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The internet of things (IoT) is an emerging technology that has taken great relevance in the current socioeconomic context, especially in the business environment, due to its ability to generate competitive advantages. Its adoption presents challenges, such as understanding the value proposition, staff training, and ensuring connectivity and compatibility. In addition, it is crucial to establish the technological maturity of the IoT in enterprises to determine their current state and take steps to address these challenges. In this study, a bibliometric analysis of 431 articles from different scientific databases was performed using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer tools to determine the current state of the domain. The results indicate that the field is booming, with an annual growth rate of 22.58%. Its conceptual structure is composed of the IoT implemented in different contexts, in conjunction with the influence of sister technologies such as big data and blockchain, suggesting limited specificity in establishing the maturity of the enterprise IoT. Countries such as China and Brazil were found to be at the forefront in the area. A promising aspect is establishing standardized ways to measure technological maturity and provide guidelines for improving internet of things adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elementary components of the global business environment and market are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which play an important role in the economy through the implementation of their business activities. Naturally, they are threatened by the effects of global crises, which appeared to a considerable extent during the COVID-19 pandemic, with ongoing effects on the business sector until the present. This article aims to verify the effectiveness of systems of crisis management, risk management, and business continuity management (CM, RM, and BCM) in increasing the resilience and sustainability of SMEs during a specific global crisis. The authors provide statistical verification of hypotheses using data from the results of a nationwide questionnaire conducted on small and medium-sized enterprises. Based on the results, the effectiveness and positive effect of the CM, RM, and BCM systems in reducing the effects of specific crises on small and medium-sized enterprises have been demonstrated. Companies with a higher level of implementation of the systems generally showed a better handling of the crisis period, while the negative effects of the crisis on their business activities were significantly reduced. These conclusions bring knowledge that complements and supports the previous claims of other authors in the field of crisis management. Due to the lack of empirical research in this area, the results offer an important basis for further investigation of the effective use of CM, RM, and BCM in the context of economic security. Regarding the increasing level of globalization, it can be assumed that similar crises affecting supply chains and the world economy can be expected in the future. Considering the high variability and associated instability of the global business environment, the authors suggest focusing future research on new types of risks and threats primarily associated with technological progress and the shaping of the future character of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental ethics highlights the values and principles involved in combating environmental problems such as pollution, species and habitat loss, and climate change. The main objective of this study is to provide an overview of environmental ethics-related academic studies to highlight the main aspects and future research trends. This study is based on various studies from the national and international specialized literature. The methodology used consists of a quantitative research through a bibliometric analysis as well as the analysis of several indicators relevant to the study. The sample analyzed consists of 981 academic articles published between 1975-2023. The results indicate a clear direction toward the expansion of the research field, especially among researchers from the economic and ecological fields.

From the perspective of investment-driven to innovation-driven for high-quality development, this study discussed an influence mechanism of investment structure optimization on the industrial agglomeration degree and its growth path of balanced regional economics. We put forward assumptions about their relationship with a mediator of the regional innovation capability and a moderator of the market-oriented business environment to solve problems of the regional economic gap to accelerate the construction of a unified national market in China. We used the regional industrial data of 31 provinces in China from 2004 to 2017 to verify these hypotheses. Finally, we found that regional innovation capability completely moderates the relationship between investment structure optimization and industrial agglomeration degree, and the market-oriented business environment adequately moderates the relationship. This result shows that regional innovation capability and market-oriented business environment restrict industrial agglomeration degrees and accelerate the integration of diversified capital. So, improving the investment of human capital and R&D capital is the key to solving the regional economic gap. It has enriched the research of high-quality development and provided necessary enlightenment for the practical application of regional industrial economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to review and understand Vietnam’s measurement of competitiveness for its local authorities. This paper delves into the application of two fundamental metrics, namely the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) and the Department and District Competitiveness Index (DDCI). As Vietnam continues its trajectory of rapid economic development and regional integration understanding the dynamics of competitiveness at subnational levels has great importance. Drawing upon an overview of the competitiveness concept, case study, and perspectives, the article provides a holistic understanding of subnational competitiveness metrics in Vietnam. Results offer valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders involved in subnational development strategies and economic governance frameworks in Vietnam and beyond. This study also indicates future opportunities and challenges within research on pillars/indices, indicators and their impacts on creating the ease of doing business at subnational level.

The tax burden and induced costs of regulation may affect the competitiveness of the economy and, in the context of current digital transformation trends, determine the ability of businesses to compete in terms of digital readiness. Regulatory competitiveness is very closely linked to the quality and performance of country's public institutions. This paper examines the tax and regulatory burden on businesses in EU countries and assesses the tax and regulatory competitiveness of the business environment in these countries. The research is mainly based on an empirical analysis of secondary data. On the basis of selected indicators of the tax and regulatory burden on businesses obtained from the World Bank's database (Doing Business), we examine the situation in EU countries. We use the method of a hierarchical and nonhierarchical cluster analysis to categorize countries into relatively homogeneous groups. According to our results, Slovakia has a similar level of tax and regulatory competitiveness as the Czech Republic and Portugal. Furthermore, we evaluate Slovakia's strengths and weaknesses in international comparison. The results show, among other things, that the financial costs of administrative tasks required due to business regulations are relatively low in Slovakia. On the other hand, the time to complete administrative tasks is long and the tax burden on businesses is relatively high in Slovakia.

This article delves into the intricate interplay among digitalization, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the business environment in the Balkans, presenting a robust framework to comprehend and navigate these intertwined influences. As digital transformation swiftly reshapes global business landscapes, its accelerated adoption during the pandemic has proven crucial in adapting to new economic realities. This study investigates how businesses across the Balkans have navigated these dual pressures, examining their adoption of digital technologies, shifts in consumer behavior, and the resilience of entrepreneurial ventures amidst uncertainties induced by the crisis. The research is guided by the question: What is the interplay between digitalization and the pandemic in restarting business activities? Insights include associations found between digitalization and the DiGiX 2022 index, and the correlation between restarting business and the annual real GDP growth rate in 2023. Moreover, the study explores how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), reflecting its broader economic effects. By synthesizing these elements, the framework aims to offer strategic guidance to businesses and policymakers navigating the evolving digital landscape and pandemic-induced challenges in the Balkans.

This research was conducted to design a model to influence the strategic orientation and management of export market orientation on export performance in business environment transformations. The method of this research is Grounded theory. For this purpose, the topic was investigated by interviewing experts who were selected by a purposeful method of judgment from the managers and marketing experts of 52 sample exporting companies in Isfahan province in 2020. The validity of the interview questions was assessed with the Binominal test and the reliability was assessed with the Cronbach's alpha test. The research results indicate that; Strategic export orientation, export market orientation, and export performance are the three main pillars of exports in the trans formatives. To direct an effective export strategy in the current situation, six key factors of information systems strategy, customer-oriented engineering strategy, increasing innovation strategy, Competitive orientation strategy, learning orientation strategy, and cost control strategy must be included. Moreover, the results of the analysis aimed at extracting four components for export market orientation, including; Virtual marketing, distribution through capillary networks, video branding, and health brand led. Furthermore, the results of content analysis for export performance include 2 components financial and operational. Examining the export performance in transformations should be considered as the contribution of the article in the management of knowledge in the field.

Digital technologies and digitalization represent a growing trend across countries in Europe, especially for developed economies and markets. Today, it is commonly acknowledged that an important factor for the SMEs’ competitiveness, growth, and success, is the implementation of digital innovation and new tools. The varied and multidimensional reasons that either help or prevent SMEs from adopting digital tools and innovation, nevertheless, are numerous, and the ability of SMEs in Europe to obtain digital advancement and innovation is examined in this paper in relation to the influence of external factors such as governmental policies. By analysing different governmental policies among the EU, the aim of this paper is to establish a connection between various regulations and the innovation performance of Romanian SMEs.

Russian aggression adversely affected the economy of Ukraine and emphasized the need to adapt the best practices of EU countries to determine steps to restore the country’s competitiveness. This study aims to determine the influence of the innovative development of countries on their competitiveness and identify prospects for Ukraine’s post-war economic recovery. The study constructed neural networks to assess the relationships between the factors of innovative development and the competitiveness of the EU countries and Ukraine. Six main factors of innovative development of countries are identified: “innovations in business (S1),” “intellectual property (S2)”, “innovations in industry (S3),” “eco-innovations (S4),” “innovation management (S5),” and “digital innovations (S5).” Groups of factors are determined by the strength of influence (strong, moderate, or weak). For Ukraine, S1 and S6 have a strong effect (33.3%), S5 shows moderate (16.7%), S2, S3, and S4 show weak effects (50%). For EU countries, S1 and S6 have a strong influence, S2 and S3 – moderate, S5 and S4 – weak. This comparative analysis concluded that EU countries consider intellectual property, green economy, and state innovation policy as key components of their competitiveness. The results discovered a weak relationship between intellectual property protection, innovation in industry, and competitiveness of Ukraine compared to EU countries. However, digital innovations significantly and positively affect Ukraine’s competitiveness.

The business environment is a critical element in promoting high-quality urban economic development. To evaluate the quality of the business environment in Chinese cities, we first build a business environment evaluation system in this paper. Then using the entropy weight, Dagum Gini coefficient, β-convergence model, and Markov chain method, we evaluate and analyze the development level, spatial differences, and dynamic development patterns of the business environments in 278 cities in China from 2003 to 2019. Our findings reveal that the overall business environment level in Chinese cities is not high. There are significant differences in business environment levels between megacities, large cities, and small–medium-sized cities, and within-group differences and between-group differences are the main reasons for the differences in business environment levels. However, the contribution rate of within-group differences shows a downward trend, while the contribution rate of between-group differences shows an upward trend. In addition, the business environment levels in Chinese cities have spatial correlation, and the national and three major city groups' business environment levels exhibit strong absolute and conditional β-convergence processes. Finally, the business environment levels in Chinese cities demonstrate path dependence, which is typified by low mobility and makes achieving upward mobility challenging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of the domestic economy, especially since the 11th Five-Year Plan period, the Guizhou tourism industry has welcomed development opportunities and rapid growth. Tourism has become the pillar industry of Guizhou and explores how to transform from a large tourism province to a strong tourism province. This paper aims to study the economic impact of the Guizhou tourism business environment based on the computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. Along with that, this study also analyzed the economic impact of the tourism business environment in Beijing and Shanghai. From the perspective of input and output, this paper regards the tourism business environment as a constraint for the development of tourism, and affects the output level of tourism activities. Considering the future changes in the comprehensive technical efficiency of Guizhou tourism, we use the CGE model to simulate the economic impact of the future tourism business environment. The study found that different business environments have a significant impact on Guizhou's macroeconomy and tourism-related sector economy. This article contributes to further studies analyzing the economic impact of the tourism business environment. Even the slightly deteriorating tourism business environment may have a great negative economic impact, which provides a theoretical basis for the urgency of continuously improving the tourism business environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Railway Science & Engineering is the property of Journal of Railway Science & Engineering Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We find a significant positive role of chief executive officer (CEO) social capital on the level of corporate risk‐taking for Chinese listed firms from 2008 to 2019. We reveal that a better business environment tends to reduce this positive relationship. In addition, we also find that corporate innovations provide moderation effects on the relationship. Further analysis of heterogeneity tests on firm characteristics suggests that CEO social capital's effect on corporate risk‐taking is significant and stronger for non‐state‐owned enterprises, firms with fewer female directors on their board, and firms with more cash holdings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every economy possesses its unique characteristics and forces forming and affecting that particular business environment. Despite the differences in conditions, quality and interventions in the business environment, there are similarities within the specified deviations. Based on these similarities, it is possible to determine the common lines of countries within which their business environments and trends develop over time. The paper focuses on finding that lines through the division of the countries of the V4 into clusters according to indicators of the business environment quality and selected megatrends over time. Using cluster analysis performed in SPSS Statistics 26 for the chosen period from 2011 to 2022, countries are divided into clusters based on indicators of economic environment and megatrends. For the purpose of this study the index of economic freedom, change in economic power, lack of resources, technological breakthrough, social changes, and rapid urbanization. Based on the results of the cluster analysis, the degree of similarity of the economies represented by the quality of the business environment and selected global trends is identified during the monitored period, and vice versa the degree of differences within selected subjects is identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New quality productivity (NQP) is a strategic concept that can be defined as all economic activities that can contribute to enhancing the technological content and value-added of products based on technological progress. Discussions on NQP will have to have a scientific sense of the industrial upgrading on the basis of technological progress, avoid restricting NQP to some specific areas of technological development, and treat NQP as technologically deterministic. Empirically speaking, the development of NQP can focus on the three core production factors of basic research, applied technology, and the financial system. In addition, it is necessary to provide an effective supportive environment for the development of NQP through the promotion of institutionalized high-level openness, the creation of a favorable business environment, and the building of an open and internationalized talent system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research relevance is predefined by the importance of communication as a necessary competence of process management in the enterprise. The main aim is to analyse the key principles of building communications in the management of business processes of modern enterprises. The results were obtained to illustrate the importance of building communication both within the enterprise, regardless of its affiliation to a particular area of business. The interrelation of social, technical, and managerial components of the communication system within a single enterprise, determines communication in general. The practical significance lies in the possibility of their use in the construction of business, based on a high-quality task setting for all participants of the communication process, tracking the overall level of its perception and execution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managerial orientation has become a key concept regarding SMEs internationalization even if not all companies have enough experience in this complex process. During the last decades, traditional internationalization practices (exporting), broadened and developed into a multi-faceted and more differentiated activity that enhances the competitiveness of a business. This paper's objective is to present how and if the international activity of a business and its environment are influenced by management strategic decisions. By analyzing the successful internationalization of Romanian cases, this paper aims to establish a connection between certain managerial approaches and the success of the business (risks taken, capabilities, and process in general). The study was conducted over three months, where we collected data using a combination of instruments and methods (such as. surveys, interviews, analysis of data, and online research about the companies). Effective management practices are crucial for the success of SMEs seeking to internationalize. The role of high-quality management and a manager's education can contribute to the company's overall success and its benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the export performance consequences of the degree of export diversification pursed by firms is scant. To address this research gap, this study examines whether firms' export success levels are tied to the extent to which they adopt national diversification strategies (the number of countries they choose to export to) and/or regional diversification strategies (the number of regions they choose to export to) and unpicks the critical contingencies of these linkages. Based on a sample of 225 UK exporters the authors find that firms gain the highest export performance benefits when they simultaneously increase national and regional export diversification. Interestingly, results also show that the links between the extent to which exporters engage in a national diversification strategy and/or a regional diversification strategy are weaker when firms operate in markets that are very high in market dynamism, and that the relationships are stronger when both resource sharing and interfunctional coordination are high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Dilemas Contemporáneos: Educación, Política y Valores is the property of Dilemas Contemporaneos: Educacion, Politica y Valores and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Dilemas Contemporáneos: Educación, Política y Valores is the property of Dilemas Contemporaneos: Educacion, Politica y Valores and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study seeks to examine the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) with social networks (SNs) as a mediator and the business environment (BE) as a moderator among Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in Cambodia. Using a snowballing sampling methodology, the study gathered data from 103 SMEs to undertake the moderation-mediation analysis. The findings show that SN mediates and BE moderates the association between EO and SCA, demonstrating that entrepreneurs focus on leveraging external resources to compete in the marketplace, especially when embedded in a highly dynamic but hostile BE. The evidence shows that a profound understanding of small business internationalisation and operational factors can assist home and host governments to support better the relocation and functioning of SMEs abroad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While prevalent in enterprise practice, business development (BD) activities have garnered limited attention within academic circles, leading to a noticeable dearth of discussions regarding their comprehensive understanding and the contemporary research landscape. Previous research has underscored the pivotal role and importance of business development activities in generating new growth opportunities and enhancing dynamic capabilities for enterprises. This article seeks to bridge this academic gap by synthesizing six decades of research literature on enterprise business development activities and tracing the progression of its research trajectory to uncover its complete narrative. Its contributions are manifold: firstly, we intensified the foundational elements of business development research by conducting a meticulous examination of various perspectives and providing insights into former ambiguities surrounding crucial aspects; secondly, it elucidates how contextual factors influence the emergence and evolution of enterprises' business development activities, highlighting its research significance across different eras; thirdly, it conducts a comprehensive exploration of various research streams within business development and their nuanced interactions across key dimensions. Through these endeavors, this study aims to enrich academic discourse in the domain of business development, establishing a robust academic foundation for subsequent research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has yielded mixed conclusions regarding whether business environment (BE) optimization can enhance carbon emission efficiency (CEE). This study delves into the impact of the BE on CEE using panel data from 30 provinces in China, employing fixed effect, quantile, and mediated effect models. It innovates in three key areas: research perspective, mechanism of action, and heterogeneity analysis. The research found that the BE optimization enhances CEE. Meanwhile, the influence of the BE on CEE exhibits marginal decreasing characteristics. The mechanism analysis reveals that the BE enhances CEE through the industrial structure optimization effect and the progress of green technology, while it diminishes efficiency through the energy rebound effect. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that BE optimization has a stronger impact on improving CEE in provinces with robust government governance, younger governors, and highly educated officials. The policy implication suggests that local governments should continually optimize the BE, enhance government governance capacity, and prioritize the appointment of young and highly educated officials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the article is analyzed the framework in promoting sustainable job satisfaction in a Canada. In doing this, we identify the issues affecting the growth and development of the firm in the financial industry in Canada. Specifically, we consider the National Best Financial Network (NBFN), which is a unique and ground-breaking network of financial professionals with collaborative team spirit to provide best-in-class products and services to their clients. We employ a descriptive approach based on the Porter’s five factors approach to review the situational analysis aimed at giving a clear picture of both the internal and external environment of the business and the SWOT analysis to examine the situation for the strategic decision and attainment of the objectives. We find amongst other the existence of multicultural and cross-country issues. These issues could be cultural and regulatory concerns and demand preference or other related issues that can stand in the expansion path of National Best into other countries. Also, the operational risk of international expansion like cultural differences, volatility of economic variables, political uncertainties and other indeterminacies that can affect the operation of the business. Thus, we recommend possible long-term and short-term solutions.

Doing business internationally means facing a complex international business environment. The article presents a comprehensive analysis of business diplomacy in transnational corporations as a mechanism for managing complex interactions with governmental and non-governmental organizations. The purpose of the study is to develop basic recommendations for business diplomacy integration in the domestic companies’ activities based on the definition of its role in transnational corporations. The methodological basis of the study was formed by the papers of Russian and foreign scientists. The main functions that are in the area of business diplomacy responsibility have been defined. The main advantages for transnational corporations provided by business diplomacy, the importance of which is more realized in a weak institutional context, have been highlighted. Based on the parameters described by H. Ruël, T. Wolters, and R. Loohuis in “Business Diplomacy in Multinational Corporations”, the activity of Merz, which operates mainly in aesthetic medicine, has been analyzed from the point of implementing the principles and means of business diplomacy. Recommendations have been provided for multinational corporations to integrate the business diplomacy principles into their activities in order to increase its effectiveness. The authors concluded that business diplomacy strengthens a company’s position in the market, helps to expand its influence, and contributes to its development.

This study looks into how market accessibility, digital integration, financial management, and environmental practices affect the sustainability and resilience of Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia. Data analysis is done using Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) in a quantitative manner using a sample of 274 MSMEs. The diversity of the sample with respect to industry sectors, geographic regions, and company sizes is demonstrated by descriptive statistics. The structural model findings show positive and substantial correlations between the elements under investigation and company resilience and sustainability, while the measurement model analysis validates the validity and reliability of the constructs. The results are stable, as supported by bootstrapping analysis, and the model fit indices show good predictive relevance. The findings are interpreted in the discussion, which also provides policymakers and business practitioners with useful insights. The study adds to our theoretical understanding of MSME dynamics and offers guidance on how to develop resilient and sustainable business practices.

In recent decades, there has been a growing emphasis on the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as a significant driver of economic growth and enhancer of competitiveness. They constitute an estimated 90% of the total population of businesses, and contribute significantly, up to 40% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), in emerging markets. Furthermore, these enterprises yield a fundamental function in cultivating job prospects, offering employment to approximately half of the worldwide labor force. However, SMEs often face unique challenges related to their size and resources, including accessing finance, developing new products and services, and identifying optimal locations for their businesses. This study seeks to address the latter issue by analyzing the spatial preferences of small and medium knowledge-based enterprises in Tehran's new business area, utilizing the spatial analyst tools by GIS. The research methodology employed in this study is non-experimental in character. It involves the distribution of a social survey to proprietors of SMEs in order to ascertain the key criteria they prioritize when selecting a location for their business. For the purpose of achieving the objective, a conceptual-operational model was developed, comprising four index categories. These categories are delineated as the personal motivations of the entrepreneur, the characteristics of the internal business environment, the spatial environment surrounding the business, and the institutional factors shaping the space. These components constitute critical determinants of the proposed model. The chosen variables were subjected to spatial analysis, and a business environment assistance map was developed in four zones. Following thorough analysis, the northwestern part of the area under consideration has been identified as the optimal zone, and subsequent recommendations for appropriate strategies have been proposed. The study culminated by offering suggestions for improvement, consisting of the implementation of a contextually-oriented model pertaining to new Iranian business improvement districts (BIDs) as a means of augmenting the status of SMEs.

Abstract The purpose of this study is to create a representative socio-economic profile of entrepreneurs operating in the former Soviet Union (FSU) states as a pillar of the new middle-class stratum. This study explored middle-class entrepreneurship from multiple perspectives, encompassing statistical analysis of microdata about households and firms. The aim was to gauge entrepreneurship within a national framework and examine its associations with social and economic factors. The study adopted the Doing Business tool as a novel paradigm to establish a quantitative correlation between the economic system in the post-Soviet space and the investigated variables. The analysis revealed that prospective entrepreneurs are members of the younger generation between the ages of 25 and 34; a critical factor in the development of entrepreneurship is highly educated human capital; and typical representatives of entrepreneurship intending to operate in the FSU states establish their own business as a means of subsistence, not as a means of advancement in the social stratum. In general, an entrepreneur of the middle class in the new economies of the post-Soviet space does not demonstrate a high level of entrepreneurial activity and, as a pillar of the middle-class stratum, is in the formation stage.

This research investigates the strategic responses adopted by Hungarian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the face of an adverse socio-economic environment. Focusing specifically on B2B firms, the study examines how the current crisis compels managers to mitigate the risk of buyer attrition. This analysis leads to the identification of four distinct adaptation strategies employed by these firms. Furthermore, the research delves into the concept of ‘upgrading’ challenging the prevailing notion that product development is the sole pathway for upgrading. The results suggest that effective upgrading can be initiated from various aspects of the firm’s operations. This novel perspective suggests that upgrading can be a viable strategy for firms seeking to escape from a captive supplier position, by improving either functionality or resilience. This is a new perspective that goes beyond what could be expected from the literature. The findings provide useful insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to improve the performance of SMEs in the current dynamically shifting B2B landscape.

Business Development (BD) activities have become prevalent in practice, and prior research has demonstrated their potential to enhance and complement the core competencies of enterprises. However, the limited and fragmented existing literature on Business Development highlights the need for a comprehensive integration effort to reassess the theoretical foundation and overall concept. This article comprehensively reviews 125 papers on Business Development, investigates enterprises’ responses to business environment changes (which encompass environmental adaptation and resource leverage, environmental management and resource allocation, environmental creation and resource alignment, and environmental exploration and resource development), and clarifies the evolutionary trajectory of the Business Development literature research stream. Furthermore, we advance a comprehensive conceptual framework and theoretical model to identify a network of constructs and their connections with crucial dimensions of Business Development. The findings of this study significantly contribute to understanding Business Development and provide valuable insights for future research and practice.

AbstractThe business environment is increasingly becoming dynamic and unstable as the world is bedeviled with technological, economic, political and social upheavals. The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) which represent the largest employer of labor are constraint with the new norm of society. It becomes imperative to explore the innovation capability of the enterprises which is one of the important strategies for a firm’s growth. Since the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) aims to increase the contribution of MSMEs to gross domestic product (GDP) from the current 20%–35% by the year 2030, so the purpose of this research is to evaluate the drivers of innovation capability among MSMEs in Saudi Arabia. The survey was conducted among MSMEs in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia, and the results using logit regression revealed that in-house research and development (R&D), acquisition of new machinery, training, and size of technical staff have a positive and significant impact in influencing the enterprise innovation capability. Also, the newly established firm was found to have a higher likelihood in driving innovation capability than the old ones. However, external R&D, acquisition of external knowledge, collaboration with other companies and universities and other research institutions are not statistically significant. This study has important managerial implications in improving R&D spending and encourage inter-organizational cooperation among the MSMEs to enhance their innovation capability.

This study focuses on the development of a strategic model to enhance the performance of small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) in South Sumatra, Indonesia. Recognizing the significant contribution of SMEs to national GDP globally, particularly in Indonesia, this study focuses on South Sumatra to explore tailored approaches for SME optimization in the region. The study presents an in-depth analysis of the relationship between business strategy and SME performance, considering the business environment of South Sumatra as a key moderating factor. The study aims to provide actionable insights and strategies for SMEs in South Sumatra by offering a comprehensive framework that aligns strategic initiatives with regional market dynamics. This endeavor is geared towards boosting their performance and, consequently, their contribution to the broader Indonesian economy. The ultimate goal is to establish a robust, adaptable model for SME success in varied economic landscapes, with a particular focus on the distinctive challenges and opportunities in South Sumatra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing performance is a crucial approach to ensuring the sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The primary focus is on improving SME performance to promote more effective growth. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the factors contributing to enhancing SME performance. In empirical research conducted in Indonesia, specifically in South Sumatra Province in 2021, where the contribution to GRDP was only 1.72% compared to other provinces above 10% (Jakarta, East Java, and West Java), the aim is to validate the hypotheses. Through a self-administered survey, 109 eligible questionnaires were collected from SME businesses for this study. Additionally, data analysis employed the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. The findings of this study indicate the acceptance of the relationship between business strategy and SME performance. Similarly, it is hypothesized that the business environment, acting as a moderator, strengthens the impact of business strategy on SME performance. Insights from this study on the effectiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Sumatra, Indonesia, provide valuable input for future decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tourist industry is one of the business actors that must be more astute and astute in their business field selection in response to changes in the business environment, particularly those brought about by external causes. Businesses must change their operations to become more ecologically friendly due to stakeholders' increased awareness of environmental issues, both internal and external. This research aims to examine and analyze how green entrepreneurship affects business performance and green innovation. Additionally, the moderating effect of the business environment and the mediating role of green innovation within the connections are also considered in this study. 245 business players and strategic decision-makers in green tourism enterprises based in four East Javan cities--Malang, Surabaya, Pasuruan, and Bojonegoro--responded to this study. Respondents are given online surveys to complete to gather data, further examined using the Smart PLS software and structural equation modeling with partial least squares. The conclusions show that green innovation drives company performance and that green entrepreneurship substantially impacts both. Additionally, this research validates that green innovation partially mediates the relationship between green entrepreneurship and company performance. It has been established that the business environment cannot enhance the impact of green entrepreneurship on firm performance, hence serving as a moderating factor. Ultimately, our research suggests that green entrepreneurship has a significant role in the eco-friendly tourism context since it can improve business performance and spur innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conducive business environment is crucial for establishing a sustainable market economy. This paper aims to quantitatively analyze the evolution of China's business environment policy, offering valuable insights for future optimization. Focusing on 1335 national-level business environment policies from 2006 to 2023, this study employed a social network analysis (SNA) and the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) model to investigate policy changes in terms of the issuing rhythm, collaborating departments, and policy attention. The findings reveal: (1) China has established a mature policy system for its business environment, with both an increasing number and improving impact of related policies. (2) A governance network of the business environment has gradually formed, with the participation of differentiated departments and the domination of one central unit, ensuring efficient collaboration and clear instruction. (3) The attention of the business environment policy has shifted from attracting foreign investment and developing the industrial chain to simplifying bureaucratic approval procedures, smoothing trade circulation, and ensuring legal reliability. This paper's results serve as an empirical contribution to the field of business environment policy research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-border e-commerce, as a new form of trade driven by digital technology, provides an opportunity to enhance the entrepreneurial vitality of cities. With the help of the comprehensive pilot area for cross-border e-commerce, also called a "quasi-natural" experiment, and using 2010–2020 panel data and Chinese business enterprise registration data for 278 cities in China, this paper examined the impact of cross-border e-commerce on enterprise vitality. The study found that the pilot policy in the comprehensive pilot area promoted the entrepreneurial vitality to increase by about 13.3%, and it remained stable after a series of tests. The heterogeneity analysis shows that the pilot policies in the comprehensive pilot areas have a stronger effect on the promotion of enterprise vitality in the eastern and western regions. At the same time, the pilot policy has expanded the scope of enterprise subjects and plays a more prominent enterprise incentive effect in small and medium-sized cities, cities with low innovation, and small and medium-sized registered enterprises. In addition, the pilot policy stimulates the entrepreneurial vitality of the service industry, but has no significant impact on agriculture and manufacturing. In terms of the influence mechanism, the comprehensive pilot area mainly affects the entrepreneurial vitality by means of optimizing the business environment, reducing the entry cost, promoting the synergistic agglomeration of manufacturing and producer services, and stimulating market demand. The further spatial spillover effect found that the comprehensive pilot area not only improves the entrepreneurial vitality of the pilot cities, but also radiates the enterprise development of neighboring and surrounding cities with similar economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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How to attract commercial investment to provide infrastructure and public service is an important issue for governments around the world. This paper investigated what government characteristics can attract commercial investment. Using China's PPP cases, this study shows that local government's fiscal stress, land resources, and wealth are important determinants in attracting commercial investment. The business environment of local government plays a moderating role between government characteristics (i.e., fiscal stress, land resources, and wealth) and commercial investment. By highlighting the determinants of commercial investment, this study offers important implications for the theory and practice of PPP management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]