http://hdl.handle.net/10256/1529 Sun, 24 Aug 2025 22:08:06 GMT 2025-08-24T22:08:06Z http://hdl.handle.net/10256/27014 Digital technology adoption in European manufacturing: pathways to innovation and sustainability through AI and big data Kunecová, Jana ENG- This thesis investigates the adoption of digital technologies, specifically artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, within European manufacturing firms, highlighting the interplay between innovation, technological integration, and sustainability. In an era characterized by rapid technological advancement, firms are compelled to integrate digital solutions to remain competitive while addressing evolving sustainability demands. However, the process is often hindered by multiple factors, making it crucial to understand the complexities that drive or obstruct digital technology adoption Drawing on empirical data from a large-scale international survey, the study identifies key enablers—such as R&D cooperation, digital infrastructure, and sustainability practices—and barriers, including resource constraints and perceived usefulness, ecosystem and data management that influence digital technology adoption. The research offers a nuanced understanding of these adoption dynamics, emphasizing that technology adoption is not merely a technical endeavour but deeply influenced by organizational capacities, strategic alignment, and environmental challenges. In addition, the findings suggest that sustainability practices play a pivotal role not only in driving innovation but also in fostering AI and big data integration, creating a reciprocal relationship where digital technologies enhance sustainability performance while sustainability accelerates technological adoption. This dual role of sustainability expands the understanding of its influence on firms’ dynamic capabilities, pushing beyond its traditionally understood impact on environmental goals. By extending multiple theoretical frameworks and offering practical insights, this research contributes to the growing discourse on digital transformation in manufacturing. It not only emphasizes the necessity of integrating sustainability into digital strategies but also advocates for a forward-thinking, cumulative approach to AI and big data adoption. The findings are particularly relevant for manufacturing firms navigating the challenges of digitalization while striving to meet sustainability objectives; CAT- Aquesta tesi investiga l’adopció de tecnologies digitals, específicament la intel·ligència artificial (IA) i el big data, dins de les empreses manufactureres europees, destacant la interacció entre la innovació, la integració tecnològica i la sostenibilitat. En una era caracteritzada per l’avanç tecnològic ràpid, les empreses es veuen obligades a integrar solucions digitals per mantenir la competitivitat alhora que aborden les demandes creixents de sostenibilitat. No obstant això, el procés sovint es veu dificultat per diversos factors, fet que fa crucial entendre les complexitats que impulsen o obstaculitzen l’adopció de tecnologies digitals. Basada en dades empíriques d’una enquesta internacional a gran escala, l’estudi identifica factors clau que faciliten l’adopció, com la cooperació en R+D, la infraestructura digital i les pràctiques de sostenibilitat, així com barreres, incloent-hi les limitacions de recursos i la utilitat percebuda, l’ecosistema i la gestió de dades que influeixen en l’adopció de tecnologies digitals. La investigació ofereix una comprensió matisada d’aquestes dinàmiques d’adopció, emfatitzant que l’adopció de tecnologies no és només un esforç tècnic, sinó que està profundament influïda per les capacitats organitzatives, l’alineament estratègic i els reptes ambientals. A més, les conclusions suggereixen que les pràctiques de sostenibilitat juguen un paper fonamental no només en impulsar la innovació sinó també en fomentar la integració de la IA i el big data, creant una relació recíproca en què les tecnologies digitals milloren el rendiment en sostenibilitat mentre que la sostenibilitat accelera l’adopció tecnològica. Aquest doble paper de la sostenibilitat amplia la comprensió de la seva influència en les capacitats dinàmiques de les empreses, anant més enllà del seu impacte tradicionalment entès en els objectius ambientals. En ampliar diversos marcs teòrics i oferir perspectives pràctiques, aquesta investigació contribueix al creixent discurs sobre la transformació digital en la manufactura. No només emfatitza la necessitat d’integrar la sostenibilitat en les estratègies digitals, sinó que també defensa un enfocament progressiu i acumulatiu per a l’adopció de la IA i el big data. Les conclusions són particularment rellevants per a les empreses manufactureres que naveguen pels reptes de la digitalització mentre es comprometen a assolir objectius de sostenibilitat Thu, 09 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10256/27014 2025-01-09T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10256/26951 Online tourism education and Territorial development in Latin America: A case study from Colombia López Olachica, Jhonatan Andrés; Moya Sánchez, Daissy Hatblathy; Majó, Joaquim Purpose: This study examines the impact of online higher education on territorial tourism development, focusing on the Tourism & Hotel Business Administration, Digital University Institution from Antioquia (IU Digital), Colombia's pioneering fully virtual public institution since 2018. It investigates the program's alignment with national and departmental tourism development plans, its role in professional training, and its measurable impact on local contexts. Design/methodology/approach: Employing a qualitative case study methodology, the research triangulates data from semi-structured interviews with institutional and government stakeholders, a graduate follow-up survey (n=29), and document analysis of policy frameworks and academic outputs. Additionally, the study incorporates analysis of visual materials and database metrics to assess the program's digital presence and engagement. Findings: The findings reveal that online higher education fosters territorial inclusion and provides relevant training for tourism professionals, particularly in underserved regions. However, there is a limited articulation between higher education curricula and tourism public policies at the national and international levels. Graduates have made tangible contributions to regional tourism development initiatives, especially in sustainability-focused territories. Visual and database analyses indicate a growing digital engagement and outreach of the program, highlighting areas for further enhancement. Originality/Significance: This study offers empirical evidence from Latin America on the role of digital higher education in regional tourism development. It provides actionable recommendations for improving curricular relevance, graduate engagement, and policy integration. The case presents a scalable model for connecting online education with Sustainable territorial development in tourism, contributing to the academic discourse on educational pertinence and digital engagement strategies Fri, 30 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10256/26951 2025-05-30T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10256/26719 Optimization of the Website for Smart Tourism Destination: A Case Study of Bogota Rojas, Estefanía; Moya Sánchez, Daissy Hatblathy; Majó, Joaquim Purpose: This study aims to analyze key factors influencing Smart Tourism Destinations' website positioning. It provides a framework for destinations seeking to become STDs, optimizing digital presence, enhancing tourist experience, and strengthening competitiveness through usability, accessibility, interactivity, and credibility strategies. Design/methodology/approach: The study will employ innovative netnographic methods, focusing on qualitative research, to examine the interaction between virtual communities and a destination's websites. This unique approach will be preceded by a theoretical exploration to understand the composition of an STD website, uncovering the key factors contributing to boosting the tourism sector's competitiveness through its online presence. Findings: The qualitative results of this study will provide a model for the web positioning of any STD. By correlating the conceptual framework with quantitative findings, the study will determine the percentage level of each STD, identifying its specific needs, areas for improvement, and accolades that can serve as a benchmark for other cities. These findings will be instrumental in guiding future website development strategies for STDs. Originality/ Significance: This study proposes theoretical, highly practical, and actionable alternatives that enhance the impact of the technological dimension in developing a destination's website. It will provide a comprehensive guide on the necessary components for positioning a destination's branding in the global tourism network, emphasizing the tourism product offered by the destination. These proposals empower the tourism industry to take control of its online presence and reputation, delivering tangible benefits Sun, 05 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10256/26719 2025-01-05T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10256/26685 Citizen engagement in public sector innovation: exploring the transition between paradigms Nguyen, Huong Thu; Drejer, Ina; Marquès i Gou, Pilar This paper explores how the public sector engages citizens for innovation purposes. It connects the related but currently separate debates concerning the transition from the 'new public management' to the 'new public governance' paradigm and the application of different helix models to public sector innovation. Through a case study of a Danish municipality, the process for changing normativity and the perception of citizens' roles is illustrated. This includes the application of both new structures and instruments for engaging citizens in collaboration and a pragmatic approach to quadruple helix collaboration, which is context-driven rather than strictly compliant with theoretical models Sun, 05 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10256/26685 2024-05-05T00:00:00Z