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This purpose of this study aims to critically evaluate the feasibility of establishing a single currency area within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) by examining the economic integration of its member states. The analysis focuses on the extent to which the region meets the criteria of the optimum currency area (OCA) theory, particularly in terms of business cycle synchronization, labor mobility and capital flows.

Using a vector autoregression (VAR) model within the aggregate demand-aggregate supply framework, this research investigates the symmetry of supply and demand shocks across SAARC economies. The study analyzes the synchronization of business cycles and the mobility of labor and capital to determine the readiness of SAARC for a unified currency.

The results indicate significant asymmetries in business cycles among SAARC countries, with substantial disparities in economic responses to shocks. These findings suggest that the region lacks the necessary economic synchronization required for a successful single currency area. Limited labor and capital mobility further complicate the potential for economic integration within SAARC.

The study is constrained by data inconsistencies and the limited range of economic indicators available for SAARC countries. Future research should expand the analysis to include a broader set of socioeconomic factors and more comprehensive data sets to better assess the region’s potential for monetary integration.

The study highlights the challenges of forming a currency union in South Asia due to economic disparities and limited mobility. However, gradual steps toward deeper regional integration, improved financial infrastructure and enhanced cross-border collaboration could foster long-term economic stability, growth and social cohesion in the SAARC region.

The research highlights the potential social benefits of enhanced economic integration, such as increased community resilience and social cohesion, while also warning of the risks associated with premature monetary union in a region with significant economic disparities.

This study provides a detailed analysis linking the theoretical framework of the OCA to the practical realities of economic integration in South Asia. By focusing on the specific economic conditions of SAARC member states, the research offers valuable insights for policymakers considering regional monetary integration.

Family startups are essential to a nation’s development because they foster creativity, economic expansion, and job creation. They introduce novel concepts, game-changing technologies, and innovative business approaches to the market. Family startups also help a country be more competitive abroad by luring capital, encouraging entrepreneurship, and diversifying the economy beyond its core industries. Additionally, family startups operate as agents of social change by addressing societal problems and providing answers that benefit communities. Therefore, fostering a thriving start-up ecosystem is crucial for a nation’s long-term sustainable development and prosperity. Against this background, this book chapter examines the potential and difficulties that family startups in Oman’s developing entrepreneurial environment confront. The chapter explores the challenges faced by entrepreneurs as well as the opportunities for growth and innovation in this dynamic market to illuminate the distinctive dynamics of the Omani start-up scene.

Family firms play a crucial role in global entrepreneurship, especially in emerging economies, contributing significantly to job creation, income generation, innovation, and economic growth. As emerging markets expand rapidly, these business families and their enterprises are poised to drive superior entrepreneurial activity in the coming decades (Baltazar et al., 2023; Le Breton-Miller & Miller, 2018). Rooted in familial ties, traditions, and local contexts, these firms exhibit distinctive entrepreneurial behaviors. Understanding these dynamics is pivotal as research increasingly explores the diversity among family-owned businesses. Factors such as familial dynamics, succession planning, and institutional environments profoundly shape their strategies and decision-making processes. This study delves into these complexities, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities faced by family firms in emerging economies. Insights gained can inform policies and practices aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial ventures in these dynamic contexts.

This chapter thoroughly explores the intersection of family entrepreneurship, cultural dynamics, and emerging markets, with a specific focus on the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Examining the entrepreneurial behaviour of family firms, it delves into how these enterprises navigate cultural intricacies, seize emerging market opportunities, and contribute to local and global entrepreneurship ecosystems. The dynamic interplay between family dynamics and entrepreneurial pursuits is scrutinized, unravelling influences on resource allocation, succession planning, risk-taking, and innovation within UAE family firms. This exploration contributes valuable insights into the evolving landscape of family entrepreneurship, serving as a resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. The research employs a comprehensive methodology involving case studies, shedding light on how these enterprises adapt, pivot, and exhibit resilience in response to the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging markets. Case studies provide valuable insights into the strategies employed by UAE family firms, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the evolving landscape of family entrepreneurship. This chapter serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking insights into the intricate interplay of family entrepreneurship, cultural dynamics, and emerging markets.

This study aims to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on knowledge-sharing drivers in small- and medium-sized family firms within the restaurant and fast-food industry. The pandemic has led to significant changes in business culture and consumer behaviour, accelerating digital transformation, disruptions in global supply chains and emerging new business opportunities. These changes have also influenced knowledge sharing (KS) and its underlying drivers.

To address the research objectives, a two-phase study was conducted. In the first phase, an exploratory analysis using the Delphi method was used to identify the essential drivers and factors of KS in family businesses (FBs). This phase aimed to establish a conceptual model for the study. In the second phase, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the identified knowledge-sharing drivers. The study examined both the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic periods to capture the shifts in attitudes towards KS.

The findings indicate a significant shift in attitudes towards knowledge-sharing drivers. Before the pandemic, organisational drivers played a central role in KS. However, after the emergence of the pandemic, technological drivers became more prominent. This shift highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on KS within FB.

The research contributes to understanding knowledge-sharing in the context of FBs and sheds light on the specific effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on knowledge-sharing drivers. The insights gained from this study can inform strategies and practices aimed at enhancing KS in similar organisational settings.

The purpose of this study is to perform bibliometric analysis to systematically and comprehensively examine the current landscape of digital knowledge, integration and performance in the transformation of sustainability accounting, reporting and assurance.

This research uses a systematic literature review, following the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Review protocol and uses various bibliometric and performance analytical methods. These include annual scientific production analysis, journal analysis, keyword cooccurrence analysis, keyword clustering, knowledge gap analysis and future research direction identification to evaluate the existing literature thoroughly.

The analysis reveals significant insights into the transformative impact of digital technologies on sustainability practices. Annual scientific production and journal analyses highlight key contributors to the adoption of digital technologies in sustainability accounting, reporting and assurance. Keyword cooccurrence analyses have identified key themes in sustainability accounting, reporting and assurance, highlighting the transformative role of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) and big data. These technologies enhance corporate accountability, transparency and sustainability by automating processes and improving data accuracy. The integration of these technologies supports environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting, circular economy initiatives and strategic decision-making, fostering economic, social and environmental sustainability. Cluster-by-coupling analyses delve into nine broader revealing that IoT improves ESG report accuracy, eXtensible Business Reporting Language structures ESG data and AI enhances life cycle assessments and reporting authenticity. In addition, digital transformation impacts environmental performance, big data optimizes resource use and edge computing improves eco-efficiency. Furthermore, this study identifies avenues for future research to advance the understanding and implementation of digital technology in sustainability accounting, reporting and assurance practices.

Academically, this research enriches the understanding of how digital technologies shape sustainability practices and identifies gaps in digital knowledge and integration. Practically, it provides actionable insights for organizations to improve sustainability reporting and performance by effectively leveraging these technologies. Policy-wise, the findings advocate for frameworks supporting the effective implementation of these technologies, ensuring alignment with global sustainability goals.

This study offers a detailed analysis of the performance and intellectual framework of research on implementing digital technology in sustainability accounting, reporting and assurance. It highlights the evolving research landscape and emphasizes the need for further investigation into how emerging technologies can be leveraged to achieve sustainability goals.