Search Results (434)

Eco-cities have become global initiatives in recent years. This paper aims to discuss the construction, evolution and future of eco-city movements in China, especially in areas with abundant ecological resources. Extant literature emphasizes that sustainable development is the purpose of an eco-city. However, in the spatial practice of ecological modernization, many European and American countries develop ecological construction at a slower pace, resulting in sustainable ecological outcomes. Those countries developed ecological practices at a smaller scale, aiming to achieve green towns with zero carbon emission. In contrast, the construction of China’s eco-cities typically involves building new cities in outer suburbs with a larger scale and faster speed. This has led to the rapid construction of so-called ecological cities without sustainable development. In this context, this paper starts from the perspective of political economy and conducts qualitative research on the Shanghai Dongtan Eco-city as a case study. It analyzes the motivation and practical measures of different actors by examining the planning, design and construction process of Dongtan Eco-city during 1998–2024. The results suggest that gaining national political priority through the intervention of international actors and foreign investment is the key to the local pilot ecological city project. This paper further analyzes the differences between the planning concept and the actual practice of Dongtan Eco-city, critically discussing the “Eco-city as the enclave of ecological technology.” This is driven by the integration of eco-city construction and the local government performance appraisal system. Consequently, the pursuit of economic returns redirected Dongtan’s sustainability experiment into a form of green-branded retirement real-estate development between 1998 and 2012. From 2012 to 2024, Chongming’s development model continued to evolve, as the project was reframed from a real-estate-led eco-city paradigm toward an “ecological island” agenda articulated in the language of sustainable development. Full article

Conservative media have been shown to exert disproportionate levels of influence over other mainstream media agendas. This study explores the outsized influence of Australia’s conservative media during the 2023 Australian Voice to Parliament referendum on other news agendas and, in turn, the impact on public and political agendas. Combining conservative advocacy, agenda-setting, and frame-building theories, this study uses content analysis of news frames included in Australian news reports about the Marcia Langton “racism” controversy. The influence of conservative media frames on other news media reporting and political and public responses to the controversy is conceptualised as a self-propelling agenda feedback wheel, fuelled by deliberate media advocacy. By having an outsized influence on the rest of the Australian media’s reporting of the racism controversy, News Corp also influenced the public and political referendum debate. These findings add new insights into how conservative media power is used to influence other media and, in turn, democracy. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic coupled with recent upheavals in global trade and development assistance funding has disrupted routine immunization programmes and diverted health systems from the targets set in the Immunization Agenda 2030. Regulatory systems are often underappreciated or misunderstood but in fact play a critical role in enabling innovation and facilitating timely access to vaccines for sustained immunization, thereby building vaccine confidence and health system resilience. Regulation is the constant denominator throughout the vaccine life cycle, shaping the pathway from early research and development to approval and market entry and ultimately to equitable distribution and sustained safe use. This paper examines the role of regulation and proposes that regulation be reframed as a function of health system resilience and a structural determinant of immunization sustainability. We synthesize evidence across the vaccine regulatory life cycle, examining innovation facilitation, regional cooperation, public health strengthening and describe the roles of regulation in building health system resilience, namely driving sustainable vaccine access, enabling innovation, supporting regional collaboration and strengthening social acceptance. Without this shift in perspective, regulatory systems strengthening risks being underfunded, reactive, and fragmented; this will perpetuate inequities in vaccine access and undermine the sustainability of immunization programmes. Full article

Political trust is essential for implementing the United Nations 2030 Agenda, particularly Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 on building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions. At the same time, there has been a long-standing decline in political trust within democratic countries, which presents a considerable obstacle to the enactment of sustainable development policies. Although prior research has explored the relationship between economic conditions and political trust, evidence on how different dimensions of inequality jointly shape trust remains limited. This study addresses this gap by analysing how economic inequality, regional economic disparities, and subjective income perceptions affect political trust. Using data from the European Social Survey (Round 9), we estimate multilevel models that account for both individual- and country-level factors. The results demonstrate a negative relationship between individual income and political trust, while lower economic inequality strengthens this negative relationship. Our findings highlight that reducing economic inequality is crucial for enhancing political trust, suggesting that governments should prioritize equitable resource distribution and address regional disparities to foster trust in institutions. By integrating subjective well-being with objective economic indicators, this research offers a comprehensive view of how inequality affects political trust across the EU countries and outlines institutional and distributive conditions that support progress toward the SDGs. Full article

Rural revitalization constitutes a vital strategic initiative in advancing China’s socialist modernization. At the 2023 Central Economic Work Conference, the objective of building China into a financial powerhouse was formally articulated, thereby establishing higher benchmarks for financial support of rural revitalization. A critical question arising from this agenda is how to simultaneously advance agricultural technological innovation while effectively implementing green development principles. Accordingly, it is essential to investigate the role of the integrated development of sci-tech finance and green finance in promoting rural revitalization. Against this backdrop, this study employs provincial-level panel data from China spanning the period from 2011 to 2021. A two-way fixed effects model is adopted to examine the impact of the integrated development of sci-tech finance and green finance on rural revitalization. The analysis identifies three primary transmission mechanisms: financial supply, green agricultural development, and linkages between smallholder farmers and modern agriculture. Furthermore, the study explores heterogeneity across different financial environments from two dimensions: the level of digital inclusive finance development and the intensity of financial regulation. The empirical results indicate that (1) the integrated development of sci-tech finance and green finance significantly promotes rural revitalization, exhibiting a nonlinear effect whereby its catalytic impact intensifies markedly once the coupling coordination between the two surpasses a critical threshold; (2) such integration alleviates rural financing constraints, enhances agricultural green total factor productivity, and facilitates rural revitalization through the establishment of green agricultural cooperatives; and (3) the enhanced impact of this holistic progress is particularly noticeable in areas with advanced digital financial inclusion and robust financial oversight. In light of these results, this research puts forth three policy suggestions. First, institutional and policy preparations for integrating green finance and sci-tech finance should be accelerated through coordinated government policies, financial product innovation, and financial market reforms. Second, the channels through which sci-tech finance and green finance support rural revitalization should be strengthened by expanding agricultural credit, improving the coverage of rural financial institutions, and fostering specialized green agricultural cooperatives. Third, the financial ecosystem should be optimized by prioritizing investment in digital infrastructure and reinforcing financial supervision throughout the development of digital inclusive finance, particularly in rural regions. Full article

Between 2020 and 2025, rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) reshaped how individuals access emotional support, express feelings, and build interpersonal trust. This article offers a critical reflection—based on an analytical review of 40 peer-reviewed studies—on the psychosocial, ethical, and sociotechnical tensions that characterize AI-mediated emotional well-being. We document both opportunities (expanded access to support, personalization, and early detection) and risks (simulated empathy, affective dependence, algorithmic fatigue, and erosion of relational authenticity). Methodologically, we applied a three-phase critical review: exploratory reading, thematic clustering, and interpretive synthesis; sources were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science and PsycINFO and filtered by relevance, methodological rigor, and topical fit. We propose a conceptual model integrating three interdependent levels—technological–structural, psychosocial–relational, and ethical–existential—and argue for a sociotechnical perspective that recognizes AI as a co-constitutive actor in emotional ecologies. The article closes with targeted research agendas and policy recommendations to foster human-centered AI that preserves emotional autonomy and equity. Full article

Environmental factors motivate migration across the globe, calling for better planning. Although the US experienced such movements during the COVID-19 pandemic, literature on population mobility and outcomes for receiving communities in the US is scarce. We use a mixed-methods case study approach to explore the COVID-era population movement trends in the US Northeast (NE) Region and their outcomes for receiving communities to draw lessons for strategic regional planning aiming to achieve sustainable and equitable outcomes of disaster-induced movements. Utilizing the Statistics of Income data and focus group data collected from 27 local experts in 22 rural counties of NE, which experienced the highest relative numbers of in-movers between 2016 and 2020, the findings revealed the top receiving counties were predominantly rural areas where urbanites moved from within NE. This movement challenged the housing market and services, disproportionately burdening socioeconomically disadvantaged groups in receiving communities. The COVID-19 experience opened a window of opportunity for regional planning to prepare desirable outcomes of such mobilities by addressing existing issues in receiving communities while incorporating pulse and slow population movements into the agenda. The right policy timing and communication among communities are keys to building trust and ensuring integration of newcomers into receiving communities. Full article

In the context of the digital transition, office environments are increasingly shaped by flexibility, technological integration, and occupant-centered design. These transformations influence not only building operations but also the social dynamics and well-being of workers, thereby intersecting with the broader goals of socially sustainable design. To address this complexity, Building Management Systems (BMS) and Digital Twins must evolve from static automation to adaptive frameworks that recognize and respond to diverse workplace activities and social interactions. This study proposes a standardized taxonomy of office activities as a foundation for activity recognition and environment adaptation. A systematic literature review identified key activity categories and defining attributes, which were refined and validated through direct observations, diary logs, and semi-structured interviews in small, shared offices with open-plan workspaces. The resulting taxonomy comprises four main classes—Focused Work, Meetings, Shallow Work, and Resting—each defined by contextual attributes such as plannability, social interaction, number of participants, posture, modality, location, and duration. The framework supports the development of human-centric, situationally aware BMS capable of dynamically adjusting environmental conditions to promote comfort, well-being, and energy efficiency. By integrating user agendas and feedback, this approach contributes to more inclusive and socially sustainable work environments, aligning with the emerging paradigm of adaptive, human-oriented architecture. Full article

The energy efficiency of historic buildings is the focus of activities aimed at developing replicable methodologies for implementing innovative technological solutions. In line with this priority, the Sicilian Region has launched a project for the energy retrofitting of 91 heritage sites and buildings across the region. To support the decision-making process, this paper defines criteria and indicators for assessing the compatibility and effectiveness of energy efficiency upgrade solutions for buildings of cultural value. The goal of improving energy performance is framed within broader performance targets, including enhancing user experience, promoting cultural activities for users’ creative growth, and carrying out restoration works to strengthen the identity of the pre-existence. The criteria result from a thorough analysis of the current scientific debate on the energy efficiency of heritage buildings and have been validated through their application to the case study of Palazzo Belmonte-Riso, a listed building in the historical centre of Palermo (Italy). The suggested criteria provide guidance for evaluating implemented projects and developing new design solutions. The research proposes a holistic and multidisciplinary approach aligned with the New European Bauhaus, promoting creative and innovative solutions that embody sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusiveness in addressing key issues on the European Agenda. Full article

Urban modeling is being reshaped by advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and data-rich sensing. This review assembles an integrated evidence base connecting spatial dynamic modeling (SDM), planning support systems (PSSs), urban analytics, and governance concerns. We analyze 1290 publications (2000–2025) using a reproducible pipeline that combines structured literature retrieval with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) for semantic screening and evidence extraction. Bibliometric mapping and a rigorous coding framework structure the synthesis. The results reveal three linked trajectories. First, SDM has progressed from rule-based simulation toward learned spatial representations using deep and multimodal learning. Second, PSS has evolved from static analytical tools to interactive and participatory environments that embed AI for scenario exploration and stakeholder engagement. Third, governance themes such as transparency, fairness, and accountability have gained importance but remain unevenly implemented in modeling workflows. Building on these findings, we advance AI-aligned SDM, which integrates explainability, uncertainty reporting, documentation, and participation into model design to strengthen institutional accountability and evidence-based planning. A forward research agenda emphasizes methodological fusion between simulation and learning, institutional design for continuous model stewardship, and epistemic pluralism connecting local knowledge with AI to advance equitable and transparent urban governance. Full article

Indonesia has articulated ambitious green economy objectives through frameworks such as the Low Carbon Development Initiative (LCDI). Despite this ambition, a critical research gap exists. The weak ‘green political capabilities’ of policymakers—defined as their ability to navigate political processes, build coalitions, and translate technical knowledge into viable policy—hinder effective agenda-setting and implementation. This study addresses this deficit by identifying strategic points of entry for enhancing these capabilities to strengthen a more sustainable economic transition. Employing a mixed-methods approach guided by the UNDP Capacity Assessment Framework, this research gathered data from 170 stakeholders via workshops, focus group discussions, and surveys. The analysis identifies four principal entry points: (1) internal institutional development, (2) accreditation processes, (3) bureaucratic reform, and (4) external partnerships. Critically, ordinal regression reveals which actors most significantly influence capacity development priorities. Governmental/legislative institutions (Estimate = 1.855, p < 0.010) and the private sector (Estimate = 3.173, p < 0.020) exert a significant positive influence on advancing the green economy agenda. Conversely, competencies such as policy strengthening exhibit a significant negative correlation (Estimate = −3.467, p < 0.000), which indicates a concentration of need among institutions with substantial capacity gaps. The study’s key contribution is a framework for systematically integrating green competencies into national accreditation standards and bureaucratic reforms, providing a clear pathway to transform entry points into effective levers for enhancing the state’s green political capabilities. Full article

This study examines the roles, policy alignment, and challenges of civil society organizations (CSOs) in China’s disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts post-2008 Wenchuan Earthquake. Using qualitative analysis of national policies, international frameworks, and academic literature, it traces the evolution of Chinese CSOs from peripheral actors to state-integrated partners in disaster risk governance. Findings reveal that China’s top-down system has progressively institutionalized CSOs through Five-Year Plans, enabling their participation in emergency response and community resilience by using technological innovation. However, their contributions remain skewed toward short-term relief, with limited engagement in risk reduction or global humanitarian initiatives. Challenges include fragmented government–CSO collaboration and reliance on informal networks. While CSOs demonstrate growing technical proficiency, systemic barriers—such as funding gaps, weak institutionalized partnerships, and ideological divergences—hinder sustainability. Recommendations emphasize capacity building in risk education, policy literacy, and technology adoption, alongside reforms to formalize cross-sector collaboration and expand international engagement. By addressing these gaps, Chinese CSOs could transition from crisis responders to proactive agents of sustainable resilience, aligning local actions with global DRR agendas. This research offers critical insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to optimize CSOs’ role in national and local risk governance and invest in their development. Full article

Background: The digitization of health records was expected to improve data quality and accessibility, yet incompleteness remains a widespread challenge that undermines clinical care, interoperability, and downstream analytics. Problem: Evidence shows that missing and under-recorded elements in electronic health records (EHRs) are largely driven by process gaps across patients, providers, technology, and policy—not solely by technical limitations. Objective: This perspective integrates conceptual foundations of incompleteness, synthesizes cross-country evidence, and examines process-level drivers and consequences, with an emphasis on how missingness propagates bias in AI and machine learning systems. Contribution: We present a unifying taxonomy, highlight complementary approaches (e.g., Record Strength Score, distributional testing, and workflow studies), and we propose a pragmatic agenda for mitigation through technical, organizational, governance, and patient-centered levers. Conclusions: While EHR incompleteness cannot be fully eliminated, it can be systematically mitigated through standards, workflow redesign, patient engagement, and governance—essential steps toward building safe, equitable, and effective learning health systems. Full article

This article develops a conceptual framework of Sustainable Human Resource Management (Sustainable HRM) by integrating three critical dimensions: Green HRM practices, ethical and responsible leadership, and digital resilience in HR systems. Positioned within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the study addresses the lack of theoretical integration across the fragmented literature. The framework highlights employee well-being as the central mediating construct linking HRM practices to sustainability outcomes, connecting micro-level engagement, meso-level HR systems and leadership ethics, and macro-level policy and ESG alignment. This explicitly demonstrates the multi-level (micro–meso–macro) nature of the framework. The proposed model advances theory by extending HRM beyond organizational boundaries, offering Sustainable HRM as a boundary-spanning and original perspective that links people management to global sustainability agendas. Using a five-stage conceptual development process including literature synthesis, construct definition, integrative framework building, formulation of conceptual propositions, and the design of a future research agenda—this study explicitly acknowledges its conceptual nature to set appropriate reader expectations and ensures methodological transparency in framework development. The study further contributes (1) to theory by clarifying how Green HRM, ethical leadership, and digital resilience interact through employee well-being to advance sustainability; (2) to practice by providing HR leaders with pathways to embed sustainability into core processes; and (3) to policy by informing regulators on HRM’s role in achieving SDGs. Ultimately, the framework positions HRM as a strategic enabler of sustainable development. Full article

Gender equality and sustainability remain critical global agendas emphasized in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015. Women entrepreneurs in emerging economies, despite facing structural constraints, hold strategic potential to advance inclusive and sustainable growth. Building on this context, the present study develops and empirically tests an integrative framework that explains how gendered entrepreneurial cognition (GEC) influences sustainable performance (SP) through the mediating roles of women’s intellectual capital (WIC) and women’s social capital (WSC). A sequential explanatory mixed-method design was employed, combining survey data from 653 women entrepreneurs with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative results demonstrate that GEC significantly enhances WIC and WSC, which in turn strengthen SP, while the direct effect of GEC on SP is weaker. Qualitative insights reinforce these findings by revealing how women mobilize adaptive knowledge, experiential learning, and trust-based networks to achieve economic, social, and environmental objectives. Theoretically, this study advances an innovative multitheoretical integration of the resource-based view, knowledge-based view, and social capital theory, positioning GEC as a gendered cognitive microfoundation for the creation of intangible resources. Practically, the findings highlight that strengthening women’s entrepreneurial capital—represented by the synergy of WIC and WSC—is crucial for enhancing resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability among women-led SMEs in emerging economies. Overall, this study contributes novel evidence from Indonesia by demonstrating that women’s cognition, knowledge, and social networks operate as interconnected pathways toward sustainable entrepreneurial performance. Full article