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Economic science provides a rich methodological toolkit for sustainable development combined with the principles of the circular economy and green marketing. The practical adaptation of a set of assessment tools helped the realisation of the goal of this study in the form of the systematisation of interaction factors between economic growth and environmental branding of industrial companies in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Descriptive models were used to assess the economic and technological state of enterprises and to analyse the effectiveness of capital investments for the implementation of green technology projects and social environmental investments. In the course of research of the population's requests to manufacturers of industrial products, it was found out that the requirements to the environmental characteristics of finished products have increased, and the price of ecological products is of concern. Producers and end consumers can be brought closer together through eco-branding, creation of special platforms for green integration participants. To unlock the reserves of economic growth, it is proposed that green investment flows with the participation of industrial capital should be intensified in order to increase investments in the eco-cultural transformation of eco-consumers of the new generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the effective incorporation of natural fibers into polymer composites offers a sustainable approach to finding eco-friendly alternatives that do not harm the environment. Sheep wool–based polymer composites have emerged as a promising and sustainable alternative in the field of materials science. This review comprehensively examines the recent advancements and developments in the utilization of sheep wool as reinforcement in polymer composites. The abundant availability of sheep wool as a natural and renewable resource makes it an attractive option for enhancing the properties of synthetic polymers. The unique structural characteristics of wool fibers, such as their high aspect ratio, surface morphology, and chemical composition, contribute to the improved mechanical, thermal, and flame-retardant properties of the resulting composites. This review explores the various techniques employed for preparing sheep wool fibers, including mechanical treatments, chemical modifications, and functionalization approaches, to optimize their compatibility with polymer matrices. The interfacial interactions between wool fibers and polymer matrices are also discussed, along with the effects of various processing parameters on the overall performance of the composites. The introduction of sheep wool fiber reinforcement results in a significant uptick in tensile strength, showcasing enhancements of up to 25% compared to unmodified polymers. The inherent thermal stability of sheep wool fibers leads to an enhanced thermal resistance, as demonstrated by a 15 °C elevation in the onset degradation temperature. Moreover, sheep wool fiber reinforcement precipitates a remarkable 50% reduction in peak heat release rate, thereby spotlighting augmented flame-retardant attributes. Additionally, the integration of sheep wool fibers yields a notable reduction in water absorption by up to 30%, signifying improved resistance against moisture-related degradation. Moreover, this review highlights the potential applications of sheep wool–based polymer composites in diverse fields, including construction materials, automotive components, textiles, and packaging materials. Furthermore, the environmental benefits of utilizing sheep wool as a renewable resource and its role in waste reduction from the textile industry are emphasized. However, challenges and limitations associated with sheep wool–based polymer composites are addressed, paving the way for future research directions. Overall, this review presents a comprehensive assessment of the current state of knowledge regarding sheep wool–based polymer composites, providing valuable insights for researchers, engineers, and industries interested in sustainable materials development and environmentally friendly technologies. Sheep wool is an exciting biomass which has a potential to create sustainable and innovative materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon taxes have proven to be an effective economic instrument in reducing carbon emissions in countries such as Finland, Sweden and Singapore. These countries have not only succeeded in significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also utilised this policy to encourage the transition to clean energy while creating sustainable economic incentives. However, in Indonesia, the implementation of carbon tax has been delayed several times. This study aims to analyse the factors that cause delays in the implementation of carbon tax in Indonesia and expected to provide practical and applicable recommendations to ensure that the carbon tax can be effectively implemented by 2025. This research uses a qualitative approach. Thematic analysis is used to analyse data by reducing various qualitative data to find relevant and meaningful patterns in accordance with the research objectives. The factors that become obstacles in the implementation of carbon tax in Indonesia are unfinished regulations, readiness of digital infrastructure and technology, company dependence on fossil energy, and consideration of Indonesia's economic conditions. Specifically, the gap in digital monitoring technology still under development in terms of funding and human resources represents a significant barrier, causing Indonesia to lose momentum in integrating a low-carbon economy.

Abstract This research aims to initiate academic discussion on the European Union (EU) social taxonomy for the purpose of promoting sustainable economic activities that ultimately contribute to achieving the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the EU. The paper examines the historical evolution of the social taxonomy concept and presents the chronological order of the regulatory advancements that have paved the way for the establishment of both the EU environmental and social taxonomies. This study emphasizes the role of the EU environmental taxonomy as the frontrunner and highlights three fundamental distinctions between taxonomies in terms of objectives, foundations, and measurability. By defining the key performance indicators applicable to entities engaged in taxonomy-aligned economic activities, the paper offers a tabulated framework to understand the core focus areas, sub-objectives, and types of substantial contributions related to each of the three social objectives outlined in the EU taxonomy. Moreover, this paper aims to emphasize the contemporary challenges and the prospective avenues for future research in the field of social taxonomy.

The aim of the study is to examine the impact of society’s economic well-being determinants – above and beyond the firm-specific and macroeconomic determinants – on firm profitability in Poland. Based on stakeholder theory we hypothesized that the economic well-being of society can influence firm performance. Therefore, we included real wage and salary growth, internal migration, international migration, and natural increase variables in the regression models. We applied four models with different sets of variables using pooled ordinary least square regression, as well as fixed and random effects regressions with robust standard errors clustered at the firm level. The dataset covers the period from 2004 to 2021, comprising 5400 firm-year observations from Poland in the wholesale and retail trade sector. We found that firm profitability generally increases with higher inflation and exchange rate depreciation. Moreover, in models including society’s economic well-being variables, GDP growth is no longer a significant determinant of firm profitability. Most importantly, the study demonstrates a positive relationship between real wage and salary growth and firm profitability. We also found that international migration is negatively associated with firm profitability. Regarding natural increase, the study suggests that it has a positive effect on return on equity, but not on return on assets.

Economies in the environmentally conscious era follow the 27th Conference of the Parties' commitments to attaining environmental sustainability. However, using alternative energy sources reduces arable land and diminishes land resources, severely affecting food production, exports, and overall income. This issue raises concerns about attaining a sustainable economy, which has attracted little scholarly attention in the preceding literature. The present research examines the influence of food exports, digitalization, access to clean fuel and technologies for cooking, mineral resources, and oil resources on the economic sustainability of lower‐middle‐income economies. Covering the latest period from 1990 to 2022, this study uses several time series estimators to analyze the aggregate data of selected economies. The empirical results suggest that the mentioned variables are cointegrated in the long run. The regression estimates showed that food exports and mineral resources are adversely associated with economic sustainability. However, access to clean fuel and technologies for cooking and digitalization significantly contributes to the region's economic sustainability. Nonetheless, the role of oil resources is insignificant but negative, which validates the resource curse phenomenon in the region. The results are robust since these estimations are validated by regression accounting for structural breaks. This study recommends investment in clean energy resources, efficient mineral resource management, and the transition to clean energy to accomplish the 27th Conference of the Parties target and attain sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of increasing anti-globalization trends, sustainable economic development has become an inevitable and feasible solution to address the growing contradictions between social, environmental, and economic factors. It aims to achieve a balance between the needs of the economy, society, and the environment, paving the way for long-term sustainable development. This article is rooted in the backdrop of severe global conflicts between the environment and economy, as well as society. By synthesizing and analyzing a wide range of literature, this article explores the pivotal role of digitalization, green practices, and innovation in driving sustainable economic development. This article emphasizes the interconnectedness and collaborative nature of digital empowerment, green leadership, and innovation-driven approaches in promoting harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, as well as facilitating high-quality economic growth. Drawing insights from the "Taipao e-Agricultural Insurance" case study, this article demonstrates the benefits derived from the integration of digital, green, and innovation strategies, thereby providing valuable guidance for enterprises and industries seeking transformation and development. Furthermore, this article proposes viable strategies for achieving the integration of digital empowerment, green practices, and innovation-driven development. It offers a comprehensive analysis that expands the existing research on these topics and lays the foundation for future in-depth exploration. The findings of this article carry both theoretical and practical significance, offering valuable insights and practical approaches for achieving sustainable development in various sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, research has focused on developing polymers from agricultural waste, and jackfruit waste has been identified as a potential source. The utilization of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) waste for making value-added polymers is an innovative approach to reduce environmental pollution and create a sustainable environment. The edible part of jackfruit consists of only 40% of the whole fruit while other 60% goes to waste as non-edible part of the fruit. Jackfruit waste in mainly distributed into three parts which are seed, peel and latex respectively. Jackfruit waste is a significant source of cellulose and starch, which can be converted into various high-value products through different chemical and biochemical processes. The resulting value-added polymers have numerous applications in various fields, including packaging, textiles, and biomedical engineering. They exhibit good mechanical properties, thermal stability, and biodegradability, making them a promising alternative to conventional petroleum-based polymers. Considering the large volume of jackfruit production (> 500,000 metric tons pa in six countries), this waste can become feedstock for making new polymeric materials. Circular economy practices along with environmental protection are the need of modern world. This review covers the characterization of different parts of jackfruit waste and its utilization in making lightweight polymer composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to initiate academic discussion on the European Union (EU) social taxonomy for the purpose of promoting sustainable economic activities that ultimately contribute to achieving the United Nations' sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the EU. The paper examines the historical evolution of the social taxonomy concept and presents the chronological order of the regulatory advancements that have paved the way for the establishment of both the EU environmental and social taxonomies. This study emphasizes the role of the EU environmental taxonomy as the frontrunner and highlights three fundamental distinctions between taxonomies in terms of objectives, foundations, and measurability. By defining the key performance indicators applicable to entities engaged in taxonomy-aligned economic activities, the paper offers a tabulated framework to understand the core focus areas, sub-objectives, and types of substantial contributions related to each of the three social objectives outlined in the EU taxonomy. Moreover, this paper aims to emphasize the contemporary challenges and the prospective avenues for future research in the field of social taxonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of cost-effective and high-performance technologies for wastewater treatment is essential for achieving a sustainable economy. Among the various methods available for water remediation, adsorption is widely recognized as an effective and straightforward approach for removing a range of pollutants. Gel materials, particularly hydrogels and aerogels, have attracted significant research interest due to their unique properties. Hydrogels, for instance, are noted for their ability to be regenerated and reused, ease of separation and handling, and suitability for large-scale applications. Additionally, their low cost, high water absorption capacity, and contribution to environmental protection are important advantages. Aerogels, on the other hand, are distinguished by their low thermal conductivity, transparency, flexibility, high porosity, mechanical strength, light weight, large surface area, and ultralow dielectric constant. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current literature, highlighting gaps in knowledge regarding the classification, preparation, characterization, and key properties of these materials. The potential application of hydrogels and aerogels in water remediation, particularly in removing contaminants such as dyes, heavy metals, and various organic and inorganic pollutants, is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to examine the impact of society's economic well-being determinants - above and beyond the firm-specific and macroeconomic determinants - on firm profitability in Poland. Based on stakeholder theory we hypothesized that the economic well-being of society can influence firm performance. Therefore, we included real wage and salary growth, internal migration, international migration, and natural increase variables in the regression models. We applied four models with different sets of variables using pooled ordinary least square regression, as well as fixed and random effects regressions with robust standard errors clustered at the firm level. The dataset covers the period from 2004 to 2021, comprising 5400 firm-year observations from Poland in the wholesale and retail trade sector. We found that firm profitability generally increases with higher inflation and exchange rate depreciation. Moreover, in models including society's economic well-being variables, GDP growth is no longer a significant determinant of firm profitability. Most importantly, the study demonstrates a positive relationship between real wage and salary growth and firm profitability. We also found that international migration is negatively associated with firm profitability. Regarding natural increase, the study suggests that it has a positive effect on return on equity, but not on return on assets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's global economy and across various types of organizations, human capital is a fundamental resource that determines their existence and development. This is particularly important in the context of ongoing climate-technological transformation processes based on innovative solutions. The role and importance of personal resources are well understood in the EU-27 countries, which base their future on competent human capital. This paper addresses this critical and timely topic by assessing human capital in the EU-27 countries over the period 2013–2022. The research aims to evaluate these countries' human capital potential, distinguishing between the ''new EU-13'' and the ''old EU-14'' countries, and to measure the effectiveness of its development during the study period. A crucial part of the research was to determine the impact of human capital on selected indicators of economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development. To achieve these objectives, an original research methodology was developed, employing the COPRAS method to determine the human capital assessment index and the equal weights and CRITIC methods to establish the weights of indicators characterizing the studied human capital. The impact assessment of this capital, along with innovation and unemployment on economic growth, was conducted using an econometric model. Meanwhile, correlations between the human capital assessment index and the indicators characterizing innovation, economic growth, and sustainability were analyzed using Spearman's non-parametric tests. The results show significant variation in human capital between the EU-27 countries and between the ''old EU-14'' and ''new EU-13'' groups. The Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden achieved the best results in terms of human capital development, while Greece, Romania, and Bulgaria had the weakest outcomes. In contrast, Cyprus, Malta, and Portugal recorded the greatest progress during the review period. These results offer extensive opportunities for multidimensional inference and can be used to assess the current state of the EU-27 economy. They should also inform the development of strategies for individual countries and the EU-27 as a whole.

The cultural industry has been recognized as an indispensable component of sustainable economic development. Urbanization often represents a country's level of economic development. While China is advancing its new urbanization strategy, it is also vigorously promoting cultural revitalization plans. This study employs a global Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model and Tobit regression analysis to examine the correlation between China's cultural industry and urbanization. The results indicate that although the overall economic efficiency of China's cultural industry is continuously improving, the returns to scale in many provinces are declining. Changes brought about by new urbanization, such as increases in per capita GDP, per capita income, and enterprise scale, have significant positive impacts on the cultural industry. However, the rising urban population ratio has a significant negative impact on the cultural industry. This study suggests that the current new urbanization in China faces issues of oversimplification and excessive advancement. It recommends adjusting relevant policies to allow sufficient time and space for the cultural industry to absorb the benefits brought by urbanization. Given China's specific national conditions, the conclusions of this study may not necessarily apply to other regions. However, the global DEA-Tobit combination method used in this study aligns more closely with reality and achieves a higher degree of fit, thus possessing a certain level of universality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Community is striving for a sustainable society as suggested by the UN's 2015 sustainability goals. The circular economy in the paper and packaging industry is of particular importance here because it consumes many resources. The paper industry in Germany with a fiber recycling rate of 85% in 2022 is already a pioneer and role model for other industries. All materials should be recyclable. Fiber-based composites/laminates are currently becoming increasingly important. Essential questions are: which collection systems and recycling paths should be used for fiber-based composites/laminates, and where are there currently challenges with recycling? To answer these questions, 58 questionnaires answered by German experts and practitioners in the German paper industry were evaluated. Wet-strength papers, adhesives, plastic coatings and wax dispersions were perceived as a problem by 70% of all respondents, and packaging residues by almost 40%. Additionally, 90% stated that the composition of paper for recycling changes regularly due to legislation, trends and innovations, while 60% attributed this to recent changes in legislation. For at least 80%, virgin fibers from packaging are valuable for paper recycling, but only 15% of respondents stated that virgin fibers compensate for the disadvantages of rejects. Almost 90% expected challenges with fiber-based composites/laminates in the existing paper for recycling processes. Overall, the collection and recycling of fiber-based composites/laminates in conventional paper for recycling collection and the recycling system is not desirable. An integrated collection, sorting and recycling system should be considered, especially because a further increase in fiber-based composites is to be expected. In the end, the design for recycling and following recycling guidelines are the key to the recycling industry in the future. Good recyclability of fiber-based composites/laminates would improve their acceptance by paper recyclers. Their virgin fibers are particularly valuable. The results of our study are relevant to the recycling and fiber industry, standard-setting bodies, regulatory authorities and research. The limitation of this study is that experts from the paper industry were interviewed, but the recyclability of the fiber materials was not analyzed by measurement, and the machine technology of the interviewees could not be examined and evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unemployment is the most important problem that countries need to solve in their economic development plans. The uncontrolled growth and unpredictability of unemployment are some of the biggest obstacles to economic development. Considering the benefits of technology to human life, the use of artificial intelligence is extremely important for a stable economic policy. This study aims to use machine learning methods to forecast unemployment rates in Turkey on a monthly basis. For this purpose, two different models are created. In the first model, monthly unemployment data obtained from TURKSTAT for the period between 2005 and 2023 are trained with Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms. The second model, which includes additional economic parameters such as inflation, exchange rate, and labor force data, is modeled with the XGBoost algorithm in addition to ANN and SVM models. The forecasting performance of both models is evaluated using various performance metrics such as Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). The findings of the study show how successful artificial intelligence methods are in forecasting economic developments and that these methods can be used in macroeconomic studies. They also highlight the effects of economic parameters such as exchange rates, inflation, and labor force on unemployment and reveal the potential of these methods to support economic decisions. As a result, this study shows that modeling and forecasting different parameter values during periods of economic uncertainty are possible with artificial intelligence technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article substantiates the necessity to mobilize internal investment resources by channeling bank capital into the restoration of green financing and the development of sustainable green projects in Ukraine. The characteristics of financial instruments that contribute to the development of the green economy and can be implemented in green banking models are disclosed. Based on the analysis of the historical retrospective of the formation and activity of international organizations in the field of green financing, the perspective directions of the regulation of green banking in Ukraine are outlined, in particular, an assessment of the monetary and financial policy of the central banks of the leading countries of the world with regard to its impact on green investment is carried out. Further, an assessment of the current state of implementation of green financing projects by leading banks of Ukraine is carried out, which made it possible to determine the level of their orientation to the regulation of ESG risks and to identify the prospects of mobilizing private capital to invest in the green national growth. Taking into account the characteristics of the indicators of social and environmental corporate responsibility of Ukrainian banking, recommendations have been developed on the activation of banks' participation in green banking projects. This article can help regulators related to the achievement of ESG projects by using the sharing economy and green energy financing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the potential moderating effects of the relationship between macroeconomic variables and the financial liquidity of enterprises. Given the significance of liquidity for companies and the profound impact of the macroeconomic environment, a research gap was identified in relation to the limited number of studies investigating the influence of macroeconomic factors on corporate liquidity. Additionally, the limited scope of companies surveyed in this area, in terms of sector, size, capital market presence, and the limited range of macroeconomic variables examined were notable. Most importantly, the absence of studies examining moderators of the relationship between macroeconomic factors and liquidity was a significant concern. To this end, two main research questions were formulated. First, what factors moderate the relationship between macroeconomic variables and the financial liquidity of companies? Second, what is the nature of the moderating effects on the relationship between macroeconomic variables and corporate financial liquidity? This research employed panel data analysis on an unbalanced panel comprising 5327 Polish enterprises spanning from 2003 to 2021. The primary analytical technique utilised was linear regression (pooled OLS) with robust standard errors clustered at the firm level. The main results of this study indicate that: (1) debt level, profitability, and the fixed assets to total assets ratio are significant moderators of some of the relationships between macroeconomic variables and corporate liquidity; (2) debt level moderates the relationship between the ratio of internal expenditures on research and development to GDP and financial liquidity, as well as the relationship between inflation rate and liquidity; the relationship is statistically significant and positive only for those enterprises with above-median debt levels; (3) profitability moderates the relationship between the employment coefficient and financial liquidity, as well as the relationship between the inflation rate and liquidity; in the high-profitability group, those relationships are positive, whereas in the low-profitability group, they are negative; (4) the ratio of fixed assets to total assets moderates the relationship between the money supply and corporate financial liquidity; for enterprises with low asset flexibility, there is a negative relationship between the money supply and financial liquidity; conversely, for enterprises with high asset flexibility, there is a positive relationship between the money supply and financial liquidity; (5) the rationale behind these findings can be derived from capital structure theory and financial analysis theory. The results of this study represent a step towards a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the macro environment and corporate liquidity, as well as the factors that moderate this relationship from both a microeconomic and a macroeconomic perspective. The findings of this study may also inform policy decisions governing the corporate sector due to a more nuanced understanding of the relationships between macroeconomic factors and corporate liquidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sequestration of pollutants from wastewater remains an active research topic recently owing to persistent disposal of industrial wastewater to waterbodies without adequate management strategies available especially in the developing countries. Different technologies have been employed in which adsorption has found a wide range of application. Today, various low cost adsorbents have been developed and evaluated for the adsorption processes. Clay mineral is one of the low cost natural adsorbents requiring minimum modification to enhance its adsorptive capacities. To maintain a clean and safe environment the water bodies must be free of contaminants of emerging concern. The availability of potable water is a global effort, as two of the UN's seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are centered on water which is not surprising. Goal 6 focuses on clean water and sanitation whereas Goal 14 focuses on life below the water. With this in view, the availability of potable water highlights the significance of this study, which analyzes the potential of clay minerals as a good precursor for water treatment. Therefore, this review focuses on the clay minerals, its availability in Nigeria, classification and modification of the clay adsorbent.

This study probes the sustainable development path for ASEAN countries throughout 1990–2019. In doing so, we estimated two equations with the dependent variable of Gross domestic product (GDP) and CO2 emissions, respectively. We took independent variables of capital formation CAP, labor productivity LAB, financial inclusion FIN, globalization GLO, per capita income PI, private–public partnership, and population growth POP. The findings reveal that there exists a strong association between the estimated equations. The coefficient values obtained from cross-sectional ARDL show that CAP, LAB, FIN, GLO, and PI are increasing GDP in ASEAN countries. At the same time, POP, PI, and GLO are contributing toward more CO2 emissions in ASEAN countries. It was observed that FIN is reducing CO2 emissions significantly. To attain a sustainable expansion economy, these developing countries need to revise their economic and environmental policies. PI and POP are positively correlated with CO2 emissions, which means that these countries are even consuming non-renewable energy in the economic sector. Moreover, POP is also contributing factor to environmental pollution. There is a need to increase public awareness about climatic problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated how entrepreneurship can reshape resource-based countries such as Qatar into more diverse, sustainable, and knowledge-driven economies. By integrating both exploratory and quantitative research methods, it closely examines how various elements, including government policies, societal values, financial aids, and technological advancements, interact to influence entrepreneurial success. A significant part of the research involves a survey design based on initial qualitative research from a previous study to test the effectiveness of these strategic suggestions. This paper presents targeted recommendations for stakeholders to enhance entrepreneurship education, streamline business regulations, and introduce a national entrepreneurship zone (ENT-Q) facilitated by a digital platform (Ryadah). These steps aim to improve the entrepreneurial environment significantly, making it easier to access crucial business information, support small businesses through dedicated funds, and shift towards a diversified and knowledge-based economy. The anticipated result is better policymaking in entrepreneurship, increased entrepreneurial activity and success, and a move away from reliance on traditional oil and gas sectors. By offering a detailed plan for promoting entrepreneurship in resource-rich settings, this paper contributes valuable insights into economic diversification and sustainable development, providing actionable strategies that can be adapted to similar economies worldwide in a manner that is more accessible and understandable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social innovation is recognized as a crucial catalyst for the transition to sustainable energy. This paper explores how entrepreneurial initiatives contribute to this transformative process within the Chinese context. With a sample of 276 Chinese prefecture-level cities from 2004 to 2019, this paper provides detailed empirical evidence on the entire landscape of localized entrepreneurial endeavors that shape the evolution of the energy sector toward sustainability. Employing panel estimator models, results show three main findings: a significant positive relationship between social entrepreneurship and sustainable energy adoption. Regional disparities in the effectiveness of these entrepreneurial solutions. Local governance structures have a considerable impact on the viability of social innovation in energy. A policy implication is to enhance policy support for social entrepreneurs; different strategies are needed for different local contexts to maximize social innovation’s potential impact on the energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing global demand for a more sustainable economy is propelling the exploration of alternatives to conventional practices. The adoption of a hydrogen production and distribution system is gaining global consensus, driven by its lower environmental impact compared to fossil fuels. This study delves into the feasibility of renewable hydrogen, sourced from avenues like solar and wind power, particularly in the realm of sustainable urban transportation. The urgency for innovative technologies, underscored by emissions targets and sustainable development goals, positions hydrogen as a promising solution with superior calorific value and reduced emissions. Nonetheless, formidable challenges, including limited infrastructure and the requirement for substantial investment, pose significant hurdles to its widespread adoption. The pertinence of this study is further emphasized by the necessity to continually update the literature, ensuring alignment with the dynamic developments in this field.

Sustainable bioeconomy is one of the concepts that makes it possible to achieve the European Green Deal. A similar understanding of the term bioeconomy gives the opportunity to simultaneously take proportionate actions leading to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in EU countries. Parallel understanding of the concept of bioeconomy is crucial for achieving a common consensus on actions aimed at introducing optimal plans for the development of green technologies. Therefore, the goal of the paper was to compare knowledge and perception about the bioeconomy in different countries. Realization of the work's objective was possible thanks to the use of the C&RT classification tree method. It was shown that the level of knowledge of respondents working or studying at selected universities was similar, while their perception of the bioeconomy differed significantly.

This exhaustive analysis explores the depth of the impact of fiscal policies on digitization in Romania's economy. The initial focus is on fiscal incentives, highlighting tax reductions and incentives for digital technologies, with the aim of assessing the degree of favorability of the fiscal environment for their integration in different economic sectors. In parallel, fiscal obstacles are analysed, including the level of taxation applied to the digital industry and the absence of incentives for digital investment, revealing possible constraints that may hinder the effective evolution of digital technologies. A particular emphasis is placed on support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups. The analysis focuses on the fiscal facilities intended for them, evaluating how these policies encourage or hinder the adoption of digital solutions and innovation within these crucial entities for the Romanian economy. In addition, public-private collaboration in digitization efforts is explored, with attention to government partnerships and digital training programs. It assesses whether fiscal policies support these collaborations and whether there are tax incentives for digital education programs, with the aim of assessing the impact on the level of digital skills among the workforce.

The development of cost-effective and high-performance technologies for wastewater treatment is essential for achieving a sustainable economy. Among the various methods available for water remediation, adsorption is widely recognized as an effective and straightforward approach for removing a range of pollutants. Gel materials, particularly hydrogels and aerogels, have attracted significant research interest due to their unique properties. Hydrogels, for instance, are noted for their ability to be regenerated and reused, ease of separation and handling, and suitability for large-scale applications. Additionally, their low cost, high water absorption capacity, and contribution to environmental protection are important advantages. Aerogels, on the other hand, are distinguished by their low thermal conductivity, transparency, flexibility, high porosity, mechanical strength, light weight, large surface area, and ultralow dielectric constant. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current literature, highlighting gaps in knowledge regarding the classification, preparation, characterization, and key properties of these materials. The potential application of hydrogels and aerogels in water remediation, particularly in removing contaminants such as dyes, heavy metals, and various organic and inorganic pollutants, is also discussed.

The absence of globally accepted indicators for measuring progress towards a Sustainable Economy (SE) presents a significant challenge in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a timely and comprehensive manner. Despite decades of attempts to develop alternative metrics and indicators for SE and Sustainable Development (SD), progress has been incremental and incomplete. This paper aims to comparatively assess the existing metrics for measuring progress towards SE based on their completeness and utility in various SE dimensions, attributes and characteristics. It aims to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each identified metric and provide a detailed analysis of existing sustainability indices through a comprehensive literature review and analysis.. The importance and originality of our approach come from comparative analysis, mapping promising and relevant metrics identified through an extensive literature review against identified sustainability features. This paper employs the Sustainable Development Goals Index (SDGI) and the Green Growth Index (GGI) and applies them to Qatar and few selected countries. Qatar is showing noteworthy progress in both indices, albeit at varying rates, but it has more room for progress by learning from other countries. This study acknowledges its limitations, including data availability for a limited period and its application to only a selected set of countries. Finally, it recommends future research to broaden the scope of analysis over an extended timeframe and to a larger group of countries, enhancing the applicability and depth of the indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is in convergence with the newest and most trending movements of the last decades related to the reduction of pollution, created by the business sector on a global scale, as well as to the minimization of climate change. The contribution of this paper will be in terms of the operation of green finance in the framework of the sustainable economy, as well as to the results it produces. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the real possibilities of the institutional operations of what is proclaimed on the grounds of creating preconditions for green financing. For this purpose, the sample of the Western Balkans countries has been considered for examining the sustainability of green finances. The research first reviews the latest theoretical framework related to the applicability of green finances in transition economies. Through analysis, was gathered evidence of internal and external drivers that justify green financing as an efficient input of a sustainable economy. The influence of state institutions through establishing regulations and laws that stimulate private sector developments in the transition economy through green financing as the first impetus is reviewed. The issues related to climate challenges suggested by the Kyoto Protocol are summarized. Meanwhile, the last impetus is the considerable influence of the EU, stimulating alignment with European regulatory standards, as a prerequisite for membership. Meanwhile, the results suggest that although numerous projects and funding's were dedicated to the green finance development path, these countries are lagging mostly on the implementation of green finance infrastructure, thus we cannot look forward to more substantial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the sustainable economy, consumer preferences are gradually beginning to prioritize environmentally friendly products and services. A sustainable economy is directly linked to the growth of consumer welfare and the environmental culture. The success of environmental projects is largely determined by approaches to the management of complex interconnected objects, which operate in developed industrial regions. In this regard, we formulate the purpose of this study, which is to generalize approaches to and to improve the mechanisms of the ecological branding of the industrial complex of a region through conscious ESG transformation. For this purpose, we have studied the statistics and principles of the management systems of Kazakhstani companies and their stakeholders. The focus was on the Pavlodar industrial region, where metallurgical production, petrochemicals, the agro-industrial sector, the banking sector, and logistics hubs are developed. The vision and the mechanisms that can influence the development of the export potential of products with an "ecological brand" were studied. A survey of export-oriented organizations helped to identify the behavioral attributes of the "new generation eco-consumer", namely, a conscious desire to reduce the negative impact of production and economic activities on the environment. The theoretical significance of this study helps to reveal the influence of the ecological principles of the organization of modern production on the speed of transition to green technologies. Its practical significance is seen in the formation of a system for measuring the level of readiness of companies to promote the ecological branding of a region's industry outside its country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article shows the role that digital intelligence has on renewable energy, based on literature underpinnings. Therefore, the methodological research is based on literature review to demonstrate the link between artificial intelligence and renewable energy, with a focus on global sustainable development strategies in this field. The main findings reveal the fact that we must take advantage of the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence on energy, in general, and renewable energy, in particular. Referring to literature, it is constantly expanding due to the importance of the development of renewable energy for researchers but also for the population, being many parties interested in this field. The aim of the study is to highlight the relationship between renewable energy and artificial intelligence. Therefore, with the help of artificial intelligence and energy innovations, the population enjoys renewable energy that exists in its many forms (solar panels or photovoltaic panels, water, or wind energy and so on). To put in a nutshell, the research considered in this article reflects the impact of artificial intelligence on renewable energy as part of supporting the achievement of sustainable economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable-forage production is globally increasing, especially in marginal areas where the edaphic conditions for plant growth are not optimal. Soil salinization influences the symbiotic interaction between alfalfa and rhizobia. The efficiency of different symbiotic pairs (Sinorhizobium meliloti—Medicago sativa) was evaluated in relation to NaCl application (100 mM) on two different alfalfa cultivars (Marina and Etrusca) and 21 S. meliloti strains isolated in Algeria. At 100 mM NaCl, it was observed that there was a higher variability of plant dry weight compared to the control. The strains able to improve plant growth at 100 mM NaCl were different and specific for each alfalfa cultivar, highlighting that (symbiont) G × (host) G interaction is magnified under stressed (saline) conditions (E). Three strains were then identified as candidate inoculants for M. sativa cv Marina and used for an in-field experiment with induced stress (no irrigation), together with S. meliloti GR4 (a highly competitive strain). In-field experiments, showed a high variability, and a significant difference of plant biomass was observed only for those inoculated with S. meliloti GR4. Obtained results suggest that multiple traits should be considered for inoculant-strain selection, and for an efficient translation from lab to field, it requires extensive comprehension of the mechanisms driving G × G × E interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's rapidly evolving world, environmental sustainability and waste management pose significant challenges. Consumer habits in many countries often lead individuals to behave irrationally, exploiting resources selfishly and egocentrically, disregarding the environmental damage caused by such actions. While many developed countries actively seek creative solutions to enhance public awareness of waste reduction, recycling, and reuse, numerous less developed countries, including the Republic of North Macedonia, are at the early stages of transitioning toward a green economy. Initial efforts are underway to shift awareness and foster sustainable waste behavior among both individuals and legal entities. This paper aims to explore the citizens' waste behavior and challenges in the Pelagonia Region in the Republic of North Macedonia, with the goal of promoting the adoption of eco-friendly solutions, such as Reverse Vending Machines (RVM). The study also seeks to enhance awareness and promote waste management behavior through the research process and communication with the citizens. A survey was conducted, collecting data from 842 citizens in the Pelagonia region to gain insights into their perspectives. Statistical analysis of the collected data in the SPSS software package indicates that citizens' waste sorting practices are influenced by their age and employment status. However, the citizens' information for reverse vending machines and their use does not depend on this cluster affiliation. The analyses confirm that in the Republic of North Macedonia as a developing country, efforts are still needed to raise awareness and enhance education regarding eco-sustainable practices and behaviors among the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aims to investigate the theoretical background concerning the influence of green credit on sustainable economy in emerging countries such as Vietnam. Using the desk research methodology, the content focuses on researching the overview of the concept and the causes of the development of green finance in general, green credit in particular, the context of sustainable economic development in each country, each continent, and find out the significance of green credit in achieving sustainable goals in economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining is one of the technology processes which significantly affect the environment. Contemporary science is often focused on renewable resources, but non renewable resources and their mining are also present and deserve more intense research, due to its complex role in the economy. On the other point of view, non renewable resources as mining products are necessary to maintain and improve the life quality level. This conflict is not sustainable in long term perspective. From the aspect of sustainable development the primary task is to ensure the development right for future generations. It means that intensive level of interdisciplinary research is necessary to provide initial conditions (available reserve of ore) and utilization dynamic of mineral resources. This paper analyzes some aspects of correlation between sustainable development and mining. Mathematical model that describes the mentioned ideas is developed in this manuscript, including the conflict of economic goals, principles of environmental protection and sustainable development.

In this digital era, digital service trade has brought significant benefits to the global economy. However, this trade also poses considerable challenges to international trade regulations. This study aims to analyze the impact of cross-border digital service trade on the economic growth of importing countries while determining how digital trade barriers moderate this effect. We established a theoretical model that meticulously delineates various restrictive regulatory measures that can hinder digital service inputs. We further developed a comprehensive and detailed trade barrier index based on these measures. A three-dimensional fixed effects panel regression model was used to analyze data from six types of digital services in 48 economies from 2005 to 2021. The findings indicated that cross-border digital service inputs enhance importing countries' economic growth, highlighting the substantial economic value of these inputs. However, trade barriers in digital services were also found to diminish this positive effect. Specifically, an increase in the digital service trade barriers in importing countries constricts the range and quality of selectable digital services, which might adversely impact national economic growth. The inhibitory effect is stronger for countries with a "Limited Model" for personal data transfers and processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a contemporary sustainable economy, innovation is a prerequisite to recycling waste into new efficient materials designed to minimize pollution and conserve non-renewable natural resources. Using an innovative approach to remediating metal-polluted water, in this study, eggshell waste was used to prepare two new low-cost nanoadsorbents for the retrieval of nickel from aqueous solutions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that in the first eggshell–zeolite (EZ) adsorbent, the zeolite nanoparticles were loaded in the eggshell pores. The preparation for the second (iron(III) oxide-hydroxide)–eggshell–zeolite (FEZ) nanoadsorbent led to double functionalization of the eggshell base with the zeolite nanoparticles, upon simultaneous loading of the pores of the eggshell and zeolite surface with FeOOH particles. Structural modification of the eggshell led to a significant increase in the specific surface, as confirmed using BET analysis. These features enabled the composite EZ and FEZ to remove nickel from aqueous solutions with high performance and adsorption capacities of 321.1 mg/g and 287.9 mg/g, respectively. The results indicate that nickel adsorption on EZ and FEZ is a multimolecular layer, spontaneous, and endothermic process. Concomitantly, the desorption results reflect the high reusability of these two nanomaterials, collectively suggesting the use of waste in the design of new, low-cost, and highly efficient composite nanoadsorbents for environmental bioremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the potential of digital finance to mitigate the environmental impact of economic development. Utilizing panel data from 290 Chinese cities between 2011 and 2019, we employ a two-way fixed effects model to control for unobservable city characteristics and time-invariant macro factors. Our findings reveal that cities with higher proportions of value-added tax and secondary industries (mainly for manufacturing) tend to experience increased air pollution. Conversely, cities characterized by higher economic efficiency exhibit better air quality, underscoring the significance of prioritizing technology-intensive sectors during economic development. Pollution control technologies, such as centralized wastewater treatment systems and harmless treatment systems for household waste, also play positive roles. Moreover, technological and educational investments correlate with increased urban green coverage and lower air pollution, highlighting the pivotal role of technology development and residents' literacy in fostering sustainable practices. Although we initially observed a positive association between the index of digital financial technology and air pollution, which could be attributed to the influence of economic growth, our study employs instrumental variable regression to unveil their true correlation. The results suggest the application of digital financial technology may enhance environmental awareness, contributing to the mitigation of air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muslim-majority countries, sustainable economic growth is intricately linked to the halal industry sector, which is supposed to operate in accordance with what is permissible in Islamic law. he present halal industry is the limited understanding of Islamic law. Additionally, Islamic business ethics practices are essential in effective halal industry management because they comprise ethical values, morality, decency, and commendable morals that can support the sustainable development of the halal sector within the economy. This study examines the intersection of Islamic law in business ethics, with the anticipation of promoting the substantial growth of the halal industry. To achieve this, the study employs the literature review method, assisted by the Publish or Perish software and Vosviewer bibliometric analysis. A literature review was conducted to synthesise research findings by presenting the perspectives of Islamic law scholars, substantiated by evidence from various previous studies. The findings of this research reveal that, to achieve a sustainable economy, the establishment of business ethics within the domain of the halal industry must be built based on the five fundamental pillars of Islamic law, the seven principles of muamalah (dealings) pertaining to transactions and activities involving goods and benefits in Islam, such as buying and selling, renting, debts and borrowings, farming, associations, and other commercial dealings, and the five principles of Islamic business ethics. The findings of this research are expected to serve as collective evidence within the realm of Islamic law studies pertaining to the halal industry and its role in fostering a sustainable economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The article aims to examine how accountants assess the effects of deregulation in the accounting profession in Poland. Our study also included accountants' expectations regarding the regulation of the accounting profession in the future. Research Design & Methods: The article presents an analysis and assessment of deregulation's impact on the quality of accounting services, the prestige of the profession, and business security, which, in our opinion, are the indicators of the sustainable development of the accounting profession. The data source was the responses of 3307 respondents in a survey conducted by the Accountants Association in Poland. Findings: Accountants with higher, documented qualifications see more negative consequences of deregulation than accountants without such qualifications. However, a similar relationship was not observed when analysing the age, position, or size of the company with which the accountant was associated. Implications & Recommendations: The research results indicated disruptions in the functioning of the main pillars of sustainable development of the accounting profession and the need to introduce changes in the regulatory sphere of this profession, including the partial re-introduction of the professional certification. Contribution & Value Added: Our study contributes to enhancing the knowledge regarding the consequences of introducing deregulation in the accounting profession in Poland from the perspective of a sustainable economy. The results of our study are the starting point for the next research stage concerning the impact of international conditions in the accounting profession on economic development in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the important instruments of the industrial and infrastructural policy of the state is the formation of a national system of innovation clusters. Sustainable development can be achieved by creating network structures based on a cluster approach, as such associations include enterprises, research institutions, research centres, government agencies, and financial and consulting structures. The article aims to determine the relationship between the level of cluster development and the level of sustainable growth to formulate recommendations for policies to increase the competitiveness of European economies. This study used a linear correlation between the State of cluster development and the SDG Index, taken from two reports: The Global Competitiveness Report 2019 and Sustainable Development Report 2019. The results of the study confirmed a significant relationship between factors and outcome. Thus, the research hypothesis was proved, which was that there is a high positive correlation between cluster development and sustainable national growth; EU countries with well-developed clusters are countries with high sustainable development and vice versa.

The purpose of this article is to draw attention to the importance that must be given to the introduction in the financial statements of economic entities of non-financial information related to the sustainable development of the economy by means of a system for reporting the status of the implementation of environmental standards. Because lately the most serious problem facing humanity is the effects of climate change produced by environmental pollution, I believe that environmental standards must be implemented in every organization. A society that respects itself, also respects the environment and must contribute to removing the effects that affect it. The results of the study indicate that the companies that have implemented environmental standards are in a small percentage of less than 30%, which urgently requires the introduction of mandatory environmental standards into the national legislation and their reporting in the financial statements depending on the impact of the activity carried out of society on the environment.

Whilst there is a growing body of evidence relating to the environmental capabilities, eco innovation, sustainable supply chains and green skills of individual SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), much less attention has been paid to networked approaches to pro-environmental and sustainable SME support. The empirical studies that do exist mostly take a firm-centric approach. This study takes a network centric view to describe hitherto under-explored features of network functionality based on case analysis of a single business support network in the East Midlands of the UK. The resulting conceptual framework offers an analytical tool that can be used to study network functionality in the service of pro-environmental SME development more widely. Empirical data for this case analysis of a regional 'low carbon' business network is drawn from interviews with 25 stakeholders, analysis of programme level data and documentation, 'insider' observation of network activity and evidence from both independent and internal evaluations. The study charts key aspects of network provision and its impact upon SMEs and wider stakeholders. The paper then presents a conceptual model of pro-environmental business networking that identifies key internal features of network activity as well as various external drivers of multi-stakeholder engagement in the shift to a more sustainable local economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The financial services industry plays a critical role in the transition to a sustainable economy. Financial institutions can allocate resources to more environmentally friendly endeavors, manage long-term sustainability risks, and provide financing for sustainable projects. One way that financial institutions can support the transition to a sustainable economy is by allocating capital to more environmentally friendly investments. This could include investing in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green buildings. Financial institutions can also help to manage long-term sustainability risks by developing and implementing climate risk management frameworks. This will help to protect investors and financial markets from the potential financial impacts of climate change. Finally, financial institutions can provide financing for sustainable projects through a variety of mechanisms, such as green bonds and sustainable loans. This financing can help to accelerate the deployment of clean technologies and other sustainable solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to assess Sustainable Economy (SE) features and validate them by using sustainability experts residing in Qatar to suggest an expanded and improved definition of SE. Fifteen features of SE have been identified via a comparative literature review and validated by sustainability experts in Qatar. The study significantly strengthens and validates the features of SE and provides analysis of some of these features by the authors. The paper suggests that SE should be defined as "a value-based, dynamic, and balanced economic system that meets the needs of all living species today while remaining within ecological and social boundaries, without compromising the system's capacity to meet all future needs of all living species". This is the only paper that uses Qatari experts to research SE features. The limitation of the research is the inclusion of a small sample size of experts within Qatar due to the limited number of experts in the field of sustainability and their willingness to participate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saudi Arabia witnessed unprecedented urban development starting from the 1930s due to oil discovery, leading to the construction of new contemporary cities and high-tech buildings. Recently, starting from the late 1990s, an increasing feeling of esteem toward vernacular architecture and local traditions has promoted several heritage rehabilitation projects. This paper aims to assess selected urban heritage interventions to highlight the importance of sustainable approaches in heritage reuse. An assessment of sustainable reuse was conducted by adopting sustainability criteria and principles in compliance with Saudi Arabia's national vision for 2030 (Saudi Vision 2030), which targets sustainable growth in the post-oil era. Analyses and data collection make it possible to compare four selected case studies based on materials and techniques for preservation, governmental institutions involved, the assessed methodologies of intervention, and relevant parameters (legibility, reversibility, overshadowing, alteration, replacement, and anastylosis). Results show how different institutions have adopted diverse approaches in conservative methodologies based on heritage values to provide flexibility in the reuse of buildings and adaptation to contemporary needs. Assessing the sustainable reuses of Saudi heritage can lead to a strategic change in national growth targeting social, economic, environmental, and ecologic results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining is one of the technology processes which significantly affect the environment. Contemporary science is often focused on renewable resources, but non renewable resources and their mining are also present and deserve more intense research, due to its complex role in the economy. On the other point of view, non renewable resources as mining products are necessary to maintain and improve the life quality level. This conflict is not sustainable in long term perspective. From the aspect of sustainable development the primary task is to ensure the development right for future generations. It means that intensive level of interdisciplinary research is necessary to provide initial conditions (available reserve of ore) and utilization dynamic of mineral resources. This paper analyzes some aspects of correlation between sustainable development and mining. Mathematical model that describes the mentioned ideas is developed in this manuscript, including the conflict of economic goals, principles of environmental protection and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The article aims to examine how accountants assess the effects of deregulation in the accounting profession in Poland. Our study also included accountants’ expectations regarding the regulation of the accounting profession in the future. Research Design & Methods: The article presents an analysis and assessment of deregulation’s impact on the quality of accounting services, the prestige of the profession, and business security, which, in our opinion, are the indicators of the sustainable development of the accounting profession. The data source was the responses of 3307 respondents in a survey conducted by the Accountants Association in Poland. Findings: Accountants with higher, documented qualifications see more negative consequences of deregulation than accountants without such qualifications. However, a similar relationship was not observed when analysing the age, position, or size of the company with which the accountant was associated. Implications & Recommendations: The research results indicated disruptions in the functioning of the main pillars of sustainable development of the accounting profession and the need to introduce changes in the regulatory sphere of this profession, including the partial re-introduction of the professional certification. Contribution & Value Added: Our study contributes to enhancing the knowledge regarding the consequences of introducing deregulation in the accounting profession in Poland from the perspective of a sustainable economy. The results of our study are the starting point for the next research stage concerning the impact of international conditions in the accounting profession on economic development in other countries.