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Frontiers and Best Practices in Bio, Circular, and Green Growth and Eco-Innovation

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 March 2022) | Viewed by 75655

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A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Institute of Development Research and Development Policy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44879 Bochum, Germany
Interests: ecological modelling; waste management; energy politics; games; environmental impact assessment; international development; industry 4.0; epidemics; sustainability; multilevel model
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, London SE10 9LS, UK
Interests: development economics; economic development; rural development; SPSS; sustainable development; development studies; sustainability; data analysis; ecological economics; sustainable economic development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

After almost two decades of continuous development in bio, circular, and green economy, the time is ripe for the assessment of the major achievements and challenges that private and public enterprises face today for the further enhancement of these global sustainability concepts (D’Amato et al. 2017). Due to the central role of incentives provided by the politics for the development and implementation of the environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, the present Special Issue welcomes the contributions which focus on the nexus between public policies, institutions, quality of public sector management, and patterns of interaction between government and private business in backing bio, green, and circular economy practices and eco-innovation. In addition, the differences between implementation of new organizational forms and scientific innovations in the technologically advanced and developing settings are in the scope of this Special Issue (Ervits 2020, Ervits and Zmuda 2018, Zada 2020). We also invite contributions with a focus on the role of civic engagement and diffusion and proliferation of innovations at the initial, economically not viable initiation phases, as well as on the nexus between civic engagement and emergence, development, and diffusion of the abovementioned sustainability concepts (Geels 2002, Smith 2011, Radtke 2014, Radtke et al. 2020).

Authors are invited to submit both conceptual and empirical papers.

References

  1. D’Amato, D., Droste, N., Allen, B., Kettunen, M., Lähtinen, K., Korhonen, J., Leskinen, P., Matthies, B.D., Toppinen, A., 2017. Green, circular, bio economy: A comparative analysis of sustainability avenues. J. Clean. Prod. 168, 716–734. DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.09.053
  2. Ervits, I. 2020. Quadrants of invention: Individual patent applications as unutilized resource of innovative capacity. International Entrepreneurship Review 6(1), 7-27. DOI: 10.15678/IER.2020.0601.01
  3. Ervits, I., Zmuda, M. 2018. A Cross-country Comparison of the Effects of Institutions on Internationally Oriented Innovation. Journal of International Entrepreneurship 16, 486-503. DOI: 10.1007/s10843-018-0225-8
  4. Geels, F.W. 2002. Technological transitions as evolutionary reconfiguration processes: a multi-level perspective and case study. Research Policy 31, 1257-1274.
  5. Smith, A. 2010. Civil Society in Sustainable Energy Transitions. In: Verbong, G., Loorbach, D. 2012. (eds.). Governing the Energy Transition: reality, illusion, or necessity. Routlege: New York.
  6. Radtke, J., 2014. A closer look inside collaborative action: civic engagement and participation in community energy initiatives. People, Place & Policy Online, 8(3), 235-248.
  7. Radtke, J., Drewing, E., Eichenauer, E., Holstenkamp, L., Kamlage, J.H., Mey, F., Warode, J. and Wegener, J., 2020. Energy transition and civic engagement. In The role of public participation in energy transitions (pp. 81-91). Academic Press.
  8. Zada, E.R. 2020. Natural Resources, Technological Progress, and Economic Modernization. Online first. Review of Development Economics 25(1), 381-404. https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1111/rode.12716

Dr. Elkhan Richard Sadik-Zada
Guest Editor

Dr. Andrea Gatto
Co-Guest Editor

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

  • novel business models for the enhancement of bio, circular, and green economy
  • macro-and microeconomic models of decarbonization and eco-innovation
  • the role of civic engagement
  • green hydrogen
  • eco-innovation
  • the role of natural gas in energy transition
  • eco-innovation
  • carbon tax
  • low-carbon economy
  • energy transition
  • circular economy
  • waste management
  • green patents
  • measuring eco-innovation
  • green growth
  • eco-auditing

Published Papers (20 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

6 pages, 233 KiB  
Editorial
Grow First, Clean Up Later? Dropping Old Paradigms and Opening Up New Horizons of Sustainable Development
by Elkhan Richard Sadik-Zada and Andrea Gatto
Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3595; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15043595 - 15 Feb 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1820
Abstract
After almost two decades of continuous development in bio, circular, and green economy, it is time to assess the major achievements and challenges that private and public enterprises face today for further enhancing global sustainability concepts. To this end, the present thematic issue [...] Read more.
After almost two decades of continuous development in bio, circular, and green economy, it is time to assess the major achievements and challenges that private and public enterprises face today for further enhancing global sustainability concepts. To this end, the present thematic issue accommodates twenty articles on different topics related to circular economy development and green growth, proposing a contribution to the field of environmental economics and policy. The central feature of this Special Issue is the focus on the best practices and challenges in terms of green growth and eco-innovation in developing and transitioning structurally challenged areas. Hence, the study elaborates on the pathways of bio, circular, and green growth and eco-innovation in the context of countries with relatively low per capita income. By doing this, the collection shows that the empirically established environmental Kuznets curve—i.e., the inverted U-shaped income-environment nexus—can and must be critically questioned, at least in the contexts mentioned within the framework of our Special Issue. Hence, the geographic frontiers of environmental upgrading, carbon-saving bioeconomic development, and green growth are not limited to the economically advanced areas. Full article

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

14 pages, 4661 KiB  
Article
Consumption Coupons, Consumption Probability and Inventory Optimization: An Improved Minimum-Cost Maximum-Flow Approach
by Shunlin Wang and Yifang Chen
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7759; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14137759 - 25 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1235
Abstract
The issuance of consumption coupons during the epidemic period to stimulate the economy must take full account of the level of probabilistic consumption and inventory optimization. In this paper, an improved minimum-cost maximum-flow model is constructed to dynamically adjust the inventory capacity of [...] Read more.
The issuance of consumption coupons during the epidemic period to stimulate the economy must take full account of the level of probabilistic consumption and inventory optimization. In this paper, an improved minimum-cost maximum-flow model is constructed to dynamically adjust the inventory capacity of node enterprises with the change of probabilistic consumption level, and three scenarios are simulated by numerical assumptions. The results show that: (1) The model can better solve the problem of consumption coupons, probabilistic consumption and inventory optimization; (2) Consumer welfare remains unchanged, the largest number of government consumption coupons is issued, and the number of enterprise inventories reaches the lowest; (3) Enterprise inventories are minimized with different decisions on consumer probability consumption, and the government’s issuance of consumption coupons and the satisfaction of consumer demand have reached a dynamic balance. Corresponding suggestions are put forward, hoping to better help the government to implement the consumption coupons policy to stimulate the economy. Full article
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20 pages, 1762 KiB  
Article
The Community Commitment to Sustainability: Forest Protection in Guatemala
by Eduardo Fernández Luiña, Santiago Fernández Ordóñez and William Hongsong Wang
Sustainability 2022, 14(12), 6953; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14126953 - 07 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1882
Abstract
This article covers the current research vacuum on how Guatemala partially conducts forest preservation through community concessions. Our paper starts its analysis by synthesizing the private property-rights approach environmentalist theory and the community concession theory. It is argued that the shared common private [...] Read more.
This article covers the current research vacuum on how Guatemala partially conducts forest preservation through community concessions. Our paper starts its analysis by synthesizing the private property-rights approach environmentalist theory and the community concession theory. It is argued that the shared common private property as a community arrangement can turn conflicts into potential opportunities for the involved parties to solve the existing environmental problems by win-win games. Based on the above theoretical views, our study extends the scope to the modern and democratic municipals’ forest preservation in Guatemala, as previous research mainly focused on how the Guatemalan traditional indigenous communities have conducted forest preservation. Our empirical results show that the in-force forest concessions in the Maya Biosphere Reserve have achieved the Guatemalan government’s forest conservation target in recent years. However, as the Guatemalan forest concession arrangements are just usufructs and the state still owns forest titles, the current Guatemalan forest concession could reverse the result of the limited, decentralized forest reform. In this regard, we suggest that Guatemala state should privatize all these forests to the concessions’ communities and firms. If the results are positive, we propose the Guatemalan government further apply the decentralization forest policy to the whole country. Full article
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20 pages, 644 KiB  
Article
Fundraising Appeals for the COVID-19 Epidemic Fight: A Cross-Country Study of Donor Responses
by Saeed Awadh Bin-Nashwan, Adel Sarea, Meshari Al-Daihani, Abdullahi Bala Ado, Halima Begum, Mushari Hamdan Alosaimi, Hijattulah Abdul-Jabbar and Mohammed Khalifa Abdelsalam
Sustainability 2022, 14(11), 6486; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14116486 - 25 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1910
Abstract
This research explores the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations driving donors to engage in fundraising appeals launched through social networking sites (SNSs) to mitigate COVID-19’s impact on vulnerable communities from a cross-national perspective. The research adopted a quantitative approach through a web-based survey; a [...] Read more.
This research explores the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations driving donors to engage in fundraising appeals launched through social networking sites (SNSs) to mitigate COVID-19’s impact on vulnerable communities from a cross-national perspective. The research adopted a quantitative approach through a web-based survey; a total of 801 donors were obtained from Kuwait and Bahrain and were useable for the analysis. Smart PLS structural equation modelling was used to validate the research model and derive significant insights. In the Kuwaiti sample, we found that humanitarian projects, internet technology, SNSs and religiosity significantly drive donor attitudes towards online donation. All these relationships are indirectly related to the intention to give via SNS through the mediating role of attitudes. As for the Bahraini sample, humanitarian projects, non-profit organizations (NPOs), SNSs, and religiosity significantly influence donors’ attitudes. Attitudes, on the other hand, have a visible mediating role in the relationships between these predictors and behavioral intentions. The findings could be useful for the development of appropriate policies that boost online monetary donations to support emergency aid for communities crushed by the pandemic. This research differs from the existing literature in that its multi-national study scrutinizes the incorporation of both internal and external predictors of fundraising activities into a distinctive related context such as SNSs, particularly in a time of epidemiological crises such as COVID-19. Full article
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25 pages, 331 KiB  
Article
Environmentally Responsible Business Approaches in Azerbaijan
by Mubariz Mammadli
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6227; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14106227 - 20 May 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1815
Abstract
In the study; the eco-entrepreneurship and environmental sensitivity of companies operating in Azerbaijan were examined within the scope of environmental practices. For this purpose, companies operating in the country were invited to participate in a survey, and their sensitivity to the environment was [...] Read more.
In the study; the eco-entrepreneurship and environmental sensitivity of companies operating in Azerbaijan were examined within the scope of environmental practices. For this purpose, companies operating in the country were invited to participate in a survey, and their sensitivity to the environment was examined from four main dimensions—consumption, production, financial, and technology. The mentioned dimensions were analyzed according to four aspects; namely, business field of activity, business size, operating year, and the level of implementation of environmentally friendly policies. According to the results of a one-way analysis of variance, carried out by field of activity, operating year, and the level of implementation of eco-friendly policy; it was found that there was no group that significantly differed from the overall group mean. A difference was found only in terms of the size of the enterprise. The study found that large businesses were more aware of environmental sensitivity than small- and medium-sized businesses. Full article
20 pages, 1074 KiB  
Article
Revealing Consumer Behavior toward Green Consumption
by Zivar Zeynalova and Natavan Namazova
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5806; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14105806 - 11 May 2022
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7544
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the attitudes and behaviors of the administrative staff of four Baku universities toward the consumption of environmentally friendly products. The study used 536 consumer questionnaires belonging to different socio-economic and demographic consumer [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the attitudes and behaviors of the administrative staff of four Baku universities toward the consumption of environmentally friendly products. The study used 536 consumer questionnaires belonging to different socio-economic and demographic consumer groups. The survey evaluated the factors that affected purchasing decisions, purchase intentions, awareness, attitudes and behaviors toward green products of respondents living in an urban area. The results from the survey were analyzed using one-way MANOVA analysis. According to the results of the study, the green consumer behaviors of the survey participants differed according to age, the number of household members, marital status, education level and income. At the same time, the main indicators that consumers paid attention to were price, brand, appearance, advertising, expert opinion and label information. The level of importance of these indicators varied according to the education, income and number of household members of the participants. The results showed that the participants of the survey were partially sensitive to the environment. Full article
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29 pages, 1844 KiB  
Article
Barriers for Prosumers’ Open Business Models: A Resource-Based View on Assets and Data-Sharing in Electricity Markets
by Mehdi Montakhabi, Ine Van Zeeland and Pieter Ballon
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5705; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14095705 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2224
Abstract
This article explores the barriers for open business models in support of sustainability in electricity markets. It puts forward privacy and data protection concerns about sharing prosumers’ physical assets as well as data due to to their critical role in decentralized modes of [...] Read more.
This article explores the barriers for open business models in support of sustainability in electricity markets. It puts forward privacy and data protection concerns about sharing prosumers’ physical assets as well as data due to to their critical role in decentralized modes of electricity/flexibility trading. In particular, it uses a multiple case study approach to identify actors’ resources, examine other interested actors in each resource, define their objectives, and consider privacy and data protection concerns of sharing prosumers’ physical assets and data. The findings yield new insights into sharing opportunities beyond electricity/flexibility trading. In doing so, our study contributes to theories of the firm by applying the resource-based view in a new context and to the business model literature by shedding light on barriers in applying open business models. Full article
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21 pages, 1417 KiB  
Article
Realising the Potential of Renewable Energy as a Tool for Energy Security in Small Island Developing States
by Walter Leal Filho, Abdul-Lateef Balogun, Dinesh Surroop, Amanda Lange Salvia, Kapil Narula, Chunlan Li, Julian David Hunt, Andrea Gatto, Ayyoob Sharifi, Haibo Feng, Stella Tsani and Hossein Azadi
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 4965; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14094965 - 20 Apr 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3803
Abstract
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are heavily dependent on the use of imported fossil fuels to address their energy needs. This has a negative impact on the environment, SIDS budgets, and energy security. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of renewable [...] Read more.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are heavily dependent on the use of imported fossil fuels to address their energy needs. This has a negative impact on the environment, SIDS budgets, and energy security. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of renewable energy (RE) as a tool for energy security in SIDS. In this regard, using VOSviewer, a widely known software tool, two bibliometric analyses were performed with a focus on the literature that explores two intertwined issues: (i) the links between RE and energy security; and (ii) the implications of RE and energy security in SIDS. The results from the study show that RE can help SIDS enhance their energy security and assure long-term energy sustainability. In addition, the results show that with the reduction in the cost of batteries in the future, they will eventually replace diesel generators. Moreover, the study showed that renewable energy may assist SIDS in their long-term efforts to achieve food security. The analysis discusses the major obstacles and the potential solutions for the integration of RES into the energy generation of SIDS. The paper concludes with useful recommendations to help island nations reduce their carbon footprint. Full article
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24 pages, 1702 KiB  
Article
E-Commerce Engagement: A Prerequisite for Economic Sustainability—An Empirical Examination of Influencing Factors
by Sarmann I. Kennedyd, Rob Kim Marjerison, Yuequn Yu, Qian Zi, Xinyi Tang and Ze Yang
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4554; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14084554 - 11 Apr 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3062
Abstract
Economic sustainability for firms of all sizes and sectors is likely to depend on some type of online commercial activity. While technical barriers to e-commerce are not high, adaptability to new online markets is a critical part of sustainable economic growth for many [...] Read more.
Economic sustainability for firms of all sizes and sectors is likely to depend on some type of online commercial activity. While technical barriers to e-commerce are not high, adaptability to new online markets is a critical part of sustainable economic growth for many firms. The Chinese e-commerce market has increased dramatically to become larger than that of the United States, Europe, and Japan combined. This study explores the underlying factors that influence Chinese online consumers’ acceptance and patronage of the online shopping platforms where those firms must operate. Firm competition in the e-commerce platform in China is highly competitive, making exploration of the factors that influence consumer purchase behaviour more valuable. After an extensive qualitative focus group study, a quantitative online survey of 691 savvy Chinese online shoppers was completed. When the data was subjected to structural equation modelling (SEM) for analysis, it was found that a model of three factor constructs explains whether an online shopping platform would be the preferred online shopping platform of choice. E-commerce platform preference (EPP) can predict purchase intention (PI) and site commitment (SC). The results explain why e-commerce platforms should address important EPP factors such as: order fulfilment and delivery process, company image enhancers, the variety of products offered, the design of the online shopping platform, trust of its recommendation system, and finally, awareness of the online shopping platform itself. These findings may be of interest to e-commerce practitioners as well as those whose research interests include e-commerce and consumer behaviour. Full article
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23 pages, 689 KiB  
Article
Creating Sustainable Organizations through Knowledge Sharing and Organizational Agility: Empirical Evidence from China
by Rob Kim Marjerison, Matthew Andrews and George Kuan
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4531; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14084531 - 11 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2638
Abstract
This study explores the relationships among knowledge sharing, adaptability, and performance, and furthermore seeks to address a gap in the existing literature on how those relationships may vary between organizational sectors. Economic sustainability for firms of all sizes and sectors is likely to [...] Read more.
This study explores the relationships among knowledge sharing, adaptability, and performance, and furthermore seeks to address a gap in the existing literature on how those relationships may vary between organizational sectors. Economic sustainability for firms of all sizes and sectors is likely to depend to a large extent on the creation of a sustainable organizational culture built on collaboration, innovation, and adaptability. The importance of knowledge management in developing sustainable and higher functioning organizations is well accepted in the literature. Likewise, the ability of organizations to realize competitive advantage by adapting and responding in a timely manner to changes in the landscape is well supported. Building on previous research, this study further examines how organizations in different sectors may experience that interaction differently. Based on data gathered through 720 online surveys and subjected to empirical analysis, the findings suggest that work groups that are more agile can more readily realize the benefits of a knowledge sharing organization culture. Further, in contrast to the main body of existing literature, the findings indicate that there is little difference in these benefits among organizations operating in different sectors, notably, within the context of mainland China. These findings may be of interest to those with an interest in knowledge sharing, organizational agility, organizational behavior, sustainable organizations, collectivistic cultures, to practitioners with an interest in developing higher functioning organizations, and to social scientists in related research areas such as cultural studies and psychology. Full article
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21 pages, 2226 KiB  
Article
A Novel Multi-Factor Three-Step Feature Selection and Deep Learning Framework for Regional GDP Prediction: Evidence from China
by Qingwen Li, Guangxi Yan and Chengming Yu
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4408; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14084408 - 07 Apr 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2046
Abstract
Gross domestic product (GDP) is an important index reflecting the economic development of a region. Accurate GDP prediction of developing regions can provide technical support for sustainable urban development and economic policy formulation. In this paper, a novel multi-factor three-step feature selection and [...] Read more.
Gross domestic product (GDP) is an important index reflecting the economic development of a region. Accurate GDP prediction of developing regions can provide technical support for sustainable urban development and economic policy formulation. In this paper, a novel multi-factor three-step feature selection and deep learning framework are proposed for regional GDP prediction. The core modeling process is mainly composed of the following three steps: In Step I, the feature crossing algorithm is used to deeply excavate hidden feature information of original datasets and fully extract key information. In Step II, BorutaRF and Q-learning algorithms analyze the deep correlation between extracted features and targets from two different perspectives and determine the features with the highest quality. In Step III, selected features are used as the input of TCN (Temporal convolutional network) to build a GDP prediction model and obtain final prediction results. Based on the experimental analysis of three datasets, the following conclusions can be drawn: (1) The proposed three-stage feature selection method effectively improves the prediction accuracy of TCN by more than 10%. (2) The proposed GDP prediction framework proposed in the paper has achieved better forecasting performance than 14 benchmark models. In addition, the MAPE values of the models are lower than 5% in all cases. Full article
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27 pages, 1780 KiB  
Article
Toward Sustainability: Dynamics of Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions, Aggregate Income, Non-Renewable Energy, and Renewable Power
by Wan-Jiun Chen
Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2712; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14052712 - 25 Feb 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1496
Abstract
The purpose of energy sustainability policy is to support both economic growth and environmental quality. With climate change accelerating, economies must reduce carbon emissions. Low-carbon economics can balance the oft-contradictory policy aims of income growth and carbon reduction. Carbon pricing and renewable substitutes [...] Read more.
The purpose of energy sustainability policy is to support both economic growth and environmental quality. With climate change accelerating, economies must reduce carbon emissions. Low-carbon economics can balance the oft-contradictory policy aims of income growth and carbon reduction. Carbon pricing and renewable substitutes can pave the way. This analysis probes the dynamics of the adjustments toward the ideals of low-carbon economics through Granger causality testing of total carbon emissions, income, nonrenewable energy consumption, and renewable power. Cointegration regressions and a panel data vector error correction model are used to demonstrate the aforementioned variables’ long-term balance and short-term adjustment, respectively. Two panels of countries, namely 18 European Union and 32 Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development countries, are investigated with 1990–2021 data. Determinants for the success of low-carbon development and the implications of border regulations and taxation of carbon footprint are also discussed. Economic competitiveness, as well as increases in commodity prices, would initially emerge as interferences and then induce carbon reduction and accelerate the adoption and development of green technology. Full article
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20 pages, 295 KiB  
Article
Does the Sino–US Trade Friction Promote Firm Innovation? The Role of the Export Grab Effect
by Zhen Xu, Xin Zhong and Zhongyan Zhang
Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2709; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14052709 - 25 Feb 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2265
Abstract
We examine and explain changes of firm innovation following the Sino–US trade frictions. Specifically, we use the unique microdata of Chinese technology and innovation firms from 2016 to 2019 to identify the response of firm innovation to the shock of the Sino–US trade [...] Read more.
We examine and explain changes of firm innovation following the Sino–US trade frictions. Specifically, we use the unique microdata of Chinese technology and innovation firms from 2016 to 2019 to identify the response of firm innovation to the shock of the Sino–US trade friction and investigate the changes in firm innovation before and after the outbreak of the Sino–US trade friction. We found that, on average, export firms significantly increased innovation after the Sino–US trade friction. In particular, firms in the advanced manufacturing industry perform significantly better than firms in other technical fields. To explain this phenomenon, we compare firms’ export performance in different technical fields and conduct a detailed mechanism test. It is found that the Sino–US trade friction has led to the export grab phenomenon in some technical fields, and the export grab effect is the reason for the significant increase in the innovation of export firms. The direct effect of export grab promotes the innovation of sustainable export firms, and the indirect effect of export grab leads to an increase in innovation by reducing the threshold of the export market. We verified the direct and indirect effects of export grab on firm innovation following the Sino–US trade frictions. Full article
12 pages, 583 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Effect of Family Life and Neighbourhood on the Willingness of Household Waste Sorting
by Liyuan Zhao and Hongsheng Chen
Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 13653; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132413653 - 10 Dec 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2633
Abstract
For developing countries, garbage classification has become an important measure to handle the environmental pollution crisis. This empirical study examined urban and rural families’ willingness to sort and deposit garbage at fixed recycling points. We found that urban residents demonstrated a significantly higher [...] Read more.
For developing countries, garbage classification has become an important measure to handle the environmental pollution crisis. This empirical study examined urban and rural families’ willingness to sort and deposit garbage at fixed recycling points. We found that urban residents demonstrated a significantly higher willingness to sort and deposit garbage at designated points compared to rural residents. The average number of family meals per month, average monthly household food expenditure, household cleanliness, and household crowding (spaciousness) are significantly related to a family’s willingness to sort garbage. In terms of neighbourhood factors, families living in neighbourhoods with property management are more likely to have a higher willingness to sort garbage. The degree of air pollution in the neighbourhood also has an impact on the family’s willingness to sort garbage. This study proposes that neighbourhood factors have a non-negligible influence on a household’s willingness to sort and put garbage in designated locations. Especially in urban neighbourhoods, the willingness of residents living in commodity housing neighbourhoods to sort and place garbage at designated locations is significantly higher than that of residents living in other neighbourhoods. To improve the implementation effect of the waste sorting policy, we suggest that the configuration of neighbourhood garbage recycling services and facilities should be improved so that people can sort garbage more conveniently. Full article
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11 pages, 1188 KiB  
Article
Political Economy of Green Hydrogen Rollout: A Global Perspective
by Elkhan Richard Sadik-Zada
Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13464; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313464 - 06 Dec 2021
Cited by 45 | Viewed by 8465
Abstract
The present paper dwells on the role of green hydrogen in the transition towards climate-neutral economies and reviews the central challenges for its emancipation as an economically viable source of energy. The study shows that countries with a substantial share of renewables in [...] Read more.
The present paper dwells on the role of green hydrogen in the transition towards climate-neutral economies and reviews the central challenges for its emancipation as an economically viable source of energy. The study shows that countries with a substantial share of renewables in the energy mix, advanced natural gas pipeline infrastructure, and an advanced level of technological and economic development have a comparative advantage for the wider utilization of hydrogen in their national energy systems. The central conclusion of this review paper is that a green hydrogen rollout in the developed and oil-exporting developing and emerging countries is not a risk for the rest of the world in terms of the increasing technological disparities and conservation of underdevelopment and concomitant socio-economic problems of the Global South. The targets anchored in Paris Agreement, but even more in the EU Green Deal and the European Hydrogen Strategy will necessitate a substantial rollout of RESs in developing countries, and especially in the countries of the African Union because of the prioritization of the African continent within the energy cooperation frameworks of the EU Green Deal and the EU Hydrogen Strategy. Hence, the green hydrogen rollout will bridge the energy transition between Europe and Africa on the one hand, and climate and development targets on the other. Full article
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15 pages, 531 KiB  
Article
Food: Not Only Safety, but Also Sustainability. The Emerging Trend of New Social Consumers
by Gennaro Civero, Vincenzo Rusciano, Debora Scarpato and Mariarosaria Simeone
Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 12967; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132312967 - 23 Nov 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2855
Abstract
Consumers’ purchasing choices are no longer based only on economic factors but also on ethical reasons related to environmental sustainability and food safety. However, nutritional information on food labels is underused by consumers. Often the lack or incompleteness of information available on the [...] Read more.
Consumers’ purchasing choices are no longer based only on economic factors but also on ethical reasons related to environmental sustainability and food safety. However, nutritional information on food labels is underused by consumers. Often the lack or incompleteness of information available on the market obstructs the complex transition towards sustainable consumption patterns. This empirical study analysed a sample of 359 consumers from an area in Southern Italy (city of Naples) to identify homogeneous consumer clusters with respect to the assessment of the level of consumer attention to sustainable environmental, social behaviours in daily life, and also to safety attributes. The most important sources of information influencing the consumers’ choices, food safety knowledge, and future purchasing behaviour were analysed. The research sample was self-selected, and the questionnaire for the survey was administrated through a non-probability sample from a reasoned choice. The results indicate that the ideal solution is a five-cluster partition that confirms a good level of attention to intrinsic attributes, in particular food expiry, transparency of food information, food traceability, and seller confidence. In addition, the research could provide an opportunity to consider collaborative actions between policy makers and industries to increase consumer awareness of environmental attributes. Full article
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19 pages, 960 KiB  
Article
The Key Organizational Factors in Healthcare Waste Management Practices of Libyan Public Hospitals
by Mohammed Khalifa Abdelsalam, Ibrahim Mohammed Massoud Egdair, Halima Begum, Diara Md. Jadi, Hussein-Elhakim Al Issa, Omar Saad Saleh Abrika and A. S. A. Ferdous Alam
Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12785; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132212785 - 19 Nov 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2869
Abstract
This study aims to investigate factors contributing to healthcare waste management practices among Libyan public hospitals. The organizational culture and structure are proposed to have their effect upon hospital organizational units in charge of healthcare waste production by a theoretical review to develop [...] Read more.
This study aims to investigate factors contributing to healthcare waste management practices among Libyan public hospitals. The organizational culture and structure are proposed to have their effect upon hospital organizational units in charge of healthcare waste production by a theoretical review to develop two main hypotheses. Hence, this study used the stratified random sampling technique to select respondents such as top management officials, heads of departments, and administrators who work in all the hospitals located in the south of Libya, from whom data was collected. The data for the study was gathered via a survey questionnaire from Libyan public hospitals in the country’s southern region. A total of 210 questionnaires were distributed and 171 usable responses were received, yielding a 70% response rate. Though the findings of the study show some inconsistency, the two dimensions of the culture examined in this study are found to have a positive relationship and significant influence on the management practices of health waste. Besides, it shows the positive relationship between organizational structure and healthcare waste management practices (HWMP). However, the findings of this study suggested that nurses and cleaners’ practices should critically consider structure dimensions such as formalization as well as moderating variables such as hospital location and type of services supplied on the interactions to improve the management of healthcare waste in Libya’s public hospitals. Full article
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

20 pages, 1749 KiB  
Review
Fresh Insight through a Keynesian Theory Approach to Investigate the Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Pakistan
by Kashif Abbass, Halima Begum, A. S. A. Ferdous Alam, Abd Hair Awang, Mohammed Khalifa Abdelsalam, Ibrahim Mohammed Massoud Egdair and Ratnaria Wahid
Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1054; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14031054 - 18 Jan 2022
Cited by 56 | Viewed by 8546
Abstract
Beyond the immediate impositions of dealing with COVID-19, this disease represents a severe and significant challenge confronting Pakistan’s economy. The study’s objective was to evaluate the coronavirus epidemic’s effect on Pakistan’s economy and measures devised to mitigate the damage done by this disease. [...] Read more.
Beyond the immediate impositions of dealing with COVID-19, this disease represents a severe and significant challenge confronting Pakistan’s economy. The study’s objective was to evaluate the coronavirus epidemic’s effect on Pakistan’s economy and measures devised to mitigate the damage done by this disease. The study research design used the elementary concept of Keynesian theory comprising of the mapping of systematic behavior of the COVID-19 pandemic. Issues were formally underpinned, described, and visualized through the Keynesian theory concept. The eruption of COVID-19 has jolted the national and international economy. Pakistan is included, causing millions of people to stay at home, lose their jobs, and suspend or end business operations. Unemployment in Pakistan has reached nearly 25 million people, driving many towards conditions of hunger and poverty as the major economic damage in several sectors is anticipated at around PKR 1.3 trillion. The hardest-affected sectors comprise industries such as tourism and travel, financial markets, entertainment, manufacturing, etc., having a devastating effect on gross domestic product (GDP). It is mainly daily-wage earners and people running small businesses that have been seriously exploited and subjected to a curfew-like situation. However, the Keynesian theory suggests that supportive macroeconomic policies must restore trust, demand recovery, and provide interest-free loans to overcome Pakistan’s currently upcoming crisis. Full article
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21 pages, 818 KiB  
Review
Beyond Diffusion: A Systematic Literature Review of Innovation Scaling
by Jessica Breaugh, Keegan McBride, Moritz Kleinaltenkamp and Gerhard Hammerschmid
Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 13528; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132413528 - 07 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3740
Abstract
Innovation is essential for our ability to overcome global issues such as climate change, natural resource depletion, and inequality. A central aspect of innovation is the scaling process. While an abundance of studies on innovation scaling exist in many different disciplines, there is [...] Read more.
Innovation is essential for our ability to overcome global issues such as climate change, natural resource depletion, and inequality. A central aspect of innovation is the scaling process. While an abundance of studies on innovation scaling exist in many different disciplines, there is a lack of shared understanding of what scaling means and how it can be successfully achieved. This systematic literature review addresses both these issues by reviewing 147 articles on “innovation scaling” making several contributions to research on innovations and innovation scaling. First, in outlining the ontological differences between “diffusion” and “scaling”, clear conceptual boundaries are established, which provide clarity and support cross-disciplinary consilience. Second, based on the analysis of articles, eleven common modal contextual factors that influence the outcomes of innovation scaling across contexts and disciplines are presented. Third, an initial theoretical framework of the innovation scaling process is developed, outlining four theoretical propositions. As a fourth contribution, the article establishes a research agenda for the future development of innovation scaling research across many research domains. Full article
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23 pages, 1341 KiB  
Review
A Review on Energy and Renewable Energy Policies in Iran
by Saeed Solaymani
Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7328; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13137328 - 30 Jun 2021
Cited by 70 | Viewed by 10547
Abstract
Iran, endowed with abundant renewable and non-renewable energy resources, particularly non-renewable resources, faces challenges such as air pollution, climate change and energy security. As a leading exporter and consumer of fossil fuels, it is also attempting to use renewable energy as part of [...] Read more.
Iran, endowed with abundant renewable and non-renewable energy resources, particularly non-renewable resources, faces challenges such as air pollution, climate change and energy security. As a leading exporter and consumer of fossil fuels, it is also attempting to use renewable energy as part of its energy mix toward energy security and sustainability. Due to its favorable geographic characteristics, Iran has diverse and accessible renewable sources, which provide appropriate substitutes to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Therefore, this study aims to examine trends in energy demand, policies and development of renewable energies and the causal relationship between renewable and non-renewable energies and economic growth using two methodologies. This study first reviews the current state of energy and energy policies and then employs Granger causality analysis to test the relationships between the variables considered. Results showed that renewable energy technologies currently do not have a significant and adequate role in the energy supply of Iran. To encourage the use of renewable energy, especially in electricity production, fuel diversification policies and development program goals were introduced in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Diversifying energy resources is a key pillar of Iran’s new plan. In addition to solar and hydropower, biomass from the municipal waste from large cities and other agricultural products, including fruits, can be used to generate energy and renewable sources. While present policies indicate the incorporation of sustainable energy sources, further efforts are needed to offset the use of fossil fuels. Moreover, the study predicts that with the production capacity of agricultural products in 2018, approximately 4.8 billion liters of bioethanol can be obtained from crop residues and about 526 thousand tons of biodiesel from oilseeds annually. Granger’s causality analysis also shows that there is a unidirectional causal relationship between economic growth to renewable and non-renewable energy use. Labor force and gross fixed capital formation cause renewable energy consumption, and nonrenewable energy consumption causes renewable energy consumption. Full article
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