Search Results (491)

Digital heritage (DH) research serves as a bridge between technological applications and broader cultural, social, and policy issues. A comprehensive understanding of DH requires the integration of multiple fields. To address this, this work applies a socio-technical systems (STS) perspective to DH as a strategy to bridge the technological and social aspects. It first examines how DH functions as STSs, analyses the dynamic interactions between technological and social subsystems, and explains the need to achieve joint optimisation to tackle the complexity of DH research. Second, a comparative analysis of six STS models is conducted, using the Venice Time Machine project as a representative case, to explore both the potential and limitations of STSs as a theoretical framework for DH. Third, STS theory is applied to emphasise that the approach needs to incorporate cultural expression, technological feasibility, diverse stakeholder interests, and long-term adaptability in order to address the complexity of current DH challenges. Finally, an STS-DH framework is proposed to guide the design, implementation and evaluation of DH projects using the elements identified through the present analysis. This work extends STS theory applications to cultural heritage digitisation; provides stakeholders with new practical tools; recognises the lack of empirical research in this field and highlights the need for further research. Full article

This study investigates the impact of digitalisation and intangible investment—specifically digital skills and software adoption—on productivity in the United Kingdom’s banking sector. Software adoption is captured through banks’ investment in enterprise systems (CRM/ERP, cloud computing, and related applications), rather than a single software version. Drawing on detailed bank-level data from six major UK banks over the period 2007–2022, this research provides empirical evidence that higher intensities of digital human capital and intangible assets are positively associated with improvements in both employee productivity and overall bank performance. A standard deviation increase in software specialist employment is associated with productivity gains of 10.3% annually, though this upper-bound estimate likely combines direct effects with complementary factors such as concurrent IT investments (e.g., cloud infrastructure) and managerial innovations. The findings also highlight substantial heterogeneity across banks, with younger institutions experiencing more pronounced benefits from intangible investment due to their greater flexibility and innovation capacity. Furthermore, this study reveals that the adoption of high-speed internet and investment in IT hardware have a strong positive effect on bank productivity, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated digital transformation across the sector. However, the observational nature of the study and the limited sample size necessitate caution in generalising the findings. While the results have implications for digital workforce development and technology infrastructure, policy recommendations should be interpreted as preliminary, pending further validation in broader samples and diverse institutional settings. This study concludes by advocating for targeted strategies to expand digital skills, promote software diffusion, and modernise infrastructure to facilitate productivity convergence, while emphasising the need for future research to address potential endogeneity and external validity limitations. Full article

This study examines the role of aggregators in the context of digital energy and the integration of renewable energy sources (RES). The primary economic functions of aggregators are examined, including their role in optimizing energy markets and enhancing the flexibility and resilience of electricity systems. Different business models are presented, including the Energy as a Service (EaaS) model, and the effects of aggregators’ participation in electricity markets and balancing markets are examined. Special attention is paid to models for optimizing trading strategies and energy storage management. A comparative assessment of two scenarios for the distribution of the energy mix between solar and wind energy in the period 2022–2024 is conducted, evaluating the necessary storage capacities to achieve energy sustainability. The study highlights the importance of aggregators for grid stability, the integration of RES, and achieving higher efficiency through digitalisation and decentralisation in the context of European energy policy and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Full article

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is reshaping manufacturing by integrating advanced digital technologies and is increasingly seen as an enabler of the circular economy (CE). However, most research treats digitalisation and circularity separately, with limited empirical insight regarding their combined implementation. This study investigates I4.0 adoption to support sustainability and CE across industries, focusing on how enterprise size influences adoption patterns. Based on survey data from 69 enterprises, the research examines which technologies are applied, at what stages of the product life cycle, and what barriers and drivers influence uptake. Findings reveal a modest but growing adoption led by the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and integrated systems. While larger firms implement more advanced tools (e.g., robotics and simulation), smaller enterprises favour accessible solutions (e.g., IoT and cloud computing). A positive link is observed between digital adoption and CE practices, though barriers remain significant. Five main categories of perceived obstacles are identified: political/institutional, financial, social/market-related, technological/infrastructural, and legal/regulatory. Attitudinal resistance, particularly in micro and small enterprises, emerges as an additional challenge. Based on these insights, and to support the twin transition, the paper proposes targeted policies, including expanded funding, streamlined procedures, enhanced training, and tools for circular performance monitoring. Full article

This study explores the integration of educational robotics into the development of digital competencies essential for Industry 4.0 and 5.0. These industrial paradigms are defined by automation, interconnected cyber-physical systems, value chain integration, and digitalisation. In this environment, digital skills become strategically vital. Didactic robotic platforms, such as the Wlkata Mirobot, offer students hands-on opportunities to develop these abilities in a practical and interdisciplinary context. When combined with technologies like digital twins, the Internet of Things, and simulation tools, educational robotics fosters both technical proficiency and adaptability to evolving industrial demands. The presented case study demonstrates the design, construction, and experimental setup of a functional laboratory mini-line using the Wlkata Mirobot. The focus is placed on layout design, robot programming, and simulation-based process optimization to reflect real industrial processes. This study also presents student feedback and performance indicators from repeated trials to illustrate the educational and operational potential of the solution. Full article

As cyber threats such as phishing and ransomware continue to escalate, healthcare systems are facing significant challenges in protecting sensitive data and ensuring operational continuity. This study explores how email communication practices influence cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector, particularly within the framework of rapid digitalisation under Vision 2030. The research employs a qualitative approach, with semi-structured interviews conducted with 40 healthcare professionals across various hospitals. A phenomenological analysis of the data revealed several key vulnerabilities, including inconsistent cybersecurity training, a reliance on informal messaging apps, and limited awareness of phishing tactics. The inconsistent cybersecurity training across regions emerged as a major weakness affecting overall resilience. These findings, grounded in rich qualitative data, offer a significant standalone contribution to understanding cybersecurity in healthcare settings. The findings highlight the need for mandatory training and awareness programmes and policy reforms to enhance cyber resilience within healthcare settings. Full article

The goals of the European Union towards the energy transition imply profound changes in the energy field, so as to promote sustainable energy development while fostering economic growth. To achieve these changes, the incorporation of sustainable technologies supporting decentralisation, energy efficiency, renewable energy production, and demand flexibility is of vital importance. Blockchain has the potential to change energy services towards this direction. To optimally exploit blockchain, innovative business models need to be designed, identifying the opportunities emerging from unmet needs, while also considering potential risks so as to take action to overcome them. In this context, the scope of this paper is to examine the opportunities and the risks that emerge from the adoption of blockchain in four innovative business models, while also identifying mitigation strategies to support and accelerate the energy transition, thus proposing optimal approaches of exploitation of blockchain in energy services. The business models concern Energy Performance Contracting with P4P guarantees, improved self-consumption in energy cooperatives, energy efficiency and flexibility services for natural gas boilers, and smart energy management for EV chargers and HVAC appliances. Firstly, the value proposition of the business models is analysed and results in a comprehensive SWOT analysis. Based on the findings of the analysis and consultations with relevant market actors, in combination with the examination of the relevant literature, risks are identified and evaluated through a qualitative assessment approach. Subsequently, specific mitigation strategies are proposed to address the detected risks. This research demonstrates that blockchain integration into these business models can significantly improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, enhance security, and support a more decentralised energy system, providing actionable insights for stakeholders to implement blockchain solutions effectively. Furthermore, according to the results, technological and legal risks are the most significant, followed by political, economic, and social risks, while environmental risks of blockchain integration are not as important. Strategies to address risks relevant to blockchain exploitation include ensuring policy alignment, emphasising economic feasibility, facilitating social inclusion, prioritising security and interoperability, consulting with legal experts, and using consensus algorithms with low energy consumption. The findings offer clear guidance for energy service providers, policymakers, and technology developers, assisting in the design, deployment, and risk mitigation of blockchain-enabled business models to accelerate sustainable energy development. Full article

The main objective of this study is to offer fresh empirical insight into the evolving relationship between digitalisation and agroecology by examining Mulini Di Segalari, a biodynamic vineyard in Italy. While much of the existing literature positions digital agriculture as potentially misaligned with agroecological principles, this case study unveils how digital tools can actively reinforce agroecological practices when embedded within supportive socio-technical networks. Novel findings of this study highlight how the use of digital technologies supported agroecological practices and led to the reconfiguration of social relations, knowledge systems, and governance structures within the farm. Employing a technographic approach revealed that the farm’s transformation was driven not just by technology but through collaborative arrangements involving different stakeholders. These interactions created new routines, roles, and information flows, supporting a more distributed and participatory model of innovation. By demonstrating how digital tools can catalyse agroecological transitions in a context-sensitive and socially embedded manner, this study challenges the binary framings of technology versus ecology and calls for a more nuanced understanding of digitalisation as a socio-technical process. Full article

Ports in the Baltic Sea region play an integral role in advancing sustainable maritime practices in the area, due to their geographic interconnectedness, economic importance, and sensitivity to environmental challenges. While numerous port sustainability assessment methods exist, most of which are grounded in the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) metric, many tend to emphasise whether specific targets have been met, rather than evaluating port sustainability on a scalar basis. This study explores the sustainability strategies of seven selected ports in five Baltic Sea countries using an innovative qualitative evaluation framework developed by the Swedish Maritime Competence Centre (SMCC). The SMCC model integrates the three core pillars of sustainability-environmental, social, and economic dimensions, while incorporating energy efficiency and digitalisation as critical enablers of modern port operations. The findings reveal significant variation in sustainability performance among the selected ports, shaped by regional contexts, operational profiles, and prior engagement with sustainability initiatives. Also, the results bring into light the most common sustainable practices used in the ports, e.g., LED lightning, onshore power supply, and port information systems. Full article

Digital transformation as a strategic goal is not new in the cultural heritage sector, yet it gained momentum due to COVID-19. This is reflected in policies and national strategies across Europe, where digitalisation is often seen as key to sustainable development. This study focuses on small heritage institutions in peripheral settings and explores the opportunities and limitations of digitalisation and its impact on sustainable regional development. A mixed-methods approach was applied, including a literature review, an online survey, focus groups, and a stakeholder interview, complemented by a case study. The findings show an uneven distribution of the perceived benefits, depending on funding, staff, and location. Nevertheless, digital transformation has positive social impacts by enhancing access to, participation in, and awareness of cultural heritage and therefore well-being. However, its economic effects in peripheral regions should not be overestimated. Digitalisation’s ecological impact on sustainable regional development is an underrepresented topic in the literature. Moreover, digitalisation is particularly challenging in peripheral regions and for smaller institutions with limited resources and should not be regarded as a guaranteed pathway towards sustainability. This paper contributes to an emerging field by examining the intersection of heritage institutions, digitalisation, and sustainable regional development in peripheral areas. Full article

Job advertisements play a key role in human resource management as they are the first contact between employers and potential employees. A well-written job advertisement communicates not only the requirements and expectations of the position but also the culture, values, and goals of the organisation. Transparent and attractive advertisements increase the number of applicants and help to select the right candidates, leading to more efficient recruitment and selection processes in the long run. From a human resource management perspective, effective job advertising can give organisations a competitive advantage. Continuous changes in the labour market and technological developments require new competencies. Digitalisation, automation, and data-driven decision-making have brought IT, analytical, and communication skills to the fore. There is a growing emphasis on soft skills such as problem solving, flexibility, and teamwork, which are essential in a fast-changing work environment. Job advertisements should reflect these expectations so that candidates are aware of the competencies and skills required for the position. The aim of the study is to carry out a cross-country comparative analysis for a few pre-selected jobs based on data extracted from the CEDEFOP database as it is assumed that there are differences between countries in the European Union in terms of the expectations of workers for the same jobs. Full article

In a previous article, an estimation procedure for calculating the liquidus and solidus lines of binary equilibrium phase diagrams was presented. In this article, keeping the thermodynamic basics, the estimation method for the approximate calculation of the liquidus and solidus surfaces of ternary phase diagrams was further developed. It is shown that the procedure has a hierarchical structure, and the ternary functions contain the binary functions. The applicability of the method is checked by calculating the liquidus and solidus surfaces of the Ag-Au-Pd isomorphous ternary equilibrium phase diagram. The application of each level of the developed four-level procedure depends on the data available and the aim. It is shown that in the case of a concentration range close to the base alloy pure element, the liquidus and solidus surfaces of the ternary equilibrium phase diagram can be calculated from the liquidus and solidus functions of the binary equilibrium phase diagrams with a few K errors, which is 0.2 at% at 10 K/at% slope. The equilibrium phase diagrams were available in graphical form, so the data obtained via digitalisation of the diagrams for the calculations was used. The functions describe the slope of the surfaces, and the approximate method developed for the calculation of the partition ratios is also shown. Full article

In light of constrained resources and the rise of digitalisation in higher education, management control systems (MCSs) have emerged as essential tools for university management because of their integrity, flexibility, and effectiveness. This paper aims to elucidate the current challenges in the implementation and functioning of MCSs in higher education. To this end, a systematic literature review was undertaken in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, following the PRISMA guidelines. The review yielded 15 relevant sources published between 2020 and June 2025. Induction, deduction, content analysis, and K-means clustering were employed to analyse them. Forty-eight challenges to MCSs in higher education were identified and systematised into four groups (Growth Threats, Limitations, Malpractices, and Stakeholder Issues), covering twelve subgroups. These subgroups were ranked according to their frequency of mention. The top-ranked subgroups were HR problems (first), organisational constraints and management engagement (second), and technological integration and lack of technology training (third). All challenges were classified into clusters based on the countries analysed in the reviewed sources. This review primarily contributes to the existing knowledge by identifying and categorising the challenges to MCSs in higher education. Practically, it lays the groundwork for improving these MCSs, thus contributing to enhanced university management. Full article

(1) Background: As digitalisation transforms society, digital competences are increasingly essential. Yet students’ digital competences often vary significantly, largely influenced by socio-economic background. Some schools—termed “resilient schools”—effectively counter these disadvantages and foster high digital competence. This study investigates the prevalence of such schools and examines how they differ from others. (2) Methods: Drawing on representative ICILS 2023 data, quantitative secondary analyses—including descriptive statistics, t-tests, and multiple regression—were conducted. Following the identification of resilient schools, in-depth analyses focus on those countries with substantial proportions of resilient schools above 10 percent (Austria, Italy, and Portugal), as these countries seem to have effective strategies to foster school resilience. (3) Results: The findings highlight considerable cross-national variation, indicating that school resilience is context-dependent. Resilient schools consistently emphasise student learning-related factors—such as ICT-related attitudes and educational aspirations—while the influence of home environments is less pronounced than in other schools. (4) Conclusions: Strengthening student learning-related factors appears to be crucial for building digital resilience. These insights can inform policy and practice aimed at fostering educational equity and closing the digital divide, particularly in socio-economically disadvantaged contexts. Full article

This paper analyses the religious experience of young people in contexts of digitalisation. The secularisation thesis has not been imposed. Youth, who are more open to the porosity of social and cultural boundaries, live outside of dogma and the church, with the signs of transcendence as a fundamental part of their personal narrative. Religiosity, a contingent temporality, and youth socialised in the unknown lay the foundations for this reflection. Full article