This article explores general concepts related to the diffusion of innovations theory (DoI) and its use regarding the adoption of nature-based solutions, specifically green roofs, in urban areas by private house/property owners in the city of Eindhoven (Netherlands). Given the gap in knowledge on the potential for the adoption of green roofs by private house/property owners as well as barriers and enablers to their implementation from the DoI perspective, we used a model for predicting the adoption of innovations (ADOPT). Results show that the predicted peak adoption level is 3% and that the time to peak adoption level is 17 years. However, the level of adoption can be significantly enhanced by increasing profit benefit (i.e., cost savings) in the years that they are used (+19 percent points adoption), reducing risk exposure (+17 percent points adoption), and improving ease and convenience (+15 percent points adoption), while the time to peak adoption level can be reduced by enhancing relevant and existing skills and knowledge (−3 years), simplifying trialability and innovation complexity (−2 years), and increasing observability (−1 year). Hence, key factors affecting the adoption of green roofs by private house/property owners have been identified, contributing to the formulation of urban climate change adoption strategies.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that spread through the world in 2020 had a major effect on academia. Research projects relying on participatory methods and action research approaches were especially harmed by the restrictions and changes the situation imposed. This study performs a rapid literature review to identify common themes in the narratives of published studies concerning the difficulties of carrying-out participatory research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Perceptions and experiences of the authors of these studies are compiled and summarized. Additionally, insights and lessons learned from two projects in which the authors of this study participated are discussed and used to establish a comparison with the common challenges found in the literature. Over 90% of authors experienced challenges related to digitalization and methodological changes, 70% encountered difficulties with organizational and operational aspects of research, and over 30% felt that personal challenges, as well as issues with participatory aspects of research, were significant. On a positive note, almost 40% of authors from our sample recognize that the pandemic also brought unexpected benefits, such as a reduction in logistical expenses, and the creation of new opportunities for participation. This study adds to the growing body of literature regarding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the research community. Additionally, it comments on the adaptation of participatory action research methods for added sustainability and social inclusion in the face of global crises.

Advanced generations of mobile network technologies (XG), last-mile connectivity and edge computing solutions can offer invaluable support for farmers and agribusinesses, fostering sustainable development, though unequal access to these digital technologies may lead to a digital divide. It remains, however, unclear to what extent and why farmers are (not) ready to adopt digital technology solutions in agricultural production systems. Hence, this study identifies and assesses the constraints on and drivers for the adoption and diffusion of smart XG, last-mile connectivity and edge computing solutions in agricultural production systems, using the Adoption and Diffusion Outcome Prediction Tool (ADOPT) in a stakeholder workshop setting. Results for the case of the ‘digital shepherd’ in Flanders (Belgium) show that there is substantial potential for its adoption (~40% of the target population) and diffusion (~15 years to peak adoption). To motivate farmers to adopt the ‘digital shepherd’, its profitability, environmental benefits and management convenience are pivotal; to accelerate adoption of the ‘digital shepherd’, its trialability and evaluability, as well as farmers’ skills and knowledge, are pivotal. Addressing these factors can significantly reduce the risk of a digital divide and, hence, allow policy makers to define corresponding strategies.