scholarly journals Process Deasign and Sustainable Development

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Glavič ◽  
Zorka Novak Pintarič ◽  
Miloš Bogataj
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Process Design ◽  
Carbon Capture ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Review Paper ◽  
Process Analysis ◽  
Practical Case ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Process Industries ◽  
Important Design

This review paper describes some historical facts, the state of the art of process design and sustainable development. In the Introduction the most important global megatrends are presented and the European Union response to them, the European Green Deal. Process design and sustainable development are dealt with separately and holistically. Organization of professionals from the area, their conferences and publication are supporting the two topics. A short analysis of the published documents in two most popular databases shows that environmental dimension is prevailing, followed by economic one while social pillar of sustainable development is undervalued. The most important design tools for sustainability are described. An important practical case, the European chemical and process industries are analyzed and their achievements in sustainable development are shown; in particular their strategies are presented in more detail. The conclusions are embracing the most urgent future development areas of process industries, carbon capture with utilization or storage, the process analysis, simulation, synthesis and optimization tools; zero waste, circular economy and resource efficiency are already playing an important role. But deeper changes are needed in the future decades including de-growth with changes of habits, lifestyles, and business models. Lifelong education for sustainable development will play a very important role in the growth of democracy and happiness instead of the consumerism and neoliberalism.

scholarly journals Process Design and Sustainable Development—A European Perspective

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 148
Author(s):  
Peter Glavič ◽  
Zorka Novak Pintarič ◽  
Miloš Bogataj
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Process Design ◽  
Carbon Capture ◽  
Business Models ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Process Analysis ◽  
Practical Case ◽  
Lifelong Education ◽  
Process Industries ◽  
The Social

This paper describes the state of the art and future opportunities for process design and sustainable development. In the Introduction, the main global megatrends and the European Union’s response to two of them, the European Green Deal, are presented. The organization of professionals in the field, their conferences, and their publications support the two topics. A brief analysis of the published documents in the two most popular databases shows that the environmental dimension predominates, followed by the economic one, while the social pillar of sustainable development is undervalued. The main design tools for sustainability are described. As an important practical case, the European chemical and process industries are analyzed, and their achievements in sustainable development are highlighted; in particular, their strategies are presented in more detail. The conclusions cover the most urgent future development areas of (i) process industries and carbon capture with utilization or storage; (ii) process analysis, simulation, synthesis, and optimization tools, and (iii) zero waste, circular economy, and resource efficiency. While these developments are essential, more profound changes will be needed in the coming decades, such as shifting away from growth with changes in habits, lifestyles, and business models. Lifelong education for sustainable development will play a very important role in the growth of democracy and happiness instead of consumerism and neoliberalism.

scholarly journals Implementation of circular economy on the basis of European experience

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (2) ◽  
pp. 280-289
Author(s):  
Natalia Horbal ◽  
◽  
M. Mazuryk ◽  
Oleh Mykytyn ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Adoption Process ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The Eu

Accelerated population growth, depletion of natural resources, excessive pollution of the environment, which threatens the existence of mankind, was a prerequisite for the emergence of the concept of circular economy and the principles of sustainable development, ie doing business without harm to the environment. The model of circular (circular) economy is aimed at energy saving, regenerative environmentally friendly consumption and production. The article presents the results of the study of the concept of circular economy and the benefits of its implementation based on the experience of the European Union - a global leader in this field. The main goals, priorities and measures of the EU in the implementation of the circular economy are revealed. The basic principles of the circular economy are highlighted, examples of successful use of its business models are given. The two most acute global problems that can be solved only by a closed-loop economy are identified, and forecasts of the results of its global use are given. Closed-loop economics is a concept of resource management that is rapidly gaining global popularity and is recognized in the scientific literature as one of the key drivers for achieving objectives of the Paris Agreement. 30 years have passed since the first mention of the "circularity" of the economy, however only after its official introduction in the EU its popularity has grown rapidly, and world leaders have gradually been realizing its importance for achieving sustainable development. Climate change and depletion of natural resources are the visible negative processes that require the implementation of a circular economy. At the same time, society itself must change – from the choice of raw materials, product development methods and new concepts of service to the widespread use of by-products of one industry as complete raw materials for another. This requires the training of relevant specialists, whose professional activity will be the circular economy.To date, the most significant results in the transition to a circular economy are demonstrated by the European Union (EU), where the European Resource Efficiency Platform, which brings together EU countries, aims to ensure the transition to a circular economy based on reuse and high-quality recycling. Circular economy is a new trend that is seen as an important area of structural reform and aims to raise awareness of the real environmental, energy and socio-economic situation of the world by identifying ideological options for a better understanding of the dilemma of economic growth vs. the environment, optimal ways and more effective tools for solving problems, faced by society. The goal of the circular economy is to ensure, in line with the global CSWs, a shift towards sustainable production and consumption while integrating environmental issues into the adoption process solutions.

Facing TBL with IoT: creating value and positively impacting business processes

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Mattera ◽  
Luana Gava
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Triple Bottom Line ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Stock Market Index ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Creation

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze how Internet of Things can contribute to the achievement of a sustainable development based on people, profit and planet. Based on the triple bottom line theoretical framework, this work explores the relation between technology and the creation of value in management operative and support processes carried out by a firm with a direct impact in society and the environment. By doing so, new insights on strategic management to create value and consolidate sustainable business models are provided. Design/methodology/approach The present study analyzes firms within the context of the European Union, considering the involvement of the region in achieving sustainable development, in particular, the usage of technology and specifically Internet of Things to create value and contribute to company’s position as leaders in the industry’s change toward sustainable development. To achieve this goal, the Spanish market was analyzed, specifically companies who were publicly listed in the IBEX35, which is the benchmark stock market index of Spain’s main stock exchange (Bolsa de Madrid). In addition, firms were also considered regarding the strong impact within their industries not only nationally, but also worldwide. Findings Findings show that companies incorporating Internet of Things can enhance their role as leaders in change toward sustainable development. Similarly, the usage of these technologies positively impacts the pollution reduction and limiting usage of non-renewable resources, as well as positively impacting people’s lives. Furthermore, technology has a positive effect on the creation of value, considering management, operative and support processes. By considering people and planet, companies can have a profitable business model that is also sustainable in the long-run, creating a win-win situation within the triple bottom line. Originality/value This study shows the links between Internet of Things and sustainable development within the framework of the triple bottom line. It portrays the relevance of technology in value creation to achieve business models that can cater to profit, people and planet objectives. Consequently, practitioners can incorporate Internet of Things elements to create value and contribute to their corporate social responsibility objectives, establishing synergies between managerial and socio-environmental aspects. Moreover, researchers studying business strategy can incorporate these variables to further enlarge the results herein derived. Finally, this work reinforces the usage of triple bottom line theory to analyze a firm’s sustainable development and its business models.

TERRITORIAL COHESION POLICY IN THE CONTEXT OF EU REGIONAL SECURITY

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (Vol 18, No 4 (2019)) ◽  
pp. 439-453
Author(s):  
Ihor LISHCHYNSKYY
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Regional Security ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Cohesion Policy ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
Territorial Cohesion ◽  
Interregional Cooperation ◽  
The Eu

The article is devoted to the study of the implementation of territorial cohesion policy in the European Union in order to achieve a secure regional coexistence. In particular, the regulatory and institutional origins of territorial cohesion policy in the EU are considered. The evolution of ontological models of cohesion policy has been outlined. Specifically, the emphasis is placed on the key objective of political geography – effectively combining the need for "territorialization" and the growing importance of networking. The role of urbanization processes in the context of cohesion policy is highlighted. Cross-border dimensions of cohesion policy in the context of interregional cooperation are explored. Particular emphasis is placed on the features of integrated sustainable development strategies.

scholarly journals Circular Bioeconomy Business Models to Overcome the Valley of Death. A Systematic Statistical Analysis of Studies and Projects in Emerging Bio-Based Technologies and Trends Linked to the SME Instrument Support

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1899
Author(s):  
Fabiana Gatto ◽  
Ilaria Re
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Future Perspective ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Strategic Orientations ◽  
Start Ups ◽  
Valley Of Death

Reducing the environmental pressure along the products life cycle, increasing efficiency in the consumption of resources and use of renewable raw materials, and shifting the economic system toward a circular and a climate-neutral model represent the heart of the current macro-trends of the European Union (EU) policy agendas. The circular economy and bioeconomy concepts introduced in the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan and the Bioeconomy Strategy support innovation in rethinking economic systems focusing on market uptaking of greener solutions based on less-intensive resource consumption. In recent decades, industrial research has devoted enormous investments to demonstrate sustainable circular bio-based business models capable of overcoming the “Valley of Death” through alternative strategic orientations of “technological-push” and “market-pull”. The study highlights industrial research’s evolution on bio-based circular business model validation, trends, and topics with particular attention to the empowering capacity of start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to close the loops in renewable biological use and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The research methodology involves a bibliographic search based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach and the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Data Hub investigation to understand SMEs’ key success factors and start-ups of the circular bioeconomy sector. Eco and bio-based materials, nutraceuticals, and microalgae represent the most sustainable industry applications, leading to circular bioeconomy business models’ future perspective.

scholarly journals Technical Infrastructure as an Element of Sustainable Development of Rural Regions in Małopolskie Voivodeship in Poland and Trnava Region in Slovakia

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 141
Author(s):  
Marcin Surówka ◽  
Łukasz Popławski ◽  
Helena Fidlerová
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Regional Competitiveness ◽  
Rural Regions ◽  
Sustainable Infrastructure ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Economic Progress ◽  
West Part

The work discusses issues of the infrastructure, its instruments, and specifics of infrastructure in Polish and Slovak rural areas. The aim of this article is to analyze the level of technical infrastructure development in rural regions of the Małopolskie Voivodeship in Poland and the west part of Slovakia—Trnava self-governing region (Trnava region) as two regions with a similar position regarding regional competitiveness index. Following the topic, after identification of strengths and weaknesses of mentioned regions, the opportunities, and threats of sustainable development of infrastructure in rural areas have been analyzed using the SWOT method. The development of sustainable, reliable, and functional infrastructure does not only refer to the chosen regions of Poland and Slovakia but also other regions in the European Union. Sustainable infrastructure is a factor stimulating social and economic progress as one of the most important determinants of sustainable development and regional competitiveness. The authors notice a particular lack in the sustainable development of infrastructure in the field of water and sewerage management together with the supply of water. Therefore, this article tries to complete the gap in research focusing on the concept of a more systematic approach to technical infrastructure improvement in the context of sustainable development, and strategy of cooperation.

scholarly journals Drivers of sustainability practices and contributions to sustainable development evident in sustainability reports of European mining companies

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anđela Ivic ◽  
Nína María Saviolidis ◽  
Lara Johannsdottir
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Mining Activities ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Mining Companies ◽  
Social License ◽  
Sustainability Reports ◽  
Sustainability Practices

AbstractMining activities cause negative environmental impacts and social conflicts but also provide economic benefits to communities and secure the minerals necessary for low-carbon technology. The aim of this multiple case study is to analyze, compare and critically evaluate sustainability reports of 10 European mining companies for the 2016–2018 period to determine the drivers for implementation of sustainability practices and their contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The findings suggest that European mining companies act under pressures from international initiatives and industry associations, the European Union, governments, stakeholders, and maintaining social license to operate. The companies report on the core subjects of corporate governance, employees, the environment, stakeholders’ engagement and occupational health and safety. Positive trends were observed in stakeholders’ engagement and health and safety, while air emissions and water and energy usage increased for most companies. Furthermore, there was an absence of improvement in gender diversity, utilization of renewable energy, and waste recycling. Even though all analyzed companies mentioned SDGs in the reports, the reports lacked a comprehensive explanation of mining activities’ contribution to the SDGs. This study addresses a gap in the existing literature on the European mining context of sustainable development and SDGs relevant for researchers, policymakers, and other impacted stakeholders and adds new theoretical knowledge on the external drivers of CSR activities based on institutional theory.

scholarly journals New Plant Breeding Technologies: An Assessment of the Political Economy of the Regulatory Environment and Implications for Sustainability

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 3687
Author(s):  
Vincent Smith ◽  
Justus H. H. Wesseler ◽  
David Zilberman
Keyword(s):  
Political Economy ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Development Policy ◽  
Regulatory Environment ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
International Policies ◽  
Modern Biotechnology ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Eu

This perspective discusses the impact of political economy on the regulation of modern biotechnology. Modern biotechnology has contributed to sustainable development, but its potential has been underexplored and underutilized. We highlight the importance of the impacts of regulations for investments in modern biotechnology and argue that improvements are possible via international harmonization of approval processes. This development is urgently needed for improving sustainable development. Policy makers in the European Union (EU) in particular are challenged to rethink their approach to regulating modern biotechnology as their decisions have far ranging consequences beyond the boundaries of the EU and they have the power to influence international policies.

scholarly journals A Holistic Approach to Integrate and Evaluate Sustainable Development in Higher Education. The Case Study of the University of the Basque Country

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 392
Author(s):  
Estibaliz Sáez de Cámara ◽  
Idoia Fernández ◽  
Nekane Castillo-Eguskitza
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Basque Country ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Institutional Setting ◽  
Practical Case ◽  
Development Indicators ◽  
Agenda 2030 ◽  
The University

Since the United Nations (UN) approved the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development in 2015, higher education institutions have increasingly demonstrated their commitment by supporting several initiatives. Although a great deal of progress has been made, there is still a lack of integrative approaches to truly implement Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in higher education. This paper presents a practical case that illustrates how to design and articulate SDGs within an institutional setting adopting a holistic approach: EHUagenda 2030 plan of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). It is based on empirical inquiry into global and holistic sustainable transformation and a real experience to move towards a verifiable and pragmatic contribution to sustainability. This plan describes the contribution to 12 of the 17 SDGs, along with three sectorial plans (Equality Campus, Inclusion Campus and Planet Campus), as well as the refocus of the UPV/EHU’s Educational Model and the panel of sustainable development indicators, which addresses the technical aspects of monitoring the SDGs. The methodology (mapping; mainstreaming; diagnosis and definition and, finally, estimation) is systematic and replicable in other universities yet to embark upon this integration. This case study makes a contribution towards the understanding of the complexity of the changes in Higher Education and the ways to approach it.

scholarly journals Sustainable Entrepreneurship in the 2030 Horizon

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 909
Author(s):  
Fernando Crecente ◽  
María Sarabia ◽  
María Teresa del Val
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Sustainable Entrepreneurship ◽  
Development Indicators ◽  
Responsible Behavior ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
European Economies ◽  
The Relationship

(1) Background: this paper analyzes the relationship between entrepreneurship and sustainability following the worldwide reference of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework set by the United Nations. Nowadays, these SDGs are the inspiration for many types of entrepreneurship that combine value creation with conservation and social protection. (2) Methods: using the indicators provided by Eurostat in its section called “Sustainable development indicators”, we have developed a dataset of 21 variables applied to the European Union (EU27) for the period 2013–2017. (3) Results: the results hold that these SDGs have favored a climate of change in the European economies towards more responsible behavior on the part of society, institutions, and their business fabric, creating new sustainable entrepreneurship. (4) Conclusions: the promotion of the SDGs has contributed to increasing the rate of entrepreneurial activity in the period 2013–2017.

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