This study examines the unique role of local community–consumer/customer engagement in influencing consumer/customer satisfaction (reflected in terms of economic activity) and future behavioural intention (reflected in terms of tourism develop-ment) in eco-tourism context in Mawlynnong village, Meghalaya,India, which has rightfully earned for itself the title of “Cleanest village in Asia.” The study builds on the contents and data from 35 in-depth researches on tourism (in the context of Mawlynnong) with the help of a content analysis (using NVivo 12) method and interaction with 8 local village families followed by structural equation modelling(SEM) analysis (using Adanco 2.0.2).The results show that factors such as cleanliness, local community–consumer/customer engagement, infrastructure, heritage and education enhance perceived trust among tourists, resulting in tourism development and enhanced economic activity by tourists. The participative service innovation behaviour (cleanliness) positively influences exploration intention(tourism) in this context. Furthermore, participative service innovation behaviour (in cleanliness) is found to mediate the relationship between its two driving factors, namely local community engagement and perceived trust in the service provider(tourism). The findings also provide various strategies tourism and hospitality firms and government tourism departments can use to prioritize factors and co-creating a replicable model of service innovation effectively using Mawlynnong example.

Cities’ role as major hubs of human activity and economic development is essential in attaining sustainable development, fostering a balance between economic, social, and environmental development, especially in light of the growing concern over Anthropocene-induced environmental issues like global warming and climate change. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a historic call for coordinated international action in this area, with SDG 11 specifically identifying “Sustainable Cities and Communities” as a primary objective. Therefore, it is clear that a paradigm shift in our approach to these challenges in terms of our thinking, sensibility, behavior, and responses is necessary. Implicitly, in view of their pivotal role in environmental sustainability, development of “smart” cities as healthy, citizen-friendly, economically viable, and sustainable cities for our future generations in today’s globally integrated world, as predominant centers of human settlement and activity with multinational enterprises driving economic growth, gains the immediate attention of researchers. In this light, this study aims to identify and thereafter prioritize key indicators of a smart city using the structured and consistency-focused best–worst multi-criteria decision-making (BWM) method, suitable for expert-driven decision-making with limited comparisons. While the UN’s SDG 11 promotes safe and resilient cities, our findings suggest a disparity in how local officials prioritize certain dimensions such as safety or recreation. This disconnect warrants closer examination of localized policy drivers. The findings of this study indicate that according to experts, among others, the priority themes are, in order, water and sanitation, wastewater, health, the environment, and the economy. Thus, these represent a key take-away for multinational enterprises for identifying and assessing significant thrust domains and areas of opportunity for intervention and contribution to the UN SDGs. It also enables a replicable framework for synergy between the public and private sectors towards contrastive intervention in other cities across the globe.

This study explores the research on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) investments, which have emerged as a feasible way to strike a balance between sustainability, responsibility and profitability. The article employs bibliometric technique to analyse 161 articles published on ESG investments after 2007 in Scopus database. The data were analysed using VOS viewer. There was a sudden surge in publications is ESG investments after COVID pandemic. Seven clusters emerged out of bibliographic coupling; ESG risk and return, preferences for ESG investments, ESG investments under shocks, usage of ESG information, influence of ESG rating and determinants of ESG investment. The study provides insights into the evolution of ESG investing over time and across organizations and countries. The results indicate that ESG investments provide an alternative way to manage risk-reward trade-off. The study presents the prominent countries, institutions, sources, authors and cited articles in the area of ESG investments. The findings will be beneficial for investors and policymakers interested in ESG investments.

This case examines the Green Committee at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), and its initiatives aimed at assessing and improving the campus’s environmental sustainability. The analysis focuses on five impact areas: carbon footprint, water usage, waste generation, greening efforts and energy management. While IIT Roorkee, one of India’s leading technical institutions, has implemented several measures to promote sustainable operations, the case critically explores both the achievements and challenges faced in this process. Drawing on institutional data and committee reports, the case identifies quantifiable outcomes, including reductions in electricity consumption and estimated annual decreases in carbon emissions of approximately 5,873 tonnes. It also reviews the strategies employed, such as energy efficiency projects, the adoption of solar photovoltaic systems and waste management practices. Beyond documenting results, the case highlights the decision-making processes, organizational hurdles and contextual factors that shape the Green Committee’s actions. It aims to provide policymakers, administrators and sustainability practitioners with insights into the complexities of embedding environmental stewardship within large public institutions. Rather than advocating for a particular model, the case presents IIT Roorkee’s experience as an example for analytical reflection on sustainable campus governance in India. Exhibit 1 shows the major environmental resources and impact areas considered in the case study.