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Following a series of global events completely outside of its control, the aviation industry has started to look once again to the future. The focus can now turn from crisis management towards investing in the future of the infrastructure, the technology and the way that services are delivered to passengers and stakeholders. Recovery must, however, be achieved within the constraints of industry best practice in sustainability, new technologies and, of course, available financial resources. Never before has the importance of achieving a demonstrable return on investment (ROI) been placed on every airport development project, irrespective of scale. This paper provides an overview of how ROI can be built into airport projects, how it can be achieved and how it can be measured. The paper also highlights the importance of ROI as a corporate strategy that is reflected through every aspect of airport development and operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The 21st Century mining industry holds promise for smart and sustainable mining practices. • Technological advancements and an adequately skilled human workforce are key to migrating from command-and-control systems to integrated and intelligent remote operation centres (I2ROCs). • To date, few mining companies have achieved integrated remote operation centres IROCs, partially due to siloed data and privacy issues. • Our study reveals that I2ROCs can bridge the gap between digitalisation strategies and the implementation of new technology, in a people-centric environment. The futuristic view of smart mines is the attainment of automated self-governed mines without human intervention throughout the value chain. However, reality entails a hybrid environment where humans and machines must effectively work together, with a bias towards machines highly aiding human capabilities. The minerals industry will require systems, processes and strategies to navigate this hybrid environment and transitional period. In this work, we focus on the role that integrated remote operation centres (IROCs) will play in ensuring that mining companies continue to get value from technological advancements during the transformation period. A review of IROC implementations by leading mining companies revealed that most functions in IROCs are powered by low-level artificial intelligence, in which most capabilities are goal-oriented. In this situation, automated machines and processes are programmed to accomplish specific tasks without a two-way intelligent interaction with humans. An integrated and intelligent remote operation centre can provide additional benefits. We refer to such a facility as I2ROC. I2ROCs offer opportunities beyond the traditional command-and-control capabilities by providing analytical insights and the interaction between people and machines, which contributes to better decision-making, ultimately improving performance measurability. In this paper, several enablers of I2ROCs are identified, as well as drivers that will accelerate I2ROCs' attainment. The human element is critical in achieving the 21st Century mining model. As such, this paper takes a two-dimensional approach focusing on the role of humans and technology in the future mining model. Key factors are explored, such as the required skillset and how these skills can be enhanced. Specifically, we present essential elements defining I2ROCs and the critical requirements for a digitalised workforce fit for operation within I2ROCs. Our findings provide a comprehensive framework for multiple stakeholders to collaboratively pursue I2ROCs through effective education, training, and governance, fostering a more sustainable and resilient future. [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]

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]

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]

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]

This paper offers a forest operations perspective in environmentally sensitive areas in Europe and the United States. The objective is to help inform key sustainability knowledge gaps in forest operations to reduce impacts on the environment and the equipment operators in these increasingly targeted and difficult to operate in areas. Under existing guidelines and best management practices, the protection of ecosystem services linked to soil, water, wildlife and biodiversity have rightly received the highest considerations. However, the connection between protecting these ecological values, safe operational practices and technological advancements is rarely well articulated. One means to address the operational and technological gap is the selection of equipment and tailor the work conditions to terrain type, forest features and management objectives. To that effect, this paper discusses the environmental, planning, equipment selection and operator considerations and proposes possible solutions and guidelines to contain both the operators’ safety and environmental risks in forest operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of new energy technologies may lead to public resistance and contestation. It is often argued that this phenomenon is caused by an inadequate inclusion of relevant public values in the design of technology. In this paper we examine the applicability of the value sensitive design (VSD) approach. While VSD was primarily introduced for incorporating values in technological design, our focus in this paper is expanded towards the design of the institutions surrounding these technologies, as well as the design of stakeholder participation. One important methodological challenge of VSD is to identify the relevant values related to new technological developments. In this paper, we argue that the public debate can form a rich source from which to retrieve the values at stake. To demonstrate this, we have examined the arguments used in the public debate regarding the exploration and exploitation of shale gas in the Netherlands. We identified two important sets of the underlying values, namely substantive and procedural values. This paper concludes with two key findings. Firstly, contrary to what is often suggested in the literature, both proponents and opponents seem to endorse the same values. Secondly, contestation seems to arise in the precise operationalization of these values among the different stakeholders. In other words, contestation in the Dutch shale gas debate does not arise from inter- value conflict but rather from intra- value conflicts. This multi-interpretability should be incorporated in VSD processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The information gap between businesses and consumers concerning the sustainability impacts of products and services is considered a key obstacle impeding sustainable consumption. To that end, mobile technologies, such as QR codes, have been identified as a useful tool that can bridge this information gap by providing consumers with sustainability-related product information at the point of purchase. However, the literature offers scarce insights into the factors that influence consumers' intention to use QR codes for sustainability-related product information in daily consumption decisions. This paper investigates this relationship in two studies of consumer acceptance of QR codes. Study 1 utilises the Technology Acceptance Model to study the factors that may affect consumers' intention to scan QR codes with sustainability information. The results show that the perceived ease of use and the perceived usefulness of the QR codes are significant predictors of consumers' attitudes towards and intentions to scan QR codes. Further analysis shows that QR codes visuals and written appeals may also affect scan intention. The extant literature lacks evidence from investigations of real-life behaviour. Study 2 contributes to this gap in the literature by investigating the usage of QR codes in a field experiment. The results show an overall scan rate of 4.22% for the QR codes, with consumers scoring high on perceived usefulness of QR codes, perceived sustainability quality of the product and preference for using QR codes in the future. Importantly, QR codes with a suggestive appeal were scanned at higher rates than that of QR codes without such appeal. The paper thus responds to calls for research on how companies can leverage marketing innovations using technology to communicate sustainability-related product information to consumers and stimulate sustainable consumption. • Marketing innovations in the form of QR codes can facilitate sustainable consumption. • In collaboration with a large firm, I conduct two studies: a nationally representative survey and a field experiment. • Findings reveal that several behavioural factors are likely to influence consumers' intention to scan the QR codes. • Consumers also state preferences for the QR codes with regards to visual cues, message appeals and placement. • Overall, the two studies reveal the QR codes as a useful avenue to communicate sustainability-related product information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based on a discussion developed by one of the thematic working groups at the Biennial International Workshop Advances in Energy Studies (BIWAES) 2017 hold in Naples, Italy. The topic was the role of technology in energy transition and global problems. Owing to the heterogeneity of the participants in the working group, different viewpoints were put together, leading to some shared conclusions. In particular, the role played by the different narratives used in discussing the role of technology in facing global problems was pointed out as the origin of cognitive dissonance. The presented reflections address some conceptual weaknesses in the current debate on technology and global issues, framed in global policies that appear incapable to obtain tangible results. The technology optimism seems, in fact, to be based on the elusive use of both the concepts of technology and sustainability, that are put together for narrative purposes without an explicit conceptual assessment. On one hand, the factual role of technology and its beneficiary are almost never clearly addressed in the debate. On the other hand, the fact that any new technology will serve the cause of sustainability is not questioned whatsoever, without taking into account the social, political and ethical framework in which technology is supposed to be operated. • Thematic working groups at the BIWAES 2017 Conference. • Conceptual weaknesses in the current debate on technology are addressed. • The questions "Technology for what?" and "Technology for whom?" are mandatory. • There is a strong need for a correct contextualization of technology debate. • A shared and openly-described narrative is mandatory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Emerging manufacturing technologies can affect the performance of manufacturing systems considerably. Hence, a proportionate and purposive choice of such technologies would significantly impact the success of a firm. Additive Manufacturing, a leading and impactful technology, is being implemented in many industrial sectors and for a variety of reasons. It presents huge potential benefits in terms of sustainability perspectives. This paper aims to identify and prioritize the determinants of its adoption as well as to clarify the role of sustainability benefits in the decision to adopt. Then, the research seeks to distinguish the priorities of different application sectors through a multi-stage survey. The results show that environmental sustainability benefits are barely relevant to adoption decisions in practice and this is in contrast with the literature stating the huge sustainability benefits. Moreover, the results prove the pivotal role of economic motives in adoption decisions. The findings also indicate that the capability of additive manufacturing for producing almost any complex design is the key driver of its adoption in all sectors. Highlights • The key determinants of the additive manufacturing's adoption were explored. • The role of sustainability dimensions in adoption decision was elucidated. • Industries' priorities in using additive manufacturing are being distinguished. • The primary role of economic motives in adoption decision. • The ancillary role of environmental and social motives in adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the various renewable energy sources, biohydrogen is gaining a lot of traction as it has very high efficiency of conversion to usable power with less pollutant generation. The various technologies available for the production of biohydrogen from lignocellulosic biomass such as direct biophotolysis, indirect biophotolysis, photo, and dark fermentations have some drawbacks (e.g., low yield and slower production rate, etc.), which limits their practical application. Among these, metabolic engineering is presently the most promising for the production of biohydrogen as it overcomes most of the limitations in other technologies. Microbial electrolysis is another recent technology that is progressing very rapidly. However, it is the dark fermentation approach, followed by photo fermentation, which seem closer to commercialization. Biohydrogen production from lignocellulosic biomass is particularly suitable for relatively small and decentralized systems and it can be considered as an important sustainable and renewable energy source. The comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of biohydrogen production from lignocellulosic biomass and its comparison with other biofuels can be a tool for policy decisions. In this paper, we discuss the various possible approaches for producing biohydrogen from lignocellulosic biomass which is an globally available abundant resource. The main technological challenges are discussed in detail, followed by potential solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of new technologies and techniques for industrial carbon reduction has risen to prominence in contemporary engineering and economics studies, a trend triggered by rising levels of concern regarding climate change. Within this context, the scientific literature puts emphasis on energy topics and energy policy. Studies from the social science, economics and management science perspectives would benefit from a coherent and recognized taxonomy of the subthemes, a taxonomy that spans disciplines and guides studies of the carbon reduction and technology (CRT) debate in the various industrial sectors. This paper identifies and analyses the existing body of literature; it systematically reviews a set of 3310 scholarly contributions. The study also conducts a semantic social network analysis from that dataset's keywords, identifying promising core themes. Findings include the need for more management research in this field, the need for an interdisciplinary research agenda. We also observe a growing contribution of the Chinese academy to this complex and diversified debate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In late 2006, the New Zealand Government embarked on a series of initiatives to explore how the resources and expertise of eight, small, state-owned science research institutes could be combined efficiently to support science teaching in schools. Programmes were developed to enable students and teachers to access and become involved in local science research and innovation, with the aim being to broaden their awareness of New Zealand science research contexts, adding authenticity and relevance to their school studies. One of these initiatives, known as Science-for-Life, partnered scientists with teachers and students in primary and secondary schools (K-12). A key output from the trial phase of Science-for-Life was the generation of a framework for guiding and coordinating the activities of the eight institutes within the education sector, to improve efficiency, effectiveness and promote sustainability. The framework, based on data gathered from a series of interviews with each institute's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), an online questionnaire, and informed by findings from trial partnership case studies published as institute technical reports and published articles, is presented in this paper. While the framework is developed from New Zealand data, it is suggested that it may be useful for coordinating interactions between multiple small science organisations and the school sector in other small-nation or state contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This introduction to the special issue on managing knowledge and technology for sustainable development in Africa outlines the background to it and the technological transformation occurring in, and necessary for, African countries. It then discusses the papers presented and concludes with a section on the way forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines how designers can help business and science become mutually responsive to each other for the acceptability, sustainability and societal desirability of novel bio-materials used in additive manufacturing and contributing to the circular economy. The paper presents the concept of responsible research & innovation (RRI) which aims for mutual responsiveness between scientists and other stakeholders about the future impacts of innovation. Such a dialogue presents challenges when the science is still uncertain and values conflict, but a scientific-designer approach can support RRI through the creation of physical artefacts. This creates a dialogue with the potential to integrate or knot together differing values and understandings. • Responsible research innovation (RRI) can respond to concerns about innovation impacts. • Concerns about innovation impacts are a challenge when science is uncertain and scientists and stakeholders' values differ. • A scientific-designer approach in upstream innovation development can address concerns about innovation impacts. • Designed artefacts can knot differing values and understandings thus enabling responsible research innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]