Abstract

Abstract
This study aims to explore the level of sustainable development in the European Union and examines the relationship that may exist between the sustainability index and the population of its member states, the GDP per capita, and the investments made in R&D. Furthermore, it aims to explore the role of the geographical region as a determining factor in the performance of these countries in each sustainability dimension. The research methodology employs a quantitative approach supported by the adoption of simple and multiple linear regression, cluster analysis, and variance analysis (ANOVA). The findings reveal that R&D expenditure is mainly a determining factor in a country’s sustainable performance. Moreover, it has been possible to identify several asymmetries, with geographical region emerging as a determining factor in the performance of European Union countries in 11 of the 17 dimensions of sustainability. This work offers both theoretical and practical contributions. From the theoretical perspective, it explores the relationship between sustainability and investments in R&D, GDP per capita, and population. From a practical point of view, it offers relevant information to be used by European Union countries to establish supportive policies to enhance the sustainability of economic growth.

Abstract

Abstract
Portugal is a country in which the tourism sector assumes great importance, contributing around 15% of the national GDP and with more than 1 million jobs. In this sense, COVID-19 is expected to have a dramatic impact on the Portuguese economy aggravated by the existence of a reduced internal market with low purchasing power and in which there is a high dependence on the external market. This perspective study explores the challenges and opportunities that Portuguese companies in the field of tourism are facing due to the emergence of this pandemic. The challenges faced by companies are both short-term and long-term. In the short term, it is essential to ensure sufficient liquidity to reopen activities and in the long term, it is necessary to be prepared and reactive to disruptive movements that may arise in tourist demand. However, it is also important to recognize that some opportunities can be exploited, such as the quality of the health response, the exploitation of a less mass tourism supply based on the components of social and environmental sustainability, the increase of tourism among the elderly population from countries with greater purchasing power and the acceleration of the digitalization of tourism operations.

Abstract
AbstractCOVID-19 has caused in Portugal an enormous economic, financial, and social challenge that must be answered by the national and local Portuguese government authorities. Several support measures have been launched to protect businesses, economic sustainability, and employment levels. At the national level, projects with greater economic emphasis are highlighted, which aim to support companies and their workers. The most noteworthy are measures relegated to simplified lay-off, social protection for individuals in isolation or with illness, and support for the payment of basic expenses such as electricity, water, and gas. Also, on this level, measures concerning teleworking and school at home through television have changed the daily lives of families. At the local level, there was a greater emphasis on the social dimension. The role played by local authorities and local councils in stimulating the local business community and supporting the creation of volunteer banks, the delivery of food and medicines, and the production of goods for individual protection was highlighted.

Abstract
Information and communication technologies have contributed decisively to the evolution of the agriculture field, allowing the exchange of information between various platforms, the automation of processes, and the storage and processing of large volumes of data. This study proposes the development of an application for mobile devices that facilitates the process of managing and monitoring the production of an urban farming. The application can also be used by less experienced farmers by providing relevant information on the best products per season according to soil characteristics and climate. The results of the developed application demonstrated the application's potential to increase crops visibility, increase efficiency throughout the value chain, access to real-time business and financial data, turns possible to customize the application according to the users' profile, increase the efficiency of marketing processes, and contribute to reducing transport costs.