The covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected the sustainability of micro and small enterprises (MSEs), with a particularly pronounced impact in Central Java. Entrepreneurs who struggle to adapt to reduced consumer purchasing power and the increasing reliance on digital technology are at heightened risk of business closure. Despite these challenges, inclusivity remains a crucial element for MSEs in fostering local economic development. Accordingly, this study seeks to examine the role of inclusivity in the sustainability of MSEs that are based on digital technology. Data were collected through the use of questionnaires and focus group discussions. Respondents were digital-based MSEs entrepreneurs from five selected regions, with Central Java having the largest number of digital media users. Key informants included experts from Diponegoro University, the International Council of Small Business (ICSB), the Department of Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises at the provincial and district levels, and non-governmental organizations. The collected data was analyzed using the Rapid Appraisal for Micro and Small Enterprises (Rap-MSE’s) method. To assess the sustainability status, the study utilized several dimensions, including economic, environmental, social, institutional, technological, and inclusivity factors. Both multidimensional and individual analyses indicated that the sustainability status was relatively robust. MSEs that integrated digital technology into their operations were able to withstand the challenges posed by covid-19 and adapt to the new normal. In conclusion, the inclusivity dimension in the adoption of digital technology has gained increased importance in driving local economic development.

the development of digital technologies and their popularity in e-commerce is undeniable. However, consumers need to have a certain level of digital skills. The main aim of the paper was to examine and evaluate the development of consumers’ digital skills in the European Union and to identify the potential significant impact on online shopping. The EU countries studied experienced an increasing trend in both internet users and online consumers over the period under review, with Romania and Estonia experiencing the most significant year-on-year increases in internet users and online consumers respectively. The trend of consumers with digital skills was volatile and in some EU countries it was decreasing year-on-year. When comparing the share of online consumers and the share of consumers with digital skills, it was not possible to generalize the results as in some countries the values were at comparable levels, but in selected countries the share of consumers with digital skills was higher than the share of online consumers and in other countries the opposite was true. The results showed the existence of a significant impact of the level of digital skills on online shopping and also of the use of the internet for online shopping. The results obtained can provide a basis for online retailers to promote the increase of consumers’ digital skills, which will ultimately lead to the growth of e-commerce.

This study employs the Standard Error Estimation technique to investigate the connections between the digitalization of economy, population, trade openness, financial development, and sustainable development across 127 countries from 1990 to 2019. The findings revealed associations between financial development, population growth, trade openness, economic growth, Digitalization development, foreign direct investment (FDI), and sustainable development. Financial development negatively impacts sustainable development, suggesting that countries with advanced financial systems may struggle to maintain sustainability. Trade openness exhibits a negative association with sustainable development, implying that countries with open trade policies may face challenges in maintaining sustainability, possibly due to heightened competition or resource exploitation. These findings highlight the multifaceted relationship between economic factors and sustainable development, underscoring the importance of comprehensive policies and governance mechanisms in fostering sustainability amidst global economic dynamics.

The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) marks the beginning of a revolutionary period for the global economic environments, particularly in the developing economies of Africa. This concept paper explores the various ways in which AI can stimulate economic growth and innovation in developing markets, despite the challenges they face. By examining examples like VetAfrica, we investigate how AI-powered applications are transforming conventional business models and improving access to financial resources. This highlights the potential of AI in overcoming obstacles such as inefficient procedures and restricted availability of capital. Although AI shows potential, its implementation in these areas faces obstacles such as insufficient digital infrastructure, limited data availability, and a lack of necessary skills. There is a strong focus on the need for a balanced integration of AI, which involves aligning technological progress with ethical considerations and economic inclusivity. This paper focuses on clarifying the capabilities of AI in addressing economic disparities, improving productivity, and promoting sustainable development. It also aims to address the challenges associated with digital infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and workforce transformation. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of relevant theories, literature, and policy documents, complemented by comparative analysis across South Africa, Nigeria, and Mauritius to illustrate transformative strategies in AI adoption. We propose strategic recommendations to effectively and ethically utilize the potential of AI, by advocating for substantial investments in digital infrastructure, education, and legal frameworks. This will enable Africa to fully benefit from the transformative impact of AI on its economic landscape. This discourse seeks to offer valuable insights for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors, emphasizing innovative AI applications for business growth and financing, thereby promoting economic empowerment in developing economies.

This article discusses one of the problems of using digital technologies, namely the complexity of assessing the effectiveness of their implementation. Since the use of digital twins at the enterprises of the fuel and energy complex (FEC) has recently become relevant, the authors have chosen the digital twins technology for consideration in this article. For the successful implementation of digital technologies, the authors propose a system of evaluation indicators that will measure the effectiveness of Digital Twins implementation and determine the benefits obtained. The advantages of digital twins include improved management and monitoring, optimization of production processes, prediction of equipment failures, as well as reduced maintenance costs and increased overall efficiency of FEC systems. As a methodological basis for the study, authors use the system of balanced indicators proposed by R. Kaplan and D. Norton, which served as the basis for the development of a set of performance indicators of the fuel and energy complex enterprise with the introduction of digital twins. As a result of the study, a list of indicators for monitoring the effectiveness of digital twins implementation was determined. The study identifies performance indicators for digital twin implementation, with future research aimed at quantitative assessments. The enterprise can implement a digital twin system with a WACC of 10.99%, payback period of 8.06 years, IRR exceeding the discount rate by 9.07%, a 3.5% reduction in harmful emissions, and a 2.5% efficiency increase.

Introduction: The digital era has ushered in transformative changes across industries, with the real estate sector being a pivotal focus. In Guangdong Province, China, real estate enterprises are at the forefront of this digital revolution, navigating the complexities of technological integration and market adaptation. This study delves into the intricacies of digital transformation and its profound implications for the financial performance of these enterprises. The rapid evolution of digital technologies necessitates examining how such advancements redefine operational strategies and financial outcomes within the real estate landscape. The inclusion of government support as a variable in our study is deliberate and stems from its profound influence on shaping the digital landscape. Government policies and initiatives provide a regulatory framework and offer strategic direction and financial incentives that catalyze digital adoption and integration within the real estate sector. By examining the moderating effect of government support, this study aims to uncover the nuanced interplay between policy-driven environments and the financial performance of enterprises undergoing digital transformation. This exploration is essential to understanding the broader implications of public policy on private-sector innovation and growth. Objectives: The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the impact of digital transformation on the financial performance of Guangdong’s real estate enterprises, with a specific focus on return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA). Additionally, this study aims to scrutinize the role of government support as a potential moderator in the relationship between digital transformation and financial success. The research seeks to provide actionable insights for policymakers and industry players by understanding these dynamics. The digital transformation of Guangdong’s real estate sector presents a complex landscape of challenges and opportunities that shape the industry’s evolution. On one hand, the integration of innovative digital technologies into established operational frameworks poses significant challenges. These include the need for substantial investment in new infrastructure, the imperative for a cultural shift towards digital literacy across the workforce, and the continuous demand for upskilling to remain agile in an increasingly digital market. On the other hand, digital transformation affords manifold opportunities. For instance, enhanced operational efficiencies through automation and data analytics offer substantial benefits in terms of cost savings and process optimization. Furthermore, leveraging data-driven insights enables more informed strategic decision-making, which is critical in a competitive real estate market. The capacity to innovate service offerings by tapping into digital platforms and customer relationship management systems also presents a significant opportunity for real estate enterprises to differentiate themselves and capture new market segments. Methods: This study explores the digital transformation of real estate firms in Guangdong, highlighting government support as a critical moderator. Findings show that digital initiatives improve company performance, with government backing amplifying these benefits. Regional disparities in support suggest a need for tailored strategies, indicating the importance of policy in driving digital adoption and innovation in the sector. The study advises firms to leverage local policies and policymakers to address regional imbalances for equitable digital transformation. This study uses a sample of 28 real estate enterprises in Guangdong Province from 2012 to 2022. Panel data analysis with a fixed effects model tests the hypotheses. The study also conducts robustness checks by replacing the key variables. Results: The findings indicate that digital transfo