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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 6795

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Weixin Yang

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Guest Editor

Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
Interests: digital economy and finance; sustainable development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Yunpeng Yang

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Guest Editor

Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
Interests: digital industrialization; internet platform research; game theory
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The digital economy has become a key driver of the way we work, conduct business, perform international trade and engage with our world as individuals and communities in the 21st century. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend and underscored the importance of digital technologies and the digital economy for economic growth and sustainable development. However, the digital economy also entails significant challenges, such as digital divide, inequality, environmental impact, cyber security, consumer protection and governance. Therefore, it is essential to explore how the digital economy can contribute to green economy, sustainable development, inclusive growth and social justice in different contexts and regions. Moreover, it is also important to examine how digital technologies can transform markets and economic opportunities, as well as enable innovation and collaboration for sustainable development. For instance, artificial intelligence, big data analysis, the Internet of Things and blockchain are some of the technologies that can help optimize the use of resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote circular economy, enhance financial inclusion and foster social welfare.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide a platform for academics, policymakers and practitioners to exchange new ideas, insights and evidence on the opportunities and challenges of sustainable development in the context of the digital economy. The Special Issue welcomes theoretical, empirical and policy-oriented contributions that address various aspects of the digital economy and its implications for sustainable development. The Special Issue also seeks to foster interdisciplinary and cross-regional dialogue and collaboration among researchers and stakeholders in this field in order to address concerns about the potential risks of digital technologies for sustainability, such as mental health and wellness, data privacy, skills for the future and diversity and inclusion. Therefore, it is important to balance the benefits and drawbacks of digital technologies and develop effective strategies for building sustainability in the digital era. This Special Issue invites submissions that explore both the positive and negative aspects of digital technologies for sustainable development, as well as propose solutions for mitigating the challenges and maximizing the opportunities.

The Special Issue invites submissions on a wide range of topics related to sustainable development in the context of the digital economy, including but not limited to:

- Digital economy, internet economy, digital trade, e-commerce, platform economy, digital transformation and their impact on sustainable development goals;

- Digital finance, fintech, blockchain, cryptocurrency and their role in promoting financial inclusion and green finance;

- Big data analysis, artificial intelligence, machine learning, internet of things and their applications and challenges for sustainable development;

- Digital governance, regulation, ethics, privacy, security and trust in the digital economy;

- Digital inclusion, access, affordability and empowerment of marginalized groups in the digital economy;

- Digital economy and social welfare;

- Digital economy and cultural diversity.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Weixin Yang
Dr. Yunpeng Yang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

digital economy
sustainable development
digital technologies
artificial intelligence
digital divide
digital inclusion
digital transformation

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 1445 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Digital Literacy on the Phenomenon of Deviation between Farmers’ E-Commerce Sales Willingness and Behavior: Evidence from Rural China

by Yonghu Zhang and Yifeng Zhang

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 3000; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16073000 - 03 Apr 2024

Viewed by 811

Abstract

E-commerce, as a prominent feature of the digital economy era, is highly expected to promote economic growth and sustainable development. Based on the 2020 “China Rural Revitalization Survey” data, this study empirically analyzed the impact and mechanism of digital literacy on the discrepancy between the willingness and behavior of farmers in e-commerce sales. Eleven indicator items were selected, and factor analysis was used to obtain the comprehensive score of digital literacy. Firstly, benchmark regression was performed using the probit model, and then potential endogeneity issues were addressed using the IV probit method and endogenous conversion probit model. The following main conclusions were drawn: Digital literacy has a suppressive effect on the deviation between the willingness and behavior of farmers in e-commerce sales. Farmers with media operation literacy, information acquisition literacy, digital transaction literacy, e-commerce cognitive literacy, and digital social literacy have a 12.3%, 18.3%, 26.2%, 37.5%, and 21.9% reduction in the probability of deviation between the willingness and behavior of farmers in e-commerce sales compared to those without these literacy counterfactual assumptions. Digital literacy helps curb the deviation between farmers’ willingness and behavior in e-commerce sales by facilitating their access to financial resources and agricultural production services. This study demonstrates that enhancing the digital literacy of farmers will promote their willingness to convert e-commerce sales into behavior, help promote sustainable agricultural products more efficiently, and make important contributions to economic growth and sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Economy and Sustainable Development)

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15 pages, 1657 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Efficiency of Resource Utilization in EU-28 Countries through Eco-Innovation and Digital Inclusion

by Alexandra-Maria Constantin, Orlando-Marian Voica, Cătălin-Ionuț Silvestru, Vasilica-Cristina Icociu, Ramona-Camelia Silvestru and Andreea Grecu

Sustainability 2023, 15(24), 16924; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152416924 - 18 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 964

Abstract

Innovation has been a historical driver for progress. The need for more effective resource utilization has ignited the presence of many innovations in the economic environment. Among others, digitalization and internet connectivity are important pillars of development. Our paper aims to provide a few insights related to the question “How can we increase the efficiency of resource utilization in EU-28 countries through Eco-Innovation and Digital Inclusion?” This paper examines the issue of innovation related to the use of natural resources (Eco-innovation) as a determining factor in resource consumption in societies with different levels of digital inclusion. Our analysis is based on clustering of EU-28 Member States using three variables: the degree of digital inclusion, the Eco-Innovation Index, and the degree of resource use. We expect digital inclusion to mediate the relationship between eco-innovation and resource utilization. Clustering might reveal how the Eco-Innovation Index, Digital Inclusion Level, and Resource Productivity Index differ among EU-28 Member States and provide relevant information for prioritization of resource allocation at the EU level. Our approach of clustering based on the three variables considered reveals that countries with a better economy present better performance from the point of view of Digital Inclusion in the context of Eco-Innovation and the use of resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Economy and Sustainable Development)

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17 pages, 930 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acceptance of Digital Transformation: Evidence from Romania

by Bogdan Rusu, Christiana Brigitte Sandu, Silvia Avasilcai and Irina David

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15268; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115268 - 25 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1218

Abstract

The digital transformation (DT) implies designing products and services, to which digital technology is applied, that are adopted and used by customers. However, if people do not accept the new technologies embedded in the innovative products and services, DT will fail. Therefore, getting to know the determinant factors that affect acceptance is necessary, especially during economic turmoil that requires companies to become even more competitive. Moreover, Romania is lagging behind in its digital progress. The aim of this research is to draw upon a previous study on successful DT, analyze personal and social acceptance factors, and empirically verify whether they would affect DT in Romania. We identified from the literature the main factors (behavioral and innovative characteristics) affecting the DT acceptance attitude and adapted the theoretical model to the Romanian context. The study collected data from 123 persons using an online questionnaire and applied a structural equation model to test the theoretical model. The empirical results emphasize that the acceptance attitude of DT is positively associated with individuals’ behavioral factors and innovative characteristics. Moreover, DT acceptance attitude positively impacts both personal and social acceptance of DT. This research provides both theoretical and empirical contributions by adapting the theoretical DT model and testing it for the Romanian context, using personal and social acceptance. These findings are important for managers and policy makers that seek to transform their organizations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Economy and Sustainable Development)

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28 pages, 381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of the Sustainable Development of Cross-Border E-Commerce Pilot Zones on Regional Economic Growth

by Lifan Yang, Junhua Liu and Weixin Yang

Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13876; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813876 - 18 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1974

Abstract

This paper evaluates the sustainable development of cross-border e-commerce pilot zones and their impact on regional economic growth. A comprehensive performance evaluation system is constructed to assess the degree of sustainable development in the first five batches of cross-border e-commerce pilot zones in China between 2011 and 2020, which reveals significant regional differences and a clear “Matthew effect”. We also quantify the specific role of cross-border e-commerce pilot zones in promoting regional economic growth; specifically, we demonstrate that the level of sustainable development of cross-border e-commerce pilot zones has a significant positive impact on regional economic growth and show that these effects vary according to regional distribution, city level, and the degree of sustainable development of cross-border e-commerce pilot zones. On this basis, we explore the mechanism through which these factors influence one another and identify three main channels on which to focus for further development: industrial structure upgrades, institutional innovation, and consumption upgrades. Finally, based on empirical results, we propose differentiated policy suggestions for various regions and city levels through the provision of theoretical and practical support for promoting the healthy and sustainable development of cross-border e-commerce pilot zones and the stable growth of regional economies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Economy and Sustainable Development)

18 pages, 797 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does the Use of Digital Finance Affect Household Farmland Transfer-Out?

by Haibo Lei and Qin Su

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12103; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612103 - 08 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 948

Abstract

Digital finance offers opportunities for inclusive growth in rural areas. This study aims to clarify how digital financiers affect farmland transfer-out. Using the data from the China Household Finance Survey in 2015, this paper establishes Probit and Tobit models to empirically analyze the impact and mechanisms of digital finance on household farmland transfer-out. The study finds that digital financial use significantly increases the probability and proportion of farmland transfer-out and that this effect is greater among households with older heads and lower household per capita income and financial accessibility, suggesting that digital finance has an important role to play in reducing inequality and promoting inclusive growth. Further analysis reveals that off-farm employment and information channels are mediating mechanisms through which digital finance facilitates farmland transfer. Specifically, on the one hand, the financial function of digital finance increases the share of employment and entrepreneurship among rural households. In terms of industry and skill type, digital finance promotes the entry of farmers into tertiary employment, facilitates off-farm employment for low and medium-skilled farmers, and has no impact on the employment of high-skilled farmers. On the other hand, the information function accompanying digital finance broadens households’ access to information, both of which have a favorable effect on farmland transfer-out. This study provides new ideas for supporting agricultural land transfer from a digital finance perspective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Economy and Sustainable Development)

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