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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (12 August 2024) | Viewed by 17685

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Ionica Oncioiu

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Faculty of Economic Sciences, Titu Maiorescu University, Bucuresti, Romania
Interests: innovation and economic development; business performance; strategic management; sustainable resources management; sustainable business practices; corporate sustainability; environmental regulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Today, responsible behaviors are increasingly being embedded into new business models and strategies that are designed to meet the broad array of environmental, societal and governance deficits. Increasing numbers of medium-sized businesses are realizing that sustainability is an excellent site via which to devise innovative and ways of doing business. In order to successfully implement an innovation, businesses must make a strategic push to manage their efforts, keeping a mind toward overall business goals. Innovation comes with many challenges; some of these can be mitigated through creating systems for managing operational innovation. In addition, disruptive technologies in production and products are of increasing importance in view of the digitization of things (internet of things—IoT), industry 4.0, the trend towards renewable energies and the increased customer individualization.

In this Special Issue, we welcome both original research articles and reviews. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following areas:

How can small- and medium-sized companies increase their innovative strength?
How do medium-sized companies manage to gain competitive advantages over large companies in the course of globalization?
What are the factors that can influence the innovative success of a company?
Does technology provide inclusive solutions to sustainability issues?
Is the goal of information systems-driven networking to create a business ecosystem?
Is innovation management a must for decision-makers, strategists, and leaders in small- and medium-sized companies?
Can we speak of digitization in the context of structured support for the implementation or optimization of a sustainable innovation process?
How do successful innovations and business models emerge that radically change markets and grow very quickly from a small initial spark?
How can already successful companies position themselves effectively in the course of disruptive change?
What are the benefits of sustainability reporting for a company and how can it help increase a company's market success?
Which CSR activities prove to be especially conducive to innovation?

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Ionica Oncioiu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

innovation bases models
digital technologies
financial technology
e-business
business intelligence systems
digital strategy
new strategies and competitive businesses
strategic entrepreneurship
human resources management
communication and leadership
supply chain management
business excellence
marketing intelligence systems
Industry 4.0 for SMEs
artificial intelligence
sustainability assessment
environmental performance
sustainable governance
corporate social responsibility
sustainable digital business
sustainable competitive advantage
big data analytics
sustainability accounting and reporting
integrated reporting
financing SMEs
ethical behavior

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 2325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Business Intelligence for Agricultural Foreign Trade: Design and Application of Power BI Dashboard

by Karen Guadalupe Sanabia-Lizarraga, Blanca Carballo-Mendívil, Alejandro Arellano-González and Alfredo Bueno-Solano

Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9576; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219576 - 3 Nov 2024

Viewed by 771

Abstract

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, data analytics has become a critical tool for organizations striving to remain competitive and make informed decisions. Although technology facilitates data analysis, many decision-makers need more technical knowledge to use these tools. This project focuses on developing a business intelligence system in Power BI to analyze agricultural exports from Mexico as part of the Agro-logistics Observatory, aiming to bridge this gap and make data more accessible for non-technical users. The objective is to create an interactive panel that would allow users to visualize and compare export and import data, thereby supporting decision-making for both business and academic purposes. The methodology involved collecting and cleaning data from various sources, such as public institutions, and a modeling process that integrates geospatial data and economic classifications. Key performance indicators (KPIs), such as trade balance and the export share by-product, were designed and calculated to identify critical products and trade patterns. Although similar approaches have been presented in the literature, the novelty of this research lies in the detailed presentation of its methodology, which provides a step-by-step guide for its replication that is often lacking in other studies. In addition, it offers a dashboard that integrates data from various sources, presenting them through easy-to-interpret visualizations so that stakeholders can quickly and efficiently access valuable information beyond traditional data visualization. Furthermore, the project highlights opportunities for improvements in data visualization, including integrating more specific product data and enhancing the dashboard’s capabilities through predictive analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Innovation in SMEs)

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21 pages, 823 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Process of Visionary Leadership Increases Innovative Performance among IT Industry 4.0 for SMEs for Organizational Sustainability: Testing the Moderated Mediation Model

by Le Wang, Xiu Jin and Jinyoung Jinnie Yoo

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8690; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198690 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1139

Abstract

In the era of the fourth industrial revolution, competition among IT industries is becoming increasingly fierce. If a company is weak in its competitive advantage, it can have a huge negative impact on its organizational sustainability and ultimately lead to organizational failure. In such a research background, we highlighted that employees’ innovative performance via creativity acts as an alternative lubricant to increase the sustainable competitive advantage and promote overall organizational sustainability. In particular, employees’ innovative performance has a great relationship with organizational culture and types of leadership. Hence, we focused on exploring the ways in which visionary leadership increases employees’ innovative performance, presenting and verifying a moderated mediation research model related to the innovative performance. To verify our research model, this study conducted a survey of 303 employees from the information technology (IT) industry of SMEs in China. According to the results, visionary leadership was found to have a positive influence on both psychological empowerment and employees’ innovative performance. In addition, psychological empowerment partially mediated the impact of visionary leadership on the innovation performance. Finally, the organizational learning culture moderated the effects of psychological empowerment and the innovation performance. Overall, this study contributes to revealing the process that leads to employees’ innovative performance and contributes to expanding the research field by verifying the moderated mediation model for a sustainable competitive advantage and organizational sustainability in IT Industry 4.0 for SMEs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Innovation in SMEs)

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17 pages, 4604 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Energy Consumption and the Environmental Impact of Electronic Components on the Structures of Mobile Robots Used in Logistics

by Constantin-Adrian Popescu, Severus-Constantin Olteanu, Ana-Maria Ifrim, Catalin Petcu, Catalin Ionut Silvestru and Daniela-Mariana Ilie

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8396; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198396 - 26 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1102

Abstract

Industrial development has implicitly led to the development of new systems that increase the ability to provide services and products in real time. Autonomous mobile robots are considered some of the most important tools that can help both industry and society. These robots offer a certain autonomy that makes them indispensable in industrial activities. However, some elements of these robots are not yet very well outlined, such as their construction, their lifetime and energy consumption, and the environmental impact of their activity. Within the context of European regulations (here, we focus on the Green Deal and the growth in greenhouse gas emissions), any industrial activity must be analyzed and optimized so that it is efficient and does not significantly impact the environment. The added value of this paper is its examination of the activities carried out by mobile robots and the impact of their electronic components on the environment. The proposed analysis employs, as a central point, an analysis of mobile robots from the point of view of their electronic components and the impact of their activity on the environment in terms of energy consumption, as evaluated by calculating the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The way in which the activity of a robot impacts the environment was established throughout the economic flow, as well as by providing possible methods of reducing this impact by optimizing the robot’s activity. The environmental impact of a mobile robot, in regard to its electronic components, will also be analyzed when the period of operation is completed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Innovation in SMEs)

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25 pages, 811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validating the Causal Relationship between Quantum Leadership and Employee Innovation Performance from the Perspective of Organizational Sustainability

by Han Cai, Lingfeng Zhu and Xiu Jin

Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 7884; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16187884 - 10 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1157

Abstract

In the quantum era, the rapid development of enterprises cannot be separated from the efforts of employees, and the improvement of employee performance is also closely related to the behavior and attitude of organizational leaders. Quantum leadership, as a new leadership paradigm, differs from traditional Newtonian classical mechanics in that it emphasizes wholeness and interconnectedness, considers new ideas as the key to success, and values complex changes in the organizational environment, thus helping the organization provide sustainable development in the future. In addition, quantum leadership is able to manage in chaotic and potentially uncertain environments, encouraging employees to explore new ideas for solving problems, stimulating enthusiasm and motivation for innovation, and thus improving the level of employee performance. In particular, as the importance of innovation performance has been emphasized, it has been considered as a key variable in driving and promoting sustainable organizational development. Moreover, this study is different from previous studies that validate traditional leadership. We focus on an emerging type of leadership that distinguishes itself from traditional leadership—quantum leadership—which is a leadership model that is currently receiving a lot of attention. In the uncertain future environment, quantum leadership is gradually becoming a key factor for business growth and plays an important role in the survival and development of organizations in the future environment. Based on this research background, this study argues that quantum leadership is closely related to employee innovation performance. This study examines whether quantum leadership improves employee innovation performance and the sequential multiple mediating effects of organizational intelligence and knowledge sharing. Most of the previous studies focused only on the mediating or moderating role of the model. This study expands this area of research by incorporating the moderating role of innovative culture and validating its effects. This finding explores the development of quantum leadership and provides a theoretical foundation for related research. In addition, this study collected data from 345 employees of Chinese SMEs in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. These results suggest that quantum leadership positively affects innovation performance. Organizational intelligence and knowledge sharing have multiple serial mediating effects on quantum leadership and innovation performance. Moreover, the interaction between innovative culture and knowledge sharing improves employees’ innovation performance. Therefore, this study clarifies the causal relationship between quantum leadership and innovation performance through theoretical and validated research models. It lays the foundation for the sustainable development of organizations in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Innovation in SMEs)

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25 pages, 15187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Post-Pandemic Exploratory Analysis of the Romanian Public Administration Digitalization Level in Comparison to the Most Digitally Developed States of the European Union

by Rodica Pripoaie, George-Cristian Schin and Andreea-Elena Matic

Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4652; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114652 - 30 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 832

Abstract

This study aims to carry out a comparative analysis between the level of digitization of the Romanian public administration compared to that existing in the most digitally developed states at the European level. Our study identifies the extent to which Romanian citizens have access to non-bureaucratic and transparent public services that support social inclusion and non-discrimination, compared to European citizens from states with the best digitalization of public services. Also, our research studies the relationship between the level of digitalization quantified by the DESI indicator and the level of income for the states considered in the analysis, as well as the relationship between digitalization and bureaucracy, the corruption index, and the digital skills of citizens. Based on the 486 statistical data collected and centralized on the corruption index (CPI), as well as the values for DESI and GNI per capita, for the period 2017–2022 for the 27 EU member states, we performed a statistical analysis using SPSS 28 regarding the existence of a DESI relationship and level of income (GNI per capita) and/or CPI (Corruption Perceptions Index). Our study is on a current issue, as it addresses the issue of digitalization of public administration, in the new post-pandemic and geostrategic context. It has theoretical applicability, by determining a model that can be used to study the relationship between digitalization and the standard of living and corruption, and also practical application, because it can contribute to the awareness of the government in taking measures and adopting strategies to reduce gaps as compared to the most developed digital states. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Innovation in SMEs)

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25 pages, 811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innovation-Based Strategic Roadmap for Economic Sustainability and Diversity in Hydrocarbon-Driven Economies: The Qatar Perspective

by Ahmed Al-Sulaiti, Abdel Magid Hamouda, Hussein Al-Yafei and Galal M. Abdella

Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3770; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093770 - 30 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1702

Abstract

This research addresses the critical opportunities and challenges confronting economic sustainability for hydrocarbon-based economies. The primary objective is to advocate for a transformative shift towards diversified and knowledge-centric economic models to ensure long-term sustainability. The literature review exposes vulnerabilities in hydrocarbon-based economies. The study innovatively explores multifaceted dimensions of economic diversification, including governance issues, societal well-being, and the necessity for robust ecosystem frameworks. Utilizing a qualitative case study methodology, the research investigates Qatar’s initiatives, such as the Qatar National Vision 2030 and government programs, aiming to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons and foster innovation. Insightful semi-structured interviews provide nuanced perspectives on innovation in the hydrocarbon context with business and academic professionals. The primary data collection method involved the following distinct groups: five business professionals and eleven academic experts, representing eight outstanding local and external organizations. Key findings underscore a holistic view of innovation, associating it with practical solutions, adaptability, and transformative potential, showcasing diverse approaches ranging from business-centric to collaborative and user-centric methods. Identified challenges in the education system, the urgency for a matured innovation ecosystem, and opportunities in sustainable energy further enrich the study. Moreover, this research examines the challenges and mitigation strategies associated with economic diversification in hydrocarbon-driven economies, focusing on Qatar. The research recommends sustained efforts in economic diversification, educational reform, and technological integration for hydrocarbon-based economies. Policymakers, businesses, and academics can leverage these insights to navigate the complexities of resource dependency and ensure long-term viability. The commitment to addressing challenges faced by hydrocarbon-dependent nations remains crucial, with a dedication to fostering economic diversity, innovation, and educational excellence for a resilient and prosperous future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Innovation in SMEs)

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24 pages, 689 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Innovative Entrepreneurial Marketing Journey and Sustainable Development of Southeast Asian Immigrants

by Yu-Heng Chen

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2815; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072815 - 28 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1285

Abstract

The southeast Asian new immigrants face significant barriers in employment due to language and cultural differences, making it challenging for them to find jobs. Consequently, many southeast Asian immigrants have turned to entrepreneurship as a means to achieve economic independence and contribute to their family’s income. This study adopts entrepreneurial marketing (EM) as a theoretical lens and utilizes a process research methodology, based on sequentially ordered events, to explore the entrepreneurial journey of immigrant micro and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Employing purposive sampling, twenty-two southeast Asian immigrant entrepreneurs were selected for in-depth interviews to ensure data quality through multiple data collection methods. The research developed a dynamic adjustment model and management mechanisms for the entrepreneurial marketing of immigrant micro and SMEs. These findings not only bridge theoretical gaps in immigrant entrepreneurship strategy but also deepen the academic understanding of the dynamism in entrepreneurial marketing. Practically, the outcomes assist immigrant micro and small business entrepreneurs in developing operational strategies and serve as a reference for governmental units in crafting immigrant policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Innovation in SMEs)

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19 pages, 1762 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Competitiveness through Strategic Knowledge Sharing as a Driver of Innovation Capability and Performance

by Simon S. M. Yuen and H. Y. Lam

Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2460; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062460 - 15 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2081

Abstract

In an era marked by global challenges, for example, the COVID-19 pandemic, the pharmaceutical sector stands at the forefront of innovation, tasked with delivering therapeutic breakthroughs at an unprecedented pace. This study ventures beyond the well-trodden path by probing the intricate dynamics of knowledge sharing as a strategic catalyst for bolstering innovation capability and performance (ICP) within pharmaceutical firms. We argue that knowledge sharing transcends conventional utility, acting as a pivotal lever that amplifies innovation within a highly regulated and competitive landscape. Through meticulous analysis, we unearth a nuanced synergy among six pivotal domains—organizational culture, managerial commitment, technological infrastructure, trust, reciprocal benefits, and knowledge dissemination. Our research model, anchored in a robust body of literature, reveals that while these elements individually support ICP, their collective orchestration through knowledge-sharing networks yields a magnified impact on innovation outcomes. We present novel insights illustrating that the interplay between these domains and knowledge-sharing practices engenders a fertile ecosystem for innovation, where diverse stakeholders contribute to richer, more robust ICP. Our findings underscore the strategic imperative for pharmaceutical firms to cultivate an integrated knowledge-sharing culture, not merely as good practice but as a cornerstone for sustained innovation and competitive superiority in a rapidly evolving industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Innovation in SMEs)

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18 pages, 579 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Entrepreneurial Leadership, Innovative Behaviour, and Competitive Advantage Relationship in Manufacturing Companies: A Key to Manufactural Development and Sustainable Business

by Kansu Ercantan, Şerife Z. Eyupoglu and Özlem Ercantan

Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2407; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062407 - 14 Mar 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3280

Abstract

The ability of management to influence employee attitudes and behaviours towards organizational goals is pivotal for an organization’s competitiveness, development, and survival. The study’s objective was to investigate the link between entrepreneurial leadership, competitive advantage, and manufacturing development, mediated by employees’ innovative behaviour, via the lens of resource-based view theory. Convenience sampling was used to collect quantitative data from the 378 manufacturing sector employees through the use of a cross-sectional design. There is a lack of research on the underlying mechanisms by which leaders influence organizational processes, such as innovation stimulation. This study explores the psychological mechanisms influencing entrepreneurial leadership and employee innovative behaviour, revealing that entrepreneurial leadership reduces work uncertainty, encourages innovation, and significantly impacts a firm’s competitive advantage in the market. The findings of the study revealed that entrepreneurial leadership fosters an encouraging and supportive environment in the workplace, which in turn leads to a sustainable competitive advantage. Additionally, the findings showed that innovative behaviour significantly mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and competitive advantage. By expanding the applicability of resource-based view theory, the results of this research also contribute to the comprehension of the interplay between innovative attitudes, manufactural development, competitive advantage, and leadership, specifically in the context of manufacturing sector organizations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Innovation in SMEs)

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11 pages, 641 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Quality Certification or Product Diversification Improve the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises?

by Duc-Niem Le and Van-Hoa Nguyen

Sustainability 2024, 16(5), 2023; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16052023 - 29 Feb 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1204

Abstract

This study utilizes a Cobb–Douglas production function and an instrumental variables regression approach to analyze the impact of quality certification and product diversification on asset productivity at the firm level. Analyzing a panel dataset of approximately 2500 firms from 2011, 2013, and 2015 showed that regional norms significantly influence adoption behaviors, which vary across industries and business types. The study reveals that firms employing computers and those with a larger scale are more inclined to adopt these strategies. The results showed that quality certification enhances asset productivity by approximately 26%, highlighting its positive role. In contrast, firms with diversified products exhibit about 18% lower asset productivity than mono-product firms, suggesting a trade-off inherent in diversification. The study concludes with policy recommendations emphasizing the promotion of quality certification while carefully considering the complexities and potential inefficiencies arising from product diversification strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Innovation in SMEs)

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Review

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18 pages, 1273 KiB

Open AccessReview

Innovation Helps with Sustainable Business, Law, and Digital Technologies: Economic Development and Dispute Resolution

by Shumin Wang, Yincheng Li and Muhammad Bilawal Khaskheli

Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3910; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103910 - 7 May 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1549

Abstract

This paper discusses the dispute resolution procedure that innovative digital commerce has adopted for the future for sustainable business. As digital trade becomes increasingly important for economic growth, trade-related disputes must be settled in both business and consumer situations. This study examines the advantages of using digital technology to resolve disputes involving digital trade and discusses how digital technology is changing traditional dispute resolution procedures. Conventional trade disputes differ from their digital counterparts because the digital sphere gives rise to more complex trade conflicts that require stronger regulatory resources. The utilization of digital technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, innovation-based models, digital strategies, and others can enhance the efficacy of conflict resolution. Digital technology can assist in resolving disputes with digital trade, even though procedural fairness issues including prejudice and algorithmic opacity may also arise. The research highlights the importance of developing innovative techniques to set up trade dispute resolution procedures and building legal frameworks for jurisdiction, trial, and enforcement procedures in addition to stressing the usage of digital technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Innovation in SMEs)

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