Three Seas Economic Journal

GOOD PRACTICES FOR ORGANIZING GREEN LOGISTICS IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY

Elena Carp — 2025-12-29

Purpose. This paper analyses how green logistics principles can be integrated into the tourism industry. It focuses on best practices that reduce environmental impact and improve the economic competitiveness of destinations. The main objective is to identify logistical mechanisms that facilitate the shift towards a sustainable tourism model. Methodology. This research is based on a documentary analysis of international reports from organisations such as the UNWTO, UNEP and OECD, as well as case studies from European countries and a synthesis of statistical indicators for the period 2020–2024. A comparative approach is adopted to evaluate the effectiveness of various logistics strategies employed in tourist destinations with different profiles. Results. The findings demonstrate that the adoption of green logistics is conducive to the reduction of emissions, the optimisation of energy and material consumption, and the diversification of tourism products. Digital solutions and cross-sector co-operation also contribute to the efficient management of tourist flows and to improving the quality of services offered. Practical implications. The results obtained from this study are of considerable utility for tourism operators, local administrations and decision-makers seeking to develop sustainable management strategies. The implementation of best practices, as analysed in this study, has the potential to reduce operational costs, support the local economy, and enhance the performance of destinations in the context of the green transition. Value/Originality. The study proposes a conceptual and applicative framework for integrating green logistics into sustainable tourism and offers an updated perspective on the role of logistics in European regional development. The research's originality lies in its combination of strategic analysis with the evaluation of concrete practices implemented in the European space.

THE OPERRA FRAMEWORK: BENCHMARKING INDUSTRIAL ECOSYSTEM VIABILITY TO COMBAT THE "GHOST PARK" SYNDROME

Anton Andriienko — 2025-12-29

The article addresses the issue of "Ghost Park" syndrome, which occurs when industrial parks and special economic zones are legally established yet fail to evolve into fully functioning industrial ecosystems. The subject of the present study is the viability of industrial ecosystems in fragile and high-risk environments, with a particular focus on how policy makers, development finance institutions, and investors can distinguish viable parks from those that are likely to become Ghost Parks. The objective of the research is to develop an integrated assessment framework that captures not only planned inputs, but also real operational performance, resilience and social outcomes. The overarching aim is to support evidence-based industrial policy and investment decisions. The methodology combines conceptual systematisation of existing approaches to zone evaluation with a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making model. The study develops the OPERRA framework, which comprises the following six dimensions: Operational Performance, Plug-and-Play Readiness, Economic Vibrancy, Risk and Security Management, Resource and Climate Resilience, and Social and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Adaptation. Hierarchical decomposition is then applied to translate these dimensions into measurable criteria and indicators. The Analytic Hierarchy Process is used to identify and combine stakeholder preferences regarding these criteria. TOPSIS is then employed to benchmark and rank industrial parks according to how close they are to an ideal operational and resilience profile, and how far they are from a Ghost Park profile. This methodological design enables the incorporation of factors such as actual occupancy, job density, infrastructure readiness, security, governance, and disaster risk management into a single, transparent assessment tool. The study concludes that the outcomes of Ghost Parks are rarely accidental. This usually occurs when the authorities rely on optimistic planning assumptions, focus on land designation and tax incentives, and underestimate the importance of credible infrastructure commitments, security, climate resilience, and social integration. In contrast, parks that perform well under the OPERRA framework demonstrate a combination of credible sunk-cost signals, robust institutional arrangements, reliable plug-and-play services and strong links to labour markets and local communities. The article demonstrates that the long-term viability of industrial ecosystems depends less on formal status and projected investment volumes, and more on verifiable performance and resilience. The main conclusion is that the OPERRA framework can be used as a practical tool for the ex-ante screening and ex-post monitoring of industrial ecosystems, helping to prevent the creation of new ghost parks and prioritise scarce public resources.

THE LIFE QUALITY IN UKRAINE: FACTORS AND PROBLEMS OF ENSURING ITS RESILIENCE THROUGH THE EMPLOYMENT

Larysa Bogush — 2025-12-29

The purpose of this paper is to summarise the conditions, factors and potential problems involved in ensuring and improving the quality of life and resilience of the population in Ukraine, with a focus on the employment sphere and the national economy as a whole. The present study is concerned with the assessment of the employment sphere's impact on the reproduction and dynamics of parameters, indicators, and benchmarks of the population's quality of life. This is to be achieved in the context of a coordinated policy for the establishment and improvement of the socio-economic development resilience potential in the near and long term. Furthermore, the methodology of systemic interactions and relationships between the aforementioned significant categories of well-being, sustainability, and growth is to be substantiated. The research methodology is based on the concepts and theories of socio-humanitarian potential, social capital, sustainable development, and the resilience of the economy and society. It also considers the social state and the welfare state, as well as the inclusion of groups identified according to a spectrum of social vulnerability criteria. The methodology of identifying problems, features, criteria, and prospects for ensuring acceptable parameters and enhancing the resilience of the population life quality through optimising the processes of capitalising individual, community, and nationwide socio-humanitarian potential in the functioning of the employment sphere and the economy as a whole combines empirical and theoretical methods (in particular, analysis, induction, extrapolation, synthesis). Results. The following concepts are defined: economic and social resilience, and quality of life. The relationships between these concepts are also delineated. The main priorities and strategies for ensuring sustainable quality of life through employment are: diversification, innovative development, modernisation of the national economy across its territorial subsystems; supporting and lobbying for the interests of national economic entities in domestic and foreign markets for goods and services; developing effective national demand and the consumer market; promoting social protection and the social and labour integration of vulnerable population groups; preserving and restoring labour potential, increasing the effectiveness of capitalisation and improving its professional and qualification component. The key factors influencing the reproduction and enhancement of population life quality resilience, which are disseminated through the employment sector and function within it, encompass the institutional, socio-economic, socio-labour, and cultural and educational domains. Practical implications. The potential for enhancing Ukrainian socio-economic policy with respect to enhancing life quality resilience is predominantly contingent upon the systematisation of structural changes, with the primary objectives being the mitigation of threats and the attainment of public acceptability of results. The systematisation of structural changes must encompass the following: the assurance of the population's productive employment; the optimisation of the working environment and occupational safety; educational and household support for employment and labour mobility; the improvement of the economy, the law, and everyday household culture, including in the direction of legal labour promotion. Value / Originality. The primary objective of the policy for maintaining national security and economic competitiveness in the globalised world is the optimisation of the employment sphere's systemic influences on the socium's level and quality of life and reproduction. This process involves the assessment of the satisfaction of territorial and functional communities, social groups with their living activities, as well as the state institutional grounds.

ZONING AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING: HOW LAND USE REGULATIONS LIMIT DEVELOPMENT IN THE USA

Mykyta Kravchenko — 2025-12-29

The conventional exclusive zoning policy in the United States has resulted in issues pertaining to housing affordability, housing segregation, and the exclusion of low-income families from areas characterised by higher levels of socio-economic development. The purpose of the article was to identify the impact of land use regulations on housing affordability in the United States. In particular, the most important legal restrictions, socio-economic consequences, and the need to change the housing regulation policy are highlighted. The study is based on the methods of meta-analysis of scientific publications to systematize land use regulations in the United States, and the method of analysing housing affordability indicators for extremely low-income tenant households in different states of the United States in 2024. The article examines the current issues of the impact of state regulation in the United States, "single-family" zoning, established restrictions on building density, and political obstacles to housing affordability in the United States. A comprehensive meta-analysis of empirical studies, complemented by an analysis of prevailing regulatory restrictions, has revealed a significant impact of regulatory policies on housing shortages and affordability. This has resulted in "distorted" demand and a decline in the number of developments, particularly in densely populated states and agglomerations. It was determined that a series of discrete legislative policy changes would be required to address the issue of housing affordability. A comparative analysis of housing affordability indicators in individual US states has revealed significant problems with housing provision for extremely low-income tenants and a significant financial burden on households. In 2024, the most severe housing shortages were observed in the states of Nevada, Arizona, Alaska, Florida, and Texas. This phenomenon can be attributed to the current restrictions on development in these regions. The housing affordability crisis in these regions has the most negative impact on tenants with critically low incomes—defined as less than 30% of the state average. Consequently, households in such states face a high level of financial burden due to high rental costs. US land use policies consequently lead to residential segregation and socio-economic inequality. In this regard, it is justified to review zoning principles and develop a more inclusive land use policy. The implementation of policy instruments aimed at promoting housing affordability, such as delayed approval deadlines, land use restrictions, and project requirements, has been observed to result in an increase in construction costs. In view of this, a proposal is put forward to introduce new incentives for developers by changing the requirements for building density, reducing bureaucratic obstacles, and introducing a flexible approach to land use. A novel approach to inclusive zoning involves the targeted zoning of territories within states. However, existing political challenges serve to limit the implementation of this approach. The formal abolition of zoning regulations alone will not guarantee a solution to the problem of housing affordability, given the cost of construction and rental. The issue of housing affordability necessitates a systemic resolution.

SOCIALLY ORIENTED RESTRUCTURING: HOW TO PRESERVE PERSONNEL AND THE COMPANY IN A MOMENT OF SYSTEMIC SHOCK

Yevhen Liestiev — 2025-12-29

The article is devoted to the study of socially oriented restructuring of companies in conditions of systemic shock, with an emphasis on preserving human capital as a key factor of adaptation and recovery. A rigorous examination of the tools and models that facilitate a harmonious equilibrium between economic efficiency and social stability within the organisational context is conducted. The relevance of the study is due to the need for companies to adapt to crisis conditions, in particular in the context of the war economy of Ukraine, where traditional approaches to restructuring, focused on reducing costs, often lead to the loss of personnel potential and social tension. The strategy of socially oriented restructuring is regarded as a means of both retaining personnel and increasing their motivation, whilst also ensuring the economic stability of the company. The objective of the present study is to provide substantiated evidence to support the methodological principles of socially oriented restructuring, which combines the principles of humanism, adaptability, solidarity and strategic sustainability to support human capital in times of crisis. The study employed a range of research methods, including system analysis, comparative analysis of models (such as flexible employment, internal social responsibility, adaptive personnel, and distributed responsibility), and a qualimetric approach (utilising the SQEM model) to assess labour performance. The primary scientific outcomes encompass the formalisation of socially oriented restructuring instruments, including personnel rotation, retraining programmes, the establishment of a social reserve, and the flexible management of organisational structure. The SQEM evaluation model is proposed as a means of addressing the intricacies inherent in labour complexity, scale, efficiency and usefulness, thereby ensuring a transparent distribution of rewards. The findings of the study demonstrated that employee involvement in decision-making processes and the implementation of non-financial motivational mechanisms significantly enhanced organisational loyalty and adaptability. The study's findings underscore the efficacy of socially oriented restructuring as a strategy for safeguarding organisational talent and ensuring its resilience during periods of crisis. The utilisation of qualimetric models of labour evaluation, in conjunction with the integration of the principles of humanism and participation, facilitates the alignment of economic objectives with the promotion of social capital. This integration is instrumental in ensuring the long-term competitiveness and internal stability of the company.

THE INTERNATIONAL CURRENCY SYSTEM IN THE AGE OF DE-DOLLARISATION AND DIGITISATION

Volodymyr Mishchenko — 2025-12-29

The purpose of this article is to analyse the transformation of the global monetary and financial system and assess the gradual decline of the US dollar's role in international finance, taking into account the implications for Ukraine. Methodology. The study uses economic analysis and comparative statistics to examine macroeconomic imbalances; a systemic and political-economic approach to analyse the politicisation of the dollar; structural analysis and comparison of international practices to study the processes of trade de-dollarisation; historical and economic methods to assess the monetary experiments of the Federal Reserve System; institutional and forecasting approaches to analyse the digitalisation of the financial sector. Scenario modelling and expert assessments were used to construct the scenario forecast. Results. Despite de-dollarisation initiatives and the development of digital currencies, it has been proven that the US dollar retains its leading position thanks to the depth and liquidity of its financial markets, the trust placed in its institutions, and the lack of viable alternatives. In the medium to long term, there is a possibility that the role of the EUR, CNY, digital currencies and regional currency blocs may increase, which could result in the formation of a multipolar currency system. A scenario forecast for the development of the global financial architecture has been proposed, incorporating neutral, optimistic, pessimistic and technological options. Among these, the most probable scenario is the neutral one, which is characterised by a gradual decline in the role of the dollar without any sharp changes. Practical implications. The results of the study can be utilised by scientists, government agencies, central banks, and financial institutions. For Ukraine, the potential benefits of these systems include the formulation of a currency diversification strategy, the management of international reserves, and the integration into new digital payment systems. These developments have the potential to contribute to increased financial stability and to the adaptation of the economy to the conditions of a multipolar and digitalised currency architecture. Value / Originality. The article offers a comprehensive scenario analysis of the future global currency system, highlighting the risks and opportunities for national economies in the context of de-dollarisation and digitalisation.

THE IMPACT OF RELIGIOUS FOOD STANDARDS ON THE FORMATION OF A QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY

Yurii Ovsiannykov — 2025-12-29

The article aims to examine how religiously determined food standards influence the formation and operation of modern quality control systems in the food industry, while considering the requirements of international technical regulations. Methodology. The study is based on a comparative legal and institutional analysis of Halal/Kosher standards and ISO/HACCP technical standards, a content analysis of regulatory documentation (OIC/SMIIC, Codex Alimentarius, national guidelines), as well as a process-oriented definition of technological stages (recipe adjustments, segregation of production flows, clean logistics, verification of ritual purity). This process makes it possible to identify points of compatibility, control gaps, and the potential for integration into a comprehensive Halal–ISO–HACCP model. Results. It has been established that religiously determined standards provide traditional quality systems with an additional ethical dimension, strengthen traceability and segregation requirements, encourage the adoption of digital monitoring tools and enhance audit reliability. The structural compatibility of these systems with HACCP principles and ISO 22000 requirements has been demonstrated, as have the institutional certification mechanisms, which translate into brand reputation capital and expanded export potential. Practical significance. The proposed Halal–ISO–HACCP framework has three levels of integration: technological compatibility, managerial integration and cultural harmonisation. Enterprises can use it to redesign technological maps, build 'clean' supply chains, optimise labelling and prepare for multi-channel auditing. Value/Originality. The novelty lies in the integration of religious norms and technical regulations into a coordinated, interoperable system that combines quantitatively verified safety with moral and ethical credibility. This increases competitiveness and consumer confidence in the global food market.

AN INNOVATIVE METHOD FOR REDUCING THE COST OF CREATING EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING VIDEOS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Vladyslav Tsaruk — 2025-12-29

Subject of the study. In today's world, a significant number of companies and brands are competing for users' attention on social networks. The key to successful advertising lies in correctly identifying and segmenting the target audience. Advertising's primary purpose is to sell, so it is important to strike the right balance between excitement and sales. This article examines the main problems businesses face when advertising on social networks, such as increasing competition, decreasing user attention and rising click costs. This study focuses on the algorithms employed by the Meta and Instagram platforms, which utilise metrics such as interaction and positive emotions to assess content. The notion of "advertising that does not look like advertising" is examined, a concept that enables businesses to capture user attention without overtly promoting a product. This form of advertising is characterised by its ability to seamlessly integrate with the platform, website, or content, thereby avoiding any potential viewer rejection. Methodology. A range of theoretical research methods were employed, with a particular emphasis on abstract, logical, and comparative analysis, abstraction, generalisation, and formalisation. The objective of the present study is to analyse the potential of effective advertising videos in the context of a limited budget. Conclusions. The article conducts a comprehensive investigation into the method of native creativity. The following paper sets out to identify the main features of native advertising, including unobtrusiveness, the absence of a call to action, and an organic format in the context of the site. It has been established that native advertising is a form of "natural" advertising, which is perceived by users as useful content that does not oblige them to take any action. It has been established that the primary function of native advertising is to subtly influence the user's decision-making process. The primary benefits of native creatives are emphasised, including their versatility, capacity to ensure adherence to the expectations of the target audience, extensive reach, and the absence of interference in an individual's personal space. The study substantiates that native advertising demonstrates high efficiency due to its capacity for seamless integration into the context of any platform, provided that the content is relevant and interested in practical solutions to user problems. It has been demonstrated that the practical benefits of native advertising include the enhancement of opportunities to strengthen consumer trust and audience loyalty. Furthermore, the creation of interesting and engaging content, as well as the facilitation of immediate interaction with a potentially interested target audience, are additional advantages. Additionally, the publication is often retained on the platform or blog indefinitely, and the generation of "warm" leads who are interested in making a purchase and only require clarification or additional consultation is a further benefit. The article also provides practical examples and strategies for creating effective advertising campaigns using the AIDA structure. These campaigns can increase customer retention, reduce advertising costs, attract potential audiences and improve brand trust to form customer loyalty.