Sustainability

13 pages, 406 KB

Open AccessArticle

Contribution to Sustainable Education: Co-Creation Citizen Science Project About Monitoring Species Distribution and Abundance on Rocky Shores

by Ana Teresa Neves, Diana Boaventura and Cecília Galvão

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9198; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209198 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

Citizen science is not only a participatory means of contributing to scientific knowledge but also an effective approach to addressing a wide range of societal challenges. Integrating citizen science with sustainability entails leveraging public engagement in scientific research to promote sustainable practices and [...] Read more.

Citizen science is not only a participatory means of contributing to scientific knowledge but also an effective approach to addressing a wide range of societal challenges. Integrating citizen science with sustainability entails leveraging public engagement in scientific research to promote sustainable practices and advance the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The degree of public participation can influence the learning outcomes achieved. This study investigated the benefits and limitations of a co-creation citizen science approach implemented in a school context for monitoring species distribution on rocky shores, aligned with SDGs 4, 13, and 14. A mixed-methods design was applied, combining questionnaires administered to students (n = 100); participant observations of students, teachers, and researchers; and the analysis of observations submitted by one class (C2) to the iNaturalist platform. Students recorded 21 valid observations representing 13 different taxa, and developed skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and interpersonal communication. They also recognised the potential of co-creation as a means of addressing scientific questions. However, teachers reported constraints in implementing the project, notably the breadth of the school curriculum and the lack of local support. This study reinforces the potential of co-creation citizen science projects to foster sustainable education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Future Trends of Sustainable Environmental Education)

33 pages, 7215 KB

Open AccessArticle

Climate-Driven Decline of Oak Forests: Integrating Ecological Indicators and Sustainable Management Strategies

by Ioan Tăut, Florin Dumitru Bora, Florin Alexandru Rebrean, Cristian Mircea Moldovan, Mircea Ioan Varga, Vasile Șimonca, Alexandru Colișar, Szilard Bartha, Claudia Simona Timofte and Paul Sestraș

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9197; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209197 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

Oak forests provide critical ecosystem services, but are being increasingly exposed to climate variability, drought, and insect outbreaks that threaten their long-term resilience. This study aims to integrate structural canopy indicators with climate-derived indices to detect early-warning signals of decline in temperate oak [...] Read more.

Oak forests provide critical ecosystem services, but are being increasingly exposed to climate variability, drought, and insect outbreaks that threaten their long-term resilience. This study aims to integrate structural canopy indicators with climate-derived indices to detect early-warning signals of decline in temperate oak stands. We monitored eight Forest Management Units in western Romania between 2017 and 2021, combining field-based assessments of crown morphology, vitality traits, defoliation, and epicormic shoot frequency with hydroclimatic indices such as the Forest Aridity Index. Results revealed strong spatial and temporal variability: several stands showed advanced canopy deterioration characterized by increased defoliation, dead branches, and epicormic resprouting, while others maintained stable conditions, suggesting resilience and suitability as reference sites. Insect defoliators, particularly Geometridae, contributed additional stress, but generally at subcritical levels. By synthesizing these metrics into conceptual models and a risk scorecard, we identified the causal pathways linking climatic anomalies and biotic stressors to structural decline. The findings demonstrate that combining structural and climatic indicators offers a transferable framework for forest health monitoring, providing robust early-warning tools to guide adaptive silviculture and resilience-based management. Beyond the Romanian context, this integrative approach supports sustainability goals by strengthening conservation strategies for temperate forests under global change. Full article

26 pages, 1683 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-stakeholder Agile Governance Mechanism of AI Based on Credit Entropy

by Lei Cheng, Wenjing Chen, Ruoyu Li and Chen Zhang

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9196; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209196 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

Driven by the rapid evolution of AI technology, compatible management mechanisms have become a systematic project involving the participation of multiple stakeholders. However, constrained by the rigidity and lag of traditional laws, the “one-size-fits-all” regulatory model will exacerbate the vulnerability of the complex [...] Read more.

Driven by the rapid evolution of AI technology, compatible management mechanisms have become a systematic project involving the participation of multiple stakeholders. However, constrained by the rigidity and lag of traditional laws, the “one-size-fits-all” regulatory model will exacerbate the vulnerability of the complex system of AI governance, hinder the sustainable evolution of the AI ecosystem that relies on the dynamic balance between innovation and responsibility, and ultimately fall into the dilemma of “chaos when laissez-faire, stagnation when over-regulated”. To address this challenge, this study takes the multi-stakeholder collaborative mechanism co-established by governments, enterprises, and third-party technical audit institutions as its research object and centers on the issue of “strategic fluctuations” caused by key factor disturbances. From the perspective of the full life cycle of technological development, the study integrates the historical compliance performance of stakeholders and develops a nonlinear dynamic reward and punishment mechanism based on Credit Entropy. Through evolutionary game simulation, it further examines this mechanism as a realization path to promote the transformation from passive campaign-style AI supervision to agile governance of AI, which is characterized by rapid response and minimal intervention, thereby laying a foundation for the sustainable development of AI technology that aligns with long-term social well-being, resource efficiency, and inclusive growth. Finally, the study puts forward specific governance suggestions, such as setting access thresholds for third-party institutions and strengthening their independence and professionalism, to ensure that the iterative development of AI makes positive contributions to the sustainability of socio-technical systems. Full article

22 pages, 342 KB

Open AccessArticle

Human Capital Efficiency in Manufacturing: A Data Envelopment Analysis Across Economic Activity Branches and Firm Sizes in Mexico

by Aldebarán Rosales-Córdova and Rafael Bernardo Carmona-Benítez

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9195; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209195 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

In a competitive global economy, the efficient use of human capital is a key determinant of productivity, growth, and sustainable development. This study assesses the efficiency of human capital in the Mexican manufacturing sector, with a focus on three strategic subsectors: the chemical [...] Read more.

In a competitive global economy, the efficient use of human capital is a key determinant of productivity, growth, and sustainable development. This study assesses the efficiency of human capital in the Mexican manufacturing sector, with a focus on three strategic subsectors: the chemical industry, the food industry, and the transport equipment industry. The purpose is to analyze how human capital—measured through training, average wages, and daily working hours—relates to firm performance across different branches of economic activity and company sizes. Firm-level data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) for the period 2009–2021 are analyzed using an input-oriented Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) with CCR and BCC models. The results reveal significant differences in human capital efficiency across branches of economic activity within each—micro, small, and medium and large—firm size. Overall, the results highlight the central role of human capital investment in enhancing firm competitiveness and advancing the sustainable development of strategic industries. Policy implications underscore the need for training and wage strategies that improve efficiency and strengthen the long-term resilience of the Mexican manufacturing sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)

24 pages, 8189 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Safety Evaluation Methods for Interchange Diverting Zones Based on Operating Speed

by Haochen Bai, Shengyu Xi, Chi Zhang, Bo Wang, Zhuxuan Cai, Yi Lin and Tingyu Guo

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9194; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209194 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

In response to the growing safety challenges posed by large-scale and specialized freight transportation on China’s rapidly expanding highway network, this study investigates the operational characteristics of trucks in interchange diverging areas—a critical segment with elevated accident risks. Leveraging high-frequency trajectory data collected [...] Read more.

In response to the growing safety challenges posed by large-scale and specialized freight transportation on China’s rapidly expanding highway network, this study investigates the operational characteristics of trucks in interchange diverging areas—a critical segment with elevated accident risks. Leveraging high-frequency trajectory data collected from 16 interchanges, we analyze speed profiles and acceleration behavior of heavy trucks across key sections: the diversion influence zone, preparation zone, transition segment, and deceleration lane. A key contribution of this work is the development of a continuous speed prediction model based on Partial Least Squares Regression, which integrates road geometric parameters and driving behavior features to estimate speeds at four critical cross-sections of the diverging process. Furthermore, we propose a comprehensive safety evaluation framework incorporating three novel indicators: longitudinal speed consistency, lateral stability, and deceleration comfort. The model demonstrates strong performance, with all mean absolute percentage errors below 10% during validation using data from four independent interchanges. Comparative analysis with existing safety standards confirms the practical applicability and accuracy of the proposed methodology. This research offers three major contributions: (1) a systematic approach for processing large-scale trajectory data and predicting truck speeds in diverging areas; (2) a safety assessment framework tailored for geometric design consistency evaluation; and (3) empirical support for optimizing traffic safety facilities in interchange design and operation. The findings address a significant gap in current highway design guidelines and provide actionable insights for enhancing safety in truck-dominated transportation environments. Full article

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31 pages, 7776 KB

Open AccessArticle

Constructing an Ecological Security Pattern Coupled with Climate Change and Ecosystem Service Valuation: A Case Study of Yunnan Province

by Yilin Lin, Fengru Liu, Zhiyuan Ma, Junsan Zhao and Han Xue

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9193; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209193 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

Ecosystem services provide the scientific foundation and optimization objectives for constructing ecological security patterns, and their spatial characteristics directly affect planning decisions such as ecological source identification and corridor layout. However, current methods for constructing ecological security patterns rely excessively on static spatial [...] Read more.

Ecosystem services provide the scientific foundation and optimization objectives for constructing ecological security patterns, and their spatial characteristics directly affect planning decisions such as ecological source identification and corridor layout. However, current methods for constructing ecological security patterns rely excessively on static spatial optimization of landscape structure and ecological processes, while overlooking the dynamic variations in ecosystem service values under climate change. Taking Yunnan Province as a case study, this paper calculates ecosystem service values, analyzes their spatiotemporal variations, and based on ecosystem service value hotspots, applies the MSPA model and circuit theory to identify ecological sources, corridors, pinch points, barrier areas, and improvement areas. On this basis, we construct and optimize the ecological security pattern of Yunnan Province and propose ecological protection strategies. The results show that: (1) From 2000 to 2030, ecosystem service values in Yunnan exhibit significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity. From 2000 to 2020, they first declined and then increased, with aquatic ecosystems contributing the most. Under future climate scenarios, ecosystem service values continue to increase, with the greatest growth under the SSP2-4.5 scenario. The spatial pattern is characterized by higher values in the central region and lower values in the eastern and western areas. (2) In 2020, 56 ecological sources were identified; under the SSP1-1.9 scenario, 61 were identified, while 57 were identified under both SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. These sources are mainly distributed in northwestern Yunnan and the Nujiang and Lancang River basins, presenting a “more in the west, fewer in the east” pattern. (3) In 2020, 132 ecological corridors and 74 pinch points were identified. By 2030, under SSP1-1.9, there are 149 corridors and 84 pinch points; under SSP2-4.5, 135 corridors and 55 pinch points; and under SSP5-8.5, 134 corridors and 60 pinch points. (4) By integrating results across multiple scenarios, an ecological security pattern characterized as “three screens, two zones, six corridors, and multiple points” is constructed. Based on regional ecological background characteristics, differentiated strategies for ecological security protection of territorial space are proposed. This study provides a scientific reference for the synergistic optimization of ecosystem services and ecological security patterns under climate change. Full article

16 pages, 1275 KB

Open AccessArticle

Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Cultural Heritage: Practical Guidelines and Case-Based Evidence

by Huimeng Wang, Yuki Gong, Yuge Zhang and Frank Li

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9192; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209192 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

The sustainable preservation of cultural heritage, as articulated in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.4, requires strategies that not only safeguard tangible and intangible assets but also enhance their long-term cultural, social, and economic value. Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies are increasingly applied [...] Read more.

The sustainable preservation of cultural heritage, as articulated in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.4, requires strategies that not only safeguard tangible and intangible assets but also enhance their long-term cultural, social, and economic value. Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies are increasingly applied in heritage conservation. However, most research emphasizes technical applications, such as improving data accuracy and increasing efficiency, while neglecting their integration into a broader framework of cultural sustainability and heritage tourism. This study addresses this gap by developing a set of practical guidelines for the sustainable use of AI in cultural heritage preservation. The guidelines highlight six dimensions: inclusive data governance, data authenticity protection, leveraging AI as a complementary tool, balancing innovation with cultural values, ensuring copyright and ethical compliance, long-term technical maintenance, and collaborative governance. To illustrate the feasibility of these guidelines, the paper analyses three representative case studies: AI-driven 3D reconstruction of the Old Summer Palace, educational dissemination via Google Arts & Culture, and intelligent restoration at E-Dunhuang. By situating AI-driven practices within the framework of cultural sustainability, this study makes both theoretical and practical contributions to heritage governance, to enhance cultural sustainability commitments and align digital innovation with the enduring preservation of humanity’s shared heritage, providing actionable insights for policymakers, institutions, and the tourism industry in designing resilient and culturally respectful heritage strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Heritage Tourism)

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26 pages, 9845 KB

Open AccessArticle

Disjunction Between Official Narrative and Digital Gaze: The Evolution of Sense of Place in Kulangsu World Heritage Site

by Hanbin Wei, Wanjia Zhang, Xiaolei Sang, Mengru Zhou and Sunju Kang

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9191; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209191 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

The rise of digital platforms has transformed heritage interpretation from a single official narrative to multi-stakeholder participation. This study investigates how such platforms mediate the formation of a sense of place at the Kulangsu World Heritage Site (WHS). Data were collected from official [...] Read more.

The rise of digital platforms has transformed heritage interpretation from a single official narrative to multi-stakeholder participation. This study investigates how such platforms mediate the formation of a sense of place at the Kulangsu World Heritage Site (WHS). Data were collected from official narrative texts and user-generated content (UGC) on Dianping and Ctrip, and analyzed using high-frequency word statistics and semantic network analysis. The results reveal a clear divergence between official narratives, which emphasize Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), and tourist perceptions, which focus on visual landmarks and “check-in” practices shaped by the “digital gaze.” Moreover, the sense of place is shown to be a dynamic process, co-constructed through pre-visit expectations, on-site experiences, and post-visit reflections. The findings also highlight a transformation in tourists’ roles, shifting from passive cultural consumers to active participants in the co-construction of heritage values, with digital platforms serving as critical mediators. Theoretically, the study advances digital heritage scholarship by clarifying the mechanism of the digital gaze and the dynamic nature of sense of place. Practically, it underscores the importance of integrating official narratives with UGC to strengthen OUV communication, foster broader public engagement, and support the sustainable development of WHSs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Tourism, Culture, and Heritage)

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19 pages, 617 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Agricultural Outward Foreign Direct Investment on Agricultural Imports: Evidence from China

by Yun Miao and Linyan Ma

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9190; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209190 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

This study uses provincial panel data from China (2014–2022) to examine the effect of agricultural outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) on agricultural imports. Employing panel regression, mediation effect, and spatial Durbin models, it explores the underlying mechanisms, spatial spillover effects, and regional heterogeneity, [...] Read more.

This study uses provincial panel data from China (2014–2022) to examine the effect of agricultural outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) on agricultural imports. Employing panel regression, mediation effect, and spatial Durbin models, it explores the underlying mechanisms, spatial spillover effects, and regional heterogeneity, while emphasizing the role of OFDI in building sustainable agricultural supply chains. The results show that: (1) OFDI significantly promotes agricultural imports, enhancing the stability and diversity of the domestic supply, supporting food security, and facilitating the sustainable allocation of resources. (2) Mechanism analysis reveals that OFDI affects imports through reverse technology spillovers and improved international relations. (3) Heterogeneity analysis indicates that OFDI exerts stronger influence in major grain-marketing areas, production–marketing balance regions, and provinces along the Belt and Road, compared with grain-producing areas and non-Belt and Road provinces. (4) Spatial analysis based on the 0–1 adjacency matrix reveals that agricultural imports across Chinese provinces exhibit significant positive spatial autocorrelation. Furthermore, OFDI not only directly promotes agricultural imports within a given province but also generates notable positive spatial spillover effects, whereby OFDI in neighboring provinces likewise exert a positive influence on the province’s agricultural imports. To enhance the import effect of agricultural OFDI and stabilize the domestic supply of agricultural products, policy implications suggest that the government should adhere to the agricultural “going global” strategy, enhance enterprises’ capacity to absorb reverse technology spillovers, and explore regionally differentiated pathways for agricultural OFDI, among other policy recommendations. Full article

23 pages, 1223 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Optimal Active Power Allocation Method for Wind Farms Considering Unit Fatigue Load

by Zhi Huang, Xinyu Yang, Sile Hu, Yu Guo, Yutong Wang, Xianglong Liu, Yuan Wang, Wenjing Liang and Jiaqiang Yang

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9189; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209189 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

To address the issue of premature wear and tear in wind turbines due to uneven fatigue load distribution within wind farms, this study proposes an optimal active power allocation method that considers unit fatigue loads. First, the fatigue load expressions for wind turbine [...] Read more.

To address the issue of premature wear and tear in wind turbines due to uneven fatigue load distribution within wind farms, this study proposes an optimal active power allocation method that considers unit fatigue loads. First, the fatigue load expressions for wind turbine shafts and tower systems with two degrees of freedom are derived, and a quantitative relationship between turbine fatigue load and active power output variations is established. Subsequently, the optimization objective is set as minimizing the total fatigue load in the wind farm during frequency regulation. This model incorporates the fatigue load differences among different turbines and ensures that the sum of the power adjustments across all turbines meets the frequency regulation power demand, resulting in an active power allocation model. To solve this optimization model, an improved Firefly Algorithm (IFA), integrating Logistic mapping and an adaptive weight strategy, is employed. Aligned with the recommended goals of sustainable development, this approach not only reduces fatigue loads, enhancing the lifespan and efficiency of wind turbines, but also ensures that the wind farm retains strong frequency regulation performance. By optimizing turbine performance and promoting a more balanced load distribution, the proposed method significantly contributes to the overall reliability and economic sustainability of renewable energy systems. Finally, a case study system consisting of nine 5 MW turbines is established to validate the proposed method, demonstrating its ability to evenly distribute the fatigue load across turbines while effectively tracking higher-level dispatch commands and reducing the same fatigue loads. Full article

16 pages, 649 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Technical–Economic–Environmental Evaluation of Available Technologies for Heavy Metal Wastewater Treatment Used in Lead–Zinc Smelting in the Yellow River Basin

by Yafeng Wu, Hao Fang and Yuhua Zhou

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9188; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209188 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

Evaluating the efficacy of available technology for pollutant treatment is critical for formulating environmental management policies and standards. To address the lack of systematic quantitative methods for evaluating available technology, we propose a method based on the Entropy Weight TOPSIS model which integrates [...] Read more.

Evaluating the efficacy of available technology for pollutant treatment is critical for formulating environmental management policies and standards. To address the lack of systematic quantitative methods for evaluating available technology, we propose a method based on the Entropy Weight TOPSIS model which integrates technology, economic efficiency, environmental benefits, and operational feasibility. We applied this approach to evaluate six heavy metal wastewater treatment technologies used in the lead–zinc smelting industry in the Yellow River Basin of China. A total of 4 primary and 16 secondary evaluation indicators were identified. The data were mainly composed of supervised monitoring data collected by local environmental protection authorities and self-monitoring operation data collected from factories; moreover, 10 relevant experts were invited to assess the scoring indicators. The results showed that technical performance had the greatest contribution to the overall efficacy of the treatment technology (62.31% weight), followed by environmental benefits (14.24% weight), economic costs (12.08% weight), and operational feasibility (11.36% weight). The final scores and rankings of the six technologies evaluated showed that a sulfurization precipitation with two-stage lime neutralization and sedimentation technology received the highest score due to its balanced technical performance, economic cost, environmental benefits, and operational feasibility. Conversely, lime neutralization with flocculation precipitation technology ranked lowest due to its non-compliance with the emission limits in China, despite its low economic cost and carbon emission intensity. This study provides a quantitative methodological framework for evaluating available technology, emphasizing the balance of the technical, economic, and environmental benefits of the pollutant treatment technologies chosen and the relevant policies made. Full article

23 pages, 1798 KB

Open AccessArticle

Thematic Evolution and Transmission Mechanisms of China’s Rural Tourism Policy: A Multi-Level Governance Framework for Sustainable Development

by Haoqian Hu, Yifen Yin, Yingchong Xie, Jingwen Cai, Chunning Wang and Wenshuo Zhang

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9187; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209187 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

Rural tourism is a key engine for sustainable development, elevated to a strategic level under China’s “Rural Revitalization Strategy”, creating a complex multi-level governance (MLG) policy system whose internal mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aims to analyze the thematic structure, spatio-temporal [...] Read more.

Rural tourism is a key engine for sustainable development, elevated to a strategic level under China’s “Rural Revitalization Strategy”, creating a complex multi-level governance (MLG) policy system whose internal mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aims to analyze the thematic structure, spatio-temporal evolution, and transmission mechanisms of China’s rural tourism policy across central, provincial, and city/county levels. We applied BERTopic topic modeling and spatio-temporal analysis to a corpus of 1174 policy documents from 2005 to 2024. The results reveal a “centrally guided Type I governance” model with a clear functional division: the central level acts as a “top-level strategic designer”, the provincial level as a “key regional hub” for adaptation, and the city/county level as the “frontline of policy implementation”. We identified a vertical transmission chain characterized by a 1–2-year lag, alongside spatial differentiation driven by regional resource endowments at the provincial level and functional needs at the city/county level. This study concludes that China’s rural tourism governance framework is an efficient synergistic system that combines strong central guidance with dynamic local adaptation, providing empirical support for MLG theory in a unitary state and offering insights for optimizing policy coordination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Moving beyond Sustainable Tourism Rediscovery through Regenerative Travel)

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37 pages, 933 KB

Open AccessArticle

Does R&D Efficiency Hold the Key to Regional Resilience Under Sustainable Urban Development?

by Siyu Li, Tian Xia and Yongrok Choi

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9186; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209186 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

Amid intensifying geopolitical tensions and global uncertainties, regional economies face mounting pressures that threaten both stability and sustainability. Against this backdrop, building resilient regional systems has become a central issue in sustainable urban development. As a key driver of resilience, innovation has been [...] Read more.

Amid intensifying geopolitical tensions and global uncertainties, regional economies face mounting pressures that threaten both stability and sustainability. Against this backdrop, building resilient regional systems has become a central issue in sustainable urban development. As a key driver of resilience, innovation has been central to China’s development agenda. Continuous and large-scale R&D investment has redirected focus from input expansion to efficiency improvement, positioning R&D efficiency at the heart of resilience-building. Under external shocks and uncertainty, can improvements in R&D efficiency enhance regional economic resilience? If so, which additional factors embedded in sustainable urban development planning can further amplify this effect? To address these questions, this study employs provincial panel data from 2000 to 2021 and integrates the SBM-DEA approach with an entropy-weighted resilience index for regression analysis. The results indicate that (1) R&D efficiency exerts a positive but limited impact on resilience, with an average increase of only 0.188 units, indicating that efficiency alone cannot generate resilient economies without institutional coordination; (2) human capital agglomeration and financial density strengthen this relationship, highlighting the need to integrate talent and financial strategies; (3) the positive effect is observed in eastern provinces but remains insignificant in central and western regions, revealing pronounced structural disparities that risk widening the resilience gap across regions rather than fostering balanced development; and (4) targeted government intervention effectively converts innovation efficiency into resilience gains, fostering coordinated and sustainable development. This study empirically demonstrates that improving R&D efficiency significantly enhances regional resilience in China and based on this evidence introduces the ICT Synergy Framework as a novel analytical lens for understanding how innovation, capital, and talent jointly drive resilience and sustainable development. The findings further suggest that targeted government intervention in R&D resource allocation can reinforce resilience, offering broader lessons for other developing economies. By integrating innovation outcomes with spatial and institutional planning, the study provides actionable insights for advancing sustainable urban development and coordinated regional growth. Full article

15 pages, 645 KB

Open AccessArticle

Drivers’ Risk and Emotional Intelligence in Safe Interactions with Vulnerable Road Users: Toward Sustainable Mobility

by Shiva Pourfalatoun, Erika E. Gallegos and Jubaer Ahmed

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9185; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209185 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

Sustainable urban transportation relies on safe interactions between motor vehicles and vulnerable road users (VRUs) such as bicyclists and pedestrians. This study evaluates how drivers’ risk-taking and emotional intelligence (EI) influence their interactions with VRUs in urban environments. A driving simulator study with [...] Read more.

Sustainable urban transportation relies on safe interactions between motor vehicles and vulnerable road users (VRUs) such as bicyclists and pedestrians. This study evaluates how drivers’ risk-taking and emotional intelligence (EI) influence their interactions with VRUs in urban environments. A driving simulator study with 40 participants examined nine bicycle-passing events and one pedestrian-crossing scenario. The results show that higher risk-taking is significantly associated with more hazardous behaviors: each unit increase in risk-taking predicted a 4.02 mph higher passing speed and a 60% lower likelihood of braking for pedestrians. Event context also shaped behavior: drivers reduced their speed by 2.52 mph when passing cyclists on the road and by 2.33 mph for groups of cyclists, compared to single cyclists in bike lanes. Across all risk categories, the participants expressed discomfort when sharing the road, preferring to pass bicyclists on sidewalks, although the ‘risk-avoidant’ group reported significant discomfort even in these scenarios. EI did not significantly predict driving outcomes, likely reflecting limited score variability rather than an absence of influence. These insights support sustainable urban mobility by informing risk-based driver training and safer infrastructure design. Improving driver–VRU interactions helps create safer streets for walking and cycling, an essential condition for reducing car dependence and advancing sustainable transportation systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Safety, Traffic Behaviors and Sustainable Transportation Planning)

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20 pages, 1129 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustained Learning as a Dynamic Capability for Digital Transformation: A Multilevel Quantitative Study on Workforce Readiness and Digital Services in Healthcare

by Sandra Starke and Iveta Ludviga

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9184; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209184 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

In the context of the digital transformation of healthcare organisations, this study investigates the critical role of sustained learning, employee readiness, and supportive learning conditions to enable digital service offerings. Drawing on dynamic capabilities theory, we conceptualise and empirically test a multilevel model, [...] Read more.

In the context of the digital transformation of healthcare organisations, this study investigates the critical role of sustained learning, employee readiness, and supportive learning conditions to enable digital service offerings. Drawing on dynamic capabilities theory, we conceptualise and empirically test a multilevel model, exploring how sustained learning behaviour and mindset shape the Ability–Motivation–Opportunity (AMO) framework at the individual level. Furthermore, we analyse how workplace learning mediates the relationship between AMO on service outcomes at an organisational level, with sector affiliation as a moderating factor. Data were collected from 856 participants with online surveys and analysed with PLS-SEM. The results confirmed that sustained learning significantly enhances individual readiness (ability, motivation, and opportunity), which in turn positively influences digital services. Workplace learning was found to be a potent mediator, and sector affiliation significantly moderated the relationship between workforce enhancement and digital service outcomes. These findings underline the importance of embedding an employee sustained learning mindset and behaviour as an organisational capability, beyond technical implementation. The results suggest that a successful digital transformation hinges on cognitive and behavioural learning engagement, supported by supportive learning structures and context-specific strategies. Full article

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29 pages, 1482 KB

Open AccessArticle

Policy Incentives for Strengthening Industry–Academia Collaboration Toward Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship

by Cheng-Wen Lee, Chin-Chuan Wang, Mao-Wen Fu and Hsiao Chuan Chen

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9183; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209183 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

This study examines how policy incentives enhance students’ entrepreneurial mindset and agility through industry–academia collaboration. Unlike prior research that often adopts institutional or industry perspectives, this paper foregrounds the experiences of students as the primary beneficiaries of entrepreneurship education policies. Drawing on survey [...] Read more.

This study examines how policy incentives enhance students’ entrepreneurial mindset and agility through industry–academia collaboration. Unlike prior research that often adopts institutional or industry perspectives, this paper foregrounds the experiences of students as the primary beneficiaries of entrepreneurship education policies. Drawing on survey data from 528 students across Taiwan and Malaysia, the study tests a comprehensive conceptual framework incorporating professional engagement, curriculum design, and skill development as mediating mechanisms. Using structural equation modeling, the findings show that policy incentives exert strong direct and indirect effects on entrepreneurial outcomes, although some mediating pathways are contingent on the quality of engagement. By positioning student perspectives at the center of analysis, this study contributes to understanding how policy support translates into experiential learning and entrepreneurial agility. Implications are drawn for educators, policymakers, and students, with suggestions for refining collaboration structures and fostering student-centered entrepreneurship ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Sustainable Businesses: Psychological Drivers, Organizational Strategies and Entrepreneurial Development)

32 pages, 1062 KB

Open AccessArticle

Strategic Trade-Offs in Forward and Backward Integration: Evidence of Organizational Resilience from Systemic Supply Chain Disruptions

by Fen Wu, Jing Zhu and Qinghong Xie

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9182; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209182 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

In an increasingly uncertain business environment, developing organizational resilience to cope with supply chain disruptions is crucial for firms aiming to achieve sustainable growth. This study investigates how forward and backward vertical integration influence organizational resilience in the face of large-scale supply chain [...] Read more.

In an increasingly uncertain business environment, developing organizational resilience to cope with supply chain disruptions is crucial for firms aiming to achieve sustainable growth. This study investigates how forward and backward vertical integration influence organizational resilience in the face of large-scale supply chain disruptions, with particular attention to the moderating role of a firm’s position in the supply network. Drawing on a comprehensive dataset of 2931 publicly listed Chinese firms, we integrate the relational view and information processing theory to examine how integration strategies affect two key dimensions of resilience: organizational stability and flexibility. Our results show that backward integration enhances both stability (reducing the severity of loss by about 17%) and flexibility by accelerating recovery, especially benefiting downstream firms in terms of stability and upstream firms in terms of flexibility. In contrast, forward integration is associated with reduced stability (raising the severity of loss by about 7%) but enables faster recovery for firms closer to end markets. Moreover, we find that the effectiveness of vertical integration depends on organizational context and alternative resilience mechanisms. These findings highlight the importance of aligning integration direction with supply chain position to optimize resilience. By disentangling the distinct strategic trade-offs of forward versus backward integration, this study advances theoretical understanding and offers practical guidance for firms seeking to strengthen their capacity to withstand and recover from systemic shocks. Full article

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25 pages, 1299 KB

Open AccessArticle

Socio-Demographic Predictors of Entrepreneurial Intentions: The Mediating Role of Perceived Gender Discrimination Among Female Students

by Ionut Antohi, Silvia Ghita-Mitrescu, Andreea-Daniela Moraru, Cristina Duhnea, Margareta Ilie and Georgiana-Loredana Schipor

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9181; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209181 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

Understanding entrepreneurial intention among female students has become increasingly important for addressing gender disparities in business creation and fostering economic development. Pursuing to promote inclusive entrepreneurship and reduce gender gaps in business creation aligns with Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 (gender equality). [...] Read more.

Understanding entrepreneurial intention among female students has become increasingly important for addressing gender disparities in business creation and fostering economic development. Pursuing to promote inclusive entrepreneurship and reduce gender gaps in business creation aligns with Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 (gender equality). This study examines how demographic and social variables influence entrepreneurial intentions, with perceived gender discrimination as a potential mediating factor. Data were collected through an online survey employing a structured questionnaire and analyzed using logistic regression models incorporating mediation analysis. The sample consisted of 360 female students from a university in the South–East region of Romania. Among the six socio-demographic variables examined, marital status and income satisfaction emerge as significant predictors. The results indicated that married students expressed higher entrepreneurial intentions, while the participants with higher income satisfaction reported lower entrepreneurial intentions. Perceived gender discrimination was not a significant mediator in the tested model, and all calculated indirect effects were statistically non-significant. The findings of the study offer valuable insights for the design and implementation of local entrepreneurship policies as well as for university strategies and curricula adjustments to better support young women in their entrepreneurship endeavors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender Equality: Empowering Women and Girls for Sustainable Development)

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20 pages, 5066 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Pathways and Potential Assessment for Pollution and Carbon Reduction in Typical Coastal Cities: A Case Study of Haishu District Ningbo

by Guojin Sun, Zhenhua Shao, Yichao Xu, Xuechen He, Keyu Shi, Hua Pan, Nan Xu, Xiaoyong Cao, Chunlei Wei, Yi He and Yao Shi

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9180; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209180 (registering DOI) - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

Under the “dual carbon” strategy, achieving synergy between pollution reduction and carbon mitigation is crucial for the sustainable development of coastal cities. However, existing studies frequently emphasize single-carbon reduction measures whilst neglecting to acknowledge the cross-sectoral synergistic effects. This study takes the Haishu [...] Read more.

Under the “dual carbon” strategy, achieving synergy between pollution reduction and carbon mitigation is crucial for the sustainable development of coastal cities. However, existing studies frequently emphasize single-carbon reduction measures whilst neglecting to acknowledge the cross-sectoral synergistic effects. This study takes the Haishu District of Ningbo in Zhejiang Province as a case study and quantitatively assesses the effectiveness of synergistic governance strategies across four key pathways: photovoltaic power generation, carbon sequestration by green land, new energy transportation, and waste incineration for power generation. The results demonstrate that multi-sectoral coordinated management significantly enhances overall emission reduction efficiency, with the photovoltaic and waste-to-energy pathways showing the highest carbon reduction potential. This study establishes a multi-pathway framework for evaluating the synergistic effects of pollution and carbon reduction. It also provides scientific support for decision-making regarding the transition to a low-carbon economy in coastal cities, and proposes a replicable evaluation methodology that can be used to implement dual carbon strategies in other coastal regions. Full article

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