Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal (5 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Corporate social responsibility and innovation: boosting consumer satisfaction through reputation  
  by Carla Campos, Rui Gonçalves, Renato Lopes Da Costa, Leandro F. Pereira, Álvaro Dias 
  Abstract: This study investigates the influence that corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and innovations adopted by companies have over their own reputation and consumer satisfaction. Furthermore, it explores the mediating role of corporate reputation in the relationships between CSR, innovation initiatives and consumer satisfaction. To evaluate these relationships, a questionnaire was used to collect the information needed to test the conceptual model developed using the PLS-SEM technique. The results prove the positive influence that both CSR activities and innovation initiatives have over consumer satisfaction and business reputation. This study's conclusions contribute with further knowledge to existent literature and, with new information which allows the development of theory in the corporate reputation domain. Besides, it can help companies in choosing which action to adopt given that, in this study, CSR activities are considered a successful method to boost public perceptions and firms and stakeholders’ outcomes.
  Keywords: corporate reputation; consumer satisfaction; innovation; corporate social responsibility; CSR.
  
  

Special Issue on: REAL CORP 2024 Human Aspects in Smart Cities Integrating Sustainable Practices and Technological Advancements

• The role of employee behaviour in the digital transformation process  
  by Lara Sehlmeyer 
  Abstract: Digital transformation is a dynamic process shaping global economic and social landscapes. Experts see it as a turning point, making unrestricted global communication essential for business growth. Alongside its advantages, researchers highlight inherent risks that leaders must proactively address. Cybersecurity emerges as a significant challenge, with employee behaviour posing an often-overlooked threat. This study aimed to identify risks linked to employee behaviour, assess their likelihood and potential damage, and propose strategies for mitigation through literature review, focus groups, and surveys. Findings revealed high correlations between risk factors like overwhelm and lack of transparency, suggesting actionable internal risk management strategies.
  Keywords: digital transformation; cybersecurity; employee behaviour; risk management.
  
  
• Sustainable HRM practices and their effects on stress, engagement, commitment, and turnover intention  
  by Henning Tirrel, Marleen Christ 
  Abstract: Sustainability is becoming more important in German companies. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the relationships between sustainable HRM (SHRM) and various employee performance indicators. Using structural equation modelling, we conducted a quantitative analysis to assess anticipated relationships. We generated and analysed a sample of 228 German employees. Notably, the study found no association between SHRM and employee stress, while SHRM and employee engagement are positively and significantly linked. Additionally, employee engagement serves as an indirect-only mediator between SHRM and employees turnover intentions. This paper advances the literature by firstly creating a framework of SHRM on employee performance indicators. Secondly, the innovative findings especially the aforementioned mediation highlight its relevance for theory and practice. The key finding is that employee engagement mediates the relationship from SHRM to turnover intentions. Thus, SHRM is the starting point of indirectly affecting employees willingness to stay with a company. This is the first study to examine these relationships, underlining its originality and contributions to the academic debate. These findings highlight the strategic importance for companies to focus on SHRM to enhance employee retention.
  Keywords: sustainable human resource management; SHRM; commitment; turnover; stress; employee performance; PLS-SEM; Germany; War for Talent; conceptual framework.
  DOI: 10.1504/PIE.2025.10072287
   
  
• Exploring the feasibility of vertical farming business models in Cameroon: addressing food security and sustained agriculture  
  by Vikih Edith Vefemsi 
  Abstract: This study investigates the feasibility of vertical farming business models in Cameroon as a sustainable approach to addressing challenges such as land degradation, urbanisation, and climate change. Using a qualitative research design, data was collected through interviews with 12 key stakeholders, including farmers, investors in the agricultural field, and agribusiness experts. Findings reveal that vertical farming can significantly enhance urban food security by optimising space use, reducing water consumption, and enabling year-round production. Aquaponics emerged as the most cost-effective model, with respondents highlighting its resource efficiency and dual benefits of crop and fish production. However, adoption is hindered by high start-up costs, infrastructure deficits, and limited policy support. The study proposes a stakeholder-aligned vertical farming business model tailored to Cameroons unique context, integrating financial incentives, training, and government support to facilitate adoption. This research contributes to the literature by providing region-specific insights into vertical farmings economic viability and operational challenges while also offering policymakers and industry players a practical framework to enhance food security and sustainable agriculture in Cameroon.
  Keywords: vertical farming; food security; sustainable agriculture; Cameroon; aquaponics; business models; stakeholder engagement; government supports.
  DOI: 10.1504/PIE.2025.10072529
   
  
• The role of museums in smart environments  
  by Niccolò Fiorini, Costanza Noferi 
  Abstract: This study explores the role of museums in local communities, highlighting how they can promote sustainability and territorial development. By qualitatively analysing two case studies in Tuscany, the Mine Museum and the Chianti Sculpture Park, the research highlights how museum strategies are influenced by the intrinsic characteristics of museums, the surrounding environment and the role they aim to play. The findings show that museums can act as agents of change, contributing to local revitalisation and social inclusion, also pursuing an autonomous identity in the cultural landscape. The study highlights the importance of adapting museum strategies to the specific context, integrating digital technologies and sustainable practices to enhance the cultural and economic impact of museums within smart cities. Furthermore, this research proposes a first theoretical framework for understanding the factors influencing museum’s strategies.
  Keywords: museum; strategy; smart movement; cultural management; Italy.
  DOI: 10.1504/PIE.2025.10072581