Sustainable development, a concept of critical importance, has seen increasing integration across various public domains, challenged by the interplay of multifaceted environmental, economic, and social factors under the influence of multi-level governance. This complexity is notably magnified in the context of Malta, a small island state with a dense population exceeding half a million within an area of merely 316 km². The unique conditions of insularity, vulnerability, and the imperative for resilience render the Maltese islands an exemplary case study for examining the dynamics driving sustainable development amidst pressures of burgeoning population growth. This study aims to delineate the historical evolution of sustainable development in Malta over three decades, marked by significant local and international events from 1992 to 2022. Employing a qualitative methodology, a thorough chronological analysis is conducted, leveraging a diverse array of sources including regulatory documents, electoral manifestos, and media coverage. These materials, rich in qualitative data, reflect the intricate interplay between local institutional developments and broader international influences, revealing key milestones and advancements in sustainable development. The findings underscore the critical need for enhanced political commitment towards sustainable development, advocating for a comprehensive approach that balances environmental, economic, and social considerations, alongside the promotion of collaborative efforts between governmental and non-governmental entities. This research contributes to the discourse on sustainable development governance within the Maltese context through two original frameworks: firstly, the classification of Malta's sustainable development governance into three phases, namely, initialisation (1992-2002), focusing on foundational recognitions and entities; exploration (2003-2011), emphasizing political acknowledgment and initiatives; and development (2012-2022), prioritizing legislative actions and increased initiative engagement. Secondly, a tripartite model advocating for collaboration, transformation, and policy coherence is proposed. By examining the motivations and strategies of key actors in sustainable development governance, the study offers valuable insights for public policy, governance, and sustainable development, particularly within the context of small island states.

From the perspective of the innovation ecosystem, this study investigates the specific paths through which regional innovation ecosystems drive high-quality economic development in 31 mainland provinces and cities in China, using the fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). It was discovered that: (a) Within regional innovation ecosystems, multiple concurrent causal relationships characterized by interlocking alignments exist among innovation agents, resources, and environments, leading to asymmetrical configurational outcomes between high-quality economic and non-high-quality economic development. (b) On the basis of different configurations of system elements, four paths driving high-quality regional economic development were revealed, each demonstrating a "many paths, one destination" characteristic. These include the innovation agent-aggregated regional innovation ecosystem, the diversified development integrated regional innovation ecosystem, the human resource-supported regional innovation ecosystem under market environment dominance, and the economic resource-driven regional innovation ecosystem under market environment dominance. (c) Under specific conditions, substitutive relationships between conditions of innovation agents and the innovation environment within the system were observed. The findings enrich the research perspective on high-quality economic development and offer path references and empirical evidence for regions aiming to construct effective innovation ecosystems to drive high-quality economic development.

In the context of urban planning, the design of urban spaces is recognized as a pivotal factor influencing urban sustainability, with a particular emphasis on inclusivity for individuals requiring special assistance. This study explores the interconnectedness of urban design with sustainability indicators, focusing on human-centric dimensions and the preservation of heritage within Najaf's traditional urban fabric. Through the application of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via the Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) software, this research aims to elucidate the significance and interrelations of specific urban design indicators, thereby determining their collective impact on urban sustainability. The methodology adopted herein leverages quantitative analysis to delineate the relationships among urban design parameters and their consequential influence on sustainability outcomes. The findings suggest a substantial correlation between urban design practices and the attainment of sustainability, with a notable emphasis on the design factor as a primary influencer. This research contributes to the discourse on urban sustainability by providing a methodological framework for assessing the role of urban design in fostering inclusive and sustainable urban environments. The study underscores the potential of SEM in elucidating the complex dynamics between urban design and sustainability, thereby offering empirical evidence to support the development of informed urban planning strategies.

This study explores the spatial accessibility of high-tech health services across municipalities on the Spanish Iberian Peninsula, focusing on the adequacy of service provision by haemodynamic facilities relative to potential demand. A comprehensive analysis utilising a Geographic Information System (GIS) was conducted to evaluate the spatial distribution of high-tech health services, employing the enhanced two-step floating catchment area (E2SFCA) method within a gravity model framework. Findings reveal a disparity in health service coverage, with peripheral municipalities in the larger Autonomous Communities exhibiting low to very low access to high-tech health services. Despite this, the majority of the population benefits from satisfactory health coverage. The study underscores the importance of improving health service accessibility in underserved areas through infrastructural enhancements or the establishment of new facilities, advocating for equitable health service distribution in line with principles of social justice. The methodology proposed herein serves as a valuable tool for health policymakers in addressing spatial inequities in health service provision. Through the lens of territorial accessibility and spatial planning, the research highlights the critical role of high-tech health infrastructure in ensuring comprehensive health coverage. The results advocate for targeted interventions to enhance health service accessibility, particularly in sparsely populated areas at the periphery of large communities, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on health equity and spatial justice in healthcare planning.