Green economy and the future in a post-pandemic World

The future to geo-political and geo-economic conundrums is by transforming current economies into inclusive and sustainable societies. In this race for global dominance and hegemony, policy makers must be wary of not forgetting institutional practices of conserving and preserving ecosystems and biospheres with pro-active and proper thinking. Governments that are in power must be sensible to realize that economies will eventually grow when more people join the formal and informal sectors, but the challenge is to have a planet that sustains our needs rather than addressing our greed. Legal systems must work harder in the 21st century to embed proper and critical thinking driven by an ecological conscience to preserve, conserve and protect the environment that sustains us. The technology that is being built and fashioned to drive businesses must submit to stringent ecological standards. With the rapid spread of Covid19, scientists are aware that humanity will be afflicted with more such zoonotic diseases primarily brought on by the global warming and climate change. Third world governments in their search for competing and contributing with the global economy forget the impending dangers of a cataclysmic warmer, hotter and unsustainable planet that will deprive burgeoning populations of food and clean water furthering a health scare. Across the globe, we have witnessed government's response to Covid19 especially in the third world and the loss of lives that could have been prevented. This affliction is bound to endure owing to the inadequate policies that fail to create low-carbon economies or submit to Sustainable Development Goals that could mitigate the debilitating effects of a globally warmer planet. In all of this, the future will be fought not over oil but wars are bound to be fought over water and food and lack of immediate or urgent healthcare support. It is observed painfully, that the people most affected or afflicted with the mostly the marginalized, the poor, the disadvantaged. In this paper, I propose how governments of the day must transform their economies to be sustainable and inclusive, ameliorate global warming, promote healthy agricultural practices, constantly set higher moral standards for a low-carbon economy and build on a healthcare system that is robust and flexible to everyone's needs. The globe after observing many discussions at Copenhagen is now becoming familiar with the reality of a resource-efficient economy and natural capital as an invaluable economic asset. © 2023 Scrivener Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.

Fit for purpose? The patents regime, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and sustainable development

This article uses data from several publicly available databases to show that the distribution of intellectual property for frontier technologies, including those useful for sustainable development, is very highly skewed in favor of a handful of developed countries. The intellectual property rights (IPR) regime as it exists does not optimize the global flow of technology and know-how for the attainment of the sustainable development goals and is in need of updating. Some features of the Fourth Industrial Revolution imply that the current system of patents is even more in need of reform than before. COVID-19 vaccines and therapies and the vast inequality in access to these has highlighted the costs of inaction. We recommend several policy changes for the international IPR regime. Broadly, these fall into three categories: allowing greater flexibility for developing countries, reassessing the appropriateness of patents for technologies that may be considered public goods, and closing loopholes that allow for unreasonable intellectual property protections.

How COVID-19 is Accelerating the Digital Revolution: Challenges and Opportunities

This book explores how digital technologies have proved to be a useful and necessary tool to help ensure that local and regional governments on the frontline of the emergency can continue to provide essential public services during the COVID-19 crisis. Indeed, as the demand for digital technologies grows, local and regional governments are increasingly committed to improving the lives of their citizens under the principles of privacy, freedom of expression and democracy. The Digital Revolution began between the late 1950s and 1970s and represents the evolution of technology from the mechanical and analog to the digital. The advent of digital technology has also changed how humans communicate today using computers, smartphones and the internet. Further, the digital revolution has made a tremendous wealth of information accessible to virtually everyone. In turn, the book focuses on key challenges for local and regional governments concerning digital technologies during this crisis, e.g. the balance between privacy and security, the digital divide, and accessibility. Privacy is a challenge in the mitigation of COVID-19, as governments rely on digital technologies like contact-tracking apps and big data to help trace peoples patterns and movements. While these methods are controversial and may infringe on rights to privacy, they also appear to be effective measures for rapidly controlling and limiting the spread of the virus. Next, the book discusses the 10 technology trends that can help build a resilient society, as well as their effects on how we do business, how we work, how we produce goods, how we learn, how we seek medical services and how we entertain ourselves. Lastly, the book addresses a range of diversified technologies, e.g. Online Shopping and Robot Deliveries, Digital and Contactless Payments, Remote Work, Distance Learning, Telehealth, Online Entertainment, Supply Chain 4.0, 3D Printing, Robotics and Drones, 5G, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT). © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

Teaching and Learning Mathematics Using Technology in Rwanda Basic Education Schools Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

In the Fourth Industrial Revolution era, many countries are investing in integrating technology into education, and Rwanda is not an exception. This chapter explores students' and teachers' self-efficacy, perceptions, and experiences on using technology in learning and teaching mathematics during the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, the study sought to reveal differences in technology use according to the participants' backgrounds. To collect quantitative data, the study administered an online self-reported questionnaire to students and teachers in Rwanda in primary and secondary schools. The independent t-test and One-Way ANOVA enabled us to examine differences in technology use according to participants' backgrounds. The findings revealed that most Rwandan primary and secondary mathematics teachers were not equipped with sufficient knowledge and skills to use technology during the covid-19 pandemic, causing them to find e-learning technologies inconvenient. In terms of technology use, using the t-test, it was observed that there were no significant differences at p > 0.05 between male and female students and teachers. Additionally, the study found that teachers with different educational qualifications and teaching experiences used technology similarly when teaching mathematics. In contrast, the t-test showed that there were substantial differences at p > 0.05 between rural and urban students' and teachers' use of technology in mathematics. This study recommends that mathematics teachers be continually trained to embrace new technologies that will equip learners with twenty-first-century skills. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

Disruption and Public Policy Education Across Asia: The Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Climate Crisis, and Covid-19

The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is transforming the skills and competencies needed to lead a successful working life. The climate crisis is threatening ways of life, and the Covid-19 pandemic has tested our social-economic systems. The work and training of public policy professionals is also changing as a result. How graduate and undergraduate learning is designed and delivered should adapt with pedagogies and content relevant to our changing world. This chapter details how public policy is transforming given the 4IR and the educational changes that can be implemented to deliver relevant, impactful public policy learning in Asia. Practitioners working in higher education across Asia can consider case study and simulation learning authentic to real-world scenarios and experiential learning to form professionals ready for the automated world's demands. The chapter provides practical advice for pedagogy and content shifts. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022.

INNOVATIVE UTILIZATION OF VIRTUAL CONFERENCING APPLICATIONS: BASIS FOR NEW TECHNOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT APPROACH

In this fourth industrial revolution of technologies, video conferencing applications are now utilized for online business meetings, online classes, and scientific and experimental purposes engaged in a virtual meeting room due to rigorous cases of coronavirus disease 2019. Several difficulties and technical disruptions were encountered in using the said apps, especially during online classes and business conferences. In connection thereto, this Optimization and Innovative Utilization of Virtual Conferencing Applications dissertation were developed to have a new basis for a technological management approach based on the most commonly used video conferencing applications. The encountered problems, considered factors, and optimization processes were also determined. Descriptive quantitative research was used as methodology, and initial closed-ended questionnaires, evaluation forms with a 4-point Likert scale, interviews, consultations, and testing were the instruments and sources of data. Three hundred one (301) respondents were randomly selected around the Province of Laguna, Philippines, composed of 203 respondents from schools, 78 respondents from companies, and 20 professional evaluators. The developed strategic model was evaluated using 6 out of 8 general characteristics of the ISO/IEC 25010: 2011 system quality model, which includes usability, reliability, performance efficiency, maintainability, compatibility, and security. All data gathered were validated as well as the statistical treatments such as percentage, weighted and composite means, and t-test, which was used to determine the significant difference between the normal and optimized utilization of video conferencing applications. Obtained results revealed that utilizing the developed strategic model was significantly more acceptable and effective rather than the normal utilization of the common apps. The teachers and students and as well as the workers of business enterprises are the beneficiaries of this study to optimize and utilize the said applications for better learning and optimal workflow © 2006-2023 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN). All rights reserved

Formation of Digital Skills of Personnel in the Cooperative Sector of the Economy in the Face of New Challenges

Industry 4.0 is the central topic of numerous publications by foreign and Russian scientists, most of which are conceptual in nature. The current labor market requires the formation of new competencies and skills demanded in the digital economy. Digital reality dictates the need to develop new competencies—digital skills. Knowledge of computer technology, the use of software, and programming have become essential. For most organizations worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digitalization and adoption of digital ways of working. The development of new forms of employment (remote and combined) using digital technology will contribute to positive changes in the labor market. Based on these trends in the digital transformation of current society, the research aims to examine the digital skills of employees in the cooperative sector of the economy and their demand in the labor market in the context of Industry 4.0. The authors use descriptive statistical methods to process official data from the Federal State Statistics Service of the Russian Federation and the Higher School of Economics. The research indicates that the transformation of the labor market and forms of employment requires the development of new competencies demanded in Industry 4.0. In the digital economy, employment opportunities increasingly depend on a person's digital skills and competencies. This paper is one of the first comprehensive studies of the changing labor conditions, working environment, and the emergence of new competencies in Industry 4.0. This research contributes to the problem of studying digital skills as a component of human capital and can be the basis for further research in this subject area. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Applications of Industry 4.0 for Pandemic Responses and Business Continuity: A TOE-DCV Integrated Approach

The fourth industrial revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, covers a broad range of technologies. The applications of Industry 4.0 help in interconnectivity as well as automation process and support seamless operations. Not many studies have taken place to examine how different applications of Industry 4.0 could help in turbulent situations or in crises like COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, there is a research gap. In such background, the aim of this study is to investigate how different applications of Industry 4.0 could help to respond to such turbulent situation and help in business continuity and sustainability of operations. The present study develops a theoretical model combining technology–organization–environment framework and dynamic capability view to examine the role of Industry 4.0 applications for business continuity and sustainability of business operations especially for managing any turbulent situation like COVID-19 pandemic. The theoretical model was validated using partial least square structural equation modeling technique considering 338 respondents from different industries. The study found that there is a greater need to adopt Industry 4.0 applications for managing business operations during any turbulent situation. The study also found that there is a significant moderating impact of corporate governance in adopting Industry 4.0 applications to manage business operations especially during crisis. IEEE

The New Normal: Managing Virtual Work From a Human Resources Perspective

Human Resources jobs are becoming more and more challenging as the work dynamics are changing during the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The processes of organisations have improved, and machines have become more complicated, but the basic principles of organisational processes remain the same (Wang et al., Appl Psychol 70(1):16–59, 2021). In contrast, Human Resources is about dealing with people who are constantly changing in terms of behaviour, habits, thinking, or according to their circumstances, albeit personal or professional (Hembrom, HR Future:32–33, 2020). This makes organisational processes more difficult because, while managing and understanding people, their state of mind is more important when communicating with them (Bui, The roles of leaders in virtual working environment, 2020). Talking to people in person, Human Resources managers can view body language, facial expressions of the employee, among others, which is helpful during communication. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic where the workforce is mostly working virtually from home the situation is a bit more complicated. The turn of events in the 4IR during the COVID-19 pandemic has not been very encouraging for organisations and business being slow and layoffs across the world have brought new Human Resources challenges (Richter, Int J Inf Manage 55:102–107, 2020;Rosario, HR Future 2020(10):34–35, 2020). It could be contemplated that it is easier to communicate without paying attention to emotions. However, the impact it has on the employees and their families is immense. Human Resources, known for its empathetic attitude, understanding nature, for offering solace and support to the employees, is now no more than a robot, delivering messages without any feelings by Zoom or WhatsApp, based on a decision taken by the organisation. The aim of this chapter is to conceptualise a new dimension of Human Resources, where a change in strategy is required to manage virtual work in the ‘new normal'. Organisations may never return to the old ways of working. There might be a mix of both office and virtual work. For organisations that prefer to return to the ‘old normal' and do not allow for more flexible and virtual working practices, there is a very real risk that top talent will go elsewhere (Hubbard, Finweek, p 10. www.fin24.com/finweek, 2020;Waizenegger et al., Eur J Inf Syst 29(4):429–442, 2020). © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

Mission as ‘being with' in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa

This research investigated the impact measures (such as lockdowns) used to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) have on the church's mission. When people face travel and assembly restrictions, the church as a community of witnesses testifying and participating in Christ's work risks is being neutralised, and its presence weakened. What then does mission as ‘ being with ' look like in these situations? Is faithful presence something one can turn on and off at will depending on the situation? If faithful presence was no more, what then was the impact of such absence on the church's mission? These questions underscore the relevance of this research which sought to ascertain the impact the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown had on the church's mission. The crucial area this research sought to explore are the lessons from the COVID-19 lockdown that will help the church prepare for future pandemics which scientists say are inevitable. The research made use of a qualitative interview method to discover the meaning of ‘ being with' in the context of the COVID-19 lockdown. The results revealed six attributes of a missional church. Based on these attributes, the research recommends a seven-step process to prepare the church for possible future pandemics. Contribution: This research has provided the church with an opportunity to shift from being ‘inward-looking' to a church that is community focused, a church that prepares, trains and equips its adherents for the work of ministry in their own communities such that the work of ministry continues with or without gatherings.

Working Remotely in the New Normal: Towards a Conceptual Framework for Managing Employee Well-Being

The world of work is currently undergoing a revolution that will fundamentally change the way we live, work and relate to one another. Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the new normal compels organisations to move to digital modes which allow for remote work. HR scholars anticipate that the future will see more remote-friendly and digital work norms, which will influence employees' well-being. The question is, how should HR professionals manage employee well-being in the new normal? The purpose of this chapter is to contribute towards a conceptual framework for managing the well-being of knowledge workers in the new normal. It was achieved by conducting a systematic review of the existing literature on remote work, its effect on the well-being of knowledge workers and HR initiatives that organisations could adopt to organise and manage remote work in the future. The author anticipates that the conceptual framework will assist HR professionals in developing digital wellness interventions to manage the well-being of remote workers. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

Readiness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

This chapter explored the readiness of a South African university to take part in the fourth industrial revolution by exploring the experiences of students in science and technology on the impact of COVID-19 in the learning of their practical modules. Guided by two research questions, namely how the COVID-19 has impacted students' engagement with their practical modules and students' readiness to learn remotely and carry out the practical aspects of their modules, the chapter employ a qualitative case study approach to explore the views of students that offer courses that involve practical. Seven fourth-year students were purposively selected as study sample. Data were generated online using Google forms and were analysed thematically. The chapter was framed using the technology acceptance model. Findings revealed the following: ease and clarity of concept, lack of interaction with others, lack of motivation, lack of access to ICT facilities, lack of relevant materials to execute practical tasks, and lack of conducive learning environment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Trait emotional intelligence and flourishing: The mediating role of positive coping behaviour

Orientation: Personality and emotion-related predispositions cause individuals to respond differently to environmental stressors, resulting in different wellness outcomes. Research purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of positive coping behaviour in the association between trait emotional intelligence and flourishing. Motivation for the study: Research shows that emotionally intelligent people experience higher subjective well-being and psychological functioning. Yet, few studies have examined the pathway through which trait emotional intelligence leads to improved well-being, especially in times of uncertainty and change. Research approach/design and method: A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect quantitative data from a convenience sample of knowledge workers in South Africa. The participants' self-evaluations were measured using the Assessing Emotional Scale, the Positive Coping Behaviour Inventory and the Flourishing Scale. Statistical analyses included the use of descriptive statistics, the assessment of model fit, the evaluation of bivariate correlations and mediation analyses. Main findings: The results show that the significant association between trait emotional intelligence and flourishing is attributable to the positive coping behaviour capabilities of emotionally intelligent individuals. Practical/managerial implications: In a work environment characterised by the unknown and unpredictable, organisations should remain focused on enhancing employees' emotion-related abilities and personal psychosocial resources. Contribution/value-add: By focusing on the mediating role of positive coping behaviours in the relationship between trait emotional intelligence and flourishing, this study contributes to existing knowledge regarding the pathway through which specific dispositional characteristics influence well-being outcomes at work.

Future of work, work-family satisfaction, and employee well-being in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Work is done in an environment that is dynamic and in a continuousstate of change. In 2008, as the world was delightfully traversing a fiscal prosperity, it was suddenly hit with what could be described as one of the most devastating economic recessions a few monthslater. When the national governments, corporate organisations and individuals started to feel that innovative ways of comprehending and outlasting the economic slump in a flourishing manner through the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) had been found, the Coronavirus disease also known as COVID-19 pandemic, struck a more deadly blow on the global economy. The pandemic has changed the way work is done, the way people live, learn, and do business. The cutting-edge and specialised management of human capital central to ensuring that organisations can achieve their strategic objectives, remain competitive, and adapt to the ever-changing world of work, is under severe threat. Unemployment rate is at an all-time high level, and the race to attract and retain the best skills and create digital systems that exploit organisational and workforce potentials is keenly competed among organisations. Furthermore, the issue of employee health and well-being is dominating discussions among governments, organisations, and individual groups. This first edition of Future of Work, Work-Family Satisfaction, and Employee Well-Being in the Fourth Industrial Revolution aims at refining and sharpening the thinking, as well as equipping human resource experts, managers, owners of businesses(both large and small),skills development experts, academics,students and governments with pertinent and updated knowledge,skills and behaviours to approach the 4IR, and the post-COVID-19 era. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Artificial Intelligence Application in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

In this paper the Fourth Industrial revolution meaning and history is being discussed and how artificial intelligence (AI) is part of this revolution. The fourth industrial revolution can be divided into 3 clusters digital, biological and physical clusters and each cluster it has its own applications that are connected to AI such as 3d printings, autonomous vehicle, new materials and advanced robotics implemented in this revolution AI has advanced this technology to another level where it started to affect our society in negative or positive way where our ethical value can be put in to consideration. Also, the impact of COVID-19 is discussed accordingly for on the Fourth Industrial Revolution. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Fintech in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Literature Review on Usage and Concerns of e-Wallet Payment Transactions

The Fourth Industrial Revolution created many opportunities in many industrial sectors to cope with the digital transformation emergence. The financial industry quickly developed mobile cashless payment transaction systems (e-wallets) that went viral and have been widely used. Compared with traditional payment services, cashless payments offer other advantages encouraging users to utilize the technology more often. In addition, Covid-19 accelerated the adoption of e-wallets as social distancing, and contactless transactions have been advised in response to limit the transition of the virus between people. Accordingly, this research is aimed to identify the main factors that encourage users to adopt e-wallet systems and the main concerns of the cashless technology before and during Covid-19. This research used the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach to answer the research questions that rolled around identifying these factors. The papers were selected between 2018 and 2022 as a representation of before and during Covid-19. The analysis of the chosen literature highlighted 31 total factors, 21 factors about e-wallet usage and 10 factors about technology concerns. Based on the identified factors, this paper can be useful for e-wallet technology practitioners in the field to provide better cashless payment services. © 2023 IEEE.

Tools Towards the Sustainability and Circularity of Data Centers.

We are living in an age when data centers are expanding, require abundant spaces, and are an integral part in the urban communities, using massive amounts of environmental resources, and remains in the foreseeable future as the primary driver of the global energy consumption. This demand is disruptive and at times of both peril and opportunity due to impacts such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which is altering the demand of digital infrastructure around the world. With the global call for zero carbon emissions, there needs to be solutions put in place for the de-carbonization of data centers. New innovations are made available, which will have an economic, social, and environmental impact on data centers. Concepts such as circular economy and fourth industrial revolution technologies are useful procedural tools that can be used to systematically analyze data centers, control their mining and critical raw materials, can be utilized in the transition towards a sustainable and circular data center, by objectively assessing the environmental and economic impacts, and evaluating alternative options. In this paper, we will look at the current research and practice, the impact on the United Nations Sustainable Development goals, and look at future strides being taken towards more sustainable and circular data centers. We had discovered that decreasing the environmental effect and energy consumption of data centers is not sufficient. When it comes to data center architecture, both embodied and operational emissions are critical. Data centers also have a vital societal role in our daily lives, enabling us to share data and freely communicate via social media, transacting on the blockchain with cryptocurrencies, free online education, and job creation. As a result, sustainability and efficiency measures have expanded in a variety of ways, including circularity and its associated tools, as well as newer technologies.

Transport Digitalization

The rapid development of digital technologies, accelerated by COVID-19 effects tends to undermine the established business models and existing sectors of the economy, including the transport sector. Artificial intelligence, robotics technology, the Internet of Things, big data drastically transform all types of transport and logistics operations. Moreover, in addition to digitalization, this sector turned out to be influenced by a wave of public concern over the ecological state of the planet. A powerful impetus was given by a recent climate change conference in Glasgow, following the results of which the governments of many countries undertook a commitment to ensure a net zero carbon footprint over the coming decades. Thousands of companies have declared their allegiance to ESG principles and readiness to work for a green economy. The prospects for the development of the industry are also influenced by changes in consumer behavior. New generation—digital natives, are ready to give up private cars, using instead car sharing service, switch to bicycles and kick scooters and buy environmentally friendly electric cars. However, in the beginning of 2022 the world has met new challenges and risks brought by the new geopolitical situation after the start of the war of Russia in Ukraine. The event resulted in the immediate disruption of many logistic channels, the consequences of which are beyond prediction at the moment. Even after the military activities cease it may take significant time to restore the disrupted connections. The study is based on the use of qualitative comparative analysis that identifies the impact of digitalization on the subsectors of the transport industry. The purpose of the study is to analyze the impact of the main digital transformation tools, as well as other impact factors (decarbonization, changes in behavioral stereotypes, COVID-19, etc.) on the development of transport: road, rail, sea and air transport. The transport industry is viewed through the lens of "Mobility as a Service” (MaaS). The research is focused on revolutionary changes in the development of the industry, which will result in structural changes in value added chains, shifts in the geography of the deployment of production facilities, the further spread of electronic document flow and payments, the growth in the use of electric cars and autonomous vehicles, robotization of warehouses and port infrastructure, the introduction of the Internet of Things in traffic control. The result of the study was the conclusion that the digitalization process in transport will develop, having an impact on other sectors of the economy. It was determined that these processes are irreversible, and companies engaged in transport operations and those working in related fields must adapt to changes: develop their own business models or adapt to existing ones. At the same time, the industry is only in the early stages of digitalization, the rate of changes and their consequences are not yet determined. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

The role of government in promoting innovation-led entrepreneurial ecosystems

Background: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) presents a number of implications for both the public and private sectors. An important feature of the 4IR is enhancing the sustainability of businesses through innovation. Aim: This article examines the government's entrepreneurial role in promoting innovation-led entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs). Setting: Through a comparative approach, the research presented in this article investigates the role of government in promoting innovation-led EEs, in a top-performing EE, namely Silicon Valley and South Africa. Methods: A qualitative research design is adopted, and unobtrusive research methods are used for the conceptual, contextual and comparative analysis of authoritative literature and secondary data. A best practice case of Silicon Valley is used to analyse factors influencing innovation-led EE development in South Africa. Results: Challenges currently influencing the growth and sustainability of entrepreneurship in South Africa are identified. These challenges include 4IR readiness, policy implementation and the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The findings suggest that governments should play an important role in shaping innovation-led EE policy implementation. Conclusion: The article concludes by proposing a conceptual framework to aid managerial and policy guidance for the development of innovation-led EEs. Contribution: The findings of this article will be useful to guide managerial and policy guidance on the role of government in shaping innovation-led EE policy implementation.

Malaysia's low-cost housing solid waste management in the era of COVID-19: the role of fourth industrial revolution technologies

Purpose>Studies have shown that managing household solid waste from low-cost housing in urban and sub-urban communities is challenging, especially in developing countries and COVID-19 era. Previous research proved that the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies could be engaged to improve urban public services such as household solid waste. Thus, the study investigated 4IR role in improving low-cost housing solid waste management (LCHSWM) in the COVID-19 era across Malaysia's cities.Design/methodology/approach>The researchers selected four Malaysian cities (Pulau Pinang, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Putrajaya) to achieve the study's objectives via a qualitative research design. The study engaged forty experts through semi-structured virtual interviews. A thematic approach was used to analyse the collected data.Findings>Findings identified initial high implementation and maintenance costs, unwillingness to accept change, inadequate knowledge and skilled personnel to manage the operation, amongst others, as the perceived challenges facing 4IR technologies in managing low-cost housing solid waste across Malaysian cities in the COVID-19 era. Also, the study proffered measures to improve 4IR technologies usage.Research limitations/implications>This paper is limited to the perceived contributory challenges and proffered measures to improve 4IR technologies usage in managing LCHSW across Malaysian cities in the COVID-19 era.Practical implications>Proffered measures will stir policymakers and the political class (city councils) to start thinking of an all-inclusive approach to addressing the issue of LCHSW in the 21st century. As part of the practical implications, the possible outcome might enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors to better service delivery to mitigate environmental degradation.Originality/value>As revealed in the review, there is a paucity of literature regarding digital technology's roles in mitigating LCHSW across Malaysian cities in the COVID-19 era.