This study provides a comparative analysis of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings methodologies and explores the potential of eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) to enhance transparency and comparability in ESG reporting. Evaluating ratings from different agencies, the research identifies significant methodological inconsistencies that lead to conflicting information for investors and stakeholders. Statistical tests and adjusted rating scales confirm substantial divergence in ESG scores, primarily due to differing data categories and indicators used by rating firms. Using a sample of 265 European companies, the study demonstrates that individual ESG agencies report markedly different ratings for the same firms, which can mislead stakeholders. It proposes that XBRL based reporting can mitigate these inconsistencies by providing a standardized framework for data collection and reporting. XBRL enables accurate and efficient data collection, reducing human error and enhancing the transparency of ESG reports. The findings advocate for integrating XBRL in ESG reporting to achieve higher levels of comparability and reliability. The study calls for greater regulatory oversight and the adoption of standardized taxonomies in ESG reporting to ensure consistent and comparable data across sectors and jurisdictions. Despite challenges like the lack of a standardized taxonomy and inconsistent adoption, the research contends that XBRL can significantly improve the reliability of ESG ratings. In conclusion, this study suggests that standardizing ESG data through XBRL could provide a viable solution to the unreliability of current ESG rating scales, supporting sustainable business practices and informed decision making by investors.

 This research aims to empirically examine the role of learning organization practices in enhancing sustainable organizational performance, utilizing knowledge management and innovation capability as mediating variables. The study was conducted in public IT companies across China, which is a vital sector for driving innovation and economic growth. A mixed-methods approach was employed, with quantitative methods accounting for 70% and qualitative methods for 30% of the research. Purposive sampling was utilized to distribute questionnaires to 546 employees from 10 public IT companies. Statistical analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings indicate that learning organization practices significantly influence knowledge management practices (β = 0.785, p < 0.001) and innovation capability (β = 0.405, p < 0.001). Furthermore, knowledge management practices positively contribute to sustainable organizational performance (β = 0.541, p < 0.001), while innovation capability also has a positive effect (β = 0.143, p < 0.001). Moreover, knowledge management practices partially mediate the relationship between learning organization practices and sustainable performance, with a total effect of 0.788 (p < 0.001). The mediating role of innovation capability is also significant, with a total effect of 0.422 (p = 0.045). The study further includes qualitative in-depth interviews with 20 managers from 10 IT companies across five regions in China: East, South, West, North, and Central. Senior managers were selected through a stratified sampling method to ensure comprehensive representation by including both the largest and smallest companies in each region. These findings underscore the critical role of learning organizations in promoting sustainability through effective knowledge management and innovation capabilities within the IT sector.

In the current digital age, financial development has seen substantial shifts, particularly in buying and selling activities that are now facilitated by digital technology or electronic transactions (e-commerce), which offer convenience at relatively low costs. However, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which play a crucial role in the economy, must adapt to these advancements to sustain and grow their businesses. Despite the widespread adoption of e-commerce, many MSMEs have yet to fully capitalize on this technology. Limited knowledge often leads to hesitation in embracing e-commerce opportunities. Consequently, this study seeks to explore how innovation, information management, and e-commerce adoption impact MSME performance and its implications for business sustainability. The research targets MSME owners and managers in the Jabodetabek area (Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi) and nearby regions, with a sample of 420 individuals selected through random sampling. Data was collected through an online survey (Google Forms) administered to MSME management. The survey items were tested for validity and reliability, and the data analysis was conducted using various regression analyses with SEM-PLS and Smart-PLS3. The study’s findings highlight the following key points: 1) E-commerce adoption significantly enhances information management, which supports MSME sustainability; 2) E-commerce adoption also improves performance through better information management, further promoting MSME sustainability; 3) While technology is important, e-commerce adoption is the primary factor driving MSME sustainability, with technology serving as a secondary factor.

The increased awareness of the environmental effects of petroleum based plastics has stimulated the coffee price emergence of biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA). In a bid to increase the sustainability of PLA agricultural residues of animal feeds (corn stover, rice straw, and soybean hulls) have been explored and examined as reinforcing fillers to PLA composites. The consideration of such applications is suitable to the goals of the circular economy as it recycles low-value agricultural products. The current review critically evaluates lately carried out life cycle assessment (LCA) studies on PLA composites that have implemented such waste fillers with the full focus being on their environmental performance as well as methodological consistency. The review shows that these fillers have a potential of reducing the amount of greenhouse emission, energy usage, and other environmental effects, compared to pure PLA. However, unevenness in LCA methodology, especially in functional units, the system boundaries, and impacts categories obstructs direct LCA comparisons. The 1997 State of the Market report also has limited options of feedstocks and the lack of appraisals in the socio-economic front, so the overall sustainability analysis is restricted. Some of the remaining limitations that can be critical are to have generalized LCA frameworks, extended exploration of waste-based fillers, as well as combination of techno-economic analysis and social impact. Future inquiries ought to devise design considerations that would optimize both the functional characteristics and the performance of the environment and improve the reliability of sustainability measures. This review is evidence to the potential of agricultural waste reinforced PLA composites in the progress towards environmentally friendly materials and the need of integrative evaluation in the sustainable maturation of bioplastics.

This study investigates the impact of toll road construction on 59 micro, small, and medium enterprises in Kampar, Pekanbaru, and Dumai cities. The research aims to analyze the economic and environmental effects of infrastructure expansion on businesses’ profitability and sustainability, providing insights for policymakers and stakeholders to develop mitigation strategies to support MSMEs amidst ongoing infrastructure development. Structural equation modeling, spatial environmental impact analysis, and qualitative data analysis using five-level qualitative data analysis (FL-QDA) were all used together in a mixed-methods approach. Data collection involved observations, interviews, questionnaires, and geospatial analysis, including the use of a Geo-Information System (GIS) supported by drone reconnaissance to map affected areas. The study revealed that the toll roads significantly enhanced connectivity and economic growth but also negatively impacted local economies (β = 0.32, R² = 0.60, P-value ≤ 0.05). and the environment (β = 0.34, P-value ≤ 0.05), as 49% of respondents experienced a 50% decrease in profitability. To mitigate the risk of impact, policymakers should prioritize the principle of prudence to evaluate the significance of mitigation policy implementation (β = 0.144, P-value ≥ 0.05). In a nutshell, toll road construction significantly impacts MSMEs’ business continuity, necessitating an innovative strategy involving monitoring and participatory approaches to mitigate risk.

The paper examines the motivations, financing, expansion and challenges of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI was initially designed to address China’s overcapacity and promote economic growth in both China and in countries along the “Belt” and “Road” through infrastructure investment and industrial capacity cooperation. It took into account China’s strategic transition in its opening-up policy and foreign policy to pay more attention to the neighboring countries in Southeast Asia and Central and West Asia when facing greater strategic pressure from the United States in East Asia and the Pacific region. More themes have been added to the initiative’s original framework since its inception in 2013, including the vision of the BRI as China’s major solution to improve international economic cooperation and practice to build a “community of shared future for mankind”, and the idea of the Green Silk Road and the Digital Silk Road. Chinese state-owned enterprises and policy and commercial banks have dominated investment and financing for BRI projects, which explains the root of the problems and risks facing the initiative, such as unsustainable debt, non-transparency, corruption and low economic efficiency. Measures taken by China to tackle these problems, for example, mitigating the debt distress and improving debt sustainability, are unlikely to make a big difference anytime soon due to the tenacity of China’s long-held state-driven investment model.