In Saudi Arabia, limited studies have developed models related to measuring the impact of the digital economy on the labor market. This model concerns the agricultural, service, and industrial sectors in Saudi Arabia. This study further investigates the relationship between digitalization, labor productivity, and unemployment using the ARDL error correction method for time-series data obtained from the World Bank database for the period of 2001–2019. The findings of this study illustrate, digital variables such as fixed broadband subscriptions (LNFBS), mobile cellular subscriptions (LNMCS), and computer, communications, and other services (LNCCO) do not significantly affect the labor market in the agricultural sector. LNMCS and LNCCO do not influence the service sector. However, they are negatively influencing the industrial sector and labor productivity. In contrast, LNFBS has a positive impact on both the service and industrial sectors. Interestingly, all three digital variables significantly reduce unemployment in the long run in Saudi Arabia. However, in the short run, digitalization does not have a positive impact on the economy. This study hopes to benefit policymakers in considering how to reorganize the socioeconomic infrastructure to balance economic growth through greater technology and the utilization of the country’s human resources.

Amid global imperatives to combat climate change and achieve sustainable economic development, the convergence of digital transformation and the transition to clean energy has emerged as a critical focal point for oil-exporting nations. This study comprehensively investigates the interplay of digital technology, clean energy transition, climate change, and economic growth among selected oil-exporting nations. Drawing upon a diverse set of economic and geographical contexts, this study uses panel data analysis of data from the World Bank’s Economic Indicators and the United Nations Development Program for the period from 2006 to 2020. The results show that digital technology reduces climate change by improving environmental quality, but internet and mobile access have insignificant and negative effects on environmental quality, respectively. Meanwhile, all technology variables negatively impact green energy and economic growth, while the Happy Planet Index and financial development positively impact the green energy transition. This study is important for regulators, producers, and consumers, as it provides a better understanding of the crucial role of digital transformation in sustainable development within oil-export countries. This study’s findings can be used to develop policy recommendations for a low-carbon economy, the promotion of digital transformation through green energy, and the management of climate change.

Due to increasing energy consumption, there has been a significant expansion in worldwide trade, leading to the emergence of severe environmental issues. This situation is further compounded by the non-negotiable requirement to simultaneously mitigate environmental degradation and achieve economic progress. To ensure a healthier future, it is imperative to identify and address the factors that contribute to environmental contamination. The purpose of this study is to examine how Malaysia’s carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions are affected by energy consumption, economic growth, and the economic complexity index (ECI). Time series data from 1997 to 2020 are used in this study, along with the autoregressive distributed lag model. The environmental Kuznets curve theory holds true in Malaysia, according to the study’s findings, and energy use has a negative impact on CO₂ emissions. There is also evidence suggesting that a higher ECI is linked with increased levels of CO₂ emissions over a prolonged period. Malaysia’s main export, electrical and electronic goods, generates substantial CO₂ emissions during the manufacturing process. The outcomes of this research have important ramifications for environmental strategies concerning the mitigation of CO₂ emissions. The electrical and electronics industries can implement energy-efficient technologies and practices in manufacturing processes. This would include upgrading to more efficient machinery, optimizing production schedules, and reducing idle times. It is also crucial to work with governments and industry bodies to advocate for policies that support sustainable manufacturing practices.

To limit global warming to 1.5 °C, it is imperative to accelerate the global energy transition. This transition is crucial for solving the climate issue and building a more sustainable future. Therefore, within the loaded capacity curve (LCC) theory framework, this study investigates the effects of digital adaptation, energy transition, export diversification, and income inequality on the load capacity factor (LCF). This study also attempts to investigate the integration effects of digital adaptation and energy transition, and digital adaptation and export diversification, on LCF. Furthermore, we explored how income inequality influences the LCF in economies. For this study, 112 countries were selected based on the data availability. Panel data from 2010 to 2021 were analyzed using the STATA software 13 application utilizing a two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) approach. First, interestingly, our finding shows that digital adaptation and income significantly affect the LCF. An increase in income increases the LCF among the middle-income group of countries. Therefore, LCC is confirmed in this research. Surprisingly, energy transition, export diversification, and foreign direct investment negatively impact the LCF in the base model. Second, the impact of integrating digital adaptation and energy transition has a positive effect on LCF. Third, a negative correlation was observed between the interaction of export diversification and digital adaptation with the LCF. Fourth, a positive correlation was observed between the interaction of renewable energy and digital adaptation with the LCF. Finally, this study explores the impact of the energy transition, export diversification, and income inequality on the LCF with reference to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The result shows a negative effect between export diversification and LCF among OPECs at a 10% significance level. To improve the quality of our planet, policymakers must understand the forces causing climate change. By adopting a comprehensive perspective, the study aims to understand how these interrelated factors collaboratively influence the LCF thoroughly. Additionally, this research seeks to provide valuable insights related to energy transition, digital adaptation, and export diversification to policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders regarding possible avenues for cultivating a more joyful and sustainable global community.

This study intends to investigate the role of social financing in supporting sustainable development and fostering entrepreneurship within small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and its future directions and opportunities in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. SMEs are increasingly implementing sustainable business models to tackle resource constraints and environmental issues to foster long-term social and environmental impact. A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected through questionnaires distributed to SME owners using purposive sampling. A total of 600 questionnaires were distributed, with 106 valid responses analyzed. The study employed descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS 4.0 to assess the framework. The findings reveal significant positive effects of financial institutions, globalization impact, and access to finance on the role of waqf in SME development, while business obstacles and government support showed no significant influence. According to this study, open innovation is crucial to fostering collaboration between small- and medium-sized enterprises, Islamic endowments, and external stakeholders such as non-profits, government agencies, and community groups. This research adds to the expanding body of knowledge regarding the efficacy of social entrepreneurship and inclusive business models in addressing environmental challenges and assisting SMEs in their long-term growth by facilitating the creation of shared value and the dissemination of sustainable business solutions.

The circular economy (CE) aims to reduce environmental degradation by ensuring the continuous use of materials and energy resources, aligning with the decarbonization agenda. However, despite the rising acceptance of CE concepts, the economic and managerial aspects remain underexplored in policy and practice. Therefore, this study seeks to bridge the knowledge–practice gap by studying how technology-driven innovation, renewable energy, and energy efficiency interact with CE principles to advance sustainable environmental connections in a detailed manner. The economic analysis of this study was conducted using two base and moderation models, utilizing global data from 78 developing and developed countries, and applying Fixed Effect, Random Effect, and Generalized Method of Moments estimates. The samples were selected based on data availability from internationally recognized databases from 2010 to 2021. The key findings suggest that technology-driven innovation and renewable energy reduce carbon emissions, whereas gross domestic product (GDP) growth and energy efficiency show no standalone positive effects. Notably, moderation effects reveal that the integration of technology with GDP promotes sustainability outcomes, but energy efficiency and renewable energy interact negatively with emissions, a contradictory result warranting further policy investigation. CE-driven innovation promotes decarbonization by striking a balance between environmental preservation, economic expansion, and technology uptake. This study emphasizes region-specific techniques and offers policy insights for combining the CE with natural capital and green GDP. It increases the knowledge of how circular business models powered by technology support sustainable growth and the shift to a circular economy.