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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]

As a contribution to more sustainability in agriculture, the use of beneficial soil microbes has been highlighted by some researchers. In order to promote the acceptance of this innovation in the future, it is important to have relevant stakeholders on board. In my dissertation, I dealt with two stakeholders: farmers, and end-consumers. My task was to bring a specific, microscopic agricultural innovation to these two stakeholders. This posed some challenges: the combination of this innovation with social-scientific methods and the limitations of my results due to my choices in the research process. Certain limitations seemed unavoidable, but the results provide a valuable contribution to future communication on innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Extractive mining has long been central to Belitong Island's economy, particularly tin exploitation since 1908 during the Dutch East Indies period. With Belitong's designation as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp), a new opportunity arises to transition toward sustainable economic practices. This research examines the transformation of the Open Pit Nam Salu geosite from a mining-focused economy to an environmentally sustainable green tourism model, emphasizing local community development. Employing a mixed-methods approach, including observations and in-depth interviews with communities and stakeholders, the study explores the geosite's geological and socio-economic potential. It identifies key opportunities and challenges in adopting green tourism while highlighting the critical role of local community involvement in fostering economic resilience. The findings provide a development model that integrates environmental conservation with economic growth. Open Pit Nam Salu's transformation exemplifies how ecological preservation and local economic enhancement can coexist, offering insights for broader application across Indonesia.

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.

Environmental, social, economic and legal issues encourage the urgency of implementing a sustainable economic approach in the form of a green economy, blue economy and circular economy that has the potential to increase profits for sustainable national and international economic development. The formulation of the problem is how the integrated legal system regarding green, blue and circular economy for sustainable economic development for Indonesia and what are the inhibiting factors in realizing it. This study uses normative legal research that uses data collection methods by means of literature studies related to the title. The results of the study show that Indonesia has begun to implement the three economic systems, but there is no integrated legal system to realize the economic system in Indonesia due to the absence of legal harmonization and the absence of effective and representative institutional governance. I recommend that the green economy, blue economy and circular economy programs be a national priority of the State of Indonesia, legal harmonization, effective and representative institutional reform and carrying out a universal movement for all Indonesian people to improve their daily habits and behaviors to comply with the principles of the green, blue and circular economy. [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]

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]

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 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 COVID-19 pandemic has seriously affected the global economy. Simultaneously, it has brought about an era of widespread development of online activities, which is the engine of the digital economic race around the world. This requires nations to promptly introduce appropriate policies to both stimulate economic recovery and accommodate the ongoing economic structural transformation. South Korea is no exception as this country has introduced a policy of "living with the pandemic" to overcome economic consequences of the pandemic, with a series of economic stimulus and social security packages. One of them is the "Korean New Deal", which is a prompt response by The Government of South Korea's with a long-term vision and strategy in the context of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This article focuses on researching the results of the Korean New Deal to draw lessons for Vietnam in the post-pandemic period of digital economic and digital society development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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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.

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.

This research examines the potential of Special Economic Zones (KEK) in realizing an inclusive economy in Indonesia through literature observations. The main findings show that SEZs act as a catalyst for economic growth by attracting investment and creating a multiplier effect for the local economy. To realize an inclusive economy, SEZs need to integrate region-based development, implement a sustainable economy, and strengthen the principle of linkages with local economic sectors. However, there are challenges such as concentration of benefits in large companies, exploitation of resources, and weakening integration with local economies. The proposed solutions include implementing a circular economy, supporting local entrepreneurship, and increasing community access to financing, training and business networks. Comprehensive efforts are needed to maximize the potential of SEZs in achieving a sustainable, inclusive economy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

iRural tourism development research is very important for rural communities; Tourism development can provide a source of income and employment for the villagers. The aim of this research was to identify the most influential factors in the development of rural tourism in line with the sustainable economy of the village with the Fuzzy Dematel approach. This research is a mixed research, which was conducted with a qualitative and quantitative approach. From the point of view of the goal, it is classified as developmental research, and from the point of view of the data collection method, it is classified as survey research. The statistical population of the research field in the qualitative and quantitative part is the experts and officials of the cultural heritage and tourism organization of Lorestan and Kermanshah province, as well as the academic staff members of the field of rural development and economics, which are 27 people using the purposeful sampling method and based on the principle of theoretical adequacy. They were considered as research samples. The data collection tool was prepared in the qualitative part of the semi-structured interview, and in the quantitative part, a fuzzy Dimtel questionnaire was prepared. After the analysis, it was found that factors such as identification of potential and actual capacities, formulation and implementation of the strategic document and development of rural tourism and appropriate information about the capabilities of rural tourism are among the most influential factors of rural tourism development in line with the sustainable economy of the village. [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 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]

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.

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]

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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]