Sourcing Sustainability Transition in Small and Medium-Sized Ports of the Baltic Sea Region: A Case of Sustainable Futuring with Living Labs

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The article explores the concept of sustainability transition in small and medium-sized ports (SMSPs) within the Baltic Sea Region (BSR), focusing on the role of Living Labs (LLs) in facilitating innovation and sustainability. It examines the challenges faced by SMSPs in adopting sustainable practices and proposes a trans-local LL model to support sustainability transition through shared governance structures and collaborative initiatives.

1. The article provides a thorough analysis of the challenges and opportunities for sustainability transition in SMSPs, considering factors such as regulatory pressures, limited resources, and the need for innovation.
2. By integrating the concept of LLs into the discussion, the article offers a novel perspective on how collaborative platforms can accelerate sustainability initiatives in ports.

1.  
2. how can SMSPs ensure the long-term sustainability of adopted practices and innovations, considering factors such as financial viability and changing regulatory landscapes?

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you for your review and remarks. Please find attached our response regarding your remarks.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

While the research design is described, more details on the selection of case study ports, the process of conducting workshops and interviews, and the criteria for data analysis would enhance the methodological transparency.

Page 1 line 32. Some researchers focused on using renewable energy to reduce the greenhouse gas emission such as fuel cell or battery. Please refer https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries9120569 and https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2022.231375

The discussion could benefit from a deeper analysis of the challenges and barriers encountered during the LL implementations and how they were (or could be) overcome.

The concluding section could be expanded to include more specific recommendations for policymakers, port managers, and other maritime sector stakeholders.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Quality of English need to be improved

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you for your review and remarks. Please find attached our response regarding your remarks.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript is about the sustainability in small and medium-sized ports of the Baltic sea.

In general, the structure of the manuscript is well organized, the methods are well described, and the procedures are well conducted. The results sound and the conclusions are based on the experimental data.

Comments on the manuscript:

l.41 and l.47: Are those regulations in force now?

The paper is well written and complete, giving a full panorama of integration and sustainability of small ports in the Baltic sea using the LL approach. My only comment is just about the Living Lab method. It is cited all along the paper, but there is not a complete and understandable definition of this method. A section about LL would be very useful.

Finally, references are adequate.

 

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you for your review and remarks. Please find attached our response regarding your remarks.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

It looks like can be accepted now

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Still need to improve the quality of English

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you for your remarks.

We improved the entire text for readability.

 

Thank you.