International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development (6 papers in press)

Special Issue on: OA Interdisciplinary Research of Energy Application, Governance, and Policy for Sustainability

• Open Access

  Stability of school-enterprise cooperation in energy education: interaction mechanisms and policy implications ( Free Full-text Access )

  by Chong Li, Yao Xiao 
  Abstract: At present, against the backdrop of deepening reform in vocational education and industry integration in China, the cooperation between schools and enterprises in energy technology research and development characterised by rapid technological iteration, long investment cycles, and strong policy dependence has become a vital pathway for talent cultivation. While short term incentives can enhance cooperation efficiency, they often induce opportunistic behaviour. Long-term collaboration, though conducive to strengthening the stability of cooperation between profit and non-profit organisations, faces a series of challenges such as high initial costs and lengthy implementation cycles. This study expands the application of evolutionary game theory to the field of vocational education, providing a theoretical foundation for advancing school-enterprise cooperation and deepening the integration of industry and education in practice.
  Keywords: school-enterprise cooperation; education policy; evolutionary game; profit organisations; non-profit organisations; opportunism.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2026.10075596
   
  

• Open Access

  Spatial distribution of geographical indication agricultural product clusters and their impact on the sustainable development of the agricultural energy-economy system ( Free Full-text Access )

  by Hui Yang, Taoran Zou, Xiangda Xu 
  Abstract: Geographical indication agricultural products in Heilongjiang Province play a crucial role in advancing the sustainable development of the agricultural energyeconomic system, with multidimensional impacts on the economy, energy, and ecology. Accordingly, this paper proposes that Heilongjiang Province should optimise and adjust the spatial layout of GI agricultural products, cultivate industrial clusters, promote industrial structure upgrading and the integrated development of the three industries, adhere to the marketisation of agricultural product brands, and strengthen brand marketing and promotion, thereby further leveraging the synergistic driving effect of GI agricultural products on the coordinated development of the agricultural energyeconomicecological system.
  Keywords: GI agricultural products; spatial distribution; agricultural energy economy system; sustainable development; multiple regression models.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2026.10075597
   
  

Regular Issues

• Systems of values to build a sustainability-oriented culture for sustainability-oriented innovation  
  by Carmen Abril, Mercedes Rubio-Andres, Kiril Ivanov, Henning Breuer 
  Abstract: This study explores the specific system of values that effectively fosters a sustainability-oriented culture (SOC) within organisations. It investigates whether cultivating such a culture can lead to competitive advantages through sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI). Drawing on the competing values framework, we develop a conceptual model that illustrates how particular value systems give rise to an SOC, which in turn influences innovation focused on sustainability. Our findings confirm a positive relationship between SOC and SOI, highlighting the importance of fostering appropriate value systems as a foundational step in establishing both. In particular, the pronounced flexibility associated with the human resources (HR) and open systems (OS) dimensions of values emerges as a strong indicator for cultivating an SOC. This study contributes to the literature on organisational culture and sustainability by identifying the value systems that effectively support the development of a sustainability-oriented culture.
  Keywords: SOC; sustainability-oriented culture; SOI; sustainability-oriented innovation; competing values; organisational values; systems of values; innovation.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2025.10074253
   
  
• Classifying R&D strategies in highly funded enterprises: insights from USA government-interest patents  
  by Hsu-Chuan Chang, Dar-Zen Chen, Chun-Chieh Wang, Mu-Hsuan Huang, Chung-Huei Kuan 
  Abstract: In order to study the impact of government funding on the R&D strategy of enterprises, and explore whether the innovative development of enterprises is driven away by government policies. In this study, an evaluation method and analytical model were developed to investigate the perspective of companies that are highly receptive to funding. We focused on the top 30 companies which received substantial government funding. Specifically, this study analyzed the first cooperative patent classification (CPC) with government-interest (GI) patents constituting more than 1% of all GI patents. To investigate the aforementioned characteristics and classify each company accordingly, the number and citation status of GI and non-GI patents were also compared within each company’s technological domain. Assessment of patent concentration, number, and influence revealed that individual enterprises employ diverse implementation practices and R&D strategies when obtaining patents through government funding. In conclusion, this study presents a well-defined classification model for enterprise types. The proposed four-quadrant framework not only aids the government in identifying suitable partners and determining optimal funding allocation but also assists enterprises in assessing their current status and strategic positioning.
  Keywords: citation ratio; CPC; government-interest patent; patent concentration; funding dependency index; patent impact index; patentometrics; quadrant analysis; quantity ratio; R&D strategy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2025.10074865
   
  
• Enterprise awareness and dual innovation: What kind of manager played a good role?  
  by Ren Wanyu, Cao Yuxuan, Yue Li 
  Abstract: The innovation strategy of enterprises has different directions, and the impact of innovation consciousness on the selection of dual innovation has research value. Enterprise managers, as important creators of awareness, also play a crucial role in innovation activities. Based on this, this study takes the perspective of managerial characteristics and examines the impact of enterprise consciousness on dual innovation, as well as the role played by managers, using Chinese listed companies from 2012 to 2022 as samples. The findings of this study are as follows. First, enterprise innovation awareness significantly promotes dual innovation activities, with a stronger effect on incremental innovation. Second, the impact of enterprise innovation awareness on dual innovation varies depending on the size and ownership structure of the enterprise. Third, managers play an important role in enterprise innovation, with younger, higher-educated, and more adventurous managers displaying stronger innovation intentions. Finally, the study confirms that female managers have a motivating effect on enterprise innovation. Our research provides positive insights and valuable references for Chinese enterprises to enhance their innovation quality.
  Keywords: enterprise awareness; incremental innovation; radical innovation; manager characteristics; innovation strategy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2025.10075358
   
  
• Navigating rare metal challenges: consumer perspectives on sustainable supply chains  
  by Justine Marty, Laetitia Tosi, Angappa Gunasekaran 
  Abstract: The escalating demand for rare metals, driven by their pivotal role in IoT and the energy transition, presents complex challenges for supply chains. This study explores rare metal management, focusing on the key drivers of consumer concern regarding ethical and environmental issues. Based on 18 in-depth interviews, the research examines how consumer perspectives influence the sustainability of rare metal supply chains. The central research question addresses: Drawing on consumer perspectives, how can the key drivers and solutions identified be leveraged to enhance sustainability in the supply chain processes of rare metals?. Findings highlight solutions such as improved product design, substitution strategies, and enhanced recycling initiatives. An analysis chart links these consumer-driven solutions to sustainable supply chain practices. Using a Grounded Theory approach, this article contributes to the sustainable supply chain literature by offering actionable insights for firms seeking to align their practices with ethical and environmental expectations.
  Keywords: rare metals; sustainability; SCM; supply chain management; drivers; issues; solutions.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2026.10075594