition that will ultimately change our lives for the better. Industry convergence, the key to digital transformation, entails, for firms, both various opportunities for innovation and [...] Read more.
Digital transformation is perceived not only as a change in certain technology but also as a large transition that will ultimately change our lives for the better. Industry convergence, the key to digital transformation, entails, for firms, both various opportunities for innovation and the crisis of falling behind. Therefore, from the perspective of firms, it is critical to examine how digital transformation affects their industries and products as well as how they perceive and respond to digital transformation. This is ultimately a matter of how firms survive and maintain sustainable growth in this great upheaval of digital transformation. Based on the understanding of the concept of digital transformation, this study explores how high-growth firms perceive various aspects of digital transformation. The findings show that digital transformation involves a change of firms based on constant innovation, not simply the acceptance of technology, and that there is a large digital divide that depends on the firm size and industry type. Based on the above, this study derives implications in terms of the innovation activities of firms to ensure that digital transformation does not serve as a handicap and barrier for firms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digitalization and Sustainable Development)
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Article
Analyzing the Critical Factors Influencing Post-Use Trust and Its Impact on Citizens’ Continuous-Use Intention of E-Government: Evidence from Chinese Municipalities
Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7698; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147698 - 09 Jul 2021
Viewed by 421
Abstract
Whereas the pivotal role of trust in the adoption of e-government was highlighted in prior research, attention was rarely paid thus far to investigate the role of post-use trust and its impact on citizens’ continuous-use intention of e-government. This study develops a comprehensive [...] Read more.
Whereas the pivotal role of trust in the adoption of e-government was highlighted in prior research, attention was rarely paid thus far to investigate the role of post-use trust and its impact on citizens’ continuous-use intention of e-government. This study develops a comprehensive model, which consists of antecedents of post-use trust, perceived usefulness, satisfaction, and citizens’ continuous-use intention of e-government, to explain how interactional, government, and environmental factors influence citizens’ post-use trust as well as how post-use trust influences citizens’ continuous-use intention. Using data collected from a survey of 1867 citizen users living in one direct-controlled municipality and four high-population cities in China, this study tests the proposed concept model using structural equation modeling. The results show that trust in government, trust in the internet, service quality, and information quality have positive effects on citizens’ post-use trust. Factors that do not determine a user’s post-use trust are the perception of privacy and security, as well as system quality. Another finding is that citizens’ post-use trust does not directly influence their continuous intention to use e-government. Post-use trust will impact continuous-use intention through whether or not citizens find using e-government useful and satisfying. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digitalization and Sustainable Development)
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Article
The Role of Trust and Risk in Citizens’ E-Government Services Adoption: A Perspective of the Extended UTAUT Model
Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7671; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147671 - 09 Jul 2021
Viewed by 444
Abstract
This research particularly aims to investigate how trust and perceived risk influence citizens’ e-government adoption. The findings of the study reveal that citizens’ trust of the government (TOG) and trust of the internet (TOI) positively affect citizens’ e-government adoption (EGA); perceived risk (PR) [...] Read more.
This research particularly aims to investigate how trust and perceived risk influence citizens’ e-government adoption. The findings of the study reveal that citizens’ trust of the government (TOG) and trust of the internet (TOI) positively affect citizens’ e-government adoption (EGA); perceived risk (PR) is negatively associated with citizens’ EGA. Interestingly, this study also demonstrates the negative moderating effect of PR on the relationship between TOG and EGA, TOI and EGA. The results also indicate that performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), and facilitation conditions (FC) influence citizens’ EGA positively. Lastly, implications for practice and research are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digitalization and Sustainable Development)
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Article
Public Behavior as an Output of E-Government Service: The Role of New Technology Integrated in E-Government and Antecedent of Relationship Quality
Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7464; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137464 - 04 Jul 2021
Viewed by 517
Abstract
Electronic government has played an essential role in citizen policy strategy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of citizen and government interaction, companies can utilize electronic government facilities to establish direct communication and maintain service quality by integrating new technologies and facilities [...] Read more.
Electronic government has played an essential role in citizen policy strategy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of citizen and government interaction, companies can utilize electronic government facilities to establish direct communication and maintain service quality by integrating new technologies and facilities in electronic government which can provide service via online, embedded with social media integration, implemented with mobile service, using personalized user accounts, e-participation service integration, in combination with ongoing citizen information. Therefore, electronic government facilities must adapt and choose the right content to promote strong citizen relations, leading to citizen behavior to make long-term use of electronic government facilities. This study considered and integrated the latest technology from electronic government and associated it with connection quality. Sustainable motives and faithfulness were used to quantify the quality of citizen relations to electronic government facilities, which can influence the results of citizen behavior. The SmartPLS 2 software was used to quantify and estimate 425 online questionnaire surveys. The results showed that of the 12 hypotheses, eight hypotheses were declared to have a significant effect, consisting of H1, H2, H6–H8, and H10–H12, while the other four hypotheses were stated to have no significant effect, namely H3–H5, and H9. This study was used to guide the government as a provider of electronic government facilities to adapt and provide content following the dimensions of the latest technology to achieve goals and produce sustainable implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digitalization and Sustainable Development)
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Article
Holistic Evaluation of Digital Applications in the Energy Sector—Evaluation Framework Development and Application to the Use Case Smart Meter Roll-Out
Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6834; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126834 - 17 Jun 2021
Viewed by 383
Abstract
The development of digital technologies is accelerating, enabling increasingly profound changes in increasingly short time periods. The changes affect almost all areas of the economy as well as society. The energy sector has already seen some effects of digitalization, but more drastic changes [...] Read more.
The development of digital technologies is accelerating, enabling increasingly profound changes in increasingly short time periods. The changes affect almost all areas of the economy as well as society. The energy sector has already seen some effects of digitalization, but more drastic changes are expected in the next decades. Besides the very positive impacts on costs, system stability, and environmental effects, potential obstacles and risks need to be addressed to ensure that advantages can be exploited while adverse effects are avoided. A good understanding of available and future digital applications from different stakeholders’ perspectives is necessary. This study proposes a framework for the holistic evaluation of digital applications in the energy sector. The framework consists of a combination of well-established methods, namely the multi-criteria analysis (MCA), the life cycle assessment (LCA), and expert interviews. The objective is to create transparency on benefits, obstacles, and risks as a basis for societal and political discussions and to supply the necessary information for the sustainable development and implementation of digital applications. The novelty of the proposed framework is the specific combination of the three methods and its setup to enable sound applicability to the wide variety of digital applications in the energy sector. The framework is tested subsequently on the example of the German smart meter roll-out. The results reveal that, on the one hand, the smart meter roll-out clearly offers the potential to increase the system stability and decrease the carbon emission intensity of the energy system. Therefore, the overall evaluation from an environmental perspective is positive. However, on the other hand, close attention needs to be paid to the required implementation and operational effort, the IT (information technology) and data security, the added value for the user, the social acceptance, and the realization of energy savings. Therefore, the energy utility perspective in particular results in an overall negative evaluation. Several areas with a need for action are identified. Overall, the proposed framework proves to be suitable for the holistic evaluation of this digital application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digitalization and Sustainable Development)
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Article
Knowledge Sharing in R&D Teams: An Evolutionary Game Model
Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6664; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126664 - 11 Jun 2021
Viewed by 505
Abstract
Knowledge sharing plays an important role in promoting innovation and helping improve R&D team performance in the digital age. Based on the evolutionary game theory, this study develops an evolutionary game model of knowledge sharing in R&D teams in order to explore its [...] Read more.
Knowledge sharing plays an important role in promoting innovation and helping improve R&D team performance in the digital age. Based on the evolutionary game theory, this study develops an evolutionary game model of knowledge sharing in R&D teams in order to explore its system evolution path, the evolutionary stability strategy, and the influencing mechanism in knowledge sharing. Then using a simulation model, this study examines the dynamic evolution process of knowledge sharing within R&D teams. The results show that the effectiveness of knowledge sharing in the R&D teams can be promoted by R&D team members’ cognitive ability, knowledge absorption ability, knowledge transformation ability, knowledge innovation ability, and the degree of knowledge complementarity within teams. The simulation results further show that reducing the environmental risk can also effectively improve R&D teams’ innovation performance. The findings of this study thus provide evidence for knowledge sharing as an important route to sustainable development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digitalization and Sustainable Development)
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Article
Assessment of the Sustainability of a Real Estate Project Using Multi-Criteria Decision Making
Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4352; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084352 - 14 Apr 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 564
Abstract
Today, sustainability, sustainable development and clean environment come to the fore worldwide. Consequently, the concept of sustainability has been introduced in project management. Sustainability issues have gained particular attention in the real estate sector. However, despite the fact that this sector has a [...] Read more.
Today, sustainability, sustainable development and clean environment come to the fore worldwide. Consequently, the concept of sustainability has been introduced in project management. Sustainability issues have gained particular attention in the real estate sector. However, despite the fact that this sector has a huge impact on the environment and society, real estate projects are most commonly chosen taking into account only their risk and return, and a very limited number of indices and methods are available to assess their sustainability. Moreover, all of the existing indices and models for assessing the sustainability of an investment project take into account only three dimensions of sustainability—environmental, social and economic. Therefore, the novelty of this work lies in constructing a real estate sustainability index (RESI) relying on an additional sustainability aspect—i.e., a technological dimension. The developed sustainability index could be useful in evaluating and comparing real estate projects. It would also promote technological progress and investments in new technologies within projects as sustainability is also considered in a new, technological dimension. A research study was carried out between September 2020 and December 2020. Following an analysis of the literature and different sustainability-related standards relevant for the real estate industry, sustainability criteria were chosen and then grouped into four (environmental, social, economic and technological) categories. The selection and ranking of the most relevant sustainability criteria were performed through a survey. The index was compiled by applying multi-criteria decision making methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digitalization and Sustainable Development)
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Article
Mindless Response or Mindful Interpretation: Examining the Effect of Message Influence on Phishing Susceptibility
Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 1651; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13041651 - 04 Feb 2021
Viewed by 518
Abstract
Influence-based deceptive messages constantly play a critical role in email phishing attacks. However, the literature lacks adequate understanding about how phishing messages with attractive and coercive influence result in the receivers’ adverse consequences. We therefore take the perspective of mindless response and mindful [...] Read more.
Influence-based deceptive messages constantly play a critical role in email phishing attacks. However, the literature lacks adequate understanding about how phishing messages with attractive and coercive influence result in the receivers’ adverse consequences. We therefore take the perspective of mindless response and mindful interpretation to address this issue by examining comprehensive relationships among message influence, cognitive processing, and phishing susceptibility. To accomplish this, a survey approach was adopted after a simulated phishing attack was conducted in campuses. Our empirical evidence shows that both message influence and cognitive processing can lead to people being phished, and a combination of different influences can also trigger cognitive processing. This research makes contributions to the literature of information security, persuading influence, and cognitive psychology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digitalization and Sustainable Development)
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Article
Linking Critical Thinking and Knowledge Management: A Conceptual Analysis
Sustainability 2021, 13(3), 1476; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031476 - 01 Feb 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 778
Abstract
Knowledge management and critical thinking are two broad and important phenomena for contemporary society. Their concepts are both well-discussed in the literature. However, the existing conceptual links between them have not been analyzed, and the role of critical thinking in the process of [...] Read more.
Knowledge management and critical thinking are two broad and important phenomena for contemporary society. Their concepts are both well-discussed in the literature. However, the existing conceptual links between them have not been analyzed, and the role of critical thinking in the process of effective knowledge management has not been revealed. This article aims to fill this gap by presenting the conceptual connections between knowledge management and critical thinking. In order to reveal the inner structure of each concept and identify the conceptual connections, a critical review was conducted. The results showed the links between the concepts of knowledge management and critical thinking within three dimensions: relationships, process, and goals. In conclusion, each dimension is presented and described, with a special focus on the unexpected and deep intersections revealed between the two concepts on a personal, interpersonal, and societal level. This research may be regarded as providing the basis for further analysis of the links between these two phenomena. Increased awareness of the existence of critical thinking in knowledge management can forge new directions in organizational strategies and staff training programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digitalization and Sustainable Development)
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Article
The Role of Top Management Team Digitalization and Firm Internationalization for Sustainable Business
Sustainability 2020, 12(22), 9502; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12229502 - 15 Nov 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 842
Abstract
This paper aims to investigate the relationship between the existence of firm digitalization and firm internationalization in selected companies in the European Union (EU). The study provides evidence that upper echelon characteristics bring new competences and skills, including digital skills, which are essential [...] Read more.
This paper aims to investigate the relationship between the existence of firm digitalization and firm internationalization in selected companies in the European Union (EU). The study provides evidence that upper echelon characteristics bring new competences and skills, including digital skills, which are essential for company internationalization in the modern world of turmoil, crisis and uncertainty. The research paper argues that top management team (TMT) characteristics, and particularly digitalization awareness and skills among the senior management, are critical factors for driving success in international markets and for the sustainability of the business. The dataset in this paper includes around one hundred executive and non-executive profiles in selected European countries, distributed in different industrial sectors. The empirical data have been collected from available online secondary sources on private companies in Germany, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The paper’s findings suggest that a relationship exists between TMT digitalization and firm internationalization. Additionally, the paper’s results illustrate that the companies with an on board Chief Information Officer or Chief Digitalization Officer tend to be more international in comparison to those which do not possess these two job positions in their top management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digitalization and Sustainable Development)
Article
Sustainable Policy Measures Based on Implementation of Digital Technologies in Corrections: Exploratory Study from Slovakia and Beyond
Sustainability 2020, 12(20), 8643; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208643 - 19 Oct 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 742
Abstract
Across the world, millions of people are incarcerated every year, while hundreds of thousands of them are released back into their home communities. Despite several alternatives within the criminal justice system, incarceration is still considered as the most natural method of correction. This [...] Read more.
Across the world, millions of people are incarcerated every year, while hundreds of thousands of them are released back into their home communities. Despite several alternatives within the criminal justice system, incarceration is still considered as the most natural method of correction. This can lead to different types of unsustainable pathways within a society. Despite the growing importance and increasing use of digital technologies, there are relatively few scientific studies related to the implementation of digital technologies in corrections. Therefore, the present paper aims to assess the sustainable policy measures based on the implementation of digital technologies in corrections, namely electronic monitoring (EM). The originality of our paper is supported by unique primary data gathered during the first national survey on the assessment of sustainability measures of EM in Slovakia. Our research reveals that EM implementation contributes to individual and institutional resilience in a socio-economic context; the requirements for a conditional release of serious offenders with mandatory EM seem to have created sustainable conditions for the use of this form of the EM “back door” scheme. EM programs are aimed at suppressing crime through increased accountability and monitoring, which leads to their sustainability. Maintaining social and family ties, reducing risk of imprisonment and undesirable new ties, and keeping working habits are the main sustainable policy measures of EM that support better social inclusion of offenders. Assessment of the sustainable policy measures based on the implementation of digital technologies in corrections, namely electronic monitoring (EM) uncovered in the present paper, creates space for further research and policy implications. Data protection, automated data processing and artificial intelligence in the implementation of digital technologies in corrections are important topics that deserve much more attention in research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digitalization and Sustainable Development)
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Article
Supporting the Sustainability of Natural Fiber-Based Value Chains of SMEs through Digitalization
Sustainability 2020, 12(19), 8121; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12198121 - 01 Oct 2020
Viewed by 1082
Abstract
SMEs represent a significant share of business companies in Europe. Their limitations might be overcome by using value chains, resulting in successful development and growth also within traditionally low-digitalized, natural fiber-based domains. Reaching a sustainable competitive advantage for natural fiber-based value chains is [...] Read more.
SMEs represent a significant share of business companies in Europe. Their limitations might be overcome by using value chains, resulting in successful development and growth also within traditionally low-digitalized, natural fiber-based domains. Reaching a sustainable competitive advantage for natural fiber-based value chains is possible by boosting the digitalization of the included SMEs. The digitalization level can be improved by properly addressing the detected digitalization issues and challenges. This paper aims at proposing a novel comprehensive approach for assessing the digitalization level of natural fiber-based value chains and the respective SMEs. Using the proposed dimensions, indicators, and corresponding measurement instruments, the digitalization level of a particular SME, as well as of the entire value chain of SMEs can be assessed. The paper additionally depicts a practical demonstration for applying the proposed approach within two case studies. The proposed approach favors low-digitalized SMEs to enter and benefit from the digitalized value chains, as well as provides the benefits and facilitates the growth and sustainability of the existing natural fiber-based value chains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digitalization and Sustainable Development)
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Article
Canonical Correlation Analysis and a New Composite Index on Digitalization and Labor Force in the Context of the Industrial Revolution 4.0
Sustainability 2020, 12(17), 6812; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12176812 - 21 Aug 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1239
Abstract
The current phenomenon of the economy-accelerated digitalization, known as the “Industry 4.0”, will generate both an increased productivity, connectivity and several transformations on the labor force skills. Our research objectives are to determine the influence that digitalization has had on the workforce in [...] Read more.
The current phenomenon of the economy-accelerated digitalization, known as the “Industry 4.0”, will generate both an increased productivity, connectivity and several transformations on the labor force skills. Our research objectives are to determine the influence that digitalization has had on the workforce in several developed countries and to propose a new composite indicator that reflects these dynamics over time. We have used the Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) in order to identify and analyze the correlations between two sets of variables, an independent one and a dependent one. Data were collected from the World Bank and World Economic Forum for the years 2018–2019. Based on the results of our research we have determined and made a consistent analysis of the new composite index of digitalization and labor force in 19 countries. The results of our research are relevant and show not only the impact of digitalization on the labor force in different countries, but also the structural changes required by the new economic and social models. Our research can help decision-makers get in advance the necessary measures in the field of labor force in order to ensure a proper integration of these measures into the new economic model based on digitalization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digitalization and Sustainable Development)
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Article
Citizens’ Involvement in E-Government in the European Union: The Rising Importance of the Digital Skills
Sustainability 2020, 12(17), 6807; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12176807 - 21 Aug 2020
Viewed by 931
Abstract
This paper studies what factors influence European citizens in their e-government adoption and use, and whether there are differences within the European Union. A binary logistic regression model has been used to determine the profile of e-government users. The article highlights especially the [...] Read more.
This paper studies what factors influence European citizens in their e-government adoption and use, and whether there are differences within the European Union. A binary logistic regression model has been used to determine the profile of e-government users. The article highlights especially the influence of digital skills, as an increasingly influential factor, and opens up new areas of research such as the uses of e-government depending on the population density or sociodemographic factors. Given a certain lack of e-government studies at a pan-European level, this article provides an empirical comparative analysis in the EU and provides insights into the factors influencing the behaviour of European e-citizens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digitalization and Sustainable Development)
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Review

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Review
Pro-Environmental and Pro-Social Engagement in Sustainable Consumption: Exploratory Study
Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 1601; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13041601 - 03 Feb 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 717
Abstract
Sustainable consumption, provision of a clean and healthy environment, as well as improvements to the quality of life of current and future generations, are all integral parts of the sustainable development strategy, which is understood as a compromise between the environmental, economic and [...] Read more.
Sustainable consumption, provision of a clean and healthy environment, as well as improvements to the quality of life of current and future generations, are all integral parts of the sustainable development strategy, which is understood as a compromise between the environmental, economic and social objectives of society. The pro-environmental and pro-social consumer engagement in sustainable consumption may lead to behavioral change, thus contributing to the resolution of current global challenges. Although recently the pro-environmental and pro-social engagement concept has received considerable attention, there is still no consensus on what determines it. Moreover, the recent research is limited to identifying individual factors of this phenomenon. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the factors that determine pro-environmental and pro-social consumer engagement in sustainable consumption. The authors employed a qualitative method approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with consumers engaged in sustainable consumption in Lithuania. The research results reveal that these consumers were affected by cognitive, attitudinal and psychosocial factors. In terms of external factors, consumers named contextual factors for sustainable consumption, social norms and the promotion of sustainable consumption. Research results also show an additional internal factor of perceived responsibility, which means perceived duty as an individual to do good for society and the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digitalization and Sustainable Development)
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