Impact of Innovative Capital on the Global Performance of the European Union

With the main objective of determining the essential factors that incorporate or enhance innovative capital, the present study, based, on the one hand, on the evaluation of the literature, allowed identifying ten potential factors and centered, on the other hand, on the analysis represented by the linear regression facilitated displaying the interdependencies between these factors and performance, thus determining the overall meaning and intensity of their contribution. In order to identify general and essential trends, to eliminate the cyclical influences of innovative capital, the present study was conducted on the basis of public and free access data contained by Eurostat, the transparency and accessibility of information being very important criteria in defining a simple and successful model, applicable for assessing the contribution of intellectual capital, in general, and its most dynamic component of innovative capital to increasing the performance of organizations.

Right to Education in Mother Language

The right to use one's mother language is affected by examining the nature of this right in the international human rights system. Speaking of linguistic rights requires examining this right in the context of general human rights and the rights of minorities. On the one hand, the right to use one's mother tongue is rooted in the “right to be different,” which itself is inspired by human dignity, and, on the other hand, because the linguistic rights of the majority are better guaranteed than the linguistic rights of the minority. This chapter examines the right to use one's mother tongue in the minority system; therefore, language rights can be divided into two approaches based on tolerance, which prohibits any interference with the choice of language and its use by governments, as well as an extension-based approach that seeks to protect the right to use language in various fields such as education, court, public arena, and government institutions.

Combating Gender-Based Violence and Fostering Women's Well-Being

Gender-based violence (GBV) and its threat to women's well-being is an insidious and widespread challenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Cultural beliefs about gender roles and sexuality, and religious teachings on marriage, masculinity, and femininity make interventions on GBV in the DRC difficult. This chapter examines a faith-based intervention, ‘The Tamar Campaign', which sought to align the strengths underpinning religion and culture. Findings revealed that participants of the Tamar Campaign reported 1) low prevalence of GBV four years after the intervention as compared to results of previous studies in the region, 2) positive effect of the intervention on marital satisfaction, and 3) engaging in activism alongside their family and community to combat GBV. This study thus offers initial evidence for faith-based interventions in not only reducing GBV, but also holistically improving women's overall well-being.

Alternative Consumption Models for a Sustainable World

In consumer society in which the concept of consuming for the sake of consumption is adapted and individualist ideology comes to the forefront, the fact that the individuals consume irresponsibly and without thinking makes people face many risks and problems in environmental, social, and ethical aspects. By damaging and polluting the ecosystem we live in and changing the structure of society, the consumer society's prescribed and imposed lifestyle drags individuals into unhappiness and prepares the ground for many ecological, ethical, and social risks. As a result, more responsible and greening of consumption is seen as a prerequisite for the growth of a sustainable economy and society. Shaping a sustainable development path is a major challenge that will result in significant changes in future production and consumption processes. In order to adopt a more sustainable life, people should abandon the oppressive consumption habits of the consumer society and adopt alternative consumption models.

Measuring Progress Towards the Sustainable Development Goals

In the modern, knowledge-based economy, it is believed that mastering the methods and tools for assessing intellectual capital and capitalizing on intellectual capital influence on economic performance are essential criteria. In addition, it has been prompted that the key issues specific to performance are directly related to those of intellectual capital measurement, having to respond to the challenges of a new economy and sustainable world, built through alliances not only locally, regionally, and nationally, but also internationally – only from this perspective being able to approach performance and the idea that, in time, performance will have the potential to lead to the necessary, but sinuous and difficult road, to excellence. This chapter explores this in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainable Communities vs. Climate Refugees

The new phenomenon “anthropogenic climate change” has been rising due to the awareness of societies and individuals feeling more responsible in climate change. In this context, this study investigates the link between sustainable communities and climate refugees by reviewing what kinds of relationship exists between these societies and climate change. The original contribution of this study is giving a brief framework for the link between sustainable communities, climate refugees, and climate change. This study focuses on the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals when observing sustainable communities and climate refugees. As a result of the review, the study presents some suggestions including solutions for the problems of climate refugees and the status of them globally. Thus, the authors point out an approach expressed as “on-the-spot solution in combating climate change for not to leave anyone behind.”

Municipal Solid Waste Management Using an Inclusive Technological Platform

The management of urban solid waste represents a great challenge to humanity. The current scenario of pollution due to waste that is still being incorrectly disposed of has brought us to an alarming situation. To progress and overcome the barriers, the sector needs changes and innovations. Waste management is not only the responsibility of municipalities; it must also involve people. This chapter presents a technological solution that fosters people's involvement in waste management practices. Through the use of this platform, users can register the waste produced and evaluate their performance in recycling management according to several types of residues considering the targets set by the municipalities. This approach may be relevant for the implementation of pay-as-you-throw models in municipalities.

Non-Profit Organization Involvement Into the Sustainable Development Goals

Non-profits are an essential part of the community, reaching many sustainable development goals (SDG) without naming and promoting them. They can be empowered to do more. Non-profits should make the SDGs a prominent point to demonstrate why clients and consumers should buy or use their services to reduce waste and recycle. According to the research gap within the Czech environment, the chapter's main point is to present the current situation by qualitative evaluation based on three case studies of a non-profit organization. SDGs are divided according to benefits to the community, such as social, economic, and environmental. Case studies show how difficult it is to identify involvement in individual goals and conflict with its strategy. The uniqueness of the chapter lies in the presentation of its self-evaluation tool, suitable especially for non-profit organizations.

Nudges for Enhancing Sustainable Energy Consumption in Households

This chapter explores interventions of energy consumption in households and their impacts on behavioural changes by addressing the main behavioural barriers of sustainable energy consumption. The main objectives of this chapter are to identify the importance of nudges in reducing energy consumption and implementation of renewable microgeneration technologies and to develop recommendations for tailor-made interventions. A qualitative research method is applied to analyse the climate change mitigation measures linked to energy consumption in households based on systematic literature review. Traditional economic and regulatory policy tools can be effectively supplemented by nudges; however, more research is necessary in this field.

Service Only Supply Chain

Broadly, the sustainable practices for the manufacturing supply chain are considered as environmental, social, and economic practices. But due to different characteristics of services, the above-mentioned sustainable practices are necessary. Beyond these practices, some other novel practices are necessary for the service context. This chapter discusses the novel sustainable practices for the service only supply chain (SOSC). The discussed sustainable practices will enhance the understanding of sustainable practices in SOSC context. How these practices will help the organizations in achieving sustainable development goals will also be discussed. Potential future research directions are also provided.