Walter Leal Filho and Jens Schwarz
The purpose of this paper is to describe the experiences of RCE Hamburg, one of the latest Regional Centres of Excellence (RCE) to be created. It outlines the activities performed…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the experiences of RCE Hamburg, one of the latest Regional Centres of Excellence (RCE) to be created. It outlines the activities performed by the RCE and describes its relationships with the various stakeholders.
Design/methodology/approach
A description of the region where the RCE is located is provided, along with some facts and figures related to the site. In addition, a description of the structure and the activities of the RCE Hamburg is provided, complemented by a description of the engagement of various stakeholders.
Findings
The paper shows that, by means of projects and action‐based initiatives, synergies between regional centres of expertise on education for sustainable development and agencies based at the local level can be achieved.
Originality/value
The RCE is characterised by an integrated approach where different target groups are involved (e.g. schools, NGOs and industry) and where a local university plays a catalyst role.
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This research examines social innovations in public health (SIPH) in Erfurt and Hamburg, Germany, from 2021 onwards. There is a need for further research to identify the…
Abstract
Purpose
This research examines social innovations in public health (SIPH) in Erfurt and Hamburg, Germany, from 2021 onwards. There is a need for further research to identify the relationship between policies and their effect on SIPH. This paper responds to this need, through a holistic conceptual framework. It becomes a kaleidoscope for exploration: it explores the narrative of SIPH within their landscapes, both outward and inward. This paper inspects whether there is, if any, PH innovation translated into reality. It informs us about the policy vs reality differences and by doing so it expands the research on PH vs social innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper draws on a mixed conceptual framework. The focus is on community SIPH projects, in Hamburg and Erfurt. This paper uses policy field theory to attest to the level of integration between national and state level (1); the ecosystem lens to understand how cities define and create their innovation ecosystem environments (2). It then examines the internal dynamics of the SIPH, exploring whether they exhibit triple or quadruple helix characteristics (Quadruple helix collaboration theory) (3) and whether they are independent (do they behave like an art world in itself) (4) and do they have distinct roles from within (innovation roles theory) (5).
Findings
Preliminary findings reveal the absence of community, grass-root level SIPH. Policies are framed within ecosystem narratives: Erfurt’s strong value lies in its university community leadership while Hamburg demonstrates strong cultural component to social innovation. Overall, narratives surrounding social innovation differ, reflecting diverse values and priorities. Further analysis will explore the complex relationship between policy and practice, considering local factors like path dependencies which contribute to the (lack of) community engagement and resources.
Research limitations/implications
This study focuses on limited national and state policy papers and media sources. The limitation of this is, however, that it may not fully capture the breadth of social innovation initiatives in PH across all levels of governance, healthcare at large, community projects in other geographical areas of the country of Thuringia or for-profit sphere in both cities. It is important to note here that it may largely omit the policy involvement of Thuringia at large, as it focuses on Erfurt. Hamburg, as the state and the city, possesses more capacities and different governmental set-up from Erfurt, which is the capital city of Thuringia state. This is why this paper is not necessarily a comparative one, it is impossible to compare the two. This study furthermore acknowledges a couple of other limitations. First, the diverse theoretical frameworks employed, while offering complementary perspectives (and are being employed precisely for this reason!) are not fully integrated (due to their inherent differences of focus as well as the scope of this research). A more in-depth exploration of each theory could have provided insights. Second, the exclusion of for-profit social enterprises and innovations from the analysis may limit the general applicability of the findings to the broader landscape of social innovation. Third, while the study examined current policies and initiatives, it did not explicitly delve into the historical path dependencies that may have shaped the current context of social innovation in PH. Fourth, the political dimensions of social innovation, such as power dynamics and competing interests among stakeholders, are not explored. Additionally, while this study offers a comprehensive overview, it does not constitute a detailed case study of any of the two cities (which could have provided a more nuanced understanding of specific contexts).
Practical implications
This research offers practical insights for policymakers and practitioners in the PH sector. By identifying the factors influencing SIPH success, the findings can inform the design and implementation of future initiatives. The comparative analysis of Erfurt and Hamburg demonstrates the need for context-specific strategies that leverage local strengths and address unique challenges. The research emphasizes the importance of collaboration, community engagement and responsive policies to foster sustainable and impactful SIPH.
Social implications
By analyzing policies holistically and evaluating their level of integration, this paper contributes to discovering a degree of cultural and grass-root readiness towards SIPH.
Originality/value
This research provides a unique grass-root perspective on SIPH in two German cities, highlighting the interplay between policy and local practice. It contributes to a growing body of knowledge on social innovation in the PH sector. By focusing on recent developments and the impact of Germany’s national strategy, the research provides timely and relevant information for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers interested in fostering social innovation for PH. Organizational and sociological perspective, creative theoretical kaleidoscopes, unusual social science approaches to ambiguity of policy worlds might help and, together with the sharp case study methods, discover path dependencies and behaviors we need in order to elevate SIPH in each and community, welcome demographic and health challenges awaiting us with readiness and in time.
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Buying secondhand clothing is not only interesting for consumers wanting to save money but also for sustainable clothing enthusiasts. It is now among a number of consumption…
Abstract
Buying secondhand clothing is not only interesting for consumers wanting to save money but also for sustainable clothing enthusiasts. It is now among a number of consumption practices which slow down fast fashion production while saving 10 to 20 times the energy (Fletcher, 2008, p. 100). While most of the recent scholarly work focuses on secondhand consumers (Bianchi & Birtwistle, 2010; Franklin, 2011; Norum, 2015), this paper aims to examine business activities. This perspective from economic anthropology enhances understandings of secondhand clothing, as research to-date has tended to neglect the semiotic function of clothing while underlining exchanges. To gain insight into the dynamics of the sector in Germany today, two businesses from Hamburg have been ethnographically examined by the author since 2014. This study outlines their work practices and explains the development of this high-end segment of the market from the 1970s until the digital age. For businesses, the digitalization of the trade has had massive effects on their business practice because it seems to solve inherent problems connected to the selling of pre-owned clothing. I argue that the digitalization did not only promote acceptance of buying secondhand clothing in Germany but also the emergence of new businesses models.
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Walter Leal Filho, Linda Ternova, Muhammad Muddassir Fayyaz, Ismaila Rimi Abubakar, Marina Kovaleva, Felix Kwabena Donkor, Samuel Weniga Anuga, Abraham R. Matamanda, Ilija Djekic, Ibrahim Abatcha Umar, Felicia Motunrayo Olooto, Maria Meirelles, Gustavo J. Nagy, Julia May, Marta May, Eromose Ebhuoma and Halima Begum
The interconnections between climate change and health are well studied. However, there is a perceived need for studies that examine how responses to health hazards (e.g…
Abstract
Purpose
The interconnections between climate change and health are well studied. However, there is a perceived need for studies that examine how responses to health hazards (e.g. cardiovascular diseases, ozone layer effects, allergens, mental health and vector-borne diseases) may assist in reducing their impacts. The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence on health responses to climate hazards and list some measures to address them.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed literature review, bibliometric analysis and an original online survey were undertaken on 140 participants from 55 countries spread across all geographical regions.
Findings
The bibliometric analysis identified that most climate-related health hazards are associated with extreme weather events. However, only one-third of the investigated papers specifically analysed the connections between climate change and health hazards, revealing a thematic gap. Also, although Africa is highly affected by climate change, only 5% of the assessed studies focused on this continent. Many respondents to the survey indicated “heat distress” as a significant vulnerability. The survey also identified social determinants relevant to climate-induced health vulnerabilities, such as socioeconomic and environmental factors, infrastructure and pre-existing health conditions. Most respondents agree that policies and regulations are the most effective adaptation tools to address the public health hazards triggered by climate change. This paper presents some suggestions for optimising public health responses to health hazards associated with climate change, such as the inclusion of climate-related components in public health policies, setting up monitoring systems to assess the extent to which specific climate events may pose a health threat, establishing plans to cope with the health implications of heatwaves, increased measures to protect vulnerable groups and education and awareness-raising initiatives to reduce the overall vulnerability of the population to climate-related health hazards. These measures may assist the ongoing global efforts to understand better – and cope with – the impacts of climate change on health.
Originality/value
The combination of a literature review, bibliometric analysis and an original world survey identified and presented a wide range of responses.
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The purpose of this paper is to provide a deeper understanding of the spatio-temporal behaviour of cruise passengers at a given destination using the city of Hamburg as a use case.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a deeper understanding of the spatio-temporal behaviour of cruise passengers at a given destination using the city of Hamburg as a use case.
Design/methodology/approach
Big data in the form of passive location events from smartphones were analysed to determine the spatio-temporal behaviour of cruise tourists. The data were filtered using a definition created specifically for determining the signals of cruise passengers and were analysed using spatial statistics and network analysis methods.
Findings
In Hamburg, cruise passengers have a relatively small area of activity that is concentrated in the city's core tourist area. Foreign cruise passengers are less spatially concentrated than German passengers. Foreign passengers generate most of their visits at the airport and in the city's shopping areas, while German passengers are most frequently seen at the railway station and at the city's maritime experience locations.
Originality/value
Although numerous publications have examined the spatio-temporal behaviour of cruise passengers at the destination, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no studies have used big data sources for this purpose. This paper uses passive location events from smartphones to determine the routes taken by cruise tourists in Hamburg, shows the strengths and weaknesses of this data source and suggests how cruise tourists can be defined from the data.
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Today three out of four Europeans live in towns and cities. Urban areas are concentrated with most of the environmental challenges facing our society, but also bring together the…
Abstract
Purpose
Today three out of four Europeans live in towns and cities. Urban areas are concentrated with most of the environmental challenges facing our society, but also bring together the commitment and innovation needed to resolve these challenges. The European Commission has long recognised the important role that local authorities play in improving the environment and their high level of commitment to genuine progress; in this regard, it launched the European Green Capital Award (EGCA) in 2009 as an initiative to promote and reward cities making efforts to improve the urban environment and move towards healthier and sustainable living areas. The EGCA is given each year to the city deemed to be most deserving on the basis of 10 environmental parameters: the local contribution to global climate change, local mobility and passenger transport, the availability of local public open areas, the quality of local ambient air, noise pollution, waste production and management, water consumption, waste water treatment, environmentally sustainable management of the local authority and sustainable land use.
Design/methodology
This chapter has been composed on the basis of materials found in the literature and on websites, and thanks to contacts created with some departments of the municipalities considered.
Findings
Stockholm, Hamburg and Copenhagen represent the winning cities in 2010, 2011 and 2014, respectively. This chapter focuses on the successful experiences of these cities, which show how the convergence of the environmental and economic development is important in order to reach sustainable development.
Originality/value
This chapter shows that environmental protection must not be thought of as a cost for our society. On the contrary, it illustrates how it can support economic development in urban contexts if well planned, managed and participated in at a municipal scale.
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Silja Lassur and Külliki Tafel-Viia
This chapter focuses on clarifying the cooperation and convergence between tourism and audiovisual (AV) sectors in Hamburg and Riga. In light of increasingly easier and more…
Abstract
This chapter focuses on clarifying the cooperation and convergence between tourism and audiovisual (AV) sectors in Hamburg and Riga. In light of increasingly easier and more accessible travel, the tourism sector is a growing trend in most countries and regions. To what extent does this affect cooperation with the AV sector? The chapter gives an overview of different types of cooperation in these regions and brings out the main obstacles for innovation. When describing the innovation systems, focus is put on institutional frameworks in these two regions. We end by arguing that raising the demand for innovation in the tourism sector is a real challenge and demonstrating that the public sector plays an important role in driving the cross-innovation processes between the observed sectors.
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This chapter explores how architecture is used as a signifier in the development and promotion of urban megaprojects (UMPs). It argues that these projects rely on architecture to…
Abstract
This chapter explores how architecture is used as a signifier in the development and promotion of urban megaprojects (UMPs). It argues that these projects rely on architecture to gain visibility. First, UMPs need to be highly visible in order to justify their exceptional status and second, they have to be visibly new and different in order to initiate the desired symbolic transformations with which they are attributed. Drawing on the case studies of HafenCity in Hamburg and Donau City in Vienna the chapter traces the logics of using architecture as a signifier and means of legitimizing the UMP. Data on the planning history of the two case studies, their administrative and institutional frameworks and the overall urban development strategies is combined with a qualitative text and image centered analysis of marketing material, planning documents, and press articles. The discussion shows how visibility is achieved by very different means. The question of how to distinguish the UMP from other projects and of how to make it uniquely identified with the particular city guides the debate in both cases. However, the lines of argument are not predictable or easily comparable from city to city and “global architecture” emerges as a contradictory and relative concept. Based on a succinct review of the related literature the chapter disputes the alleged uniformity of UMPs and argues for a meaning and discourse-oriented approach to the analysis of architecture as vehicle of urban change and political legitimation.
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The Hamburg Institute for International Economics is one of five large institutes in the Federal Republic of Germany engaged in economic research, independent of the relevant…
Abstract
The Hamburg Institute for International Economics is one of five large institutes in the Federal Republic of Germany engaged in economic research, independent of the relevant activities of universities as well as other research organizations in government, trade and industry. Being a scientific institute of the Free and Hanseatic Town of Hamburg it is controlled by the University Department of the Hamburg schoolboard. The Director of the Institute is Professor Dr Heinz‐Dietrich Ortlieb. The staff numbers 120 members, including thirty departmental heads and scientific specialists.
Walter Leal Filho, Murukesan Krishnapillai, Aprajita Minhas, Sannia Ali, Gabriela Nagle Alverio, Medhat Sayed Hendy Ahmed, Roselyn Naidu, Ravinesh R. Prasad, Navjot Bhullar, Ayyoob Sharifi, Gustavo J. Nagy and Marina Kovaleva
This paper aims to address a gap in investigating specific impacts of climate change on mental health in the Pacific region, a region prone to extreme events. This paper reports…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to address a gap in investigating specific impacts of climate change on mental health in the Pacific region, a region prone to extreme events. This paper reports on a study on the connections between climate change, public health, extreme weather and climate events (EWEs), livelihoods and mental health, focusing on the Pacific region Islands countries.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper deploys two main methods. The first is a bibliometric analysis to understand the state of the literature. For example, the input data for term co-occurrence analysis using VOSviewer is bibliometric data of publications downloaded from Scopus. The second method describes case studies, which outline some of the EWEs the region has faced, which have also impacted mental health.
Findings
The results suggest that the increased frequency of EWEs in the region contributes to a greater incidence of mental health problems. These, in turn, are associated with a relatively low level of resilience and greater vulnerability. The findings illustrate the need for improvements in the public health systems of Pacific nations so that they are in a better position to cope with the pressures posed by a changing environment.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the current literature by identifying the links between climate change, extreme events, environmental health and mental health consequences in the Pacific Region. It calls for greater awareness of the subject matter of mental health among public health professionals so that they may be better able to recognise the symptoms and relate them to their climate-related causes and co-determinant factors.