The expansion of road networks, taken place during the last decades, was driven by technological progress and economic growth. The most innovative products of this trend—modern motorways and international road corridors—provide an excellent level of service, traffic safety and necessary information to travelers. However, despite this undeniable progress, major impediments and respective challenges to road authorities and operators still remain. The present paper analytically presents the main current challenges in the road engineering field, namely: a) financing new projects, b) alternative energy resources, especially renewable energy, c) serviceability, including maintenance of road infrastructure, traffic congestion and quality of the network, d) climate change hazards due to greenhouse gas emissions increase, e) environmental impacts, f) safety on roads, streets and motorways, and g) economy and cost-effectiveness. In each country and over each network, challenges and concerns may vary, but, in most cases, competent authorities, engaged in road development policies, have to deal with most of these issues. The optimization of the means to achieve the best results seems to be an enduring stake. In the present paper, the origin and the main features of these challenges are outlined as well as their tendency to get amplified or diminished under the actual evolving economic conditions worldwide, where growth alternates with crisis and social hardship. Moreover, responses, meant to provide solutions to the said challenges, are suggested, including research findings of Aristotle University and innovative technological achievements, to drive the transition to a more sustainable future.

The transportation sector is currently experiencing a significant transformation due to the influence of digital technologies, which are revolutionizing travel, goods transportation, and interactions with transportation systems. This study delves into the possibilities and obstacles presented by digital transformation in the realm of sustainable transportation. Moreover, it identifies the most effective methods for implementing digital transformation in this sector. Furthermore, our analysis sheds light on the potential impacts of digital transformation on sustainable development and environmental performance indicators within transportation systems. We discover that digital transformation can contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and increased resource efficiency, among other benefits. Nevertheless, we emphasize the potential risks and uncertainties associated with digital transformation, including concerns regarding data privacy, security, and ethics. Collectively, our research provides valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges presented by digital transformation in sustainable transportation. It also identifies best practices for successfully implementing digital transformation in this sector. The implications of our findings are significant for policymakers, businesses, and other stakeholders who aspire to drive the future of sustainable transportation through digital transformation.

Rapid population growth and inadequate adherence to scientific and managerial principles in urban planning have intensified numerous challenges, pushing major Iranian cities toward instability. Tehran, as the capital and one of the most urbanized regions in the country, faces significant sustainability threats that require immediate attention. These challenges are not unique to Tehran but represent a broader issue faced by rapidly urbanizing cities worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Addressing such challenges is critical to fostering sustainable development on a global scale. While urban sustainability has been extensively studied, limited research has focused on the indicators of urban instability and their tangible impacts on sustainable urban planning. This study aims to bridge this gap by identifying and analyzing key factors contributing to urban instability across economic, environmental, and social dimensions, with Tehran serving as a representative case. The findings reveal that economic instability is driven by uncertainty in economic policies, fluctuating housing prices, non-standard housing conditions, income disparity, unemployment, and cost of living pressures. Environmental instability is exacerbated by climate change, urban heat islands, floods, transportation mismanagement, energy insecurity, pollution, and insufficient green infrastructure. Social instability arises from limited social interaction, unequal access to services, weak community participation, social harms, and diminished urban safety and welfare. By framing these local challenges within a global context, the study underscores the interconnectedness of these dimensions and highlights the necessity for integrated, evidence-based approaches that combine local insights with global best practices. The findings aim to contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable urban development by offering actionable insights and strategies that can be adapted and implemented in other rapidly urbanizing cities. This research serves as a guide for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders worldwide, emphasizing the importance of holistic and resilient urban strategies to address the multifaceted challenges of sustainability and instability.

This study focused on the topic of competences and challenges faced by university teachers in Ecuadorian higher education. The objective of this study was to identify the essential competences that university teachers must possess to confront the current challenges in the Ecuadorian educational field. A mixed research methodology was utilized. A concurrent triangulation design (DITRIAC) was applied. The data collection technique was through documentary study and focus groups. Eight experts in Ecuadorian higher education participated as key informants. Among the findings, there was a consensus on 7 key competences (disciplinary mastery, pedagogical competences, technological skills, research and continuous updating, critical thinking development, ethical and social commitment, flexibility and adaptability to change). It was concluded that Ecuadorian higher education requires teaching professionals who not only master their disciplines and possess advanced pedagogical and technological skills, but who are also leaders in research, promoters of critical thinking, and exemplify ethical commitment and adaptability.

This study’s primary objective is to determine the financial repercussions, including expenses, profits, and losses, that certain stakeholders in the Tuong-mango value chain face at various distribution stages. This was achieved through the utilisation of stakeholders cost-benefit value chain analysis. These individuals collectively contributed 849 sample observations to the dataset including 732 farmers, 10 cooperative, 32 collectors, 25 wholesalers, 30 retailers, 12 exporters and processors, and 08 grocery stores/fruit. The robust financial performance of the Tuong-mango value chain is attributable to its integrated economic efficiency, as evidenced by its over USD 1 billion in revenue and USD 98.2 million in net income. The marketing channels, specifically channels 1, 2, and 3, generate a total of USD 906.1 million in revenue, yielding a net profit of USD 81.9 million. The combined sales from domestic marketing channels 4 and 5 total USD 160 million, yielding a net profit of USD 16.2 million. The findings indicate that due to their limited scope and suboptimal grade 1, farmers are the most vulnerable link in the supply chain. This study proposes three strategies for augmenting quality, fostering technological advancement, and facilitating the spread of benefits. This study’s findings contribute to the existing literature on value chain analysis as it pertains to various tropical fruits and vegetables. The study provides empirical evidence supporting the utility of the value chain method in policy formulation.