Women in emerging economies face unique constraints rooted in cultural norms, socio-economic disparities, and limited access to education and technology. Narrowing the digital gender gap by ensuring access to financial services may reduce the economic inequalities for women in these countries. This study examines the influence of digital finance in narrowing the gender gap, guided by the research question: To what extent do digital financial services contribute to narrowing the gender gap in access to and usage of financial services in low-and middle-income economies? Gender inclusion was measured by the ratio of accounts owned by women over the total number of accounts. Digital financial inclusion was constructed based on eight components: mobile money account, storing money in financial institutions, Internet access, mobile phone owned, savings, savings in financial institutions, making or receiving a digital payment, and mobile phone or use of the Internet for shopping. A Bayesian regression approach was computed using the Global Findex Database data for 73 countries classified as low and lower-middle-income economies from 2011 to 2022. The Machine Learning approach evaluates the model’s ability to predict women’s autonomy and the role of digital finance. The results show that digital financial services would reduce the gender gap in low-income economies while augmenting the number of open accounts, especially for women. The results aid in the establishment of policies to reduce the gender gap. These results are relevant to the UNSDG agenda, mainly Goal 5 and Goal 10.

This study examines the combined impact of fintech and financial inclusion on achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Previous research has emphasized the role of financial inclusion in reducing poverty, strengthening resilience, and promoting economic stability; however, its interaction with fintech in advancing sustainability remains less examined. Using four composite indices incorporating updated variables, expanded country coverage, and a broader temporal scope, this analysis evaluates digital financial channels, including formal access, mobile money, digital credit, transfers, and rural finance, across SDGs 3, 4, 8, and 9. The findings indicate that formal access is associated with lower maternal mortality (SDG 3) and contributes positively to decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), as well as industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9). Digital credit and transfers help ease liquidity constraints in high-inequality regions, while mobile money enhances education outcomes (SDG 4) under robust governance, supporting informal labor markets. Rural finance strengthens innovation and infrastructure development in underserved areas, reinforcing SDG 9. A simultaneous equation model provides evidence of bidirectional relationships among financial inclusion, fintech adoption, and sustainable development, underscoring their mutual reinforcement rather than strict causality. Overall, the study highlights the systemic interconnection between finance and sustainability and emphasizes the importance of governance, infrastructure, and regulation in maximizing developmental benefits.

Climate change, the accelerated industrialization of emerging countries, as well as the growing demand for transparency from stakeholders, are all factors that influence the environmental performance of companies. Thus, eco-efficient behavior can improve financial performance by increasing wealth generation and decreasing the volatility of listed financial assets. There is a lot of previous literature showing diverse results of the effect of eco-efficiency on corporate profitability, but this is not the case when we refer to risk. This study analyzes the relationship between eco-efficient behavior and the share price volatility of companies traded in emerging markets. For this purpose, a sample of 346 companies listed in 24 countries was studied for the period between 2010 and 2017. The results show a positive effect. Thus, the recommendation is that a clear commitment to eco-efficient investment can improve the environmental impact of companies, from the private, public, and institutional spheres.

Universities, in their role of training and transforming people, play a key role in generating sustainable citizens to be agents of change by solving social and environmental complexities and safeguarding the future of generations. This chapter sets out the new challenges and trends of incorporating education for sustainable development into the business area, particularly in the subjects of Accounting and Finance. The incorporation of sustainability in the curricular map of universities can be implemented through curricular and university orientation. Both strategies are indispensable to generate a successful adoption in the curricula. Different conceptual frameworks on sustainability teaching are developed and pedagogical strategies are proposed to implement better learning practices.

Multicultural teams represent a key strategic action that generate significant competitive advantages and innovation. The authors address the question of how transformational leadership, cultural orientation, and emotional conflict impact on multicultural teams focused on innovation. The methodology used has a quantitative and transversal approach because the measurement is carried out in a specific moment. The sample is composed by 415 multicultural-team members working in multinational companies. Results indicate that the dimension of intellectual stimulation and a horizontal hierarchy are factors that influence the team innovation. In contrast, the emotional conflict did not show a significant relationship. The positive moderating effect of organizational support on intellectual stimulation and team innovation´s relationship is proven. This study contributes significantly to international human resource management domain by leading to a better understanding of the functioning of work teams to ensure business innovation and the need for internationalization. Request access from your librarian to read this chapter's full text.

The evolution of the Metaverse in Higher Education (HE) in Mexico can potentially enhance pedagogy, develop skills, and improve the learning experience. This research aims to estimate the factors guiding the adoption of the Metaverse in a Business School context in Mexico. A survey analysis was conducted to gauge insights from stakeholders on the Metaverse in HE. A total of 117 respondents, comprising students, professors, and staff members, completed the 21-item questionnaire. To determine the relationship between data, a quantitative analysis was performed using a structural equation model (SEM), and a path analysis was computed to illustrate the relationship among the adoption components of the UTAUT model. The study found no correlation between age, gender, and previous experience toward adopting the Metaverse. On the other hand, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions significantly impact the stakeholders' attitudes toward adopting this technology. The R² coefficient of 94% obtained explains the model's accuracy. The research reveals that a practical learning exercise in the Metaverse improved student knowledge acquisition. Implementing this model is to be at the service of concerned HE authorities to create an adequate environment for adopting the Metaverse in Universities in Mexico.