Pub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2025-12-23DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103207
Sarah V. Bentley, Emma Schleiger, Rod McCrea, Rebecca Coates, Elizabeth Hobman
Scientific and technological innovation has become a contested area of societal progress, often compounded by rising levels of societal mistrust and populist thinking. Responding to this, scholars and practitioners are deeply contemplating public ethics, accountability, and risk. At the heart of this motivation lies the domain of Responsible Innovation, where academics alongside applied stakeholders are endeavouring to align the values of innovation with those of society. To further our understanding of value alignment across the diversity of public opinion, this research maps opinions of science and technology through the lens of responsible practice using segmentation analysis on a large Australian sample (N = 2127). We find opinion divided into four typologies: Champions (22 %); Supporters (40 %); Moderates (30 %); and Sceptics (8 %). To investigate the impact of mistrust on these typologies, we assessed their relationship to both mistrust of society and of science, as measured by conspiratorial thinking and anti-science populism. Data showed levels of mistrust to be moderate across all typologies, but societal mistrust to be significantly higher for Sceptics. This research provides a benchmark for public opinions of responsible scientific and technological innovation against which other studies can compare. Moreover, results suggest that societal mistrust may be influencing perceptions of science across all typologies, but particularly for those normally perceived as disinterested or disengaged. These results call for a more concerted application of informed Responsible Innovation principles with which to deliver Responsible Innovation practice.
{"title":"Australian public opinions of responsible innovation: Understanding its champions, supporters, moderates, and sceptics","authors":"Sarah V. Bentley, Emma Schleiger, Rod McCrea, Rebecca Coates, Elizabeth Hobman","doi":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103207","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103207","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Scientific and technological innovation has become a contested area of societal progress, often compounded by rising levels of societal mistrust and populist thinking. Responding to this, scholars and practitioners are deeply contemplating public ethics, accountability, and risk. At the heart of this motivation lies the domain of Responsible Innovation, where academics alongside applied stakeholders are endeavouring to align the values of innovation with those of society. To further our understanding of value alignment across the diversity of public opinion, this research maps opinions of science and technology through the lens of responsible practice using segmentation analysis on a large Australian sample (<em>N</em> = 2127). We find opinion divided into four typologies: Champions (22 %); Supporters (40 %); Moderates (30 %); and Sceptics (8 %). To investigate the impact of mistrust on these typologies, we assessed their relationship to both mistrust of society and of science, as measured by conspiratorial thinking and anti-science populism. Data showed levels of mistrust to be moderate across <em>all</em> typologies, but societal mistrust to be significantly higher for Sceptics. This research provides a benchmark for public opinions of responsible scientific and technological innovation against which other studies can compare. Moreover, results suggest that societal mistrust may be influencing perceptions of science across all typologies, but particularly for those normally perceived as disinterested or disengaged. These results call for a more concerted application of informed Responsible Innovation principles with which to deliver Responsible Innovation practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47979,"journal":{"name":"Technology in Society","volume":"85 ","pages":"Article 103207"},"PeriodicalIF":12.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-01-14DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2026.103239
Ming Zhu , Prashant Sharma , Salwa Saleh Almasabi , Varun Chotia , Gian Luca Gregori , Manlio Del Giudice
Digital circular platforms are a new form of socio-technical ecosystems integrating digital technologies, financial innovation and organizational sustainability practices designed to build resilience and regenerative value. This research studied the effect of digital platform functionality, digital governance maturity and platform-based financial mechanism on financial and accounting resilience through the mediating impact of organisational culture for sustainability and circular business model innovation. Using dynamic capabilities view and socio-technical systems theory as a theoretical foundation, the current research develops and tests a serial mediation model using data from 297 professionals. Digital governance maturity and platform-based financial mechanism improve financial and accounting resilience significantly to a considerable degree. Organisational culture for sustainability and circular business model innovation exhibit serial mediating effects. Thus, it confirms that a mechanism exists between digital and financial enablers leading to resilience outcomes. The considerable variance in financial and accounting resilience can be explained by the model. Therefore, it can be inferred that adaptive governance and innovation-driven culture are critical to sustaining circular digital ecosystems. This study enhances the understanding of how digital governance and circular innovation are linked through organizational culture-based mediating pathways. Practically, it provides actionable guidance for platform managers and policymakers to facilitate their establishment of integrative digital financial and accounting systems that generate resilience, adaptability, and long-term sustainability for circular business systems.
{"title":"Reinforcing financial and accounting resilience in digital circular platforms: The strategic role of digital governance and organizational culture","authors":"Ming Zhu , Prashant Sharma , Salwa Saleh Almasabi , Varun Chotia , Gian Luca Gregori , Manlio Del Giudice","doi":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2026.103239","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2026.103239","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Digital circular platforms are a new form of socio-technical ecosystems integrating digital technologies, financial innovation and organizational sustainability practices designed to build resilience and regenerative value. This research studied the effect of digital platform functionality, digital governance maturity and platform-based financial mechanism on financial and accounting resilience through the mediating impact of organisational culture for sustainability and circular business model innovation. Using dynamic capabilities view and socio-technical systems theory as a theoretical foundation, the current research develops and tests a serial mediation model using data from 297 professionals. Digital governance maturity and platform-based financial mechanism improve financial and accounting resilience significantly to a considerable degree. Organisational culture for sustainability and circular business model innovation exhibit serial mediating effects. Thus, it confirms that a mechanism exists between digital and financial enablers leading to resilience outcomes. The considerable variance in financial and accounting resilience can be explained by the model. Therefore, it can be inferred that adaptive governance and innovation-driven culture are critical to sustaining circular digital ecosystems. This study enhances the understanding of how digital governance and circular innovation are linked through organizational culture-based mediating pathways. Practically, it provides actionable guidance for platform managers and policymakers to facilitate their establishment of integrative digital financial and accounting systems that generate resilience, adaptability, and long-term sustainability for circular business systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47979,"journal":{"name":"Technology in Society","volume":"85 ","pages":"Article 103239"},"PeriodicalIF":12.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2025-11-10DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103162
Huma Iftikhar , Luo Guang , Atta Ullah
This research pioneers the assessment of the progress, demand, and future potential of financial technology (FinTech) in 148 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries from 2004 to 2023. For this purpose, FinTech index is constructed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) from 19 indicators, based on five dimensions: (1) digital and technological infrastructure, (2) access to tech-enabled financial services, (3) usage of tech-enabled financial services, (4) knowledge transfer, and (5) digital governance and enabling environment. The methodological credibility and robustness of the FinTech composite were ensured by using a two-step system GMM, parallel trend analysis, difference-in-differences (DiD), and propensity score matching-difference-in-differences (PSM-DiD). In empirical analysis, “Digital Silk Road” is incorporated as a policy variable, whereas research and development, regulatory governance, tax revenue of GDP, inflation, and government spending serve as covariates. An increasing trend was observed from 2015 to 2023, implying that accelerating FinTech adoption was observed after the “Digital Silk Road” initiative of 2015, driven by demand-side pull (smartphone/e-commerce diffusion) and supply-side push (digital infrastructure and pro-FinTech regulation). Further, sub-group income- and region-wise heatmaps in Origin 2025 visually uncovered income and regional disparities in FinTech development. East Asian and European countries emerged as regional FinTech leaders, while African, particularly sub-Saharan economies, reflected weak regulatory frameworks, limited digital financial literacy, and infrastructure deficiencies. This research also serves as an analytical tool for country-wise decomposition, identifying strengths and weaknesses in FinTech adoption and highlighting areas for policy intervention. From 2015 to 2023, Korea ranked highest in BRI-FTI, followed by China and Seychelles, implying the best FinTech ecosystem, whereas Somalia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea have weak FinTech ecosystems. The research introduces new perspectives and serves as a valuable guide for governments, legislators, industries, and financial institutions for tailored policy strategies based on a country's specific development context by integrating a demand–supply lens that attributes outcomes to both consumer uptake and infrastructure/regulatory supply. The findings highlight the urgency of cross-border knowledge exchange, regulatory harmonization, and digital upskilling to bridge the divide between BRI countries. Across Belt and Road corridors, the BRI—especially the Digital Silk Road—expanded the supply of digital rails and enabled regulation while deeper trade, tourism, and platform spillovers amplified demand for cross-border payments, credit, and e-commerce.
{"title":"A multi-dimensional FinTech composite integrating infrastructure, access, usage, knowledge transfer, and governance-by-technology: The role of digital silk road policy in BRI economies","authors":"Huma Iftikhar , Luo Guang , Atta Ullah","doi":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103162","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103162","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This research pioneers the assessment of the progress, demand, and future potential of financial technology (FinTech) in 148 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries from 2004 to 2023. For this purpose, FinTech index is constructed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) from 19 indicators, based on five dimensions: (1) digital and technological infrastructure, (2) access to tech-enabled financial services, (3) usage of tech-enabled financial services, (4) knowledge transfer, and (5) digital governance and enabling environment. The methodological credibility and robustness of the FinTech composite were ensured by using a two-step system GMM, parallel trend analysis, difference-in-differences (DiD), and propensity score matching-difference-in-differences (PSM-DiD). In empirical analysis, “Digital Silk Road” is incorporated as a policy variable, whereas research and development, regulatory governance, tax revenue of GDP, inflation, and government spending serve as covariates. An increasing trend was observed from 2015 to 2023, implying that accelerating FinTech adoption was observed after the “Digital Silk Road” initiative of 2015, driven by demand-side pull (smartphone/e-commerce diffusion) and supply-side push (digital infrastructure and pro-FinTech regulation). Further, sub-group income- and region-wise heatmaps in Origin 2025 visually uncovered income and regional disparities in FinTech development. East Asian and European countries emerged as regional FinTech leaders, while African, particularly sub-Saharan economies, reflected weak regulatory frameworks, limited digital financial literacy, and infrastructure deficiencies. This research also serves as an analytical tool for country-wise decomposition, identifying strengths and weaknesses in FinTech adoption and highlighting areas for policy intervention. From 2015 to 2023, Korea ranked highest in BRI-FTI, followed by China and Seychelles, implying the best FinTech ecosystem, whereas Somalia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea have weak FinTech ecosystems. The research introduces new perspectives and serves as a valuable guide for governments, legislators, industries, and financial institutions for tailored policy strategies based on a country's specific development context by integrating a demand–supply lens that attributes outcomes to both consumer uptake and infrastructure/regulatory supply. The findings highlight the urgency of cross-border knowledge exchange, regulatory harmonization, and digital upskilling to bridge the divide between BRI countries. Across Belt and Road corridors, the BRI—especially the Digital Silk Road—expanded the supply of digital rails and enabled regulation while deeper trade, tourism, and platform spillovers amplified demand for cross-border payments, credit, and e-commerce.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47979,"journal":{"name":"Technology in Society","volume":"85 ","pages":"Article 103162"},"PeriodicalIF":12.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2025-11-10DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103158
Carlos Parra-López , Carmen Carmona-Torres
The intensification of agriculture is a primary driver of global biodiversity decline. In response, the European Union (EU) is promoting a transition towards sustainable, biodiversity-friendly agriculture. This article explores how digital/4.0 technologies — such as remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology — can support this transition, based on a scoping thematic literature review of 127 articles published between 2021 and 2025. The analysis identifies three potential pathways: (1) mitigating the negative impacts of intensive farming, (2) enhancing habitat and species monitoring, and (3) strengthening the knowledge base for policy and decision-making. We link these technological opportunities to EU policy objectives, highlighting the critical interplay between innovation and regulation. However, significant technical, socio-economic and environmental challenges, including data interoperability, the digital divide and potential rebound effects, hinder widespread adoption. The primary contribution of this paper is its synthesis of the technology–policy nexus in the agri-biodiversity transition, offering a structured framework for both theoretical understanding and practical application. In conclusion, realising the potential of these technologies requires interdisciplinary collaboration, targeted policy support and proactive risk management, ensuring that technological advancements genuinely contribute to biodiversity conservation. The EU's experience can inform future policies by providing insights for reconciling agricultural production with biodiversity on a global scale.
{"title":"The role of digital/4.0 technologies in the agri-biodiversity transition: Potential pathways and lessons from the European Union","authors":"Carlos Parra-López , Carmen Carmona-Torres","doi":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103158","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103158","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The intensification of agriculture is a primary driver of global biodiversity decline. In response, the European Union (EU) is promoting a transition towards sustainable, biodiversity-friendly agriculture. This article explores how digital/4.0 technologies — such as remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology — can support this transition, based on a scoping thematic literature review of 127 articles published between 2021 and 2025. The analysis identifies three potential pathways: (1) mitigating the negative impacts of intensive farming, (2) enhancing habitat and species monitoring, and (3) strengthening the knowledge base for policy and decision-making. We link these technological opportunities to EU policy objectives, highlighting the critical interplay between innovation and regulation. However, significant technical, socio-economic and environmental challenges, including data interoperability, the digital divide and potential rebound effects, hinder widespread adoption. The primary contribution of this paper is its synthesis of the technology–policy nexus in the agri-biodiversity transition, offering a structured framework for both theoretical understanding and practical application. In conclusion, realising the potential of these technologies requires interdisciplinary collaboration, targeted policy support and proactive risk management, ensuring that technological advancements genuinely contribute to biodiversity conservation. The EU's experience can inform future policies by providing insights for reconciling agricultural production with biodiversity on a global scale.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47979,"journal":{"name":"Technology in Society","volume":"85 ","pages":"Article 103158"},"PeriodicalIF":12.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527399","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2025-11-29DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103183
Bennet Francis , Tynke Schepers , Andrea Porcari , Philip Brey
This paper introduces the Societal Readiness Tool (SRT), an approach that supports actors in product design and innovation in aligning product development with societal needs and expectations. The tool serves two functions. First, it provides guidance for developers, enabling them to navigate the product development process in a manner that builds in ethical, legal and social impact considerations from the very earliest stages. Second, the tool enables developers and other stakeholders to conduct qualitative self-assessments of the societal readiness level of a product. The substantive claim embodied by the tool is that technical and commercial readiness of new products should be supplemented by societal readiness, which is accomplished by embedding concern for ethical, legal and social impacts in product development.
{"title":"A societal readiness tool for responsible product innovation","authors":"Bennet Francis , Tynke Schepers , Andrea Porcari , Philip Brey","doi":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103183","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103183","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper introduces the Societal Readiness Tool (SRT), an approach that supports actors in product design and innovation in aligning product development with societal needs and expectations. The tool serves two functions. First, it provides guidance for developers, enabling them to navigate the product development process in a manner that builds in ethical, legal and social impact considerations from the very earliest stages. Second, the tool enables developers and other stakeholders to conduct qualitative self-assessments of the societal readiness level of a product. The substantive claim embodied by the tool is that technical and commercial readiness of new products should be supplemented by societal readiness, which is accomplished by embedding concern for ethical, legal and social impacts in product development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47979,"journal":{"name":"Technology in Society","volume":"85 ","pages":"Article 103183"},"PeriodicalIF":12.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145746920","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103192
Jinbao Wen , Xiang Yu , Wei Yang
This study examines the spatio-temporal shifts, driving mechanisms, and structural resilience of Global Innovation Networks (GINs) by leveraging transnational patent data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (2003–2023). Through Social Network Analysis (SNA), Temporal Exponential Random Graph Models (TERGM), and Network Resilience Assessment Modeling (NRAM), we deliver a dynamic and multi-level analysis of GINs. Findings indicate that GINs maintain small-world properties and a stable core-periphery architecture, while experiencing a marked eastward shift in influential nodes. The traditional Western-centered core has expanded to incorporate emerging economies such as China, India, and South Korea, signaling a decentralization of global innovation activity. TERGM results reveal multi-level drivers: endogenous structures such as reciprocity and triadic closure guide self-organization; actor attributes exhibit asymmetric effects, where patent protection strength, political stability, and market size attract innovation inflows, whereas economic scale and trade promote outflows; exogenous proximities show cultural similarity fosters connections, while geographic and administrative distances act as barriers. Notably, knowledge distance's constraining role weakens when accounting for structural embeddedness. NRAM assessments show that GIN resilience has strengthened over time, with improved tolerance to both targeted and random disruptions. Yet systemic vulnerability persists through a limited set of core nations (including the US, China, and Germany)—whose failure may trigger broad instability. By incorporating endogenous dynamics, seldom-studied exogenous factors, and resilience into a unified framework, this research advances GIN theory and offers strategic insights for governance and global patent planning amid systemic uncertainties.
{"title":"Spatio-temporal shifts, driving mechanisms, and resilience dynamics: Unraveling the evolution of global innovation networks (2003–2023)","authors":"Jinbao Wen , Xiang Yu , Wei Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103192","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103192","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines the spatio-temporal shifts, driving mechanisms, and structural resilience of Global Innovation Networks (GINs) by leveraging transnational patent data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (2003–2023). Through Social Network Analysis (SNA), Temporal Exponential Random Graph Models (TERGM), and Network Resilience Assessment Modeling (NRAM), we deliver a dynamic and multi-level analysis of GINs. Findings indicate that GINs maintain small-world properties and a stable core-periphery architecture, while experiencing a marked eastward shift in influential nodes. The traditional Western-centered core has expanded to incorporate emerging economies such as China, India, and South Korea, signaling a decentralization of global innovation activity. TERGM results reveal multi-level drivers: endogenous structures such as reciprocity and triadic closure guide self-organization; actor attributes exhibit asymmetric effects, where patent protection strength, political stability, and market size attract innovation inflows, whereas economic scale and trade promote outflows; exogenous proximities show cultural similarity fosters connections, while geographic and administrative distances act as barriers. Notably, knowledge distance's constraining role weakens when accounting for structural embeddedness. NRAM assessments show that GIN resilience has strengthened over time, with improved tolerance to both targeted and random disruptions. Yet systemic vulnerability persists through a limited set of core nations (including the US, China, and Germany)—whose failure may trigger broad instability. By incorporating endogenous dynamics, seldom-studied exogenous factors, and resilience into a unified framework, this research advances GIN theory and offers strategic insights for governance and global patent planning amid systemic uncertainties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47979,"journal":{"name":"Technology in Society","volume":"85 ","pages":"Article 103192"},"PeriodicalIF":12.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145746922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2025-12-03DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103188
Luca Cacciolatti , Soo Hee Lee , Michael Christofi , Ioannis Christodoulou , Su Ha Van
This study develops a conceptual framework to theorise how digitally augmented Communities of Practice (CoPs), such as the Slow Food Movement, can support sustainable food systems transformation through advanced knowledge management. Although digital innovation is increasingly applied in agri-food systems, much of the literature remains technocentric, focusing on infrastructure and automation, while overlooking how digital tools mediate community-based knowledge flows and adaptive capabilities. Addressing this gap, we integrate Nonaka and Takeuchi's SECI model with Teece's dynamic capabilities framework to examine how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Metaverse technologies enable CoPs to create, share, and transform knowledge.
The main contribution is the DEKA-CoPs model (Digitally Enabled Knowledge Architecture in Communities of Practice), which explains how digital mediation can enhance epistemic agility, collaborative innovation, and system adaptability. Methodologically, the paper uses a theory-building approach to develop four propositions that can guide future empirical work.
This framework advances knowledge management and sustainability literature by shifting the focus from firm-based innovation to digitally enabled, community-led knowledge infrastructures. It offers practical implications for policymakers, technologists, and sustainability practitioners interested in designing inclusive, adaptive platforms that embed local knowledge in agri-food transitions.
{"title":"Digital communities of practice and the knowledge transformation cycle: Enabling sustainable food systems through AI and Metaverse technologies","authors":"Luca Cacciolatti , Soo Hee Lee , Michael Christofi , Ioannis Christodoulou , Su Ha Van","doi":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103188","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103188","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study develops a conceptual framework to theorise how digitally augmented Communities of Practice (CoPs), such as the Slow Food Movement, can support sustainable food systems transformation through advanced knowledge management. Although digital innovation is increasingly applied in agri-food systems, much of the literature remains technocentric, focusing on infrastructure and automation, while overlooking how digital tools mediate community-based knowledge flows and adaptive capabilities. Addressing this gap, we integrate Nonaka and Takeuchi's SECI model with Teece's dynamic capabilities framework to examine how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Metaverse technologies enable CoPs to create, share, and transform knowledge.</div><div>The main contribution is the DEKA-CoPs model (Digitally Enabled Knowledge Architecture in Communities of Practice), which explains how digital mediation can enhance epistemic agility, collaborative innovation, and system adaptability. Methodologically, the paper uses a theory-building approach to develop four propositions that can guide future empirical work.</div><div>This framework advances knowledge management and sustainability literature by shifting the focus from firm-based innovation to digitally enabled, community-led knowledge infrastructures. It offers practical implications for policymakers, technologists, and sustainability practitioners interested in designing inclusive, adaptive platforms that embed local knowledge in agri-food transitions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47979,"journal":{"name":"Technology in Society","volume":"85 ","pages":"Article 103188"},"PeriodicalIF":12.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145747701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103187
Salman Hamid , Ke Wang , Xiang Zhang
In recent times, the global environmental repercussions have intensified the imminent threat of global warming and climate change. In response, implementing innovative approaches and sustainable practices for ecological preservation remains a considerable challenge even for developed nations, such as G7. It is therefore inevitable to identify key factors driving the progress of environmental sustainability. Motivated by this, the current research is an earliest attempt which delve the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), eco-innovation efficiency (EIE), environmental policy stringency (EPS), and green growth (GG) on load capacity factor (LCF) under the load capacity curve (LCC) framework to achieve environmental sustainability in G7 countries. In this regard, innovative approaches of Driscoll-Kraay standard errors (DKSE) and panel-corrected standard errors (PCSE) are employed to investigate the long-run relationships, using the data from 1990 to 2020. The findings highlight that: (i) eco-innovation efficiency primarily promotes environmental sustainability by improving load capacity factor, which is advantageous for G7 countries; (ii) artificial intelligence, environmental policy stringency, and green growth inhabits environmental sustainability by decreasing load capacity factor, which are detrimental for G7 countries; (iii) the LCC hypothesis is invalid in G7 countries illustrating an inverted “U-shaped” relationship between income and LCF. This implies that economic growth initially improves environmental sustainability but later deteriorates the environment after reaching a certain threshold. These findings emphasize that decision-makers should restructure energy and environmental policies for G7 countries by prioritizing AI technologies, augmenting stringent environmental policies, implementing clean energy initiatives, and decoupling economic growth and resource consumption along with further strengthening ecologically efficient technologies.
{"title":"Unraveling the role of artificial intelligence, eco-innovation efficiency, and stringent environmental policies in environmental sustainability: Is the load capacity curve hypothesis true in G7 economies?","authors":"Salman Hamid , Ke Wang , Xiang Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103187","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103187","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent times, the global environmental repercussions have intensified the imminent threat of global warming and climate change. In response, implementing innovative approaches and sustainable practices for ecological preservation remains a considerable challenge even for developed nations, such as G7. It is therefore inevitable to identify key factors driving the progress of environmental sustainability. Motivated by this, the current research is an earliest attempt which delve the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), eco-innovation efficiency (EIE), environmental policy stringency (EPS), and green growth (GG) on load capacity factor (LCF) under the load capacity curve (LCC) framework to achieve environmental sustainability in G7 countries. In this regard, innovative approaches of Driscoll-Kraay standard errors (DKSE) and panel-corrected standard errors (PCSE) are employed to investigate the long-run relationships, using the data from 1990 to 2020. The findings highlight that: (i) eco-innovation efficiency primarily promotes environmental sustainability by improving load capacity factor, which is advantageous for G7 countries; (ii) artificial intelligence, environmental policy stringency, and green growth inhabits environmental sustainability by decreasing load capacity factor, which are detrimental for G7 countries; (iii) the LCC hypothesis is invalid in G7 countries illustrating an inverted “U-shaped” relationship between income and LCF. This implies that economic growth initially improves environmental sustainability but later deteriorates the environment after reaching a certain threshold. These findings emphasize that decision-makers should restructure energy and environmental policies for G7 countries by prioritizing AI technologies, augmenting stringent environmental policies, implementing clean energy initiatives, and decoupling economic growth and resource consumption along with further strengthening ecologically efficient technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47979,"journal":{"name":"Technology in Society","volume":"85 ","pages":"Article 103187"},"PeriodicalIF":12.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145690543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103186
Muhammad Sadiq , Ka Yin Chau , Massoud Moslehpour , Ivan Brezina , Mei Kei Leong
The study explores how digital platform integration, innovation network strength, and institutional support for sustainability affect the circular economy adoption (CEA) through innovation ecosystem dynamism (IED), where digital transformation readiness (DTR) acts as a moderator in Cambodia and Vietnam. A cross-sectional quantitative method was used to gather information from 900 respondents, 450 each from country. Findings denote that digital platform, innovation networks, and institutional support have a significant effect on IED, which consequently enhances CEA. DTR enhances these relations directly and indirectly, which demonstrates its significance in circular transformation. The comparisons across countries demonstrate that there are differences in contexts related to a circular economy transition. The effects on CEA in Vietnam are more consistent across all paths and, as a result, the effect of digital platform and IED is stronger. The mediating role of innovation network and institutional support on IED is greater in Vietnam because of the moderation of DTR. The relationship and moderation effect in Cambodia are significantly lower, but not negligible, which suggests that there are discrepancies in structural and digital readiness. These contextual differences indicate how digital and institutional maturity can shape the resource orchestration towards sustainability. The research advances theory by integrating digital transformation, innovation ecosystems, and institutional support into a new, moderated mediation framework. In Vietnam, policymakers and managers should take advantage of more advanced digital platforms and stable policies to accelerate CEA. In Cambodia, investment in digital infrastructure and institutional support is essential to overcome structural barriers and boost CEA. As one of the first empirical studies using a moderated mediation model in trans-country Southeast Asia, this research demonstrates how digital preparedness shapes circular transitions.
{"title":"Digital platforms, innovation networks, and institutional support in circular economy adoption: A moderated mediation analysis in Emerging Economies","authors":"Muhammad Sadiq , Ka Yin Chau , Massoud Moslehpour , Ivan Brezina , Mei Kei Leong","doi":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103186","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103186","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study explores how digital platform integration, innovation network strength, and institutional support for sustainability affect the circular economy adoption (CEA) through innovation ecosystem dynamism (IED), where digital transformation readiness (DTR) acts as a moderator in Cambodia and Vietnam. A cross-sectional quantitative method was used to gather information from 900 respondents, 450 each from country. Findings denote that digital platform, innovation networks, and institutional support have a significant effect on IED, which consequently enhances CEA. DTR enhances these relations directly and indirectly, which demonstrates its significance in circular transformation. The comparisons across countries demonstrate that there are differences in contexts related to a circular economy transition. The effects on CEA in Vietnam are more consistent across all paths and, as a result, the effect of digital platform and IED is stronger. The mediating role of innovation network and institutional support on IED is greater in Vietnam because of the moderation of DTR. The relationship and moderation effect in Cambodia are significantly lower, but not negligible, which suggests that there are discrepancies in structural and digital readiness. These contextual differences indicate how digital and institutional maturity can shape the resource orchestration towards sustainability. The research advances theory by integrating digital transformation, innovation ecosystems, and institutional support into a new, moderated mediation framework. In Vietnam, policymakers and managers should take advantage of more advanced digital platforms and stable policies to accelerate CEA. In Cambodia, investment in digital infrastructure and institutional support is essential to overcome structural barriers and boost CEA. As one of the first empirical studies using a moderated mediation model in trans-country Southeast Asia, this research demonstrates how digital preparedness shapes circular transitions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47979,"journal":{"name":"Technology in Society","volume":"85 ","pages":"Article 103186"},"PeriodicalIF":12.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145690542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2025-12-19DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103206
Yuxiang Hong , Majid Mohammad Shafiee , Merrill Warkentin
Cybersecurity awareness refers to basic literacy in the digital age. This study discusses the influencing mechanism of an individual's life satisfaction on cybersecurity awareness, considering the mediating effects of internet dependence and burnout based on the broaden-and-build theory (BBT) of positive emotions as well as compensatory internet use (CIU) theory. We constructed a theoretical framework and tested hypotheses using regression analysis of a sample of 951 subjects based on a longitudinal survey. The empirical results showed that life satisfaction - as a stable cognitive indicator of subjective well-being - was associated with higher cybersecurity awareness, both directly and indirectly through pathways informed by the BBT and CIU theory. This study provides managers with actionable insights for promoting cybersecurity awareness by fostering psychological resources (e.g., life satisfaction) that buffer against security fatigue and burnout.
{"title":"The role of life satisfaction in cybersecurity awareness: A broaden-and-build perspective","authors":"Yuxiang Hong , Majid Mohammad Shafiee , Merrill Warkentin","doi":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103206","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103206","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cybersecurity awareness refers to basic literacy in the digital age. This study discusses the influencing mechanism of an individual's life satisfaction on cybersecurity awareness, considering the mediating effects of internet dependence and burnout based on the broaden-and-build theory (BBT) of positive emotions as well as compensatory internet use (CIU) theory. We constructed a theoretical framework and tested hypotheses using regression analysis of a sample of 951 subjects based on a longitudinal survey. The empirical results showed that life satisfaction - as a stable cognitive indicator of subjective well-being - was associated with higher cybersecurity awareness, both directly and indirectly through pathways informed by the BBT and CIU theory. This study provides managers with actionable insights for promoting cybersecurity awareness by fostering psychological resources (e.g., life satisfaction) that buffer against security fatigue and burnout.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47979,"journal":{"name":"Technology in Society","volume":"85 ","pages":"Article 103206"},"PeriodicalIF":12.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145839463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}