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Rural communities around the world are searching for solutions to upkeep, restore and improve local services that are deteriorating. They are exploring the potential of a digital transition along with the opportunities and threats created by new patterns of mobility and closer links with urban areas. The expansion of information and communication technologies (ICT)-enhanced applications enables rural communities to improve their quality of life. The concept of smart village is primarily about how rural communities make the best use of both ICT and social innovation by responding to the ongoing and emerging challenges. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to investigate strategies for adoption of smart villages along with the challenges faced.

A quantitative research methodology was adopted in this research. A web-based questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data. In total, 110 fully completed and useable questionnaires were received. Statistical analyses were undertaken using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

The results indicate that lack of budget, lack of clear strategies for development of sustainable “smart villages”, lack of collaboration between stakeholders and lack of knowledge related to “smart villages” are the most debated challenges for implementing smart village agenda. Whereas smart energy, smart healthcare, smart transport, smart education and smart water are the top five most important smart village strategies.

Despite the novel insights provided by this study, it has some limitations. Given that the research reported in this paper is based on literature review and small-scale survey, results presented are only tentative and not generalisable. The findings of this paper are limited to the UK context only. Although generalisability outside of this context may be limited, the authors infer that the results are relevant to other comparable developed countries.

Research on smart village development is rare. This paper presents a theoretical basis on the concept of smart villages. It adds to the rich insight that goes into the understanding and awareness of the current smart village strategies along with the key challenges organisations encounter when implementing smart village initiatives. This research has implications towards informing professionals and policymakers on key lessons learnt during the implementation of smart village strategies. Also, this paper contributes to the academic debate on smart village development and provides useful recommendations to both policymakers and practitioners.

The multidimensional complexity of urban settlements is increasing and the problem of spaces and territories brought to the scale of smart cities is a critical global issue. This study aims to analyse the scientific production in the Web of Science (WoS) on the relationship between smart cities and the eight urban dimensions defined by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the period 1990 to 2021, in order to establish which countries lead the knowledge related to the search for sustainable living conditions for people and how this knowledge contributes to improving stakeholders' decision-making.

The methodological steps followed in the study were: (1) Identification and selection of keywords. (2) Design and application of an algorithm to identify these selected keywords in titles, abstracts and keywords using WoS terms to contrast them. (3) Data processing was performed from Journal Citation Report (JCR) journals during the year 2022.

This study identified the authors, institutions and countries that publish the most globally on the topic of Smart Cities. The acceleration in the integration of new technologies and their impact on population conglomerates and their relationship with urban dimensions were also analysed. The evidence found indicates that the USA and China are leading in this field.

This bibliometric study was designed to analyse a knowledge space not addressed in the scientific literature referred to the relationship between the concept of smart cities and the urban dimensions established by the WEF, the identification of new technologies that are converging to promote developments of new ways of managing urban dimensions and propose new knowledge spaces.

This paper aims to provide an overview of the application of blockchain to agri-food supply chains, including key issues and trends. It examines the state of the art and conceptual structure of the field and proposes an agenda to guide future research.

This article performs a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer software on a sample of 205 articles from the WoS database to identify research trend topics.

The number of publications in this area has increased since 2020, which shows a growing research interest. The research hotspots are related to the integration of blockchain technology in the agri-food supply chain for traceability, coordination between all actors involved, transparency of operations and improvement of food safety. Furthermore, this is linked to sustainability and the achievement of the sustainable development gtoals (SDGs), while addressing key challenges in the implementation of blockchain-based technologies in the agri-food supply chain.

The application of blockchain in the agri-food supply chain may consider four key aspects. Firstly, the implementation of blockchain can improve the traceability of food products. Secondly, this technology supports sustainability issues and could avoid disruptions in the agri-food supply chain. Third, blockchain improves food quality and safety control throughout the supply chain. Fourthly, the findings show that regulation is needed to improve trust between stakeholders.

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the blockchain phenomenon in the agri-food supply chain by optimising the search criteria. Moreover, it serves to bridge to future research by identifying gaps in the field.

This study aims to define the “smart tourism employee” and explore how combining technological and interpersonal skills helps tourism workers adapt to emerging technologies.

A qualitative-quantitative methodology was used, proposing 22 indicators related to defining the “smart tourism employee.”

Analysis of 883 responses from hotel employees across Spain using SmartPLS 4 revealed the crucial role of both technological and interpersonal skills and the importance of periodic evaluation aligned with hotels’ innovation orientation.

The study highlights that enhancing hotel competitiveness through technology requires employees who can effectively use the latest technological advances for customers.

Unlike prior research focusing solely on technological aspects in the tourism sector, this study emphasizes the need for comprehensive training of employees in technology use.

采用定性与定量结合的方法, 提出了定义”智慧旅游员工”的22项指标。

基于对西班牙883名酒店员工的调查数据, 利用SmartPLS 4分析得出, 技术与人际技能同样重要, 并强调了与酒店创新导向一致的定期评估的重要性。

研究指出, 通过技术提升酒店竞争力需要员工能够有效运用最新技术为客户服务。

与以往仅聚焦旅游业技术层面的研究不同, 本研究强调了对员工进行技术使用的综合培训的必要性。

The purpose of this study is to present actions and initiatives, developed within the scope of the Empowering Teachers to Trigger Cybersecurity at Schools (ETTCS) CyberTeach Erasmus Project, to enhance cybersecurity literacy through innovative digital content and contemporary Learning Management System (LMS) platform.

The concept of cybersecurity literacy has become increasingly crucial in recent years, as the digitization of most human activities is being completed within the framework of the 4th Industrial Revolution. Almost all devices, vehicles and services in the near future will be interconnected to the internet and operate on advanced computing platforms. The benefits of these technological advancements are evident, as are the potential risks. To this end, organized cybercriminals, black hat hackers and state-sponsored actors may attempt, through various cyberattacks, to steal personal data, cause road accidents in connected autonomous vehicles and, in general, disrupt critical infrastructures. Cybersecurity is a growing concern when it comes to digitalization and cloudification. This way, digital assets must be conveniently protected to avoid any concern about their confidentiality, integrity and authentication. Therefore, the ability of every citizen to use the internet and smart devices wisely and securely is one of the most fundamental skills they should possess. In this work, the authors present actions and initiatives, developed within the scope of the ETTCS CyberTeach Erasmus Project, to enhance cybersecurity literacy through innovative digital content and contemporary LMS platform. A new approach to teach cybersecurity, based on innovative teaching methods, is presented to prepare future citizens and their teachers to keep up with cybersecurity issues in an efficient manner. To this end, the authors propose ways to reach cybersecurity literacy, giving use case examples and proposing the necessary digital skills.

A new approach to teach cybersecurity, based on innovative teaching methods, is presented to prepare future citizens and their teachers to keep up with cybersecurity issues in an efficient manner. To this end, the authors propose ways to reach cybersecurity literacy, giving use case examples and proposing the necessary digital skills.

This work demonstrates a new methodology to infuse cybersecurity awareness into teachers so that they can train and prepare their students accordingly. The authors identify the teacher as the critical link between a young generation of digital natives, who consider the internet as a utility, and the most experienced information technology security experts striving to enforce good cybersecurity practices among users.

This study aims to develop a theoretical and practical framework to guide manufacturing companies in their transition towards digital servitization (DS), identifying relevant elements in implementing a digital servitization (DS) strategy.

We use a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys. Data were collected from 98 manufacturing companies in Spain to understand their DS strategies and outcomes.

The SYNCHRO framework, encompassing seven components: Stakeholder environment, Yield through co-creation, New capabilities, Connectivity through Industry 4.0, Handling challenges, Restructuring internally and Organizational adaptation, is presented. The results indicate that companies can advance towards DS autonomously, without necessarily relying on co-creation with customers. However, the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies and internal adaptation are critical for success.

Future research should expand the sample size and explore the implementation of the SYNCHRO framework in different industrial and geographical contexts to validate its effectiveness.

The framework provides a structured approach for companies to integrate digital technologies and reconfigure their business models, ensuring improved competitiveness and adaptability in the Industry 4.0 landscape.

By promoting sustainable business practices and enhancing competitiveness, the SYNCHRO framework can contribute to economic growth and stability within manufacturing sectors.

The SYNCHRO framework offers a comprehensive guide for DS, highlighting the importance of internal innovation and organizational flexibility. This framework contributes to the existing literature and provides a tool for companies to enhance business competitiveness and sustainability.

This study addresses the integration of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies with circular economy (CE) principles in the UAE construction sector, aligning with the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021–2031 (UAECEP). It explores how digital tools can facilitate sustainable construction practices by enhancing resource efficiency, reducing waste and supporting circularity across the building life cycle.

A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to identify frameworks that integrate I4.0 technologies with CE principles. Based on the review, a conceptual framework was developed and refined to meet the UAE construction sector’s specific needs, focusing on applying digital tools at different stages of construction.

Integrating I4.0 tools, including building information modeling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), can enhance resource efficiency, reduce waste and promote sustainability in the UAE’s construction sector. The framework aligns digital transformation efforts with the UAECEP, indicating these technologies’ applicability in design, construction, operation and end-of-life stages. Key challenges include high initial costs, technical limitations and the need for regulatory support.

This study offers a novel framework tailored to the UAE construction sector, bridging the gap between policy objectives and practical implementation. It provides strategies to overcome local challenges through stakeholder collaboration and digital innovation, contributing to the UAE’s sustainability goals.

This study explores the crucial role of competitive intelligence (CI) in the tourism sector’s strategic decision-making. CI has significantly transformed the tourism sector through new insights and sophistication in data analysis and strategic planning. The rise in tourism-related competition, due to new destinations, varied tourist preferences and sustainability emphasis, makes competitive intelligence essential for understanding future market trends and making informed strategic choices.

Utilising PRISMA techniques for bibliometric analysis, the study examines literature from 1998 to 2023 (WoS), focusing on service innovation, customer experience management and sustainable strategies. It presents an analysis of the evolution of CI in tourism, its impact, influential works and future research directions.

Findings show that the multidisciplinary nature of CI in tourism is further evidenced by studies on quality cues, travellers’ information needs and the utilisation of big data. Future studies need to understand both global trends and regional specifics, as shown in investigations of spatial-temporal tourism dynamics.

This study represents a novel contribution to the field of tourism research by offering a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of CI literature from 1998 to 2023. It uniquely integrates service innovation, customer experience management and sustainable strategies within the context of CI, highlighting its multidisciplinary impacts and evolution. These insights collectively emphasise the need for future innovation and a comprehensive understanding of the global-local nexus to inform future tourism research and practice.

This paper aims to focus on the research progress of intelligent self-healing anti-corrosion coatings in the aviation field in the past few years. The paper provides certain literature review supports and development direction suggestions for future research on intelligent self-healing coatings in aviation.

This mini-review uses a systematic literature review process to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review of intelligent self-healing anti-corrosion coatings that have been researched and applied in the field of aviation in recent years. In total, 64 articles published in journals in this field in the last few years were analysed in this paper.

The authors conclude that the incorporation of multiple external stimulus-response mechanisms makes the coatings smarter in addition to their original self-healing corrosion protection function. In the future, further research is still needed in the research and development of new coating materials, the synergistic release of multiple self-healing mechanisms, coating preparation technology and corrosion monitoring technology.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the few systematic literature reviews on intelligent self-healing anti-corrosion coatings in aviation. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of the topical issues of such coatings and present their views and opinions by discussing the opportunities and challenges that self-healing coatings will face in future development.

This paper investigates the relationship between technological uncertainty and the use of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, and its impact on the implementation of agile and lean supply chain strategies. It also examines the effect of both of these supply chain strategies on focal firm operational performance in terms of efficiency in manufacturing processes and delivery performance.

Survey data were gathered from 256 focal manufacturing companies in Spain using a structured questionnaire. Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) is used to test the conceptual model.

Underpinned by the Contingency Theory and the Resource Orchestration Theory, the results indicate that technology uncertainty has a strong association with I4.0 technology use. Furthermore, the use of I4.0 technologies facilitates the implementation of the lean supply chain strategy and the agile supply chain strategy. Focal firm operational performance was also observed to be affected by the two strategies in different ways.

This study extends the literature on operations management by studying the fit between the external environment and strategy by incorporating an in-between element: the use of I4.0 technologies. This research provides a unique empirical analysis of the role of technology uncertainty and integration between I4.0 technologies and supply chain strategies.