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Purpose – The purpose of this research is to compare trends, drivers, and best sustainable development (SD) practices in the Nordic region and California, USA.Design/methodology/approach – Four research propositions are explored: (1) SD is driven by governmental, economic, and social/cultural influences. (2) Social democracy and mixed economies in the Nordic region influence SD differently than the free market system of the United States. (3) The profit-centered, short-term view in the United States impacts SD differently than the longer-term approach in the Nordic region. (4) The egalitarian culture in the Nordic region influences SD differently than the entrepreneurial culture in the United States. The study incorporates a comprehensive literature review, 34 field interviews and research observations in the United States and the Nordic region.Findings – California and the Nordics have similar market economies where SD is largely driven by private sector; however, the role of government more directly influences SD in the Nordic region. Also, the profit-centered, entrepreneurial view of the United States drives innovation in SD based on short-term profitability gains, which ultimately hinders long-term solutions. Alternatively, the egalitarian culture in the Nordic region manifests in more focused and quicker adoption of SD policies. Lastly, the Nordics have a broad range of SD goals and a competitive advantage in key SD technologies. Conversely, California pursues a large variety of technologies without clearly defined goals that tend to be less effective than the Nordic countries.Originality/value of chapter – The chapter identified similarities and differences in SD trends, best practices, policies, and attitudes: California compared to Nordic countries.

The present study adopts the analytical framework of new managerialism (NM) to explore the progress, challenges and outlook of self-financing post-secondary institutions in Hong Kong since 2000. This study also identified issues and related managerial implications for developing this niche form of higher education in Hong Kong.

This study conducted a critical review of self-financing post-secondary institutions in Hong Kong, including the sub-degree and degree sectors, via collecting a series of policy documents and archives from the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, the Public Records Office and other government bodies. To supplement the findings, semi-structured in-depth interviews of 18 academic staff of Hong Kong's self-financing post-secondary institutions were carried out.

The study shows that self-financing post-secondary institutions not only encounter challenges related to insufficient resources but also face pressure from accreditation requirements of various international organisations. The study also suggests that massification and privatisation of self-financing post-secondary institutions, and embracing a managerial approach for operation and governance will induce a new wave of self-financing post-secondary institutions in the near future.

This study offers insights for self-financing post-secondary institutions into implementing appropriate strategies to maintain competitiveness and retain talents in the coming years.

This paper aims to explore the dynamic evolution of the integration of three-dimensional (3D) technologies into special libraries. This analysis examines the difficulties and advantages that emerge from this significant shift and emphasises the possibilities for improving research, education and preservation in these specific environments.

This study uses a comprehensive approach, synthesising existing literature and case studies to gain insights into the adoption of 3D technology in special libraries. It also explores the synergy between 3D technology and artificial intelligence (AI) within library services.

This research uncovers a dynamic landscape in special libraries, marked by a growing embrace of 3D technology. Specialised industries and organisations increasingly use this technology to enrich their services, from crafting physical models for in-depth research to safeguarding precious artifacts through digital replication. Challenges include the need for specialised expertise, financial constraints and limitations in access. Notably, the integration of AI enhances user experiences by streamlining search and discovery.

This study adds value to the field by shedding light on the transformative potential of 3D technology and AI in special libraries. It underscores the significance of strategic planning, collaboration, staff training and tailored needs assessments to ensure successful technology integration. This paper’s originality lies in its exploration of emerging trends and the outlook for technology-driven innovation and collaborative endeavours shaping the future of special libraries.

Of late, the issue which has attracted the highest attention in the global scenario is the US–China trade relation, in particular the tariff war. The biggest nations in the world are in war with each other in matters related to trade since 2018. In the first quarter, the United States imposed a tariff which affected many countries like Canada, the EU, Mexico, the Russian Federation, Turkey, and, in developing Asia, India and the People’s Republic of China. This has resulted in a significant dampening of global output growth and growth in emerging nations of Asia. The present chapter seeks to investigate into the historical evidences of trade wars between the United States and China, major reasons responsible for this conflict and tries to figure out the impact of this conflict on fundamental macro variables using secondary time-series data primarily on selected Asian economies including India. The author uses the multiple regression technique to find to what extent changes in the independent variables are responsible in explaining the changes in the dependent variable for both China and the United States. The empirical results clearly show that in the case of China and the United States, an increase in weighted tariff rates (WTR) will lead to a significant decrease in the trade GDP ratio (TGR), whereas in the case of both these countries, Purchasing Power Parity GNI (PPPGNI) is positively and significantly associated in determining TGR. In the case of India, a decrease in WTR is expected to lead to a rise in TGR and it is significant. In case of Vietnam, PPPGNI is significant, but not WTR. In the case of Singapore, neither of the two independent variables is significant.

This study reviews present trends, barriers and outlooks for the future as seen by actors in the energy advice services market in Germany. As Germany is one of Europe’s leading markets for energy services, this review aims to highlight energy sector management issues that exist throughout Europe.

This study combines qualitative and quantitative research approaches, using seven qualitative stakeholder interviews and a semi-structured survey covering over 500 energy advisors. Based on the present market, this study seeks to identify barriers against further market development, regulatory measures that can promote market development and business models for energy services likely to emerge in the future.

Significant barriers persist, despite a strong government commitment to support development of the energy services markets. The barriers encourage market actors to maintain the status quo rather than use innovate new service models. To support innovative business models, action is needed by both industry associations and the government to create a stronger demand pull for advice services.

This paper provides a new sectoral overview of Europe’s biggest energy service market as seen from a market actor perspective. It focuses on the analysis of barriers and business models to derive needs for further capacity building within the sector and for political governance to trigger further market dynamics.

This study aims to update a 2017 review of trends, barriers and outlooks for the future of the energy advice services market in Germany, as perceived by market actors. With growing national and European ambitions for comprehensive energy renovations, lessons for a functioning energy sector management can be drawn that are valid at European and international level.

This review combines quantitative and qualitative research approaches, using a survey covering over 500 energy advisors and follow-up qualitative stakeholder interviews. Based on the present market, this study seeks to identify feedback on regulatory measures to promote market development; remaining barriers against further market development; and business and cooperation models for energy services in the building sector.

Since the last review in 2017/2018, market development has tended to stagnate, despite a strong government commitment to boost energy services markets. Significant barriers persist, many of which are related to government regulation. These barriers discourage homeowners to engage in energy renovations. To support innovative business models, regulatory complexity needs to be reduced. European Union lawmakers and German Government need to take action to facilitate access to advice services.

This paper provides the latest, updated sectoral overview of Europe’s biggest energy service market as perceived by the market actors. It focuses on the analysis of barriers, business models and cooperation models to derive governance options for further triggering market dynamics.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of two micro trends on the future marketing functions of national tourism organisations (NTOs): the increasing power of individuals and the irreverence of NTO’s current marketing functions.

Through a discussion of the literature driving the two identified micro-trends, a number of supportive sub-micro trends were also identified and explored.

The paper concludes that NTO’s have failed to recognise the growing distrust of monolithic organisations. NTO’s seem to be more concerned about their own survival, rather than providing a service to both their citizens and tourists. Also NTO’s have failed to acknowledge that tourists are much more confident in making their own decisions, based on marketing information from their own trusted “closed friendship groups”, rather than relying on NTO’s.

The paper is based on a discussion of issues from only two micro-trends, but tourist decision-making processes may be more complex than suggested.

The paper concludes that in the near future there will be an increasing rejection of NTO’s marketing information, and in the longer term this may result in the demise of NTO’s. However, if NTO’s are to survive, it suggests two actions they could take to ensure their future relevance to both its citizens and tourists.

Questioning whether national/state organisations always act in the best interests of its citizens, challenges the trust in NTO’s. The paper suggests that NTO’s recognise that their power relationships are more strongly linked to ideals of nationhood and endorsement by their international peers, rather than providing services to tourists.

This paper questions the implicate assumption that NTO’s should be a trusted source of marketing information. It suggests that NTO’s have failed to recognise the changing methods tourist use to help in their decision making.