Co-creation

Accelerating digital transformation and the basic needs of businesses to adapt to environmental transformations and complexities have doubled the necessity for extensive stakeholder interactions. Gamification is a powerful tool that facilitates stakeholder interaction and a common understanding of the vision and contributes to the sustainability of businesses. Businesses' sustainability in the digital transformation age depends on the continuous interaction of stakeholders and a comprehensive understanding of all the business pillars, which will be possible through the flow of ideas inside and outside the workplace and by providing innovative processes. In this regard, this study explores the effect of gamification on corporate sustainability by explaining the role of digital transformation, open innovation, and value co-creation. The statistical population of this study comprises top managers and experts in e-businesses who use gamification in their processes. The statistical sample included 117 managers and experts active in this field, and they were selected through convenience sampling. The data collection tool was a questionnaire reliability of which was 0.763 using Cronbach's alpha. Using Smart PLS software, the gathered data were analyzed by structural equation modeling (SEM). Gamification, with a factor of 74%, has a positive effect on open innovation, while a factor of 85% has a positive effect on digital transformation. Gamification, both directly and indirectly, creates value co-creation in businesses, and finally, value co-creation at 78% affects corporate sustainability.

This study explores how volunteer tourism fosters empathy and meaningful impact by examining the motivations and experiences of young participants in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Drawing on data from 522 youth engaged in volunteer tourism, the research focuses on three key dimensions: support for local communities, altruistic values, and the desire for co-created, emotionally rich experiences. The findings indicate that participants are not only motivated by a commitment to address social, economic, and environmental challenges, but also by a deep sense of empathy, ethical responsibility, and a need for cultural immersion. Emotional safety, mutual understanding, and interpersonal connection emerged as critical components of a meaningful volunteer tourism experience. The results also revealed statistically significant differences across demographic groups, underscoring the need for inclusive and adaptive program designs in volunteer tourism initiatives. Theoretically, the study contributes to a more holistic understanding of youth volunteer tourism by integrating emotional, ethical, and experiential perspectives. Practically, it calls for volunteer program designs that balance service activities with opportunities for personal growth, cross-cultural learning, and sustained community engagement .