Search Results (127)

Oenological residues may cause environmental pollution when processing does not significantly reduce volume and/or harmful conditions. The lack of proper valorisation alternatives entails high disposal costs and resource inefficiency that jeopardise the sustainability and competitiveness of the industry. Interestingly, wine by-products are underappreciated sources of multipurpose bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins, associated with health benefits. Alternatively, transforming oenological by-products into valuable co-products will promote sustainability and thus, create new business opportunities. In this context, the present study has assessed the applicability of winery by-products (grape pomace and wine lees) as ingredients to develop new functional kombucha-analogous beverages “3S” (safe, salubrious, and sustainable) by the Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY). Concerning the main results, during the kombucha’s development, the fermentation reactions modified the physicochemical parameters of the beverages, namely pH, total soluble solids, acetic acid, ethanol, and sugars, which remained stable throughout the monitored shelf-life period considered (21 days). The fermented beverages obtained exhibited high anthocyanin concentration, especially when using wine lees as an ingredient (up to 5.60 mg/L at the end of the aerobic fermentation period (10 days)) compared with the alternative beverages produced using grape pomace (1.69 mg/L). These findings demonstrated that using winery by-products for the development of new “3S” fermented beverages would provide a dietary source of bioactive compounds (mainly anthocyanins), further supporting new valorisation chances and thus contributing to the competitiveness and sustainability of the winery industries. This study opens a new avenue for cross-industry innovation, merging fermentation traditions with a new eco-friendly production of functional beverages that contribute to transforming oenological residues into valuable co-products. Full article

As sustainability becomes increasingly central to organizational strategy, social economy organizations (SEOs) are rethinking their business models. This study employs stakeholder analysis using the value mapping (VM) tool developed by Short, Rana, Bocken, and Evans for the development of the VOLTO JÁ project. The objective of the VOLTO JÁ project is to operationalize a senior exchange programme between SEOs. The VM approach extends beyond conventional customer value propositions to prioritize sustainability for all stakeholders and identify key drivers of sustainable business model (SBM) innovation. The multi-stakeholder methodology comprises the following elements: (1) sequential focus groups aimed at enhancing sustainable business thinking; (2) semi-structured interviews; and (3) workshop to facilitate qualitative analysis and co-create the VM. The findings are then categorized into four value dimensions: (1) value captured—improved participant well-being, enhanced reputational capital, mitigation of social asymmetries, and affordable service experiences; (2) value lost—underused community assets; (3) value destroyed—institutional and systemic barriers to innovation; and (4) new value opportunities—knowledge sharing, service diversification, and open innovation to foster collaborative networks. The study demonstrates that the application of VM in SEOs supports SBM development by generating strategic insights, enhancing resource efficiency, and fostering the delivery of socially impactful services. Full article

In today’s environment of increased uncertainty, firms face new challenges in aligning sustainability orientation (SO) with financial performance (FP). In this non-ergodic world, past trends offer limited insight into the future due to economic instability, geopolitical conflicts, trade wars, environmental and social disasters, sustainability policy and commitment reversals, etc. To investigate this, we conducted a systematic literature review and topic modelling with a latent Dirichlet allocation of 117 English peer-reviewed articles in management, business, economics, and finance related to SO and FP *. These articles, obtained from Scopus and Web of Science, were open-access and had reached the final publication stage. By integrating resource-based, institutional, and stakeholder theories, we aim to identify the current understanding of the SO concept and the mechanisms linking it to FP. Our findings show that sustainability-oriented firms are better equipped to achieve financial success in a non-ergodic world. However, outcomes vary widely based on context and duration, with existing literature revealing positive and negative relationships or no impact. Topic modelling identified 17 themes, such as stakeholder engagement, business performance, sustainability-oriented innovation and corporate sustainability. We propose five theoretical propositions and forward-looking research directions based on these findings. As a result, our study contributes to the existing academic literature by providing an integrated resource-based, institutional, and stakeholder theory view of the relationship between SO and FP for organisational resilience and outlining future research directions for managing this relationship in a non-ergodic world. Full article

Digital platform ecosystems confront critical management challenges as they overcome path dependence amid rapid technological change. This study explores cross-category innovation as a key strategic action, using a longitudinal case study of ByteDance to analyze how digital technology drives ecosystem evolution, and constructs a “technology-driven–strategic action–ecosystem evolution” framework to examine the interplay between technological capabilities and strategic actions. Findings identify two stages: in the category emergence stage, platforms establish a core business ecosystem via identity, legitimacy, and differentiation strategies, leveraging technologies like algorithmic recommendation to shape user cognition and market legitimacy. In the category spanning stage, platforms leverage platform envelopment, open innovation, and status strategies to expand cross-category ecosystems, enabling technological spillover and integrated innovation across new domains. The findings reveal a co-evolution mechanism of cross-category innovation strategy and ecosystems, where the cross-category innovation strategy serves as both a driving force for ecosystem evolution and acquires new strategic opportunities. This study offers insights for building sustainable ecosystems that transcend industry boundaries and enhance resilience. Full article

This study focuses on the intrinsic mechanisms and sustainable value of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven green collaborative innovation in enterprises amid the global green low-carbon transition, revealing new pathways for digital technology-enabled green development. Based on the data of China’s A-share listed companies jointly applying for green patents with other entities from 2010 to 2023, this study used a high-dimensional fixed effect model to empirically find that artificial intelligence significantly promotes green collaborative innovation. This promoting effect proved more pronounced in the case of high macroeconomic uncertainty, large enterprises and SOEs. A mechanism test revealed that artificial intelligence drives green collaborative innovation primarily by reducing transaction costs and optimizing the labor structure. A moderating effect analysis showed that green investor entry and CEO openness can strengthen the facilitating effect of artificial intelligence on green collaborative innovation. In addition, the facilitating effect of artificial intelligence on green collaborative innovation helps companies reduce carbon emissions and improve ESG performance, driving the transformation of business ecosystems toward environmental sustainability. From a technology–organization–environment co-evolution perspective, this research clarifies the micro-level operational chain of AI-enabled green innovation, providing theoretical support for developing countries to achieve leapfrog low-carbon transitions through digital technologies. Practically, it offers actionable insights for advancing AI-enabled green industries, constructing collaborative green innovation ecosystems, and supporting the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Full article

The agri-food sector is undergoing profound transformations driven by ecological and digital transitions, as well as evolving consumer and nutritional choices. These shifts pose significant challenges but also open new opportunities for businesses to enhance sustainability and competitiveness through circular economy principles. In response, Spoke 9 of the National Agritech Center (PNRR) has launched a survey to analyze agri-food companies and sustainability practices and promote circular strategies. A large-scale survey conducted in early 2024 gathered data from 3002 agri-food companies, covering 20 Italian regions and six major supply chains (wine, olive oil, dairy, milk, fruit and vegetables, and beekeeping). The study is the first attempt in Italy to get metrics on these topics from agri-food companies, and it provides a comprehensive assessment of circular economy practices in the sector. The key objectives of the work are as follows: (1) developing integrated sustainability indicators; (2) sector-specific circular metrics; (3) identifying best practices and gaps; (4) supporting policy and decision-making; and (5) benchmarking and monitoring. Full article

This study investigates the possible socio-economic impacts of Hyperloop technology on establishing and reshaping EU trade routes. Hyperloop—a novel ultra-high-speed transportation system—demonstrates the capability to achieve supersonic speeds to move cargo and passengers. Delivering goods in a faster and sustainable way could change the existing trade routes and offer new opportunities for the development of international trade. This research focuses on assessing how Hyperloop may influence existing EU trade routes by improving delivery times and reducing energy usage/carbon emissions (these terms will be used interchangeably throughout the paper where both reducing long-terms costs and meeting climate goals are equally impacted by this technology). Further objectives include evaluating potential new trade routes that could emerge due to Hyperloop’s capabilities. In this paper, twelve different scenarios are constructed and compared; these scenarios contain the description of current EU trade routes that could be influenced by Hyperloop and those that could be introduced given the improved delivery times and sustainable business opportunities. The gravity model is proposed and an equation is estimated using the PPML (Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood) method based on Eurostat and IMF open data. Based on the research results, different socio-economic outcomes for different layers of EU trade, including negative and positive impacts, are identified. The findings suggest that deploying Hyperloop technology would result in a 15% increase in exports and a 10% increase in imports for European trade. Both positive and negative socio-economic impacts are identified, highlighting the complexities of adopting such a disruptive technology. The research results could be used in the process of decision-making for estimating risks and performing economic analysis on various aspects of the EU trade policy. The study results could also guide EU decision-makers in assessing the main impacts of Hyperloop technology on the transportation industry, on the environment, and on society, in the context of further developing EU trade routes. Full article

Startups face significant challenges in balancing survival with sustainability, as approximately 90% of them fail. Sustainability is often perceived as a short-term cost, yet turbulent business environments—driven by climate change, environmental regulations, and evolving social expectations—are compelling startups to align their innovations with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. These efforts aim to attract investors, customers, and other stakeholders. Despite resource constraints and the liabilities of smallness and newness, understanding how startups leverage innovation to achieve sustainability performance is of both theoretical and practical importance, particularly within the framework of triple bottom line theory. This study empirically examines the roles of absorptive capacity, appropriability, and openness in mediating and moderating the relationship between innovation activities and sustainability performance in startups. Using data from the Korean Innovation Survey 2018—a structured tool aligned with global standards for tracking innovation activities—we analyze 278 young manufacturing firms. Regression analyses reveal that product innovation and organizational innovation are significantly associated with sustainability performance. Furthermore, absorptive capacity mediates the relationship between these types of innovation and sustainability performance. To explore the contingencies influencing these relationships, we test appropriability (measured by protection mechanisms) and openness (quantified by external partnerships). Moderated mediation analysis indicates that openness strengthens the direct relationship between product innovation and sustainability performance up to a threshold but weakens it beyond this point. Organizational innovation’s impact on sustainability performance is fully mediated by absorptive capacity, while appropriability moderates this mediation by enhancing absorptive capacity’s effectiveness when limited protection mechanisms are used. These findings contribute to sustainability research by highlighting that startups’ sustainability efforts are driven by innovation activities mediated by absorptive capacity and contingent upon specific factors such as appropriability and openness. The study confirms the paradox of openness in startup contexts pursuing triple bottom line objectives. Practically, this research provides actionable insights for corporate leaders and policymakers on fostering absorptive capacity through external knowledge acquisition while carefully managing appropriability mechanisms and collaboration strategies to enhance sustainability outcomes. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic offers an opportunity for the revitalisation of empty Spain and the development of new sustainable business models in a healthier environment, taking the competitive advantages of digitalisation and the benefits of contact with nature. This study presents a positive analysis of the situation after three months of confinement with the research objective of evaluating the potential for development a sustainable social economy in empty Spain based on the hypotheses presented. In order to demonstrate the six hypotheses put forward in the research, a review of the existing literature was conducted, socio-economic and environmental indicators from official sources were consulted, and descriptive statistics methods have been applied. Digitalisation, the social economy, the bio-economy, and the revitalisation of heritage seem to be the drivers for achieving the challenges proposed. By perceiving reality through a lens that values nature and creative intelligence, a new avenue of opportunities may be opened up, leading to an improvement in quality of life and well-being, and potentially retaining the rural population. Following this study, which assesses the opportunities, risks, and challenges and establishes a plan of measures, players, and resources for future implementation in vacant Spain, new lines of work will become available. Full article

Blue Biotechnology (BBt) is a young and promising sector in the Mediterranean region with the potential to drive innovation and strengthen the Blue Economy (BE). However, its progress is constrained by fragmented coordination among stakeholders, impeding policy development and efficient resource management. Under this context, this study investigates the role of networks of diverse stakeholders, particularly the Spanish Blue Biotechnology Hub (BBHub) and a digital tool, ICT Matchmaking Tool (which connects network actors), in addressing these challenges by fostering collaboration, enhancing governance and supporting sustainable innovation. Building on this, the research employed the quadruple helix model (administrations, academia and research, industry and society), engaging 214 individuals from 130 organizations in the BBHub network. A survey assessed participants’ involvement and influence perceptions, followed by the formation of a discussion group “called sherpa group” of 10 key stakeholders for in-depth discussions through semi-structured interviews and meetings. Through this approach, key barriers to BBt and potential solutions for BE sustainable growth in Spain were identified, including regulatory obstacles, limited funding or weak public-private collaboration. Among the solutions proposed were the simplification of administrative processes to create new business, the creation of specific funding opportunities or the implementation of labelling policies to promote BBt products and value chains. Considering these findings, the study demonstrates that the BBHub network and ICT Matchmaking Tool could enhance stakeholder coordination, governance and decision-making processes in Spain. By addressing these gaps, these tools enable collaboration and better coordination among actors, contributing to sustainable marine resource use and innovation in the BBt and BE sector. However, sustained progress requires stable funding and stronger stakeholder commitments. In turn, as a broader implication, this research provides a replicable model for leveraging open innovation and multi-stakeholder frameworks to promote coordination, policy development and sustainable growth in the BBt and BE sectors. Thus, it offers insights into addressing governance challenges in Spain and the Mediterranean, advancing the use of marine bioresources through collaborative approaches. Full article

During urban development, significant contrasts between urban villages and their surrounding areas lead to the emergence of fragmented urban spaces, dysfunctionalities, cultural barriers, and, ultimately, to the formation of fractured urban textures centered on urban villages (FUT-UVs). The fractured urban textures of an FUT-UV create a disconnect from the surrounding urban area, isolating it from the city. This separation significantly impacts the daily lives and interactions of its residents. To address this and support more sustainable urban development, a thorough and multi-dimensional understanding of FUT-UVs is of crucial importance. This study examines Nanhao Village in Baotou City, conducting a quantitative analysis of key indicators related to buildings, roads, and functional facilities. Using overlay analysis, it explores the characteristics of the FUT-UV, the interactions between these indicators, and opportunities for improvement. From these findings, strategies for reconnecting an FUT-UV with its surroundings are proposed. The results indicate that: (1) FUT-UVs are mainly characterized by low-rise, high-density developments with limited open space. Their road networks are narrow and congested, while accessibility remains low. Low-end businesses are concentrated in a single area within the village, showing minimal functional diversity; (2) FUT-UVs can increase construction intensity by raising the number of floors in buildings, and have higher building densities in the most accessible areas. This increase in density can effectively enhance functional diversity; and (3) improving road accessibility in FUT-UVs will allow for a smoother influx of external activity, enhancing functional diversity. Additionally, increasing the number of building floors intensifies construction, raises the density of functional facilities, and boosts urban vitality. Based on these characteristics of fragmentation and interactive mechanisms, this study suggests stitching strategies related to transportation, architecture, and functionality. This study introduces a new framework for analyzing urban texture, offering a detailed multi-faceted analysis of FUT-UV fragmentation and clarifying the interaction between FUT-UVs and surrounding urban forms. This study reinforces the coherence of the spatial form and the development of the functional economy of urban villages within the modern urban environment. It supports the sustainable development of urban areas and promotes balanced growth between urban villages and their surrounding regions. Full article

Entrepreneurial endeavors are essential for stimulating economic growth and rendering them is a primary concern for policymakers. In recent years, smart city ecosystems have garnered attention for enhancing urban living and tackling contemporary difficulties. The contribution of smart cities in promoting entrepreneurship and improving well-being has received little attention. This study aims at examining the potential of smart city as an ecosystem to promote entrepreneurship and enhance well-being and quality of life (QoL). This study uses a Fuzzy evaluation model and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate essential determinants of smart cities and their significance. Data from sources such as the Smart City Index, Ease of Doing Business Ranking, Global Innovation Index, Sustainable Development Report, and Technological Readiness Ranking are utilized with normalization, guaranteeing a dependable evaluation. The findings underscore the significance of open data efforts and transparent governance in recruiting innovative enterprises and promoting entrepreneurship. The study highlights the necessity of cooperative urban planning and public participation in decision-making. Moreover, the authors propose a new definition of smart cities from citizens’ well-being perspective. This research enhances the comprehension of smart cities’ influence on entrepreneurial endeavors, pinpointing problems and prospects for future investigations focused on improving well-being through smart city advancement. Full article

The enhancement of cultural heritage for tourism can greatly benefit from the opportunities offered by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), promoting greater interaction and integration between all stakeholders and service providers. In recent years, ICT applications and platforms have tended to provide a platform to translate the strategic goals and performance metrics of cultural heritage tourism into comprehensive services tailored to stakeholders’ needs by participating stakeholders. A successful co-designed platform integrates explicit services—requiring specialized software tools—and implicit services, facilitating evaluation processes. This adaptability ensures continuous improvement and alignment with evolving strategies and business objectives. As part of the European project, the development of the TExTOUR open ICT platform marks a significant advancement in leveraging technology within cultural tourism. It exemplifies the creation of a sustainable and adaptable framework, co-designed specifically to support and amplify the strategic objectives of cultural heritage tourism. This approach not only fosters better engagement and management within the sector but also sets a new standard for innovation in cultural tourism practices. Full article

As part of the “Waste2Energy: hybrid energy from waste as a sustainable solution for West-Africa” project, a tyre recycling plant is being constructed in Davié, north of Lomé, Togo. Understanding the tyre management chain is crucial for establishing the plant’s supply chain. This study aimed to highlight the gaps in and the importance of tyre recycling in Togo while assessing the potential of EoL tyres for the implementation of a tyre recycling plant. Togo’s vehicle fleet, predominantly concentrated in Lomé, is rapidly increasing at a rate of 6% per year, reaching an estimated 285,000 vehicles. Due to economic constraints and limited new tyre availability, most vehicle users opt for used tyres, which have a limited lifespan due to poor road conditions. An investigation of EoL tyre quantities and management chains in Togo was carried out. To evaluate the used and end-of-life tyre management chains, both direct observation and interviews with approximately 200 used-tyre dealers were conducted. The study revealed that, on average, drivers replace tyres every 7.4 months, generating between 30,525 t/a and 78,000 t/a of used tyres, 75% of which are replaced due to severe damage or wear. While the used tyre business is well organized, end-of-life tyre treatment is nearly non-existent, often involving dumping, open burning for metal recovery, or use in meat processing, causing environmental and health risks. To address these challenges, an 8 t/hr capacity tyre recycling plant is planned, based on estimated tyre availability and development opportunities for sustainable recycling in Togo. Full article

For a long time, tourism in Saudi Arabia has been predominantly religious and business-related. In 2019, the kingdom opened its door to tourism for the first time. It produced a significant change in the tourism industry. This research explores the balance between heritage conservation and tourism development, focusing on social, environmental, and economic aspects. The methodology is based on qualitative analysis through 15 in-depth interviews and on-field observations, with Historic Jeddah as a case study. The results confirm that tourism has profoundly changed the city of Jeddah, facilitating new opportunities and presenting new challenges. So, the new aspects that emerge, such as heritage value, economic growth, overtourism, and the travel experience, impose a new management strategy for upcoming opportunities and also challenges. These aspects highlight the management and the authenticity of the place but also provide evidence of the high costs and scarcity of services. Sustainability seems to be the framework that can guarantee an equilibrium in the development process, reducing the impact on the cultural heritage. The originality of this research is to provide a view on this tension between heritage conservation and tourism development from the perspective of an emerging travel destination. Full article