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Publications

Publications by CITE

2025

Assessing the impact of high-performance computing on digital transformation: benefits, challenges, and size-dependent differences

Authors
Almeida, F; Okon, E;

Publication
The Journal of Supercomputing

Abstract
Abstract High-performance computing (HPC) plays a crucial role in accelerating digital transformation, yet there is a lack of studies that systematically characterize its impact across different company sizes. This study addresses this gap by analyzing a cross-sectoral panel of 294 Portuguese companies, comprising 103 large enterprises and 191 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It was applied descriptive analysis and statistical hypothesis testing methods. Two key research questions guide this investigation. The first explores the primary benefits and challenges associated with HPC adoption, while the second examines whether these factors vary between large companies and SMEs. The findings indicate that the benefits and challenges of the HPC are heterogeneously perceived by large companies and SMEs. It identified significant differences in the perceived benefits and challenges of HPC, particularly concerning cost savings, decision-making, cost and skills management, lack of awareness, and workforce skills gap. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how HPC supports digitalization processes, highlighting sector-specific and size-dependent differences in its perceived value and implementation barriers. This study provides valuable insights for businesses, policymakers, and researchers seeking to optimize HPC strategies for digital transformation.

2025

Contribution of digitalization initiatives in African ports to the sustainable development

Authors
Almeida, F; Okon, E;

Publication
African Journal of Economic and Management Studies

Abstract
PurposeAfrican ports play a vital role in the continent’s economy and international trade. While African ports are essential for the competitiveness of African countries, their low level of digitalization presents significant challenges. This study aims to explore how digitalization initiatives implemented by African countries since 2018 are contributing to addressing the sustainable development goals (SDGs).Design/methodology/approachA qualitative analysis approach is adopted by exploring 19 case studies identified by the World Ports Sustainability Program. It explores how African ports have contributed to addressing the 17 SDGs, the positioning of these initiatives according to sociotechnical systems theory and the role these initiatives can play in reducing asymmetries in performance between African countries.FindingsThe results indicate that the most strongly addressed SDGs are 8, 9 and 17. The technical dimension stands out as the main objective of these projects to the detriment of the social and organizational components. Finally, the findings reveal that these initiatives have not significantly reduced performance gaps between African countries.Originality/valueThis study explores the under-researched nexus between digitalization and sustainable development. It uniquely contextualizes digital initiatives within the SDGs. The value lies in its potential to guide policymakers, port operators and stakeholders in leveraging digital transformation. Moreover, the relevance of this study is amplified as Africa seeks to integrate more fully into the global trade system while addressing pressing challenges related to resource management, sustainable development and socio-economic disparities.

2025

Urban Living Labs as Catalysts for Innovation: Advancing Urban Ecosystems within the Quintuple Helix Model

Authors
Almeida, F; Deutsch, N;

Publication
Urban Governance

Abstract

2025

Institutional challenges in water reuse and circularity: insights from co-creation processes in Southern Europe and Middle East

Authors
Matos, MV; Fidélis, T; Sousa, MC; Riazi, F; Miranda, AC; Teles, F;

Publication
WATER POLICY

Abstract
The transition to the water circular economy (WCE) requires several stakeholders' awareness, articulation, and action involving complex governance concerns. As a participatory approach to identifying problems, designing solutions, and implementing strategic actions, the co-creation process should support stakeholder involvement to adjust existing institutional arrangements to foster the WCE. This article designs and applies a co-creation process to analyse the perception of key stakeholders about institutional challenges for water reuse and explore their contributions to innovate policy, planning, and governance for the implementation of new water reuse technology in Almendralejo (Spain), Lecce (Italy), Omis (Croatia), and Eilat (Israel). The findings indicate that implementing a new water loop encounters complex institutional and production-related obstacles, which different stakeholders address in varying ways. Moreover, the proposed solutions to the on-site issues identified emphasise the need for actions that foster engagement and collaboration, particularly to enhance awareness, training, and regulation. Addressing these challenges associated with adopting new water loops, even when technical, may depend on non-technical solutions regarding the institutional framework. The co-creation processes highlight the importance of focusing on institutional arrangements and stakeholder awareness while implementing new water loops to ensure and promote symbiotic territories that consider the policy, producers', and users' strategies.

2024

Factors affecting social entrepreneurial intentions in a Portuguese higher education institution

Authors
de Sousa, JM; Almeida, F;

Publication
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATION SCIENCE

Abstract
PurposeThis study aims to identify and explore the factors affecting social entrepreneurial intentions considering an educational institution in Portugal. It also intends to determine the relevance of moderating factors in the antecedents and entrepreneurial intention of these students. Design/methodology/approachA panel of 177 undergraduate students enrolled in a social entrepreneurship course between the academic years 2018 and 2021 is considered. The data is explored quantitatively considering descriptive analysis techniques, correlational analysis and hypothesis testing. FindingsThe findings reveal that entrepreneurial intention depends on multiple individual, organizational and contextual dimensions. Students' entrepreneurial intention remains unchanged regardless of the student's profile. However, students' professional experience is a more relevant factor for the identification of organizational dimensions related to curriculum and critical pedagogy, while previous involvement in volunteer activities contributes to a higher prevalence of individual factors. Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is original in exploring the role of entrepreneurial intention and its antecedents considering a heterogeneous students' profile. It offers theoretical and practical contributions by extending the literature on social entrepreneurial intention that can be used by higher education institutions to offer specific training more focused on the student's profile.

2024

Developing Entrepreneurial Competencies among Tourism Students using FLIGBY

Authors
Ferro, A; Buzady, Z; Almeida, F;

Publication
JOURNAL OF HOSPITALITY & TOURISM EDUCATION

Abstract
This article seeks to present an initiative to integrate a serious game into an entrepreneurship course, attended by tourism students, which enables them to have a more reliable and comprehensive experience of the multiple dimensions of this phenomenon. The study uses a mixed-methods approach to explore several dimensions of the impact on the use of the game by measuring student performance and conducting semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that FLIGBY has helped the tourism students to have a more complete and reliable perception of the business reality and to practice their skills in a wide range of areas such as emotional intelligence, conflict management, time management, strategic thinking, or leadership. The results also indicate the development of analytical skills in the area of business management and viniculture due to the central theme of FLIGBY.

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