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China’s foreign aid efforts in Africa remain contentious. Chinese foreign aid tends to be different from “traditional” development assistance in that it frequently involves firms as the implementing agents of projects. Firms bring unique resources to public–private partnerships (PPPs) formed with government agencies, but their possible self-interested nature also gives rise to concerns over their development impact. Yet, on a larger scale, little is known about the characteristics of Chinese PPPs in foreign aid. Using project-level data available for 1,308 Chinese aid projects in 50 countries across Africa, the author characterizes the projects undertaken by firms and government agencies in a PPP and contrasts them to those executed by Chinese government agencies without firm involvement. This exploratory data analysis suggests that important differences apply, as Chinese PPPs tend to target different sustainable development goals (SDGs), work on the basis of distinct aid conditions, and implement projects that tend to be larger than those that are solely run by government agencies. Such observations raise important questions of an ethical, theoretical, and international nature, and warrant further research. The author develops a research agenda that aims at issues particularly important for business ethics scholars, organization theorists, and international business scholarship.

Changes and transformations experienced today have created alternative lifestyles in cities. Many life concepts try to find solutions to environmental problems, so much so that this section focuses on smart eco-city concept, which is one of the trending city initiatives of the last century and is expected to become more popular each day. In the chapter, firstly, information about the concepts of eco-city and smart city is given and then what is meant by the concept of smart eco-city is discussed. Next, smart eco-cities have been tried to be explained with application examples. Finally, the chapter emphasizes the importance of ecological cities blended with technology for the sustainability of living spaces and offers implications for future research.

While well-designed and environmentally conscious infrastructures are essential for economic growth and social progress, their implementation can sometimes neglect the unique characteristics of territories. The chapter explores the issues posed by eco-blind infrastructure projects, challenging the assumption that all forms of greening are universally beneficial. It delves into the implications of urban greening initiatives, showcasing instances where these projects, while aiming for sustainability, have inadvertently exacerbated issues of inequality, displacement, and social marginalization. Through critical analysis of cases, the chapter reveals the complex interplay among environmental improvement, territorial identity, and community involvement, underscoring the importance of community engagement in project planning and execution. This approach is described as a tool to balance environmental considerations with an appreciation for local identity, fostering projects that truly benefit communities while advancing the broader goals of environmental development.