podNECE

The 15th episode of the 2nd season of podNECE presents a study that investigates how family businesses across the 27 European Union member states integrate environmental and social sustainability into their operations. By analyzing over 2,500 firms, the authors identify four distinct adoption profiles, ranging from "advanced implementers" to "non-implementers," alongside three country-level groupings that reflect regional variations. The study highlights that smaller, older companies with moderate turnovers are often the most active in adopting these measures, frequently prioritizing social initiatives over environmental ones. Using frameworks like socioemotional wealth and stakeholder theory, the text explains that family firms' long- term perspectives and values drive this strategic heterogeneity. Ultimately, the findings suggest that policymakers should avoid one-size-fits-all approaches, instead favoring strategies that account for the diverse characteristics and geographic contexts of family-run enterprises.https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.71222podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The 14th episode of the 2nd season of podNECE presents a study that investigates consumer acceptance of insect-based food in the European market through a pioneering mix of traditional surveys and neuroscience techniques. Researchers measured the physiological responses of participants consuming a protein bar, utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) to capture nonconscious reactions like arousal and attention. While initial surveys revealed low awareness and complex feelings of surprise, fear, and disgust, the experimental data showed that processed insect products elicited high levels of interest and were often preferred over traditional cereal bars. The findings suggest that nutritional and sustainability communication is essential to normalize entomophagy and reduce the "novelty" barrier. Ultimately, the authors recommend marketing strategies such as free samples and tasting trials to foster familiarity and drive the adoption of sustainable protein alternatives.https://doi.org/10.1037/npe0000215podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The 13th episode of the 2nd season of podNECE presents a study that investigates how digital influencers in Portugal communicate sustainability on Instagram and how these messages are perceived by Generation Z. The research utilizes a dual-method approach, combining a multimodal video analysisof 200 Reels with focus group discussions involving young consumers. Findings indicate a clear divide between influencer tiers: while high-reach "mega" influencers often commodify green values into luxury lifestyles, smaller "nano" and "micro" creators engage in more authentic, politicized storytelling. For Generation Z, trust is not built through high production quality but through aesthetic coherence and perceived sincerity. Ultimately, the authors argue that digital sustainability functions as an affective performance where emotional resonance and stylistic simplicity determine credibility. This work highlights the complex symbolic economy of social media, where ethical living is curated as a marketable identity.https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051251408946 podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The 12th episode of the 2nd season of podNECE presents a study that investigates how professional accounting organizations (PAOs) in Portugal shape the competencies of practitioners by influencing both the supply and demand of the labor market. Through a qualitative analysis of three major bodies—OCC, OROC, and APOTEC—the authors examine how these institutions perceive emerging shifts like digital transformation and sustainability reporting. The study categorizes PAO influence into four pillars: certification and regulation, professional development, oversight, and advocacy. By interacting with higher education institutions and regulatory bodies, PAOs act as critical intermediaries that define professional standards and entry requirements. Ultimately, the paper provides a refined conceptual framework to help scholars and policymakers understand how these organizations align educational outcomes with evolving industry expectations.https://doi.org/10.1108/JAOC-12-2024-0408podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The 11th episode of the 2nd season of podNECE presents a study that provides a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of research surrounding Regional Smart Specialisation Strategies (RIS3), particularly within the European Union. By examining 68 key publications, the authors identify a strategic shift toward place-based innovation policies that leverage local knowledge to foster economic growth and diversification. The study maps the evolution of the field into four primary clusters—knowledge, policy, innovation, and specialization—while highlighting the entrepreneurial discovery process as a vital bottom-up mechanism for identifying competitive advantages. Furthermore, the work addresses six critical implementation challenges, such as the risk of favoring established interest groups and the difficulties faced by structurally weaker regions. Ultimately, the sources synthesize a decade of practical experience to suggest how multi-level governance and collaborative leadership can better support sustainable regional development.https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-025-02736-3podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The 10th episode of the 2nd season of podNECE presents a study that investigates how Vietnamese manufacturing firms utilize open innovation to enhance their economic and environmental performance. By integrating the Natural Resource-Based View and Dynamic Capabilities Theory, the study identifies proactive environmental strategy as a more dominant driver than entrepreneurial orientation for fostering innovation. The findings reveal that adaptive capacity serves as a vital internal mechanism that translates environmental strategies into open product innovation, which ultimately boosts firm results. Conversely, while entrepreneurial orientation supports open process innovation, it does not significantly improve a firm's overall ability to adapt. Ultimately, the study highlights that product-focused collaboration is more effective for sustainable value creation in emerging economies than process-oriented openness.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2026.100733podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The 9th episode of the 2nd season of podNECE presents a study that investigates how digital maturity, social and environmental practices, and external collaboration influence innovation within both social economy enterprises (SEE) and conventional firms (NSEE). By analyzing European survey data, the authors demonstrate that while both types of organizations benefit from these drivers, their effectiveness depends on the specific organisational logic of the enterprise. Digital maturity and environmental practices are consistent catalysts for innovation, but digitalization yields higher returns for mission-oriented SEEs than for profit-driven entities. The study reveals that external partnerships do not directly spark innovation on their own; instead, they act as an amplifier for social practices specifically within social economy contexts. Ultimately, the source argues that sustainable innovation is not a universal formula but a result of internal commitments and external openness tailored to a firm’s core mission.https://www.doi.org/10.1108/EJIM-10-2025-1385podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The 8th episode of the 2nd season of podNECE presents a study that introduces a specialized decision-support model designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) successfully navigate digital transformation. By integrating cognitive mapping with the Best–Worst Method (BWM), the authors identify and prioritize 173 criteria that influence how technology adoption impacts firm performance. The study emphasizes that governance and leadership are the most critical determinants for success, outweighing traditional market factors. Expert validation from COTEC Portugal confirms the model’s practical utility in bridging the gap between theoretical innovation and real-world business application. Ultimately, the framework serves as a strategic tool for managers to evaluate their digital readiness and optimize resource allocation in a competitive landscape.https://www.doi.org/10.1007/s10479-025-07023-7podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The 7th episode of the 2nd season of podNECE presents a study that examines the intersection of green logistics, supply chain management, and knowledge management to address theoretical and methodological gaps in the field. By analyzing eighty high-quality articles, the authors identify that research is currently dominated by quantitative methods and often lacks a robust theoretical foundation, though the resource-based view remains the most utilized lens. The study reveals a significant lack of multi-country and multi-industry perspectives, noting that most existing work focuses on single contexts like India or China. To bridge these gaps, the authors propose a knowledge-driven framework that emphasizes the importance of knowledge brokers and digital platforms in building resilient, sustainable networks. This model illustrates how organizations can navigate global disruptions and institutional pressures by fostering innovation and effective knowledge transfer. Ultimately, the paper provides a comprehensive research agenda to guide future scholarly exploration toward more diverse and theoretically grounded investigations of the circular economy.https://www.doi.org/10.1108/JKM-04-2025-0483podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The 6th episode of the 2nd season of the podNECE discusses a study that examines how resource efficiency practices are adopted by over 13,000 companies across the European Union. By analyzing nine specific circular economy activities, the authors identify five distinct categories of firms ranging from advanced adopters to those who do not engage in these practices at all. The study highlights that firm-level characteristics, such as a company’s size, age, and annual revenue, significantly influence its ability to transition toward sustainable production models. Furthermore, the findings reveal substantial geographic disparities, suggesting that national and regional contexts play a vital role in how businesses manage resources. To foster a more sustainable economy, the authors advocate for customized policy interventions and financial incentives specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises. Ultimately, the work integrates resource-based views with dynamic capabilities to show how organizations can successfully reconfigure their operations for environmental resilience.podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The 5th episode of the 2nd season of podNECE presents a study that explores the application of the Smart City paradigm within small, inland Portuguese municipalities, specifically Castelo Branco, Fundão, and Idanha-a-Nova. While technological urbanism is typically associated with large metropolitan areas, the authors argue that "smartification" and territorial marketing are vital tools for revitalizing rural regions and achieving sustainable development. The study identifies specific local strengths, such as Agrotech innovation in Fundão and organic agriculture in Idanha-a-Nova, yet it notes a significant lack of direct inter-municipal cooperation. The authors suggest that these territories currently operate in parallel development paths rather than leveraging their complementary assets. To overcome challenges like depopulation and digital exclusion, the paper advocates for a shift toward integrative territorial governance. Ultimately, the sources conclude that structured collaboration is the essential "missing ingredient" needed to transform individual municipal efforts into a cohesive, competitive Smart Region.podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The 4th episode of the 2nd season of podNECE presents a study that examines how knowledge transfer from university partnerships impacts a company's ability to develop product and process innovations. Utilizing a massive dataset of over 100,000 European firms, the authors explore the distinct benefits of collaborating with both national and international universities. A primary focus of the study is the role of absorptive capacity, or a firm's internal ability to identify and utilize external information. The findings reveal that while external knowledge generally boosts innovation, high internal absorptive capacity can actually create a negative moderating effect in national contexts by making external academic input redundant. Ultimately, the paper provides strategic insights for policymakers and managers on how to effectively balance internal research efforts with external academic cooperation.podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The 3rd episode of the 2nd season of podNECE presents a study that investigates the primary drivers of environmental innovation in businesses, focusing on how geographical location, business environment, and digital maturity influence sustainable practices. By analyzing data from over 16,000 firms across 39 countries, the authors utilize machine learning algorithms to identify complex patterns that traditional statistical methods often overlook. The findings reveal that digital maturity is the most significant internal factor for adopting eco-innovations, while firms in rural areas show a surprisingly high propensity for environmental responsibility. Furthermore, company size serves as a critical moderator, amplifying the benefits of a favorable business environment and advanced digital capabilities. The study concludes that integrating digital transformation with strategic sustainability is essential for enhancing corporate competitiveness and meeting global development goals. Highlighting the importance of context-specific policies, the research provides a robust framework for leaders to optimize organizational characteristics for a greener future.podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.