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This study explores the relationship between the governance of architecturally embedded applications and their longevity in organizational use. Using a contingency-fit logic, it posits that alignment between application governance (distribution of decision rights) and architectural contingencies contributes to sustained durations of organizational use. Architectural contingencies include internal application modularity, application inter-connectedness, and governance of surrounding application clusters. Evidence for the governance-architecture fit hypothesis is derived from analyzing temporally ordered data about applications (n = 225, n = 498, n = 193) from organizations in the media, banking, and utilities sectors over five years. Using a two-step approach with ordinal regression, along with Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models, our findings indicate that a fit between observed governance and the governance induced by architectural contingencies reduces the likelihood of application decommissioning. The study advances the fields of information systems (IS) governance and architecture by offering a micro-level perspective on the longevity of organizational IS use while also shedding light on the importance of governance choices aligned with unique architectural application properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the overall digital transformation of the Slovak Republic. Particular attention is paid to the Digital Economy and Society Index, which provides a constructive comparison of Slovakia's performance with other EU member states in a wide range of sectors. It is used to track the progress and level of development of the digital economy and society in the following areas: digital skills and education, digital infrastructure development, digital business transformation, and digitization of public services. In addition to the direct analysis of these four areas, we have separately highlighted the problems of personal data protection in the context of global digitalization and the new challenges associated with it, which should be addressed on the basis of the principle of technological neutrality. This area should be protected by legal acts that can actually guarantee the observance of fundamental rights and freedoms. Currently, Slovakia continues to pursue a digital transformation strategy until 2030, which includes, among other things, the integration of innovative technologies in enterprises, including cloud and edge computing, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. However, despite the active development of the digital economy, the country continues to occupy low positions in EU rankings, as it lags behind the EU average in all key criteria. We have analyzed the key factors that determine this situation: the lack of a unified vision of digital transformation and a single integrated approach; for enterprises that integrate digital technologies, the constant administrative burden, low awareness of financing opportunities and financial instruments, low investment in gigabit connectivity, low mathematical literacy of students and brain drain, the country does not properly monitor the implementation of the policies described in Slovakia's Digital Transformation Strategy until 2030, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The promise of remote patient monitoring (RPM) lies in its ability to revolutionize health care delivery by enabling continuous, real-time tracking of patient health outside traditional clinical settings. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of RPM, particularly in underserved and rural populations, highlighting both its potential and the persistent barriers that limit its widespread use. This paper explores the critical role of technological advancements—such as wearables, artificial intelligence (AI), and broadband expansion—in sustaining and optimizing RPM in the postpandemic era. We examine Michigan as a microcosm of national health care challenges, focusing on its diverse population and geographic barriers, and propose condition-specific RPM protocols to address these inequities. Key facilitators and barriers to RPM implementation are discussed, with a focus on AI integration, community engagement, and digital infrastructure. We also explore the role of policy reform and public–private partnerships in supporting RPM's scalability and long-term sustainability. Our findings suggest that while RPM offers a powerful tool for improving health care access and outcomes, especially for chronic conditions and rural maternal health, sustained investment in technology and infrastructure is critical. By addressing these challenges, RPM can become a cornerstone of modern health care, reducing disparities and improving care delivery for underserved populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the contingency effect of infrastructure (disaggregated into physical and digital) in the relationship between foreign aid and inclusive growth in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). We employ macro data for 41 SSA countries and the dynamic system GMM estimator for the empirical analysis. We find that (i) foreign aid promotes inclusive growth in SSA, (ii) whereas transport infrastructure enhances inclusive growth, energy infrastructure, sanitation infrastructure, and digital infrastructure are statistically insignificant, and (iii) only transport infrastructure amplifies the inclusive growth‐enhancing effect of foreign aid. Across the digital and physical infrastructure domains, we find that the contingency effect of the latter is rather remarkable. Our threshold analysis also indicates that for digital infrastructure and transport infrastructure to condition complementary policies to foster inclusive growth in SSA, minimum thresholds of 22% and 57.8% are required. We conclude that comprehensive transport infrastructural development is key if foreign aid is to enhance inclusive growth in SSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digitation in education, where online platforms play a central role, has changed teaching and learning scenarios. In addition, it has brought an unprecedented array of public and private actors into the educational arena who provide schools with technological solutions for redesigning learning environments and practices. Though the arena is dominated by EdTech companies, non‐profit initiatives are not entirely absent. After a brief introduction to the main issues relating to the spread of educational platforms, this article will present a rare case of a non‐commercial educational platform developed, implemented and managed in complete autonomy by a community of university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian state has been steadily increasing its focus on and use of digital technologies. This article argues that if digitisation is to continue and accelerate, certain other aspects of digitisation require greater scrutiny. To begin with, for digitisation to be meaningful to citizens, it is necessary to consider them not only as data points but as participants. This requires improved access to the internet. In order to do so, it is incumbent upon the Indian state to enhance digital infrastructure. However, this infrastructure cannot be narrowly conceived. There are material, educational, and legislative interventions that make digital infrastructure meaningful, accessible and non-extractive. This article raises two questions: should access to the internet be considered a basic right? And, if feasible, what would such a policy entail? This article attempts to shed light on India's digital divide, look at the direction in which public–private relations are headed in an increasingly digital India and discuss the benefits of considering digital infrastructure—rather than the internet itself—as a public good rather than a private commodity. Such infrastructure includes laws and policies that protect and empower citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Agriculture faces significant challenges in ensuring global food security while minimizing resource costs and environmental impacts. The development of digital infrastructure offers transformative potential for agricultural systems and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This study examines the role of digital infrastructure in enhancing grain production capacity in China, a key player in the global food system. Methods: We analyzed data from 277 prefecture-level cities in China from 2011 to 2021. A double machine learning model was employed to empirically assess the impact of digital infrastructure on grain production capacity, allowing for robust insights into causal relationships. Results: Results reveal that digital infrastructure significantly enhances grain production. Mechanism analysis results indicate that digital infrastructure construction drives agricultural technological advancements and farmland scale, contributing to increased production capacity. Heterogeneity analysis results show that the impact of digital infrastructure construction is significant in major grain-producing regions and the central-eastern regions, while its effects are relatively limited in grain production-consumption balanced regions, main grain consumption regions, and the western regions. Discussion: The results underscore the importance of strengthening digital infrastructure in rural areas to improve grain production capacity. Tailored policy implications are suggested to enhance sustainable food production and contribute to global food security, particularly in regions with varying agricultural dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breakthrough green innovation acts as a critical leverage point and a fundamental driver of the development of new productive forces. This study employs a sample of 108 cities along the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2011 to 2021 to investigate the impact of digital infrastructure on urban breakthrough green innovation and its underlying mechanisms. The findings are as follows: (1) Digital infrastructure construction facilitates urban breakthrough green innovation, with a notably more substantial impact on strategic breakthrough green innovation. This result is validated through robustness and endogeneity tests. (2) Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the enhancement effect of digital infrastructure on breakthrough green innovation is more prominent in non-resource-based cities, cities with higher levels of marketisation, and those with weaker environmental regulations, with a particularly significant influence on substantive breakthrough green innovation. (3) Mechanism analysis reveals that upgrading industrial structures, optimising market resource allocation, and increasing public environmental awareness are critical mechanisms through which digital infrastructure strengthens urban breakthrough green innovation capacity. Additionally, as improvements occur in industrial structure, market resource allocation efficiency, and public environmental awareness, the impact of digital infrastructure on urban breakthrough green innovation capacity displays a nonlinear effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study fills a research gap by examining how tourist participation, well-being, eco-friendly engagement, and digital infrastructure affect tourism results. We assessed 3692 tourists in Jilin Province, China, using structural equation modeling. We found that tourist participation is directly associated with tourist well-being, and eco-friendly engagement positively mediates tourist participation and tourist well-being. Furthermore, digital infrastructure moderates tourist participation and tourist well-being. Key findings reveal that actively participating in tourism activities considerably increases visitor well-being. Furthermore, eco-friendly behaviors and digital infrastructure may improve tourist well-being and overall experience. These findings may influence many tourist features in the Jilin Province of China. Tourism management should first provide a range of fun and engaging activities to boost tourist well-being. Second, promoting sustainable practices protects the environment and improves visitors' quality of life. Third, digital infrastructure expenditures support these activities and enhance visitor pleasure. Policymakers should prioritize sustainable tourism. They should employ digital technologies to promote sustainability and improve services. Addressing these concerns may strengthen the country's economy, sustainable development, and tourism. This study enhances tourist well-being theory by adding eco-friendly interaction, digital infrastructure, and visitor participation. It illuminates the importance of technology, sustainability, and active involvement in producing enjoyable tourist experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the evolution of the authoritarian developmental state model in the digital era amid intensified global power dynamics, focusing empirically on China. It introduces the concept of the techno-developmental state to illustrate how this evolved state emphasizes digital technologies for both economic growth and social governance. I assert that this evolution is driven by the state's enhanced capacity to foster high-tech industries amid heightened competition among major powers, alongside bolstered social governance through advanced digital tools. Emphasizing its crucial role in sustaining authoritarian developmentalism, the article analyzes the emergence of the Chinese techno-developmental state amid escalating US–China technological rivalry. It also scrutinizes the New Infrastructure initiative of the early 2020s as the state's key initiative to drive its economic and governance agendas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately portraying the spatially linked network characteristics of digital infrastructure and exploring its energy-saving effects are highly valuable for enhancing the synergy in digital infrastructure development and expanding its network spillover effects on energy conservation. This paper uses panel data at the city level in China and employs a modified gravity model to calculate the centrality of digital infrastructure spatial correlation network nodes. Based on this, an econometric model is constructed, incorporating variables such as digital infrastructure spatial correlation network node centrality and urban green total factor energy efficiency. The model is used to analyze the effects and transmission paths of digital infrastructure network node centrality on urban green total factor energy efficiency. The analysis yields the following conclusions: (1) Digital infrastructure spatial correlation network node centrality significantly improves urban green total factor energy efficiency, with considerable variability due to city geographic location, city scale, and city attributes. (2) Nonlinear testing results indicate that as digital infrastructure construction advances, its impact on urban green total factor energy efficiency shifts from inhibitory to promotional. (3) The impact mechanism shows that digital infrastructure node centrality enhances urban green total factor energy efficiency through green technology innovation. Additionally, it promotes advanced industrial structures and reduces capital mismatch, further influencing energy efficiency. (4) Digital infrastructure node centrality not only boosts urban green total factor energy efficiency but also facilitates regional convergence, increasing the convergence rate from 0.094 to 0.170%. The findings of the research offer policy guidance for the government on advancing digital transformation initiatives and enhancing energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the influence of digital infrastructure on creating an organizational climate conducive to digital transformation. It highlights the critical role of data lakes, network connectivity, and a shared digital language in cultivating an environment that aligns managerial objectives with employee engagement in digital initiatives. Through grounded theory methodology, the research uncovers how robust digital infrastructure can bridge the gap between leadership's digital aspirations and employees' practical use of digital tools, promoting data-driven decision-making and improving organizational performance. The findings suggest that a well-developed digital infrastructure is essential for fostering a digital climate that supports strategic business goals and enhances competitive advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of digital infrastructure on carbon emissions utilizing urban panel data spanning from 2007 to 2022 in China. The research findings reveal that digital infrastructure has mitigated carbon emissions in cities, with a more pronounced effect observed in eastern and northern regions. Notably, large cities and non-resource-based cities have reaped greater environmental benefits from digital infrastructure. Key mechanisms driving this reduction include lowering energy consumption, fostering green technological innovations, and enhancing factor allocation efficiency. Additionally, digital infrastructure construction exhibits a spatial spillover effect, where local digital infrastructure inhibits carbon emissions in neighboring cities. These discoveries offer insightful references for policymakers in planning the application of digital infrastructure to facilitate carbon reduction efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The years we are experiencing are often identified as those of the age of digital technologies, where "digital" is commonly associated with intelligence, efficiency, and convenience. The emergence of digital technologies has significantly impacted and transformed various aspects of our society compared to the past. In this panorama, some arising questions regard transportation infrastructure systems and, first of all, highway infrastructure. This research focuses on one central issue: how highways fit into this digital revolution. Actually, the work in this paper can be described as follows. Although there are many different theoretical model systems for the architecture of the digital twin, we have chosen to review the main body of research on the digital twin in highway infrastructure based on a relatively well-established modeling framework, the five-dimensional model of the digital twin. After discussing the components of the digital twin for highway infrastructure's five-dimensional model, the paper reviews some innovative technologies that make these items effective. In addition to this, the digital twin maturity level of highway infrastructure and the MBSE-based (model-based systems engineering) digital twin model for highway are also discussed in this paper. Therefore, the paper provides a bird's eye view of this extremely dynamic technology for a new system of intelligent highways and discusses some of their criticalities and strengths, allowing for the optimization and development of new transportation functions and services, improving the adaptability of highways to the digital revolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject of the article is the analysis of the current state of research and practice in the field of transport, logistics and digital infrastructures in the Russian Arctic. The authors consider logistic and digital infrastructures as key communication subsystems that ensure the movement of material values, people and information, and thus serve as a prerequisite for the development of the macro-region under consid-eration. The research methods used were literature review of scientific sources and analysis of the ob-tained material. A systematic literature mapping was carried out on Scopus, Google Scholar, Elibrary data-bases. Aspects of the Arctic region development, including the role of logistics and digital infrastructures in this process, are described by scientific schools of Russia, Canada, Norway, China, USA and other countries. The analysis has shown the highly variable state of the subsystems under consideration depending on the specific region, as well as the lack of a comprehensive approach to their joint development and integration. It was stated that there is no such problem statement about the development of communication subsystems of the Arctic zone. On the basis of the analysis, the key directions for the development of logistics and digital infrastructure of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation were formulated. The authors’ recommendations, apart from the obvious tasks of developing sea routes, building and modernizing roads, railways and airports, expanding access to broadband internet and other widely discussed measures, describe the need to integrate the communication subsystems under consideration and focus on the potential of digital technologies to replace and/or supplement the logistics infrastructure in certain aspects.

This research paper examines the digital infrastructure required to achieve project management success by analyzing the enabling elements of this digital infrastructure in terms of three pillars: digital readiness, digital fitness, and digital tools. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify these enabling elements and to develop a list of project management success indicators through which the success of project management can be measured. To evaluate and rank the digital infrastructure enabling elements, a Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) was implemented using a hybrid approach combining Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (FTOPSIS). The study used the digital infrastructure enabling elements as MCA alternatives and the project management success indicators identified in the literature review as MCA criteria. The results indicated that the enabling elements associated with digital tools are the most significant for project management success, with a FTOPSIS closeness coefficient (CCi) of 0.8525, followed by those related to digital fitness (CCi = 0.6481) and digital readiness (CCi = 0.1602). These findings have proven to be robust, as they remained consistent even when weights of the MCA criteria were adjusted in three new scenarios proposed in a scenario analysis. This research highlights the critical role of digital enabling elements in enhancing project management practice and achieving project management success. It also offers a strategic framework for organizations to develop and strengthen their digital infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved new criteria for assessing the governors' work effectiveness (2021). One of the rating indicators is "Digital maturity" of state authorities of the Russian Federation constituent entities, local government bodies and organizations, namely, their ability to make use of domestic information and technology solutions. The heads of the constituent entities are responsible for the digital transformation in the regions of the Russian Federation; they are their KPIs — key performance indicators. The region's economy transformation into a digital one is impossible without the participation of municipalities. However, the problem the digital maturity level assessment of local governments and executive authorities at the regional level has not been properly investigated. The methodology for compiling and assessing the digital maturity index of local self-government bodies is presented in the article on the materials of the federal statistical observation form No. 3-inform "Information on the use of digital technologies and the production of the related goods and providing of services" in the Republic of Dagestan in 2019. On the basis of which the sub-indices "digital infrastructure," "digital security," "digital technologies," and "digital skills" were calculated. The ratings of digital maturity of local government bodies and the executive branch of the government of the region, as well as the comparative analysis of the index structure, are presented in the article. It was revealed that the average digital maturity indices for local self-government and executive authorities are practically the same. In addition, the digital infrastructure sub index makes up a large share, namely, about half in the digital maturity indices. An econometric model has been built to assess the dependence of the regional economy on the digital maturity level. Thus, the key socio-economic indicators were taken into account to assess the effectiveness of local self-government body activities in urban and municipal districts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common prosperity is an important goal of China's modernization efforts, and narrowing the income gap among different regions and populations is crucial to achieving common prosperity. The construction of digital infrastructure has significantly boosted productivity and facilitated the diffusion of technology in less developed regions, leading to notable changes in labor employment and the income gap, which aligns with the goal of common prosperity. This paper explores the mechanism through which digital infrastructure influences common prosperity with a focus on employment, using panel data from 30 provinces in China between 2011 and 2021 for an empirical test. The research finds that digital infrastructure significantly promotes common prosperity. By expanding employment and increasing labor remuneration, the influence of digital infrastructure on common prosperity exhibits regional heterogeneity and a nonlinear threshold effect. The research suggests that the government should enhance investment in and construction of digital infrastructure, reduce the digital divide through policy support in rural areas, promote digital employment and skills training, and encourage industrial integration and enterprise participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether the digital infrastructure can resolve the conflict between environmental concerns and economic development is an urgent issue to be addressed in China. By taking the implementation of 'Broadband China' policy as a quasi-natural experiment and using 15 million policy statements to measure the environmental protection institution (EPI), this study investigates the environmental externality of urban digital infrastructure and the nonlinear supporting role of EPI. It is found that urban digital infrastructure is conducive to reducing regional energy intensity and carbon emission intensity. After a series of robustness tests, the conclusions are still credible. Mechanism analysis shows that promoting the structural upgrading of the service industry, accelerating the intensive development of the manufacturing industry and improving the quality of regional innovation are three impact channels. Furthermore, the EPI plays a nonlinear supporting role in the process of digital infrastructure's promoting regional energy saving and emission reduction. This study incorporates the supply of environmental protection institution into the analytical framework, thus providing a new perspective for comprehending the externality of digital infrastructure and environmental protection institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of the digital economy (DE), the traditional economic growth paradigm is no longer applicable. To explore whether the DE can improve the urban ecological problems left behind by rough economic growth, this study examines the effects of land resource mismatch (LRM) on urban ecological resilience (UER) and evaluates the mitigating influence of the DE. This analysis utilizes data from 280 prefectural-level cities in China over the period from 2007 to 2021 and reveals that LRM significantly undermines UER, with this conclusion remaining robust across a series of tests. Additionally, the detrimental impact of LRM on UER is more pronounced in megacities, cities with high levels of economic development, and those with a lower degree of advanced industrial structure. In further analysis, this study finds that the digital economy can optimize the allocation of land resources, thereby enhancing urban ecological resilience, which has the effect of "treating the root causes". In addition, digital government and digital infrastructure, as key elements of the digital economy, also mitigate the negative impacts of land resource misallocation on urban ecological resilience, having the effect of "treating the symptoms". Finally, this study proposes policy suggestions such as optimizing ecological layout, deepening land reform, and promoting digital government and infrastructure construction to provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for local governments to enhance UER and help build a new model of greener, more resilient, and sustainable urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the construction of digital villages advances in China, rural digital infrastructure is increasingly improving. However, how the dividends of rural digital infrastructure benefit rural household entrepreneurship remains a pertinent topic for research. Utilizing Probit and Tobit models, this study examined the impact and underlying mechanisms of digital infrastructure on rural household entrepreneurship from two perspectives: entrepreneurial choice and income. The analysis matched the digital infrastructure construction indicators from the Index of Digital Rural County with the microdata from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). The findings revealed that: (1) Digital infrastructure not only facilitated entrepreneurial choices by rural households but also significantly increased their entrepreneurial income. (2) Mechanism analysis indicated that digital infrastructure primarily influenced rural household entrepreneurial choices through the application of digital technology by entrepreneurs and affected entrepreneurial income through the utilization of digital information channels. (3) Heterogeneity analysis showed that digital infrastructure was more conducive to promoting entrepreneurial choices among rural households with higher levels of human capital, larger family sizes, richer social capital, and better economic development foundations. For entrepreneurial vulnerable groups such as those with lower human capital and women, as well as rural households in areas with weaker economic foundations, the income-increasing effect of digital infrastructure on entrepreneurship was more pronounced. (4) Further analysis revealed the presence of threshold effects in the impact of digital infrastructure on promoting entrepreneurial choices and income increases among rural households. Thus, while further strengthening the construction of rural digital infrastructure, it is imperative to focus on enhancing digital technology skills and entrepreneurship training, as well as improving the mac-roenvironment. Particular attention should be given to supporting entrepreneurship among disadvantaged groups, such as women. By doing so, digital infrastructure can fully empower rural household entrepreneurship, stimulate entrepreneurial enthusiasm, and offer opportunities for 'leapfrog development' to vulnerable groups and impoverished areas, helping farmers to increase their income and achieve prosperity through their entrepreneurial endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the resource orchestration theory (ROT), this research explores the significant role of digital infrastructure in enabling business model governance innovation (BMGI) within manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Using a sample of 237 cases from Guangdong Province, China, linear regression analysis demonstrated that digital infrastructure could significantly facilitate such innovation. Additionally, both design and use recombination acted as mediators, with design recombination yielding a substantially stronger positive impact on BMGI. This study also highlighted the contrasting impact between discrete and process manufacturing, showing that discrete manufacturing derives more substantial benefits from digital infrastructure. The findings of this research provide valuable theoretical insights into the digital transformation and value creation of SMEs in the manufacturing sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Green innovation plays a crucial role in actualizing environmental sustainability. Although digitalization is acknowledged for its significant contribution to environmental sustainability, existing research has yet to delve deeply into the mechanisms and conditions under which digital development can bolster green innovation. Bridging the resource‐based view and institutional theory, this research examined how digital development impacts green innovation via the offering of financial backing for the proliferation of green technologies, termed as green finance. We also explored the moderating roles of institutional forces, that is, government support and government intervention. We base our analysis on data collated from 30 provinces in China spanning the years from 2012 to 2018 and employ fixed‐effect and random‐effect regression models, alongside a series of robustness tests. Our findings propose that green finance plays a pivotal role in mediating the relationship between digital development and green innovation. We further discerned that while government support amplifies the impact of digital development on green finance, government intervention tends to undermine it. These insights present valuable contributions to the domains of digital development research, institutional theory, and innovation for environmental sustainability and carry practical implications for policymakers striving for environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This brief commentary develops an argument for a critical geopolitics of smart tourism. Several critical geopolitical issues related to smart tourism deserve more attention in tourism studies, including the digital infrastructuralization of tourism in the context of platformization and data governance geopolitics. The commentary focuses on smart tourism as a new paradigm in digitally mediated tourism, one which shifts the conversation regarding the digital geographies of tourism from controlling the transboundary flow of digital information to controlling physical spaces that have themselves become digitally platformized. The commentary also focuses on China as a paradigmatic site of smart tourism development and promotion. Here, the geopolitical issues swirling around smart tourism can be seen quite clearly. The commentary concludes with the observation that the digital infrastructuralization of tourism introduces not just a new layer of geopolitical issues to account for in the tourism encounter with places, but also technopolitical effects that also shape that encounter in important ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the scope of global tourism, Malang stands as a potential yet underutilized tourism city. Known as the "Paris of East Java," its captivating landscapes and pleasant climate offer a unique experience. Despite this, the city's tourism sector remains underdeveloped, evident from the low number of visitors compared to what it has to offer. Existing studies reveal the city's yet undiscovered potential, especially in city tourism, cultural experiences, and culinary. However, limited information and digital infrastructure pose significant challenges. This research addresses these gaps, proposing the development of a robust digital platform in the form of a dedicated social media travel hub for Malang's sustainable tourism. By utilizing design thinking methodology, the study aims to revolutionize how tourists access information and interact with local attractions. It hypothesizes that a well-designed digital infrastructure will enhance the city's tourism quality, attracting more visitors. Additionally, adopting sustainable tourism principles will further boost Malang's tourism industry. This research is not just a digital upgrade, it's a transformative journey, paving the way for Malang to emerge as a sustainable tourism hub. Through innovative design and a user-focused approach, this study is set to unlock Malang's full tourism potential of balanced growth with environmental and cultural preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into educational frameworks has shown significant potential to address challenges and improve sustainable education in India. This paper explores the critical role of AI in education, focusing on how it can enhance personalized learning, streamline administrative processes, and improve accessibility. However, challenges such as lack of digital infrastructure, data privacy concerns, and the need for skilled educators present substantial barriers to successful AI implementation. By examining current applications and limitations, this paper proposes strategies for utilizing AI effectively in education. Additionally, it discusses the prospects for leveraging AI to foster inclusive, sustainable, and accessible education in India. The study aims to contribute to a roadmap for policymakers and educators to overcome challenges and build a resilient educational system that supports India's growth towards a digitally inclusive society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation aims to determine the impact of public investment in the digital economy on de-urbanization in Pakistan. Using secondary data, the researcher employed a quantitative research design to analyze various data related to the variables of interest, most notably the digital infrastructure score, internet penetration rate, GDP growth rate, employment rate, education level, and health index score. The process begins with brief descriptive findings indicating substantial investment discrepancies and digital infrastructure quality differences between rural and urban populations, with the urban population receiving much more investment on average. The comparative findings underscore the significant investment disparity, while the regression results demonstrate a positive correlation between the rate of internet penetration and GDP growth. The other variables, such as the digital infrastructure score, the afore-mentioned employment and education variables, and the health index, are all non-significant in the model. More investment appears necessary to reap such economic benefits, and the aforementioned complementary policies will be required to facilitate rural broadband access. Collectively, the results of this research will help policymakers further a more inclusive approach to economic policy and create conditions for sustainable development regardless of population density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a rapid shift to online education worldwide presenting both opportunities and challenges. This study explores the perceptions of secondary school students in private institutions in Noida regarding online education aiming to understand their satisfaction levels identify key influencing factors and evaluate the challenges and benefits of this transition. Data were collected from 262 students through a survey and analysed using Spearman's rank correlation. The findings reveal a strong correlation between students access to reliable technology and their positive perceptions of online education highlighting significant barriers such as internet connectivity and device affordability. Furthermore the study shows that the transition to online education has posed more challenges than benefits, particularly in terms of engagement and motivation. These insights highlight the need for improved digital infrastructure comprehensive training for educators and the development of blended learning models. One key recommendation is for policymakers to prioritize investments in digital infrastructure to ensure equitable access to online education thereby enhancing the overall educational experience for students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital technologies and the practices that follow, from reviews and recommendations on websites to content on social media platforms characterised by real-time connectivity are now inseparable from tourist experiences. Further, the technological, and infrastructural configurations that underpin digital practices in tourism are increasingly impinged upon by non-human actors (such as algorithms and data governance and regulatory measures). This special issue considers the ways in which data in the form of content, digital infrastructures and algorithmic governance shape and transform knowledge generated within and about tourism destinations and the populations who inhabit them. We focus on digital technologies as part of emerging media technologies to emphasise the material and regulatory assemblages that are increasingly inseparable from automated processes that facilitate the collection and appropriation of data on behalf of digital platform corporations. Emerging media technologies in the tourist encounter consider such engagements across different sensory exchanges, where tourists experience other places, landscapes, weather, people, sights and knowledge. Significant issues related to the role of digital technologies such as the inequalities they may perpetuate through the platformization of tourist destinations, the impacts of 'smartness' and the ways in which digital infrastructures are embedded in wider geopolitical relations of territorialization and contestation have been increasingly recognised in tourism geographies, yet comparative regional studies are still limited. We establish a research agenda to call for further, comparative research into the unfolding consequences of the role of digital infrastructures and algorithmic governance in the shaping of tourism destinations and the practices that follow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article builds on an up-to-date overview of the data governance framework developed by the People's Republic of China to gauge its influence over digital trade policy at the global stage. China has developed a peculiar data governance architecture, predicated upon domestic security. The party-state has been open to discuss only trade-related aspects of information flows while shielding national autonomy from international harmonization. This strategy is coupled with the effort to project China's data governance approach externally both through China's role in international standard setting and via new digital infrastructure, through the Digital Silk Road initiative. In this respect, China's attempts to facilitate penetration by its own companies in foreign digital infrastructure needs to be assessed against the large data access power enjoyed by the state-party vis-à-vis domestic big tech companies. The article argues that such a strategy appears in contrast with the explicit commitment to protect national self-determination, especially when host countries lack adequate legal and administrative safeguards to tackle the economic and data protection challenges brought by digitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explains that digital geopolitics is a key component of Sino-US rivalry, as digital technologies have taken the centre stage in the new global conflict between the United States and China. China's digital expansionism through its Digital Silk Road (DSR) projects is promoting its geopolitical agenda in African countries. Chinese financial institutions are funding African countries' digital infrastructure projects, which are being implemented by Chinese companies. Chinese companies, which are dominating the African digital technology space, are also setting new technology standards and norms that challenge the existing US-led global digital order. DSR projects have improved the digital connectivity of African countries, boosted the emergence of local companies, created job opportunities for Africans and enhanced governments' governance capabilities. However, African countries' dependence on the Chinese digital technology curtails local companies' growth capabilities while promoting China's 'digital authoritarianism' and 'data colonialism', as China's companies possess market manipulation tools and capabilities. In addition, unmanageable loans given by Chinese financial institutions to implement DSR projects are creating sovereignty-eroding debt traps for African countries. As China's digital expansionism poses a severe challenge to US geopolitical interests in the African continent, the United States, as a part of its counter-moves, has started a global campaign against Chinese digital expansionism, imposed a ban on Chinese tech companies, adopted the Digital Connectivity and Cyber-security Partnership (DCCP) and launched the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) scheme. Pursuing an aggressive strategy, the United States should launch a 'Digital Marshal Plan' to counter the Chinese digital expansionism at the global level in general and Africa in particular. Hence, in this context, using the descriptive-qualitative approach, this study is based on the content analysis method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the current state of agricultural digitalization in Indonesia, focusing on its potential to transform the agricultural sector and improve farmer welfare. Using the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), the research analyzes existing conditions, challenges, and opportunities in implementing digital technologies in agriculture. The study reveals that while agricultural digitalization is recognized as a priority in Indonesia's national development plans, its implementation faces significant hurdles. These include limited comprehensive regulations, uneven digital infrastructure, low digital literacy among farmers, and varying perceptions of technology adoption. The research highlights the need for an integrated approach involving key stakeholders such as the government, private sector, and farmers. The CATWOE analysis identifies farmers as primary beneficiaries and emphasizes the importance of tailored policies and infrastructure development. The study proposes recommendations for accelerating digital adoption, including formulating comprehensive regulations, improving rural digital infrastructure, enhancing farmer education programs, and strengthening the role of agricultural extension workers. The conceptual model developed through SSM provides a framework for creating an innovative and sustainable digital agricultural ecosystem. This research contributes to the understanding of agricultural digitalization in Indonesia and offers insights for policymakers and practitioners in developing effective strategies for digital transformation in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the modern world, digital technologies penetrate all spheres of life, and customsadministrative services are no exception. The development of digital infrastructures in this field contributes to increasing the efficiency, transparency, and speed of customs operations. Digitalization encompasses the implementation of modern technologies and solutions that allow for the automation and optimization of many aspects of customs authorities' work, which in turn positively impacts the entire customs control and service process. One of the main directions of digitalization is the automation of customs document processing. The use of electronic declaration systems significantly reduces the time required for document verification and processing, enabling faster clearance of goods and reducing the risk of errors related to human factors. One of the key aspects of ensuring cybersecurity in the customs-administrative sphere is the implementation of modern data protection systems. This includes the use of reliable encryption, multilevel authentication systems, and regular network monitoring for potential threats. The development and implementation of incident response protocols are also important, as they allow for quick and effective neutralization of cyber threats and minimization of their impact on the operation of customs authorities. In addition, raising the awareness of customs officials about the basic principles of cybersecurity is of great importance. Regular training and education help employees timely identify signs of possible cyber-attacks and adhere to security measures when working with information systems. An essential component is also cooperation with international organizations and the exchange of experiences with other countries that implement advanced practices in the field of cybersecurity. The development of digital technologies not only increases risks but also opens new opportunities for optimizing customs processes. The implementation of artificial intelligence systems can assist in identifying potential risks, and the use of blockchain technologies ensures greater transparency and reliability of supply chains, helping to prevent fraud and increase trust among participants in foreign economic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to analyze and provide an understanding of Indonesia's digital competitiveness in an increasingly competitive digital era. This research uses a quantitative descriptive method by utilizing secondary data from the 2023 East Ventures-Digital Competitiveness Index (EV-DCI). The main finding of this research is that Indonesia has experienced an increase in digital competitiveness, marked by an increase in the EV-DCI score from the previous year. However, there are still challenges that need to be overcome, such as limited digital infrastructure, gaps in digital access and skills, and expanding regulations that support digital innovation. The main contribution of this research is to provide insight into the actual situation of Indonesia's digital competitiveness and provide a basis for developing more effective strategies for increasing competitiveness in this digital era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Today, the world is witnessing the evolution of smart cities. The emergence of these cities results from the application of information technology innovations, which, despite creating numerous economic and social opportunities, have introduced cybersecurity and privacy threats to citizens. Smart cities' successful transition to optimal performance depends on awareness of these threats and their impact. This study aims to provide a framework for identifying and evaluating cybersecurity criteria and examining their effect on cybersecurity performance in smart cities. Methodology: To achieve the study's practical purpose, a descriptive survey method was used to collect the necessary data. The criteria were identified through in-depth library research and surveys conducted via researcher-made questionnaires using the fuzzy Delphi method. Academic experts and relevant officials selected purposefully participated in the surveys. The importance of each criterion was determined using the fuzzy Best-Worst Multi-Criteria method. Subsequently, based on the digital infrastructure components of the smart city, the cybersecurity performance of the smart city was described according to the criteria identified in the previous step. The study hypotheses were then tested using Structural Equation Modeling based on the Partial Least Squares method. Findings: Analysis of the fitted model and research hypotheses revealed a positive and significant relationship between the variables of cybersecurity process re-engineering and cybersecurity actions with cybersecurity performance at a 95% confidence level. Considering the value of the R² coefficient, it was observed that the variables of cybersecurity process reengineering and cybersecurity actions collectively predicted 72.7% of the cybersecurity performance variable of the smart city. Originality/value: This article highlights the importance of cybersecurity in smart cities. It explains factors that affect cybersecurity and proposes a conceptual framework for providing cybersecurity services based on the digital infrastructure of the smart city. This study focuses on factors that occur before incidents, such as vulnerabilities and preventive measures. Future research should consider factors that occur after incidents, such as the actions taken and the recovery of digital systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a surge in digital payments, with over 40 % of adults in low- and middle-income countries making their first merchant payments using cards, phones, or the internet since the pandemic began. This study examines the determinants of adopting digital payments during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia. To achieve this objective, the study utilized secondary data from the World Bank's most recent dataset, collected as part of the Global Findex Database 2021. A Covariance Based-Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) was applied to analyze the data and explore the intricate pathways between variables. The mediation role of the use of technological tools on the relationship between socio-economic factors and digital payment adoption was also examined. Accordingly, mobile ownership, having an ATM/Debit card, and internet access were the technological tools significantly determining digital payment adoption. Age, education, income quantile, receiving wage payment, and engagement in formal financial transactions (as a proxy for financial inclusion) were among the socio-economic characteristics influencing digital payment adoption. Engagement in formal financial inclusion, mobile ownership, having an ATM/Debit card, and internet access were also influenced by individuals' socio-economic characteristics. Mobile ownership, having an ATM/Debit card, internet access, and engagement in formal financial transactions were significant mediating factors in the relationship between digital payment and socio-economic predictors.

IntroductionAgriculture faces significant challenges in ensuring global food security while minimizing resource costs and environmental impacts. The development of digital infrastructure offers transformative potential for agricultural systems and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This study examines the role of digital infrastructure in enhancing grain production capacity in China, a key player in the global food system.MethodsWe analyzed data from 277 prefecture-level cities in China from 2011 to 2021. A double machine learning model was employed to empirically assess the impact of digital infrastructure on grain production capacity, allowing for robust insights into causal relationships.ResultsResults reveal that digital infrastructure significantly enhances grain production. Mechanism analysis results indicate that digital infrastructure construction drives agricultural technological advancements and farmland scale, contributing to increased production capacity. Heterogeneity analysis results show that the impact of digital infrastructure construction is significant in major grain-producing regions and the central-eastern regions, while its effects are relatively limited in grain production-consumption balanced regions, main grain consumption regions, and the western regions.DiscussionThe results underscore the importance of strengthening digital infrastructure in rural areas to improve grain production capacity. Tailored policy implications are suggested to enhance sustainable food production and contribute to global food security, particularly in regions with varying agricultural dynamics.

The synergistic development of digital transformation and carbon neutrality is a key path to global sustainable development. This study utilized the Broadband China pilot policy and a multi-period Difference-in-Differences (DID) design to comprehensively evaluate the impact of digital infrastructure on carbon neutrality using panel data from 291 prefecture-level cities in China from 2008 to 2021. The results indicate that regional digital infrastructure contributed to carbon neutralization innovation, carbon-intensive industry innovation, and carbon-emission efficiency in the pilot areas. This held true after analyzing the results with propensity score matching, coarsened exact matching, robust estimators, and instrumental variable regression. Specifically, the results of the mediation effect model indicate that digital infrastructure promotes the process of carbon neutrality through several mechanisms, including promoting the rationalization of industrial structure, promoting digital economic development, and inducing innovation in digital technology. In addition, cities with better economic development, lower resource dependence, and weaker environmental constraints have a greater carbon neutrality dividend effect from regional digital infrastructure. These findings indicate a need to optimize policies to unleash the dividends of digital infrastructure in carbon neutrality, which can drive technological, structural, and efficiency changes through digital empowerment. In addition, cities with heterogeneous endowments need to develop targeted measures.