Observatorio de sostenibilidad

This study analyses how family businesses can improve their sustainability. Based on qualitative interviews with twelve family business owners, the authors identify that although there is interest in sustainability, its management is informal and unsystematic. A revised model based on six dimensions is proposed: resources and capabilities; strategy; entrepreneurial leadership; environment; organisational structure; innovation and business development. Each dimension includes specific sub-elements (e.g., democratic leadership, product innovation, horizontal/vertical structure).

Acceso

The study analyses how the adoption of smart technologies by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) impacts both their business and environmental sustainability. Using structural equation modelling (SEM), the authors find that smart technologies do not directly influence environmental sustainability, but they do improve business sustainability, which in turn has a significant positive effect on environmental aspects. For SMEs, the research suggests that adopting these technologies strategically and in line with sustainable goals is key to achieving ecological benefits.

Acceso

Sustainable development is needed for all countries, but especially small island states are vulnerable due to their small size and the many (largely external) challenges they face. Higher education needs to play a pivotal role in the implementation of sustainable development policies and the corresponding SDGs. For small island states, besides local governance strategies, local universities play a very crucial role in the implementation of the SDGs due to their contextual settings and their knowledge of the contextual variables of that specific island state. This is now complemented by the new SISSTEM project: Sustainable Island Solutions through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics!

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This study presents a systematic review of the academic literature on electric and hybrid vehicles, their ecosystems, and supporting infrastructure over the period 2008–2024. Using the PRISMA methodology, the research evaluates related studies, exploring trends and developments in charging infrastructure, lithium batteries, and the integration of renewable energy, as well as the regulatory and environmental challenges faced by the sector. This work is both novel and significant as it provides a comprehensive and systematic perspective on the most relevant research in the field of electric and hybrid vehicles. Unlike previous studies that often focus on specific aspects, such as life cycle analysis, circular economy, or thermal management of batteries, this review adopts a holistic approach. The analysis of the literature highlights the exponential growth of charging infrastructure and technological progress in lithium batteries, while underscoring persistent challenges related to standardisation and sustainability. The findings suggest the need for policies that foster public-private collaboration, diversify lithium sources, and integrate renewable energy, enabling an equitable transition to sustainable mobility.

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La sostenibilidad, más allá de ser una moda o imposición normativa, es la vía más rentable, adaptativa y resiliente de crecimiento. No se limita al medio ambiente, sino que integra tres dimensiones esenciales: ambiental, económica y social, tal como se definió en el Informe Brundtland de 1987.
La sostenibilidad ambiental preserva la biodiversidad sin renunciar al progreso económico; la sostenibilidad social promueve bienestar y estabilidad comunitaria; y la sostenibilidad económica se logra a través de modelos rentables y resilientes, incluso recibiendo financiación más favorable.

Acceso

En este artículo se explica cómo los videojuegos pueden actuar como laboratorios interactivos de conciencia ambiental. A través de diferentes títulos como SimCity, Terra Nil o RainWorld, los jugadores exploran dilemas sobre energías renovables, colapsos ecológicos y decisiones morales complejas. Los videojuegos no reemplazan la educación formal, pero si refuerzan valores sostenibles y desarrollan habilidades clave como la planificación ecológica y la resiliencia.

Acceso