1. Some theoretical concepts for more innovative sustainable developmentZdenka Ženko, 2025, independent scientific component part or a chapter in a monograph Abstract: This chapter explores key theoretical and practical foundations necessary for understanding and implementing innovative processes with more sustainable human activities. Building on the systems thinking, ethical frameworks, and Brundtland Report, the chapter examines how subjective viewpoints (emotions, values, talents, knowledge of why and knowledge of how) shape innovative processes for more sustainable behavior. Case studies in forestry and organic farming illustrate how sustainability can achieve both ecological and economic benefits. Contemporary research on ethics, environmental, social and governmental initiatives, integration, and sustainability reporting further supports the relevance of more requisitely holistic and long-term perspectives. The chapter concludes with recommendations for education, policy, and future research to strengthen systemic and ethical approaches to sustainability in innovative processes.
Keywords: innovative processes, systems thinking, ethics of interdependence, sustainable development, Gro Harlem Brundtland Report, smallwood, organic farming
Published in DKUM: 09.01.2026; Views: 0; Downloads: 1
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2. Economic development and planetary boundaries : application of binary dependent variable modelsDarja Boršič, Lea Žižek, 2025, independent scientific component part or a chapter in a monograph Abstract: The aim of this paper is to estimate the determinants of economic development measured by Human Development Index (HDI) and planetary boundaries measured by Planetary Pressures-adjusted Human Development Index (PHDI). The empirical analysis was conducted in two parts. First, the whole set of 106 countries worldwide with available data was included in estimating determinants of economic development regardless of economic development rank. The ordinary least squares models confirmed the hypothesis that the HDI determinants focus on education and material standard factors, while PHDI determinants consist also of more environmental factors. Second, only very high and high developed countries were included in estimating the logit models. The binary dependent variables approach could not confirm that the PHDI is more environmentally focused since it turned out that also HDI determinants include environmental factors that influence the probability of a country to increase the HDI rank and the estimated signs of some of the estimated coefficients for environmental variables in case of PHDI do not meet the expectations.
Keywords: sustainable economic development, environment, HDI, PHDI, OLS, logit models
Published in DKUM: 07.01.2026; Views: 0; Downloads: 2
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3. Strategic planning for smart cities : a case study of Maribor's transformation based on existing strategiesVito Bobek, Boštjan Štuhec, Lea-Marija Colarič-Jakše, Tatjana Horvat, 2024, original scientific article Keywords: smart city, strategic planning, sustainable development, public-private partnerships, urban infrastructure, community engagement, Maribor
Published in DKUM: 12.11.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 2
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4. 8th International Conference on Technologies & Business Models for Circular Economy : Book of Abstracts2025, proceedings Abstract: The 8th International Conference on Technologies & Business Models for Circular Economy (TBMCE) was organized by the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor in collaboration with the Strategic Research and Innovation Partnership - Networks for the Transition into Circular Economy (SRIP- Circular Economy), managed by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Štajerska. The conference was held in Portorož, Slovenia, at the Grand Hotel Bernardin from September 3rd to September 5th, 2025. EIT RawMaterials RIS Hub Adria, SPIRIT Slovenia Business Development Agency and Pomurje Technology Park (as part of the GREENE 4.0 and CI-Hub projects) have joined us as co-organizers. TBMCE 2025 was devoted to presentations of circular economy concepts, technologies and methodologies that contribute to the shift of business entities and society as a whole to a more responsible, circular management of resources. The conference program included panel discussions, plenary and keynote sessions, oral and poster presentations on the following topics: Sustainable Energy, Biomass and Alternative Raw Materials, Circular Business Models, Secondary Raw Materials and Functional Materials, ICT in Circular Economy, Processes and Technologies. Panel discussions addressed following topics: Circular Economy Transition in South East Europe, The transition to carbon neutrality in energy intensive industry, Valorization of used and contaminated wood, Circular economy trends in construction, Critical raw materials and circular economy transition, Industrial Symbiosis and its opportunities for industry, AI and circular economy. The event was under the patronage of Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport and Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development.
Keywords: circular economy, sustainable development, processes and technologies, circular business models, research and development
Published in DKUM: 01.09.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 8
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5. Climate change and air pollution : the twin threats to children’s health and well-beingElijah Sriroshan Sritharan, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Environmental factors, such as air pollution and climate change, significantly contribute to the global burden of disease and are critical to understanding health disparities between countries, with low- and middle-income nations facing the highest environmental health burdens across various diseases and injuries. While health is universally acknowledged as both a fundamental human need and a basic human right, yet the harmful effects of unhealthy environments disproportionately impact children. Research indicates that pre- and post-natal exposures to environmental toxicants can disrupt brain and lung development, impairing their function. These health impacts are distributed unequally, with marginalised populations experiencing greater harm. The IPCC identifies fossil fuel combustion as the primary driver of climate change. Epidemiological studies further highlight the existing and future consequences of climate change, including its effects on infectious diseases, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, and mental well-being.
Keywords: environmental toxicants, convention on the rights of the child, United Nations framework convention on climate change, human rights-based approach, sustainable development goals
Published in DKUM: 28.08.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 11
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6. Speaking climate : how translators make environmental language workSara Orthaber, Aleksandra Nuč Blažič, 2025, independent scientific component part or a chapter in a monograph Abstract: Climate change is a global challenge that demands informed action. One major barrier to public engagement is the difficulty in understanding specialised environmental terminology. In Slovenia, as in other countries, improving environmental literacy is essential for supporting sustainable practices and the green transition. This study explores how climate-related terms are translated from English into Slovenian, focusing on the behind the-scenes processes of meaning-making. It examines how Slovenian translators address terminological challenges through collaboration in online professional groups, where terminology is co-constructed through expert discussions. These informal exchanges play a key role in clarifying ambiguity and ensuring accurate, context-sensitive translations. Although official glossaries offer standardised terms, the cognitive work and decision-making that support them often remain invisible. This research highlights the translators’ crucial role in making climate discourse accessible, thus promoting understanding and enabling greater public engagement in sustainability efforts.
Keywords: climate changes, translation, environmental terminology, sustainable development, terminological challenges, environmental literacy
Published in DKUM: 26.08.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 5
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7. Fostering climate action and resilience : engaging the local community in a living labErik Kralj, Cécil J. W. Meulenberg, Peter Kumer, 2025, independent scientific component part or a chapter in a monograph Abstract: This chapter examines the role of climate change communication within the framework of the Coastal City Living Lab, focusing on the Slovenian coastal town of Piran as a pilot area under the Horizon 2020 SCORE project. The study emphasizes the significance of community engagement and participatory governance in enhancing climate resilience in coastal urban areas vulnerable to sea-level rise, storm surges, and heatwaves. Through the Living Lab methodology, local stakeholders co-create adaptive solutions while communication strategies bridge scientific knowledge with public understanding. Key activities include knowledge transfer, capacity building, and consensus-building efforts designed to address climate risks specific to Piran. This chapter highlights the importance of communication in fostering stakeholder collaboration and sustaining climate resilience initiatives beyond project lifecycles, underscoring the critical need for locally grounded, inclusive adaptation measures in the face of escalating climate challenges.
Keywords: climate changes, communication, climate resilence, sustainable urban development, coastal cities
Published in DKUM: 26.08.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 7
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8. Knowledge supply chains : Enhancing wisdom of green and digital transitionMatevž Obrecht, Tina Cvahte Ojsteršek, Mateja Čuček, Martin Fale, Nena Orel Šanko, Polona Vičič, Bojana Slomšek Šlamberger, Lazar Pavić, 2025, scientific monograph Abstract: The scientific monograph presents the latest findings in the fields of sustainable development and digitalization and applies them to the management of logistics and supply chains. The theoretical part of the monograph opens with chapters that elucidate fundamental concepts in sustainable development, such as sustainable development goals, environmental policy, sustainable production and consumption, the sharing economy, the concept of degrowth and the economy of wellbeing. Next, it discusses the most recent trends in sustainability and the integration of digitalization, whereby the focus is on what is trending and what younger generations perceive as opportunities for priority development. The theoretical section concludes with the presentation of competency models for sustainability and digitalization and the introduction of lifelong learning as a tool for a faster acquisition of knowledge in the areas of sustainable development and digitalization. The latter has been proposed in response to the perceived lack of sustainability and digital skills among individuals who completed formal education at a time when sustainability and digitalization were peripheral topics inadequately integrated into education and the priorities of logistics and supply chains. The research part of the monograph begins by examining the incorporation of sustainable development into the existing legislative framework. Following this, the results of the analysis of the integration of sustainable and digital competencies into Slovenian higher education programmes are presented, along with the results of the analysis of their overlap. The key research output is information obtained from the results of a quantitative study identifying the essential knowledge, skills and abilities needed for the successful simultaneous green and digital transition to Society 5.0 in logistics and supply chains. Additionally, the perceived differences between the economic sector, students and academics in key priority areas are explored.
Keywords: sustainable development, digitalization, supply chains, lifelong learning, green and digital transition
Published in DKUM: 22.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 16
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9. Integrating playful learning to enhance education for sustainability : case study of a business school in SloveniaBarbara Bradač Hojnik, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Business schools play a pivotal role in training future leaders equipped to tackle complex challenges in sustainable development. This study investigates the effects of integrating playful learning methodologies into sustainable entrepreneurship education, aligning with the goals of education for sustainable development and Sustainable Development Goals. The research involved a quantitative approach, utilizing pre- and post-intervention surveys targeting 50 business school students to assess changes in their knowledge of sustainable entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial skills, and engagement levels. Results from descriptive statistics and paired t-tests revealed significant enhancements; knowledge scores increased from an average of 3.01 to 3.70 (t(49) = −23.04, p < 0.001), skills scores from 3.19 to 3.90 (t(49) = −20.88, p < 0.001), and engagement scores from 3.40 to 4.00 (t(49) = −16.28, p < 0.001), indicating statistically significant improvements across all measured domains. These findings suggest that playful learning methodologies can profoundly enrich the educational experience, making it more dynamic and impactful. The study underscores the potential of such pedagogical strategies in fostering a comprehensive understanding of sustainability and cultivating essential competencies among future business leaders. This research has significant implications for curriculum design, advocating for the inclusion of interactive and experiential learning methods to improve educational outcomes and better prepare students for the complex challenges of sustainable development.
Keywords: education for sustainable development, sustainable entrepreneurship education, playful learning methods, educational outcomes, business schools
Published in DKUM: 02.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 2
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10. Global country classification of sustainable startups levelsBarbara Bradač Hojnik, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: In today's world, the pursuit of sustainable development has become a global priority. However, the integration of sustainability practices in entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in new startups, lags behind. This article aims to bridge the gap between sustainable development and entrepreneurship by examining the role of sustainability in the formation of sustainable startups. Through the use of cluster analysis, this study classifies countries based on their environmental and social objectives in the context of sustainable startups. The analysis reveals distinct clus-ters of countries with varying degrees of emphasis on environmental and social considerations. The results of the analysis provide valuable insights into the distribution of countries across different clusters, delineating the sus-tainable goals of startups in those countries. These findings align with existing research on sustainable entrepre-neurship and contribute to the broader discourse in the field. The implications of these findings are significant for promoting sustainable entrepreneurship. While the study acknowledges several limitations, future research can expand upon these findings to develop a more comprehensive understanding of sustainable entrepreneurship on a global scale.
Keywords: sustainability, sustainable development, entrepreneurship, sustainable startups
Published in DKUM: 02.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 2
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