Ecoforum Journal (University of Suceava, Romania)
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SUSTAINABLE MIGRATION STRATEGIES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION: LESSONS FOR ROMANIA FROM A COMPARATIVE NVIVO-BASED ANALYSIS
No full textMigration is a key driver of economic, social, and demographic transformation across Europe. In the face of demographic decline, increased labour mobility, and the need to meet sustainability objectives, national migration strategies must address both global pressures and domestic development goals. This paper presents a comparative qualitative analysis of migration strategies from six EU member states – Romania, Finland, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Bulgaria – using NVivo 14 software for thematic coding and the extraction of best practices.
Findings reveal significant divergence in strategic approaches, ranging from diaspora-focused repatriation models (as in Finland and Lithuania) to security-oriented migration control frameworks (notably in Romania and Bulgaria). The study emphasizes the need for Romania to adopt a more balanced migration strategy, integrating sustainable immigration policies, incentives for return migration, and effective integration mechanisms for newcomers. The conclusions propose actionable recommendations for aligning Romania’s migration strategy with the EU’s sustainable development agenda
Internal Public Audit in Romania: Strategic Targets and Relevant Achievements Reported in the Post-Pandemic Stage
No full textThe study explores the current stage and strategic evolution of the internal public audit system in Romania, emphasizing its role as a central instrument of good governance and institutional accountability. Based on a mixed approach—combining documentary and interpretive analysis with the assessment of statistical data provided by the Central Harmonization Unit for Public Internal Audit (UCAAPI)—the research examines the legal framework, recent regulatory changes, and functional parameters of the internal audit system. The paper highlights the main transformations introduced by Government Ordinance No. 29/2022 and Law No. 253/2023, which redefined the governance structure, enhanced the role of UCAAPI, and strengthened audit committees and certification mechanisms. Statistical findings for 2023 reveal that, although over 90% of public entities have formally established internal audit structures, only about 79% ensure their effective operation. Moreover, the analysis shows that less than half of the recommendations issued by auditors are implemented on time, signaling persistent institutional and managerial vulnerabilities. The study concludes that the success of internal public audit reform depends on moving from formal compliance to effective functionality, supported by adequate human resources, modern analytical tools, and a culture of managerial accountability. These findings provide both a diagnostic overview and forward-looking guidance for strengthening internal audit as a driver of public sector performance and transparency
TOWARDS CIRCULARITY: MAPPING THE LEVEL OF UNDERSTANDING AND ADOPTION OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY STRATEGIES
No full textThis article examines the level of understanding, implementation, and perception of circular economy (CE) principles among public and private organisations in the Republic of Moldova, based on empirical evidence collected through the Erasmus+ PubCirEco project (No. ERASMUS-EDU-2024-CBHE-101179344). The study employs a quantitative approach, utilising a structured survey of 106 organisations, comprising 63.8% from the private sector and 36.2% from the public sector. Results reveal that over three-quarters of the organisations either apply CE principles (partially or extensively) or intend to implement them, with resource efficiency and waste reduction emerging as the most common practices. Nevertheless, implementation remains uneven, with advanced strategies such as industrial symbiosis and reverse logistics being rarely adopted. Respondents associate CE adoption with multiple benefits, including an improved reputation, enhanced organisational learning, cost reduction, and a positive social impact. However, they also highlight financial constraints, a lack of knowledge, and limited technological capacity as key barriers. The findings suggest that Moldova is at an early stage of its transition towards circularity, yet possesses significant potential that can be unlocked through targeted policy support, managerial engagement, and increased alignment with EU regulatory frameworks. By linking empirical evidence with conceptual debates, this study enhances our understanding of the dynamics of circular economy adoption in emerging contexts. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and academic stakeholders
AUDITING THE ANNUAL GENERAL ACCOUNT OF BUDGET EXECUTION: DEFICIENCIES AND SOLUTIONS REGARDING THE ALLOCATION AND CONTROL OF RESERVE AND INTERVENTION FUNDS
No full textThe article examines issues related to the management and auditing of the Reserve and Intervention Funds available to the Government, using the 2022 financial year as a case study. The research highlights the legal framework and the role of the RCA in the audit process, identifying several critical issues, including the Government\u27s excessive discretion in fund allocation, the lack of clear criteria and predictability, and the growing trend of discretionary allocations. These practices often lead to local authorities\u27 dependence on centralized resources, perpetuating a centralized fiscal policy and hindering coherent local development. Based on the audit findings, recommendations are proposed to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of these funds. The conclusion emphasizes that reforming the allocation processes of these funds is important for promoting balanced local development and mitigating the risks associated with fiscal centralization. The study underscores the need for future research to explore international best practices, long-term trends, and the socio-economic impact of state budget fund allocation policies
The response of companies to the demands of the environment by transforming the business model
No full textThe current business environment is characterized by the fact that the lifespan of enterprises is shortening and the speed of change is increasing. Companies are becoming increasingly connected to the external environment and neither age, nor relationships, nor sales volume guarantees that an enterprise will still exist tomorrow. It requires a much greater effort from companies to demonstrate flexibility and agility, to ensure a future in a world full of challenges. Tracking changes and continuously transforming the business model is a solution that would allow companies to cope with increasing competition, take into account changes in consumer preferences, implement emerging technologies, increase sales and ensure sufficient profit to develop the company. The theoretical platform for studying business models is sufficiently developed. This paper examines the results of a quantitative research in order to find answers to such questions as: What are the reasons why companies decide to transform? What specific changes to the business model are most often made by companies in the Republic of Moldova? What benefits has business model transformation brought? What are the most important challenges that companies have faced in business model transformation
iNFLUENȚA INTELIGENȚEI ARTIFICIALE ASUPRA MARKETINGULUI MODERN
No full textArtificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in modern marketing, reshaping strategies and operations across industries. This article examines the multifaceted impact of AI on marketing practices, highlighting key applications, benefits, and challenges. The integration of AI into marketing has revolutionized how businesses understand and engage with consumers. By leveraging AI, companies can analyze vast datasets to predict consumer behavior, personalize content, and optimize campaigns. This technological advancement has led to more efficient and effective marketing strategies. The study highlights the rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence in marketing and identifies effective ways marketers are leveraging AI and automation, providing practical insights for professionals aiming to integrate these technologies. It delves into various AI applications in marketing, including personalized content creation, chatbot implementation for customer support, predictive analytics for targeting and segmentation, and recommendation engines for product ideation. Artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming marketing, giving companies advanced tools to better understand consumers, personalize experiences and optimize strategies. Artificial intelligence offers unprecedented opportunities for marketing innovation, but it is essential that its use is ethical and based on consumer trust. The study also explores the perceived benefits of AI tools among marketing professionals, offering actionable insights for decision-making. In conclusion, the article serves as a guide for marketers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, directing them in integrating AI technologies into marketing strategies and operations. By understanding current trends and potential benefits, stakeholders can adapt and thrive in an increasingly AI-driven marketing environment.Inteligența artificială (IA) a apărut ca o forță transformatoare în marketingul modern, remodelând strategiile și operațiunile din industrii. Acest articol examinează impactul cu mai multe fațete al inteligenței artificiale asupra practicilor de marketing, evidențiind aplicațiile, beneficiile și provocările cheie. În plus, explorează modul în care inteligența artificială transformă peisajul marketingului contemporan. Studiul evidențiază creșterea rapidă a utilizării IA în marketing, identifică modalitățile cele mai eficiente prin care marketerii utilizează IA și automatizarea în marketing, oferind perspective practice pentru profesioniștii care doresc să valorifice aceste tehnologii. Studiul analizează diversele aplicații ale IA în marketing, precum crearea de conținut personalizat, implementarea chatbot-urilor pentru suportul clienților, utilizarea analiticii predictive pentru targetare și segmentare și implementarea motoarelor de recomandare pentru generarea de idei de produse. Inteligența artificială (IA) transformă profund marketingul, oferind companiilor instrumente avansate pentru a înțelege mai bine consumatorii, a personaliza experiențele și a optimiza strategiile. Inteligența artificială oferă oportunități fără precedent pentru inovație în marketing, însă este esențial ca utilizarea acesteia să fie etică și să se bazeze pe încrederea consumatorilor. În concluzie, articolul servește ca un ghid pentru marketeri, antreprenori și profesioniști din industrie, orientându-i în integrarea tehnologiilor IA în strategiile și operațiunile de marketing. Prin înțelegerea tendințelor actuale și a beneficiilor potențiale ale IA, părțile interesate pot să se adapteze și să prospere într-un mediu de marketing tot mai influențat de IA
A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH ON REGIONAL DISPARITIES IN ECONOMICS
No full textRegional disparities represent one of the most persistent challenges in economic development, reflecting uneven growth, income distribution, and opportunities across different territories. The paper identifies the current state of knowledge regarding the research conducted to date on regional disparities. For this analysis, we referred to the information provided by WoS (Web of Science), and the data were processed using VOSviewer. The analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of how the topic of regional disparities has been approached over time, by identifying the main areas of interest, academic collaborations, but also emerging directions on the topic studied. This paper offers a cohesive view of the primary research trajectories, highlighting collaboration networks and contemporary issues within the field. The findings aid in forming a clear understanding of scientific advancements and in directing future research efforts
THE ECONOMICS OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY: HUMAN COGNITION VS. AI LARGE LANGUAGE MODELS
No full textAbstractThe human brain and Large Language Models (LLMs) exemplify two profoundly different information-processing systems, with a significant imbalance in energy consumption. This article provides a comparative analysis of the energy requirements of biological cognition and machine-based models, linking these differences to their economic consequences. The operational costs of LLMs, driven by energy-intensive computations, present financial and environmental sustainability challenges, influencing the scalability of AI adoption across industries. In contrast, the human brain’s remarkable energy efficiency highlights the economic advantages of biological intelligence, which operates with minimal resource investment. We explore the economic trade-offs of AI’s growing energy demands, including cost implications for firms, policy responses such as carbon regulations, and the potential labor market disruptions arising from energy-efficient automation. By integrating insights from neuroscience, engineering, and economics, we argue that sustainable AI development hinges on a fusion of brain-inspired paradigms, eco-efficient hardware solutions, and strategic policy frameworks that balance innovation with economic feasibilit
THE EVOLUTION OF THE ICT INDUSTRY AND IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
No full textThe evolution of the ICT sector in recent years has had a major impact on the way we run businesses, produce value and interact with other people. New technologies have opened new markets in which more and more global giants have emerged. The ICT sector has grown both as an independent market (as added value in the economy) but also as working tools that have considerably increased labor productivity globally. In addition, we see that new technologies not only provide us with the best tools to practice our skills at work, but also shape the lifestyle for most of the population
Youths Attitudes Toward Gastronomic Tourism in Transylvania Region
No full textYoung tourists, accounting for nearly 23% of international arrivals, contribute significantly to global tourism social, cultural, and economic dimensions. While gastronomic tourism has gained prominence as a key component of cultural and experiential travel, existing research primarily focuses on adult travelers, neglecting young tourists’ motivations and preferences. Additionally, much of the literature emphasizes international food tourism, neglecting the potential of domestic gastronomic travel. Given its role in preserving culinary heritage and stimulating local economies, understanding youth perceptions of gastronomic tourism is important.
The study surveyed 154 young adults (ages 18–29) from Transylvania to examine their travel habits and interest in gastronomic tourism. Findings reveal a strong preference for authentic local cuisine, with culinary experiences significantly shaping destination appeal. Many respondents showed high awareness of food-related travel and actively sought local culinary activities. Social aspects, such as shared meals and food festivals, emerged as important motivators. Interactive experiences like cooking workshops also stood out.
Gastronomic tourism shows strong potential to attract young travelers and enhance Transylvania’s appeal. Raising awareness and educating youth can boost participation. Local tourism providers can leverage this by offering distinctive, high-quality culinary experiences, deepening the connection between local food culture and travel motivations among young adults