The textile and clothing (T&C) value chain is one of the most polluting in the world and one that produces the most waste. It is, therefore, important to encourage the circular economy (CE) model in this sector to reduce pollution, mitigate the effects of waste production, and, consequently, increase environmental sustainability. Leveraging end-consumer engagement in a CE mindset in the T&C sector is crucial, as they are the last player in a typical linear value chain. Therefore, a platform that supports and promotes sustainable tasks to manage one’s fashion products, through the use of gamification techniques, can be of utmost importance. In this article, we identify impactful carbon footprint consumer actions and solutions for the T&C consumer phase. After that, we survey gamification frameworks for analyzing techniques, at the system design level, which enable the engagement of the final consumer in the CE process. Then, we select and use one of such frameworks, Gameful Design Heuristics (GDH), for defining the gamification structure needed to implement on a business-to-consumer-to-consumer (B2C2C) context of a circular economy process, linking it to the aforementioned actions and solutions. As result, we present a B2C2C circular business process model for the T&C value chain and propose the design model of a gamified platform for the final consumers, which allows them to register the consumer-to-business (C2B) and consumer-to-consumer (C2C) activities, from the circular value chain’s business process, and benefit from a game-like experience. All the model features have been mapped to the GDH framework heuristics, validating that it is possible to support a set of defined heuristics of applied gamification for promoting CE in the T&C value chain.

This study aimed to identify waste in organizational processes, along with innovation processes that are guided by process optimization methods and organizational sustainability policies that influence business competitiveness. When seeking to increase their competitiveness, organizations are often less concerned about adjusting existing internal processes than they are focused on technological innovation, and sustainability. To demonstrate the need for sustainable processes, the objective of this project was to reduce the amount of paper printing at a business by about 30%. The research consisted of a case study, which took place throughout 2019. In the first semester, data was collected, while in the second semester, optimization and environmental awareness training began through the project “Less Means More.” The results show that technological innovation is a source of competitive advantage, but management practices that are oriented toward sustainability and process innovation contribute to the improvement of a company’s competitiveness. The results obtained exceed the target of a 30% reduction in paper printing, reaching a 31% reduction in December 2019 compared to January 2019. Future analyses can be extended to other business processes, as well as to other parts of businesses. Monetary incentives or awards given to employees could also be introduced with a view to motivating for the need and advantages of innovation.

This article intends to highlight the importance of the use of strategic management tools in Private Social Solidarity Institutions (PSSI) aiming at their sustainability. Additionally, it also intends to analyze the profile of the top managers of these institutions in order to demonstrate the importance of specific management training. Firstly, the theoretical framework was carried out where the ideas of different authors regarding the social economy, strategic management and its tools were discussed. Next, the quantitative method was used with the sending of a questionnaire to several IPSS where it was emphasized that it should be filled out by top managers. The results obtained allowed for the validation of the initial questions, namely several failures in the implementation of strategic management tools in the non-profit organizations (NPO), which had repercussions in their sustainability and in the way they are organized. Thus, it is essential that these organizations invest in capacity building in the area of strategic management always keeping in mind their mission.

Contemporary tourism is facing profound structural transformations driven by digitalization, the growing centrality of data, and the need for more sustainable and inclusive development models. In this context, this special issue of the Journal of Economics, Companies and Entrepreneurs in the CPLP (E3) brings together a set of studies selected from ICOTTS'23 – 5th International Conference on Tourism Technology & Systems, reflecting the multidisciplinary and transversal nature of this field of research. The included works address fundamental topics such as tourist behavior in digital environments, the integration of smart technologies in destinations, marketing and competitiveness strategies, as well as the dynamics of sustainability and territorial development. Recent literature shows that digital technologies, including intelligent systems, big data and digital platforms, play a decisive role in transforming the tourism experience, optimizing destination management and creating value for different stakeholders. At the same time, the importance of sustainability as a structuring axis of tourism development is reinforced, promoting a balanced articulation between economic growth, social inclusion and environmental preservation. The integrated analysis of these themes highlights the need for interdisciplinary and data-driven approaches, capable of responding to the complexity of contemporary tourism systems. This special issue thus contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge by highlighting the interconnections between technology, innovation and territorial development, offering relevant perspectives for researchers, decision-makers and professionals in the sector.

In order to formulate the Proposal for the use and management of rural production and protection land with emphasis on climate change, sustainable production, and free from deforestation, considering the territorial dynamics of peoples and nationalities, it has been foreseen in this article to prepare the Complementary planning instrument and in greater detail to the Territorial Development and Organization Plan, which allows the Municipal GAD to regulate and manage the use, occupation and transformation of rural land for protection and production, in accordance with the strategic development approach and the territorial organization model desired in which, the rural urban structure of the territory to intervene and strengthen its links and interdependencies is determined; plan the efficient, equitable, rational and balanced use and exploitation of the soil; establish urban planning instruments and guide decisions on land use and occupation. This process was supported with the use of document managers and Open-Source computational tools, which allowed us to establish business rules for correct decision-making.

Tourism is currently going through a particularly intense period of transformation, marked by the expansion of digital technologies, the growing centrality of data and the search for more sustainable, resilient and inclusive territorial development models. In this context, Volume 2 of the special edition of e³ – Journal of Economics, Businesses and Entrepreneurs in the CPLP (e3) brings together a set of studies that reflects the complexity and multidisciplinary nature of contemporary tourism systems, articulating perspectives on territorial governance, smart destinations, digital transformation, tourism experience, competitiveness, entrepreneurship and organizational change. The included contributions show the consolidation of data-driven approaches, integrating smart technologies, recommendation systems, digital platforms, immersive experiences and sustainable territorial management mechanisms. In parallel, they reinforce the importance of the human, social and organisational dimensions of tourism, particularly through discussions around female entrepreneurship, labour participation, organisational agility and business resilience in contexts of continuous change. The integrated reading of these works allows us to understand tourism not only as an economic activity or experiential phenomenon, but as a deeply interdependent territorial, technological and social system, where innovation, sustainability and digital intelligence influence each other. The volume thus seeks to contribute to the deepening of the scientific debate around the challenges that mark contemporary tourism, offering relevant perspectives

This editorial marks a particularly significant milestone in the trajectory of e3 – Journal of Economy, Business and Entrepreneurs in the CPLP, corresponding to the publication of the first regular issue following the journal’s inclusion in the Scopus database. This achievement represents an important recognition of the journal’s scientific quality, editorial rigor, and growing internationalization, while simultaneously reinforcing its commitment to the dissemination of knowledge relevant to both academic and professional communities. The articles included in this issue address current and multidisciplinary topics, reflecting some of the main challenges faced by institutions, students, and territories in a context of profound social, technological, and organizational transformation. Based on the contributions presented, three major thematic axes can be identified: institutional transformation, governance and innovation; students’ experiences, competencies and development trajectories; and sustainability, innovation and territorial development. Taken together, the published works highlight the importance of scientific research in understanding contemporary processes of change and in supporting informed responses to future challenges.

Atualmente, o online quer através das redes sociais quer dos websites e plataformas, tem aumentado na cota de mercado das marcas de moda em Portugal (37% dos 6,15 mil milhões de euros), e estima-se que em 2025 atinja 9,7 mil milhões de euros, o que indica o aumento proporcional de marcas de moda (Portugal Têxtil, maio 25, 2023). As redes sociais investem cada vez mais na comunicação de forma a criar o desejo e a venda dos produtos, e são o principal veículo de comunicação de novidades, notícias e coleções de uma determinada marca, provocando um grande desejo de consumir/obter determinado produto. A moda estará sempre presente no quotidiano da população, uma vez que faz parte, e é, um dos fatores que reflete e contribui para a evolução cultural, política e social da sociedade. Atualmente, a indústria têxtil e da moda de luxo recorrerem cada vez mais a formas inovadoras para combater os problemas do ecossistema da moda: nomeadamente a produção excessiva, consumo exagerado da utilização desmedida dos recursos e o excesso de desperdícios, criando políticas de sustentabilidade internas e externas que contribuam para reduzir todas estas questões. E, consequentemente a redução das alterações climáticas e uma melhor gestão dos recursos existentes no planeta na atualidade de forma a não comprometer os recursos das gestões futuras. As marcas de luxo na moda têm tido um crescimento significativo nos últimos anos, em 2022 o mercado de luxo cresceu 22%, com vendas na ordem dos 353 mil milhões de euros, segundo o estudo da Bain & Company Luxury Study (Expresso, 17 Nov 2022). Mas o preço e a exclusividade deste segmento não tornam os produtos disponíveis a todos. Atualmente o crescimento de novas formas de modelos de negócio surgem no mercado, mais sustentáveis, como a venda em segunda mão online, caso da Vinted, que permite prolongar a vida do produto. Este mercado deverá atingir 350 mil milhões de dólares (cerca de 325 mil milhões de euros) até 2028 e representará 10% do mercado da moda a nível mundial até 2025. Estas soluções permitem atingir novos públicos no mercado do luxo, mais acessível ao nível de preços e disponibilidade de produtos de luxo para desenvolvimento de novas formas de comunicação e produção de moda. De acordo com Carvalho (2022), “os compradores Millennials e Gen Z são o motor de crescimento da indústria. Juntas, estas duas gerações de compradores/ consumidores representarão 70 % de todas as vendas de luxo até 2025.” Assim, este projeto permite responder à seguinte questão: Qual a estratégia, modelo de negócio e comunicação para um projeto associado a marcas de moda de luxo feminino num mercado que contribua para a sustentabilidade no ecossistema da moda, dirigido a um público da geração Z que opera maioritariamente nas redes sociais? O presente projeto assenta numa proposta de criação de uma marca/ plataforma, para venda online, revenda e aluguer de artigos de marcas de moda de todo o tipo de luxo, e designers emergentes com características de exclusividade e qualidade. Não será apenas mais uma marca que exerce a revenda ou aluguer de artigos de luxo, através de uma plataforma digital ou aplicação, onde vários utilizadores submetem os seus próprios artigos de luxo para aluguer ou venda, com o intuito de contribuir para uma melhor gestão dos recursos existentes. Pretende-se sim construir uma marca e espaço que promove a inspiração artística da indústria, e que simultaneamente contribua para a redução do consumo excessivo, de forma a fomentar a sustentabilidade e a circularidade. Este projeto é abrangente para todas as faixas etárias e pretende ser um negócio diferenciado dentro da própria indústria, assumindo a essência que cada marca transparece, e assume um paralelismo de identidade com o de uma revista de moda. Com a criação da marca e respetivo registo, conclui-se a existência de uma identidade visual apelativa e desejada, que permite criar valor aos produtos e o desejo aos consumidores de produtos de luxo de qualidade e exclusividade, independente de oferecer peças usadas, mas que no luxo, são as que apresentam, na sua maioria maior durabilidade, boa aparência e qualidade. A maioria das peças de moda de luxo são produzidos em alta qualidade, além do que o projeto englobará uma série de serviços integrados de conservação, reparação, limpeza e restauração que apelam à sustentabilidade e a um consumo consciente por parte dos consumidores, além de acrescentar valor para a marca.

The growing environmental concerns and the search for more sustainable solutions have driven research into the development of eco-friendly materials for technological applications. In this context, this thesis addresses the design and optimization of printed circuit boards (PCBs) reinforced with natural fibers, using computational methods based on the Finite Element Method (FEM). The partial or complete replacement of traditional materials with natural fiber composites in PCBs aims to reduce environmental impact without compromising the mechanical, thermal, and electrical performance required for modern electronic applications. The work begins with a critical review of the literature, identifying the main natural fiber (such as eucalyptus, pine, hemp, and bamboo, among others) and their relevant properties for PCB applications. A systematic material selection methodology is then proposed, combining criteria of sustainability, technical performance, and processing feasibility. Computational modelling and simulation are fundamental in this study. Detailed three-dimensional models of composite PCBs were developed, incorporating the typical microstructure of natural fiber composites. The Finite Element Method was employed to analyse the structural behaviour (bending, tensile strength, fatigue) and thermal performance (heat dissipation, thermal expansion) of the new PCBs. Advanced modelling techniques, such as multiscale analysis and property homogenization, were applied to adequately represent the interaction between the polymeric matrix and the natural fiber. The optimization phase involved the use of evolutionary algorithms and multi-objective optimization methods to find the best balance between weight, mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and cost. Different reinforcement configurations, fiber orientations, and multilayer architectures were simulated and compared. The results demonstrated that it is possible to achieve performance levels comparable to those of conventional materials in several critical metrics, with the added advantage of significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the final products. This thesis includes two studies dedicated to the modelling of solder paste behaviour during printing and reflow processes. The first study develops a two-dimensional model that describes the flow of solder paste through the stencil, analysing aperture filling, the influence of viscosity, and the effects of squeegee dynamics on the final deposition profile. The simulations qualitatively reproduce the patterns observed experimentally, thereby validating the modelling approach. The second study presents a three-dimensional simulation coupled with a six-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) model and user-defined functions (UDFs) that describe the transition of the solder paste into its molten state. This approach enabled the analysis of the combined behaviour of the paste and the component during the Pin-in-Paste process, encompassing phenomena such as volumetric shrinkage, rheological evolution, surface-tension-driven effects, and meniscus formation. The results demonstrate that numerical modelling is an effective tool for understanding and optimizing soldering processes, particularly when applied to alternative substrates intended to replace conventional laminates. Finally, the industrial impact of this approach is discussed, along with the observed limitations, and future research directions are proposed, including studies on long-term durability, behaviour in harsh environments, and the integration of additive manufacturing techniques to produce eco-friendly PCBs. This work contributes to innovation in the design of sustainable electronic components, paving the way for a new generation of more environmentally friendly devices.

A Transição Energética (TE) é um tema que deve ser abordado quer por questões ambientais quer por questões financeiras. Tanto quanto é do nosso conhecimento, este é o primeiro estudo sobre este tema, focado nos cidadãos das Beiras e Serra da Estrela (BSE) e nos municípios portugueses. Foram desenvolvidos dois inquéritos online, cada um direcionado a um público-alvo distinto. O inquérito destinado aos municípios foi enviado por e-mail para os 308 municípios portugueses, enquanto o inquérito dirigido aos cidadãos foi promovido nas redes sociais e divulgado nos 15 concelhos que compõem a BSE. O objetivo foi garantir não apenas a abrangência regional, mas também a representatividade dos 15 concelhos desta área. Destes inquéritos resultaram 51 respostas válidas das 308 possíveis para os municípios e 94 respostas válidas para os cidadãos. Os inquéritos tiveram por base o estudo de 7 medidas de TE, sendo elas a iluminação, o isolamento de paredes, pavimentos e coberturas, as Águas Quentes Sanitárias (AQS), o aquecimento/arrefecimento ambiente, a mobilidade, a produção de energia e finalmente a sua monitorização. No que ao tratamento dos dados diz respeito, estes também tiveram duas abordagens. No caso dos cidadãos foi elaborado um tratamento de dados com recurso ao modelo TOBIT com recurso a dados empilhados (stack data). Já nos municípios e como as respostas válidas foram reduzidas, optou-se por uma análise estatística onde foram analisadas a adoção de cada uma das 7 medidas em consonância com o acesso a apoios por parte dos municípios e com a existência de gabinetes dedicados à TE nestes. Ao nível da adoção de medidas nos cidadãos, revelou-se que as mais adotadas ou consideradas importantes para estes foram a iluminação, o isolamento, as AQS e a produção de energia. Os apoios também foram importantes na adoção destas 4 medidas por parte dos cidadãos, tendo em conta que eram as medidas mais apoiadas pelos programas que o Estado tinha disponíveis na altura com são o caso dos “Edifícios mais Sustentáveis” e do “Vale Eficiência”. Ao nível dos rendimentos dos cidadãos verificou-se que a classe média apresentou uma maior propensão na adoção destas medidas. Contrariamente, os cidadãos com rendimento anual inferior a €12.500, isto é, os cidadãos mais vulneráveis, não demonstraram tendência para a adoção as medidas de TE. Este resultado vai ao encontro dos programas dos “Edifícios mais Sustentáveis” e do “Vale Eficiência”, dado que o público-alvo destes são os cidadãos mais vulneráveis. No que diz respeito à adoção de medidas por parte dos municípios verificou-se que o facto de estes terem gabinetes dedicados ajuda na adoção de medidas tendo como comparação os municípios que não possuem estes gabinetes. Os resultados desta dissertação, evidenciaram que apoios financeiros recebidos pelos municípios impulsionam também a TE. O foco na TE praticada por estes vai para as medidas de iluminação e mobilidade, que foram medidas adotadas por mais de 65% dos municípios com respostas válidas. Já as medidas de isolamento de paredes, pavimentos e coberturas, AQS e aquecimento e arrefecimento ambiente foram adotadas por cerca de 40 a 50% dos municípios com respostas válidas. Já num patamar de adoção inferior 35% adotaram medidas de produção de energia e apenas 14% adotaram medidas de monitorização.