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Lanzhou Jiaotong University researchers develop sustainable wastewater-powered electricity generator system

Lanzhou Jiaotong University researchers developed a droplet-based energy harvesting technology that converts secondary wastewater effluents into electricity. The system achieved high output performance and successfully powered LED lights, demonstrating its practical energy harvesting capability.

SourceEditorial Office of Journal of Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2026

Profit alone is a poor measure of success, study shows companies can look efficient while harming the planet

A new study from the University of Surrey shows that firms celebrated for strong financial performance may actually be inefficient when environmental impact is included. The research developed a new way to measure sustainable corporate efficiency, combining traditional financial metrics with environmental data.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEuropean Journal of Operational Research·TypeObservational study·DateMay 5, 2026

Businesses can either lead transformative change or risk extinction: IPBES

A new report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) emphasizes the critical role of businesses in halting and reversing biodiversity loss. Businesses can either drive transformative change or risk extinction, as they rely on and impact nature. The report provides methods and 100+ actions for bu...

Should companies replace human workers with robots? New study takes a closer look

A recent study from Binghamton University School of Management reveals that focusing on human-robot collaboration can generate additional economic value and improve a company's ability to capture a greater share of the competitive market. By leveraging robots in collaborative settings, organizations can foster a positive sense of commi...

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 27, 2026

Efficiency rankings used by governments and businesses may not be accurate, according to new research

Efficiency rankings may misrepresent performance due to sudden disruptions or gradual improvements, according to a new study. The Time Envelopment Analysis (TEA) method developed by researchers combines three tools to track performance over time, showing improved accuracy compared to existing methods.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalExpert Systems with Applications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2025

AI’s energy usage is less than previously thought

A recent study finds that artificial intelligence has a negligible effect on global greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers' analysis of US energy consumption and AI use across industries revealed that the energy usage from AI in the US equals the energy consumption for all of Iceland, but not noticeable on a global scale.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 12, 2025

Is the global industrial race being measured wrong?

A new study suggests the traditional United Nations index for judging countries' manufacturing power can produce misleading results. A revised model uses advanced data analysis to benchmark countries against realistic standards, providing a clearer picture of global industrial competitiveness.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of the Operational Research Society·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2025

In the face of extreme weather events’ devastating effects on power grids, study identifies vulnerabilities that drive prolonged outages, suggests ways to reduce disruptions

Researchers analyzed power outage data and weather records to identify planning vulnerabilities and criticality as drivers of prolonged local outages. Targeted interventions, such as isolating critical nodes and improving operational flexibility, can reduce customer outages by up to 49.5%.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalINFORMS Journal on Data Science·DateOct 15, 2025

Shortlist announced for Panmure House Prize

Four leading researchers have been shortlisted for the prestigious Panmure House Prize with innovative ideas on long-term thinking and innovation. The finalists aim to address global societal challenges through rigorous research, open-source hardware, and integrating sustainability into business strategy.

Not all subsidiaries are treated equally

Researchers found that subsidiaries with operational alignment tend to have smaller gaps between control rights and financial rights, allowing parents to internalize profits. In contrast, partnerships with high risks and uncertainties often result in a wider gap, as seen in the GM-Chrysler partnership.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalStrategy Science·DateAug 28, 2025

Pusan National University researchers reveal new calibration framework for digital twins

Researchers at Pusan National University developed a new Bayesian calibration framework to optimize digital twin models of automated material handling systems. The framework improves prediction accuracy by accounting for parameter uncertainty and discrepancy, enabling effective calibration with scarce field data.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Manufacturing Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 22, 2025

Ingroup bias leads to troubled waters for regulatory enforcement, shows study of private shipping inspectors

A study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that ingroup bias led to shorter inspections for domestic vessels and increased scrutiny after a catastrophic accident. However, additional training can counteract this bias, suggesting that human capital is crucial in enforcing standards.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2025

Outdated assumptions about cost efficiency are costing firms millions, according to new study

A new study from the University of Surrey found that traditional methods for evaluating cost savings from diversification are fundamentally flawed. The research proposes a more accurate way of assessing production costs, highlighting the importance of considering supply chain management, resource allocation, and production bottlenecks.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAnnals of Operations Research·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2025

Hiring people with disabilities positively influences hotel guest perceptions, finds study

A new study from the University of Surrey found that employing people with disabilities in hotels boosts customer intentions to recommend and revisit hotels. Guests perceive hotels that employ PWD as more socially responsible, leading to increased positive word-of-mouth communication and repurchase intention.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2024

Gentrification can leave residents feeling powerless and alienated in their own neighborhood, research shows

A new study reveals gentrification's complex impact on residential communities in Seoul, Korea, finding that state-led urban change can lead to emotional displacement of residents. Meanwhile, property-led redevelopment has resulted in direct displacement and replacement of industrial clusters with high-rise residential construction.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalThe Developing Economies·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2024

UVA researchers pioneer AI-driven manufacturing efficiency breakthrough

Researchers at UVA have developed an AI-driven system that optimizes manufacturing processes, improving speed and quality while reducing waste. The system uses Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning to coordinate tasks in real-time, leading to faster production and reduced downtime across various industries.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJournal of Manufacturing Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 16, 2024

Lack of competition between petrol stations hits households most in poorest areas

Households in low-income areas face higher petrol price increases when rival fuel stations close compared to high-income areas. Despite new station openings, low-income areas do not benefit from the same drop in prices. The study found that larger chains respond with higher price increases following a rival's exit.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Industrial Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2024