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Sustainability
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Technological and Organizational Innovation for Sustainable Development
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Technological and Organizational Innovation for Sustainable Development

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 18849

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Benjamin Gidron

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Research Authority, College of Management Academic Studies , Rishon Le’Zion 75190, Israel
2. Gilford Glazer Faculty of Management and Busienss, Ben Gurion University, Beer-Sheva 84109, Israel
Interests: social enterprises; impact-tech start-ups; nonprofit organizations
Dr. Anna Domaradzka

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Robert Zajonc Institute for Social Studies, University of Warsaw, 00-183 Warszawa, Poland
Interests: civil society; social movements; urban mobilization; urban movements; right to the city; gender

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue (SI) aims to address the phenomenon of technological and organizational innovation – including ICT tools or hybrid organizational activity – that uses grassroots potential, entrepreneurship and technology in order to tackle social and environmental problems. These includes social enterprises, impact-tech start-ups, smart innovations for the common good, grassroots initiatives and participatory processes implementing innovations to tackle local environmental, health-related or socio-economic challenges.

In the past decade, especially since the 2008 economic crisis, we are witnessing an increase in such types of activity, that gear themselves to provide creative solutions to the challenges the world, as well as local communities, currently face. These challenges have been conceptualized in 2015 by the UN General Assembly within a framework of 17 general goals, known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) (http://sdgs.un.org/).

The focus of this SI is to analyze this phenomenon, namely the nature and characteristics of these initiatives and organizations as well as the context of their development. We are interested in conceptual and empirical papers that address this category of engagement and organizations. Comparative approach is welcome, e. g. comparing initiatives and organizations addressing different challenges and SDGs, organizations with different forms of incorporation, in different countries, etc. Theoretical and methodological contributions are also welcome.

The SI is not interested in case studies of a specific organization.

The papers we are seeking can explore the backgrounds and motivations of the initiators, founders and funders of these entities, their internal dynamics, or the wider context of their emergence as well as their eco-systems. We are specifically interested in issues such as the governance structure, the inter-organizational relations, the funding structure, the dynamic by which they address their hybridity, and the employed innovations. We invite contributions analyzing social, economic and technological aspects of sustainability-oriented initiatives, covering the fields of employment, health, wellbeing, climate change, social challenges, and cultural heritage.

Prof. Dr. Benjamin Gidron
Dr. Anna Domaradzka
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • innovation
  • sustainable development
  • hybridity
  • SDG
  • start-ups
  • social enterprises

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

31 pages, 2068 KiB  
Article
Interrelation between Sustainable Dynamic Capabilities, Corporate Sustainability, and Sustained Competitive Advantage
by Nadeem Bari, Ranga Chimhundu and Ka Ching Chan
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2864; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su16072864 - 29 Mar 2024
Viewed by 503
Abstract
Achieving sustained competitive advantage in the current business landscape has become an important challenge for both the service and manufacturing sectors. Based on the thematic analysis of the empirical data from expert interviews of 46 professionals from Australia and Pakistan, this study puts [...] Read more.
Achieving sustained competitive advantage in the current business landscape has become an important challenge for both the service and manufacturing sectors. Based on the thematic analysis of the empirical data from expert interviews of 46 professionals from Australia and Pakistan, this study puts forward a framework to achieve sustained competitive advantage. The research employs a dynamic capability (DC) theory lens and creates a foundation for the “sustainable dynamic capabilities” concept for future research. The findings affirm that (1) sustainable dynamic capabilities lead to sustained competitive advantage, (2) sustainable dynamic capabilities lead to corporate sustainability, (3) corporate sustainability leads to sustainable dynamic capabilities, and (4) corporate sustainability acts as a mediator between sustainable dynamic capabilities and sustained competitive advantage. By utilising the proposed framework, practitioners can clearly define their strategies to achieve competitive advantage by implementing sustainability practices. The findings of this research clearly pinpoint the interrelationship between sustainability practices and sustained competitive advantage, and sustainability should be taken as a dynamic capability itself, opening up new avenues for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological and Organizational Innovation for Sustainable Development)
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26 pages, 480 KiB  
Article
The Impact Tech Startup: Initial Findings on a New, SDG-Focused Organizational Category
by Benjamin Gidron, Kfir Bar, Maya Finger Keren, Dalit Gafni, Yaari Hodara, Irina Krasnopolskaya and Alon Mannor
Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12419; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su151612419 - 15 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1747
Abstract
This study sheds light on the prevalence, focus, and key structural dimensions of the Impact Tech Startup—a new organizational category of enterprise whose technologically innovative products or services are aimed at creating social or environmental impact. After tracing the Impact Tech Startup’s conceptual [...] Read more.
This study sheds light on the prevalence, focus, and key structural dimensions of the Impact Tech Startup—a new organizational category of enterprise whose technologically innovative products or services are aimed at creating social or environmental impact. After tracing the Impact Tech Startup’s conceptual roots and the features it shares with startups and social enterprises, we examine the context of Israel as a particularly supportive environment for startup entrepreneurship. We then present the initial findings from our empirical study conducted in Israel, in which we examined 1657 startups, developed a machine learning algorithm to identify which of these can be classified as an Impact Tech Startup, and clustered the results within the framework of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Our findings indicate that approximately one third of Israel’s startups can be classified as an Impact Tech Startup. Of these, almost a third are producing products or services relevant to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Furthermore, we find that the technologies deployed by ITSs can help optimize decisions by professionals and, in doing so, substantially contribute to tackling social and environmental challenges. This study aimed to give the Impact Tech Startup an initial “face” and to invite further, more detailed studies in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological and Organizational Innovation for Sustainable Development)
19 pages, 319 KiB  
Article
Technological Innovations for Citizen Environmental Participation: Case of Poland
by Magdalena Roszczyńska-Kurasińska and Nina Wróblewska
Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 5031; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15065031 - 12 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1508
Abstract
Citizen science is a social innovation that has recently been recognized by social initiatives as a possible tool to increase participation, build knowledge, and raise civic awareness. In order to work efficiently, citizen science requires the adoption of proper technological solutions by a [...] Read more.
Citizen science is a social innovation that has recently been recognized by social initiatives as a possible tool to increase participation, build knowledge, and raise civic awareness. In order to work efficiently, citizen science requires the adoption of proper technological solutions by a critical mass of people. According to the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, people are more likely to adopt a technology that is compatible with their norms, values, and beliefs. In our research, we studied technological solutions that Polish environmental civic initiatives are using in order to diagnose their potential to implement citizen science projects and increase citizen participation. We interviewed 28 board representatives, managers, and initiators of social movements and conducted desk research of 65 social movements in Poland. Every technological solution was recorded and later categorized. The diagnostic analysis of the technological advancement of grassroots movements in Poland reveals that the full potential for launching citizen science projects has not yet been reached. First of all, the recognition of the citizen science approach is still low. Secondly, grassroots movements operate using standard and easily accessible technological solutions, rarely developing tailored and more advanced technologies that would enable people to be involved in citizen science projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological and Organizational Innovation for Sustainable Development)
17 pages, 602 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Sustainable Development of the Semiconductor Industry Using BWM and Fuzzy TOPSIS
by Shih-Ping Shen and Jung-Fa Tsai
Sustainability 2022, 14(17), 10693; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su141710693 - 27 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2075
Abstract
In recent years, the advancement of electronic technology has been driving a boom in the semiconductor industry worldwide. When implementing business activities, those involved strive to pursue the balanced development of the economy, society, environment, and ecology. Our proposed model provides a systematic [...] Read more.
In recent years, the advancement of electronic technology has been driving a boom in the semiconductor industry worldwide. When implementing business activities, those involved strive to pursue the balanced development of the economy, society, environment, and ecology. Our proposed model provides a systematic analysis process to help conduct a comprehensive evaluation and determine priorities in the semiconductor industry’s pursuit of sustainable development. In the proposed model, we determine the weights of evaluation criteria using the Best Worst Method, which overcomes the shortcomings of AHP. Meanwhile, we incorporate the concept of the aspiration level to optimize the fuzzy TOPSIS technique. The results reveal that the two most important criteria are green resource integration and pollution-discharge treatment for sustainable development in the semiconductor industry. In the traditional TOPSIS method, pollution-discharge treatment is considered the expected value, leading the decision-maker to believe that no improvement is required for pollution-discharge treatment. The model proposed in this study can overcome the abovementioned shortcoming and offer more reliable managerial implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological and Organizational Innovation for Sustainable Development)
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20 pages, 343 KiB  
Article
The Civil City Framework for the Implementation of Nature-Based Smart Innovations: Right to a Healthy City Perspective
by Anna Domaradzka, Mikołaj Biesaga, Ewa Domaradzka and Magdalena Kołodziejczyk
Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 9887; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14169887 - 10 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1893
Abstract
This paper aims to expand the current debate concerning the implementation of health-related innovations by employing the rights-based approach. Specifically, we address the challenges related to the implementation of technological and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) from the right to the city perspective. As a [...] Read more.
This paper aims to expand the current debate concerning the implementation of health-related innovations by employing the rights-based approach. Specifically, we address the challenges related to the implementation of technological and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) from the right to the city perspective. As a result, we present a comprehensive Civil City Framework that involves the synergic use of ICT tools and participation models to mobilize grassroots potential for building healthier cities, while ensuring equity and respect for diverse needs. We explain the participatory and technological aspects of implementing and monitoring innovative NBS, involving data gathering through environmental sensors, personal wristbands, and smartphone apps. Finally, we highlight opportunities and challenges stemming from the use of health- and environment-monitoring technologies. To build such a vision one needs to reconceive the city as commons, enabling collective action of city residents and cooperation between different local stakeholders. This can be achieved by embedding a pentahelix approach of multi-governance in urban planning, based on a close interaction between five key stakeholders, including public authorities, industry and business sector, academia, civil society organizations, and individual citizens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological and Organizational Innovation for Sustainable Development)
19 pages, 768 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Environmental Uncertainty on Corporate Innovation: Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies
by Mingjun Deng, Xusheng Fang, Ziyan Tian and Wenbing Luo
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 4902; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14094902 - 19 Apr 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2419
Abstract
Corporate innovation is an important topic in the academic community, but there are few studies on the impact of the micro operation environment on corporate innovation. Using the data of A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2009 to 2020, this paper [...] Read more.
Corporate innovation is an important topic in the academic community, but there are few studies on the impact of the micro operation environment on corporate innovation. Using the data of A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2009 to 2020, this paper examines the impact of environmental uncertainty on enterprise innovation from a micro perspective. The results show that there is an overall negative correlation between environmental uncertainty and corporate innovation. Companies facing a higher degree of environmental uncertainty are more cautious in their innovation investment. We also find that this negative correlation was more pronounced in companies with weaker risk-taking ability. Further research finds that financing constraints have a partial intermediary effect on the impact of environmental uncertainty on innovation, that is, environmental uncertainty can have a negative impact on innovation by increasing the financing constraints faced by corporations. Our research provides micro-level evidence for the impact of uncertainty on corporate innovation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological and Organizational Innovation for Sustainable Development)
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21 pages, 691 KiB  
Article
Modular Interorganizational Network Governance: A Conceptual Framework for Addressing Complex Social Problems
by Srivardhini K. Jha, E. Richard Gold and Laurette Dubé
Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10292; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su131810292 - 15 Sep 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2387
Abstract
We develop a conceptual governance framework to guide creating and managing a modular interorganizational network to address complex social problems. Drawing on theoretical foundations in modularity and interorganizational networks, we propose that modularizing complex social problems is a dialectic, emergent process that blends [...] Read more.
We develop a conceptual governance framework to guide creating and managing a modular interorganizational network to address complex social problems. Drawing on theoretical foundations in modularity and interorganizational networks, we propose that modularizing complex social problems is a dialectic, emergent process that blends a convener-led network formation with a consultative problem definition and solution design. We also posit that social systems are imperfectly modular and need purposefully designed interface governance to integrate the modules. Finally, we advance how leveraging modularity may simultaneously advance the interests of participating actors and deliver societal value. Together, the propositions advance a governance framework for a modular, multi-actor adaptive system suited to tackle the scale, diversity, and dynamics of complex social problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological and Organizational Innovation for Sustainable Development)
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15 pages, 441 KiB  
Article
Impact Tech Startups: A Conceptual Framework, Machine-Learning-Based Methodology and Future Research Directions
by Benjamin Gidron, Yael Israel-Cohen, Kfir Bar, Dalia Silberstein, Michael Lustig and Daniela Kandel
Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10048; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su131810048 - 08 Sep 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4677
Abstract
The Impact Tech Startup (ITS) is a new, rapidly developing type of organizational category. Based on an entrepreneurial approach and technological foundations, ITSs adopt innovative strategies to tackle a variety of social and environmental challenges within a for-profit framework and are usually backed [...] Read more.
The Impact Tech Startup (ITS) is a new, rapidly developing type of organizational category. Based on an entrepreneurial approach and technological foundations, ITSs adopt innovative strategies to tackle a variety of social and environmental challenges within a for-profit framework and are usually backed by private investment. This new organizational category is thus far not discussed in the academic literature. The paper first provides a conceptual framework for studying this organizational category, as a combination of aspects of social enterprises and startup businesses. It then proposes a machine learning (ML)-based algorithm to identify ITSs within startup databases. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are used as a referential framework for characterizing ITSs, with indicators relating to those 17 goals that qualify a startup for inclusion in the impact category. The paper concludes by discussing future research directions in studying ITSs as a distinct organizational category through the usage of the ML methodology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological and Organizational Innovation for Sustainable Development)
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