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The Triple Nexus: Sustainable Management, Responsible Practices and Digital Transformation
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The Triple Nexus: Sustainable Management, Responsible Practices and Digital Transformation

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 27296

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Alexandra Zbuchea

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Școala Naţională de Studii Politice și Administrative, Bucharest, Romania
Interests: sustainability; CSR; digital transformation; cultural management
Dr. Mauro Romanelli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Business and Economic Studies, Parthenope University of Naples, Napoli, Italy
Interests: sustainable organizations; sustainable communities; sustainable technology; technology-driven organizations

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on the latest developments in the business sector, considering three emerging and defining dimensions: sustainability, responsibility and digitalization. The research scope is to explore the complex and dynamic relationships between sustainable management, responsible business practices and digital transformation. This exploration is hoped to result in a new conceptual framework development, namely a theoretical foundation explaining the evolving interdependences and synergies between the concepts, mainly elucidating how sustainable management is influenced by responsible business practices and digital transformation, including the challenging contribution of artificial intelligence. The purpose of this Special Issue is to provide a holistic understanding of the latest advancements in business, developing frameworks and models effective for the present business environment and fit for the future evolution of the field. Considering recent research on the evolution of business practices, the proposed area of study might contribute to identifying sustainable and effective approaches to fit the latest developments, to better understanding modern transformations and the design of policy recommendations fitting the new framework, and mostly to determining new systems of thought to illustrate the processes of sustainable development in the context of digital transformation and responsible systemic behavior.

Prof. Dr. Alexandra Zbuchea
Dr. Mauro Romanelli
Guest Editors

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 submissions that pass pre-check are 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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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 2400 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

  • sustainability
  • digital innovation
  • innovation ecosystem
  • green technology
  • corporate responsibility
  • ethical governance
  • stakeholder engagement
  • sustainable development
  • artificial intelligence
  • ESG

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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24 pages, 589 KB  
Article
Fostering Resilience Among Nurses: The Impact of Organisational Resources on Work Engagement
by Eglė Staniškienė, Živilė Stankevičiūtė, Asta Daunorienė and Joana Ramanauskaitė
Sustainability 2026, 18(10), 4855; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18104855 - 13 May 2026
Viewed by 332
Abstract
Based on the Job Demands–Resources theory, this research investigates how organisational resources shape employee resilience and, in turn, influence work engagement among nurses in the Lithuanian healthcare sector. The paper explores three organisational resources: co-worker support, staffing and recruitment adequacy, and dignified treatment [...] Read more.
Based on the Job Demands–Resources theory, this research investigates how organisational resources shape employee resilience and, in turn, influence work engagement among nurses in the Lithuanian healthcare sector. The paper explores three organisational resources: co-worker support, staffing and recruitment adequacy, and dignified treatment for healthcare employees. Data were collected through a survey (n = 443) from nurses employed in public and private healthcare institutions and analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling. The results indicate that co-worker support (β = 0.328, p < 0.001) and dignified treatment (β = 0.270, p < 0.001) are significant positive aspects of developing employee resilience, while staffing and recruitment adequacy did not have an impact on employee resilience. Employee resilience demonstrated a strong positive effect on work engagement (β = 0.488, p < 0.001). These findings help to understand the relations and structural antecedents of nurse resilience, demonstrating that social and interpersonal resources have a strong influence on employee engagement. The study has practical implications for healthcare human resource management in contexts of systemic workforce shortage and high occupational demand. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Triple Nexus: Sustainable Management, Responsible Practices and Digital Transformation)
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18 pages, 1074 KB  
Article
Developing Blockchain-Based Framework for Sustainable Management and Stewardship of Indigenous Knowledge Systems
by Cry Kuranga and Tlou Maggie Masenya
Sustainability 2026, 18(10), 4734; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18104734 - 9 May 2026
Viewed by 623
Abstract
Blockchain technology offers promising solutions to some of the challenges that IKS face, such as secure long-term preservation. This study aims to develop a blockchain-based framework for sustainable management and preservation of Indigenous knowledge systems. A qualitative document analysis is adopted in this [...] Read more.
Blockchain technology offers promising solutions to some of the challenges that IKS face, such as secure long-term preservation. This study aims to develop a blockchain-based framework for sustainable management and preservation of Indigenous knowledge systems. A qualitative document analysis is adopted in this study, which is based on a critical literature review on how blockchain technology can be leveraged to enhance the digital preservation of IKS. The findings revealed that innovative technologies possess attractive solutions to both revitalize, manage and preserve IKS, although there are some risks to be shrouded such as data loss due to system failure and cyberattacks. Blockchain technology offers promising solutions to some of the challenges that IKS face, such as secure long-term preservation. The study further established that the Indigenous data sovereignty can inform the design of the blockchain-based framework by ensuring that Indigenous communities remain in charge of their resources that are expressed in digital formats. This study adds to the existing body of knowledge by proposing a framework that is built on blockchain technology to serve as a guide in designing and developing secure and sustainable digital IKS preservation solutions. This framework places Indigenous communities at the core of all digitization processes so that they direct and control the implementation of blockchain technology to ensure that it aligns with their values and priorities. In addition, placing Indigenous communities at the center of building digital systems ensures that they remain the sole proprietors of their resources. The study recommended that the capacity building and digital literacy be provided, given that blockchain technology requires expertise to implement and manage it. Furthermore, the implementation of blockchain-based framework should be led by Indigenous communities, allowing them to test, refine and adapt the technologies to diverse local contexts and specific IKS domains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Triple Nexus: Sustainable Management, Responsible Practices and Digital Transformation)
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21 pages, 1911 KB  
Article
Synthetic Fuels in the Sustainable Management of Energy Transition: Expert Perspectives
by Stephan Peter Filser and Andreia Gabriela Andrei
Sustainability 2026, 18(7), 3558; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18073558 - 4 Apr 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 505
Abstract
Man-made climate change is empirically proven and places ethical and strategic responsibility on the current generation to mitigate risks for future generations. Within this context, the selection of future energy carriers is a central determinant of sustainable development. While electrification is widely promoted, [...] Read more.
Man-made climate change is empirically proven and places ethical and strategic responsibility on the current generation to mitigate risks for future generations. Within this context, the selection of future energy carriers is a central determinant of sustainable development. While electrification is widely promoted, particularly in the transport sector, it is associated with complex production chains, critical raw material dependencies, unresolved recycling challenges, and potential resource scarcity. Synthetic fuels therefore re-emerge as a potential complementary option, especially for applications that are difficult to electrify directly. However, their role remains controversial due to efficiency losses and cost challenges. This paper uses qualitative research based on expert interviews to investigate the role of synthetic fuels in the sustainable management of energy transition and responsible practices. A total of 11 experts, representing the energy sector, research institutions, engineering fields, environmental organizations, and political–regulatory contexts participated. The analysis focused on four dimensions—efficiency, awareness, knowledge, and acceptance. The findings have shown that synthetic fuels are not a universal substitute for fossil fuels but a highly conditional option for hard-to-electrify applications. Efficiency losses, limited renewable electricity availability, knowledge gaps, conceptual ambiguity, and acceptance challenges significantly constrain their systemic role. The paper concludes that synthetic fuels can only make a meaningful contribution under strict conditions, with clear prioritization, realistic expectations, and coherent long-term policy frameworks aligned with intergenerational responsibility and genuine sustainability. The findings should be interpreted primarily within the German and European policy and innovation context, as the expert sample is largely embedded in institutions operating in this environment. Nevertheless, the insights provide relevant indications for broader international debates on the role of synthetic fuels in energy transition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Triple Nexus: Sustainable Management, Responsible Practices and Digital Transformation)
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21 pages, 759 KB  
Article
Overcoming the Challenges of Collaborative Research for Sustainability: Managing Institutional Complexity
by Olof Zaring, Rani J. Dang and Maureen McKelvey
Sustainability 2026, 18(6), 2820; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18062820 - 13 Mar 2026
Viewed by 378
Abstract
Achieving societal goals of sustainability will require businesses to leverage scientific results and advanced technologies and thereby promote the distribution of new solutions in society. Therefore, a key recommendation from the sustainability transition literature is to promote direct collaboration between industry and academia. [...] Read more.
Achieving societal goals of sustainability will require businesses to leverage scientific results and advanced technologies and thereby promote the distribution of new solutions in society. Therefore, a key recommendation from the sustainability transition literature is to promote direct collaboration between industry and academia. However, existing research suggests that successful collaboration is difficult to achieve due to institutional complexity. This paper applies a set of theoretical concepts regarding institutional complexity—namely hybrid organizations, academic engagement, and institutional logics—to a case study of a university–industry centre for sustainability. The longitudinal process of collaboration from initiating to dismantling a centre is first described. This process understanding enables an analysis of the management challenges with regard to the different institutional logics held by stakeholders including financiers, firms and research institutions, as they attempt to work together to achieve desired sustainable innovation outcomes. The conclusions point out a novel capability—latent flexibility—that we have identified in hybrid organizations. This refers to where institutional and task complexity are dynamically resolved by managers preserving the ability to reconfigure a project’s assets and hence determine how logics should recede or advance depending on interpretations of achieved outputs and shifting expectations for collaborative research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Triple Nexus: Sustainable Management, Responsible Practices and Digital Transformation)
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21 pages, 303 KB  
Article
Exploring the Role of Intercultural Communication and Cultural Intelligence in Enhancing Stakeholder Engagement and ESG Practices in International Organisations: Insights from the UN
by Elena Dinu, Mădălina Cocoșatu, Victoria Palăr and Florentina Neamțu
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10388; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210388 - 20 Nov 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5082
Abstract
This research investigates the critical role of intercultural communication and cultural intelligence in global international organisations and their link to effective stakeholder engagement and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. There is still a scarcity of empirical research focusing on global governance institutions [...] Read more.
This research investigates the critical role of intercultural communication and cultural intelligence in global international organisations and their link to effective stakeholder engagement and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. There is still a scarcity of empirical research focusing on global governance institutions like the United Nations (UN), which was chosen as a case study. Such organisations are one-of-a-kind communicative spaces in which people from various cultural, linguistic, and professional backgrounds work together to achieve common international goals. However, despite the UN’s prominent role in enabling global collaboration, the mechanisms by which intercultural communication occurs and adapts in such circumstances are little understood. Focusing on the social and governance dimensions of ESG, this research brings new insights into the work of the United Nations (UN)’s multicultural teams, as well as into the cross-cultural projects at the heart of this organisation and how they align with the goal of preserving local cultures in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study’s findings confirm the critical role of intercultural communication in engaging internal and external stakeholders and reinforcing sustainable ESG practices in international institutions such as the UN. Moreover, the managerial implications of the research could be of relevance to other global organisations which operate across diverse cultural contexts, where understanding and managing these differences become essential for fostering trust, collaboration, and responsibility. The paper proposes a conceptual framework verified through corroborated semistructured interviews to illustrate how intercultural communication enhances inclusivity, tailors ESG strategies to cultural contexts, and improves organisational decision-making and accountability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Triple Nexus: Sustainable Management, Responsible Practices and Digital Transformation)
24 pages, 3955 KB  
Article
Data-Driven Decarbonization: Machine Learning Insights into GHG Trends and Informed Policy Actions for a Sustainable Bangladesh
by Md Shafiul Alam, Mohammad Shoaib Shahriar, Md. Ahsanul Alam, Waleed M. Hamanah, Mohammad Ali, Md Shafiullah and Md Alamgir Hossain
Sustainability 2025, 17(21), 9708; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219708 - 31 Oct 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1332
Abstract
This work presents optimized decision tree-based ensemble machine learning models for predicting and quantifying the effects of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Bangladesh. It aims to identify policy implications in response to significant environmental changes. The models analyze the emissions of CO2 [...] Read more.
This work presents optimized decision tree-based ensemble machine learning models for predicting and quantifying the effects of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Bangladesh. It aims to identify policy implications in response to significant environmental changes. The models analyze the emissions of CO2, N2O, and CH4 from sectors including energy, industry, agriculture, and waste. We consider many parameters, including energy consumption, population, urbanization, gross domestic products, foreign direct investment, and per capita income. The data covers the period from 1971 to 2019. The model is trained using 80% of the dataset and validated using the remaining 20%. The hyperparameters, such as the number of estimators, maximum samples, maximum depth, learning rate, and minimum samples leaf, were optimized via particle swarm optimization. The models were tested, and their forecasts were extended till 2041. An examination of feature importance has identified energy consumption as a critical factor in greenhouse gas emissions, acknowledging the positive effects of clean energy in accordance with the clean development mechanism. The results demonstrate a robust model performance, with an R2 score of approximately 0.90 for both the training and testing datasets. The bagging decision tree model showed the lowest mean squared error of 151.3453 and the lowest mean absolute percentage error of 0.1686. The findings of this study will help decision-makers understand the complex connections between socioeconomic conditions and the elements that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The discoveries will enable more precise monitoring of national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, allowing for focused efforts to mitigate climate change in Bangladesh. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Triple Nexus: Sustainable Management, Responsible Practices and Digital Transformation)
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23 pages, 525 KB  
Article
Deconstructing Sustainability Challenges in the Transition to a Four-Day Workweek: The Case of Private Companies in Eastern Europe
by Tatjana Tambovceva, Regina Veckalne, Marina Järvis and Jurgita Bruneckienė
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 4904; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114904 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 4785
Abstract
As global challenges escalate—economic shocks, environmental issues, and evolving work expectations—the four-day workweek (4DWW) is gaining traction as a sustainable and viable alternative. This study investigates the transition from a traditional 5-day workweek to a 4DWW in the context of private companies in [...] Read more.
As global challenges escalate—economic shocks, environmental issues, and evolving work expectations—the four-day workweek (4DWW) is gaining traction as a sustainable and viable alternative. This study investigates the transition from a traditional 5-day workweek to a 4DWW in the context of private companies in the Baltic States, supplemented by the insights from informal interviews with 17 representatives across Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia and an in-depth case study of a Latvian wholesale company. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates document analysis, structured interviews, and quantitative assessment of key performance indicators over an 8-year period. The findings elucidate the phased transition process, detailing the multifaceted challenges encountered at individual, operational, and strategic levels. The study evaluates the impact of the 4DWW on organizational productivity, employee well-being, and environmental outcomes. Results indicate that, while the 4DWW can sustain or enhance operational efficiency and substantially improve work-life balance and stress reduction, these benefits are not uniformly observed across all economic sectors. This paper not only advances the literature on workweek restructuring by clarifying the algorithm for transitioning to a 4DWW but also underscores its potential as a sustainable business practice. The results offer valuable decision-making insights for private companies considering similar transitions, while also highlighting the need for context-specific strategies and policy support—including relevant legislative frameworks in the Baltic region—to ensure successful implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Triple Nexus: Sustainable Management, Responsible Practices and Digital Transformation)
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29 pages, 365 KB  
Article
Assessing the Impact of Enterprise Architecture on Digital Transformation Success: A Global Perspective
by Hassan Alghamdi
Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8865; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208865 - 13 Oct 2024
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 12957
Abstract
This research paper aims to analyze the significant contributions of enterprise architecture (EA) in leveraging digital transformation (DT) success at an international level. The paper adopts a meta-analytical approach, examining the patterns of EA’s strategic alignment and operational impact. EA plays a crucial [...] Read more.
This research paper aims to analyze the significant contributions of enterprise architecture (EA) in leveraging digital transformation (DT) success at an international level. The paper adopts a meta-analytical approach, examining the patterns of EA’s strategic alignment and operational impact. EA plays a crucial role in managing digital ecosystem complexity, which is a key factor in successful DT. The methodology also focuses on the systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationships between EA and other advanced technological systems such as AI, IoT, and Blockchain to reveal how these technologies improve EA’s flexibility and strategic approaches. The paper emphasizes the importance of organizational culture, technological incorporation, and regional economic factors as critical determinants of EA practices in DT activities. It underscores the necessity for customized EA approaches to DT success within different cultural and economic contexts and their impact on sustainable management. This practical insight is a crucial contribution of the paper, providing a strategic roadmap for organizations aiming to optimize their digital transformation strategies through enhanced EA practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Triple Nexus: Sustainable Management, Responsible Practices and Digital Transformation)
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