Search

As a traditional energy and carbon intensive sector, it becomes imperative for the global paper industry to realize green development. This paper aims to provide guidance for the green transformation of global paper industry by evaluating the global paper industry green development level in a systematic and dynamic way. This paper employs text-mining method to develop paper industry green development evaluation indicator system and adopts market-extended LCA model and entropy-TOPSIS method to calculate the paper industry green development level of 48 countries/regions. The results show that during 2000–2030 the paper industry green development level of developing countries improves faster than developed countries, where those of developing and developed countries increase from 0.3369 to 0.3938 and from 0.5120 to 0.5517 respectively and the gap between them narrows from 0.1751 to 0.1579. The comparative analysis reveals that the paper industries of developed and developing countries are in different green development stages. Developing countries, represented by China, improve greatly in economic and social dimensions, but decline seriously in ecological dimension due to enlarging resource consumption and environmental damages. On the contrary, developed countries tend to saturate in economic and social dimensions and have been improving fast in ecological dimension, gradually realizing the decoupling of industrial economic development and environmental damages. To further promote the global paper industry green development, developing countries should focus on promoting the coordinated development between economic growth and environment protection and developed countries should play a leading role in the global green transformation by promoting optimal allocation of resources and cross-regional communications of green technologies. • A paper industry green development indicator system is developed based on text mining. • A global paper industry green development model is built with market-extended LCA. • Complex interactions among the indicators are internalized in the evaluation. • A spatial-temporal analysis is performed on global paper industry green development level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a traditional energy and carbon intensive sector, it becomes imperative for the global paper industry to realize green development. This paper aims to provide guidance for the green transformation of global paper industry by evaluating the global paper industry green development level in a systematic and dynamic way. This paper employs text-mining method to develop paper industry green development evaluation indicator system and adopts market-extended LCA model and entropy-TOPSIS method to calculate the paper industry green development level of 48 countries/regions. The results show that during 2000–2030 the paper industry green development level of developing countries improves faster than developed countries, where those of developing and developed countries increase from 0.3369 to 0.3938 and from 0.5120 to 0.5517 respectively and the gap between them narrows from 0.1751 to 0.1579. The comparative analysis reveals that the paper industries of developed and developing countries are in different green development stages. Developing countries, represented by China, improve greatly in economic and social dimensions, but decline seriously in ecological dimension due to enlarging resource consumption and environmental damages. On the contrary, developed countries tend to saturate in economic and social dimensions and have been improving fast in ecological dimension, gradually realizing the decoupling of industrial economic development and environmental damages. To further promote the global paper industry green development, developing countries should focus on promoting the coordinated development between economic growth and environment protection and developed countries should play a leading role in the global green transformation by promoting optimal allocation of resources and cross-regional communications of green technologies. • A paper industry green development indicator system is developed based on text mining. • A global paper industry green development model is built with market-extended LCA. • Complex interactions among the indicators are internalized in the evaluation. • A spatial-temporal analysis is performed on global paper industry green development level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the complex network of industry space, this paper investigates the industry structure optimization in Jiangxi Province in China. For the prefecture-level cities in Jiangxi Province, the location quotient is applied to obtain the specialized sub-industries. The conditional probability is used to analyze the interdependencies between industries. The complex network of industry space is presented to illustrate the relatedness among industries and analyze the space and structure of the regional overall industry. The index of transitional potential is proposed to measure the potential of a non-specialized industry which will become a specialized one in the future. The transformation difficulty index of industry is obtained to analyze the difficulty level of the transformation of the original specialized industry set to a new specialized one of a city. The results show that more industries have positive than negative interdependencies with one another in Jiangxi Province; rare industries specialize in cities at higher-level GDP, and common industries dominate the cities at lower-level GDP; it is more difficult for rarer non-specialized industries to become specialized ones, more common non-specialized industries can become specialized ones more easily, and the cities with higher GDP can transform industries more easily. By discussing the industries that have positive interdependencies with existing specialized industries, the detailed direction of industry structure optimization is analyzed. Finally, the policy implications are proposed, and these can be applied to other developing countries. • The conditional probability is used to analyze the interdependencies between industries. • The complex network of industry space is presented to illustrate the relatedness among industries. • The index of transitional potential is used to measure the potential of a non-specialized industry becoming specialized. • The transformation difficulty index is the difficulty level of the transformation of the originally specialized industry. • The industry structure can be optimized by developing the industries that have positive interdependencies with existing specialized industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The landscape of employment has been significantly transformed with the rise of hybrid work, allowing teleworkable employees to blend traditional office environments with remote options. As the popularity of hybrid arrangements increases, understanding their effects on environmental and social sustainability becomes crucial. Existing studies have often been narrow in scope, examining only isolated aspects or short-to mid-term consequences, resulting in a lack of comprehensive understanding of the overall system-level environmental impact, including elements such as rebound effects, geospatial inequalities, and long-term implications. This paper offers new perspectives to study the energy and environmental sustainability of hybrid work across temporal scales, including the long-term effects under various socio-economic contexts. Furthermore, the paper delves into the idea of fully immersive hybrid work enabled by the metaverse to augment collaboration and communication. By filling these knowledge gaps, the perspectives presented in this paper aim to guide informed policy decisions and sustainable work practices. It is important to note that the geographical coverage of this study appears to be limited to the major economies, and the findings may not be fully applicable to developing nations. This approach helps maximize the environmental advantages of hybrid work while ensuring fair and inclusive work opportunities in diverse geospatial settings. [Display omitted] • Hybrid work's sectoral and environmental implications are reviewed. • Prior studies lacked long-term, geospatial, and system-level considerations. • Knowledge gaps on rebound effects and geospatial inequality are identified. • Holistic examination across various time frames and socio-economic scenarios. • Offer insights into sustainable hybrid work practices and policy decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental issues have become global challenges, so seeking an economic model to reach environmental sustainability is essential. As an emerging economic model, green finance is considered the most effective tool in promoting low-carbon economic transition. China, the largest economy among developing countries, faces environmental inferiority and increasing energy demand. This paper aims to discuss the effects of green finance on the low-carbon economic transition. This paper makes the policy of green financial reform and innovation pilot zones a quasi-natural experiment. It employs difference-in-differences (DID) model to analyze the impact of green finance on the low-carbon economic transition. This paper found that the low-carbon economic transition achieved good results within experimental zones after establishing a pilot zone for green finance reform and innovation. Furthermore, the parallel trend test results, complicatedly disturbing facts mitigating provincial differences, and placebo tests are still valid. Finally, we found that low-carbon economic transition solely takes effect significantly in eastern and central areas but is not significant in western areas. The paper suggests that green finance has played an apparent role in promoting low-carbon economic transition and provides essential reference and experimental evidence for future economic transition after analyzing the pilot zone for green finance reform and innovation policy. • Green finance is a crucial tool for achieving low-carbon economic transition. • Eastern and middle regions experienced significant effects. • The study provides valuable experimental evidence for future economic transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walking school buses and bicycle trains are highly favored mobility concepts to promote children's interest and safety in active travel to/from school, reduce private vehicle dependency and pollution in cities, and promote healthy lifestyles. So far, these supervised and environmentally-friendly modes of transport have been implemented in the Global North. However, the limited research on in-depth algorithms, modeling, mathematical optimization, and policy frameworks for these cleaner and sustainable transport modes is slowing widespread implementation, particularly in the Global South. Based on 49 selected papers, this systematic review elucidates the benefits, implementation challenges, optimization approaches, methodological gaps, and policies toward cleaner production of these transport modes. Reviewers collected relevant papers from the Web of Science, Scopus, Transport Research International Documentation, PubMed, and WorldCat. The results showed that comparatively, there is more research on walking school buses than bicycle trains, and gender-parity and disability research dimensions are non-existent. Methodologically, placement, scheduling, and routing optimization studies require improvement. Additionally, extensive consultations are necessary to formulate standardized guidelines and upgrade infrastructures to stimulate global implementation and adoption. This study explains knowledge gaps and policy ideas for the practical implementation and holistic development of these clean transport modes for schoolchildren. Sustainable Modes of Travel to School (SMOTS): Walking Buses & Bike Trains Addressed Unsupervised ATS Barriers. [Display omitted] • This study reviewed 49 papers on walking school buses and bicycle trains. • Placement, scheduling, and routing optimization studies require improvement. • Standardized guidelines are required to stimulate their global implementation. • Implementation would require an upgrade of walking and cycling infrastructures. • Mobility justice is overlooked as gender-based, and PWDs studies are lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climate crisis is recognized as one of the world's most serious concerns, posing a threat to environmental, social, and economic growth. However, previous work has failed to address the dynamic effects through which economic growth may affect green growth and climate crisis. In this research, we take a closer look at the impact of carbon emissions, eco-innovation adoption, and international collaboration on economic growth and the influence of economic growth on green growth. This paper used the generalized method of moments (GMM) for 54 African countries from 2010 to 2019, allied with an imbalanced panel of 540 observations. This paper finds a positive relationship between carbon emissions, eco-innovation international cooperation, and economic growth with p-values lower than 0.047. Our study discovers economic growth's robust and positive impact on green growth with a p-value of 0.009. This research finds a three-pronged mediating effect of economic growth between its driving factors and green growth. Lastly, this paper furnishes new visions into the argument over economic growth versus green growth. It informs policymakers of the need to pay attention to the growing effect of eco-innovation driving factors on attaining sustainable and greener growth and climate crisis mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to understand the effects of natural capital on environmental responsibility. Based on a sample of 28,402 firm-year observations from 60 countries between 2010 and 2018, the results show that natural capital negatively affects companies' environmental responsibilities. In particular, the availability of non-renewable natural capital leads firms to overexploit resources, leading to weaker engagement in environmental activities. We also show that the Paris Agreement in 2015 improved the focus of firms operating in natural capital–rich countries on environmental responsibility. Further evidence shows that the influence of natural capital on corporate environmental responsibility is more prevalent for firms in developing countries and manufacturing industries. This negative effect also holds for the emission-reduction and resource-use subdimensions of environmental responsibility. However, renewable natural capital positively affects environmental innovation. Our results are robust to endogeneity concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of climate change, the circular economy is attracting the attention of public authorities, international institutions, industry and academia. There is currently no consensus on its definition and it varies according to the sectors and actors. The objectives of this work are threefold: (i) to identify all the discourses and initiatives attributed to the circular economy in order to situate them according to whether they belong to weak or strong sustainability; (ii) to enhance the value of this information by centralizing it, and creating tools to facilitate its exploration and access; (iii) to analyze how these initiatives allow circular economy to address global sustainability. Questions regarding data sources and processing of this information were raised to facilitate the collection of relevant data. This work focuses on information published on social networks, in particular Twitter called X now. Several data processing techniques such as text mining, geocoding and knowledge graph generation are applied. Data visualization tools are used to show the distribution of the data on a spatial, thematic and temporal level. The results obtained confirm the over-representation of circular economy practices based on weak sustainability in developed countries, while circular economy initiatives based on strong sustainability are most common in the Global South. This paper provides evidence on the social contribution of circular economy, which is less addressed in the technocentric approach. [Display omitted] • Global circular economy initiatives are collected, analyzed and mapped. • Circular economy initiatives are classified as strong or weak sustainability. • Weak sustainability initiatives exist in Global North, strong ones in Global South. • The circular economy is reconciled with the social pillar of sustainability. • Circular Economy can be linked to theories of social and environmental justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present situation, renewable energy has become a vital source to mitigate energy crises and environmental threats. In order to ensure that women's contributions, knowledge and opinions represent a significant portion of the expanding energy sector, it is crucial to approach the development of renewable energy from a gender perspective. Bibliometric analysis was performed to identify prior research on two primary terms, "Gender" and "Renewable Energy", from 1995 to 2022. Identifying the most influential countries, authors, publications, journals, and co-occurrence of keywords helps to understand the evaluation and trends of the research through network visualisations by bibliometric approach. This paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric review of the influence of gender on renewable energy. The result of this paper gives details picture of the gender impact on renewable energy during the period from 1995 to 2022. The paper centred on bibliometric and cluster analysis based on the two most important databases, Web of Science and Scopus. The study involved utilising various bibliometric tools, including R Studio, VOSviewer, and Biblioshiny. The study revealed an increase in publications and citations during the third period since 2017, after the United Nations set the target of the Sustainable Development Goal. Most influential countries and productive authors belong to China, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom. Energy Research and Social Science are predominated in publications on the research topic. In addition, the co-occurrence of keywords found major keywords related to this topic, such as renewable energy, gender, women, knowledge, sustainability, climate change and sustainable development. Finally, the study observed a huge research gap because developing nations are more affected by the lack of gender-influencing policies on the growth of renewable energy. Thus, the study provides a comprehensive overview of research in this field that can help researchers and stakeholders identify potential ways for future research in gender considerations on renewable energy access by formulating effective policies to change society and reach the Sustainable Development Goals. • Gender has become a focal point of interest within the renewable energy sector. • Using network visualisation, bibliometric analysis examines research trends by keyword occurrence and country collaborations. • Publication, citation, journal, and authorship contribution trends are to be analysed. • The research growth across different periods was discussed for potential future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global energy landscape is experiencing substantial transformations, and the energy policies of various countries are also evolving under the influence of economic development and climate change mitigation. The Policies and Measures Database of the International Energy Agency assembles over 7000 pieces of information on energy policy from around the world and classifies them into four categories based on their objectives: addressing climate change policy, renewable energy policy, energy efficiency policy, and building energy efficiency policy. This paper aims to analyze the status quo of global energy policy development from these four aspects and examine the effectiveness of both aggregate and individual instruments utilizing an econometric model based on panel data analysis. Moreover, this paper analyzes the energy policy paths of six leading countries and compares the effectiveness of their policies. The results revealed that global climate policy plays a significant role in reducing carbon emission, while the performance of policies varies among different countries. Based on these findings, this paper provides reference for policymakers to formulate energy policies aligned with global and domestic requirements. [Display omitted] • Characterizing a full picture of global climate policy inventories. • Different policy instruments have varying performances in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. • The policy effectiveness varies across countries, better in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eradication of illicit drug crops in developing countries through international agricultural cooperation in alternative livelihoods is a new mode of clean production. This paper examines the market-oriented alternative livelihood (AL) model implemented by Chinese agricultural companies in Laos, focusing on land-based cooperation between these companies, local authorities, and communities. It aims to reveal the conditions for successful land-based cooperation and mutual trust building with local communities and government agencies. Three Chinese companies involved in alternative cultivation projects in Laos are selected as case studies. The findings highlight the market-oriented AL model as a beneficial approach to transition from illicit crop cultivation to clean production. The study emphasizes the importance of land-based cooperation and trust building for the sustainable operation of market-oriented alternative livelihoods. Challenges faced by the companies include managing international market risks and developing locally-led technical and management teams. The research underscores the need for inclusive innovation in land-based cooperation and alternative livelihoods in the Global South. It calls for further exploration of innovative approaches to inclusive cooperation, local empowerment, and capacity building. The study contributes to understanding the potential of international agricultural cooperation in promoting alternative livelihoods and sustainable development in illicit crop-growing regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite several research evaluating the connection between sustainability and the bottom line of firms, the existing research is inconclusive. In addition, most studies focus on multinational firms based in the United States or Europe, while research in the context of emerging economies is scant. This paper endeavours to investigate the strength of the association between Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosure scores and the financial performance of 272 Indian firms listed on National Stock Exchange for the period 2015 to 2021 by employing panel data regression techniques. The results indicate that organisations having better ESG performance outperform their industry peers financially and are valued more by the market. Moreover, the data indicates that financial markets for lenders consider ESG disclosure when determining creditworthiness. In accordance with this, businesses can examine their operations and become more aligned with eco-friendly methods. Even though ESG disclosure appears to be associated with improved financial success, this is not the case across all industries and during COVID-19 pandemic. This study is relevant due to the growing significance of sustainability and the role of emerging nations in international commerce. It helps managers prioritize resource allocations to ESG-related activities that may affect financial performance differently across industry sectors, thus adding to the literature on the financial effects of ESG disclosures, particularly industry-specific aspects. This research represents a pioneering effort by assessing the impact of ESG disclosure on the profitability, market value, and cost of financing of Indian firms using both aggregation and disaggregation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the emerging landscape of Industry 5.0, the integration of innovative technologies such as Cognitive Digital Twins (CDTs) is pivotal for steering industrial processes towards sustainability and inclusivity, particularly in developing nations striving to align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study explores the transformative capabilities of CDTs in Industry 5.0, concentrating on India's quest for inclusive and sustainable industrialization in alignment with SDGs. The inclusion of the TOE-HOT framework enriches the research's analytical foundation, providing a nuanced perspective to investigate the multifaceted dynamics of technology, organization, environment, and human aspects within the sphere of industrial evolution. By employing the Best-Worst Method (BWM), Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM), and MICMAC analysis, the study delves deep into the synergies between industrial strategies, technology, and sustainable development. The findings reveal the paramountcy of the Technological Dimension, emphasizing CDTs strategies like real-time optimization and data analytics, which are instrumental in dynamically adjusting manufacturing processes and fostering alignment with market demands. The research also stresses the roles of various CDTs strategies like strategic alignment, change management, job security, skill augmentation, and environmental compliance in industrial sustainability and inclusivity. The paper concludes with invaluable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers, emphasizing the necessity for a holistic, interconnected approach to fully harness the potential of CDTs in realizing the aspirations of Industry 5.0 and contributing to India's sustainable industrial advancement by 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the main driving forces that influence the sustainable innovation of enterprises based on a three-dimensional framework at the organization level, individual level and system level. Using data from China's Innovation Survey, which is in line with the Community Innovation Survey（CIS）, this paper examines the behaviours and strategies of Chinese enterprises' sustainable innovation. The study finds that China's sustainable and innovative enterprises are generally large-scale, are long lasting, have good profitability and invest more in R&D and environmental protection. And the sustainable innovation of state-owned enterprises is significantly more than other enterprises. The primary purpose of enterprises engaged in sustainable innovation is to reduce environmental damage, but financial constraints are still an important obstacle for enterprises to overcome to carry out sustainable innovation. In addition, enterprises with more conservative senior executives and more political connections to government do not prefer sustainable innovation. The institutional pressure exerted by external environmental regulations and the cost constraints alleviated by government environmental protection subsidies are the key factors affecting enterprises' sustainable innovation. In conclusion, depicting the real situation of Chinese enterprises' sustainable innovation behaviour based on the survey framework and data of systematically identifying enterprises' innovation behaviour is beneficial to provide examples for developing countries related to sustainable innovation research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backward production poses a critical global challenge, especially in developing countries. Differential Electricity Pricing (DEP) policy for energy-intensive industries aimed at countering backward productions since 2004 in China could be a promising and effective policy tool. This is a subject deserving of study, yet the policy effect is ambiguous. Hence, this paper delves into the impact of the DEP policy on backward production, specifically enterprise exiting, by utilizing differential estimations based on enterprise and urban data. Our findings consistently show that the DEP policy steadily increases the probability of energy-intensive enterprises opting to withdraw from the market, primarily driven by its effects on profits and investments. Notably, in the heterogeneity analysis, the DEP policy has more significant effects among non-state-owned, small-sized, and eastern enterprises. Furthermore, we establish a link between the DEP policy's effectiveness and local implementation, revealing that the stronger enforcement results in an enhanced DEP effect on backward production. In the further disscussion, it explores the DEP policy's repercussions on the industrial chain and cleaner production. In conclusion, valuable policy implications touching on industry, environment, overcapacity management, and enterprise exit strategies are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is actively advancing the integration of digital and real industrial economies, fostering a mutually beneficial cycle that could potentially drive new momentum for eco-friendly industrial development. The empowering effect of digital-real integration on industrial green transformation (IGT) requires urgent exploration. Based on China's industrial sector panel data from 2010 to 2020, this paper empirically investigates the relationship between digital-real integration and IGT and delves into its internal mechanism to verify the above hypothesis. Meanwhile, it analyzes the heterogeneous effects of digital-real integration on IGT, considering variations in industrial technology levels and the sources of such integration. The results demonstrate a positive impact of digital-real integration on IGT in China. The green technology and scale effects play pivotal roles in unleashing the green benefits of digital-real integration in the industrial sector. Notably, the contribution of digital-real integration to IGT varies across industrial subsectors with distinct technology levels. There is heterogeneity in the enabling effect of digital-real integration from different sources on IGT, and the integration of digital services and the real industrial economy has yet to achieve the expected green benefits. Our findings provide new scientific evidence for managers and policymakers in developing countries like China to promote industrial digitization and sustainable growth. This work informs the future discussion on digital-real integration topics from a global context. [Display omitted] • The degree of digital-real integration in China's industrial sector is estimated. • Digital-real integration significantly promotes industrial green transformation. • Digital-real integration acts as a driver through green technology and scale effects. • Digital-real integration from different sources varies in green empowerment effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the growing attention around industrial opportunities in African countries, the region is still struggling to enter the global competition. To seize opportunities and limit persisting risks, investors need to evaluate the most suitable country to locate or re-locate the supply chain relying on companies and sector requirements and considering all the variables. Researchers and practitioners have widely investigated methods and tools to support the decision-making process for location selection, primarily through the multi-criteria decision-making models. However, the criteria and approach required in developing countries are entirely different from developed ones primarily due to the variability and complexity of the context. As a matter of fact, there is no proof of integration of gap assessment elements and risk evaluation within the aim of multi-criteria decision-making models in emerging markets. This paper proposes a full-blown method that supports business leaders in the optimal foreign locations, integrating multi-criteria decision-making models (Analytic Hierarchy Process and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and cluster analysis (K-Means) with gap assessment evaluations. The proposed approach differs from the classical one in considering the distance between the selected options and target values, providing essential information to provide a risk assessment and positively affect the investment performance. The approach has been tested on African countries, considering a group of decision-makers from a Textile & Clothing Italian company. The results highlight that Mauritius is the most suitable location for the company, matching the current situation in the country. Moreover, the gap assessment phase provides crucial information about the main discrepancy in Mauritius, highlighting that there are still significant gaps in the "Environmental and territory conditions", "Local infrastructure," and "Technology and logistic supplier". [Display omitted] • The paper presents a managers-oriented method for locations selection in Africa. • It integrates multi-criteria decision-making models with gap assessment evaluations. • The case study on the Textile and Clothing sector provides crucial information. • Mauritius is the most suitable country, followed by Rwanda and Morocco. • Still, Mauritius presents a critical gap in environmental conditions and supplier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenhouse gas emissions and pollution emanating from fossil fuel-based vehicles present a major environmental problem worldwide. These problems are particularly pronounced and more challenging in developing countries. Electric vehicles are often touted as one solution to improving air quality in cities and reducing pollution. However, a smooth transition to electric vehicles in developing countries is not straightforward. This transition can be enhanced if the factors enabling and driving the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in developing countries are appropriately understood. However, our current knowledge, particularly regarding the manufacturing and servicing infrastructure required for BEVs, regulatory frameworks, and understanding of consumer demand in developing countries is still rudimentary. This paper develops a framework to explore the readiness of the upstream value chain players of BEVs in a developing country and provides a discussion on pathways for the transition. The framework builds on the Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) framework, as well as research on value chain analysis. Drawing on an analysis of original qualitative and quantitative data collected in Pakistan, which provides an interesting and relevant context for this research, the findings show that the transition to BEVs along the upstream value chain requires concerted development of technological capabilities and organizational capacity, as well as conducive policies, rules, and regulations. This paper develops and explains the relevance of the TOE framework in the unique context of upstream players in the value chain for BEVs. The key contribution of the paper is its development of a TOE-based structured instrument for measuring the readiness of upstream players in the BEVs value chain. The proposed framework serves as a diagnostic tool to track readiness for the adoption of electric vehicles in developing countries. In addition, the paper outlines possible pathways to enhance the transition to BEVs manufacturing. • TOE and value chain analysis provide valuable frameworks to understand challenges in the transition. • BEVs manufacturing is strongest in the organizational context, then technological & environmental contexts in Pakistan. • Strong upstream supply chains can make the transition easier. • Success in transition hinges on engaging the relevant stakeholders. • Phased manufacturing, nudges by government, and strategic collaborations can facilitate the transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive energy-related carbon emission intensity will lead to deterioration of environmental quality and hinder green economic growth. This paper proposes a novel self-adaptive fractional order grey generalized Verhulst model (SAFGGVM) to predict energy-related carbon emission intensity in China, America, India, Russia, and Japan with nonlinear and complex characteristics effectively. Firstly, self-adaptive fractional order and dynamic background value coefficient are introduced to capture the nonlinear evolutionary trends. Subsequently, the optimal nonlinear parameters are determined using Grey Wolf Optimization algorithm through comprehensive comparison. Furthermore, the flexibility of SAFGGVM is verified by presenting its relevance to existing models. Finally, the validity, applicability, and robustness of SAFGGVM are confirmed by comparing with two machine learning models and four grey prediction models. The empirical results exhibit that the overall precision of SAFGGVM model significantly prevails over the others in five cases, with MAPE values less than 6% in both the simulation and prediction intervals. The out-of-sample forecast results indicate that the energy-related carbon emission intensity of five countries will fall into 5.7024, 1.6030, 7.3668, 8.1633, 2.0399 tons/10,000 USD by 2025, and the decreasing rate of developing countries tends to catch up with, or even exceed, developed countries. Projection results can serve as a reference point for countries to achieve green and sustainable development. • A novel self-adaptive grey generalized Verhulst model is proposed. • Energy-related carbon emission intensity (ECEI) of five countries is predicted. • Optimal nonlinear parameters are determined by Grey Wolf Optimization algorithm. • The novel model is superior to other competing models in accuracy and roubutness. • Decline rate of ECEI in developing countries will catch up with developed countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accountability pressures on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) led by increased demand for transparency have placed considerable emphasis on sustainability reporting (SR) in NGOs as change agents. Yet, literature rarely examined its adoption by the third sector, especially from a developing country context. This research underscores the uptake of SR adoption in NGOs. It unpacks the influence of SR adoption and its challenges in a developing country. The paper draws on analysis of evidence gathered from four case studies and finds that central to the adoption of SR is the need to attract donations rather than the need to demonstrate impact through efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability in the use of donations. Stakeholder pressure, legitimacy, donor dependence, accountability, and media exposure were found to be major drivers of SR. Interestingly, this research reveals that culture, religion, lack of assurance, and unsupportive government policy are among the challenges of SR adoption. This research contributes to theory and practice by developing a framework that contextualises the mechanism of SR adoption and supports policy formulation as well as sustainable development agendas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) approaches are becoming increasingly widespread as environmental performance (EP) continues to be a significant aspect of developing a firm's socioemotional wealth, such as legitimacy, trustworthiness, and image. We draw on stakeholder and natural-resources-based view theories to investigate how CSR strategies may improve environmental performance via the underlying mechanism of green innovation (GI), especially in developing countries. Useable data was collected from 367 Maldivian and Moroccan service enterprises and analyzed using partial least squares (PLS-SEM) methodology. The findings indicated that external (Environment and Community) and internal (Employees) CSR-related approaches significantly impact environmental performance. Furthermore, the study suggests a mediation effect of GI on the CSR-EP nexus. Finally, this paper opens significant directions, enriches existing theories, and provides fascinating implications for SMEs professionals. • Examined the causal effect of internal and external CSR-related approaches on environmental performance. • External and internal CSR-related approaches significantly improve environmental performance. • No relation exists between CSR to consumer and environmental performance. • Green innovation partially mediates the External CSR - environmental performance nexus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims at creating a sustainability governance framework to assess the public transport companies in developing countries. In contrast to previous research studies, governance criteria, namely transparency and accountability, are involved in the sustainability assessment. Eventually, four dimensions of key performance indicators are suggested: economic, environmental, institutional and social. Each of them describes a completely different perspective of sustainable development. A numerical illustration is provided at the end to evaluate three public transport companies from a developed country to give an overview of the framework implementation using simple additive weighting method. • A sustainability governance indicator-based framework for public transport companies is designed. • This framework may promote for a sustainable transport companies particularly in developing countries. • This framework integrates the main pillars of transport sustainability and governance in one model. • Economic, environmental, social and institutional dimensions are involved through a set of up-to-date SMART indicators. • Transparency and accountability, are namely involved in this framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims at creating a sustainability governance framework to assess the public transport companies in developing countries. In contrast to previous research studies, governance criteria, namely transparency and accountability, are involved in the sustainability assessment. Eventually, four dimensions of key performance indicators are suggested: economic, environmental, institutional and social. Each of them describes a completely different perspective of sustainable development. A numerical illustration is provided at the end to evaluate three public transport companies from a developed country to give an overview of the framework implementation using simple additive weighting method. • A sustainability governance indicator-based framework for public transport companies is designed. • This framework may promote for a sustainable transport companies particularly in developing countries. • This framework integrates the main pillars of transport sustainability and governance in one model. • Economic, environmental, social and institutional dimensions are involved through a set of up-to-date SMART indicators. • Transparency and accountability, are namely involved in this framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent developments on climate change and sustainability have led regional and international environmental activists to exert pressure on firms to adopt and implement sustainable green initiatives. Implementation of green policies is, however, not free from obstacles. This research investigated the critical barriers to green human resource management (GHRM) implementation among Ghanaian firms. Seventeen barriers were identified and subsequently categorized into five major barriers. An interview was conducted with twenty human resource and environmental management professionals to pre-test the survey items. Later, one hundred and nineteen questionnaires were administered to selected chief executive officers (19), human resource managers (30), chief financial officers (30), and heads of employees (40) in selected firms. The Preference selection index (PSI) method was applied to rank the major barriers and sub-barriers. The economic barrier accounted for 23.3% of GHRM hindrances in the study area. Overall, the lack of financial resources scored (0.999), and emerged as the most critical barrier within the sub-barriers. The political and regulatory barrier (20.1%) came second, while the culture and education barrier (18.2%) ranked lowest. To mitigate the most critical barriers, the government and financial institutions can provide funding opportunities in the form of low-interest loans to organizations to design and implement green corporate policies and strategies. This paper adds to the existing green human resource management literature by investigating and analyzing GHRM implementation barriers within a developing country setting. This provides policy makers and practitioners with knowledge in designing suitable policies to counter environmental innovation obstacles and thereby promote GHRM implementation in Ghana and in similar economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water, energy, and food (WEF) are pivotal resources for the sustainable development of human society. Integrated assessment of the sustainable WEF nexus is essential to enhance resource efficiency and security, but there is a crucial gap to be filled in assessing the coupling relationship among sustainable WEF subsystems and improving multi-sectoral synergy. In this paper, a comprehensive indicator system for sustainable WEF nexus assessment was constructed based on theme-based frameworks and nexus thinking, and the combination weighting method based on game theory (GT-CW), the improved TOPSIS method based on gray relation degree (GRD-ITOPSIS), and the coupling coordination model were proposed for integrated assessment. The sustainability of WEF nexus in 30 regions of China from 2010 to 2019 was assessed and the spatiotemporal differences of the coupling coordination degree of sustainable WEF nexus were analyzed. The results revealed that the sustainability of WEF subsystems evidently affected the overall sustainability of regional WEF nexus. The change range of sustainable WEF nexus in different years was slightly lower than that of a single subsystem. The sustainability of WEF subsystems were highly coupled, and the WEF nexus in each region was within the coordinated development range. However, most eastern regions were at the intermediate coordinated development stage, and some western regions maintained at primary coordinated development stage for a long time. According to the results analysis, specific policy recommendations were proposed. The findings of this study can provide a useful reference for developing countries to improve resource management and promote sustainable development. [Display omitted] (1) Sustainable water-energy-food nexus in 30 regions of China was assessed. (2) Combination weighting method was optimized by game theory. (3) TOPSIS method was optimized by gray relation degree. (4) The synergy among WEF nexus were analyzed by coupling coordination degree. (5) The WEF nexus in each region was within the coordinated development range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mismanaged plastic waste is a major environmental concern, especially in countries of the Global South. Municipal solid waste management can not only alleviate environmental problems but also create jobs and promote local economic growth. However, providing appropriate waste management services is costly. The question is to what extent waste management policies that have proven to be successful in other geographies can help solve the challenge in developing countries. Specifically, the economics and financial flows along the value chain need to be known. In this paper, we shed light on these questions by presenting a novel, model-based method to elicit and assess the cost structure of the recycling sector in developing countries. We exemplify our method with plastics waste management in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana—an area particularly challenged by plastic waste. For this purpose, we surveyed over 80 participants of the waste management value chain and combined the data with insights from expert interviews and workshops. Based on this data, we built a bottom-up model with 67 parameters, reflecting all cost positions in the waste management value chain. We found that street waste pickers are the poorest and most vulnerable, earning only a fraction of the already low minimum wage. Middlemen and aggregators, while often being criticized for their earnings, also provide social-security-like services to waste pickers. In addition, formal and informal recyclers differ not only in earnings and size but also in recyclate quality where the informal sector provides higher quality. [Display omitted] • Analysis of formal & informal plastic waste management value chain in Accra, Ghana. • New bottom-up method for estimating & modelling true cost of waste management. • Waste pickers abstain from necessary safety equipment to achieve positive returns. • Formal recycling structures allow for scaling but reduce recyclate quality. • Substantial investments are needed to scale up recycling capacity and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the energy service companies (ESCOs) in China from the perspective of technological capability (TC) development. The conventional capability development model of manufacturing in emerging economies has been adapted to examine the four dimensions of TC (investment, production, linkage and innovation) through a qualitative analysis of multiple case studies. Small and medium-sized private ESCOs can perform well based on investment and production capabilities to develop energy management software competence. Large state-owned ESCOs can develop more advanced linkage and innovation capabilities and serve large-scale businesses with more specialist services. For small and medium-sized ESCOs, competitiveness, customers and related business strategy are the primary drivers of TC development. These drivers are essential for large ESCOs, but government support and pressure are also important. The framework developed can be used to research ESCOs and other service providers in other developing countries. • Energy Service Companies have different levels of technological capabilities. • The development of these capabilities is driven mainly by internal factors. • The basic technology level depends on investment and production capabilities. • Development starts with the investment and production of simple technologies. • The advanced technology level requires linkage and innovation capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Punjab is the largest province of Pakistan and consumes most of the national energy resources. Electricity is considered as one of the major needs of time. Planning problem in Power sector has given rise to unwanted electricity shortfall, inefficiencies, supply shortage and subsidization leading to circular debt etc. Major generation is from non-renewable energy sources resulting in higher emissions of greenhouse gases. This paper by using Long Range Energy Alternative Planning (LEAP) System forecasts electricity demand and compares four supply scenarios i.e., Business as Usual Scenario (BAUS), Coal Scenario (CS), Oil Scenario (OS) and Green Punjab Scenario (GPS) from the year 2019 till 2050. The results of the study indicate that electricity demand in 2050 would be 279.7 TWh for Punjab. GHG emission will be 45.5, 58.3 55.0 and 24.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in BAUS, CS, OS and GPS respectively. The study suggests that the electricity generation from Green Punjab Scenario is the cheapest in terms of cost and it gives less than 50% of GHG emissions when it is compared with all other scenarios. Therefore, the energy sector of Punjab should be incentivized in electricity generation based on renewable resources in order to increase their contribution in overall energy mix and reduce global emissions. This research will be helpful for developing countries particularly of South Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to affordable renewable energy and clean water are among the most prominent challenges humankind faces to ensure a non-discriminatory comfort of living. Innovation in system engineering meets with new energy carriers, enabling synergistic effects defined as "sector-coupling". For instance, hydrogen and Reversible Solid Oxide Cells (rSOCs) are innovative technologies that yield multiple valuable effects. This paper evaluates the impact of such technology in novel PV-hybrid storage mini-grids with close access to seawater, achieving simultaneous renewable energy storage and seawater desalination thereby. The novel mini-grid operation is simulated in archetypal rural communities from developing countries (Sub-Saharan Africa) for 365 days of operation. The study encompasses three development scenarios in agreement with sustainability policies in force. The analysis of results allows finding the fittest mini-grid asset to achieve techno-economic optimization. A trade-off solution is identified with a critical reading of results in a future perspective: the Levelized Cost Of Electricity (LCOE) for a system with at least 70% renewables penetration is in the range of 0.29–0.43 €/kWh, while the rSOC runs with the only energy storage task. Moreover, the availability of seawater pushes LCOE below 0.20 €/kWh since it is also possible to benefit from the desalination function. This result aligns with the most economic mini-grid asset that can be implemented while embedding a significant energy performance increase. • A brand-new technology is proposed to tackle the critical water-energy nexus. • Heterogeneous metrics are introduced to quantify cross-sectoral integration effects. • Tanzania's development scenarios are analyzed. • Sector coupling produces positive leverage on the unitary cost of electricity. • Optimal mini-grid asset forecasts LCOE<0.200 €/kWh and water availability up to 0.4 L/day/p. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]