Sustainability

Research

17 pages, 1125 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perspectives for the Development of Sustainable Cultural Tourism

by Georgiana Daniela Stoica, Violeta-Andreea Andreiana, Mircea Constantin Duica, Maria-Cristina Stefan, Irina Olimpia Susanu, Mihaela Denisa Coman and Dorin Iancu

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5678; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14095678 - 8 May 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3294

Abstract

The study involves a comparative analysis of cultural tourism in Bucharest and Paris to identify the main aspects of sustainable cultural tourism. A set of six characteristics (civil monuments and architectural assemblies, religious monuments and architectural assemblies, festivals, personalities, digitization of tourism, and [...] Read more.

The study involves a comparative analysis of cultural tourism in Bucharest and Paris to identify the main aspects of sustainable cultural tourism. A set of six characteristics (civil monuments and architectural assemblies, religious monuments and architectural assemblies, festivals, personalities, digitization of tourism, and cultural and educational institutions) was analyzed for both cities. For this purpose, the Benchmarking analysis, the SWOT analysis, and the Pareto analysis were used. The research results highlight the importance of a careful analysis of the categories and sub-categories identified for cultural tourism in the two cities, focusing on the situation in Bucharest to identify ways to improve the promotion and capitalization of cultural tourism and increase sustainability. The obtained results showed that cultural tourism in Bucharest is deficient in aspects such as Monuments and civil architecture and religious, and architectural monuments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Economy: Dimensions, Strengths and Weaknesses)

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23 pages, 1177 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Economy—Green Jobs in the Context of Sustainable Development

by Anca Vasilica Tănasie, Luiza Loredana Năstase, Luminița Lucia Vochița, Andra Maria Manda, Geanina Iulia Boțoteanu and Cătălina Soriana Sitnikov

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4796; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14084796 - 16 Apr 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4525

Abstract

Europe is in the middle of an energy crisis, exacerbated in large part by skyrocketing gas costs. Renewable energy is critical in this environment for decreasing Europe’s reliance on imported energy; boosting renewables in Europe requires a ‘New Energy Compact’—a coordinated effort throughout [...] Read more.

Europe is in the middle of an energy crisis, exacerbated in large part by skyrocketing gas costs. Renewable energy is critical in this environment for decreasing Europe’s reliance on imported energy; boosting renewables in Europe requires a ‘New Energy Compact’—a coordinated effort throughout Europe to build more renewable energy capacity. The purpose of this research is to examine the structure of renewable energy production in Romania between 2010 and 2020, as well as the green employment produced by the renewable energy sector in Romania between 2010 and 2019. Using the Markov chain approach, it was predicted that in 2025, the hydropower industry’s employees would account for the biggest proportion of the overall average number of workers engaged in the renewable energy production sector in Romania (74.68%). Solar energy production employees will account for 14.31% of the average number of workers in the renewable energy production sector, biomass energy production employees will account for 5.8%, and wind energy production employees will account for 5.2% of the average number of workers in the green energy sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Economy: Dimensions, Strengths and Weaknesses)

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29 pages, 9694 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Green Finance and Green Development Based Eco-Efficiency and Spatial Econometric Analysis

by Tifang Ye, Xiuli Xiang, Xiangyu Ge and Keling Yang

Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2825; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14052825 - 28 Feb 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 2999

Abstract

During the “14th Five-Year Plan” period, a question worth exploring in depth would be how China promotes green development through green finance to realize the goal of financially supporting the construction of ecological civilization. This paper builds a super-efficiency SBM window model to [...] Read more.

During the “14th Five-Year Plan” period, a question worth exploring in depth would be how China promotes green development through green finance to realize the goal of financially supporting the construction of ecological civilization. This paper builds a super-efficiency SBM window model to evaluate the comparable eco-efficiency of 30 provincial administrative regions in Mainland China (except Tibet) as a measurement of green development, and constructs an evaluation system for the green finance index, as a measurement of regional green finance development levels in China from 2007 to 2019. This paper also constructs spatial econometric models to study the effects of green finance on green development, and the influence of green finance on green development through supporting green technological innovation. Moreover, this paper analyzes the mechanisms of the spatial spillover effects and the heterogeneity in eastern, central, and western regions of China. The results of the study show that green finance only has a positive effect on green development in eastern regions, while in central and western regions, it fails to effectively support green development. The positive effect of green finance on green development by supporting green technological innovation is only in eastern regions, but it is not significant in the central region, while negative effect in the western region. Finally, according to the research conclusions, it is proposed to implement differentiated policies of green finance and the integration policies of green finance and green technological innovation policies in different regions of China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Economy: Dimensions, Strengths and Weaknesses)

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22 pages, 499 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Empirical Analysis of the Common Factors Influencing the Sharing and Green Economies

by Cristina Veith, Simona Nicoleta Vasilache, Carmen Nadia Ciocoiu, Andreea Chițimiea, Mihaela Minciu, Andreea-Mariana Manta and Iyad Isbaita

Sustainability 2022, 14(2), 771; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14020771 - 11 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2132

Abstract

The digital revolution, driven and accelerated by the current pandemic, involves changes to known business models. The innovative model of the sharing economy can be a real and sustainable solution for long-term green economic development. The aim of our research was to determine [...] Read more.

The digital revolution, driven and accelerated by the current pandemic, involves changes to known business models. The innovative model of the sharing economy can be a real and sustainable solution for long-term green economic development. The aim of our research was to determine the common factors of the sharing economy and the green economy and the perceptions of Romanian users regarding them. Our research questionnaire was based on the elements we found in the academic literature. To evaluate the collected data, we used the factor analysis method with the support of the SPSS program. As our study reveals, digitalization as well as inclinations towards saving are factors impacting both the propensity towards sharing and support for the green economy. The demarcation line between the sharing and the green economies is rather fluid, the two realities being under a reciprocal influence. In our model, the green economy develops according to the principles of the sharing economy, going a step further in considering the relationship between society and environment, society and sustainable, eco-friendly behaviour. Although the sharing economy is not necessarily a prerequisite of the green economy, it is, nevertheless, easy for societies or groups that have internalized the lessons of the sharing economy to move forward towards the green economy. This study can be an important tool and a first step for businesses, and, more importantly, for the Romanian public institutions to accelerate the implementation of necessary measures, including legislative ones, in order to promote the further development of these economies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Economy: Dimensions, Strengths and Weaknesses)

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22 pages, 986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Challenges of the Green Economy in Romania. Scientific Literature Review

by Florin Mihai, Ofelia Ema Aleca, Emilia Gogu, Cosmin Dobrin and Mirela Gheorghe

Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13113; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132313113 - 26 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2376

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to conduct an analysis of the scientific literature on the green economy in Romania and to capture the main challenges in making the transition towards it. Despite the barriers and incomplete legislation, Romania has sufficient resources and [...] Read more.

The goal of this paper is to conduct an analysis of the scientific literature on the green economy in Romania and to capture the main challenges in making the transition towards it. Despite the barriers and incomplete legislation, Romania has sufficient resources and the potential to increase the percentage of the green economy, especially as the UE offers incentives for aligning to European standards. An analysis of the scientific literature was conducted via exploratory research in the Scopus database, based on key topics within the thematic range of the green economy. The study focused on the one hand the depth of the research regarding these topics in Romania during the 2007–2021 period and on the other hand, an analysis of the existence of possible links between these topics. The connections between the topics were analyzed through nine hypotheses. The results obtained reveal the researchers’ concerns for the way the principles of the green economy are applied in Romania and the existing correlations between these analyzed topics and how they are reflected in the economic reality. These results can represent a starting point as regards the diversification of policies and measures aimed at improving the implementation of the principles of the green economy in Romania. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Economy: Dimensions, Strengths and Weaknesses)

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11 pages, 2075 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selective vs. Collective Outcomes of Collaborative Governance: The Impacts of Federal Stimulus Programs on Local and Regional Governance Outcomes

by Chang-Gyu Kwak, Namhoon Ki and Suk-Joon Hwang

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11941; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132111941 - 28 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1678

Abstract

A number of studies have demonstrated that local government’s self-governing mechanisms can bring about positive collective outcomes for an entire region. However, less attention has been paid to different levels of collective outcomes (e.g., individual local governments vs. entire regions). Comparing such selective [...] Read more.

A number of studies have demonstrated that local government’s self-governing mechanisms can bring about positive collective outcomes for an entire region. However, less attention has been paid to different levels of collective outcomes (e.g., individual local governments vs. entire regions). Comparing such selective and collective outcomes in interlocal collaborations, this study attempts to explore which specific collaborative self-governing mechanisms can better work for which respective outcomes. Applying network approaches with time-series cross-sectional data, this study investigates how each local government’s network position and the network structure as a whole influence the impact of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants on job creation in terms of the regional green economy. Empirical results demonstrate the need for separating selective and collective outcomes in developing theories of regional governance. Additionally, the results provide practitioners with advice on how to manage interlocal relationships in order to maximize collective outcomes at different levels Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Economy: Dimensions, Strengths and Weaknesses)

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17 pages, 330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of the Influencing Factors of the Romanian Agricultural Output within the Context of Green Economy

by Nicoleta Valentina Florea, Mircea Constantin Duică, Constantin Aurelian Ionescu, Anișoara Duică, Mihaela Cristina Onica Ibinceanu and Sorina Geanina Stanescu

Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9649; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13179649 - 27 Aug 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2353

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the trends in agriculture and the factors affecting the output of agriculture (OA) in the EU and Romania in the context of green economy. The research used the quantitative (mathematical regression function, correlation matrix, and [...] Read more.

The objective of this study is to analyze the trends in agriculture and the factors affecting the output of agriculture (OA) in the EU and Romania in the context of green economy. The research used the quantitative (mathematical regression function, correlation matrix, and R-squared) and qualitative (the SWOT matrix of the agriculture sector in Romania) methods. The data on Romanian agriculture were gathered from Eurostat for the period of 2006–2019. The results showed that there is a direct and positive relationship between the OA and its influencing factors. Moreover, it revealed the negative relationships between the employees in agriculture (−0.58), air pollutants (−0.49), agriculture land (−0.42), irrigation norm (−0.39), agriculture training (−0.33) and the OA, and positive relationships between the area under organic farming (0.56), the average area per holding (0.56), the number of tractors (0.53) and the OA. Romania is a country where employment and agriculture areas are greater than in other EU countries; however, the results of our research highlight the significance of a careful analysis of the influencing factors, of making the difference between the thin line of sustainable performance, of developing new measures, of reducing risks, and of gaining new knowledge and agricultural skills, as an important activity, especially for Romania. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Economy: Dimensions, Strengths and Weaknesses)

25 pages, 1250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Drivers of Green Investment: A Bibliometric and Systematic Review

by Andreea Chițimiea, Mihaela Minciu, Andreea-Mariana Manta, Carmen Nadia Ciocoiu and Cristina Veith

Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3507; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13063507 - 22 Mar 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 7629

Abstract

Considering the growing of high alarm signals on environmental issues, the implementation of green, sustainable, responsible investments has become a priority for each organization, in addition to maximizing profits and harmonious development with the environment. The purpose of this study is to examine [...] Read more.

Considering the growing of high alarm signals on environmental issues, the implementation of green, sustainable, responsible investments has become a priority for each organization, in addition to maximizing profits and harmonious development with the environment. The purpose of this study is to examine the importance of implementing green investments within organizations and to identify the drivers that influence decisions for the implementation of green investments. In order to achieve this, two types of analyses were used: bibliometric analysis and systematic analysis, researching the representative studies in the field. The search was carried out for the period 1990–2020, and the analyzed sample comprised 444 articles. Following the application of the two methods of analysis, the results show that in the last 6 years the interest of companies in green investments has increased significantly, organizations being concerned with the efficient use of resources and environmental issues. This research highlights the internal and external drivers over which companies have a higher or lower control, as the case may be, in order to involve in green investments. The article offers new pathways for future research on this matter. Therefore, future research may develop a detailed description of the identified drivers for green investment. In addition, further research can calculate the level of the drivers’ impact on green investment and can identify that certain drivers should be more attentively treated. Moreover, subsequent works in this field can continue to identify new drivers or new ways of promoting the already identified drivers in the present research. Consequently, green investment could produce positive effects related to the reduction of pollution and global warming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Economy: Dimensions, Strengths and Weaknesses)

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15 pages, 2042 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Nexus between Financial Regulation and Green Sustainable Economy

by Elena Cigu, Mihai-Bogdan Petrișor, Alina-Cristina Nuță, Florian-Marcel Nuță and Ionel Bostan

Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 8778; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12218778 - 22 Oct 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3666

Abstract

Following the international financial trend, several countries launched comprehensive and coordinated financial system reform programs to reach green sustainable economy. These reforms have included significant adjustments in financial regulation and supervision policies designed precisely to stimulate the improvement in the performance of green [...] Read more.

Following the international financial trend, several countries launched comprehensive and coordinated financial system reform programs to reach green sustainable economy. These reforms have included significant adjustments in financial regulation and supervision policies designed precisely to stimulate the improvement in the performance of green economy. This paper explores the literature regarding the importance of financial regulation and the state of green sustainable economy as a first objective. The second objective is to develop a linear regression model for empirically understanding how the financial regulation can affect green sustainable economy and apply it for 25 European Union countries, over the period of time 2000–2018, covering pre-crisis, crisis, and post-crisis period. Our findings support the idea that coherent financial regulation framework determines green economy to be growth-friendly and sustainable. The paper can be considered a useful viewpoint in understanding the complex relationship between regulation and green sustainable economy, thus adding to existing literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Green Economy: Dimensions, Strengths and Weaknesses)

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