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.

The 9th podNECE episode discusses a study that presents a cross-cultural comparative analysis examining the impact of consumption values on the intention to purchase vegan food in India and Portugal. Utilizing the Theory of Consumption Values (TCV), the researchers analyze how factors like functional, emotional, social, epistemic, conditional, and ecological values predict purchasing decisions in these two culturally distinct markets. The study employs a dual analytical approach, combining Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA), which is used to test the assumption of TCV’s additive logic by identifying which values are essential minimum requirements for purchase intention. Key findings reveal that while ecological value is a necessary condition in both countries, Indian consumers are primarily driven by price and conditional values, whereas Portuguese consumers rely more on quality and epistemic (curiosity) values. Overall, the research extends the TCV by incorporating ecological value and challenges its universal applicability by showing that value necessity patterns are culturally dependent.

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

The 8th episode of podNECE discusses a study published in Transport Policy titled "Is electric mobility effective in smoothing the electricity load diagram? Evidence from Europe". This study investigates the impact of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) on different levels of electricity demand—peak, intermediate, and valley—across 26 European countries from 2018 to 2023. Using a threshold model, the research finds that the effect of EV adoption on electricity demand curves is non-linear and depends heavily on the current penetration level of the vehicles. Specifically, BEV adoption initially reduces peak demand and increases off-peak demand, thereby smoothing the load, but this benefit diminishes or even reverses at very high BEV penetration levels. Overall, the authors conclude that with appropriate policy intervention and strategies like Demand-Side Management, electric mobility can significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of electricity system

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

The 7th episode of podNECE presents a study published in Technovation, focused on developing an integrated approach for businesses to adapt to the paradigms of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Society 5.0, and smart cities in response to rapid global urbanization. The authors present a multi-criteria analysis system utilizing cognitive mapping and the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique within a neutrosophic environment to structure and analyze the complex, subjective factors involved. This methodology helps identify cause-and-effect relationships among criteria grouped into four clusters: Legislation and Public Policies, Technology, Performance, and People. Ultimately, the study offers a sociotechnical framework intended to support strategic decision-making and policy formulation for sustainable, human-centric urban development while contributing to relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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

The 6th episode of podNECE presents an article from the journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research titled "Exploring gastronomic experiences: Tourists’ emotions, quality of life and behavioural intentions.". The research focuses on the affective-cognitive process of tourists during gastronomic events, specifically analyzing how their sensorial and intellectual experience affects their emotional arousal and quality of life. Using a survey of 180 tourists at a cheese fair and employing Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), the study confirms the relevance of sensory elements over intellectual ones as determinants of both quality of life and emotional arousal. Ultimately, the findings suggest that positive emotional and well-being outcomes encourage positive future behavioral intentions toward both the experience and the tasted gastronomic product.

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

The 5th episode of podNECE features a study that examines how female leadership impacts environmental sustainability, organizational ambidexterity, and decent work in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the European Union. The study utilizes microdata from 7,560 SMEs in 16 EU countries, employing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for analysis. Findings indicate that female leadership directly enhances environmental sustainability and indirectly contributes through fostering ambidextrous capabilities and promoting decent work practices. The results highlight the strategic importance of gender-diverse leadership in enabling SMEs to align internal resources with sustainability objectives. This work integrates established theoretical constructs into a unified empirical model, offering practical insights for policymakers and managers seeking to embed sustainability into core SME strategies.

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