Regional cooperation stands as a key strategy to address intense economic competition and formidable local governance challenges. Successful regional collaborations are typically founded on the basis of institutional similarity, which also serves as the starting point for a multitude of related theoretical studies. Consequently, the regional cooperation within the context of institutional conflicts has been overlooked. This paper aims to explore the process of regional cooperation against the backdrop of conflicts, using the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a case study and analyzing it from the perspective of the sociology of knowledge. The article posits that conflicts can stimulate interactions among various actors, foster the generation of local knowledge, and propel specific cooperative practices. Moreover, local and central governments, grounded in local knowledge and universal managerial insights, continuously authenticate and propagate local innovations, establishing guiding policies and, consequently, producing rational knowledge. The accumulation of such knowledge has not only strengthened civilian cooperation but also facilitated broader collaborative efforts. The study reveals that despite the GBA’s remarkable achievements in cooperation, challenges persist: on the one hand, there are issues with the government’s process of rational knowledge production and the quality of knowledge itself; on the other hand, excessive governmental dominance may suppress the production and application of local knowledge. Therefore, refining the knowledge production mechanism is especially critical. The findings of this paper uncover the mechanisms of regional cooperation amidst institutional conflicts and deepen our understanding of regional collaboration and cross-border governance.

The article examines the modern vectors of implementation of measures to achieve results in the field of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), both at the level of national priorities and at the level of Central Asian countries. The purpose of this study is a multidimensional analysis of actions that make it possible to develop solutions to stabilize the environmental situation in Central Asian countries based on global international trends. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the integrated use of thematic modeling methods, as well as sociological surveys used to improve the efficiency of business processes in the field of environmental protection. The methodological basis for conducting a comparative assessment of the impact of environmental policy instruments used on regional development is the concept of sustainable development. In conclusion, conclusions are drawn about the need to develop effective mechanisms for the implementation of environmental policy in the studied countries.

Institutional thinking, a concept that underscores the importance of internal perspectives and the enduring purposes of institutions, plays a critical role in maintaining societal stability and ethical governance. This paper explores the dual nature of institutional thinking, highlighting its positive aspects and inherent dangers. Through an examination of economic, political, and philosophical forces, the paper identifies modern challenges that undermine long-term commitments and ethical values within institutions. By drawing on historical and contemporary examples, including slavery, Nazism, and discriminatory practices, the discussion provides a comprehensive understanding of how institutional thinking can both promote human well-being and perpetuate systemic issues. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need to reaffirm institutional values, promote long-term thinking, and balance individual rights with collective responsibilities to harness the positive aspects of institutional thinking while mitigating its risks.

This study aimed to examine the impact of Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) scores and Country Governance Indicators (CGI) on companies’ value. The study procedures were carried out by creating a linear empirical model where the dependent variable was companies’ value. In addition, the variables of interest in the model were ESG scores and CGI. Analysis was carried out on annual data from 278 non-financial Asian companies spanning 11 years from 2011–2021. The feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) method was used for estimation due to the presence of serial correlation and heteroscedasticity in the data obtained. The results showed the presence of a positive relationship and correlation between ESG scores and companies’ value. Meanwhile, CGI had a negative impact, revealing the potential difficulties caused by country governance framework. This study also found a positive correlation between CGI and ESG on company value. These findings have important practical contributions emphasizing the significance of ESG factors in improving companies’ value and the complex relationship between country governance and corporate valuation.

This research uses both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to examine the complex factors affecting community resilience in various settings. In this case, the research explores how social cohesion, governance effectiveness, adaptability, community involvement, and the specified difficulties influence resilience results by using the five pillars of resilience as variables. Descriptive and inferential statistics are used to test hypotheses on the relationships between social cohesion, governance effectiveness, adaptive capacity, and community resilience variables. Qualitative data provides further insights into the quantitative results by providing broader views and experiences of the community. The study shows how social capital is important in increasing community capacity, stressing the importance of social relations and trust in developing community solutions to disasters. Another major factor that stands out is the governance factor that ensures that decisions are made, and actions taken in line with the community’s best interest in improving its ability to prepare for and respond to disasters. Adaptive capacity is seen as a key component of resilience and this paper emphasizes the importance of communities to come up with measures that can be adjusted to the changing circumstances. In summary, this study enriches theoretical understanding and offers practical applications of the processes that can enhance community resilience based on the principles of social inclusion, sound governance, and context-specific solutions.

Introduction: The growing global focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards necessitates that companies optimize their corporate governance to balance economic, social, and ecological responsibilities. This study examines how the synergistic effects of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental Responsibility (ER) can promote sustainable corporate development. Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the critical elements of corporate governance structure optimization and to explore how companies can enhance their governance to achieve sustainable development through strengthened social and environmental management practices. Methods: The study uses case analysis and literature review to assess high-performing enterprises in CSR and ER integration, examining their governance, policy, and environmental strategies to uncover the factors behind their success in economic, social, and environmental spheres. Results: The research shows that optimizing governance structures markedly improves operational effectiveness. Companies need to create strong internal controls for equitable and transparent decisions, embedding CSR and ER into their strategies. CSR fulfillment builds public trust and environmental support, whereas ER improves brand reputation and competitiveness, driving sustainable and mutually advantageous development. Conclusion: The key to sustainable development in ESG practice lies in optimizing corporate governance and strengthening the synergy between social and environmental responsibilities. It is imperative for companies to build a governance structure that complies with ESG standards and to incorporate social and environmental considerations into their corporate strategies to effectively manage the triple bottom line of economic, social, and environmental performance.