The pursuit of improved quality of life standards has significantly influenced the contemporary mining model in the 21st century.This era is witnessing an unprecedented transformation driven by pressing concerns relat...The pursuit of improved quality of life standards has significantly influenced the contemporary mining model in the 21st century.This era is witnessing an unprecedented transformation driven by pressing concerns related to sustainability,climate change,the just energy transition,dynamic operating environments,and complex social challenges.Such transitions present both opportunities and obstacles.The aim of this study is to provide an extensive literature review on energy transition to identify the challenges and strategies associated with navigating transformations in energy systems.Understanding these transformations is particularly critical in the face of the severe consequences of global warming,where an accelerated energy transition is viewed as a universal remedy.Adopting a socio-technological systems perspective,specifically through the application of Actor Network Theory(ANT),this research provides a theoretical foundation while categorising challenges into five distinct domains and outlining strategies across these different dimensions.These insights are specifically tailored for emerging market countries to effectively navigate energy transition while fostering the development of resilient societies.Furthermore,our findings highlight that energy transition encompasses more than a mere technological shift;it entails fundamental changes in various systemic socio-economic imperatives.Through focusing on the role of social structures in transitions,this study makes a significant and innovative contribution to ANT,which has historically been criticised for its limited acknowledgement of social structures.Consequently,we propose an emerging market energy transition framework,which not only addresses technological aspects,but also integrates social considerations.This framework paves the way for future research and exploration of energy transition dynamics.The outcomes of this study offer valuable insights to policymakers,researchers,and practitioners engaged in the mining industry,enabling them to comprehend the multifaceted challenges involved and providing practical strategies for effective resolution.Through incorporating the social dimension into the analysis,we enhance the understanding of the complex nature of energy system transformations,facilitating a more holistic approach towards achieving sustainable and resilient energy transitions in emerging markets and beyond.展开更多
The exploration of the way"mass entrepreneurship and innovation"(MEI)education influences students'aspirations to become entrepreneurs has grown into an important area of analysis in studies related to h...The exploration of the way"mass entrepreneurship and innovation"(MEI)education influences students'aspirations to become entrepreneurs has grown into an important area of analysis in studies related to higher education.This research intends to examine the consequences of MEI education on students'tendency towards entrepreneurship,and to put forward methods for augmenting the teaching of innovation and entrepreneurship in private higher educational establishments.To achieve this objective,questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were employed in the study,which involved a total of 197 students and five education experts.The statistical analysis of the questionnaire data revealed that MEI education was positively related to students'entrepreneurial intentions,and that both entrepreneurial experience and family entrepreneurial background played moderating roles in this relationship.The interview findings indicated that private universities could enhance educational reforms by designing talent training programs,developing diversified curricula,and developing more professional entrepreneurial platforms to encourage students'entrepreneurial intentions.This study offers fresh insights for improving and perfecting the mechanism of innovation and entrepreneurship education in private universities.展开更多
The optimization of government subsidies to enhance the efficiency of coal companies’green transformation constitutes a critical component in the pursuit of global sustainability.We investigate the influence mechanis...The optimization of government subsidies to enhance the efficiency of coal companies’green transformation constitutes a critical component in the pursuit of global sustainability.We investigate the influence mechanism of government subsidies on the green transformation using data from the listed coal companies in China from 2007 to 2022.According to our findings and hypothesis testing,previous government subsidies did not have a significant direct impact on coal companies’green transformation.Nevertheless,government subsidies can help coal companies transition to greener practices by promoting innovative green initiatives.Furthermore,we confirmed an indirect route:that government subsidies enable the adoption of low-carbon initiatives,which in turn could facilitate the transition of coal companies towards green practices.In addition,we discovered that the coal company’s digitization will improve this indirect route.Thus,we propose increasing the effectiveness of government subsidies in facilitating coal companies’transition to green practices by focusing on technological advancements and enhancing company digitalization.展开更多
The world is facing dramatic challenges related to environmental sustainability at an accelerating pace.In this context,the field of economic geography(EG)has been playing an important role in understanding both the s...The world is facing dramatic challenges related to environmental sustainability at an accelerating pace.In this context,the field of economic geography(EG)has been playing an important role in understanding both the socioeconomic and technological dimensions of these challenges,as it deals with a variety of complementary notions and perspectives.Departing from this lens,our aim is to explore a conceptual framework that can help us to understand environmental changes relating to multi-dimensional territorial development,notably in eco-nomic contexts where inequality is high,and stratification based on hierarchies regulate social and economic life.Based on the territory concept,we propose the original notion of a hierarchical regional innovation system(HRIS)that emphasises the pervasive role of hierarchies(powers)in regional innovation systems and illustrate its value with evidence and case studies from extant literature on sustainability transitions.The HRIS can help us understand and promote development paths considering the contribution of inclusive eco-innovations(another original conceptual amalgam).Through some empirical cases from other studies in low-carbon transitions,we show the application of the HRIS(and inclusive eco-innovation)framework.In conclusion,we provide incen-tives to explore new regional innovation systems,alongside the HRIS,adapted to different regions worldwide and centred on the inclusiveness of people and places.展开更多
Firms are embedded in complex networks,where diverse ideas combine and generate new ideas.Shareholders of firms are of-ten seen as critical external resources that have significant influence on firm innovation.The cur...Firms are embedded in complex networks,where diverse ideas combine and generate new ideas.Shareholders of firms are of-ten seen as critical external resources that have significant influence on firm innovation.The current literature tends to focus on the rela-tionship between firms and their shareholders,while paying less attention to the connections between firms with the same shareholders.This article identifies two types of network spillover effects,intra-city network effect and inter-city network effect,by visualizing the co-ownership networks in China’s electric vehicle(EV)industry.We find that firms with the same shareholders,which are defined as co-owned EV firms,are more innovative than non-co-owned ones.Furthermore,there are two dominant types of firm co-ownership ties formed by corporate and financial institution shareholders.While corporate shareholders help exploiting local tacit knowledge,financial institutions are more active in bridging inter-city connections.The conclusion is confirmed at both firm and city levels.This paper theor-izes the firm co-ownership network as a new form of institutional proximity and tested the result empirically.For policy consideration,we have emphasized the importance of building formal or informal inter-firm network,and the government should further enhance the knowledge flow channel by institutional construction.展开更多
The continued expansion of the world population,increasingly inconsistent climate and shrinking agricultural resources present major challenges to crop breeding.Fortunately,the increasing ability to discover and manip...The continued expansion of the world population,increasingly inconsistent climate and shrinking agricultural resources present major challenges to crop breeding.Fortunately,the increasing ability to discover and manipulate genes creates new opportunities to develop more productive and resilient cultivars.Many genes have been described in papers as being beneficial for yield increase.However,few of them have been translated into increased yield on farms.In contrast,commercial breeders are facing gene decidophobia,i.e.,puzzled about which gene to choose for breeding among the many identified,a huge chasm between gene discovery and cultivar innovation.The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the shortfalls in current gene discovery research and to emphasise the need to align with cultivar innovation.The methodology dictates that genetic studies not only focus on gene discovery but also pay good attention to the genetic backgrounds,experimental validation in relevant environments,appropriate crop management,and data reusability.The close of the gaps should accelerate the application of molecular study in breeding and contribute to future global food security.展开更多
Scientific and technological revolutions and industrial transformations have accelerated the rate of innovation in environmental engineering technologies.However,few researchers have evaluated the current status and f...Scientific and technological revolutions and industrial transformations have accelerated the rate of innovation in environmental engineering technologies.However,few researchers have evaluated the current status and future trends of technologies.This paper summarizes the current research status in eight major subfields of environmental engineering—water treatment,air pollution control,soil/solid waste management,environmental biotechnology,environmental engineering equipment,emerging contaminants,synergistic reduction of pollution and carbon emissions,and environmental risk and intelligent management—based on bibliometric analysis and future trends in greenization,low carbonization,and intelligentization.Disruptive technologies are further identified based on discontinuous transformation,and ten such technologies are proposed,covering general and specific fields,technical links,and value sources.Additionally,the background and key innovations in disruptive technologies are elucidated in detail.This study not only provides a scientific basis for strategic decision-making,planning,and implementation in the environmental engineering field but also offers methodological guidance for the research and determination of breakthrough technologies in other areas.展开更多
Purpose:This study aims to explore how network intermediaries influence collaborative innovation performance within inter-organizational technological collaboration networks.Design/methodology/approach:This study empl...Purpose:This study aims to explore how network intermediaries influence collaborative innovation performance within inter-organizational technological collaboration networks.Design/methodology/approach:This study employs a mixed-method approach,combining quantitative social network analysis with regression techniques to investigate the role of network intermediaries in collaborative innovation performance.Using a patent dataset of Chinese industrial enterprises,the research constructs the collaboration networks and analyzes their structural positions,particularly focusing on their role as intermediaries,characterized by betweenness centrality.Negative binomial regression analysis is employed to assess how these network characteristics shape innovation outcomes.Findings:The study reveals that firms in intermediary positions enhance collaborative innovation performance,but this effect is nuanced.A key finding is that network clustering negatively moderates the intermediary-innovation relationship.Highly clustered networks,while fostering local collaboration,may limit the innovation potential of intermediaries.On the other hand,relationship strength,measured by collaboration intensity and trust among firms,positively moderates the intermediary-innovation link.Research limitations:This study has several limitations that present opportunities for further research.The reliance on quantitative social network analysis may overlook the complexity of intermediaries’roles,and future studies could benefit from incorporating qualitative methods to better understand cultural and institutional factors.Additionally,cross-country comparisons are needed to assess the consistency of these dynamics in different contexts.Practical implications:The study offers practical insights for firms and policymakers.Organizations should strategically position themselves as network intermediaries to access diverse information and resources,thereby improving innovation performance.Building strong trust helps using network intermediary advantages.For firms in highly clustered networks,it is important to seek external partners to avoid limiting their exposure to new ideas and technologies.This research emphasizes the need to balance network diversity with relationship strength for sustained innovation.Originality/value:This research contributes to the literature by offering new insights into the role of network intermediaries,presenting a comprehensive framework for understanding the interaction between network dynamics and firm innovation.展开更多
Cross-region innovation is widely recognized as an important source of the long-term regional innovation capacity.In the recent past,a growing number of studies has investigated the network structure and mechanisms of...Cross-region innovation is widely recognized as an important source of the long-term regional innovation capacity.In the recent past,a growing number of studies has investigated the network structure and mechanisms of cross-region innovation collaboration in various contexts.However,existing research mainly focuses on physical effects,such as geographical distance and high-speed railway connections.These studies ignore the intangible drivers in a changing environment,the more digitalized economy and the increasingly solidified innovation network structure.Thus,the focus of this study is on estimating determinants of innovation networks,especially on intangible drivers,which have been largely neglected so far.Using city-level data of Chinese patents(excluding Hong Kong,Macao,and Taiwan Province of China),we trace innovation networks across Chinese cities over a long period of time.By integrating a measure on Information and Communications Technology(ICT)development gap and network structural effects into the general proximity framework,this paper explores the changing mechanisms of Chinese innovation networks from a new perspective.The results show that the structure of cross-region innovation networks has changed in China.As mechanisms behind this development,the results confirm the increasingly important role of intangible drivers in Chinese inter-city innovation collaboration when controlling for effects of physical proximity,such as geographical distance.Since digitalization and coordinated development are the mainstream trends in China and other developing countries,these countries'inter-city innovation collaboration patterns will witness dramatic changes under the influence of intangible drivers.展开更多
Marine science technology innovation provides power and guarantees for marine eco-civilization construction,which provides direction and material support for marine science technology innovation.Therefore,the coordina...Marine science technology innovation provides power and guarantees for marine eco-civilization construction,which provides direction and material support for marine science technology innovation.Therefore,the coordinated development of the two is of great significance to the marine economy sustainable development in China’s coastal areas.On the basis of clarifying the connotations of marine science technology innovation and marine eco-civilization in China’s coastal areas from 2006 to 2019,the mechanism for their coordinated development was analysed.A comprehensive indicator system based on the connotation of the two was constructed,and the coordinated development relationship was empirically tested using the coupled coordination model and the panel vector autoregressive(PVAR)model.The results show that:1)the level of China’s coastal marine science technology innovation continues to improve,gradually forming the core of the development of marine science technology innovation in the north,east and south of Shandong,Shanghai and Guangdong;the level of marine eco-civilization development fluctuating upward trend,showing obvious spatial differentiation characteristics.2)The degree of coordination of marine science technology innovation and marine eco-civilization is growing over time.There is no causal relationship between marine science technology innovation and marine eco-civilization in the northern marine economic circle,but there is a two-way causal relationship between the two in the eastern and southern marine economic circles.3)Marine eco-civilization shows a significant positive and continuous impact on marine science technology innovation,and marine science technology innovation shows a long-term,continuous,fluctuating,and lagging impact on marine eco-civilization.The overall role of marine eco-civilization on marine science technology innovation is dominant,and there are significant differences in the impact effects of the two major marine economic circles.展开更多
This comparative review explores the dynamic and evolving landscape of artificial intelligence(AI)-powered innovations within high-tech research and development(R&D).It delves into both theoreticalmodels and pract...This comparative review explores the dynamic and evolving landscape of artificial intelligence(AI)-powered innovations within high-tech research and development(R&D).It delves into both theoreticalmodels and practical applications across a broad range of industries,including biotechnology,automotive,aerospace,and telecom-munications.By examining critical advancements in AI algorithms,machine learning,deep learning models,simulations,and predictive analytics,the review underscores the transformative role AI has played in advancing theoretical research and shaping cutting-edge technologies.The review integrates both qualitative and quantitative data derived from academic studies,industry reports,and real-world case studies to showcase the tangible impacts of AI on product innovation,process optimization,and strategic decision-making.Notably,it discusses the challenges of integrating AI within complex industrial systems,such as ethical concerns,technical limitations,and the need for regulatory oversight.The findings reveal a mixed landscape where AI has significantly accelerated R&D processes,reduced costs,and enabled more precise simulations and predictions,but also highlighted gaps in knowledge transfer,skills adaptation,and cross-industry standardization.By bridging the gap between AI theory and practice,the review offers insights into the effectiveness,successes,and obstacles faced by organizations as they implement AI-driven solutions.Concluding with a forward-looking perspective,the review identifies emerging trends,future challenges,and promising opportunities inAI-poweredR&D,such as the rise of autonomous systems,AI-driven drug discovery,and sustainable energy solutions.It offers a holistic understanding of how AI is shaping the future of technological innovation and provides actionable insights for researchers,engineers,and policymakers involved in high-tech Research and Development(R&D).展开更多
This paper investigates the impact of provincial innovation-driven efficiency on the expansion of regional Outward Foreign Direct Investment(OFDI)flows within the context of China’s economy during the period 2011 to ...This paper investigates the impact of provincial innovation-driven efficiency on the expansion of regional Outward Foreign Direct Investment(OFDI)flows within the context of China’s economy during the period 2011 to 2020 by measuring the innovation-driven efficiency and business environment index using the DEA-Malmquist index and the combined CRITIC weighting method from the new perspective of business environment improvement.The findings reveal that:(a)There is an inverted U-shaped relationship between provincial innovation-driven efficiency and regional OFDI flows.This increase in innovation-driven efficiency can promote OFDI expansion of the region by improving its business environment.(b)The improvement of the business environments plays a significant intermediary and synergistic role in OFDI expansion driven by improved innovation efficiency.(c)The study of regional heterogeneity suggests that the central region enjoys the longest window period in terms of innovation-driven OFDI expansion,followed by the eastern region while the western region has the shortest window period.The improvement of the business environment in the western region is more effective in driving regional OFDI expansion.This conclusion remained true after the robustness test.In conclusion,this paper offers a few policy recommendations that can help Chinese capital of various kinds go global more effectively.展开更多
This study explored the factors influencing cooperative innovation in environmentally friendly agricultural biotechnology in China.First,we constructed an evolutionary game model comprising the factors of net income o...This study explored the factors influencing cooperative innovation in environmentally friendly agricultural biotechnology in China.First,we constructed an evolutionary game model comprising the factors of net income of cooperative innovation,net income of independent innovation,market constraints,and government subsidies.Using MATLAB simulation,we assigned different values to the aforementioned variables to explore the evolutionary trend of innovators’willingness to cooperate.Results showed that when the values of net income of cooperative innovation,net income of independent innovation,market constraints,and government subsidies exceeded the threshold,innovators’willingness to cooperate was significantly enhanced.Furthermore,the proportion of innovators who cooperated with others gradually increased to 100%;otherwise,it gradually decreased to 0%.Comparing the simulation curve with the real evolution curve of cooperative innovation in agricultural biotechnology in China,we found that the gradual decline in the willingness to cooperate could be due to insufficient subsidies for cooperative innovation,low income from cooperative innovation,weak profitability of innovators,and weak market constraints.展开更多
Global population aging trends are intensifying,presenting multifaceted economic and social challenges for countries worldwide.As the world’s largest developing country,China has entered a phase of extreme demographi...Global population aging trends are intensifying,presenting multifaceted economic and social challenges for countries worldwide.As the world’s largest developing country,China has entered a phase of extreme demographic aging,posing significant questions about its impact on the ongoing upgrading of industrial structures.How does this demographic shift influence the upgrading of industrial structures,and does technological innovation mitigate or exacerbate this impact?The empirical results indicate that population aging impedes upgrading the industrial structure,while technological innovation positively affects the relationship between the two.Moreover,using technological innovation as a threshold variable,the impact of population aging on industrial structure upgrading evolves in a“gradient”manner from“impediment”to“insignificant”to“promotion”as the technological innovation levels increase.These findings offer practical guidance for tailoring industrial policies to different stages of technological advancement.展开更多
With intensifying global climate change,humanity is confronted with unparalleled environmental challenges and risks.This study employs the staggered difference-in-difference model to examine the relationship between c...With intensifying global climate change,humanity is confronted with unparalleled environmental challenges and risks.This study employs the staggered difference-in-difference model to examine the relationship between climate policy and green innovation in the corporate financialization context.Using Chinese-listed company data from 2008 to 2020,our analysis reveals a favorable correlation between China’s carbon emission trading policy(CCTP)and advancements in green innovation.Furthermore,we find that the level of corporate financialization moderates this correlation,diminishing the driving effect of CCTP on green innovation.Additionally,results of heterogeneity analysis show that this moderating consequence is more evident in non-state owned and low-digitization enterprises compared with state-owned and high-digitization ones.Our findings contribute to the existing literature by clarifying the interaction between CCTP,green innovation,and corporate financialization.Our research provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to strengthen climate policies and encourages green innovation in different types of businesses.展开更多
Based on the panel data of 29 provincial administrative regions in China from 2011 to 2022,this study uses the entropy weighting method and the global super-efficiency SBM model to evaluate and measure the public libr...Based on the panel data of 29 provincial administrative regions in China from 2011 to 2022,this study uses the entropy weighting method and the global super-efficiency SBM model to evaluate and measure the public libraries construction level and innovation efficiency in China,uses the vector autoregression model,theαconvergence model and theβconvergence model to evaluate and test whether there is a positive linkage effect between public libraries construction and innovation efficiency,and uses the coupling coordination model to calculate and analyze the coupling coordination degree between public libraries construction and innovation efficiency.The results show that China’s public libraries construction and innovation efficiency are generally in a good development trend,but there is still a large gap from reaching a high level.There is a positive linkage effect between China’s public libraries construction and innovation efficiency,which can not only promote each other’s development,but also drive each other to achieve regional balanced development.The coupling coordination degree between China’s public libraries construction and innovation efficiency is showing a steady upward trend,but it is still on the verge of imbalance as a whole,and the eastern region is significantly better than the central region and western region.The results reveal the positive linkage effect between public libraries construction and innovation efficiency,which has enlightenment significance for building a strong country in culture and innovation.Based on this,this study puts forward suggestions on increasing investment in public libraries construction,optimizing the configuration structure of innovation factors,and strengthening the deep integration of public libraries construction and innovation activities,so as to give full play to the positive linkage effect between public libraries construction and innovation efficiency.展开更多
Coordinative development across various systems,particularly the economic,social,cultural,and human resources subsystems,is a key aspect of urban sustainability and has a direct impact on the quality of urbanization.T...Coordinative development across various systems,particularly the economic,social,cultural,and human resources subsystems,is a key aspect of urban sustainability and has a direct impact on the quality of urbanization.The Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle,comprising Hangzhou City,Huzhou City,Jiaxing City,and Shaoxing City,was the first metropolitan circle approved by the National Development and Reform Commission(NDRC)as a demonstration of economic transformation in China.To evaluate the coupling coordination degree of the four cities and analyze the coordinative development in three systems(including digital economy,regional innovation,and talent employment),we collected panel data during 2015–2022 from these four cities.The development level of the three systems was evaluated by the standard deviation method and comprehensive development index.The results are as follows:(1)the level of coupling coordinated development of the three systems in the Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle was relatively low;(2)the coupling coordination degree of the four cities in the Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle showed significant regional differences,among which Hangzhou City was in the leading position,and Huzhou,Jiaxing,and Shaoxing cities made steady but slow progress in the coupling development of the three systems;and(3)the development of digital economy and talent employment needs to be strengthened.This study contributes to the coordinative development of Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle by innovatively focusing on the coupling coordination relationship among digital economy,regional innovation,and talent employment,which also meets the industrial layout of Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle.In this way,the optimal allocation and sustainable development of digital economy,regional innovation,and talent employment in the Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle can be achieved.展开更多
This paper explores the effects of China’s global value chain(GVC)participation on technological progress in trading-partner countries based on estimated data on value-added trade between China and 52 trading partner...This paper explores the effects of China’s global value chain(GVC)participation on technological progress in trading-partner countries based on estimated data on value-added trade between China and 52 trading partners.We find that,first,although China’s exports lowered the total factor productivity(TFP)of its trading partners(competitive effect),its imports greatly increased trading partners’TFP(effect of scale).This implies that China’s GVC participation is beneficial to its trading partners’technological progress in the form of a considerable technology dividend effect.Second,China’s export dividend effect compensates for the negative effect of Chinese competition on trading partners’technological progress;the innovation effects attributable to China’s imports reinforce the positive effects of scale on technological progress.When innovation is factored in,the China dividend thus becomes further reinforced.Third,China’s merchandise imports have a diminishing positive effect on technological progress in trading partners as geographical distance increases,but trade in services transcends geographical boundaries,and the positive technological progress effect of China’s service imports do not diminish as distance increases.We find that the“China dividend”from China’s GVC participation is a significant contributor to technological progress in partner nations,and China’s imports are conducive to innovation and technological progress in developed countries in the long run.展开更多
Green technological innovation is crucial for the manufacturing industry’s green transformation and sustainable development.This study examines the impact of executive overconfidence on corporate green innovation,foc...Green technological innovation is crucial for the manufacturing industry’s green transformation and sustainable development.This study examines the impact of executive overconfidence on corporate green innovation,focusing on the internal drivers of corporate innovation and using a sample of Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed manufacturing companies from 2013 to 2020.We further examine the mediating role of digital transformation and the moderating role of external attention.The findings indicate that executive overconfidence promotes corporate green technological innovation.Overconfident executives enhance green innovation by accelerating digital transformation.Moreover,external attention from analysts and media positively moderates the relationship between executive overconfidence and corporate green innovation.Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the positive impact of executive overconfidence on green innovation is more significant in non-state-owned enterprises,high-tech firms,and enterprises with lower pollution levels.展开更多
China’s domestic animation industry is deeply rooted in its rich traditional cultural heritage.While continuously exploring and showcasing the unique charm of such cultural heritage through storytelling,imagery estab...China’s domestic animation industry is deeply rooted in its rich traditional cultural heritage.While continuously exploring and showcasing the unique charm of such cultural heritage through storytelling,imagery establishment,and spirit creation,Chinese animation also seamlessly integrates modern aesthetic characteristics and cultural values into its development within the context of the new era.By adopting a contemporary perspective,it innovatively expresses the essence of traditional culture while striving to shape and present a reliable,admirable and respectable image of China.Chinese animation aims to create credible contemporary animation images by drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese cultural archetypes.It also seeks to revitalize admirable traditional cultural imagery using vibrant and prevailing ACGN visuals,while shaping credible characters with richer cultural connotations and crafting stories with more enchanting plots to convey the spiritual essence of the Chinese nation.By establishing reliable,admirable and respectable animation images,the Chinese animation industry strives to enhance its capability to“tell China’s stories well and make the voice of China heard,”to better promote the image of China in the new era from a global perspective.展开更多
基金University of the Witwatersrand Additional funding is from the DSI-National Research Foundation(NRF)Thuthuka Grant(Grant UID:121973)and DSI-NRF CIMERA.
文摘The pursuit of improved quality of life standards has significantly influenced the contemporary mining model in the 21st century.This era is witnessing an unprecedented transformation driven by pressing concerns related to sustainability,climate change,the just energy transition,dynamic operating environments,and complex social challenges.Such transitions present both opportunities and obstacles.The aim of this study is to provide an extensive literature review on energy transition to identify the challenges and strategies associated with navigating transformations in energy systems.Understanding these transformations is particularly critical in the face of the severe consequences of global warming,where an accelerated energy transition is viewed as a universal remedy.Adopting a socio-technological systems perspective,specifically through the application of Actor Network Theory(ANT),this research provides a theoretical foundation while categorising challenges into five distinct domains and outlining strategies across these different dimensions.These insights are specifically tailored for emerging market countries to effectively navigate energy transition while fostering the development of resilient societies.Furthermore,our findings highlight that energy transition encompasses more than a mere technological shift;it entails fundamental changes in various systemic socio-economic imperatives.Through focusing on the role of social structures in transitions,this study makes a significant and innovative contribution to ANT,which has historically been criticised for its limited acknowledgement of social structures.Consequently,we propose an emerging market energy transition framework,which not only addresses technological aspects,but also integrates social considerations.This framework paves the way for future research and exploration of energy transition dynamics.The outcomes of this study offer valuable insights to policymakers,researchers,and practitioners engaged in the mining industry,enabling them to comprehend the multifaceted challenges involved and providing practical strategies for effective resolution.Through incorporating the social dimension into the analysis,we enhance the understanding of the complex nature of energy system transformations,facilitating a more holistic approach towards achieving sustainable and resilient energy transitions in emerging markets and beyond.
文摘The exploration of the way"mass entrepreneurship and innovation"(MEI)education influences students'aspirations to become entrepreneurs has grown into an important area of analysis in studies related to higher education.This research intends to examine the consequences of MEI education on students'tendency towards entrepreneurship,and to put forward methods for augmenting the teaching of innovation and entrepreneurship in private higher educational establishments.To achieve this objective,questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were employed in the study,which involved a total of 197 students and five education experts.The statistical analysis of the questionnaire data revealed that MEI education was positively related to students'entrepreneurial intentions,and that both entrepreneurial experience and family entrepreneurial background played moderating roles in this relationship.The interview findings indicated that private universities could enhance educational reforms by designing talent training programs,developing diversified curricula,and developing more professional entrepreneurial platforms to encourage students'entrepreneurial intentions.This study offers fresh insights for improving and perfecting the mechanism of innovation and entrepreneurship education in private universities.
基金supported by the China National Natural Sciences Fund Project(Nos.71874190 and 72403233)Jiangsu Provincial Department of Science and Technology Program(Innovation Support Program Soft Science Research)(No.BR2023016-4)+2 种基金China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2024M753503)Key Projects Funded by Jiangsu Social Science Fund(No.21GLA003)The Ministry of Education of Humanities and Social Science Project.
文摘The optimization of government subsidies to enhance the efficiency of coal companies’green transformation constitutes a critical component in the pursuit of global sustainability.We investigate the influence mechanism of government subsidies on the green transformation using data from the listed coal companies in China from 2007 to 2022.According to our findings and hypothesis testing,previous government subsidies did not have a significant direct impact on coal companies’green transformation.Nevertheless,government subsidies can help coal companies transition to greener practices by promoting innovative green initiatives.Furthermore,we confirmed an indirect route:that government subsidies enable the adoption of low-carbon initiatives,which in turn could facilitate the transition of coal companies towards green practices.In addition,we discovered that the coal company’s digitization will improve this indirect route.Thus,we propose increasing the effectiveness of government subsidies in facilitating coal companies’transition to green practices by focusing on technological advancements and enhancing company digitalization.
基金support from the Centre of Studies in Geography and Spatial Planning(CEGOT)funded by national funds through the Foundation for Science and Technology(FCT)under the reference UIDB/04084/2020.
文摘The world is facing dramatic challenges related to environmental sustainability at an accelerating pace.In this context,the field of economic geography(EG)has been playing an important role in understanding both the socioeconomic and technological dimensions of these challenges,as it deals with a variety of complementary notions and perspectives.Departing from this lens,our aim is to explore a conceptual framework that can help us to understand environmental changes relating to multi-dimensional territorial development,notably in eco-nomic contexts where inequality is high,and stratification based on hierarchies regulate social and economic life.Based on the territory concept,we propose the original notion of a hierarchical regional innovation system(HRIS)that emphasises the pervasive role of hierarchies(powers)in regional innovation systems and illustrate its value with evidence and case studies from extant literature on sustainability transitions.The HRIS can help us understand and promote development paths considering the contribution of inclusive eco-innovations(another original conceptual amalgam).Through some empirical cases from other studies in low-carbon transitions,we show the application of the HRIS(and inclusive eco-innovation)framework.In conclusion,we provide incen-tives to explore new regional innovation systems,alongside the HRIS,adapted to different regions worldwide and centred on the inclusiveness of people and places.
基金Under the auspices of Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42122006,41971154)。
文摘Firms are embedded in complex networks,where diverse ideas combine and generate new ideas.Shareholders of firms are of-ten seen as critical external resources that have significant influence on firm innovation.The current literature tends to focus on the rela-tionship between firms and their shareholders,while paying less attention to the connections between firms with the same shareholders.This article identifies two types of network spillover effects,intra-city network effect and inter-city network effect,by visualizing the co-ownership networks in China’s electric vehicle(EV)industry.We find that firms with the same shareholders,which are defined as co-owned EV firms,are more innovative than non-co-owned ones.Furthermore,there are two dominant types of firm co-ownership ties formed by corporate and financial institution shareholders.While corporate shareholders help exploiting local tacit knowledge,financial institutions are more active in bridging inter-city connections.The conclusion is confirmed at both firm and city levels.This paper theor-izes the firm co-ownership network as a new form of institutional proximity and tested the result empirically.For policy consideration,we have emphasized the importance of building formal or informal inter-firm network,and the government should further enhance the knowledge flow channel by institutional construction.
基金supported by the Sichuan province Science&Technology Department Crops Breeding Project(2021YFYZ0002)。
文摘The continued expansion of the world population,increasingly inconsistent climate and shrinking agricultural resources present major challenges to crop breeding.Fortunately,the increasing ability to discover and manipulate genes creates new opportunities to develop more productive and resilient cultivars.Many genes have been described in papers as being beneficial for yield increase.However,few of them have been translated into increased yield on farms.In contrast,commercial breeders are facing gene decidophobia,i.e.,puzzled about which gene to choose for breeding among the many identified,a huge chasm between gene discovery and cultivar innovation.The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the shortfalls in current gene discovery research and to emphasise the need to align with cultivar innovation.The methodology dictates that genetic studies not only focus on gene discovery but also pay good attention to the genetic backgrounds,experimental validation in relevant environments,appropriate crop management,and data reusability.The close of the gaps should accelerate the application of molecular study in breeding and contribute to future global food security.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(52388101 and 52242004)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFC320760301)+1 种基金Jiangsu Provincial Department of Science and Technology(BK20220012)Excellent Research Program of Nanjing University(ZYJH005)。
文摘Scientific and technological revolutions and industrial transformations have accelerated the rate of innovation in environmental engineering technologies.However,few researchers have evaluated the current status and future trends of technologies.This paper summarizes the current research status in eight major subfields of environmental engineering—water treatment,air pollution control,soil/solid waste management,environmental biotechnology,environmental engineering equipment,emerging contaminants,synergistic reduction of pollution and carbon emissions,and environmental risk and intelligent management—based on bibliometric analysis and future trends in greenization,low carbonization,and intelligentization.Disruptive technologies are further identified based on discontinuous transformation,and ten such technologies are proposed,covering general and specific fields,technical links,and value sources.Additionally,the background and key innovations in disruptive technologies are elucidated in detail.This study not only provides a scientific basis for strategic decision-making,planning,and implementation in the environmental engineering field but also offers methodological guidance for the research and determination of breakthrough technologies in other areas.
基金supported by the National Social Science Fund of China(No.22FGLB035)Fujian Provincial Federation of Social Sciences(No.FJ2023B109).
文摘Purpose:This study aims to explore how network intermediaries influence collaborative innovation performance within inter-organizational technological collaboration networks.Design/methodology/approach:This study employs a mixed-method approach,combining quantitative social network analysis with regression techniques to investigate the role of network intermediaries in collaborative innovation performance.Using a patent dataset of Chinese industrial enterprises,the research constructs the collaboration networks and analyzes their structural positions,particularly focusing on their role as intermediaries,characterized by betweenness centrality.Negative binomial regression analysis is employed to assess how these network characteristics shape innovation outcomes.Findings:The study reveals that firms in intermediary positions enhance collaborative innovation performance,but this effect is nuanced.A key finding is that network clustering negatively moderates the intermediary-innovation relationship.Highly clustered networks,while fostering local collaboration,may limit the innovation potential of intermediaries.On the other hand,relationship strength,measured by collaboration intensity and trust among firms,positively moderates the intermediary-innovation link.Research limitations:This study has several limitations that present opportunities for further research.The reliance on quantitative social network analysis may overlook the complexity of intermediaries’roles,and future studies could benefit from incorporating qualitative methods to better understand cultural and institutional factors.Additionally,cross-country comparisons are needed to assess the consistency of these dynamics in different contexts.Practical implications:The study offers practical insights for firms and policymakers.Organizations should strategically position themselves as network intermediaries to access diverse information and resources,thereby improving innovation performance.Building strong trust helps using network intermediary advantages.For firms in highly clustered networks,it is important to seek external partners to avoid limiting their exposure to new ideas and technologies.This research emphasizes the need to balance network diversity with relationship strength for sustained innovation.Originality/value:This research contributes to the literature by offering new insights into the role of network intermediaries,presenting a comprehensive framework for understanding the interaction between network dynamics and firm innovation.
基金Under the auspices of China Scholarship Council。
文摘Cross-region innovation is widely recognized as an important source of the long-term regional innovation capacity.In the recent past,a growing number of studies has investigated the network structure and mechanisms of cross-region innovation collaboration in various contexts.However,existing research mainly focuses on physical effects,such as geographical distance and high-speed railway connections.These studies ignore the intangible drivers in a changing environment,the more digitalized economy and the increasingly solidified innovation network structure.Thus,the focus of this study is on estimating determinants of innovation networks,especially on intangible drivers,which have been largely neglected so far.Using city-level data of Chinese patents(excluding Hong Kong,Macao,and Taiwan Province of China),we trace innovation networks across Chinese cities over a long period of time.By integrating a measure on Information and Communications Technology(ICT)development gap and network structural effects into the general proximity framework,this paper explores the changing mechanisms of Chinese innovation networks from a new perspective.The results show that the structure of cross-region innovation networks has changed in China.As mechanisms behind this development,the results confirm the increasingly important role of intangible drivers in Chinese inter-city innovation collaboration when controlling for effects of physical proximity,such as geographical distance.Since digitalization and coordinated development are the mainstream trends in China and other developing countries,these countries'inter-city innovation collaboration patterns will witness dramatic changes under the influence of intangible drivers.
基金Under the auspices of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42076222)。
文摘Marine science technology innovation provides power and guarantees for marine eco-civilization construction,which provides direction and material support for marine science technology innovation.Therefore,the coordinated development of the two is of great significance to the marine economy sustainable development in China’s coastal areas.On the basis of clarifying the connotations of marine science technology innovation and marine eco-civilization in China’s coastal areas from 2006 to 2019,the mechanism for their coordinated development was analysed.A comprehensive indicator system based on the connotation of the two was constructed,and the coordinated development relationship was empirically tested using the coupled coordination model and the panel vector autoregressive(PVAR)model.The results show that:1)the level of China’s coastal marine science technology innovation continues to improve,gradually forming the core of the development of marine science technology innovation in the north,east and south of Shandong,Shanghai and Guangdong;the level of marine eco-civilization development fluctuating upward trend,showing obvious spatial differentiation characteristics.2)The degree of coordination of marine science technology innovation and marine eco-civilization is growing over time.There is no causal relationship between marine science technology innovation and marine eco-civilization in the northern marine economic circle,but there is a two-way causal relationship between the two in the eastern and southern marine economic circles.3)Marine eco-civilization shows a significant positive and continuous impact on marine science technology innovation,and marine science technology innovation shows a long-term,continuous,fluctuating,and lagging impact on marine eco-civilization.The overall role of marine eco-civilization on marine science technology innovation is dominant,and there are significant differences in the impact effects of the two major marine economic circles.
文摘This comparative review explores the dynamic and evolving landscape of artificial intelligence(AI)-powered innovations within high-tech research and development(R&D).It delves into both theoreticalmodels and practical applications across a broad range of industries,including biotechnology,automotive,aerospace,and telecom-munications.By examining critical advancements in AI algorithms,machine learning,deep learning models,simulations,and predictive analytics,the review underscores the transformative role AI has played in advancing theoretical research and shaping cutting-edge technologies.The review integrates both qualitative and quantitative data derived from academic studies,industry reports,and real-world case studies to showcase the tangible impacts of AI on product innovation,process optimization,and strategic decision-making.Notably,it discusses the challenges of integrating AI within complex industrial systems,such as ethical concerns,technical limitations,and the need for regulatory oversight.The findings reveal a mixed landscape where AI has significantly accelerated R&D processes,reduced costs,and enabled more precise simulations and predictions,but also highlighted gaps in knowledge transfer,skills adaptation,and cross-industry standardization.By bridging the gap between AI theory and practice,the review offers insights into the effectiveness,successes,and obstacles faced by organizations as they implement AI-driven solutions.Concluding with a forward-looking perspective,the review identifies emerging trends,future challenges,and promising opportunities inAI-poweredR&D,such as the rise of autonomous systems,AI-driven drug discovery,and sustainable energy solutions.It offers a holistic understanding of how AI is shaping the future of technological innovation and provides actionable insights for researchers,engineers,and policymakers involved in high-tech Research and Development(R&D).
基金funded by the National Social Science Foundation of China-funded project “Research on the Theoretical Basis of Building a Modern Economic System in the New Era and the Construction of the Index System”(18KXS009)Sichuan’s provincial soft science project “A Study on the Path for Transformation Towards High-Quality Development in the Context of New Economy in Sichuan from the Perspective of Dual Circulation”(22JDR0261)
文摘This paper investigates the impact of provincial innovation-driven efficiency on the expansion of regional Outward Foreign Direct Investment(OFDI)flows within the context of China’s economy during the period 2011 to 2020 by measuring the innovation-driven efficiency and business environment index using the DEA-Malmquist index and the combined CRITIC weighting method from the new perspective of business environment improvement.The findings reveal that:(a)There is an inverted U-shaped relationship between provincial innovation-driven efficiency and regional OFDI flows.This increase in innovation-driven efficiency can promote OFDI expansion of the region by improving its business environment.(b)The improvement of the business environments plays a significant intermediary and synergistic role in OFDI expansion driven by improved innovation efficiency.(c)The study of regional heterogeneity suggests that the central region enjoys the longest window period in terms of innovation-driven OFDI expansion,followed by the eastern region while the western region has the shortest window period.The improvement of the business environment in the western region is more effective in driving regional OFDI expansion.This conclusion remained true after the robustness test.In conclusion,this paper offers a few policy recommendations that can help Chinese capital of various kinds go global more effectively.
基金funded by National Social Science Fund the Evolution of Japan’s Food Security Policy and Its Enlightenment to China[Grant No.22CSS016].
文摘This study explored the factors influencing cooperative innovation in environmentally friendly agricultural biotechnology in China.First,we constructed an evolutionary game model comprising the factors of net income of cooperative innovation,net income of independent innovation,market constraints,and government subsidies.Using MATLAB simulation,we assigned different values to the aforementioned variables to explore the evolutionary trend of innovators’willingness to cooperate.Results showed that when the values of net income of cooperative innovation,net income of independent innovation,market constraints,and government subsidies exceeded the threshold,innovators’willingness to cooperate was significantly enhanced.Furthermore,the proportion of innovators who cooperated with others gradually increased to 100%;otherwise,it gradually decreased to 0%.Comparing the simulation curve with the real evolution curve of cooperative innovation in agricultural biotechnology in China,we found that the gradual decline in the willingness to cooperate could be due to insufficient subsidies for cooperative innovation,low income from cooperative innovation,weak profitability of innovators,and weak market constraints.
基金supported by the Research Center for Aging Career and Industrial Development,Sichuan Key Research Base of Social Sciences[Grant No.XJLL2022009].
文摘Global population aging trends are intensifying,presenting multifaceted economic and social challenges for countries worldwide.As the world’s largest developing country,China has entered a phase of extreme demographic aging,posing significant questions about its impact on the ongoing upgrading of industrial structures.How does this demographic shift influence the upgrading of industrial structures,and does technological innovation mitigate or exacerbate this impact?The empirical results indicate that population aging impedes upgrading the industrial structure,while technological innovation positively affects the relationship between the two.Moreover,using technological innovation as a threshold variable,the impact of population aging on industrial structure upgrading evolves in a“gradient”manner from“impediment”to“insignificant”to“promotion”as the technological innovation levels increase.These findings offer practical guidance for tailoring industrial policies to different stages of technological advancement.
基金support was obtained from the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities[Grant No.JBK2307090].
文摘With intensifying global climate change,humanity is confronted with unparalleled environmental challenges and risks.This study employs the staggered difference-in-difference model to examine the relationship between climate policy and green innovation in the corporate financialization context.Using Chinese-listed company data from 2008 to 2020,our analysis reveals a favorable correlation between China’s carbon emission trading policy(CCTP)and advancements in green innovation.Furthermore,we find that the level of corporate financialization moderates this correlation,diminishing the driving effect of CCTP on green innovation.Additionally,results of heterogeneity analysis show that this moderating consequence is more evident in non-state owned and low-digitization enterprises compared with state-owned and high-digitization ones.Our findings contribute to the existing literature by clarifying the interaction between CCTP,green innovation,and corporate financialization.Our research provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to strengthen climate policies and encourages green innovation in different types of businesses.
基金Supported by the Zhejiang Province Soft Science Research Project(2023C35006)。
文摘Based on the panel data of 29 provincial administrative regions in China from 2011 to 2022,this study uses the entropy weighting method and the global super-efficiency SBM model to evaluate and measure the public libraries construction level and innovation efficiency in China,uses the vector autoregression model,theαconvergence model and theβconvergence model to evaluate and test whether there is a positive linkage effect between public libraries construction and innovation efficiency,and uses the coupling coordination model to calculate and analyze the coupling coordination degree between public libraries construction and innovation efficiency.The results show that China’s public libraries construction and innovation efficiency are generally in a good development trend,but there is still a large gap from reaching a high level.There is a positive linkage effect between China’s public libraries construction and innovation efficiency,which can not only promote each other’s development,but also drive each other to achieve regional balanced development.The coupling coordination degree between China’s public libraries construction and innovation efficiency is showing a steady upward trend,but it is still on the verge of imbalance as a whole,and the eastern region is significantly better than the central region and western region.The results reveal the positive linkage effect between public libraries construction and innovation efficiency,which has enlightenment significance for building a strong country in culture and innovation.Based on this,this study puts forward suggestions on increasing investment in public libraries construction,optimizing the configuration structure of innovation factors,and strengthening the deep integration of public libraries construction and innovation activities,so as to give full play to the positive linkage effect between public libraries construction and innovation efficiency.
基金supported by the Ningbo Polytechnic Industry-Education Integration Research Project(NZ23CJ05Z)the Ningbo Municipal Philosophy and Social Science Project(G2023-2-Z11)the Soft Science Project of Zhejiang Science and Technology Department,China(2024C35096).
文摘Coordinative development across various systems,particularly the economic,social,cultural,and human resources subsystems,is a key aspect of urban sustainability and has a direct impact on the quality of urbanization.The Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle,comprising Hangzhou City,Huzhou City,Jiaxing City,and Shaoxing City,was the first metropolitan circle approved by the National Development and Reform Commission(NDRC)as a demonstration of economic transformation in China.To evaluate the coupling coordination degree of the four cities and analyze the coordinative development in three systems(including digital economy,regional innovation,and talent employment),we collected panel data during 2015–2022 from these four cities.The development level of the three systems was evaluated by the standard deviation method and comprehensive development index.The results are as follows:(1)the level of coupling coordinated development of the three systems in the Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle was relatively low;(2)the coupling coordination degree of the four cities in the Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle showed significant regional differences,among which Hangzhou City was in the leading position,and Huzhou,Jiaxing,and Shaoxing cities made steady but slow progress in the coupling development of the three systems;and(3)the development of digital economy and talent employment needs to be strengthened.This study contributes to the coordinative development of Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle by innovatively focusing on the coupling coordination relationship among digital economy,regional innovation,and talent employment,which also meets the industrial layout of Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle.In this way,the optimal allocation and sustainable development of digital economy,regional innovation,and talent employment in the Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle can be achieved.
文摘This paper explores the effects of China’s global value chain(GVC)participation on technological progress in trading-partner countries based on estimated data on value-added trade between China and 52 trading partners.We find that,first,although China’s exports lowered the total factor productivity(TFP)of its trading partners(competitive effect),its imports greatly increased trading partners’TFP(effect of scale).This implies that China’s GVC participation is beneficial to its trading partners’technological progress in the form of a considerable technology dividend effect.Second,China’s export dividend effect compensates for the negative effect of Chinese competition on trading partners’technological progress;the innovation effects attributable to China’s imports reinforce the positive effects of scale on technological progress.When innovation is factored in,the China dividend thus becomes further reinforced.Third,China’s merchandise imports have a diminishing positive effect on technological progress in trading partners as geographical distance increases,but trade in services transcends geographical boundaries,and the positive technological progress effect of China’s service imports do not diminish as distance increases.We find that the“China dividend”from China’s GVC participation is a significant contributor to technological progress in partner nations,and China’s imports are conducive to innovation and technological progress in developed countries in the long run.
基金This paper was funded by the Science and Technology Research Project of Chongqing Municipal Education Commission entitled“Research on Pricing of ETFs and Their Derivatives Driven by Multi-source Heterogeneous Data”(No.KJQN202300567).
文摘Green technological innovation is crucial for the manufacturing industry’s green transformation and sustainable development.This study examines the impact of executive overconfidence on corporate green innovation,focusing on the internal drivers of corporate innovation and using a sample of Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed manufacturing companies from 2013 to 2020.We further examine the mediating role of digital transformation and the moderating role of external attention.The findings indicate that executive overconfidence promotes corporate green technological innovation.Overconfident executives enhance green innovation by accelerating digital transformation.Moreover,external attention from analysts and media positively moderates the relationship between executive overconfidence and corporate green innovation.Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the positive impact of executive overconfidence on green innovation is more significant in non-state-owned enterprises,high-tech firms,and enterprises with lower pollution levels.
基金funded by “Multi-dimensional Reconstruction and Symbol Hybridity:Research on Innovative Expression of Traditional Culture in Domestic Animated Films”(WHCY2023B28)a project funded by the Cultural Industry Development Research Center of Sichuan Provincial Key Research Base of Philosophy and Social Sciences+1 种基金funded by “An Intertextual Analysis of Li Bing’s Story from a Cross-media Perspective”(RX2300002875)a research project funded by the Li Bing Research Center at the Sichuan Provincial Key Research Base of Philosophy and Social Sciences
文摘China’s domestic animation industry is deeply rooted in its rich traditional cultural heritage.While continuously exploring and showcasing the unique charm of such cultural heritage through storytelling,imagery establishment,and spirit creation,Chinese animation also seamlessly integrates modern aesthetic characteristics and cultural values into its development within the context of the new era.By adopting a contemporary perspective,it innovatively expresses the essence of traditional culture while striving to shape and present a reliable,admirable and respectable image of China.Chinese animation aims to create credible contemporary animation images by drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese cultural archetypes.It also seeks to revitalize admirable traditional cultural imagery using vibrant and prevailing ACGN visuals,while shaping credible characters with richer cultural connotations and crafting stories with more enchanting plots to convey the spiritual essence of the Chinese nation.By establishing reliable,admirable and respectable animation images,the Chinese animation industry strives to enhance its capability to“tell China’s stories well and make the voice of China heard,”to better promote the image of China in the new era from a global perspective.
