Search Results (16)

As emerging economies navigate the global “twin transition”, decoupling industrial growth from environmental degradation has become an urgent imperative. This study investigates the fundamental role of digital infrastructure in driving Industrial Green Innovation Efficiency (IGIE). Utilizing panel data from 30 Chinese provinces spanning 2012 to 2022, we first measure the environment-adjusted IGIE employing a three-stage global SBM-DEA model to mitigate external environmental interferences and statistical noise. Subsequently, a two-way fixed-effects model, fortified by a Bartik-type instrumental variable (IV-2SLS) approach, is constructed to identify causal impacts. The descriptive results reveal that China’s overall IGIE exhibits a fluctuating upward trajectory, although absolute efficiency levels remain low. Furthermore, significant regional variations characterize the national landscape, manifesting as Eastern leadership, Central catch-up, Western improvement, and Northeastern volatility. Crucially, empirical baseline estimations confirm that digital infrastructure exerts a robust positive effect on IGIE. Mechanism analyses further demonstrate that this efficiency enhancement is primarily driven by the promotion of digital inclusive finance and localized technological diffusion. These findings theoretically enrich the understanding of digital empowerment and provide a practical blueprint for policymakers globally to formulate targeted infrastructure investments and differentiated regional transformation strategies. Full article

Whether China’s carbon trading pilots stimulate firm-level innovation remains contested. This study investigates the conditional effect of carbon pricing on green invention patents, moderated by firms’ digital transformation capability. Using an unbalanced panel of 31,048 firm-year observations from A-share listed companies (2011–2022) and a two-way fixed-effects difference-in-differences estimator, we find no significant unconditional average treatment effect, consistent with attenuated price signals in China’s pilots. However, digital capability substantially amplifies the innovation response: a one-standard-deviation increase in within-year digital capability is associated with a 4.6% rise in expected green invention patents among treated firms. The moderating effect is exclusive to examination-intensive invention patents rather than utility model registrations, consistent with a strong-form Porter mechanism. Sub-dimension analysis identifies strategic leadership and digital achievement as the operative channels. The results are robust to alternative estimators, cohort decomposition, and sample restrictions. Together, the findings reframe digital transformation as a policy-contingent complementary asset and extend the Porter hypothesis to an organizational-capabilities dimension. Full article

This study examines the effects of the digital economy, the circular economy and their integration, referred to as the twin transition, on women’s human capital, employment, and participation in decision-making in EU-27 countries over the period 2012–2020, using a fixed effects model, the generalized method of moments, and panel quantile regressions. The findings indicate that the digital economy significantly enhances women’s human capital, particularly in the lower and middle quantiles, while the circular economy shows limited effects across quantiles and is mainly significant in the dynamic generalized method of moments specification. The twin transition produces the strongest and most consistent improvements in human capital, benefiting countries with initially lower levels the most. Regarding employment, both digital and circular economies have generally positive effects on women, whereas the twin transition demonstrates strong, stable, and significant impacts across almost all quantiles, highlighting the synergy of combining both transformations. In terms of decision-making participation, the individual effects of the digital and circular economies are weaker and less consistent, with notable positive impacts mostly in mid- to upper quantiles and in higher-performing countries. The twin transition, however, shows clear positive and statistically significant effects in the mid- to upper quantiles. Digitalization and circular economy efforts each help women’s employment and skills, but together as a twin transition they have a stronger, more inclusive impact on women’s human capital, labor outcomes, and leadership participation. These findings highlight that policy strategies supporting the twin transition should consider different levels of women’s empowerment across countries. In contexts with lower empowerment levels, policies that expand women’s access to education and digital skills can strengthen human capital accumulation. At middle and higher levels, promoting women’s participation in green and digital sectors and supporting inclusive leadership opportunities may further enhance employment and decision-making participation. Full article

Although digital economic development is often viewed as a catalyst for green transformation, the causal implications of policy-driven AI deployment for low-carbon logistics development remain unclear. To address this gap, this study leverages China’s National New Generation Artificial Intelligence Innovation Development Pilot Zones (AIIDPZs) as a quasi-natural experiment. Using panel data from 30 provincial regions from 2012 to 2022, this research employs a double machine learning framework to rigorously quantify the AIIDPZ policy’s causal effects on the logistics industry’s green total factor productivity (GTFP). We further examine underlying transmission mechanisms and spatial spillover effects. Results show that the AIIDPZ policy significantly enhances logistics GTFP, a finding robust to parallel trend tests, sample adjustments, and algorithm substitutions. Mechanism analysis reveals that the AIIDPZ policy promotes logistics GTFP by alleviating manufacturing agglomeration and collaborative agglomeration. This occurs mainly through the mitigation of environmental externalities and the easing of inter-sectoral resource competition. Heterogeneity analysis highlights substantial regional variation: the policy impact is strongest in East China, Central China, and Southwest China; positive but weaker in Northeast and Northwest China; and statistically insignificant in North and South China. Spatial econometric results confirm significant positive spillovers to neighboring regions. Temporally, the logistics industry’s GTFP shows a sustained upward trajectory, while spatially it follows a spatial pattern of “Eastern leadership, Central rise, and Western catch-up.” Robust empirical evidence is presented to evaluate the environmental outcomes of AI policy implementation, alongside policy-relevant insights for advancing coordinated and spatially differentiated regional development. Full article

Sustainable performance in today’s digital world relies on understanding how technology supports sustainability through organisational processes and leadership. This study applies the Knowledge-Based View and Dynamic Capabilities Theory. It assesses how digital knowledge integration impacts sustainable performance in the hospitality sector. The study examines whether green knowledge sharing mediates the link between digital knowledge integration and sustainable performance. It also explores whether digital leadership strengthens this link. The research team collected data from 373 hotel and restaurant managers in Jordan and analysed the results using SmartPLS version 4. The analysis shows that digital knowledge integration enhances both sustainable performance and green knowledge sharing. Green knowledge sharing strongly associates with sustainable performance. Mediation analysis shows that green knowledge sharing partly explains the effect of digital knowledge integration on sustainable performance. Moderation analysis reveals that digital leadership amplifies the link between digital knowledge integration and sustainable performance. However, digital knowledge integration does not significantly affect the relationship between green knowledge sharing and sustainable performance. These findings clarify how digital knowledge integration, green knowledge sharing, and digital leadership interact to affect sustainable performance. The study provides practical and theoretical implications for hospitality managers aiming to leverage digital transformation and leadership to achieve sustainability goals. Full article

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved into a strategic governance framework through which organisations address environmental sustainability, stakeholder expectations, and long-term institutional viability. In knowledge-intensive organisations such as universities, Green Artificial Intelligence (GAI) is increasingly recognised as an internal CSR agenda. GAI can reduce digital and energy-related environmental impacts while enhancing educational and operational performance. This study examines how higher education leaders, as organisational decision-makers, form intentions to adopt GAI within institutional CSR and digital sustainability strategies. It focuses specifically on leadership intentions to implement key GAI practices, including Smart Energy Management Systems, Energy-Efficient Machine Learning models, Virtual and Remote Laboratories, and AI-powered sustainability dashboards. Grounded in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the study investigates how performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions shape behavioural intentions to adopt GAI. Survey data were collected from higher education leaders across Saudi universities, representing diverse national and cultural backgrounds within a shared institutional context. The findings indicate that facilitating conditions, performance expectancy, and social influence significantly influence adoption intentions, whereas effort expectancy does not. Gender and cultural context also moderate several adoption pathways. Generally, the results demonstrate that adopting GAI in universities constitutes a governance-level CSR decision rather than a purely technical choice. This study advances CSR and digital sustainability research by positioning GAI as a strategic tool for responsible digital transformation and by offering actionable insights for higher education leaders and policymakers. Full article

As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies increasingly shape sustainability agendas, organizations face the strategic challenge of aligning AI-driven innovation with long-term environmental and social goals. While academic interest in this intersection is growing, research remains fragmented and often lacks actionable insights into the organizational capabilities needed to operationalize sustainable AI innovation. This study addresses this gap by exploring how knowledge-based organizational capabilities—such as absorptive capacity, knowledge integration, organizational learning, and strategic leadership—support the alignment of AI initiatives with sustainability strategies. Grounded in the knowledge-based view of the firm, we conduct a bibliometric and thematic analysis of 216 peer-reviewed articles to identify emerging conceptual domains at the nexus of AI, innovation, and sustainability. The analysis reveals five dominant capability clusters: (1) data governance and decision intelligence; (2) policy-driven innovation and green transitions; (3) digital transformation through education and innovation; (4) collaborative adoption for sustainable outcomes; and (5) AI for smart cities and climate action. These clusters illuminate the multi-dimensional roles that knowledge management and organizational capabilities play in enabling responsible, impactful, and context-sensitive AI adoption. In addition to mapping the intellectual structure of the field, the study proposes a set of strategic and policy-oriented recommendations for applying these capabilities in practice. The findings offer both theoretical contributions and practical guidance for firms, policymakers, and educators seeking to embed sustainability into AI-driven transformation. This work advances the discourse on innovation and knowledge management by providing a structured, capability-based perspective for designing and implementing sustainable AI strategies. Full article

The hospitality sector is undergoing a rapid digital change due to smart technology and artificial intelligence. This presents both possibilities and problems for the development of sustainable innovation. Yet, little is known about how leaders’ technological competencies affect employees’ capacity to engage in environmentally responsible innovation. This study addresses this gap by examining how leaders’ competencies in smart technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, and algorithms (STARA) shape employees’ green innovative behavior in hotels. Anchored in person–job fit theory and cognitive appraisal theory, we propose that when employees perceive a strong alignment between their skills and the technological demands introduced by STARA, they are more likely to appraise such technologies as opportunities (challenge appraisals) rather than threats (hindrance appraisals). These appraisals, in turn, mediate the link between leadership and green innovation. Convenience sampling was used to gather data from staff members at five-star, ecologically certified hotels in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. According to structural equation modeling using SmartPLS, employees’ green innovation behaviors are improved by leaders’ STARA abilities. Crucially, staff members who viewed STARA technologies as challenges (i.e., chances for learning and development) converted leadership skills into more robust green innovation results. Conversely, employees who perceived these technologies as obstacles, such as burdens or threats, diminished this beneficial effect and decreased their desire to participate in green innovation. These findings highlight that the way employees cognitively evaluate technological change determines whether leadership efforts foster or obstruct sustainable innovation in hotels. Full article

This study develops a comprehensive analytical framework to examine how nations secure core positions in global supply chains (GSCs) for key industries. It combines a comparative analysis of advanced economies—Los Angeles (aerospace), Munich (high-end manufacturing), London (biopharmaceuticals), and Tokyo (automotive)—with a survey-based empirical assessment of Chinese industry practitioners. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), factor analysis and the Delphi method, an evaluation framework is constructed across five dimensions: technology, value, governance, resilience, and sustainability. The findings show that developed economies sustain their leadership through upstream innovation and standard-setting, coordination of high-value activities, integrated industrial ecosystems, and risk-buffering mechanisms. Empirical results reveal that while China demonstrates relative strengths in governance and value creation, it continues to lag in frontier technologies, resilience, and sustainability. Building on both comparative and empirical evidence, the study proposes strategic pathways for China’s key industries, including technological breakthroughs, innovation-driven clusters, governance reforms, digital resilience, and green cooperation. These insights provide actionable guidance for policymakers and highlight how latecomer economies can transform structural disadvantages into innovation momentum, evolving from participants to rule-setters in global supply chains. Full article

Background: This study explored the dynamics of sustainability literacy among industry professionals to advance the adoption of sustainability initiatives within the Malawi construction industry. Specifically, it examined the key attitudinal indicators (KAIs), driving factors, and barriers influencing sustainability literacy. Method: A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing a well-structured questionnaire for data collection with a sample size of seventy-five (75) and built environment professionals as respondents. The collected data were analyzed using two inferential statistical methods: the Mean Item Score (MIS) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Results: The EFA results identified two key components of KAIs that affect sustainability literacy: an inertia mindset and psychosocial inertia. Two primary driving factors were revealed: Perceived Benefits and Integrated Digital Capacity-Building Initiatives. This study also highlighted two major categories of barriers: inter- and intra-institutional barriers and Poor Sustainability Governance. Based on the research findings, this study proposes six policy recommendations: (1) development of a Green Paper on sustainable practices, (2) mandatory SLP on sustainable and green building practices, (3) continuous professional development (CPD) incentives for sustainability literacy, (4) economic incentives for sustainability adoption, (5) establishment of sustainability learning hubs, and (6) leveraging Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies to enhance practical sustainability training. Conclusions: The study concludes that achieving meaningful progress in sustainability literacy requires transformational leadership to drive change across the industry. Full article

In the context of digital transformation and Industry 4.0, the engineering profession is evolving rapidly, demanding new skill sets to maintain employability and support career development. This study identifies the competencies engineers must acquire to meet these challenges, addressing concerns from employers who perceive graduates as underprepared for real-world demands. A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, using the Methodi Ordinatio technique to select and rank 59 peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2024. The review identified 47 key competencies, which were organized into a comprehensive framework of seven dimensions: 4 transversal, 9 social, 15 personal, 4 cognitive, 7 digital, 3 green, and 5 technical skills. The results highlight that, while technical expertise remains essential, soft skills—such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and adaptability—are increasingly critical for success in the digital era. The proposed framework offers insights for curriculum development, corporate training, and policymaking, contributing to aligning education and professional development with the evolving demands of Industry 4.0. Future research will focus on the empirical validation of the framework to reinforce its applicability across academic and professional settings. Full article

This study examines the role of green digital transformational leadership (GDTL) in enhancing sustainability performance in the hotel industry through the mediating mechanism of circular economy (CE) practices and the moderating effects of otel green efficacy (HGE). Grounded in the dynamic capabilities theory, natural resource-based view (NRBV) theory, and social exchange theory, a novel conceptual model that bridges digital innovation, ecological stewardship, and organizational psychology was proposed. The study adopted a quantitative approach and used a self-administered questionnaire survey to collect data from 402 employees across green-certified hotels in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Participants were recruited using a stratified sampling method to ensure sectoral representation. Data analysis techniques included performing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using Smart PLS 3.0. Key findings reveal that GDTL directly influences the three key aspects of sustainability performance in hotels, including environmental, economic, and social aspects. Likewise, CE practices significantly mediate the linkage between GDTL and hotel sustainability performance. Notably, HGE strengthens the GDTL-CE relationship, underscoring the critical role of employee empowerment in translating leadership vision into regenerative practices. These results add to the growing literature on sustainable leadership by revealing how digital tools like AI, blockchain, and closed-loop systems can synergize to support economic growth and conserve natural resources. Full article

Against the backdrop of the global digital wave and the “dual carbon” goals, the coordinated development of new-quality productivity and digital transformation has emerged as a critical engine for high-quality economic growth. This study constructs an evaluation system for new-quality productivity incorporating 20 indicators, including green innovation and digital infrastructure, and a 17-indicator system for digital transformation. Using the entropy method, modified coupling coordination model, and Dagum Gini coefficient, the spatiotemporal coupling characteristics of 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2023 are systematically analyzed. The findings reveal a gradient distribution of coupling coordination degree, with higher levels in the East and lower in the West. The Eastern region forms a “technology-ecology” dual-driven model through digital innovation and environmental protection investment, while Central and Western regions face dual constraints of lagging digital infrastructure and insufficient pollution control capacity. Difference decomposition shows that inter-regional disparities contribute 64–70% to overall differences, with green technology innovation and digital infrastructure efficiency identified as core influencing factors. This study proposes a differentiated coordination mechanism of “eastern leadership-central rise-western revitalization”, aiming to promote a sustainable development pattern integrating digital empowerment and ecological protection through improving cross-regional digital infrastructure networks, innovating market-based factor allocation, and establishing green technology sharing platforms. Full article

In an era of global digitalization, understanding the drivers of corporate digital transformation is crucial for sustainable economic growth. This study examines the impact of analyst attention on the digital transformation of Chinese firms using a comprehensive dataset of 27,850 firm-year observations from 2010 to 2023. We employ regression analysis—including fixed effects, robustness checks, and instrumental variable approaches—to assess whether increased scrutiny from financial analysts influences the adoption of advanced digital technologies. Our empirical results reveal that heightened analyst attention significantly promotes digital transformation. Furthermore, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance partially mediates this relationship, while CEO green experience moderates it by amplifying the positive effect of analyst attention. These findings underscore the critical roles of external monitoring and leadership in driving digital initiatives and provide valuable insights for policymakers and corporate managers seeking to integrate sustainability practices into digital strategies. Full article

This study explores how university students’ engagement in sustainability-themed extracurricular activities influences their awareness of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Given the critical role of higher education in advancing sustainability, this research assesses initiatives such as environmental action clubs, sustainability research, eco-innovations, green campuses, and training workshops for fostering awareness, engagement, and leadership. A cross-sectional quantitative design targeted 400 university students in Greece involved in sustainability-related extracurricular activities. Structured online questionnaires were used, and multiple regression analysis examined the relationship between extracurricular activities and SDG engagement. The findings highlighted that all five activity types significantly enhance students’ sustainability awareness. Environmental action clubs improve knowledge of climate change and waste reduction, while research projects strengthen engagement with renewable energy and climate resilience. Eco-innovation challenges foster problem solving and interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in urban and industrial sustainability. Green campus initiatives promote practical sustainable strategies, and capacity-building programs develop leadership and teamwork skills. Extracurricular activities serve as transformative tools that bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world sustainability applications, equipping students with the mindset and skills to address global challenges. Universities and policymakers should enhance funding, digital integration, and collaborations to expand the reach of these programs. Future research should assess the long-term impact of student participation on sustainable behavior and broader societal well-being. Full article