Baltic Journal of Economic Studies

PLAYING IT SAFE: LEGAL AND ECONOMIC DIMENSIONS OF SPORT EVENT SECURITY

2025-11-13T12:54:03+00:00

The issue of safety at sports mega-events, with a particular focus on football matches, has emerged as a pivotal concern for policymakers, event organisers and international governing bodies. Whilst such events are held to symbolise unity and cultural exchange, they also present substantial legal, economic and organisational challenges. The present study investigates the multifaceted issue of stadium safety by examining its legal frameworks, economic ramifications, and evolving technological solutions, employing football as the primary case study. The present study adopts a multidisciplinary methodology. A comprehensive review of the extant literature, encompassing academic studies, regulatory guidelines and institutional reports, established the theoretical foundation. A review of historical case studies was conducted to extract lessons from past failures in crowd management and emergency response. The case studies included the Hillsborough, Heysel, and Luzhniki disasters. Comparative and economic analyses were employed to evaluate safety investments in various regions and contexts, focusing on FIFA World Cup evaluations and national strategies, including those of the Latvian Football Federation. Additionally, the contributions of international legal instruments, including the Saint-Denis Convention, the Balance S4 Initiative and the Green Guide, to safety, security and services in stadium environments were evaluated. Finally, technological projects such as eVACUATE were analysed to determine their innovative contributions to predictive crowd modelling and emergency coordination. The primary objective of this research endeavour is to investigate the potential for aligning legal regulations, economic considerations, and technological innovation to engender safer and more inclusive sports environments. A fundamental concept in the analysis is the development of a "security culture", encompassing awareness, collaboration, adaptability, technological integration, and cultural sensitivity. The study emphasises the necessity of embedding this culture into stadium management, thereby highlighting the importance of implementing both preventive measures and rapid responsiveness to evolving risks, including the emergence of threats such as cyberattacks. The findings show that, although safety investments require significant financial commitments, the long-term costs of neglect, measured in terms of human lives lost, reputational damage and legal liabilities, far exceed the costs of prevention. Lessons from past tragedies emphasise the importance of consistently enforcing safety frameworks and integrating best practices into national policies. Furthermore, technological advances in crowd monitoring, evacuation planning and data-driven decision-making offer the opportunity to enhance existing protocols. In conclusion, the study argues that achieving sustainable safety at major sporting events requires international co-operation, standardised legal frameworks and balanced economic strategies. Future policy should focus on reducing disparities between countries with different resources, promoting a global culture of safety and investing in innovation driven by research. Such measures will ensure that sporting events remain secure, inclusive and celebratory occasions.

HOW DOES DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IMPACT TOTAL FACTOR PRODUCTIVITY OF CHINESE SPORTS ENTERPRISES

2025-11-13T12:54:02+00:00

The contemporary concept of quality productive forces is predicated on scientific and technological innovation, thereby promoting high-quality development through technological breakthroughs and factor recombination. Digital technology is indisputably pivotal in the development of new quality productive forces, thereby engendering an increase in the total factor productivity (TFP) in various domains. In the context of the sports manufacturing industry and the sports service industry, digital empowerment is primarily manifested through the integration of digital production factors and traditional production factors. Digital technology has been fully integrated into manufacturing, management, operation, and supply-demand analysis, resulting in the reshaping of production and operation models, the innovation of product (service) functions, and the optimisation of supply-demand linkages. The present paper is founded upon the TFP theory and employs this as a basis to construct a new econometric model. The present study selects sports enterprises from China's A-share market and the National Equities Exchange and Quotations (NEEQ) from 2015 to 2024 as research samples, and examines the impact of digital transformation on the TFP of sports enterprises. The research findings indicate that the extent of digital transformation exerts a favourable influence on the TFP of sports enterprises, with the configuration of human capital and enterprise R&D functions serving as mediating factors in this relationship. The heterogeneity test demonstrated that the digital transformation level (DTL) exerted a significant positive influence on the total factor productivity (TFP) of both sports manufacturing enterprises and service enterprises. Concurrently, the impact of the structure of human capital and enterprise R&D on sports manufacturing enterprises and sports service enterprises varies considerably. In light of the aforementioned points, it is recommended that efforts be made to strengthen R&D investment and the cultivation of digital-related talents. Furthermore, it is advised that the transformation of sports data resources into data assets and data capital be promoted, and that the business models of the sports manufacturing industry and the sports service industry be further explored following digital transformation. These measures are expected to contribute to an enhancement in the TFP of sports enterprises.

RETURNS ON RIGHTS: A 28-YEAR INVESTMENT ANALYSIS OF ICELAND’S ITQ QUOTAS

2025-11-13T12:54:02+00:00

The present study analyses the return and risk profile of Permanent Quota Shares (PQS) in Iceland's Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) fisheries management system between 1992 and 2019. The hypothetical "armchair fisherman" is defined as an investor who does not partake in fishing activities but holds PQS and leases out the associated catch entitlements. This construct was devised to assess the financial performance of quota ownership as a passive investment. PQS represent tradable rights to a fixed share of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC), with the potential to generate returns through both capital gains and annual lease income. The objective of this research is to examine PQS as investment instruments by comparing their performance to major domestic and international asset classes. The analysis uses a 28-year dataset covering Iceland’s five most valuable demersal species—cod, haddock, saithe, redfish and Greenland halibut—to apply standard financial metrics, including average return, standard deviation and the Sharpe ratio. The results demonstrate that an investor adopting an armchair fishing strategy would have achieved an average annual return of 21.6%, with a Sharpe ratio of 0.72. This significantly outperforms equities, bonds, and other benchmarks. The analysis employs a 28-year dataset encompassing Iceland's five most valuable demersal species—cod, haddock, saithe, redfish and Greenland halibut—to implement standard financial metrics, including average return, standard deviation and the Sharpe ratio. The findings indicate that an investor who had adopted a passive investment approach would have attained an average annual return of 21.6%, with a Sharpe ratio of 0.72. This investment strategy has been shown to significantly outperform traditional benchmarks such as equities and bonds. The findings demonstrate the strong financial performance of PQS and emphasise the importance of governance structures in shaping the distribution of economic rents in rights-based fisheries systems.

HROMADAS` FINANCES MANAGEMENT IN THE FACE OF CRISIS

2025-11-13T12:54:02+00:00

This article examines the key features of public finance management within hromadas, analysing the current situation and identifying areas for improvement. To ensure the financial independence of hromadas, favourable investment conditions must be fostered, small and medium-sized enterprises must be supported in their development, job creation must be stimulated, and local residents’ income levels must be enhanced. The present study is founded upon a combination of theoretical and methodological approaches. The abstract-logical method was employed for theoretical generalisation and conclusion formulation, enabling a thorough assessment of relevant professional literature. The decomposition method was employed to establish the study's framework, while analysis and synthesis methods enabled a comprehensive examination of public finance management in Ukrainian hromadas. Local finances play a crucial role in economic relations, particularly in the context of decentralisation, which allows hromadas to tailor the provision of goods and services to local needs. However, the management of public finances during wartime poses a unique set of challenges, necessitating a high degree of flexibility, adaptability, and innovation to ensure financial stability and respond effectively to pressing circumstances. Defence and social expenditures frequently extend beyond budgetary allocations, incorporating resources from public-private partnerships, volunteering, crowdfunding, and other alternative funding mechanisms. This complicates the accurate assessment of revenues and expenditures of hromada budgets. In situations of crisis, hromadas have the capacity to redistribute resources in order to mitigate the adverse effects of such situations. The study draws parallels between the financial responses of two distinct groups of regions, distinguishing between those in close proximity to the frontline and those that are more distant. An analysis of hromada expenditures on public order, security, and judiciary functions reveals different spending trends between these groups. The findings obtained underscore the role of hromadas as key actors in GDP redistribution, capable of mitigating crisis effects through strategic resource allocation and financial management. The present study explores the theoretical, methodological and practical aspects of hromada public finance management. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the current financial landscape, the allocation of budgetary funds, and the strategies necessary for maintaining fiscal resilience under martial law. The findings contribute to a more profound understanding of public finance management in crisis conditions, offering insights for policymakers and local government officials.

LOCAL POLITICAL ACTIVITY IN UKRAINE: "DISPLACED" MIDDLE CLASS AND DEMOCRACY (SURVEY OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS)

2025-11-13T12:54:01+00:00

Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) increased significantly. By 2024-2025, this figure had exceeded five million. This large social group presents both a humanitarian challenge to the country and an important factor in political transformation and consolidation. After all, IDPs form part of the middle class and civil society, and they have significant potential to drive democratisation. In order to achieve this objective, it is imperative to implement the institutionalisation of political participation (L. Diamond) and democratic consolidation (D. Rustow). The impracticability of conducting elections during the period of legal martial status constitutes a challenge for the competitive political environment and complicates the path to consolidated democracy in Ukraine. In circumstances where elections are not held, the political activity of internally displaced persons can act as a catalyst for the development of Ukrainian democracy. The capacity of IDPs to enhance democratic processes is predicated on their integration, active participation, critical thinking and the exercise of control over power. This predicament, far from being an impediment, is to be regarded as a valuable opportunity. The authors of the article conducted a study of IDPs using the method of individual interviews. Between February and March 2025, more than two hundred internally displaced persons (IDPs) who had been forced to move from the Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Chernihiv regions, as well as the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, to the Odesa, Vinnytsia and Kirovohrad regions due to the war, were interviewed. The results of the study indicate that IDPs are terribly underrepresented in local decision-making processes, have limited legal participation and access to information, and interact little with local self-government bodies. According to the survey results, only 1% of respondents indicated active participation in processes related to IDP activities at the local level. Meanwhile, more than 70% showed apathy and distrust regarding their potential involvement in local processes. It is the contention of the present study that these results indicate a crisis of political subjectivity among IDPs in Ukraine, despite their high level of education, professional experience, and social activity in other areas. In the context of the war, when the majority of men are engaged in defending the country from the invader, the survey revealed that the vast majority of women aged 36-65 with higher education, who are middle class, representatives of intellectual professions and are certainly capable of being active participants in the democratic processes in the country, participated in the survey. Nevertheless, political leadership at the community level is frequently reluctant to include IDPs as equals in democratic processes. Not only do internally displaced persons form a demand for social justice (86.6% support the fight against corruption), they also show a willingness to participate in public life (23.9% try to join local change processes). There is significant demand for state policy reforms: 78.6% of respondents indicated the need to improve support for IDPs. The low level of satisfaction with the state's policies towards this social group indicates the need for this group to be more fully integrated into decision-making processes. The 'displaced' middle class has the potential to drive democratic change, based on the consolidation of democracy and the institutionalisation of political participation.

DIGITAL BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION: TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN UKRAINE

2025-11-13T12:54:01+00:00

The full-scale war in Ukraine has become a powerful catalyst for the digital transformation of national business. The article examines the current state, main drivers and challenges of business digitalisation in wartime. This paper presents the findings of a survey of Ukrainian enterprises on the digital activity of such enterprises, their adaptive capabilities, and the role of digital technologies in ensuring the continuity and sustainability of business processes. A substantial acceleration in the implementation of digital solutions and the possibilities of using artificial intelligence is revealed. Concurrently, disparities in digital preparedness have been documented among diverse sectors of the economy and across enterprise sizes. The features of the digitalisation of Ukrainian business and the expansion of economic activity opportunities are identified. The article focuses on digitalisation as a tool not only for survival, but also as a strategic opportunity for innovation, increasing competitiveness and integration into global markets. Separately, recommendations are provided for state policy and businesses to support digital development within the context of reconstruction. The article argues that digitalisation is a strategic resource for recovery and increasing competitiveness, as well as being an anti-crisis tool, and is essential for integrating Ukraine into global economic processes. The authors offer recommendations to strengthen business digital readiness and improve state policy to support digital transformation during and after wartime.

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC FACTORS OF ENSURING THE EFFICIENCY OF ADMINISTRATIVE JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS

2025-11-13T12:54:01+00:00

It has been determined that under martial law, the state of administrative justice is influenced by a number of factors, including a decrease in the level of public trust in public authorities, a high level of corruption in society and state authorities and local self-government, as well as a number of socio-economic factors that characterise modern Ukrainian reality. Among the social factors, the most significant are the status and vulnerability of the plaintiff (pensioners, veterans, people on low incomes, displaced persons, etc. often require special access conditions to the court), the level of legal awareness (the need to be informed about rights and procedures), regional conditions and the security situation (e.g., the remoteness of courts and military operations), and public trust in the court. The economic factors to be taken into consideration are as follows: the financial ability of the individual to cover the costs of the trial; the availability of state compensation mechanisms (for example, exemption from fees and free legal aid); and the resource provision of the judicial system itself (for example, budget, personnel, technology). The main obstacles to access to administrative courts include several key factors. These are: 1) the amount of court fees, which, in proportion to an individual’s income, may constitute a barrier to exercising the right to judicial protection; 2) the insufficient development of the free legal aid system, which could be addressed through the establishment of legal services under local government bodies that ensure adequate territorial accessibility, particularly for residents of rural areas and small settlements; 3) the existence of informational and educational barriers, highlighting the need to expand public awareness of legal rights and democratic values; and 4) the persistence of physical and infrastructural barriers that hinder access for persons with special needs. The methodological basis of the study is rooted in the principles of statistical analysis, synthesis, scientific generalisation and modelling.

ADMINISTRATIVE-LEGAL AND ECONOMIC INCENTIVES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES

2025-11-13T13:18:16+00:00

This scholarly publication examines the administrative, legal and economic incentives for developing information technology. It is evident that digitalisation has permeated almost all facets of public life, with information technologies being employed in the production of goods, trade, and the provision of services. These technologies play a significant role in enhancing the mechanism of public administration, reducing corruption risks, and providing both public administration bodies and citizens with effective tools to meet private and public needs. Concurrently, within the national apparatus of the state and economic relations, the implementation of information technologies frequently confronts bureaucratic procedures, as well as the absence of adequate administrative law regulation (i.e., gaps and collisions in the regulatory framework). Moreover, inadequate financing, investment, tax pressure and other adverse factors often impede the effective implementation of innovative information technologies in legal and economic practice. A system of effective legal and economic incentives has the potential to address the challenges arising in the digitalisation of administrative and economic relations. These relations are regarded as legal instruments for achieving both private and public objectives of participants in legal relations. Legislative measures encompass the streamlining of procedures for the registration and restructuring of information technology companies, in addition to the establishment of bespoke legal frameworks governing their operations. Economic incentives include tax benefits, special economic zones and industrial parks, investment attraction mechanisms, grants, the organisation of international economic forums, and other forms of international co-operation by public administration bodies. They also include state guarantees for loan programmes. In the context of intense international competition in the digital technology market, it is concluded that the creation of an effective system of administrative, legal and economic incentives to develop information technologies in Ukraine is an urgent task for public administration bodies. To ensure the further development of information technologies in Ukraine, it is essential to clearly define the objectives, as well as the legal and economic mechanisms for supporting digitalisation processes and fostering a favourable investment climate.

METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING THE LEVEL OF ECONOMIC SECURITY OF AN ENTERPRISE

2025-11-13T12:54:00+00:00

The mounting impact of both external and internal risks on the stability of economic activity necessitates the assurance of sustainable development in an unstable economic environment, as well as the necessity for effective strategic management tools. The significance of scientific research in the field of economic security lies in the development of unified approaches that facilitate the timely identification of threats and enhance the adaptability of enterprises. The subject of the present study is the level of economic security of the enterprise. The article aims to develop a methodology for assessing and testing the level of economic security of an enterprise. Methodology. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study relies on the dialectical approach to understanding economic phenomena, the principles of systems analysis and synthesis, and a set of general scientific and specific methods, including: statistical data processing used to analyse the enterprise’s input information and calculate baseline values of economic security indicators; the grouping method applied to structure and systematize indicators by relevant spheres of activity; normalization and score-summing methods employed to determine the integral indicator of the enterprise’s economic security proactivity and to construct the scale of economic security levels; and the method of scientific abstraction, which served as a tool for generalizing the research results and formulating well-substantiated conclusions. Results. Analysis of existing tools for assessing the level of economic security of enterprises indicates significant heterogeneity in the methods and indicators used. Most approaches focus on narrowly specialised sectoral aspects or consider only one component of economic security: mainly the financial one. This creates a need for a universal methodology that comprehensively covers all areas of enterprise activity and meets modern economic challenges. Since each area of business activity has its own threats and characteristics relating to economic security, it is advisable to divide business activity into six key areas: production processes, sales and distribution processes, information processes, personnel support, legal support for economic activity and social responsibility processes. As outlined in the proposed methodology, economic security indicators are to be ranked according to the following areas. This approach enables a structured assessment and substantiated analytical conclusions. The indicators thus form the basis for calculating the integral indicator of the enterprise's economic security proactivity. Moreover, the incorporation of expert evaluation facilitates the establishment of a scale of economic security levels that is adapted to the prevailing state of the research object. This approach ensures that the methodology is comprehensive and adaptable to the specifics of enterprises of various sizes, sectors and levels of integration into foreign economic activity. It also takes into account the presence or absence of economic security structures. Practical implications. The proposed concept is intended to contribute to the establishment of a scientifically grounded, transparent, and practically oriented system for assessing the general level of economic security of an enterprise. This system is designed to be universal in nature, with the aim of ensuring its applicability to enterprises across all industries. Value / Originality. The methodology is original in that it includes six stages: identification of the enterprise's functional areas and key business processes; classification of security types according to the enterprise's main processes; grouping of indicators according to security type; determination of assessment indicators within each group; calculation of the enterprise's economic security proactivity indicator; and determination of the enterprise's economic security level. The consistent implementation of these stages ensures the adaptability of the methodology to enterprises of various industries, scales, and operational specificities, as well as allows for the consideration of environmental variability. This approach establishes a foundation for proactive risk management in accordance with the requirements of a modern economy focused on resilience and strategic stability. An important component of the methodology is the grading scale of economic security levels, which is based on expert assessment. The scale includes four levels-critical, low, sufficient and high-enabling clear differentiation of security status and well-founded managerial decision-making.

GOING SMART: A BIBLIOMETRIC REVIEW OF SMART TOURISM, SMART DESTINATION, AND SMART HOSPITALITY RESEARCH

2025-11-13T12:54:00+00:00

Over the past decade, there has been a proliferation of scholarly investigations into tourist behaviour within smart tourism, destinations and hospitality. However, a notable research gap remains, as no prior studies have analysed all three terms – "smart tourism", "smart destination" and "smart hospitality" – concurrently. This study aims to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol and employing the VOSviewer software, a comprehensive examination of relevant documents from the Scopus database spanning 2008-2024 was conducted. The analysis encompassed a total of 1,367 documents, which revealed a discernible increase in publications over the years. China emerged as the leading country in terms of publication output, contributing 352 publications that received 4,235 citations. Influential authors were identified, including Chung, N., Koo, C., Gretzel, U. and Buhalis, D. Highly cited articles and keywords associated with smart tourism, destinations and hospitality were also identified, including "smart tourism", "smart tourism destination", "smart city", "tourism industry" and "smart hospitality". Sustainability emerged as the most prolific journal, with a total of 88 documents and 2,316 citations. This bibliometric analysis illuminates the contemporary landscape of smart tourism, smart destinations, and smart hospitality research, offering valuable insights and directions for future studies.

ECONOMIC SECURITY AS AN OBJECT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION: FEATURES OF INSTITUTIONAL AND INSTRUMENTAL SUPPORT

2025-11-13T12:54:00+00:00

The article under consideration here is devoted to the issue of administrative and legal support for the economic security of the state under the conditions of martial law. The purpose of this study is to analyse the current state of institutional and instrumental support for the proper condition of social relations in the economic sector. These relations represent one of the vectors of public administration within the field of national security. The methodology employed in this research is multi-faceted, encompassing a range of general and special methods of scientific inquiry. These include system analysis, dialectical analysis, formal logical methods, structural functional analysis, and a variety of empirical methods. The significance of the methodological foundation for studying public administration of social relations in the economic security sector under the legal regime of martial law is determined by the comprehensive application of methodological tools and principles of scientific cognition within the dialectical approach. Furthermore, the need to employ the comparative-legal method is particularly pronounced for the purpose of correlating the measures of influence applied and evaluating their effectiveness. The results of the study are as follows: firstly, it examines the tendency of public administration entities to utilise digital tools in the context of economic security; secondly, it analyses the influence of general trends in the regulation of social relations through administrative means on the selection of methods of administrative and legal support for economic security. It is proposed to adopt an updated Economic Security Strategy along with an action plan for its implementation.

FORMS OF CIVIL PROTEST AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS DURING THE PANDEMIC – THE CASE OF CYPRUS

2025-11-13T12:53:59+00:00

The World Health Organisation’s declaration of the state of pandemic dramatically changed the daily lives of the entire population. Fearing steadily rising mortality rates, governments took immediate action, including changes in legislation. In the early stages of the pandemic, there was noticeable public approval for the safety measures introduced. However, as the state of isolation continued, a sense of loss of freedom began to grow, and anxiety and social tensions became a point of reference for expressing opposition. The pandemic changed people's perceptions, especially in the face of the increasing suppression of fundamental rights by the authorities. The restrictions introduced began to resemble an attempt at social control, and those who wanted to fight the flawed system were subject to criminal sanctions. The primary aim of this article is to identify the actions taken by demonstrators against the anti-COVID policy adopted by the Cypriot authorities. The text attempts to answer the question: What forms of action did protesters in Cyprus take during the COVID-19 pandemic and how did law enforcement agencies respond to them? The study was conducted using qualitative content analysis and institutional and legal analysis. The point of reference is the information contained in press releases and news reports relating to the conduct of protesters and law enforcement officers during the period under study.

MODELLING OPERATIONAL ARCHETYPES FOR CORPORATE FLEET ELECTRIFICATION

2025-11-13T12:53:59+00:00

The decarbonisation of corporate vehicle fleets is a central challenge in achieving Europe’s climate neutrality targets under the European Green Deal. Although corporate vehicles constitute only a share of the total fleet, they account for a disproportionate fraction of total mileage and associated CO₂ emissions. Despite fiscal incentives and regulatory support, the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) within the corporate sector remains significantly below private uptake, primarily due to uncertainty about operational feasibility and charging constraints. This study presents a data-driven framework for assessing fleet electrification potential based on empirical driving data and simulation-based modelling. Using vehicle usage records from the carmonitor.eu telematics platform, the research identifies four distinct operational archetypes within corporate fleets, differentiated by travel intensity, trip fragmentation, and temporal driving structure. These archetypes are derived through a clustering methodology employing standardised behavioural indicators, principal component analysis (PCA), and k-means segmentation, validated by silhouette and Davies–Bouldin indices. Results demonstrate pronounced heterogeneity in fleet operation, with daily driving distances, trip frequency, and vehicle availability varying substantially across clusters. Scenario-based modelling reveals that electrification feasibility depends not only on total mileage but also on temporal driving regularity and charging opportunity windows. Vehicles with predictable daily cycles and long overnight parking are found to be most suitable for early electrification, while high-mileage or irregular-use vehicles require access to fast-charging infrastructure and larger battery capacities. The study concludes that segmenting corporate fleets by operational archetype provides a robust analytical foundation for transition planning, enabling tailored recommendations for vehicle selection, charging infrastructure, and total cost of ownership optimisation. By linking empirical usage data with simulation and scenario modelling, the paper contributes a replicable methodological approach for evidence-based fleet decarbonisation strategies across Europe.

IMPROVEMENT OF THE MOTIVATION SYSTEM FOR THE COMPANY IN THE HIGHLY REGULATED INDUSTRY

2025-11-13T12:53:59+00:00

The present study hypothesises that employee motivation plays a critical role in the performance of companies operating in strictly regulated industries such as pharmaceutical distribution. The hypothesis is based on the premise that compliance, transparency, and participation in public procurement create additional operational pressure in this sector. The article focuses on a Latvian pharmaceutical wholesaler that distributes reimbursed medicines and medical devices and operates under both EU pharmaceutical and procurement regulatory frameworks. The objective of the present article is to ascertain the key motivators among employees. The research is grounded in the application of the Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale (MWMS), with quantitative analysis of two distinct employee groups divided by age: below 45 years and above 45 years. The data were collected through the implementation of an anonymous survey, and were subsequently analysed using SPSS. The findings indicated a substantial discrepancy in the motivation types exhibited by different age demographics within the workforce. Specifically, younger employees demonstrated higher levels of internal motivation, while older employees exhibited a greater propensity to be influenced by external factors. However, the mean motivation score across all respondents indicated a generally high level of demotivation. The findings of this study indicate that motivation strategies must be customised according to age group, with a focus on career development for younger staff and job security and compensation for older employees. The article is of practical value in that it puts forward a series of adaptive motivation strategies that have been shown to be effective in aligning with the operational limits of pharmaceutical distributors engaged in public procurement. The strategies proposed in the article aim to reduce employee turnover, increase engagement, and ensure regulatory compliance through improved workforce performance.

MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATION OF DAMAGES CAUSED BY RUSSIAN AGGRESSION AGAINST UKRAINE: ISSUES OF IMPLEMENTATION AND THE ROLE OF THE EURO-ATLANTIC COMMUNITY

2025-11-13T12:53:58+00:00

The article addresses the pressing issue of compensating for the damage inflicted by Russian aggression against Ukraine, highlighting the complex intersection of international law, geopolitical realities, and economic recovery. The objective of the present study is twofold: firstly, to evaluate the efficacy and constraints of the prevailing compensation mechanisms; and secondly, to examine the role of the Euro-Atlantic community in the development of these processes. The research employs a mixed methodology, integrating content analysis, case study methods and a legal-analytical approach, drawing upon international legal documents, political decisions and empirical examples, including the Feniks Alliance. The findings indicate that, while substantial financial support has been mobilised by the Euro-Atlantic community, the utilisation of frozen Russian assets remains restricted and politically sensitive. The study identifies four potential scenarios for implementing compensation frameworks and highlights the emerging role of private initiatives as supplementary tools, complementing mechanisms instituted by international bodies such as the United Nations. Consequently, the paper concludes that a coordinated international effort, in conjunction with innovative legal and institutional instruments, is imperative to ensure fair and enforceable reparations for the victims of aggression, particularly within the Ukrainian business sector.

POST-WAR ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC RECOVERY OF UKRAINE IN THE CONTEXT OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION: CURRENT TRENDS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

2025-11-21T08:26:37+00:00

The Russian Federation's armed aggression has had a negative impact on the development of the Ukrainian economy. Today, the economy requires a comprehensive reboot and renewal, particularly given Ukraine's move towards EU membership. Post-war recovery of the Ukrainian economy requires a balanced strategy in line with EU principles and standards, as well as strong international financial support. The gradual integration of Ukraine into the EU is expected to generate new opportunities for the state and contribute to its economic growth. The subject of scientific research is the features and trends of Ukraine's post-war economic recovery in the context of European integration. The objective of the scientific research is to ascertain the present state and future prospects of Ukraine's post-war economic recovery in the context of EU integration. The article employs various general scientific methods, including analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction and systemic analysis. It is suggested that, to ensure the effective post-war recovery of Ukraine's economy, an appropriate strategy should be adopted in the form of a legally binding document. This document must consider all significant aspects of the country's economic development following the cessation of hostilities, with a view to accelerating its integration into the EU. The process of post-war economic recovery in Ukraine is a multifaceted and intricate undertaking. It should be focused on achieving three fundamental objectives: firstly, the comprehensive restructuring of the Ukrainian economy; secondly, the development of high-tech production; and thirdly, the stimulation of innovation. In the aftermath of the war with Russia, it is anticipated that Ukraine will transition to an industrial-innovative economic model. The implementation of its environmental component is of great importance for post-war economic recovery. The transition to a "green economy" is expected to ensure Ukraine's economic efficiency and competitiveness in European and global markets. It is anticipated that this initiative will facilitate the harmonious development of pivotal economic sectors, thereby enhancing the quality of life for the populace. The findings of scientific research provide a general indication of the manner in which Ukraine's post-war economic recovery should be conducted following the cessation of hostilities with Russia.

STRATEGIC VECTORS OF DIGITALISATION OF THE UKRAINIAN ECONOMY BASED ON THE FORMATION OF AN OPEN INFORMATION SOCIETY

2025-11-21T08:26:36+00:00

The article provides a robust evidential basis for the relevance and necessity of the digital transformation of Ukraine's economy, the implementation of Efficiency Indices for these processes and their significance for the regions and the state, as well as determining the effectiveness of this process for society, communities (hromadas), and the state. It is important to note that the effectiveness of digital transformation can be assessed using the Indices. The purpose of these indices is to create a basis for studying the level of digital transformation in local state administrations. This result will enable government bodies, analysts, developers, and other interested parties to optimise the digitisation process in the region. It is clear that building an open, development-oriented information society is one of Ukraine’s main priorities. In such a society, everyone can create, accumulate, access, use and exchange materials and knowledge, which provides each person with the right to fulfil their potential, promotes social and personal development and improves quality of life. An open information society is one in which everyone has access to information and communication technology. Thus, an analysis was carried out of the level of freedom and access to the Internet in Ukraine from 2012 to 2023, highlighting the principles of the Internet. The strategic prospects for developing digital innovative technologies in Ukraine were outlined, emphasising the opportunities for Ukrainians to use these technologies in everyday life, at work and in education. It was established that, thanks to digital technologies, every Ukrainian would be able to easily capitalise on their skills and knowledge, provided they had a smartphone and Internet access. The subject of the present study is the theoretical and methodological foundations and scientific and practical principles for the use of strategic vectors of digitalisation of the Ukrainian economy based on the formation of an open information society. The purpose of the article is to devise strategic vectors for the development of digital innovative technologies in Ukraine with the aim of forming an open information society.

MERCOSUR AS THE MAIN INTEGRATION BLOC OF LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

2025-11-21T08:26:34+00:00

MERCOSUR, the Southern Common Market led by Brazil, is located in close proximity to the U.S., which makes it relatively more vulnerable, in comparison with the other regional integration blocs of the world, in the conditions of the intensifying U.S. – China competition. The objective of the paper is twofold: first, to reveal the context for the integration processes development in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC); second, to examine the dynamics of GDP, GDP per capita, population, trade in goods and services of MERCOSUR as a group, as well as those of Brazil as the engine of the integration bloc. Methodology. The data, taken from the UNCTAD Handbook of Statistics, the UNCTADstat Data Centre, as well as historical documents, and various publications, served as the information source for using a wide variety of methods, among which logical-historical, statistical, tabular-graphic, world-system analysis, etc. The results demonstrate that over 2015-2024, the MERCOSUR’s share of the global economy in terms of nominal GDP fell from 4,69%, i.e. $3’504’079 mln (with Venezuela, which suspended its membership in 2016) or 3,26%, i.e. $2’437’741 mln (without Venezuela) to 2,66%, i.e. $2’936’419 mln. The regional GDP per capita in the trade bloc (excluding Venezuela) rose by only 17,45%, or $1’628 (from $9’328 to $10’956) while the GDP per capita in the world increased by 32,96%, or $3’353 (from $10’173 to $13’526). In 2024, Paraguay ($6’350) and Brazil ($10’279) had the nominal GDP per capita below the world average ($13’526); Argentina had a bit higher indicator ($13’858), while Uruguay had the highest economic output per person ($23’650) in the group. The MERCOSUR’s share of the world population dropped from 3,98%, i.e. 292 mln (with Venezuela) or 3,6%, i.e. 261 mln (without Venezuela) to 3,28%, i.e. 268 mln. Its share of the global goods exports grew from 1,6%, or $263’922 mln (without Venezuela) to 1,8%, or $437’862 mln while its share of the global services exports declined from 1,07%, or $51’606 mln (without Venezuela) to 0,86%, or $75’197 mln. The MERCOSUR’s trade balance has been in a surplus for goods (e.g., $69’353 mln in 2024) and in a deficit for services (e.g., $58’941 in 2024). Brazil’s trade has transformed: the economy has become more open and globalized, rather than regionalized; its export ties with the Asian market have become much stronger and of higher priority to the country in comparison with those with the European and the American markets taken together. Practical implications. Though geographically located in the Western Hemisphere and historically related to the Monroe Doctrine, some LAC economies, and Brazil, the leader of the bloc and the region, have managed to overcome many obstacles while trying to secure a better space in the global economic system. Value/originality. In the context of the shifts in the balance of power and the formation of the new world order, it’s of vital importance for all the countries, the regional integration blocs and transcontinental coalitions to be guided by the eternal logic while paying special attention to strengthening financial and technological sovereignty.

ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE DURING ARMED CONFLICT: AN ECONOMIC AND INTERNATIONAL LEGAL ANALYSIS

2025-11-21T08:26:34+00:00

The issue of environmental protection from global warming is a major area of research in the domain of international law. The phenomenon of climate change has exerted a deleterious effect on populations across the globe. Military conflicts have been demonstrated to exacerbate the problem of climate change, as hostilities increase the amount of emissions of hazardous substances. Consequently, climate change has been demonstrated to have far-reaching economic consequences, thus necessitating concerted international action. A separate question that must be addressed is that of whether states are bound by the obligations that arise from international climate law during periods of war. The purpose of this article is to analyse the economic consequences of climate change and to determine whether countries are obliged to comply with international climate law during armed conflicts. Methodology. In the course of composing the article, the primary focus was on the utilisation of general theoretical methodologies. A comprehensive evaluation of the economic ramifications of climate change and the adequacy of international legal regulation thereof was facilitated by analytical processes, theoretical generalisation and systematic interpretation. Results. The article under scrutiny examined the content of two seminal legal opinions on the obligations of states in respect of climate change. The first opinion was the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice, delivered in July 2025, and the second was the Advisory Opinion of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, delivered in May 2025. These opinions confirmed the obligations of states to protect the human right to a healthy environment, including the right to a safe climate. Practical implications. Drawing upon a comprehensive array of doctrinal provisions and contemporary international legal norms, the authors have meticulously delineated the prevailing issues that plague the realm of international regal regulation of environmental protection in the face of climate change. Value/Originality. It has been determined that states are obligated to comply with international climate law during military conflict. It was also determined that the obligation to refrain from causing irreversible damage to the climate and the environment falls under the jurisdiction of customary law. This implies that states are bound by this obligation and cannot deviate from it.

MARKET CIRCULATION OF DIGESTATE IN UKRAINE AND OTHER COUNTRIES

2025-11-21T08:26:33+00:00

The article examines the current state, characteristics and prospects of the market circulation of digestate, a by-product of anaerobic fermentation of biomass, which is a key element in the development of bioenergy and the circular economy. The chemical composition, agronomic value and classification of digestates depending on the type of raw material, aggregate state and degree of stabilisation are analysed. It is shown that digestate is an effective organic fertiliser capable of improving the physical and chemical properties of soils, promoting humus accumulation and restoring the microbiocenosis. Particular focus is given to the international experience of regulating digestate use in agriculture. The regulatory approaches of EU countries, Great Britain, China, the USA, Canada and Australia with regard to the safety, certification, logistics and agronomic monitoring of digestate-based fertilisers are analysed. The implementation of innovative technologies, such as digeponics, vermicomposting and microalgae cultivation, which enable the production of a wider range of value-added products, is emphasised. The need for further standardisation, infrastructure provision and incentive policies to develop the digestate market is emphasised. The potential environmental risks associated with the uncontrolled use of digestate are identified, in particular the eutrophication of water bodies and the accumulation of heavy metals. Statistical data on digestate production volumes in leading countries, including Germany, China, the United States and Ukraine, has been summarised. The key barriers to commercialising digestate are identified, and the strategic directions for integrating it into agricultural systems as a resource with high agronomic and economic potential are outlined. A comprehensive analysis of the current state, problems and prospects for the development of the digestate market in Ukraine in the context of the transition to a circular bioeconomy has been carried out. The agronomic value of digestate as a by-product of anaerobic fermentation, which can serve as an effective source of organic substances and macroelements for soil nutrition, has been revealed. The volumes of digestate production in Ukraine (1.5-2.0 million tonnes per year), the structure of its use, economic efficiency and factors affecting its market attractiveness have been assessed. Emphasis is placed on regulatory, technological, logistical and informational barriers that hinder the full development of the secondary market for biological fertilisers. The necessity for legislative recognition of digestate as an agrochemical product, the adaptation of national standards to European norms, the development of processing and certification infrastructure, and the creation of an information platform for market participants is substantiated. Mechanisms to stimulate demand, based on financial instruments and educational programmes for farmers, are also proposed. A scenario forecast for the development of the digestate market until 2030 is presented, considering the potential increase in its share of the organic fertiliser market from 8% to 22%. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the systematisation of international experience in regulating the digestate market, the adaptation of global practices to Ukrainian conditions, the assessment of the economic potential of digestate as a commodity product, and the formation of a forecast model for its integration into the agricultural sector of Ukraine.