Search Results (1,997)

This study aligns with the Rural Pact’s Long-Term Vision for European Rural Areas by encouraging multi-level collaboration and stakeholder engagement to address rural needs. Using a Human Ecology perspective, it challenges rural stereotypes, promotes spatial justice and aims to reduce rural–urban disparities by fostering social innovation and youth entrepreneurship in rural areas. A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews identified six key dimensions and their sub-dimensions within a transformative social–ecological model. The notable sub-dimensions include “Local Experimentation and Creativity” in Civil Society, “Higher Education Institutions and Lifelong Learning” in Knowledge and Skills, “Formal Institutional Monitoring at the National Level” in a Political and Institutional Context, and “Profiles—Young Age and Gender” in Entrepreneurship. Full article

Given the increasing integration of trusted leaders in public health science, including vaccination programs, context-specific understandings of community perceptions and levels of trust are critical to intervention. This study aimed to understand the perspectives and attitudes of the southeastern Louisiana community and inform the development of a community-engaged action plan. A cross-sectional survey of 555 southeastern Louisianans—including faith-based organization (FBO) members, community pharmacy (CommRx) customers, community-based organization (CBO) contacts, and Louisiana community-dwelling residents—was conducted from November 2020 to March 2021. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination likelihood. Of the participants, 89.9% were Black and 56.9% were women (mean age = 53.3 years). Doctors/healthcare providers (HCPs) were the most trusted COVID-19 information sources. Vaccination likelihood was associated with increasing age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.47; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27–1.72), trust in doctors/HCPs (OR = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.64–4.88), trust in government (OR = 4.26; 95% CI: 2.44–7.43), and motivations to keep one’s community safe (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.36–1.70). CommRx customers (OR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.02–3.65) and CBO contacts (OR = 2.57; 95% CI: 1.37–4.83) were more likely to receive a COVID-19 vaccine than FBO members. Engaging underserved communities and trusted stakeholders through collaborative Community–Academic—Public health—Practice (CAPP) partnerships such as the Louisiana Community Engagement Alliance can promote health and wellness and optimize health interventions. Full article

With the growing emphasis on sustainability, awareness of the environmental impacts and negative potential inherent in current business systems has increased. The circular economy (CE) represents an innovative approach that transforms the traditional linear economy into a restorative system, focussing on extending the life cycle of materials through continuous circulation. The Circular B project aims to develop an international framework that considers multiple facets of the CE, including material and asset management and the use of components in the built environment throughout the entire life cycle of the value chain. The primary objective of the CE is to eliminate waste and pollution (e.g., carbon reduction) and strengthen the resilience of the value chain. However, the current implementation of circular strategies has not yet been found to be effective, with several challenges that cause adverse impacts. This study focuses on investigating and analyzing these challenges, particularly in the cultural and societal domains, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The scope of the questionnaire was to identify (1) awareness and understanding, (2) cultural attitude, (3) barriers to adoption, (4) incentives and motivations, (5) participation and engagement, and (6) education and training. A questionnaire was distributed to 270 respondents, with anonymous responses collected. The survey included eight questions specifically designed to address cultural and societal challenges. The survey was conducted with participants from various sectors, including academia, local authorities, industry professionals, consultants, and others collected from all over the world, ensuring diverse perspectives. The main weaknesses found based on this survey are related to (1) budget constraints due to high costs of reintegrating in the loop of materials or components due to the complexity of circular processes, (2) applicability on the market remains still limited, (3) the importance of planning and design in the initial phases, (4) the importance of establishing a comprehensive network to enhance collaboration among stakeholders, and (5) inadequate policies. The insights gained from this study will help stakeholders, such as constructors, maintainers, engineers, designers, and consultants, across various organizations in the value chain to develop practical solutions to mitigate these challenges and improve the overall business system. Full article

The LBS2ITS project, titled “Curricula Enrichment Delivered through the Application of Location-Based Services to Intelligent Transport Systems”, is a collaborative initiative funded by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union. The primary objectives of the project were twofold: to develop new curricula and modernize existing programs at four universities in Sri Lanka. This effort was driven by the need to align educational offerings with the rapidly evolving fields of Location-Based Services (LBSs) and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITSs). A key feature of the LBS2ITS project is its interdisciplinary approach, which draws on expertise from a range of academic disciplines. The project has successfully developed curricula that integrate diverse fields such as geomatics, cartography, transport engineering, urban planning, environmental engineering, and computer science. By blending these perspectives, the curricula provide students with a holistic understanding of LBSs and ITSs, preparing them to address complex, real-world challenges that span multiple sectors. In this paper, the curriculum development and modernization process is detailed, with a particular focus on the two key phases: teacher training and curriculum development. The teacher training phase was crucial in equipping educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver the new and updated courses. This phase also provided an opportunity for teachers to familiarize themselves with the latest trends and technologies in LBSs and ITSs, ensuring that they could effectively convey this information to students. The development phase focused on the creation of the curriculum itself, ensuring that it met both academic standards and industry needs. The curriculum was designed to be flexible and responsive to emerging technologies and methodologies, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation. Additionally, the paper delves into the theoretical frameworks underpinning the methodologies employed in the project. These include Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Problem-Based e-Learning (PBeL), both of which encourage active student engagement and foster critical thinking by having students tackle real-world problems. The emphasis on PBL ensures that students not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also develop practical problem-solving skills applicable to their future careers in LBSs and ITSs. Furthermore, the project incorporated rigorous quality assurance (QA) mechanisms to ensure that the teaching methods and curriculum content met high standards. This included regular feedback loops, stakeholder involvement, and iterative refinement of course materials based on evaluations from both students and industry experts. These QA measures are essential for maintaining the relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of the curricula over time. In summary, the LBS2ITS project represents a significant effort to enrich and modernize university curricula in Sri Lanka by integrating cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary approaches. Through a combination of innovative teaching methodologies, comprehensive teacher training, and robust quality assurance practices, the project aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the fields of LBSs and ITSs. Full article

We engaged with health sector stakeholders and public health professionals within the health system through a participatory modeling approach to support policy-making in the early COVID-19 pandemic in Saskatchewan, Canada. The objective was to use simulation modeling to guide the implementation of public health measures and short-term hospital capacity planning to mitigate the disease burden from March to June 2020. We developed a hybrid simulation model combining System Dynamics (SD), discrete-event simulation (DES), and agent-based modeling (ABM). SD models the population-level transmission of COVID-19, ABM simulates individual-level disease progression and contact tracing intervention, and DES captures COVID-19-related hospital patient flow. We examined the impact of mixed mitigation strategies—physical distancing, testing, conventional and digital contact tracing—on COVID-19 transmission and hospital capacity for a worst-case scenario. Modeling results showed that enhanced contact tracing with mass testing in the early pandemic could significantly reduce transmission, mortality, and the peak census of hospital beds and intensive care beds. Using a participatory modeling approach, we not only directly informed policy-making on contact tracing interventions and hospital surge capacity planning for COVID-19 but also helped validate the effectiveness of the interventions adopted by the provincial government. We conclude with a discussion on lessons learned and the novelty of our hybrid approach. Full article

Ongoing discussions on creation care and agapeic ethic have paid less attention to the interplay between love, creation, waste management challenges, and mission. This paper, therefore, discusses a missional perspective of agapeic ethic as a ground norm for eco-theology and motivation for eco-care (especially proper waste management). An attempt is made to discuss the concept and dimensions of love and the nexus between love, creation, and missional purpose. This paper adopts a non-participant observation of refuse collection as carried out by refuse collectors, the waste disposal practices of people, and the waste handling and disposal practices of selected churches. This research was conducted across Port Harcourt City, Obio Akpor, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Oyibo, and Eleme municipal areas of Rivers State, Nigeria. The churches observed include Protestant Churches (Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Church of Nigeria that is Anglican Communion, and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints); the Roman Catholic Church; Pentecostal Churches (such as Salvation Ministries Worldwide, Redeemed Christian Church of God, and Deeper Life Bible Church); and African Indigenous Churches (namely, the Christ Apostolic Church, Cherubim and Seraphim, and Celestial Church of Christ). The information gathered was critically analysed and used in measuring stakeholders’ disposition to and understanding of the research focus. Ecological liberation hermeneutics was adopted as an interpretative framework, while the eco-justice principles of interconnectedness and purpose were engaged to foreground the underlying issues in this study. This paper argued that Christians’ involvement in proper waste management, keeping both private and public spaces clean, is a morally and divinely imposed duty and a practical testimonial of their love for God, their fellow human beings, and non-human others. This is a fulfilment of the mission where Christian love (agape) serves as an ethical principle of inflicting ‘no harm’ to humans or non-human others. Full article

Public construction projects in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), particularly in the Makkah region, are important for the infrastructure and economic growth of the country. However, these projects often face challenges from change orders (COs), which lead to notable cost and schedule overruns. This study examines 32 public construction projects completed between 2010 and 2019 to analyze the impacts of COs on project performance. Results indicated that COs are associated with significant schedule overruns, ranging from 22% to 200%, and cost increases between 2.67% and 42.86%. Approximately 80.65% of the projects experienced cost overruns, with only one project adhering to its original budget. The ANOVA results revealed that differences in cost and schedule overruns based on project size, type, and managing department are not statistically significant. This highlighted that challenges posed by COs are consistent across different project categories and departments, showing systemic inefficiencies rather than project-specific issues. Variability in overruns within certain groups, such as departments, emphasizes the need for further exploration into localized practices and conditions. Finally, the study provides actionable recommendations to mitigate the adverse effects of COs, including standardized protocols for CO management, early stakeholder engagement during planning phases, adoption of advanced monitoring tools such as BIM, and the inclusion of contingency funds aligned with project complexity. Full article

Achieving sustainable water resource utilization requires a holistic management approach that recognizes the knowledge and values of different stakeholders through a comprehensive participation approach. This study evaluates the indigenous knowledge and technologies employed in watershed management by analyzing qualitative and quantitative data from six villages in the Mara River Basin area. Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, and household surveys. The findings show that although participants work in tandem with scientific knowledge, indigenous knowledge and technologies continue to be important in watershed management, and that indigenous groups are cognizant of the effects of climate change, with 76.6% of respondents noting a decrease in rainfall and 78.0% observing changes in the rainy season. The integration of scientific knowledge with indigenous knowledge yields significant benefits for watershed management, and it is evident that indigenous communities possess a wealth of knowledge. The results show that involving indigenous communities in watershed management will benefit both water managers and indigenous populations. This engagement can build trust and a sense of ownership, which will lead to sustainable natural resource management. Full article

The construction sector in China exhibits elevated levels of energy consumption and carbon emissions, which presents considerable obstacles to the attainment of carbon reduction objectives. Contemporary research predominantly focuses on the advancement of low-carbon building technologies and the measurement of carbon emissions. This study seeks to study the driving factors of low-carbon development in China’s construction industry and the complex relationships between different entities from the perspective of industrial systems. Initially, through a comprehensive literature review and expert interviews, six distinct stakeholders and twenty-one relevant driving factors were identified. Following this, Social Network Analysis was employed to evaluate the data collected from the surveys. The findings suggest that ten critical factors, such as the market demand for emerging market entities, the market demand and competition for construction entities, and business needs for non-governmental entities, significantly influence the low-carbon construction industry. Within the network of participants, the government, the public, and construction entities are positioned centrally, exerting substantial influence and emerging as focal points for industrial development. The insights derived from this study will provide critical guidance on the engagement of various stakeholders in low-carbon initiatives and will serve as a reference for policymakers in the transformation of the construction industry. Full article

Blue Biotechnology (BBt) is a young and promising sector in the Mediterranean region with the potential to drive innovation and strengthen the Blue Economy (BE). However, its progress is constrained by fragmented coordination among stakeholders, impeding policy development and efficient resource management. Under this context, this study investigates the role of networks of diverse stakeholders, particularly the Spanish Blue Biotechnology Hub (BBHub) and a digital tool, ICT Matchmaking Tool (which connects network actors), in addressing these challenges by fostering collaboration, enhancing governance and supporting sustainable innovation. Building on this, the research employed the quadruple helix model (administrations, academia and research, industry and society), engaging 214 individuals from 130 organizations in the BBHub network. A survey assessed participants’ involvement and influence perceptions, followed by the formation of a discussion group “called sherpa group” of 10 key stakeholders for in-depth discussions through semi-structured interviews and meetings. Through this approach, key barriers to BBt and potential solutions for BE sustainable growth in Spain were identified, including regulatory obstacles, limited funding or weak public-private collaboration. Among the solutions proposed were the simplification of administrative processes to create new business, the creation of specific funding opportunities or the implementation of labelling policies to promote BBt products and value chains. Considering these findings, the study demonstrates that the BBHub network and ICT Matchmaking Tool could enhance stakeholder coordination, governance and decision-making processes in Spain. By addressing these gaps, these tools enable collaboration and better coordination among actors, contributing to sustainable marine resource use and innovation in the BBt and BE sector. However, sustained progress requires stable funding and stronger stakeholder commitments. In turn, as a broader implication, this research provides a replicable model for leveraging open innovation and multi-stakeholder frameworks to promote coordination, policy development and sustainable growth in the BBt and BE sectors. Thus, it offers insights into addressing governance challenges in Spain and the Mediterranean, advancing the use of marine bioresources through collaborative approaches. Full article

This study presents the ClimEmpower framework, a user-driven approach to enhancing climate resilience across five climate-vulnerable regions in Southern Europe: Costa del Sol (Spain), Central Greece, the Troodos Mountains (Cyprus), Osijek-Baranja County (Croatia), and Sicily (Italy). The project employs a region-specific methodology that integrates climate risk assessments, stakeholder engagement through Communities of Practice (CoPs), and the development of innovative climate services tailored to local needs. These regions, characterized by unique environmental and socio-economic vulnerabilities, face shared hazards such as droughts, heatwaves, and floods, alongside region-specific challenges like salinization and biodiversity loss. ClimEmpower identifies critical gaps in high-resolution data, cross-sectoral collaboration, and capacity-building efforts, underscoring barriers to effective adaptation. This work aims to provide a foundational resource, offering a comprehensive overview of the current situation, including needs, gaps, priorities, and expectations across the target regions. By establishing this baseline, it facilitates future research and comparative analyses, contributing to the development of robust, region-specific resilience strategies. The ClimEmpower framework offers scalable and replicable solutions aligned with the European Green Deal’s climate resilience goals, advancing adaptation planning and providing actionable insights for broader European initiatives. Full article

The shift toward a sustainable future demands substantial investments in green technologies and infrastructure, with green finance emerging as a pivotal driver for mobilizing such investments. This paper introduces a novel framework for green investment models and platforms tailored specifically to Qatar’s unique economic landscape. Through an extensive literature review, we identify essential policy levers and principles that can enhance the effectiveness of green finance initiatives. An experimental assessment utilizing a simulation model evaluates the potential impact of various policy scenarios on key metrics such as green investment volume, job creation, and environmental impact reduction. This study advocates for a comprehensive investment policy framework that includes alignment with Qatar’s national development objectives, targeted incentives for diverse economic sectors, collaborative stakeholder engagement, and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Our findings demonstrate that implementing these design principles can dramatically accelerate green finance in Qatar, aligning initiatives with the country’s National Vision 2030 and broader sustainability goals. This paper emphasizes the critical role of fiscal incentives tailored to specific sectors, the importance of collaboration among financial institutions and governmental bodies, and the necessity of continuous performance evaluations to inform adaptive policy adjustments. Ultimately, we propose a dynamic platform that not only facilitates green investments but also fosters innovation and mitigates the risks associated with sustainable projects in Qatar. Full article

This study constructs an analytical framework to assess the effectiveness of collaborative governance in smart communities, focusing on six key elements: collaborative subjects, funding sources, community participants’ literacy, community-specific systems, community culture, and supporting facilities. Using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) on 20 typical cases of community governance, the study identifies that collaborative subjects and supporting facilities are necessary conditions for achieving effective community governance. Community culture and community participants’ literacy are recognized as sufficient conditions for effective collaborative governance involving multiple subjects in smart communities. The study also identifies several pathways to enhance the effectiveness of collaborative governance in smart communities, including the subject-–culture-embedded pathway, technology–resource-driven pathway, and system–talent-led pathway. These pathways highlight the integration of community-specific cultural elements and the leveraging of modern technologies to foster stakeholder engagement, enhance decision-making processes, and improve service delivery. The findings suggest that robust community culture and literacy, combined with advanced technological infrastructure and diverse funding sources, significantly contribute to the success of collaborative governance initiatives. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between these factors, the study offers valuable insights into the construction of smart communities and proposes strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of collaborative governance. This research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable urban development and the knowledge economy, emphasizing the crucial role of innovation, technology, and community engagement in shaping the future of smart cities. Full article

With environmental changes, sustaining watershed ecosystem services requires understanding community perceptions and preferences. Integrated approaches considering community perceptions, climate change, and land use cover change are crucial. We address a study gap by combining climate change and land use cover change data with an analysis of community perceptions to evaluate the watershed ecosystem services situation in Nepal’s Khageri Khola Watershed. Data from in-depth stakeholder interviews (n = 16), household perception surveys (n = 440), and participant observations (n = 5) were supplemented by meteorological and land use cover change data. Descriptive analysis, index value calculation, Spearman’s Rho correlation, and chi-square statistics were used to understand linkages between socio-demographics, climate change perceptions, watershed ecosystem services importance, and changes in watershed ecosystem services supply. The Mann–Kendall test, Sen’s slope calculation, and land use cover change analysis considered temperature, precipitation, and land use. Among watershed ecosystem services, communities prioritized drinking water as the most important and biodiversity support as the least important. Watershed ecosystem services exhibited decreasing trends, with soil fertility and productivity notably high (89%) and natural hazard control low (41%). Significant alignment existed between community perceptions and local climate indicators, unlike the incongruity found with land use cover changes, especially regarding water bodies. Socio-demographic factors influenced community perceptions. Policy recommendations include analyzing watershed-level community demand and preferences, integrating community perceptions with climate change and land use cover change data in decision making, engaging communities, equitable sharing of the benefits generated by watershed ecosystem services, and considering socio-demographic and topographic diversity in tailoring management strategies. Full article

The extant literature is rich with references to co-creation in research and knowledge initiatives. However, there is a pressing need for clarity regarding the definition of knowledge co-creation and its application in sustainable development research. To fill these gaps, we conducted a systematic review of 42 articles that met the selection criteria. The findings revealed the disciplinarity in the studies, geographical collaboration patterns, and varying interpretations of knowledge co-creation. This study also identified key engagement methods and stages essential for the knowledge co-creation process in the context of sustainable development. The implications for practice highlight the importance for researchers, and possibly policy-makers, to consider not only the various definitions of knowledge co-creation attempted—often lacking consensus—but also guiding principles. Strengthening knowledge co-creation in transdisciplinary studies, fostering robust global partnerships, ensuring equitable regional representation, facilitating the active participation of diverse stakeholders, and maintaining balanced power dynamics rooted in trust and relationality are crucial for achieving positive sustainable development outcomes. The intersection of research, knowledge co-creation, sustainable development, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), along with the elements proposed for future consideration, which has not been extensively explored in previous studies, underscores the originality of this study, which carries significant theoretical, methodological, and global policy implications. Full article