This book offers a comprehensive introduction to the different emerging concepts in the innovative area of sustainability and digital technology. More than 20 leading thinkers from the fields of digitalization, strategic management, sustainability and organizational development share clearly structured insights on the latest developments, advances and remaining challenges concerning the role of sustainability in an increasingly digital world. The authors not only introduce a profound and unique analysis on the state-of-the art of sustainability and digital transformation, but also provide business leaders with practical advice on how to apply the latest management thinking to their daily business decisions. Further, a number of significant case studies exemplify the issues discussed and serve as valuable blueprints for decision makers.

In 2011 the World Bank—with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation—launched the Global Findex database, the world's most comprehensive data set on how adults save, borrow, make payments, and manage risk. Drawing on survey data collected in collaboration with Gallup, Inc., the Global Findex database covers more than 140 economies around the world. The initial survey round was followed by a second one in 2014 and by a third in 2017. Compiled using nationally representative surveys of more than 150,000 adults age 15 and above in over 140 economies, The Global Findex Database 2017: Measuring Financial Inclusion and the Fintech Revolution includes updated indicators on access to and use of formal and informal financial services. It has additional data on the use of financial technology (or fintech), including the use of mobile phones and the Internet to conduct financial transactions. The data reveal opportunities to expand access to financial services among people who do not have an account—the unbanked—as well as to promote greater use of digital financial services among those who do have an account. The Global Findex database has become a mainstay of global efforts to promote financial inclusion. In addition to being widely cited by scholars and development practitioners, Global Findex data are used to track progress toward the World Bank goal of Universal Financial Access by 2020 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The database, the full text of the report, and the underlying country-level data for all figures—along with the questionnaire, the survey methodology, and other relevant materials—are available at www.worldbank.org/globalfindex.

In the face of rapid digitalization and environmental challenges, the world stands at a critical juncture. The relentless pace of technological advancement has brought unparalleled convenience and efficiency but has also contributed to unsustainable consumption patterns, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. Despite growing awareness, many industries need help integrating sustainable practices into their operations, hindered by a lack of understanding, resources, and clear guidelines. Moreover, the complexity of the circular economy and the ethical dimensions of digitalization pose significant challenges, requiring innovative solutions and comprehensive guidance. Navigating the Circular Age of a Sustainable Digital Revolution offers a timely and comprehensive solution to these pressing challenges. By exploring the intricate relationship between technology and sustainability, this book provides a roadmap for businesses, policymakers, and individuals to embrace sustainable practices in the digital era. Researchers and scholars gain profound insights from this book into the dynamics between digitalization and sustainable practices while policymakers find nuanced analyses to shape regulatory frameworks. Business leaders and professionals discover practical guidance for sustainable business models and digital transformation, and technology practitioners align their fields with sustainable advancements. Ultimately, the book empowers individuals and organizations to shape a future where technology and sustainability coexist, fostering a more sustainable and prosperous world.

As well as evaluating the role of regulation in regulating innovative technologies, this book: identifies ways in which technology can facilitate innovation in the post-COVID era; illustrates how key actors, such as central banks, can facilitate the transition process to a net-zero based carbon emissions phase; illustrates how innovative techniques and technology can interact with concepts such as green finance to facilitate a smooth transition to a net-zero carbon emissions economy; and highlights challenges which may be encountered during the transition process, and how to address such risks. The topics covered in this volume also include the role of sensor technologies, as well as those technologies which can facilitate a smooth gradual transition to a net-zero carbon emissions economy; digital payments in the post-COVID era (embracing wholesale and retail CBDCs, as well as other technological platforms); the role of central banks, technological innovation, and tech firms in addressing transition risks and enhancing sustainable growth; the feasibility of achieving a net zero based carbon emissions economy; as well as the role of renewable energy in the path towards a sustainable future.

This book analyzes the set of forces driving the global financial system toward a period of radical transformation and explores the transformational challenges that lie ahead for global and regional or local banks and other financial intermediaries. It is explained how these challenges derive from the newly emerging post-crisis structure of the market and from shadow and digital players across all banking operations. Detailed attention is focused on the impacts of digitalization on the main functions of the financial system, and particularly the banking sector. The author elaborates how an alternative model of banking will enable banks to predict, understand, navigate, and change the external ecosystem in which they compete. The five critical components of this model are data and information mastering; effective use of applied analytics; interconnectivity and “junction playing”; development of new business solutions; and trust and credibility assurance. The analysis is supported by a number of informative case studies. The book will be of interest especially to top and middle managers and employees of banks and financial institutions but also to FinTech players and their advisers and others.

This book focuses on understanding Innovation in the Financial Services Sector. The collection of contributions gathered in the book highlights the importance of technology contexts that pertain to Finance, accounting, and the law arena. The respective chapters address topics such as Economic development, social entrepreneurship, Online Behaviour, Digital entrepreneurship, and Islamic banks. All contributions are based on the latest empirical and theoretical research and provide key findings and concrete recommendations for scholars, entrepreneurs, organizations, and policymakers.