Three Seas Economic Journal

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND CLIMATE DIPLOMACY IN THE CONTEXT OF ECONOMIC FRAGMENTATION OF THE GLOBALIZED WORLD: ASIA’S CONTRIBUTIONS

Maksym Zhyvko — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of the paper is to examine the role of environmental stewardship and climate diplomacy as strategic instruments of economic governance in the context of the growing fragmentation of the globalized world, with a particular focus on Asia’s contributions. The study aims to conceptualize how Asian economies integrate environmental responsibility and climate initiatives into foreign economic policy, regional cooperation, and global climate governance amid escalating geopolitical tensions, supply chain reconfiguration, and competing development models. Methodology. The research is based on a qualitative and comparative analytical framework that combines institutional analysis, policy review, and systemic comparison of key Asian actors, including China, Japan, South Korea, ASEAN member states, and India. The study applies elements of political economy, international environmental economics, and climate diplomacy analysis, supported by secondary data from international organizations, regional climate agreements, and national sustainability strategies. Results. The findings demonstrate that Asian countries increasingly use environmental stewardship and climate diplomacy not only as tools for addressing climate risks, but also as mechanisms for strengthening regional influence, securing access to green technologies, and mitigating the economic costs of global fragmentation. Asia’s contributions are characterized by a dual logic: on the one hand, pragmatic climate cooperation within regional frameworks, and on the other, strategic competition in green finance, renewable energy, and low-carbon industrial policy. This duality reflects the broader transformation of globalization into a more fragmented and geopolitically conditioned system. Practical implications. The results may be applied in the design of national and regional climate strategies, international economic policies, and diplomatic initiatives aimed at balancing environmental objectives with economic resilience. For policymakers and international institutions, the Asian experience offers transferable models of integrating climate diplomacy into economic development strategies under conditions of systemic uncertainty. Value. The paper provides an original analytical perspective by linking environmental stewardship and climate diplomacy with the phenomenon of economic fragmentation, highlighting Asia’s active and evolving role in reshaping global climate governance within a fractured global economic order.

THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF BUSINESS PROCESSES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Oleksii Kiselyov — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of the study: The purpose of the article is to make a comparative analysis of artificial intelligence (AI) methods for improving the efficiency of business processes in retail and logistics, as well as to develop practical recommendations for their implementation. The study aims to determine the optimal approaches to integrating AI technologies to ensure operational excellence in the context of global digitalization of the economy and increasing requirements for the speed and adaptability of business solutions. Methods and approaches: The study applies a comprehensive methodological approach, including a systematic analysis of scientific publications of 2024-2025, a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of AI methods, a case study analysis of practical examples, content analysis to identify key trends, and synthesis to formulate recommendations. The criteria for evaluating efficiency were reduced operating costs, increased process speed, decision-making accuracy, scalability, and level of automation. Results: Three key AI methods are identified: Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Intelligent Robotic Process Automation (IRPA), and predictive analytics. RPA reduces costs by 30-50% and speeds up routine processes by up to 10 times. Predictive analytics increases the accuracy of demand forecasting by 25-30%, optimizing inventory management. IRPA provides up to 100% accuracy for complex tasks. The integrated application of methods creates a synergistic effect, increasing efficiency by 15-25%. Scientific novelty: For the first time, quantitative performance indicators of RPA, IRPA, and predictive analytics in retail and logistics are systematized, which contributes to the informed choice of AI solutions for different types of business processes. Practical significance: Recommendations for the implementation of AI: RPA for order processing automation, predictive analytics for demand optimization, and IRPA for warehouse operations. The importance of staff training, adaptive corporate culture, and phased implementation of AI for maximum efficiency is emphasized. Prospects: Further research involves the development of adaptive AI systems for small and medium-sized businesses, analysis of ethical aspects and the long-term impact of AI on the structure of labor markets and the economy.

AUGMENTED REALITY ESCAPE ROOMS AS NEUROCOGNITIVE TRAINING ENVIRONMENTS

Oleksii Kolesnikov — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of the paper is to examine the integration of augmented reality (AR) escape rooms as innovative neurocognitive training environments, synthesizing evidence from medical education, cognitive rehabilitation, and adaptive learning systems. Methodology. This study employs a comprehensive narrative literature review methodology, analyzing peer-reviewed publications from Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ERIC, and ScienceDirect databases spanning the period 2017–2025. The review synthesizes findings across four domains: VR and gamification in medical and nursing education; environment-integrated adaptive cognitive training systems; VR/AR applications in visuospatial neglect rehabilitation; and serious games for cognitive enhancement. Inclusion criteria encompass English-language empirical studies, design research, and systematic reviews addressing AR/VR escape rooms, gamification, or cognitive training in healthcare contexts. Results of the review showed that AR escape rooms demonstrate significant potential for neurocognitive training through enhanced clinical decision-making under time pressure, improved teamwork and collaboration, increased knowledge retention through engagement and motivation, and reduced stress in high-pressure scenarios. Key design elements identified include extrinsic motivation structures, direct and delayed feedback systems, environmental integration for ecological validity, and difficulty adaptation through fuzzy logic or machine learning. However, the evidence base remains emerging, with small sample sizes and pilot designs limiting generalizability. Practical implications. AR escape rooms are feasible and acceptable for neurocognitive training across medical education, stroke rehabilitation, and elderly cognitive maintenance. Implementation requires clear protocols, therapist training, adaptive difficulty settings, and performance tracking systems. Design must prioritize motivation, feedback, adaptability, and ecological validity. Value / originality. This synthesis provides a comprehensive overview of AR escape rooms as neurocognitive training environments across multiple application domains, identifying common design principles and evidence gaps. The findings inform researchers and practitioners seeking to develop or implement AR-ER interventions, while outlining future research directions including multicenter trials and cost-effectiveness analyses.

ECONOMIC PROSPECTS AND DIRECTIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY IN UKRAINE

Oleksandr Korchyha — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In Ukraine, where the ongoing war creates additional challenges for the development of the energy sector, the economic prospects for increasing the share of renewable energy sources include a number of advantages, in particular, reducing dependence on energy imports and increasing energy and economic security. The purpose of the article is to analyze the main vectors of alternative energy development in Ukraine and the relevant economic prospects in the current context of military challenges. In the process of research, general research methods were applied, such as analysis and synthesis, generalization, comparison, systematization and specification. The article considers key economic tools for implementing the “green” energy concept, including economic incentives and business motivation for the transition to renewable energy sources. The features of the “green” economic and energy strategy of national development in developed European countries are analyzed. The economic prospects for increasing the share of renewable energy are highlighted: reducing import dependence, increasing the resilience of the energy system to external shocks due to diversification of sources, creating new jobs, stimulating the investment process, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving sustainable development goals. The main vectors of innovative development of alternative energy in Ukraine are substantiated, including digital transformation of management processes, optimization of institutional support and improvement of the legislative framework in accordance with European standards, strengthening public-private cooperation in the industry, diversification of supply, technical modernization of the energy system, and improving the investment climate. The study proves the possibility of increasing the stability and resilience of the national energy system through the active development of renewable energy with the use of targeted economic tools.

WEB 3.0 ADOPTION IN FORTUNE GLOBAL 500 COMPANIES: INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC AND GEOGRAPHIC PATTERNS

Andriy Melnyk — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this paper is to identify the industry-specific and geographic patterns that shape the adoption of Web 3.0 technologies among Fortune Global 500 companies. The study addresses a gap in the existing literature by shifting attention from isolated technological applications such as blockchain, decentralized finance, artificial intelligence, and immersive environments toward a broader comparative analysis of how large multinational corporations adopt Web 3.0 across sectors and countries. Methodology. The paper is based on an empirical classification of Fortune Global 500 companies for 2024 into adopters and non-adopters of Web 3.0 technologies. The dataset includes 500 firms and covers sector affiliation, country of origin, employee counts, selected financial indicators, company characteristics, and a binary indicator of adoption status. The analysis applies descriptive statistics, comparative analysis, and cross-tabulations using publicly available data from annual reports, strategic plans, press releases, marketing materials, news coverage, and business databases. Results. The findings show that Web 3.0 adoption is significant but uneven: 216 companies are identified as adopters, while 284 are classified as non-adopters, indicating that Web 3.0 remains in a transitional stage of corporate diffusion. Adoption is concentrated in digitally intensive sectors such as Information Technology Services, Computer Software, Entertainment, Apparel, and selected Health Care activities, whereas sectors such as Transportation and Logistics, Real Estate, Homebuilders, and Medical Products and Equipment demonstrate limited or no adoption in the dataset. Geographic differences are also substantial, with adoption present in 25 out of 35 countries represented in the sample, although the intensity of adoption varies across national contexts. The results confirm that Web 3.0 diffusion is shaped by the interaction of sectoral structure, strategic fit, and geographic environment rather than by a uniform technological trajectory. Practical implications. The paper suggests that managers should approach Web 3.0 as a strategic option whose relevance depends on alignment with the firm’s business model, customer value proposition, governance needs, and innovation capabilities. Value/originality. The originality of the study lies in its cross-sectoral and cross-national perspective on Web 3.0 adoption among the world’s largest corporations, offering a more nuanced understanding of digital transformation in the Web 3.0 era and demonstrating that adoption is patterned, selective, and contingent rather than universal.

GLOBAL TRANSFORMATION TRENDS OF ENSURING FOOD SECURITY OF STATES AGAINST GLOBAL THREATS

Oleksandra Novak — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of the paper is to investigate global transformation trends of ensuring food security of states against global threats. Our focus is to confirm that global threats influence the process of agri-food transformation and the selection of policy responses. Methodology. The research is based on comparison, logical synthesis methods, as well as economic analysis through cross-tab analysis, cluster analysis and PLS-SEM modelling of selected questionnaire results of 195 food security experts from 52 countries. The datasets used for PLS-SEM model are Likert scale type, other questions are multi-choice questions. Results of the survey showed that global threats significantly shape the configuration of policy responses and transformation pathways, but the strength of influence depend on the nature and depth of the threat. Practical implications. Global threats – particularly geopolitical and environmental – are the primary drivers shaping food security as a multidimensional problem, influencing diverse expert perceptions, steering transformation pathways toward integrated sustainability, technology, governance and hybrid models. and, as evidenced by both cross-analysis and PLS-SEM results, framing policy priorities for food-security investment instruments. Value / originality. The novelty of the research is that the questionnaire was constructed in way to validate selected theoretical food security frameworks and transformation trends to obtain theoretically-sound results that can be used to improve global and international policy responses on food security.

FLEXIBLE WORK MODELS: HOW TO ADAPT STAFF TO CHANGE

Serhii Pytel — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The article explores effective management strategies for implementing flexible work models, focusing particularly on how to adapt staff to various forms of flexible employment. The aim of the study is to identify key features of personnel management within flexible work formats, taking into account the use of modern digital technologies. To achieve this goal, general scientific methods were applied, including critical literature analysis, synthesis, information generalization, and grouping. The research results made it possible to define the main advantages of flexible work models, such as ensuring a balance between professional and personal life; improving productivity; reducing stress levels; increasing employee motivation and engagement; and enabling a variety of work formats. These benefits are especially evident for employees working remotely, as flexible formats help them effectively combine personal and professional responsibilities. For businesses, such models lead to resource savings, enhanced operational efficiency, reduced risk of employee burnout, and improved workforce stability. The main types of flexible work schedules include: flexible working hours; compressed workweek; remote work; hybrid work; part-time employment; flexible shift planning; result-oriented work; flexible vacations and time off; seasonal and project-based work. All of these formats require modern management tools, such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, Asana, and Trello, which ensure visibility of tasks; Confluence and Google Workspace, which maintain consistent information flow; Google Docs, Miro, Notion, and ClickUp, which enable editing and collaborative work; GitHub, Confluence, and SharePoint, which offer change tracking and version control; and Miro, FigJam, Notion Labs, and Airtable, which support experimentation and the development of new ideas. The practical value of this research lies in its usefulness for managers planning to transition to flexible work models and seeking effective ways to enhance productivity through digital tools.

ENSURING WELFARE PROVISION THROUGH INTERSECTORAL SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Olena Sova, Vladyslav Kuznietsov — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The study addresses the transformation of welfare provision systems under conditions of heightened socio-economic uncertainty, structural risks, budget restrictions, and multidimensional crisis shocks. It proceeds from the premise that traditional state-centered models of social protection are increasingly constrained in their capacity to ensure sustainable well-being outcomes. The article aims to develop a conceptual model of welfare provision and to substantiate the role of intersectoral social responsibility as a structural mechanism for enhancing the resilience of quality of life. The methodological framework is grounded in institutional and systems approaches, enabling the interpretation of welfare provision as the outcome of interaction among formal and informal rules, resource configurations, and sectoral interests. The research applies theoretical generalization, comparative analysis, structural-functional analysis, modeling, and elements of synthesis to examine the relationship between cross-sectoral coordination and the resilience of welfare systems. The findings demonstrate that countries characterized by institutionalized intersectoral cooperation ‒ integrating public authorities, business entities, and civil society ‒ exhibit more stable socio-economic indicators under crisis conditions. Empirical evidence from EU countries indicates that diversified models of social service provision correlate with lower risks of poverty and social exclusion, higher Human Development Index values, broader social service coverage, and more sustainable social expenditure structures. A comparative analysis of Ukraine and Lithuania for 2020-2024 reveals divergent models of social resilience: an institutionally stabilized configuration in Lithuania and a crisis-adaptive pattern in Ukraine. The Lithuanian case illustrates the effectiveness of formalized public–private partnerships, municipal co-financing mechanisms, and digital transparency tools, while Ukraine’s trajectory reflects reactive coordination under wartime shocks and fiscal pressures. The proposed conceptual model structures welfare provision into three interrelated subsystems ‒ institutional-regulatory, resource-financial, and socio-outcome-oriented ‒ integrated through mechanisms of distributed responsibility and network-based governance. Social resilience is conceptualized as an integral outcome of this interaction, reflecting the system’s capacity to maintain functionality and adapt to external disturbances. The practical significance of the study lies in its applicability to national and regional development strategies. The model provides a methodological basis for evaluating intersectoral cooperation through measurable indicators and for transitioning from a reactive welfare paradigm to a proactive, resilience-oriented socio-economic architecture.

RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE STUDY OF SCIENCE AND THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Victoria Tomareva-Patlakhova, Victoria Kokorina — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of the paper is to carry out a historical analysis of scientific approaches to the study of the evolution of the phenomenon and category of international business, its formation as an independent scientific discipline and the development of theories of international business. Methodology. The research uses the historical-genetic method and critical-historical analysis of scientific discourse to analyze the causes and motives of international business, its development as a phenomenon of international economic relations and a scientific discipline from its inception to the present day, the evolution of theories of international business; methods of analysis and synthesis to determine the prospects for the development of approaches to the science and theories of international business. Results of the survey shows that over 70 years, the science of international business and its theories have transformed from a narrow section of economics into a holistic interdisciplinary system of knowledge. The key vectors of development become a level shift, methodological renewal, and interdisciplinary synthesis. Practical implications. A retrospective analysis of the study of international business, periodization and theories allows us to formulate its modern motives and the subject of study as a science. Nowadays, new theoretical and methodological approaches to the internationalization of enterprises have been spreading – the theory of international new enterprises, based on the principles of the theory of the multinational firm and the network theory of MNCs. Ultimately, actual theory of international business expresses a complex combination of traditional and new theories, schools and concepts of research into various areas and industries of multinational enterprises, their relationships with the national, regional and global business environment. The current IB paradigm responds to global challenges. Value / originality. The article assesses the complexity of this phenomenon and process in international economic relations based on the analysis of the development of science and theories of international business. The analysis allows us to understand the peculiarities of the formation of global economy and global environment, where modern TNCs/MNCs of various origins are functioning.

ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATIONS IN THE FLOWER INDUSTRY

Bohdan Furman — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Global environmental challenges have influenced the floriculture industry in the direction of increasing investments in environmental innovations. The purpose of the article was to substantiate the economic feasibility of implementing environmental innovations in the floriculture industry by analyzing the market, production and financial benefits of switching to environmental innovations. The research methodology is based on a statistical analysis of the main indicators of floriculture development on a global scale and an analysis of the market, production and financial benefits of switching to environmental innovations. Results. The article proposes a new approach to environmental innovations in the floriculture industry as a tool for long-term investments in business development in the context of strengthening legislative requirements for recycling, increasing consumer awareness of environmental challenges and increasing consumption of products, willing to pay more for "sustainable" products. The main market and production trends in floriculture in the world are identified, including the growth of global production volumes, the growth of the selling price of flowers and the prices of means of production. It was determined that producers in the flower industry recognize their own responsibility for implementing sustainable practices to increase the production of environmentally friendly packaging. In turn, consumers will transfer responsibility for sustainable production to the enterprise in the field of packaging production and at the same time are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products. International experience of companies demonstrates the transition to biopackaging of flower products, the establishment of a closed supply cycle, and the reuse of packaging. rarely leads to an increase in the cost of living with such, revenue volumes shift in the long term. Conclusions. Further research should focus on the studied strategies of small businesses for the transition to environmentally friendly packaging and the implementation of the principles of closed production in floriculture. The scientific value of the study arises in substantiating the economic feasibility of implementing environmental innovations in the floriculture industry.

HR ANALYTICS IN BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT

Olga Chervona, Svitlana Urba, Iryna Prokopovych-Pavliuk — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The article reveals the importance of HR analytics in the business process management system of modern enterprises and defines the stages of its implementation in management practice. The emphasis is on the transformation of human resource management from a support function to a strategic element of business administration capable of ensuring the adaptability, sustainability and competitiveness of enterprises. It is argued that traditional intuitive and fragmented approaches to personnel management are insufficient to respond to modern challenges, which makes it expedient to implement HR analytics as a business process management tool. The subject of the study is HR analytics as a tool for integrating human capital into the enterprise business process management system. HR analytics is considered not only as a set of HR metrics, but as a comprehensive, systematic and continuous process of collecting, integrating, processing and analysing formalised and informalised data on personnel, HR processes and the external HR environment in order to support management decisions. The aim of the study is to determine the role of HR analytics in business process management and to develop a step-by-step model for its implementation in modern business management. To achieve this goal, theoretical approaches to HR analytics are summarised, the management possibilities for its application are analysed, key HR metrics are systematised, and areas for their use in business process management are identified. The methodological basis of the research is a comprehensive approach that combines systemic, process and comparative analysis. The work uses methods of analysis and synthesis to generalise scientific approaches to the essence of HR analytics; comparative and content analysis to systematise the results of research by international companies; a structural-logical method to develop a model for implementing HR analytics in business processes; and a method of generalisation to form conclusions and practical recommendations. The information base consists of scientific works by Ukrainian and foreign researchers, analytical reports by international consulting companies, and professional HR platforms. The main findings of the study prove that HR analytics has evolved from an operational tool to a strategic element of business process management. Key HR metrics have been identified and their connection with financial, operational, and innovative business processes has been demonstrated. A phased model for implementing HR analytics is proposed, covering the definition of business objectives, data auditing and standardisation, tool selection, the development of analytical competencies, and the gradual scaling of analytics. The conclusions are that HR analytics is an effective tool for reducing the subjectivity of management decisions, forecasting HR risks, increasing labour productivity, and aligning HR policy with business strategy. Its implementation should be viewed as a strategic initiative aimed at ensuring long-term organisational stability and competitiveness of enterprises in today's environment.

BRAND BUILDING IN THE CONFECTIONERY INDUSTRY

Yuliia Shoponiak — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The article is devoted to the study of the processes of brand creation and development in the confectionery industry with an emphasis on the emotional, visual and strategic aspects of modern branding. The purpose of the study is to clarify the features of brand formation in the confectionery sector, taking into account theoretical approaches, the emotional component and modern brand practices. In the course of the scientific study, general scientific methods of cognition were used: analysis, synthesis, comparison, generalization, induction, deduction, systemic approach. The results of the study show that in the conditions of current theoretical approaches to branding, archetypal models are of leading importance, providing a deep emotional and symbolic connection between the brand and the consumer. The use of archetypes based on the Jungian concept of the collective unconscious allows brands in the confectionery industry to form recognizable emotionally charged images – such archetypes as the Lover, Creator, Hero or Rebel. These images are actively transmitted through elements of visual identity, advertising messages and packaging design. Thus, the brand manages to endow an ordinary confectionery product for example, a candy with aesthetic and emotional value, turning it into a carrier of cultural identity. The study also proves that a brand in the confectionery sector performs the functions not only of product differentiation in the market, but also of creating trust, emotional attachment and loyalty. In the modern competitive environment, brand identity is considered a strategic asset that contributes to the formation of a community of consumers and the establishment of sustainable communication with them. A key role in this process is played by the brand promise, which, being integrated into the communication, visual and textual components of the brand, forms expectations and satisfaction in the consumer, influencing repeat purchases. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using its results to create effective brands in the confectionery sector, taking into account emotional, visual and strategic aspects.