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Sustainability

Sustainability is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal on environmental, cultural, economic, and social sustainability of human beings, published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) and Urban Land Institute (ULI) are affiliated with Sustainability and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE and SSCI (Web of Science), GEOBASE, GeoRef, Inspec, AGRIS, RePEc, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Environmental Studies) / CiteScore - Q1 (Geography, Planning and Development)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 20 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Sustainability.
Companion journals for Sustainability include: World, Sustainable Chemistry, Conservation, Future Transportation, Architecture, Standards and Merits.

Impact Factor: 3.3 (2023); 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.6 (2023)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2071-1050

Latest Articles

21 pages, 927 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Impact of Supply Chain Integration on Supply Chain Resilience in NEV Manufacturing Enterprises

by Qi Zhang, Yu Feng and Li You

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8546; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198546 (registering DOI) - 30 Sep 2024

This paper explores the direct impact of different types of supply chain integration on supply chain resilience in new energy vehicle manufacturing enterprises. It also elucidates the mediating role of supply chain risk management and the moderating role of regulatory uncertainty, proposing nine [...] Read more.

This paper explores the direct impact of different types of supply chain integration on supply chain resilience in new energy vehicle manufacturing enterprises. It also elucidates the mediating role of supply chain risk management and the moderating role of regulatory uncertainty, proposing nine research hypotheses. Finally, it employs SPSS 26.0 software to analyze the research hypotheses using collected 309 sample data. The research results indicate the following: (1) Internal integration, supplier integration, and customer integration all positively influence supply chain resilience, with supplier integration having the most significant impact. (2) Supply chain risk management mediates the relationship between internal integration, supplier integration, customer integration, and supply chain resilience. (3) Regulatory uncertainty significantly negatively moderates the impact of internal integration and customer integration on supply chain resilience, but it does not significantly negatively moderate the impact of supplier integration on supply chain resilience. Full article

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35 pages, 1019 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimal Service Strategies of Online Platform Based on Purchase Behavior

by Xudong Lin, Tingyi Shi, Hanyang Luo and Hao Zhu

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8545; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198545 (registering DOI) - 30 Sep 2024

In the rapidly evolving platform economy, online platforms have emerged as pivotal providers of digital services to sellers. The paper investigates how online platforms optimize service strategies based on consumers’ purchase behavior, influencing sellers’ pricing and social welfare. Using a two-period Hotelling model [...] Read more.

In the rapidly evolving platform economy, online platforms have emerged as pivotal providers of digital services to sellers. The paper investigates how online platforms optimize service strategies based on consumers’ purchase behavior, influencing sellers’ pricing and social welfare. Using a two-period Hotelling model and a cooperative game framework, we discover that the optimal service strategies of a platform with data collecting capabilities are collaborating with two sellers to offer to extend services to new consumers in the second period, maximizing profits for all sellers and platform. Applying Shapley value analysis, we determine the platform’s equitable service charge strategies. When sellers adopt behavior-based pricing (BBP), the pricing escalates in the first period, and the platform’s optimal service strategies also enhance the pricing of sellers. However, in the second period, BBP intensifies competition, leading to generally lower pricing. Our findings suggest that optimal pricing in the second period for new consumers should increase with enhanced quality perception, which is provided by the platform’s digital services and heightened by consumers’ privacy concerns, while decreasing for regular consumers. Lastly, we offer policy recommendations, exploring optimal regulatory scenarios—limiting or not limiting data collection—to maximize social welfare or consumer surplus, and the Mathematica software is used to identify distinct optimal policy intervals. Full article

15 pages, 708 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Niche Sustainable Agricultural Production in Colombia: The Case of Territorial Development Agendas and Development Planning in the Province of García Rovira

by Helmer Fernando Llanez Anaya and Jimmy Sánchez Reyes

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8544; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198544 (registering DOI) - 30 Sep 2024

This article addresses the emergence of a niche for sustainable agricultural production in the province of García Rovira, Colombia. It examines the intervention of the Colombian planning regime, which implements agendas for sustainable territorial development. However, these agendas are not adequately aligned with [...] Read more.

This article addresses the emergence of a niche for sustainable agricultural production in the province of García Rovira, Colombia. It examines the intervention of the Colombian planning regime, which implements agendas for sustainable territorial development. However, these agendas are not adequately aligned with provincial realities, resulting in a productive decline. From a multi-level perspective, a production niche linked to the landscape has been identified, emphasizing sustainable practices and innovation. This study aimed to explore how planning influences the emergence of such niches and identified factors that promote their transition towards sustainability. Through a mixed methodology, growing sectors were accentuated and the profiles of the producers involved were outlined. The main conclusion is that the planned intervention is inefficient as the niche of sustainable production emerges without a clear influence. Therefore, it is proposed to re-evaluate planning using alternative analysis frameworks to detect emerging productive dynamics, serving as a basis for future plans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability Efforts and Importance of Change Management)

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24 pages, 4163 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Sustainable Production Planning Scheme for New Energy Vehicles in China

by Lu Xiao, Feiyue Yang, Yong Yang, Che Chen and Wuer Ha

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8543; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198543 - 30 Sep 2024

The carbon emissions of new energy vehicles (NEVs)have transited from the use stage to the production stage, indicating that the environmental impact of NEVs in the manufacturing stage cannot be ignored. To reduce carbon emissions and maintain profits, this study proposes a fuzzy [...] Read more.

The carbon emissions of new energy vehicles (NEVs)have transited from the use stage to the production stage, indicating that the environmental impact of NEVs in the manufacturing stage cannot be ignored. To reduce carbon emissions and maintain profits, this study proposes a fuzzy multi-objective optimization model to achieve a sustainable production planning scheme for NEVs. The proposed model not only considers the maximum profits of automobile enterprises but also the minimum target of carbon emissions in the production process, to coordinate the optimal production quantity. The results show that the output of NEVs in different price ranges has different proportions. The market share of blade electric vehicles is the highest, accounting for 39% of the NEV market, and the proportion of plug-in hybrid and blade electric vehicles is increasing. The sensitivity analysis further reflects the impact of government subsidy “recession” and body lightweight on the output, carbon emissions, and annual profits of NEVs in China. Accordingly, this paper provides policy implications for achieving a sustainable production planning scheme for NEVs in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Saving and Emission Reduction from Green Transportation)

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25 pages, 5152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Short-Term Photovoltaic Power Probabilistic Forecasting Based on Temporal Decomposition and Vine Copula

by Xinghua Wang, Zilv Li, Chenyang Fu, Xixian Liu, Weikang Yang, Xiangyuan Huang, Longfa Yang, Jianhui Wu and Zhuoli Zhao

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8542; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198542 - 30 Sep 2024

With the large-scale development of solar power generation, highly uncertain photovoltaic (PV) power output has an increasing impact on distribution networks. PV power generation has complex correlations with various weather factors, while the time series embodies multiple temporal characteristics. To more accurately quantify [...] Read more.

With the large-scale development of solar power generation, highly uncertain photovoltaic (PV) power output has an increasing impact on distribution networks. PV power generation has complex correlations with various weather factors, while the time series embodies multiple temporal characteristics. To more accurately quantify the uncertainty of PV power generation, this paper proposes a short-term PV power probabilistic forecasting method based on the combination of decomposition prediction and multidimensional variable dependency modeling. First, a seasonal and trend decomposition using a Loess (STL)-based PV time series feature decomposition model is constructed to obtain periodic, trend, and residual components representing different characteristics. For different components, this paper develops a periodic component prediction model based on TimeMixer for multi-scale temporal feature mixing, a long short-term memory (LSTM)-based trend component extraction and prediction model, and a multidimensional PV residual probability density prediction model optimized by Vine Copula optimized with Q-Learning. These components’ results form a short-term PV probabilistic forecasting method that considers both temporal features and multidimensional variable correlations. Experimentation with data from the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Center (DKASC) demonstrates that the proposed method reduced root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) by at least 14.8% and 22%, respectively, compared to recent benchmark models. In probability interval prediction, while improving accuracy by 4% at a 95% confidence interval, the interval width decreased by 19%. The results show that the proposed approach has stronger adaptability and higher accuracy, which can provide more valuable references for power grid planning and decision support. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Energy Technologies and Energy Systems)

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19 pages, 997 KiB

Open AccessEssay

Research on the Impact Mechanism and Empirical Study of the Digital Economy on Rural Revitalization in the Yangtze River Economic Belt

by Xulu Zhang, Feng Qi and Xinxin Cao

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8541; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198541 - 30 Sep 2024

As a new engine of China’s economic development, the digital economy is playing an important role in rural revitalization. Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus epidemic, there is a lack of recent empirical research on the digital economy and rural revitalization [...] Read more.

As a new engine of China’s economic development, the digital economy is playing an important role in rural revitalization. Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus epidemic, there is a lack of recent empirical research on the digital economy and rural revitalization and development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Based on the provincial panel data of 11 provinces in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2014 to 2022, this paper calculates the comprehensive development level of the digital economy and rural revitalization and conducts a benchmark regression on their relationship. The results of the heterogeneity analysis show that the impact of the digital economy on rural revitalization in the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River is stronger than that in the lower reaches. Then we adopt the Moran index and spatial Durbin model for further regression analysis, and find that there is a spatial autocorrelation between the digital economy and rural revitalization. The digital economy of the Yangtze River Economic Belt has a spatial spillover effect on rural revitalization. To effectively harness the digital economy’s role in advancing rural revitalization, it is crucial to tailor resource allocation to local conditions, implement targeted policies, and establish a robust monitoring and evaluation system. This strategy aims to facilitate the seamless integration of the digital economy with rural revitalization, thereby achieving synergistic effects and promoting comprehensive, sustainable development in both economic and social dimensions. Full article

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19 pages, 4948 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Upcycling PVC and PET as Volume-Enhancing Functional Fillers for the Development of High-Performance Bio-Based Rigid Polyurethane Foams

by Princess Claire D. Ochigue, Roger G. Dingcong, Jr., John Christian S. Bondaug, Brian Christian G. Magalong, Gerard G. Dumancas, Carlo S. Gutierrez, Arnold C. Alguno, Roberto M. Malaluan, Arnold A. Lubguban and Hernando P. Bacosa

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8540; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198540 - 30 Sep 2024

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) contribute significantly to global plastic waste, with only 9% recycled in recent years. In this work, these plastic wastes were upcycled as functional fillers to improve the rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) properties. To attain this target, [...] Read more.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) contribute significantly to global plastic waste, with only 9% recycled in recent years. In this work, these plastic wastes were upcycled as functional fillers to improve the rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) properties. To attain this target, we leveraged the intrinsic polarity of the C=O and C-Cl groups of PVC and PET to induce intermolecular attractions with the N-H groups of the polyurethane matrix, evidenced by the observed IR peak shifts. This enhanced the nucleating effect during foaming, increasing the foams’ compressive strengths by 77% and 22% with the addition of 10% PVC and 5% PET filler, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of PVC and PET fillers increased the foam volume. Thus, the collective utilization of PPW and its corresponding impact on the CO-based RPUF’s properties signifies a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 14.15% and 17.52% for PVC and PET, respectively. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed improved thermal stability and degradation profiles of the produced RPUFs. Overall, this work highlights potential advancement in environmentally responsible upcycling strategies for common end-of-life plastic wastes, while enhancing rigid foam properties. Full article

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28 pages, 1103 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Public City as Network of Networks: A Toolkit for Healthy Neighbourhoods

by Laura Ricci, Carmela Mariano and Marsia Marino

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8539; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198539 - 30 Sep 2024

The distinction between the current urban crisis and that which emerged in the latter half of the last century lies in the rise of environmental concerns linked to the climate crisis, which compound the existing socioeconomic issues. The “new urban question”, in its [...] Read more.

The distinction between the current urban crisis and that which emerged in the latter half of the last century lies in the rise of environmental concerns linked to the climate crisis, which compound the existing socioeconomic issues. The “new urban question”, in its intersectional sense, necessitates high levels of integration, interdisciplinarity, interscalarity, and iterativity to recompose the physical and socioeconomic components of change. In this regard, the proposed contribution aims to develop a transferable methodology to guide urban regeneration actions that are sustainable from a socio-economic and environmental perspective, capable of leading to the creation of “Healthy Neighbourhoods”. This objective is pursued by the authors through the definition of a toolkit of design parameters to assess the improvement of an urban area before and after the regeneration intervention. Indeed, each proposed parameter affects one or more of the ten indicators used to evaluate the health of a neighbourhood. The proposed methodology will later be tested, in subsequent phases of the research, on the case study of Pietralata (Rome, Italy). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Equality and Sustainability Studies)

12 pages, 382 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sustainability Performance Reporting

by Teodora Maria Rusu, Antonia Odagiu, Horia Pop and Laura Paulette

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8538; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198538 - 30 Sep 2024

Sustainability reporting is an essential tool for companies and organizations to assess and communicate their sustainability performance. Its importance derives from the need for transparency and accountability to stakeholders, including investors, customers, employees and local communities. The principles underlying an effective sustainability report [...] Read more.

Sustainability reporting is an essential tool for companies and organizations to assess and communicate their sustainability performance. Its importance derives from the need for transparency and accountability to stakeholders, including investors, customers, employees and local communities. The principles underlying an effective sustainability report include integrity, accuracy, comparability and clarity. The main purpose of the sustainability report is to provide a clear view of the economic, social and environmental impact of the organization’s activities, contributing to continuous performance improvement and alignment with international standards. The objective of our study is to analyze sustainability reporting and ESG (environment, social, governance) reporting, key steps and methods for measuring and reporting sustainability, and the sustainability policy criteria and reporting frameworks used internationally (GRI, IIRC, SASB, TCFD, ISO 26000, ISO 14016) in order to identify areas for further development to improve the relevance and effectiveness of sustainability reporting. The results obtained from our study enable a better understanding of how an organization reports its social, economic, and environmental impact, the differences in compliance with the international standards used, the main steps, and sustainability criteria followed. Our research highlights the necessary actions and steps through which sustainability reporting can become a more effective and relevant tool, contributing to real sustainable development and more responsible resource management. The usefulness of this report is reflected in many aspects: it facilitates informed decision making, enhances trust and reputation, helps identify risks and opportunities, and supports sustainable business strategies. The sustainability report is not only a means of reporting but also a catalyst for positive change, promoting responsible business practices and contributing to global sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Environmental Performance and Disclosure: Implications for Sustainability)

17 pages, 742 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Technological Evolution in the Swiss Bus Fleet from 1940 to 2022: An Inventory and Database for Research Applications

by Viviane Fiona Mathilde Remy, David Vernez and Irina Guseva Canu

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8537; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198537 - 30 Sep 2024

(1) Background: A strategic approach to managing and evolving the bus fleet is essential for optimizing public transportation, improving service efficiency, meeting future demands, and incorporating environmentally friendly technologies. However, country-specific data on fleet composition and evolution are often lacking despite their importance [...] Read more.

(1) Background: A strategic approach to managing and evolving the bus fleet is essential for optimizing public transportation, improving service efficiency, meeting future demands, and incorporating environmentally friendly technologies. However, country-specific data on fleet composition and evolution are often lacking despite their importance in evaluating technological impacts on the environment, passenger comfort, and driver working conditions. This report describes the creation of the inventory of the Swiss bus fleet and analyzes technological developments in bus vehicles from 1940 to 2022. (2) Methods: We collected the data through a comprehensive mapping study and validated it with Swiss bus companies and experts from the Federal Office of Transport. Vehicle approval forms were used to extract technical data. Buses were sorted by brand and model. For each bus model, 58 technical characteristics were documented in a database. A latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted to classify the buses according to their technological characteristics. (3) Results: The inventory comprises 891 bus models, classified into four groups representing different generations. The predominance of thermal buses and the emergence of hybrid and electric buses since 2010 were noticed. (4) Conclusion: This inventory tracks bus technology evolution and highlights potential implications for driver occupational exposure and environmental impact assessment. Full article

21 pages, 3825 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Balancing Environmental Sustainability and Economic Viability in Luxembourgish Farms: An Agent-Based Model with Multi-Objective Optimization

by Alper Bayram, Antonino Marvuglia, Tomás Navarrete Gutiérrez and Hélène Soyeurt

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8536; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198536 - 30 Sep 2024

To curb the impacts arising from the agricultural sector, the actions undertaken by policymakers, and ultimately by the farmers, are of paramount importance. However, finding the best strategy to reduce impacts, and especially assessing the effects of the interactions and mutual influence among [...] Read more.

To curb the impacts arising from the agricultural sector, the actions undertaken by policymakers, and ultimately by the farmers, are of paramount importance. However, finding the best strategy to reduce impacts, and especially assessing the effects of the interactions and mutual influence among farmers, is very difficult. To this aim, this paper shows an application of an agent-based model (ABM) coupled with life cycle assessment (LCA), which also includes multi-objective optimization of farming activities (including both crop cultivation and livestock breeding) from an economic and environmental perspective. The environmental impacts are assessed using the impact assessment scores calculated with the Environmental Footprint 3.0 life cycle impact assessment method and the study is conducted “from cradle to farm gate”. The model is applied to all the farms in Luxembourg, whose network is built utilizing neighborhood interactions, through which a parameter known as farmer’s green consciousness is updated at each time step. The optimization module is instantiated at the end of each time step, and decision variables (the number of livestock units and land allocation) are assigned based on profitability and specified environmental impact categories. If only profit optimization is considered (i.e., when farmers’ green consciousness is de-activated), the results show a 9% reduction in the aggregated environmental impacts (obtained as the Environmental Footprint single score) and a 5.5% increase in overall profitability. At the farm level, simulations display a clear trade-off between environmental sustainability and financial stability, with a 25% reduction in overall emissions possible if farming activities are carried out using the single score impact in the objective function, though this results in an 8% reduction in profitability over 10 years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Crop Production and Agricultural Practices)

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16 pages, 884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Rise and Transfer of the River Chief System: A Review of Chinese Water Governance and Its Potential to Transfer to the Global Community

by David Peter Dolowitz

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8535; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198535 - 30 Sep 2024

As a result of water sustainability issues, China has enacted a range of policies to improve its water ecosystem since the middle of the 20th century. These measures include the creation of the Seven River Conservancy Commissions, the development (combination and recombination) of [...] Read more.

As a result of water sustainability issues, China has enacted a range of policies to improve its water ecosystem since the middle of the 20th century. These measures include the creation of the Seven River Conservancy Commissions, the development (combination and recombination) of ministries and departments to address environmental pollution and degradation, and recently, the implementation of the river chief system. Considering the importance of global water sustainability and the positive impact Chinese measures have had in this area, the author will examine if the river chief can be transferred to other political jurisdictions. To do this, the author gathered data using keyword searches of the Web of Science and Google Scholar, official government sites, media sites and key international organizations. Based on this, the author reviews the development of the river chief system in the context of broader ecological reforms, places the rise of the river chief in the context of potential lessons for future improvement, and speculates on the possibility that China could transfer the river chief to countries facing similar challenges in their water governance regimes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Wastewater Treatment and Reuse for Sustainable Water Resources)

29 pages, 23242 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Heritage Tourism Development Should Take Care of Industrial Heritage Protection: A Study on the Development Strategy of Industrial Heritage Tourism in Nanjing

by Hechi Wang, Jianwei Ge, Xinxin Chen, Qi Zhou and Kehao Huang

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8534; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198534 - 30 Sep 2024

The tourism development of industrial heritage is an effective way to activate cultural heritage and can provide new solutions for the renewal and protection of industrial heritage. This study focuses on the industrial heritage in Nanjing, aiming to explore its spatial distribution pattern, [...] Read more.

The tourism development of industrial heritage is an effective way to activate cultural heritage and can provide new solutions for the renewal and protection of industrial heritage. This study focuses on the industrial heritage in Nanjing, aiming to explore its spatial distribution pattern, tourism development strategy, and sustainable development model. This study adopts a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. First, relevant information on 93 sites of industrial heritage type historic buildings in Nanjing is collected. Secondly, ArcGIS was used to visualize the evolution of industrial buildings and the spatial distribution of industrial heritage type historic buildings. Finally, the spatial analysis tools of ArcGIS and the accessibility analysis method in space syntax theory are superimposed to comprehensively analyze the spatial distribution pattern and traffic accessibility characteristics of Nanjing’s industrial heritage. The research results propose a specific plan to promote the value transformation of industrial heritage through tourism: based on the spatial distribution characteristics of Nanjing’s industrial heritage along the water system and traffic arteries, a tourist route of “multi-point, two-axis, one-center“ is planned; the tourism development strategy of “point protrusion, linear links, and surface darning“ is implemented; and a sustainable development model under the guidance of low-carbon environmental protection goals is explored. This study provides a reference for the protective development of industrial heritage and the expansion of tourism and opens up a new perspective for the regeneration and planning of other urban heritage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage Preservation and Tourism Development)

17 pages, 490 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Incentive Effect of Digital Finance on Innovation of Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises Considering Heterogeneity: An Empirical Study Based on Chinese-Listed Firms

by Wanteng Zheng and Zixuan Ye

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8533; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198533 - 30 Sep 2024

The development of digital finance provides new opportunities for solving the dilemma of innovation financing for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study empirically examined the heterogeneous characteristics and mediating mechanisms of digital finance and its incentive effects on SME innovation using panel [...] Read more.

The development of digital finance provides new opportunities for solving the dilemma of innovation financing for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study empirically examined the heterogeneous characteristics and mediating mechanisms of digital finance and its incentive effects on SME innovation using panel data of Chinese and GEM board-listed companies from 2010 to 2021. It was found that digital finance can significantly incentivize SME innovation; however, there are differences in efficacy among digital finance sub-dimensions, with breadth of coverage having the strongest effect, followed by depth of use, and digitization degree having a non-significant effect. Meanwhile, there is heterogeneity in the incentive effect of digital finance on SME innovation, which is manifested as private SMEs and SMEs in regions with stronger financial regulations and a higher degree of marketization being more likely to be incentivized by digital finance to innovate. In addition, digital finance can indirectly incentivize SMEs to innovate through three paths: alleviating financing constraints, improving risk tolerance, and solving information asymmetry. Full article

22 pages, 2481 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Traditional Fishing Villages Move Towards Sustainable Management: A Case Study of Industrial Transformation and Multi-Party Governance Models

by Ming-Ming He, Jing Wang, Su-Hsin Lee and Shu-Chen Tsai

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8532; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198532 - 30 Sep 2024

The purpose of this study is to explore the key roles and functions of institutions or organizations in the process of the spatial activation and industrial transformation of leisure fishing villages and to summarize this operating model. This study takes Xunpu Village, Quanzhou [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study is to explore the key roles and functions of institutions or organizations in the process of the spatial activation and industrial transformation of leisure fishing villages and to summarize this operating model. This study takes Xunpu Village, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province as the research object, which is well-known for its recreational fisheries. It mainly uses case study methods and uses on-site surveys and interviews to understand the formation time, spatial distribution, and business type information of the Zanhuawei shops in Xunpu Village. Zanhuawei, which refers to the traditional hairstyle of Xunpu women, was later applied for national intangible cultural heritage status in China. After the outbreak, the spread of Zanhuawei on the Internet inspired a large number of tourists to visit Xunpu Village to experience Zanhuawei. The study found that (1) Zanhuawei industry replaced traditional fishery and became the leading industry type in Xunpu Village. (2) The operating model led by the government and integrating public and private funds has had a stimulating effect on the revitalization of local commercial and residential space, and a large number of idle spaces have been reactivated. (3) The cooperation model between a large number of investors and local fisherwomen has completely changed the economic model of the village. Zanhuawei industry mobilized all official and media resources to promote spatial activation at various scales, including regions, settlements and commercial spaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Corporate Governance and Firm Performance)

25 pages, 806 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Analysis and Temporal Governance of Safety Risks: Evidence from Underground Construction Accident Reports

by Xiuyu Wu and Pengkai Sun

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8531; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198531 - 30 Sep 2024

Due to the complexity and dynamics of underground construction projects, safety risk management has experienced significant challenges restricting the sustainable development of underground space. The research on risk causal chains and risk coupling has yet to reveal the dynamic interactive characteristics of these [...] Read more.

Due to the complexity and dynamics of underground construction projects, safety risk management has experienced significant challenges restricting the sustainable development of underground space. The research on risk causal chains and risk coupling has yet to reveal the dynamic interactive characteristics of these risk factors and their temporal relationships over time. This study utilized a complex system view for safety risk analysis, using 37 accident investigation reports of underground construction projects. Combined with two novel and emerging analytical methods, temporal qualitative comparative analysis and crisp-set qualitative comparative analysis, this study discusses the temporal relationship of risk factors to the cause of accidents and explores the multi-actor coupling characteristics of management risk. The findings indicate that (1) compared with general construction projects, underground construction should pay more attention to management safety risks because they have an obvious time lag effect expressed in all accident causation paths, namely, preceding management risk, management risk, and machine/material risk cross-concurrently, and management risk initiation and (2) underground construction project management risks have three key main paths, namely, single-actor-dominated management deficiency (supervisors, owners, and subcontractors that cause management risks as a single-core actor) and dual-actor-dominated management deficiency (owner and subcontractor as dual core actors of management risk). Multi-actor-dominated management deficiency (owners, subcontractors, and supervisors are the multiple core actors of management risk). This study thus developed a temporal governance framework of underground construction safety risks based on the synergy of multi-actors and proposed risk governance strategies, such as synergistic multi-actor governance, to consider the temporal relationship of safety risk. This study further reveals the temporal and coupling characteristics of safety risks to enrich the risk casual chain theory and risk coupling theory and establish a systematic risk analysis framework for new guidance for safety and risk management for underground construction projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Management and Safety Engineering for a Sustainable Future)

23 pages, 7647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Green Infrastructure on the Quality of Stormwater and Environmental Risk

by Izabela Godyń, Agnieszka Grela, Krzysztof Muszyński and Justyna Pamuła

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8530; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198530 - 30 Sep 2024

Increasing urbanization and the associated sealing of areas and the use of storm sewer systems for drainage not only increase the risk of flooding but also reduce water quality in streams into which stormwater is discharged. Green infrastructure (GI) measures are applied with [...] Read more.

Increasing urbanization and the associated sealing of areas and the use of storm sewer systems for drainage not only increase the risk of flooding but also reduce water quality in streams into which stormwater is discharged. Green infrastructure (GI) measures are applied with the aim of managing this stormwater sustainably and reducing the associated risks. To this end, a quantitative–qualitative approach was developed to simulate GI—namely, rain gardens, bioretention cells, and vegetative bioswales—at the urban catchment scale. The findings highlight the potential of applying GI measures to managing stormwater more effectively in urban environments and mitigating its negative pollution-related impacts. For the housing estate analyzed, a simulated implementation of GI resulted in a reduction in pollution, measured as total nitrogen (N; 9–52%), nitrate-N (5–30%), total phosphorus (11–59%), chemical oxygen demand (8–46%), total suspended solids (13–73%), copper (12–64%), zinc (Zn; 16–87%), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16–91%), and the hydrocarbon oil index (HOI; 15–85%). Reducing the concentrations of pollutants minimizes the risk to human health determined via the HOI from a low-risk level to zero risk and reduces the ecological risk in terms of Zn pollution from a significant risk to a low risk of adverse effects. The modeling conducted clearly shows that the GI solutions implemented facilitated a quantitative reduction and a qualitative improvement in stormwater, which is crucial from an environmental perspective and ensures a sustainable approach to stormwater management. Lowering the levels of stormwater pollution through the implementation of GI will consequently lower the environmental burden of pollutants in urban areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking Urban Water Infrastructure – Sustainable Approach to Urban Drainage Systems)

22 pages, 885 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Erbil Citadel as a Brand for the City, the Role of Residents Awareness and Perceptions

by Haval Sami Ali and Mahmood Khayat

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8529; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198529 - 30 Sep 2024

The branding of cities through their historical and cultural assets has become a pivotal strategy in urban development and tourism. This study focuses on Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its potential as a brand for Erbil, a city with a [...] Read more.

The branding of cities through their historical and cultural assets has become a pivotal strategy in urban development and tourism. This study focuses on Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its potential as a brand for Erbil, a city with a rich historical backdrop and flourishing urban landscape. The study aimed to explore the perceptions of Erbil’s residents regarding the cultural significance of the Citadel and its potential as a city brand. A mixed-method survey questionnaire was conducted, collecting data from around 440 residents through both manual distribution around the Citadel and an online platform. The findings were analyzed using SPSS 23 to provide both descriptive and inferential statistical insights. The findings show that locals are well aware of the Citadel’s significance as a significant historical and cultural symbol of the city. The vast majority of participants acknowledged its unique visual attributes and their representation of the city’s cultural and historical identity. Additionally, the results showed that citizens’ perceptions of the Citadel as a good component of city branding were positively correlated with their level of cultural awareness. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on city branding and heritage sites by providing empirical evidence on the impact of residents’ cultural awareness on their perceptions of heritage sites as city brands. The results highlight how crucial cultural education and community involvement are to maximizing the branding potential of historic locations. Policymakers and urban planners may find the findings of the study useful in utilizing Erbil Citadel’s historical relevance to strengthen Erbil’s brand identity internationally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Adaptive Cities: Urban Planning and Design Contribution for Achieving Climate Resilient Cities)

21 pages, 581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Financial Inclusion and Poverty Alleviation: A Critical Analysis in Nigeria

by Chinonyerem Matilda Omenihu, Sanjukta Brahma, Epameinondas Katsikas, Demetris Vrontis, Evangelia Siachou and Ioannis Krasonikolakis

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8528; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198528 - 30 Sep 2024

The study looks at the impact that the three dimensions of financial inclusion (FI) (i.e., access, usage, quality) may have on poverty alleviation. In doing so, the study relies on demand and supply-side data to measure Nigeria’s FI. The demand-side data were derived [...] Read more.

The study looks at the impact that the three dimensions of financial inclusion (FI) (i.e., access, usage, quality) may have on poverty alleviation. In doing so, the study relies on demand and supply-side data to measure Nigeria’s FI. The demand-side data were derived from the 2021 Global Findex data, and the supply side data were sourced from the IMF Access survey database (2004–2021). The supply-side data were analysed using the ordinary least squares regression (OLS), while the demand-side data were analysed using the probit regression model. The study outcomes revealed a negative and significant relationship between financial access and poverty rate, further indicating that those who use financial services are less likely to experience poverty. The study recommends that financial service providers tailor their financial products to align with the educational level of the target population to encourage savings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Leadership and Human Resource Management in Sustainable Economic Development)

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36 pages, 726 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adoption Intention of Blockchain Technologies for Sustainable Supply Chain Management in Indian MSMEs

by Vineet Paliwal, Shalini Chandra and Suneel Sharma

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8527; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198527 - 30 Sep 2024

This study explores the determinants of the intention to adopt blockchain technology for sustainable supply chain management in Indian micro, small, and medium enterprises. Different from existing studies that advocate the use of socio-technical theory for blockchain technologies, we develop a new theoretical [...] Read more.

This study explores the determinants of the intention to adopt blockchain technology for sustainable supply chain management in Indian micro, small, and medium enterprises. Different from existing studies that advocate the use of socio-technical theory for blockchain technologies, we develop a new theoretical framework, called “SOS,” based on a review of the existing literature. This is an adaptation of the technology–organization–environment framework that examines the measures and scales from socio-technical, organizational, and sustainability contexts. We use ADANCO 2.3.2 for variance-based structural equation modeling. The results show that two of the nine hypotheses are negatively significant, while the rest are positive. In our context, social sustainability and computer self-efficacy are strongly negatively significant for the adoption intention of blockchain technology in our context. Software quality and environmental sustainability are strongly positively significant. Meanwhile, collaboration, economic sustainability, and relative advantage mediated by experience are positively significant. Our study contributes to the literature by offering a new theoretical framework, fresh insights from the Indian industry, and several recommendations to practitioners. Full article

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