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The present paper explored the effect of renewable energy, financial development, and technological innovation on the ecological footprint in Brazil using a yearly dataset stretching between 1990 and 2018. The research leverage dynamic autoregressive distributed lag, Bayern and Hank cointegration, and frequency domain causality to explore these interrelationships. The ARDL bounds test outcome confirms a long-run connection between ecological footprint and its drivers. Besides, we employed the Bayern and Hank cointegration, and the outcome resonated with the ARDL bounds test result. Moreover, the dynamic ARDL outcomes disclosed that economic progress worsens the ecosystem whilst renewable energy, trade globalization, and technological innovation lessen the ecological footprint. In addition, no significant interrelationship was found between financial development and ecological footprint. Moreover, with the exemption of financial development, all the exogenous variables can forecast the ecological footprint in Brazil. The study proposes that policymakers in Brazil should undertake investments in research and development in order to achieve technological innovation. Furthermore, since technological innovation has been shown to contribute significantly to lowering the ecological footprint, it is possible to assume that enhancing current technology is the ultimate remedy to Brazil's ecological problems. • Dynamic ARDL applied to Brazil's time series data. • Renewable energy and Technology innovation improve environmental quality. • Trade and globalization also reduce Ecological Footprints (EF). • Economic Growth contributes to higher EF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the notion of sustainable development in corporate organizations and argues that businesses' adoption of systems/standards to support their sustainable development practices improves employee health and well-being in significant ways. Additionally, the paper analyses the effect of continual or progressive stress that employees face due to their job obligations, circumstances, surroundings, or other workplace pressures and how this affects the organization's sustainability. Given the growing importance of occupational stress due to technological innovations and global economic progress, it has developed into a worldwide sustainability concern, affecting professionals and all types of employees. Additionally, this study proposes a framework for implementing an integrated management systems (IMS) approach centered on the iterative implementation of sustainable development practices to promote employee health and well-being and minimize workplace demands. Further, the significance of studies exploring the relationship between a company's sustainable development policies, its employees' health, and well-being are explored, and future research direction was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines an overview of recent research advances in different production technologies toward sustainable development of nonwoven naturally sourced materials as alternatives to conventional synthetic laminated and bovine leather in the footwear industry. The current state of the footwear industry as a major stakeholder in the fashion sector is discussed, its footprints on the environment, and key developments from nonwoven natural fibrous materials for different footwear components are highlighted. Lastly, the review discusses recent research innovations of naturally sourced fibrous materials as leather alternatives in the footwear sector with special focus on sustainability and material performance. In addition, challenges and limitations in terms of industrial scalability and market potential are outlined. In conclusion, featuring promising nonwoven natural fibrous leather alternatives obtained via up-cycling of agro-wastes using microbes and fungi may be used in the textile and shoe industries. Since the prepared sheets through simple and cost-effective processes visually resemble conventional leather and demonstrate comparable material and tactile properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent literature on social innovation highlights its conceptual ambiguity and fragmentation. According to this context, this paper explores how social innovation can contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Using a case study approach, we apply a mixed research methodology comprising a content analysis followed by multiple correspondence analysis. We examine 209 social innovation projects financed by the Portugal Social Innovation program in three dimensions: empowerment, content, and process. The social innovation projects addressed showed that social innovation projects can have varied objectives, be developed in different intervention areas, and empower different vulnerable groups of beneficiaries. The findings put in evidence the interaction between social innovation and SDGs, therefore social innovation supports the three sustainability dimensions: economy, society, and environment. In this sense, it is possible to conclude that SDGs constitute a framework that positions social innovation, bringing clarity and structure to the field. This identification and classification can promote the creation of a market of supply and demand of social innovations, strengthening the social innovation ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The paper looks at the feasibility of university placements supporting small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to operate in a sustainable manner. Due to size and resource constraints, many SMEs may regard sustainability more as a burden than a value-adding commercial strategy. Design/methodology/approach: A two-year study was conducted on the sustainability-themed placements of 101 students of De Montfort University, United Kingdom, in SMEs. The placements were designed with the purpose of acting as a traditional work experience scheme while also equipping students with learning, skills and orientation with which to act as sustainability champions within companies. The study combined the use of students' reflections (via tools such as monthly logbooks) with interviews and questionnaire surveys of both employers and students, in order to evaluate the outcomes of the placements. Findings: Students engaged with the sustainability aspect of their placements mainly by obtaining information on the sustainability performance of SMEs, with significant engagement also occurring in the areas of sustainability advocacy (e.g. proposing socio-environmental plans to companies) and initiatives/action. Practical implications: Placements can potentially serve as a means of knowledge generation for universities while providing SMEs with cost-effective staff and innovation sustainability resources. Originality/value: A circular approach to university placement programmes is proposed whereby the knowledge gained from previous placements about SMEs' sustainability performance is used to prepare later cohorts of placement students with a pragmatic understanding of challenges and opportunities related to the implementation of sustainability by SMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 severely impacted small industries in Indonesia and many collapsed. Sustainable education is essential to help small industries recover post-pandemic through an open innovation design program to improve small industries' economic, social, and environmental performance. This paper examined the impacts of the sustainable education program implemented and explored open innovations suitable for the sustainability of small industries in developing countries, such as Indonesia, after the pandemic. This research employed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach involving academics, government, the community, and four small industries in West Java, Indonesia. Our findings reveal that the sustainable education program through learning activities and direct practice provides valuable knowledge and experience for small industries in designing economic, social, and environmental innovations. Open innovations post-pandemic suitable for small industries in Indonesia include simple business digitalization for company economic growth, the recruitment of people losing their jobs due to the pandemic to achieve social benefits, and innovations in using environmentally friendly packaging and charcoal briquette fuel as an environmental awareness effort. This study recommends that the open innovation designed for small industries be right on target and done using a participatory method to achieve sustainability after the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a case study of Alexandria city, Egypt, this paper investigates the configuration, interrelation, and integration of urban expansion within the framework of sustainability transitions to enhance the performance of sociotechnical transitions. It explores two main arguments; first, to evaluate the recent urban planning innovations, and second, to raise awareness of the participatory planning model to enhance the involvement of the three pillars to better integrate urban sustainable development. It presumes there is a linkage between urban sustainability transitions and the geographical transitions. It further evaluates whether this linkage would benefit accommodating the rapid population growth of Alexandria. This research applies an empirical methodology to test concepts and patterns known from theory generating three scenarios from empirical data. Moving beyond the 'niche–regime dichotomy', this study concludes that innovative practices and vested interests are typically constituted in a dualistic manner and tend to incite processes of change in both. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immense success of Bitcoin has also highlighted the hidden potential of blockchains and distributed ledgers in general. However, most blockchains are based on the so-called Proof-of-Work principle, which requires significant resources, making them unsuitable for the growing number of Internet of Things devices, not to mention other problems such as ensuring privacy and resistance to quantum computing. This paper, therefore, analyses current approaches in the field of ledgers with applications for the Internet of Things. Based on this, it presents a new ledger architecture for cultural heritage preservation that is energy sustainable and tailored to smartphones while pushing the deployment boundaries closer to the rest of the Internet of Things world. It is also resistant to quantum computing and provides privacy with accountability. Moreover, the developed solution considers not only the core technological structure but also its broader social (business) context, i.e., links to the tourism sector. This is performed by incorporating the relevant business model, as business models are important for the successful adoption of new technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to analyze how a tangram activity improved students' abilities to explain sustainability, articulate a positive perception of sustainable design and relate sustainability with innovation in engineering design. Design/methodology/approach: The concept of paradigm shift was introduced in the classroom by using a tangram activity to help students understand that sustainable design requires out-of-the-box thinking. Instructors from three institutions teaching various levels of sustainability courses to engineering majors used the activity to introduce sustainable design, then measured the understanding and appreciation of the concepts introduced through the tangram activity with pre- and post-activity surveys. Findings: Findings from the study indicate that students' perceptions of sustainability significantly improved due to the activity, without regard to the institution. The activity also significantly improved students understanding of the connection between sustainability and innovation, across all three institutions, across all majors and across all years of study except second-year students. Improving engineering students' views on sustainability may lead, over time, to changes in the industry, in which environmental performance is incorporated into the engineering design process. Originality/value: Active learning approaches are needed for affective-domain learning objectives in the sustainability field for students to learn the necessary attitudes, values and motivations to implement sustainability in engineering design. Simple, easily implemented active learning techniques, such as the tangram activity presented here, can be implemented across the curriculum or to the public to introduce the paradigm shift necessary with sustainable design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper identifies drivers and barriers to the uptake of regenerative agriculture (RA) as a grassroots innovation in the southeast Queensland context. It aims to identify opportunities for supporting RA as a viable pathway for sustainable food production. A mental model approach involving semi-structured interviews was used to recognize the important interconnected causal mechanisms at play within this grassroots agricultural system, as perceived by the study participants who have an interest in RA in the southeast Queensland context. It revealed two key interrelated themes driving uptake of RA in the region: economic viability of the approach and shifting values and priorities of consumers and producers. Inhibiting factors identified include limited access to local mentoring and advice, financial risk, and lack of supportive policies. We conclude that adopting RA in a given region provides an opportunity to explore its benefits and challenges in building resilient and sustainable food systems. Hence, facilitating grassroots experimentation should be seized as an opportunity for driving society's sustainability agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable development of agriculture in the context of innovative transformation of productive forces and structural changes is recognized as one of the directions of the National Security Strategy of the Russian Federation. Mechanisms for stimulating technological change and increasing efficiency should be aimed at achieving sustainable production criteria. The purpose of the study is to develop conceptual aspects of managing the sustainable development of agriculture using the example of livestock industries in conditions of structural transformation and technological changes. The article examines theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of problems of sustainable development of agriculture. An analysis was carried out and an assessment was made of the dynamics of crop yields and livestock production. Significant structural shifts and technological changes in the livestock subcomplex of Russia, caused by the processes of diffusion of innovations, have been identified. The authors have developed conceptual approaches to studying the problems of sustainable agricultural development in regional agricultural systems based on effective management. The main objectives of the proposed concepts are: expansion of production volumes of agricultural products, taking into account the needs of the region and export opportunities; technical and technological modernization of agricultural organizations and achieving an innovative balance of resources; compliance with the principles of rational environmental management and achieving environmental safety. The practical value of the results lies in the possibility of forming a strategy for the sustainable development of regional agricultural systems in the conditions of structural transformation and technological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction industry has experienced phenomenal growth because of technological advancements in the past couple of decades. Prefabrication constitutes a sizeable share of this industry and is being adopted all over the world. The method of casting construction elements in a controlled environment and assembling them on-site has revolutionised the industry. Research on various aspects of the technology is ongoing around the world, and an impressive number of articles have been published. However, the prefab technology, materials used, and terminology have varied across locations, which may have hindered the method's wider acceptability. By evaluating technical articles published between 1991 and 2022, this report analyses the present body of knowledge regarding prefab technology, its evolution, sustainability, and stakeholder views. This technology effectively contributes around 40% in time saving, 27% in cost reduction, 30% in reduced carbon emissions, and 84% in on-site wastage reduction. It also increases quality, gives a dependable alternative for meeting mass construction targets, is energy efficient, and provides environmentally conscious options. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a snapshot of the prefab industry spanning three decades, detailing a wide range of factors affecting the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bureaucratic innovation of administrative services through the process in the Electronic Information System - SEI made home office work possible due to the ease of access to the world wide web. This work aims to propose suggestions on the SEI functionality as a form of public policies aimed at sustainable growth in Public Agencies through the total reduction of the role in the Financial Directorate of the Court of Justice of Pernambuco. The survey was carried out by 50 users of the Finance Directorate of the Pernambuco Court of Justice - TJPE and a survey of the last 10 years of the use of A4 paper was carried out. The study was descriptive, exploratory in nature, with a bibliographic survey carried out by the Science Direct database through scientific articles, scientific journals, theses and dissertations related to governance and public policies. The SEI demonstrated that the logistics of the multivariable system is important for the development of public and governance policies through the incorporation of goods and services through the assessment of the environmental impact in the public agency, as well as the speed and technological advancement aimed at mitigating environmental damage, caring for the common good. The average economy was 93% reams/year with home office work. The SEI functionality meets the tripod of sustainability from an economic, social and environmental point of view through the use of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Covid-19 pandemic, global trends, and technological advancements lead to the perception that digitalization is about the most sustainable means of growing Africa's agribusiness and food supply chains. Many global agribusinesses have successfully integrated digital technologies to enhance operational efficiencies and business relations with their upstream and downstream actors. However, evidence is scant on the uptake of digital technologies among small and medium agribusiness firms in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Against this backdrop, this review paper identifies research gaps regarding the adoption and implication of digitalization in building sustainable food systems for African economies. Our preliminary finds show some sustainable practices in the SSA food supply chains by adopting specific technologies related to production, grain storage, food waste management, and warehouse management but very low adoption of food processing technologies and digital marketing platforms. Most importantly, the application of the Internet of Things, Big data, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and/or Business Analytics is very rare. Most of the digitalization process tends to be mobile-based. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspiring green agendas in conjunction with tremendous economic pressures are resulting in an increased attention to the environment and technological innovations for improving existing logistics systems. Last mile logistics, in particular, are becoming much more than a consumer convenience necessity and a transportation optimization exercise. Rather, this area presents a true opportunity to foster both financial and environmental sustainability. This paper investigates recent technological advancements and pending needs related to business and social innovations, emphasizing green logistics and city logistics concepts. We discuss various pertinent aspects, including drones, delivery robots, truck platooning, collection and pickup points, collaborative logistics, integrated transportation, decarbonization and advanced transport analytics. From a mathematical perspective, we focus on the basic features of the vehicle routing problem and some of its variants. We provide recommendations around strategies that may facilitate the adoption of new effective technologies and innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advancements in green building technologies (GBTs) have grown substantially, as an outcome of the environmental, economic and societal benefits. It has the potential to move toward sustainable development, specifically related to climate change. In GBTs, the main objective is to use energy, water and other resources in a balanced way, without using them extensively. This will improve the environmental conditions. Green buildings (GBs) are beneficial when it comes to energy consumption and emissions; low maintenance and operation costs; boosting health and productivity; etc. There is a lack of a critical review of the past or present research work in the area of the Green Building Technology (GBT) sector to identify the future roadmap for sustainable green building technologies. A critical review, with the help of proper research methodology, was identified. The scope of this study is to analyze the existing work on different issues, and find different key issues in green building research, which has minimal use of natural resources, is cost-effective and is designed and constructed for a longer duration, considering future prospects. This paper examines the state of green building construction today and makes recommendations for further study and development which will be necessary for a sustainable future. In order to encourage research, this study also identified a few possible future research directions in sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lake Eyasi Basin in northern Tanzania is among the few key regions in Africa that offer important information about human origins and peopling of the world. Material culture from this region provides significant insight into the origin and development of modern human behavior. It contains dense, stratified, and continuous archaeological records from the Middle Pleistocene to historical periods. The archaeological records of this region offer an opportunity to investigate trends in technological change, past diets, symbolic aspects, and other traits of cognitive thoughts. For a long time, these cultural materials and environmental trajectories were managed through traditionally based non-legislative systems ordered through traditional norms and values. However, such arrangements were interrupted during the colonial and post-colonial periods with emphasis on legislative heritage management systems stressing law enforcement and economic outputs. Strict obedience to heritage law enforcement gradually excluded local communities from mainstream social, economic, and cultural aspects of the archaeological sites in their regions. This paper discusses sustainable solutions and guidelines for managing cultural assets and the surrounding environment through co-management systems. The intention is to develop a highly focused mission for sustainable management and use of cultural assets, reduce vulnerability to climate change, enhance sustainable rural development, and contribute to poverty eradication through tourism. Résumé: Le Bassin du lac Eyasi au nord de la Tanzanie constitue une des régions africaines notables qui réservent des informations importantes sur les origines des humaines ainsi que le peuplement du monde. La culture matérielle exceptionnelle de cette région préserve de manière significative l'origine et le développement de comportement humain moderne. Cette culture porte des vestiges archéologiques denses, diversifiées et interrompues, datant depuis le Pléistocène moyen de nos jours. À cet effet, les réserves archéologiques présentes dans cette région créent une occasion inédite pour l'investissement visant la protection contre le changement climatique, la cuisine ancienne, le patrimoine symbolique ainsi que contre les traits relatifs au développement de la réflexion cognitive. Pendant longtemps, ces matériaux culturels et ces projets environnementaux ont été protégés grâce aux systèmes non législatifs des gestions basées sur les normes et valeurs traditionnelles. Et pourtant, tels plans ont été interrompus par le droit moderne institué au cours de l'ère coloniale et repris au post colonial qui privilégie le gain économique. Ceux-ci mettent l'accent sur le respect strict des lois. En conséquence, ces règlements restreignent la population locale de profiter aux atouts sociaux, économiques et culturelles disponibles dans ces sites archéologiques. Dans le cet article l'auteur présente des solutions durables et propose des lignes directrices pour une gestion des biens culturels et une protection de l'environnement autour à travers la gestion de ces biens de manière coopérative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2019, the Von der Leyen Commission made a grand entrance announcing an ambitious political agenda, the European Green Deal (EGD), combining its sustainability agenda and meeting environmental challenges with the pursuit of economic growth. In this paper, the author discusses the role of technology in the EGD through the lens of technological determinism. It is argued that, in many ways, the EGD overestimates the importance of technology, especially new technology. Unlike typical technological determinist views, the EGD recognises the importance of human agency. However, the success of human and social agency as drivers change in this project depends on preferences of actors involved in this green transition, including technological preferences. The author argues that the source of these biases lies with the economic policy foundations of the EGD which lead to prioritising economic interest over environmental needs. The article suggests that greater reliance on environmental regulation may restore the appropriate balance between economy and environment, and between the belief in the power of new technology and people's responsibility for the environmental and other consequences of technology production and use, and thus improve the prospects of the EGD in its environmental and sustainability aspirations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past 3 decades, the emerging technology in manufacturing sector other than conventional manufacturing is additive manufacturing (AM). The additive manufacturing principle was completely born from the research gaps of conventional manufacturing concepts such that the elimination of wastage and produce the component layer upon layer. Every new technology obtains the sustainability that may consider in the supply chain management principle of the raw material to finished products and decision-making techniques are to reach the consumer or customer as properly and periodically but these things are addressed challenges in additive manufacturing. This review paper aims to narrate the common research gaps on additive manufacturing, the structure of the supply chain management on AM, MCDM tools/techniques, AM application in different fields, challenges of selection of additive manufacturing, AM processes, and its application. The traditional method of literature review has been used for this review. The outcome of this review has helped the new researcher's decision making on the AM various problems as easily and the new researchers may give the experimental solution for explored research gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing urgency of environmental problems, such as climate change, pollution, and waste management, has highlighted the importance of eco-innovation. It includes the development of sustainable solutions for goods and services. As corporations adopt sustainability practices, governments are increasingly essential in propelling eco-innovation. Innovation and economic growth are inextricably linked since innovation helps reduce costs, increases productivity, and builds knowledge. Eco-innovation, requiring stakeholders' collaboration and knowledge sharing where public policy plays a critical role in fostering eco-innovation, is frequently catalyzed by climate change and environmental issues. This paper provides an assessment of the public policy of several countries and its part in promoting eco-innovation. It explores how policy tools such as research and development investments, regulations, incentives, and infrastructure can be used successfully. It also explores how such instruments influence small and medium enterprises due to their importance in environmental sustainability policy. This research contributes to knowledge and adds to the literature by offering a global approach to the subject, complementing previous regional/single-country studies. It demonstrates the worldwide consequences of policy actions on eco-innovation and provides recommendations for policymakers, businesses, academics, and environmental stakeholders. The results highlight how governmental support is integral to ensuring the sustainability of a green future with economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces an innovative model designed to predict the optimal product prototype within the framework of sustainable development. The model takes into account both quality and environmental impact throughout the entire life cycle of the product, with a specific focus on light electric vehicles. By incorporating customer expectations using the Weighted Sum Model, the model assesses vehicle quality based on the importance of various criteria. Employing life cycle evaluations guided by the Pareto-Lorenz rule, environmental impact for vehicle prototypes is modeled. The resulting Quality-Environmental Indicator of LCA (QLCA) facilitates a qualitative environmental analysis, aiding in the selection of prototypes that align with customer expectations. The model proves effective in guiding decisions related to product development, providing a comprehensive approach to evaluating product value. Notable contributions to the scientific community include the introduction of the QLCA model, which integrates quality and environmental assessments, and underscores the significance of open innovation, sustainable development, and sensitivity analysis for organizational adaptation. Future research directions involve adapting the model to larger customer samples, exploring production costs, and assessing its applicability across diverse industries and contexts to enhance its universality and practical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transport is in need of innovation to reach the goals set for social and, more importantly, environmental sustainability. However, in transport, innovation rarely goes from pilot to large-scale implementation, as various barriers create blocking mechanisms to implementation. This paper focuses on the technology of geofencing in transport management, with the aim to contribute to the understanding of actors' perceptions of drivers and barriers to the technology and how these perceptions impact its implementation. A qualitative approach, based on 34 interviews, helped identify drivers and barriers to geofencing, with the focus on Sweden. The drivers and barriers were then analyzed at different institutional levels (macro, meso, and micro). Drivers could be identified for actors at all levels, indicating that geofencing can contribute to transport sustainability. However, there are also barriers at all levels that hinder implementation. Closer collaboration is necessary to reduce knowledge gaps, develop policies, and establish viable business models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Survey of CAV anomaly diagnosis from anomaly detection and anomaly interpretation. • Taxonomies of anomaly detection based on concept of normality and CAV applications. • Clarification of the concept of anomaly interpretation. • Anomaly interpretation combining the analysis of road vehicle safety risks. • Comprehensive and detailed review of recent advances for CAV anomaly diagnosis. Connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) are revolutionizing the development of transportation due to their potential to improve transportation performance in many ways, such as enhanced traffic mobility, road compacity, operation safety, and environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, the issue of road vehicle safety in CAVs remains to be fully solved. Data collected from multiple sources provide information about the internal status of the system and the situation of its surroundings, and the occurrence of data anomalies indicates the existence of potential safety risks. Thus, anomaly diagnosis is of major importance to analyze the nature or cause of underlying safety risks and provide insightful information for the subsequent decision-making that ensures safety. Anomaly diagnosis consists of two basic tasks: anomaly detection and anomaly interpretation. In this paper, both of these two tasks are comprehensively surveyed. For anomaly detection, the following four aspects are covered: 1) formalized definition of an anomaly, 2) classification of anomalies, 3) taxonomies of anomaly detection techniques, and 4) review of recent advances for anomaly detection in CAV applications. For anomaly interpretation, related works are investigated in the context of 1) the anomaly detection process, and 2) the tested/monitored system/process, respectively. The novelty particularly lies in the latter, where the interpretation of anomalies combining the analysis of road vehicle safety risks is presented, and related works for anomaly interpretation in CAV applications are reviewed by analyzing 1) functional safety risks, 2) safety of the intended functionality (SOTIF) risks, and 3) cyber security risks, respectively. Finally, open issues, challenges, future directions, and emerging technologies for anomaly diagnosis in CAVs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical industry is one of the fundamental industries of economic development. Coordinating the relationship between economic growth and carbon emissions (EGCE) is crucial in realizing the carbon neutrality target. The Tapio model and decomposition models are used to assess the degree of decoupling within the Chinese chemical industry and identify pivotal factors impeding progress. The energy efficiency decomposition model explores the crux of failure to achieve strong decoupling. This framework further decomposed the energy intensity to uncover how technical efficiency, technological progress, and input substitution changes affect energy intensity and CO 2 emission. The paper found that the EGCE of the chemical industry were stable in a weak decoupling mode from 2009 to 2019. The reliance on technological progress to reduce energy intensity and emissions is insufficient (accounting for only 18.2%), far below the cumulative contribution from economic growth (accounting for 57.76%), which has become the crux of the strong decoupling failure. Technological advancements drive energy substitution for labour, resulting in 244.41 Mt of cumulative carbon emissions. The improper factor input allocation hinders the desired reduction in energy intensity and carbon emissions. A series of policy implications are proposed based on the insights derived from the decomposition analysis to foster sustainable practices in the chemical industry. [Display omitted] • This study focuses on the decoupling in chemical industry. • The decoupling between economic growth and carbon emissions (EGCE) is explored. • The reasons for the failure of strong decoupling from technical perspective are tested. • The decoupling between EGCE of chemical industry was in a weak decoupling mode. • Technological progress accelerated the substitution of energy for labour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established in 2015, scientists have attempted to utilize them for sustainability assessments. This paper aims to synthesize the existing approaches in order to make recommendations for future utilization. A systematic literature review was conducted, focusing on innovations as the assessment object and including scientific papers as well as gray literature. Of the initially identified 603 documents, 30 articles contained precise descriptions of approaches utilizing the SDGs for the sustainability assessment of innovations. These approaches were analyzed in three sequential steps: categorization of the operational choices of SDG-based sustainability assessments, discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of these operational choices, and finally deriving recommendations for future utilization. We identified two main approaches: (1) integrating the SDGs into the sustainability assessment methodology or (2) subsequently assigning the assessment results to the SDGs. For the first approach, the SDGs were most frequently used as assessment criteria, but were also used to derive benchmarks or select indicators. In the second approach, assessment results were linked to goals, targets or indicators. The majority but not all articles clearly stated that all 17 SDGs were considered. The most frequently mentioned motivation for SDG utilization was to provide a holistic definition of sustainable development, followed by providing a precise description of sustainable development and international recognition. Only the integration of all 17 SDGs into the sustainability assessment conveys all three of these motivations. Hence, this approach is recommended for maximizing the utilization of SDGs when assessing the sustainability of an innovation. Subsequently assigning the assessment results to the SDGs is suggested as an alternative approach if the scientist's time and resources are limited. Since this approach predefines the SDGs that can be linked through the sustainability assessment methodology utilized, the holistic character of the SDGs is forfeited. More generally, the diversity of approaches found in the literature can be explained by several individual limitations and prerequisites. It is therefore recommended that authors document their research motivation transparently and justify the operational choices they made to fulfil it. This study contributes to the scientific community by (a) providing an overview of possible approaches for utilizing the SDGs in sustainability assessments of innovations and (b) providing recommendations for utilization based on a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages. [Display omitted] • Sustainability assessments of innovations utilizing SDGs were systematically reviewed. • Operational choices in SDG utilization were categorized. • More than 10 (sub-)categories of SDG utilization were identified. • Most frequent reason for utilizing SDGs is their holistic nature. • Holistic nature is transferred only by integrating all 17 SDGs into the assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability-oriented innovation is a developing area in the academic literature, and existing measurement models are either lacking in scope or they have not been validated. Following an extensive review of existing academic literature, this paper addresses this gap by developing a new sustainability-oriented innovation scale. The scale includes elements from the triple bottom line, which incorporates social, environmental, and financial considerations. Environmental considerations are further broken down into carbon footprint, pollution, and materials life cycle. Notably, we also separate capability (could we do it), evaluation (do we measure it), and performance (do we put it into practice in our products and services, and operations). As a holistic model we also include strategy, partnerships, and demand. The validity of the scale was tested first through a pilot study with 23 respondents, and second through a survey study with 202 respondents. Scale evaluation tests confirm the consistency, convergent, and discriminant validity of the new sustainability-oriented innovation scale. Both exploratory and confirmatory analysis results confirm that the theorised scale is a good fit for the data. The contribution of this paper is a comprehensive, validated survey instrument to measure the capability of organisations to deliver sustainable innovation. [Display omitted] • We develop a new scale for measuring sustainability-oriented innovation. • The new scale is suitable for a wide range of organisation types. • The new scale separates capability, evaluation and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The potential of pine wastes for carbon-rich biochar production is explored. • Advancements in biochar production technologies are emphasized. • Biochar properties are highly influenced by temperature, heating rate, and inert conditions. • Selection of upgradation technique depends on specific biochar application. • Solar pyrolysis demonstrates great potential as a low-cost biochar production technology. Pine wastes, including pine needles, cones, and wood, are abundantly produced as an agroforestry by-product globally and have shown tremendous potential for biochar production. Various thermochemical conversion technologies have exhibited promising results in converting pine wastes to biochar, displaying impressive performance. Hence, this review paper aims to investigate the possibilities and recent technological advancements for synthesizing biochar from pine waste. Furthermore, it explores techniques for enhancing the properties of biochar and its integrated applications in various fields, such as soil and water remediation, carbon sequestration, battery capacitor synthesis, and bio-coal production. Finally, the paper sheds light on the limitations of current strategies, emphasizing the need for further research and study to address the challenges in pine waste-based biochar synthesis. By promoting sustainable and effective utilization of pine wastes, this review contributes to environmental conservation and resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities can set in motion sustainability transitions through experimentation and innovation. To invest in and mainstream solutions that contribute to urban transformation agendas, urban planners needs to understand which innovations have transformational potential as well as how these innovations can accelerate sustainability transitions. In order to explore this, existing frameworks of transformative capacity provide the guidance, but they are generic, abstract, and challenging to apply for urban planning. As part of our effort to develop a more operational version of the transformative capacity framework by Wolfram (2016), we conducted a systematic scoping review of the academic literature to determine the characteristics of people-based and nature-based low-carbon innovations that constitutes their transformative capacity. After reviewing 65 records, we identified dimensions indicating each of the transformative capacity components through analysis and synthesis. Besides contributing to the science–policy interface through a knowledge synthesis on low-carbon people-based and nature-based innovations, this paper examines bridging frameworks to inform urban planners in developing practical solutions and actionable elements for low-carbon urban futures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing volume of literature has sought to identify factors that motivate cities to pursue sustainability and adopt climate policies. However, most empirical studies were done in Western countries, where relatively high local autonomy and low pressure on industrial growth create conditions for spontaneous policy innovations in sustainability. This paper uses China's Low-Carbon City Pilot Program as a case to investigate motivations for local sustainability actions in an authoritarian context. Our event history analyses confirm the effects of multi-level governance on local sustainability initiatives in China, particularly horizontal competition across jurisdictions, priorities and preferences of upper-level authorities, as well as local determinants including leadership, capacity, politics, and environmental stress. The findings contribute to the comparative urban governance scholarship by highlighting the unique feature of "experimentation under hierarchy" in shaping urban sustainability policymaking in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper illustrates how a traditional Japanese company, Trusco Nakayama Corporation (hereinafter NKC), strategically focuses on culture and talent operations in order to drive business sustainability and innovation. The authors worked directly with NKC executives, business leaders, organizational architects and talent operators to determine the main components and characteristics of their talent strategy and culture development efforts. The paper further describes how key elements of Japanese culture and traditional Japanese business practices were taken into consideration when developing the corporate strategy for value creation and business growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the contextual and external factors enabling the emergence and implementation of planning innovations in a regeneration context. It draws upon sustainability transitions theory to define the concept of planning innovation. The paper is based on semi-structured interviews with urban stakeholders involved in the redevelopment process of the Lyon Confluence regeneration project. The case study of Lyon Confluence is the largest regeneration scheme in Europe and features several planning innovations related to environmental sustainability. The main finding is that planning innovations rely on both contextual and external factors. While contextual factors were essential in generating planning innovations in the case study; external factors relating to the development of actors' networks operating at different scales enabled new financing opportunities for innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustained and stable external financing, affected by the financial environment, is a necessary condition to support the green technological innovation of enterprises. This paper focuses on the impact of bettering the financial environment of digital finance on enterprise green technological innovation, as well as the mediating role of financing costs and financial flexibility in this process. Using China's data on manufacturing enterprises listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2011 to 2018, the hypotheses are tested. The result suggests the following: (a) digital finance effectively promotes enterprises to carry out green technological innovation, specifically, the coverage and depth of digital finance can promote enterprises' green technological innovation, but the degree of digitization has no significant impact; (b) digital finance improves the financial environment by making up the shortage of traditional financial system through reducing financing problems such as "financing difficulty," "matching difficulty," and "supervision difficulty," which make effective contributions to enterprise green technological innovation; (c) financing costs negatively mediate the relationship between digital finance and enterprise green technological innovation, while financial flexibility positively mediates the relationship. Overall, our findings shed light on the role digital finance plays in shaping corporate environmental behavior—and ultimately innovation in sustainability—in financing constraint setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The domains of transport and tourism exist and operate together and apart from one another. They have complex, interesting but also largely unsustainable relationships. Despite this, research into sustainable tourism has often focused on that which is stationary, without due consideration of the wide-ranging implications of tourism-mobilities. Conventional conceptualisations of tourism-transport are often limited to the tourist's travel to, and occasionally around, tourism destinations – neglecting the various ways that actors, objects and policies are all (made) mobile. As an introduction to the special issue on 'Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Transport, Mobilities and Tourism', this paper adopts a broad framing of innovation to encourage research in new directions. After thinking through the role of innovation in sustainable tourism-transport, the paper points to some key, inter-related themes in transport and mobilities; dominant mobility systems (auto/aero-mobilities), the sustainable mobility paradigm and mobility justice. Following this, a number of potential research themes are identified which may help to galvanise sustainable tourism-transport scholarship: first, where, why, for whom, and with what implications immobilities occur in tourism-transport; second, tourism-transport beyond anthropocentrism; third, the social embeddedness of technological innovations; and fourth, intersections of work and labour for tourism-transport. These directions – and others besides - may contribute to, and potentially accelerate, transitions towards tourism-transport sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

this paper purpose is aligning innovation indicators regarding Ignacy Sach's sustainability dimensions. The methodology applies multicriteria decision for ordering countries according to the innovation indicators most sustainable founded at Sachs' dimensions alignment. Innovation indicators were considered about their impact as each one of eight Sach's sustainability dimensions impact. Regarding methodology, this paper proposes a hybrid method SMARTS-Choquet with SMARTS-TOPSIS' to use in sensibility analysis. Multicriteria decision aid (MCDA) used considered selection and ordination. Results show eleven countries from 127 sustained their ranking positions using SMARTS-TOPSIS; whilst 126 countries changed completely using SMARTS-Choquet application, provoking a different perspective for investments in these countries; considering MCDA sensibility analysis. The Methodology consider innovation indicators' relevance, strongest indicators from each dimension, where selection for ordering a ranking where the sustainability aligned to innovation promotes a ranking with the countries more innovative but also sustainable countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

this paper purpose is aligning innovation indicators regarding Ignacy Sach's sustainability dimensions. The methodology applies multicriteria decision for ordering countries according to the innovation indicators most sustainable founded at Sachs' dimensions alignment. Innovation indicators were considered about their impact as each one of eight Sach's sustainability dimensions impact. Regarding methodology, this paper proposes a hybrid method SMARTS-Choquet with SMARTS-TOPSIS' to use in sensibility analysis. Multicriteria decision aid (MCDA) used considered selection and ordination. Results show eleven countries from 127 sustained their ranking positions using SMARTS-TOPSIS; whilst 126 countries changed completely using SMARTS-Choquet application, provoking a different perspective for investments in these countries; considering MCDA sensibility analysis. The Methodology consider innovation indicators' relevance, strongest indicators from each dimension, where selection for ordering a ranking where the sustainability aligned to innovation promotes a ranking with the countries more innovative but also sustainable countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the dynamic landscape of rapid change and the pervasive influence of the digital revolution, the discussion surrounding the impact of digital transformation on the innovation performance of firms has become a focal point of intense debate. This paper aims to contribute to the evolution and advancement of traditional organizations toward high-quality development by addressing this issue through the integration of technology into the framework, leveraging the resource-based theory. The study seeks to explore the influence of digital transformation on innovation performance, specifically examining the role of supplier concentration in this relationship. Additionally, we investigate the moderating effect of CEO financial experience on the association between digital transformation and innovation performance. Utilizing multiple regression methodologies and analyzing data from Chinese listed firms spanning the period from 2007 to 2022, our empirical findings reveal a direct positive relationship between digital transformation and innovation performance. Furthermore, the study uncovers an indirect pathway through which digital transformation enhances innovation performance by mitigating supplier concentration. Notably, the positive impact of digital transformation is amplified by a CEO's background in finance. Finally, the effect of digital transformation on innovation performance is particularly pronounced in sectors such as state-owned entities, advanced technology companies, large-scale businesses, and those in their maturity phase. These insights provide valuable contributions to addressing concerns related to digital transformation, particularly in emerging economies like China. The findings offer essential lessons for navigating the transition to Industry 4.0 and fostering sustainable innovative practices. By emphasizing the role of supplier concentration and the moderating influence of CEO financial experience, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of how digital transformation can positively impact innovation performance across diverse sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building growth technology is rapidly recognized globally as a key aspect in the future of construction projects. However, construction robotics and automation (CRA) have yet to undergo significant reality deployment. The latest substantial sustainability requirement is the necessary cause for the more extensive implementation of construction robotics and automation. Nevertheless, there are small attempts at a detailed investigation of the effect of using construction robotics and automation on the sustainability efficiency of buildings and construction. Still, structured advice for the building industry is lacking in this sense. The study in this paper represents the first step towards addressing by analyzing and examining the construction robotics and automation techniques and available innovations and, for the first time, creating a coherent system of metrics for measuring the sustainability efficiency of construction robotics and automation usage in buildings. The ultimate objective of the study must therefore be the creation of a rigorous and consistent methodology for evaluating, within this framework, the feasibility of construction robotics and automation in the construction projects context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current global sanitary crisis determined consumers to use e-commerce in all its forms. It has led to an expansion of e-commerce activity and increased associated risk, as companies must adapt quickly to new market conditions and cope with all the risks that arise in such context. This paper aims to identify and assess the relevant risks specific to e-commerce activity and prevent unethical behavior that is often associated with entities operating in this sector by consumers. The review of a significant part of the literature confirms that e-commerce business directly impacts performance and sustainability, being positively associated with organizational innovation. However, investigating the nature and intensity of the risks associated with the operational activity is difficult to assess. It is the main reason for mistrust increasing among many consumers and stakeholders. This research also derives from the fact that it provides real tools to prevent, reduce and even eliminate risks specific to e-commerce activities. Therefore, it could directly contribute to increasing the sustainability of businesses and gaining the trust of consumers regarding online shopping activities. An investigation was conducted in the following logical sequence: identifying the main risk categories and triggers; establishing the link between working hypotheses and the minimum threshold argumentation associated with them. According to the above, it is possible to establish a specific risk function for each risk category. To determine the minimum threshold of risk influence, the unitary risk assessment methodology was applied using a scale of values from 1 to 5, depending on the impact on the operational activity, performance, and sustainability of the e-commerce business. The research methods are specific to quantitative research, the object of the research being a sample of 208 economic entities operating in the e-commerce sector. The statistical analysis regarding the behavior of the most relevant financial indicators was achieved by collecting data from financial reporting and other internal sources. The results serve as an empirical confirmation regarding the specific difficulties encountered in e-commerce activity that need to be solved. Therefore, a dashboard was developed to monitor triggers by risk segments. The designed dashboard is intended to support management in the decision-making process to ensure business sustainability and improve the business model in line with the adopted business strategies. At the same time, with the help of the risk functions developed by risk segments, management could monitor and control the threats to which the operational activity in the online environment is exposed, which will lead to business consolidation and penetration of new online markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 3D Concrete Printing is an emerging technology compared to conventional construction. • This review is about a deep understanding of mix design and testing of printed concrete. • Understanding of various rheological and mechanical properties of printable concrete. • Effect of mix constituents on printed concrete with observations from the literature. • Call for establishing universally accepted standards for 3D Printable Concrete. This review paper aims to provide an inclusive characterization of the use of concrete in additive manufacturing by exploring the various parameters that affect the extrudability, pumpability, buildability, thixotropy, interlayer bonding, and anisotropy of concrete in 3D printing. The effects of using different materials, such as cement, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMS), fiber, superplasticizers, accelerators, aggregate, and nano clay, were examined in the concrete mix design. Results show that using cement, SCMS, and fibers in the concrete mix design can significantly affect the concrete's extrudability, pumpability, and buildability. Evaluating the properties of the concrete mixture, both in its fresh and hardened state, is crucial in determining the optimal mix design for 3D concrete printing. This assessment helps ensure that the resulting structure will have the desired performance. However, the long-term durability and sustainability of 3D-printed concrete structures are still uncertain. The paper concludes with a call for further research and development in the field of concrete in additive manufacturing, with a focus on developing a suitable concrete mix design and investigating the long-term durability and sustainability of 3D-printed concrete structures. Additionally, universally accepted standards for 3D-printed concrete structures should be established and implemented to ensure safety and longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper draws from two case studies of tech hubs in Nigeria and Kenya to investigate the importance of business models to the hubs' viability and sustainability as economic and social agents. Adopting the triple-layered business model of economic, social and environmental value creation, the study finds that the advanced, and growing, technological capabilities of the hubs are not matched with enough attention on innovative business models that can enable them to better capture value, expand the domestic markets, and compete at the international stage. We argue that a triple-layered orientation can be a win-win, integrated and mutually reinforcing model in which the hubs' social and environmental impact can enable them to better capture economic value through the development and deployment of advanced technological capabilities and innovative business models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this perspective, we present how three initial landmark papers on urban sustainability research contributed to the larger sustainability science scholarship and paved the way for the continued development of urban sustainability research. Based on this, we propose three conceptual innovation pathways to trace the progression of urban sustainability science: First, urban sustainability from a system's perspective, meaning that urban sustainability requires integrative solutions to work in the tripled social-ecological-technological system setting. Second, urban sustainability from a (people and place) relational perspective, meaning urban sustainability is a contested and dynamic social-ecological contract of cities. As a governance mission, urban sustainability requires evidence from research that can inform coordinated action to bridge people, places, meanings, visions and ecosystems. Third, urban sustainability from a transformative science perspective, meaning that for urban sustainability to be achieved and progressed, deep transformations are required in systems, relations, policies and governance approaches. Our proposal for the future of urban sustainability science centres on emphasizing the relevance and policy applicability of systems' thinking, value and place thinking and transitions/transformations thinking as fundamental to how knowledge is co-produced by research science, policy and society and becomes actionable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large-scale ecological damage caused by growth societies calls for economic degrowth in terms of a radical decrease in matter/energy throughput. This article examines the role of modern technology in degrowth with a focus on the question of agency and its ethical implications. After conceptualising technology as practice, the paper finds that while technological practice encompasses an agency for social change, it is restricted to transforming the non-human world to human-made objects. This is because in technological practice the world and its objects unfold as a standing-reserve for human use. Due to this calculative and anthropocentric thinking, technological practice does not and cannot support the emergence of a kind of agency that either does or can let things be. Moreover, the more technological the practice, the more objects are utilised. The paper concludes that technological practice does not support the transition to degrowth, because it directs its agents towards the continuous transformation of non-human-made objects into human-made objects resulting in an increase in cumulative throughput. The paper thus suggests that an ethos of releasement is needed to attain, as well as to live in, a degrowth society. The rationale provided for refraining from the technological practice in order to contribute to ecologically sensible social change is the chief contribution of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital age continues its advance, bringing with it remarkable technological possibilities. Such possibilities are founded upon an increasingly fine-grained electronic connectivity of people, places and objects allied to powerful data gathering and processing capabilities. Urban mobility of the future could be transformed, with developments such as: new forms of propulsion; new forms of vehicle control; changing business models of ownership and use; mobile technologies that equip and empower individuals; and opportunities to undertake activities without the need to travel. ‘Smart’ is the order of the day. Smart urban mobility conjures up a sense of new opportunity; of progress. However, what is really meant by smart? This paper examines this question, revealing a lack of consensus in terms of smart cities and a paucity of literature seeking to make sense of smart urban mobility. The paper considers how smart relates to sustainable, raising concerns about potentially dichotomous constituencies of commentators and discourses. Critical commentary associated with smart includes caution that large corporations are exerting significant influence in the era of smart in pursuit of goals that may not strongly align with those of urban planners concerned with social and environmental sustainability as well as economic prosperity. The paper puts forward and explores the following definition of smart urban mobility: “ connectivity in towns and cities that is affordable, effective, attractive and sustainable”. This is intended to help draw the paradigms of smart and sustainable closer together towards a common framework for urban mobility development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze the first experiences (activities, attitudes and inclinations) of an undergraduate student team with eco-design activities.Design/methodology/approach Undergraduate students of an industrial design course were invited to participate in the design project. The activities of students were carried out in the class titled in Japanese “Sogo Project” (Overall Project). The project is experimental learning based on pedagogical case studies that students propose practical designs with a sustainable approach.Findings According to the activities and attitudes of the student team, they showed interest in focusing on sustainable consumption and consequently leant towards a socio-cultural rather than a technological eco-design approach in their works. The barriers to design education for sustainable design were found, and the student team expressed that the available support tool during their design process was complex. They also expressed that the tool was not compatible with their academic skills and background.Research limitations/implications This paper has limited participants, resources, time and contextual scale. Few Japanese educators are skilled in eco-design, and eco-design modules are also poorly integrated into undergraduate and graduate industrial-design courses at Japanese universities.Originality/value The paper contributes to an initial discussion in the field of Japanese industrial-design education regarding the principles of and barriers to design education for sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reach the goal of sustainability, eco-innovation has been proposed as an effective mechanism and solution to help enterprises to reduce negative impacts on environment. However, with the advance of technology, the scope of eco-innovation becomes larger and complicated. In the past, very few articles discussed the evolution of technologies involving eco-innovation integratedly and systematically. It is worth to have a systematic review concerning the state of the art. The purpose of this study was to provide a holistic view to see the progression of the technologies which pushed forward the realization of sustainability in the past 2-3 decades. In this study, 55 research review papers were initially selected and analyzed to identify the technologies involving eco-innovation. Four technology-based eco-innovation dimensions were defined (green/sustainable product development dimension, business model integration dimension, green marketing and sustainable consumption dimension, and hybrid model construction and optimization dimension). Five case studies in the prior research were re-evaluated based on the identified technology-based eco-innovation dimensions. The results showed that most companies performed the best for the green/sustainable product development dimension. New technology and directions are needed for enterprises to strengthen the other three dimensions. Therefore, additional 76 papers were analyzed to provide suggestions concerning future technology directions for enterprises moving towards sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic libraries are currently experiencing a drastic change; this change has been necessitated with the introduction of the internet and the advancement of technology. Traditionally, academic libraries were the sole providers of information in the university environment. However, with the introduction of the internet, information access is scattered, and the academic library that previously used to enjoy the monopoly of being the only disseminator of information, now has competitors. The internet has changed the way information is accessed, packaged, shared and disseminated. Library users are changing the way they access information. Despite all these changes, academic libraries are yet to fully develop and embrace appropriate strategies to address these new realities. This paper highlights the significance of introducing innovative strategies in academic libraries for sustainability purposes, using business entrepreneurial theories, competing values framework and disruptive innovation theory in the transformation of academic libraries into a value addition organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Decoupling state of ecological footprint in 30 province of China is analyzed. • There are four decomposition indicators for decoupling. • Technological factors, and economic factors are important factors driving decoupling. • The methods of realizing environmental sustainability are discussed. Nowadays, economic development and ecological environment protection are difficult to synergize, which poses a challenge to global sustainable development. This paper uses the Tapio decoupling model to evaluate the decoupling between ecological footprint and economic growth, and uses the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) decomposition methods to identify the driving factors of decoupling at national and provincial levels. There are four driving factors: industrial structural, technological innovation, economic development, and population size. It is found that: (1) The ecological footprint of 28 provinces show an upward trend, with an average increase of 40.26%. Among them, the ecological footprint of three provinces in the northwest region increased by more than 100%, and there is an urgent need to reduce natural resource consumption and ensure resource sustainability; (2) The number of provinces with good decoupling show a change of first declining and then rising. Moreover, the spatial distribution characteristics of the decoupling state are obvious, with the northeastern region in negative decoupling; and (3) Technological innovation plays a positive and leading role in decoupling, with a contribution rate of 0.5402. However, economic development inhibits decoupling, with a contribution rate of 0.3829. According to the results, this paper suggests countermeasures and approaches to promote the decoupling of ecological footprint and economic growth, and establishes three key regional concerns. It provides a basis for further analysis of environmental governance in China. Not only that, the regulatory measures and methods proposed in this study will also help promote the decoupling process of other developing countries in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Several protection strategies of MICP in civil engineering compared in detail. • To further investigate the key factors that influence the effectiveness of MICP. • Potential of application prospects of MICP in civil engineering discussed. Microbially induced calcium carbonate deposition is a ubiquitous phenomenon observed in nature. Adhering to the principle of "learning from nature and incorporating it into practice", the innovative technology of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has been employed in the field of civil engineering to address limitations associated with traditional cementitious materials. By manipulating the microbial metabolic processes, MICP technology offers solutions for mitigating these inherent drawbacks. Extensive research has demonstrated that this technology possesses numerous advantages, including cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, low energy requirements, and controllable processes. As a result, it has emerged as a prominent and captivating area of study within the civil engineering field in recent years, representing a significant advancement in the development of modern cementitious materials. Building upon the current research progress in this field, this paper provides a systematic summary of the fundamental principles of microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation. It also discusses and summarizes the engineering properties of microbial mineralization and the current status of its application in the field of civil engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]