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-10-2025-1385

podNECE 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/s10479-025-07023-7

podNECE 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-04-2025-0483

podNECE 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.

The 2nd episode of the 2nd season of podNECE presents a study that investigates the primary socio-economic drivers of energy poverty across 36 African nations between 2000 and 2020. By utilizing fractional regression models, the authors distinguish between the factors influencing electricity access in urban versus rural environments. The study reveals that economic growth and a larger elderly population generally improve power availability, whereas unemployment serves as a major barrier to electrification. Interestingly, the data shows that foreign direct investment boosts energy access in cities but fails to provide similar benefits to remote areas. Ultimately, the text argues for targeted policy interventions, such as income subsidies and job creation, to facilitate universal energy access across the continent.

podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The 1st episode of the 2nd season of the podNECE discusses a study that explores the detrimental impacts and operational risks that small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face when integrating generative AI chatbots. Utilizing expert group discussions and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM), the study identifies five primary areas of concern: clients, strategic orientation, employees, productivity, and technology. The resulting framework maps cause-and-effect relationships, revealing that issues like biased AI models and increased competition serve as root drivers for broader organizational failures. By prioritizing these factors, the authors provide a structured roadmap for managers to mitigate the "dark side" of AI adoption. The work emphasizes that while chatbots enhance efficiency, they can also lead to cognitive changes, trust erosion, and diminished critical thinking in resource-constrained environments. This proactive diagnostic tool ultimately helps smaller firms navigate technological transitions without sacrificing their long-term competitiveness or accountability.

podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The 10th episode of podNECE discusses a research article titled "Hedonic and eudaimonic personal goals as drivers to attend a religious mega event," published in Tourism Recreation Research. The study investigates the importance of both hedonic goals (seeking pleasure and enjoyment) and eudaimonic goals (seeking personal growth and a meaningful life) as motivations for pilgrims attending the World Youth Day (WYD) religious mega event. Through a face-to-face survey of 171 pilgrims, the authors confirm that both types of personal goals influence the decision-making process for participation. Furthermore, the research finds that socio-demographic variables such as sex, age, and country of residence produce variations in the importance placed on these goals, with hedonic goals being slightly more prevalent overall. The overall aim is to contribute to a new theoretical approach in religious event motivation beyond general tourism motivations.

podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.