Susana Sobral, João Ricardo Catarino and Alexandre Morais Nunes

https://doi.org/10.54175/hsustain5010006

Sustainable development requires legitimate coordination of cross-sector trade-offs across environmental limits, social needs, and long-term economic viability. Because the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relies on multi-actor arrangements, collaborative governance (CG) design features may condition ... Read More ... Read More Sustainable development requires legitimate coordination of cross-sector trade-offs across environmental limits, social needs, and long-term economic viability. Because the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relies on multi-actor arrangements, collaborative governance (CG) design features may condition whether participation translates into joint decision-making. CG emerges from these dynamic strategies to produce public products and services with multiple stakeholders, aligning and integrating the various parties’ ambitions. Given the ongoing discussion on SDGs, marked by the complexity and interdependence of actors, innovative, collaborative solutions are needed to achieve the desired goals. This necessity is further underscored by introducing a goal related to partnerships and collaboration: “Partnerships for Development” (Goal 17), demonstrating that collaboration is a crucial element for sustainable development and the implementation of the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda. Thus, this study aims to explore how CG supports strategies to implement the SDGs. To this end, through content analysis, we examine four initiatives involving public and private actors related to the implementation of the SDGs in Portugal. We aim to analyze whether these meet the criteria of CG and the various dimensions anticipated for its process. Only one initiative meets the criteria for CG, and Portugal still needs an established collaborative governance arrangement for implementing the SDGs. Therefore, it is necessary to invest in collaborative arrangements initiated by public organizations that allow for participation in decision-making and greater consensus-building, preserving a real contribution to public policy and a better understanding of the impacts and benefits of collaboration. It is also necessary to discuss the need for metagovernance structures for sustainable development. ... « or Access Full Article

Aivars Spilbergs, Biruta Dzērve, Sandra Ozoliņa, Gunta Innuse-Breidaka, Tatjana Mavrenko, Laima Čable, Agnese Vincēviča, Biruta Sloka, Ginta Tora and Kristīne Liepiņa

https://doi.org/10.54175/hsustain4040017

This study examines the primary risks associated with using generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in social science research and proposes a framework for higher education institutions to effectively manage these risks. As universities increasingly integrate GAI into ... Read More ... Read More This study examines the primary risks associated with using generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in social science research and proposes a framework for higher education institutions to effectively manage these risks. As universities increasingly integrate GAI into teaching, research, and administration, concerns around intellectual property, academic integrity, data privacy, and ethical use have intensified. This paper explores the adequacy of current legal frameworks in addressing these challenges, drawing on recent legal analyses and institutional practices. Survey data reveal statistically significant differences in perceptions of the need for GAI guidelines based on respondents’ age, education level, field of study, research experience, and geographic region. The findings underscore the urgency of developing adaptive, risk-based policies that support responsible integration of GAI while safeguarding academic standards. The study concludes by proposing guiding principles for a dynamic legal framework that balances innovation with accountability. These recommendations aim to support sustainable and ethical GAI adoption in higher education institutions and contribute to the broader discourse on responsible AI governance in academia. ... « or Access Full Article

Francesco Scalamonti

https://doi.org/10.54175/hsustain3040020

Henri Giudici, Kristin Falk, Gerrit Muller, Dag Eirik Helle and Erik Drilen

https://doi.org/10.54175/hsustain3020014

Clint T. Lewis

https://doi.org/10.54175/hsustain3020008

Small Island Developing States have been identified as some of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change due to inherent environmental, economic, and demographic characteristics. The cross-cutting reach of climate change impacts has ... Read More ... Read More Small Island Developing States have been identified as some of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change due to inherent environmental, economic, and demographic characteristics. The cross-cutting reach of climate change impacts has led to the conversation of mainstreaming and its practicality. The study uses a qualitative research design that focuses on interviews with senior officials in the Caribbean at the national and regional levels. The study aims to identify the drivers of, barriers to adaptation mainstreaming into national policies and development plans in the Caribbean, and to derive actions needed to achieve mainstreaming at a national level. The main drivers of mainstreaming are the region’s vulnerability, institutional arrangement, and the government budget, while the major barriers include poor planning and governance, insufficient human resources, and competing development priorities. The paper proposes several key initiatives and actions needed at a national level that can help the region to achieve adaptation mainstreaming. To this end, mainstreaming adaptation at the national level is an essential strategy for building resilience to the impacts of climate change within the region. It cannot be a “one size fits all” approach but one that is tailored by countries to fit the countries’ circumstances and cultures. ... « or Access Full Article