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Disruptive Technologies and Sustainable Value Creation: A Roadmap for the Future

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 October 2023) | Viewed by 11174

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Nicolas Merveille

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Social and Environmental Responsibility, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 2J8, Canada
Interests: study of the dynamics of interactions between time, nature, and measurement
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Marie-Jose Montpetit

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Continuing Education, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
Interests: Internet of Things; distributed networking; artificial intelligence
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

To initiate the call for papers for our Special Issue entitled "Disruptive technologies and sustainable value creation", let us ask a question: "What are the allies and foes of sustainable value creation and disruptive technology? Of course, this is instantly followed by another question: "What does disruptive technology bring to sustainable value creation, and can it help create a roadmap for the future?” We recognize the aims of many to develop new collaboration models between sustainability and innovation with the goal of producing new knowledge and business models while jointly addressing the related contemporary social issues. What do we gain as a society from this union between disruption (and innovation at large) and sustainability? It is no secret that, taken separately, innovation and sustainability face increasing operationalization concerns. Both sectors are often described as being in crisis due to a lack of clear goals and an increasingly fragmented ecosystem.

Given this context, how can we (re)define disruptive innovations to integrate some or all of the UN 17 Sustainable Developments Goals into their creation and implementation process? Is disruption a lever for sustainability or an impairment? Finally, what remains to be done to see this melding reach its full potential?

There is no shortage of calls for mobilization to create innovative actions and processes that include sustainability. Promoters of sustainability as a field for innovation are many, and they all claim disruption in a form or another. University courses and consulting in eco-innovation solutions are created every day. More and more, citizens are demanding the consideration of sustainability in the creation of public policies.

For this Special Issue, the Editorial Board invites submissions that reflect the spectrum of Sustainable Value Creation and Disruptive Technology stakeholders, including researchers who study how to bring these two fields together, technologists who implement these strategies, and the decision makers who support them financially and politically. We are particularly interested in work that creates an inventory of this collaboration from both theoretical and application perspectives. We would also be interested in recommendations concerning the education and public policy components of these topics to promote the creation of 

a sustainable society. Social aspects do not always receive the same attention as economic, technological, and ecological issues in innovative processes despite their importance in multidisciplinary approaches essential to the success of combining innovation and sustainability. We also want to address the semantic diversity when it comes to defining the terms themselves. The sustainability of the humanities and social sciences does not always overlap with that of engineering. “Disruption” suffers from the same limitations, especially when adding economics. Works that focus on the diversity of the concepts of sustainable value creation and disruptive innovation as well as those that describe the consideration of biophysical indicators in the social economy would be particularly appreciated.  

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

  • Economics of disruption and sustainability;
  • Multidisciplinary technologies that encompass one or more of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals;
  • Social impacts and barriers to the adoption of disruptive technologies;
  • Environmental impact and life-cycle evaluation of disruptive solutions;
  • Evolution of social policies to account for sustainability and disruption in the marketplace and everyday life.

Prof. Dr. Nicolas Merveille
Prof. Dr. Marie-Jose Montpetit
Guest Editors

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

  • sustainable value creation
  • disruptive technology
  • Sustainable Development Goals
  • innovation
  • justice design
  • social economy
  • circular economy
  • ecological economy
  • Economy 4.0
  • epistemology
  • social sciences
  • engineering sciences

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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22 pages, 377 KiB  
Article
The Circular Economy (CE) Rebound as a Paradox of Knowledge: Forecasting the Future of the CE–IoT Nexus through the Global E-Waste Crisis
by Marie-Luc Arpin, Stéphanie H. Leclerc and Geoffrey Lonca
Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6364; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156364 - 25 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1200
Abstract
There are widespread assumptions to the effect that the real-time data generated through the 5G-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) will improve material traceability and accelerate the global transition to a circular economy (CE), thereby helping to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and [...] Read more.
There are widespread assumptions to the effect that the real-time data generated through the 5G-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) will improve material traceability and accelerate the global transition to a circular economy (CE), thereby helping to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and carbon neutrality. Many industries, governments, and NGOs are supporting this vision by investing in related digital infrastructure (5G networks, servers, computer hardware, etc.). Conversely, recent literature has highlighted a paradoxical phenomenon known as the CE rebound, whereby sound CE activities end up offsetting environmental gain(s). This challenges the assumption that the new 5G-enabled IoT will be conducive to greater circularity while carrying its own environmental weight. Resorting to applied epistemology—a perspective seldom used in sustainability research—and the global e-waste crisis as an intense case in point, we question the confidence with which actors predict positive outcomes from the CE–IoT nexus. We argue that avoiding circularity rebounds cannot be construed as a matter of methodological development or, by extension, modeling sophistication through real-time data exploitation. Instead, circularity rebounds need to be recognized and theorized as a paradox of knowledge that also narrows sustainability research’s horizons, despite AND because of the 5G-enabled IoT. As per this paradox, advanced digital technologies may well be compounding environmental issues at the same time as they illuminate them. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Technologies and Sustainable Value Creation: A Roadmap for the Future)
21 pages, 872 KiB  
Article
Cultivating Sustainability: Quebec’s Living Labs as Ecological Catalysts
by Oubaida Bagoudou Labo, Majlinda Zhegu and Nicolas Merveille
Sustainability 2024, 16(5), 1887; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16051887 - 25 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1146
Abstract
Agriculture is often considered a major factor in environmental degradation. This case study delves into the use of sociotechnical experiments—and, more specifically, agroecosystem living labs (ALLs)—to facilitate the transition of conventional agricultural practices toward heightened sustainability. Our research indicates that achieving successful collaboration, [...] Read more.
Agriculture is often considered a major factor in environmental degradation. This case study delves into the use of sociotechnical experiments—and, more specifically, agroecosystem living labs (ALLs)—to facilitate the transition of conventional agricultural practices toward heightened sustainability. Our research indicates that achieving successful collaboration, such as an experiment, necessitates the alignment of expectations, the establishment of trust, the cultivation of patience, and the allocation of substantial resources. This investigation into agroecosystem living labs contributes to our comprehension of the actors’ networks, their interactions with experimental sites, and the dynamics of open innovation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Technologies and Sustainable Value Creation: A Roadmap for the Future)
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14 pages, 2226 KiB  
Article
Modeling Mushrooms’ Carbon Dioxide Emission and Heat Exchange Rates for Synergistic Cultivation with Leafy Greens
by Marc-Antoine Meilleur, Diane Bastien and Danielle Monfet
Sustainability 2023, 15(24), 16740; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152416740 - 11 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1800
Abstract
The cultivation of mushrooms in controlled environments generates a significant amount of CO2 as a by-product. This presents opportunities for carbon dioxide (CO2) enrichment in leafy green production. This study aimed to develop a model for CO2 emission and [...] Read more.
The cultivation of mushrooms in controlled environments generates a significant amount of CO2 as a by-product. This presents opportunities for carbon dioxide (CO2) enrichment in leafy green production. This study aimed to develop a model for CO2 emission and heat exchange rates that can be used to support the synergistic cultivation of mushrooms and leafy greens. This was achieved by aggregating data from literature with experimental data gathered in two different testing spaces. The average CO2 emission and heat exchange rates for shiitake incubated at 21 °C were determined and a CO2 emission rate model for mixed substrate in incubation was developed based on indoor temperature variations. The results indicated that oyster mushrooms have a notable CO2 enrichment potential, twice that of shiitake in the incubation stage and five times more in fructification. Additionally, oyster mushrooms released a significant amount of heat during incubation. In contrast, shiitake mushrooms with their minimal heat exchange rate during incubation could offer an energy-efficient option for synergistic cultivation with leafy greens in environments where cooling is required year-round. Moreover, it was observed that the CO2 emission rate of a full-scale incubation chamber is strongly correlated with indoor temperature. These findings offer valuable information for modeling the CO2 emission and heat exchange rates of mushroom and leafy green farms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Technologies and Sustainable Value Creation: A Roadmap for the Future)
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13 pages, 2625 KiB  
Article
Modeling Systems’ Disruption and Social Acceptance—A Proof-of-Concept Leveraging Reinforcement Learning
by Julien Walzberg and Annika Eberle
Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10231; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310231 - 28 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1392
Abstract
As the need for a just and equitable energy transition accelerates, disruptive clean energy technologies are becoming more visible to the public. Clean energy technologies, such as solar photovoltaics and wind power, can substantially contribute to a more sustainable world and have been [...] Read more.
As the need for a just and equitable energy transition accelerates, disruptive clean energy technologies are becoming more visible to the public. Clean energy technologies, such as solar photovoltaics and wind power, can substantially contribute to a more sustainable world and have been around for decades. However, the fast pace at which they are projected to be deployed in the United States (US) and the world poses numerous technical and nontechnical challenges, such as in terms of their integration into the electricity grid, public opposition and competition for land use. For instance, as more land-based wind turbines are built across the US, contention risks may become more acute. This article presents a methodology based on reinforcement learning (RL) that minimizes contention risks and maximizes renewable energy production during siting decisions. As a proof-of-concept, the methodology is tested on a case study of wind turbine siting in Illinois during the 2022–2035 period. Results show that using RL halves potential delays due to contention compared to a random decision process. This approach could be further developed to study the acceptance of offshore wind projects or other clean energy technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Technologies and Sustainable Value Creation: A Roadmap for the Future)
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23 pages, 1680 KiB  
Article
The Role of Cognitive Absorption in Recommender System Reuse
by Nirmal Acharya, Anne-Marie Sassenberg and Jeffrey Soar
Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 3896; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15053896 - 21 Feb 2023
Viewed by 2315
Abstract
E-commerce is the trade of services and goods via electronic means such as the Internet. It is critical in today’s business and user experience. Most current e-commerce websites employ various technologies such as recommender systems to provide customers with personalised recommendations. Taking this [...] Read more.
E-commerce is the trade of services and goods via electronic means such as the Internet. It is critical in today’s business and user experience. Most current e-commerce websites employ various technologies such as recommender systems to provide customers with personalised recommendations. Taking this as a cue, this study investigates the effect of cognitive absorption to estimate the holistic experience of recommender systems on shoppers’ intentions to reuse recommender systems. Data collected from 366 online shoppers were analysed using structural equation modelling to test the proposed hypotheses. The findings highlight that cognitive absorption directly and indirectly affects shoppers’ behavioural intentions to reuse recommender systems. The results also exposed the moderating effect of gender on shoppers’ behavioural intentions to reuse recommender systems. An importance-performance map analysis was also conducted to identify significant areas of improvement for e-vendors. This study contributes to advancing existing knowledge relevant to shoppers’ behavioural intentions to reuse recommender systems. The study also provides e-vendor managers with insights into online shoppers’ decision making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Technologies and Sustainable Value Creation: A Roadmap for the Future)
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16 pages, 263 KiB  
Perspective
Digital Twins for Supporting Ageing Well: Approaches in Current Research and Innovation in Europe and Japan
by Jasmin Lehmann, Lorenz Granrath, Ryan Browne, Toshimi Ogawa, Keisuke Kokubun, Yasuyuki Taki, Kristiina Jokinen, Sarah Janboecke, Christophe Lohr, Rainer Wieching, Roberta Bevilacqua, Sara Casaccia and Gian Marco Revel
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 3064; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16073064 - 7 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1730
Abstract
One of the central social challenges of the 21st century is society’s aging. AI provides numerous possibilities for meeting this challenge. In this context, the concept of digital twins, based on Cyber-Physical Systems, offers an exciting prospect. The e-VITA project, in which a [...] Read more.
One of the central social challenges of the 21st century is society’s aging. AI provides numerous possibilities for meeting this challenge. In this context, the concept of digital twins, based on Cyber-Physical Systems, offers an exciting prospect. The e-VITA project, in which a virtual coaching system for elderly people is being created, allows the same to be assessed as a model for development. This white paper collects and presents relevant findings from research areas around digital twin technologies. Furthermore, we address ethical issues. This paper shows that the concept of digital twins can be usefully applied to older adults. However, it also shows that the required technologies must be further developed and that ethical issues must be discussed in an appropriate framework. Finally, the paper explains how the e-VITA project could pave the way towards developing a Digital Twin for Ageing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Technologies and Sustainable Value Creation: A Roadmap for the Future)
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