SciPap, Volume 32, Issue 2 (Special Issue)

Open Access Article SciPap-2092

by Aleksi Kajander, Thomas Hoffmann

Abstract: Open data has been heralded as bringing great benefits to businesses and individuals alike in the EU, enabling the emergence of a data agile Europe and a society empowered by data. However, such arrangements are far from being free of disadvantages, especially for the citizens of smart cities. If the data generated by smart cities is made open almost by default, there is a serious risk of data disenfranchisement for the smart citizens, who may be negatively impacted by the publication of even non-personal smart city data. Consequently, Ostrom’s commons have been considered as a possibility to re-empower smart citizens in regard to their data through self-governance. However, should smart citizens decide to make data available only to select users, they could potentially run into a conflict with EU competition law. Potential sources of conflict include violations of Articles 101 and 102 of the TFEU, through decisions made in the context of the self-governing smart city data commons. Consequently, this paper seeks to identify the potential conflicts between managing non-personal smart city data as a commons and EU competition law.

Keywords: European Union, Smart City, Data, Commons, Ostrom, Competition Law

JEL classification: O34, R38, D86, H83, K21, L86

Open Access Review SciPap-2090

by Turan Azizov

Abstract: This paper explores the intersection of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and the Circular Economy (CE). The paper's focus is to demonstrate how different factors, such as advanced technologies, can enable the transition of large corporations toward sustainable and circular value chains. The umbrella review has been conducted to identify key organizational enablers and technological innovations driving circularity in such organizations from an academic viewpoint. The paper presents a circular innovation framework in which technological and managerial aspects have been integrated to understand their holistic effect on different value chain steps, from product design to reverse flows. While technological aspects include multiple I4.0 technologies, such as additive manufacturing (AM), blockchain, and big data, and their use cases in the circular value chain, managerial aspects emphasize the role of stakeholders, leadership awareness, and cross-functional collaboration. The study mentions the need for a holistic approach involving all ecosystem actors to achieve a regenerative and sustainable future. This framework not only provides contributions to the academic world but also offers practical implications for large organizations seeking to enhance their circularity. The research concludes with recommendations for future studies to focus on in-depth analysis.

Keywords: Industry 4.0, Value Chain, Circular Economy, Circular Innovation Framework, Umbrella Review

JEL classification: L60, M15, O32, Q01, Q56, D22

Open Access Article SciPap-2091

by Javad Keypour

Abstract: Over the past decade, digitalisation has gained significant attention across various European Union (EU) policy areas, particularly in the energy sector. Along with this, digitalisation can contribute to higher energy security and sustainability of the EU energy systems especially by reducing fossil fuel dependency and distributing energy production through micro-renewable generation. However, digitalisation of electricity markets still deals with regulatory hurdles, especially within data management issues, and potential monopolies. Thus, this paper aims to address these challenges within Estonian market and focusing on prosumers’ contributions to stabilising the digital electricity market through power generation or demand response. Applying document analysis of legal provisions and the multi-level perspective model of transition, the results indicate that while smart meters are pivotal in demand response and surplus electricity exchange, the current regulations create a de facto monopoly favouring Estonian suppliers, undermining prosumers’ interests. Additionally, the concentration of data within a few aggregators can impede competition, while the lack of legal obligations for detailed data access hinders consumers’ ability to engage in intra-day and balancing markets. The study highlights the need for legal provisions to facilitate data exchange and access for aggregators while addressing privacy concerns, thereby ensuring competition thrives. It also recommends establishing obligations for timely sharing of individual consumer consumption data and defining ‘accounting points’ to align with EU regulations. Additionally, clear definitions and provisions for data management, competition law compliance, and consumer rights are crucial. By implementing these recommendations, Estonia can enhance its role as a leader in digitalisation within the EU, promoting a more resilient and sustainable energy system.

Keywords: Sustainability, Digitalisation, Electricity Markets, Smart Grids, Eu Energy Law

JEL classification: D42, K21, L94, O38, Q48, Q55

Open Access Article SciPap-2086

by Sara Majid

Abstract: Digitalisation has become a key process for companies to improve their sustainability, yet a clear overview of the challenges and achievements within European Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) regarding digitalisation is still lacking in the literature, making it difficult to identify research gaps or quantify the impact digitalisation has on the European SME market. This paper examines digitalisation as an enabler for European SMEs to improve their environmental sustainability and specifically considers the implementation of eco-efficiency measures such as waste reduction and waste management and thus confirms whether digitalisation can enhance eco-efficiency measures or not within European SMEs. The study is based on a bibliometric analysis followed by a systematic literature review. In particular, it first synthesizes the existing state-of-the-art research and summarizes theoretical frameworks, to explain main themes and gaps in the literature published from the year 2020. Selected articles focusing on European SMEs and digitalisation practices in the context of eco-efficiency are revised in detail. This review identifies common challenges and opportunities associated with digitalisation in the context of European SMEs while offering pathways to address the research gaps.

Keywords: Small And Medium Enterprises (Smes), Environmental Sustainability, Europe, Digitalisation Eco-Efficiency, Waste Reduction, Energy Efficiency

JEL classification: O32, Q56, C80, L26, L86, M15

Open Access Article SciPap-2087

by Merle Küttim, Tarvo Niine, Margit Kull, Arseni Kotov, Wolfgang Dieter Gerstlberger, Jelena Hartšenko, Ulrika Hurt

Abstract: Human-driven changes threaten environmental and economic stability, prompting the formulation of sustainability objectives and innovation efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of economic activities. However, the pace of this transition is often seen as slow, and businesses' commitment to sustainable development is frequently deemed insufficient. In this context, the current study explores the motivational factors that drive businesses to adopt and implement sustainable practices. The findings reveal significant differences in how companies approach social and environmental sustainability and balance it with economic goals. To capture the diversity of motivations behind sustainability initiatives, investments, and related preparatory planning, we propose a model of three types of existing development mindsets in companies, distinguishing between “a spreadsheet mindset”, “a mindset of strategic capabilities” and “a value-driven mindset”. This typology serves as a tool for companies to self-assess their motivations as well as for governments to fine-tune sustainability regulations and support mechanisms accordingly.

Keywords: Motivation, Sustainable Practices, Metal Industry, Wood Industry, Qualitative Studies

JEL classification: L21, M14, O32, Q01, Q56, D22

Open Access Article SciPap-2083

by Şaban İbrahim Göksal, Maria Claudia Solarte Vasquez

Abstract: This paper introduces the Blockchain-Based Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI) Supported by Stakeholders-In-The-Loop Model (BCTrustAI.SL) that incorporates sociotechnical components to ensure legal compliance and conformity with the emerging trustworthiness standards for AI systems. BCTrustAI.SL combines features of the Blockchain Framework for Trustworthy AI (BF.TAI), the BlockIoTIntelligence architectural model and the Society-In-The-Loop (SITL) framework, to solve the intangibility problem of the foundational normative notions of robustness, ethicality and lawfulness, and human-centredness, and help them become applicable in practice. The work contributes to the specification and operationalisation of trustworthiness as an AI attribute, highlighting the importance of a precise understanding of its institutional foundations, high order principles and concrete key requirements (data protection, data governance, technical robustness and safety, transparency, accountability, diversity and non-discrimination, and human agency and oversight) deriving from them. On a practical/technical level, BCTrustAI.SL showcases the strengths of combining Blockchain (BC) and AI to address their individual limitations, laying the groundwork for future advancements and practical applications.

Keywords: Trustworthy Ai, Robustness, Ethicality And Lawfulness, Human-Centredness, Blockchain Framework For Trustworthy Ai, Blockiotintelligence Architectural Model, Society-In-The-Loop Framework

JEL classification: M48, O31, O33, O38, K39, M15