Abstract This article examines whether collective bargaining in Slovenia meaningfully supplements the statutory regulation of temporary agency work (TAW). Using a qualitative socio-legal case-study design, it combines targeted doctrinal analysis of the EU and Slovenian legal framework with qualitative content analysis of all 47 valid national-level sectoral collective agreements, supplemented by two illustrative company-level agreements and selected worker-organisation examples. The findings show that sectoral collective bargaining regulates TAW only selectively: most agreements contain no explicit TAW clauses, while most existing clauses mainly restate equal treatment guarantees or improve transparency. More robust protective supplementation appears only in a limited number of sectoral provisions and more clearly at company level, notably through quota rules, training access, and negotiated pathways to direct employment. The article concludes that collective bargaining in Slovenia functions not as an autonomous TAW regime but as an uneven supplement to a relatively developed statutory framework.
Abstract Longevity risk – the risk that policyholders outlive expected mortality projections – poses a significant challenge to the financial sustainability of pension insurance. This paper investigates the valuation of permanent life annuities under IFRS 17, the accounting standard that fundamentally reshaped actuarial reporting in 2023. We propose a robust mortality model that integrates a selection factor to more accurately capture the idiosyncratic longevity of annuity holders. Furthermore, the study quantifies the Risk Adjustment (RA) for non-financial risks using the Cost of Capital (CoC) method, aligning with Solvency II valuation principles. Our results demonstrate how precise longevity modelling influences the Contractual Service Margin (CSM) and overall liability adequacy. These findings offer critical insights for insurers aiming to balance product stability with the rigorous transparency requirements of IFRS 17.
Abstract The development of information technologies actualizes the issue of ensuring information and cyber security, while the main problem can be considered the lack of a clear understanding of the key role of cyber security in strengthening the national security of the state. The purpose of the article is to identify the interdependence between the cyber security system in the country and opportunities for using modern digital technologies in economic processes, which can ultimately accelerate the digital transformation of the economy. This study used a basic model for linear regression between the National Cyber Security Index and Digital Development Level indicators. The results of the study showed an average level of the close relationship between the studied indicators, and the value of the multiple correlation coefficient in the total number of observations of equal 37 studied European countries is 0.46445. As a result of the positioning between the effective and factor indicators, we identified 4 zones (groups) of countries and established that their distribution according to economic similarity is preserved, the essence of which boils down to the fact that the countries have similar geographical conditions and implement similar strategies of economic development and digital transformation.
Abstract This article examines the doctrinal status and significance of judicial precedent in the EU tax legal order, focusing on its implications for Ukraine’s integration. In the absence of full legislative harmonisation in direct taxation, CJEU jurisprudence serves as a primary mechanism for “negative integration”. Using doctrinal analysis and case studies, the research finds that while the EU rejects formal stare decisis , it operates via jurisprudence constante , where consistent rulings acquire quasi-precedential authority. The results show that the CJEU has developed essential standards – such as the prohibition of abuse of rights and fiscal neutrality – that redefine national tax autonomy. For candidate countries like Ukraine, alignment requires not only transposing directives but also integrating CJEU doctrines into domestic adjudication. The study concludes that judicial precedent balances fiscal sovereignty with market integration. It recommends enhancing judicial expertise in EU law to ensure legal certainty during the accession process.
Abstract This article explores the limitations and possibilities within modern legal theory to provide for a firm theoretical grounding for corporate accountability for climate change. The article first acknowledges the scientific consensus on climate change and the need for corporate responsibility in addressing its effects. It then examines the current legal framework, including national, supranational, and international regulations, which range from emissions targets to adaptation strategies. The article then argues that while modern legal theory may be insufficient to fully grasp the complexities of corporate accountability for climate change, particularly in transnational contexts, its complete overhaul is still not necessary. The challenge lies in recognizing the pluralist nature of modern legal practices and integrating them in the developing theoretical frameworks to effectively address the multifaceted nature of corporate accountability for climate change.
Abstract The article investigates the welfare impacts of abuse of dominance enforcement proxied by the stock price evaluations. The European Commission reformed the competition policy at the turn of the new century; however, the reform efforts were more reserved and cautious regarding Article 102 TFEU than in other competition law subfields. The empirical research assesses whether the Commission and the EU Courts’ decisions affect the wealth of sanctioned undertakings for the 1990–2014 period by conducting an event study. Only Commission decisions have substantial and statistically significant negative consequences for the market value of infringers. Furthermore, the enforcement effectiveness is assessed by observing the effects of imposed remedies, and the 2004 breakpoint robustly estimates the reforms. The fines do not seem to be sufficiently negatively effective; thus, the results suggest a weaker deterrent effect than could be predicted from nominally high fines, and the more recent cases reflect an even weaker deterrent effect.
Abstract This study examines the macroeconomic cohesion and heterogeneity of OECD countries from 2019 to 2024 using cluster analysis based on key economic, social, and institutional indicators. The methodology identifies clusters reflecting similarities in macroeconomic patterns, while accounting for differences in wage-setting, governance, and policy uncertainty. Results show that Nordic, Benelux, and Oceania countries exhibited consistently high internal cohesion, whereas Central, Southern European, Balkan countries, Israel, and Turkey displayed more variable cluster membership, reflecting substantial heterogeneity in economic development. The Baltic states showed increasing cohesion from 2022, while Latin American OECD members remained largely dispersed. Cluster stability varied across years, highlighting descriptive differences rather than causal relationships, but offering insights into responses to overlapping shocks, including pandemics, geopolitical tensions, and climate policy uncertainty. These findings contribute to understanding uneven convergence among advanced economies and provide guidance for policymakers in evaluating macroeconomic stability, structural differences, and resilience under global uncertainty.
Abstract Career transitions from industry into academia remain comparatively under-researched in Central European higher education. This study explores, as a single-institution case study, how three experienced professionals made sense of moving into full-time academic work at one Czech public university. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with practitioner-academics who each had more than twenty years of corporate experience. Transcripts were analysed using six-phase reflexive thematic analysis with MAXQDA, and interpreted through Career Construction Theory as the single guiding framework. Six interpretive themes were developed: purposeful reorientation over financial reward; status inversion; limited onboarding at the focal institution; economic pressure toward concurrent external work; learning accreditation norms; and reliance on individual adaptability. Because all three participants had successfully integrated and were drawn from one institution, the findings are preliminary and illustrative rather than generalisable, forming the first stage of an ongoing study.
Abstract The main objective of the research was to clarify whether and what types of innovations are generated by work-integrated social enterprises (WISE) in the Czech Republic. The presentation of the results focuses only on selected types of innovation, namely pure and combined. The paper also aims to clarify whether WISEs generate more pure or combined innovations. The creation of pure innovations is more indicative of typical entrepreneur behaviour, while combined innovations are indicative of social entrepreneur behaviour. To collect primary data, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 WISE managers and the results were obtained using content analysis. Thus, the contribution of this paper can be seen in the identification of specific types of social innovations in the WISE environment that help to map the specific needs of managers. The results point to WISE’s support of employees using innovation and their focus on combined innovation.
The Kazakh judicial system has undergone significant changes in recent years aimed at increasing its independence, transparency and efficiency. The aim of the study is to analyze contemporary approaches to adjudicating disputes regarding the conformity of normative legal acts with the national Constitution and laws in the constitutional and administrative courts of Kazakhstan, identify issues, and propose solutions to ensure the effective operation of judicial bodies and the protection of citizens’ rights. This comparative analysis has revealed contradictions, gaps, inaccuracies, and other deficiencies in the legal framework governing the activities of the Constitutional Court and administrative courts of Kazakhstan, and has developed recommendations for addressing these issues. The results of the study focus on changes in a number of approaches to the activities of the courts, the criteria and principles of delimitation of powers of the courts of constitutional, administrative and civil jurisdiction.
The aim of this article is to examine and analyze the relationship between gender motivation for self-employment in the Slovak Republic. The article examines potential differences in motivational factors for entering self-employment between men and women based on 13 motivational factors, which were divided into two categories: “pull” and “push”. For the evaluation of the data from the primary questionnaire survey in which more than 300 respondents were involved, we used the Jamovi statistical software, while for statistical testing we used the Mann-Whitney U test. Our results showed that statistically significant differences exist in the two evaluated factors (I wanted better working conditions, I had the opportunity to get the resources to start a business). We did not demonstrate statistical significance between men and women in the other evaluated motivational factors for self-employment. In the aggregate statistical testing of the influence of pull and push factors by taking gender into account, we also did not demonstrate statistical significance. However, our results indicate that the respondents were motivated to start a business more by pull factors.
This study aims to investigate the effect of working capital management on the profitability of manufacturing firms in Europe. To achieve the purpose of this research, we used a multiple regression approach on a balanced panel dataset of 39 European manufacturing firms listed on the Frankfurt and Oslo stock markets between 2017 and 2021. The findings illustrated that both return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) are negatively affected by days sales outstanding. Days payable outstanding have a negative and insignificant effect on ROA, but positive on ROE. Liquidity has a positive impact on both ROA and ROE. Debt to equity has a significant and negative effect on ROA, but a positive on ROE. Overall, managers should understand how to organize and manage working capital because it can be considered a crucial factor in determining the profitability of manufacturing firms.
Abstract National audit systems play an important role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. European Union countries apply different approaches to the organisation and conduct of audits of public resources, which requires an analysis of their experience to identify best practices and possible areas for improvement. The purpose of this study is to identify the best practices in the field of auditing the effectiveness of the use of public funds aimed at infrastructure development, based on the experience of the European Union countries. The research methods include comparative analysis, classification by several criteria, study of the institutional structure, audit methodology, the degree of independence of audit bodies and the use of innovative technologies. The study highlights the importance of international cooperation to improve the quality of auditing and fight corruption. It is noted that despite the diversity of audit approaches in the European Union, there are common problems, such as professional development and the fight against corruption. Auditing plays a key role in ensuring the sustainability of infrastructure projects and improving public funds management. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the use of funds, in particular on the example of the Fehmarnbelt project, shows the possibility of significant budget savings and increased transparency. An important aspect of the study was also the identification of limitations and possible directions for further analysis, aiming to improve the effectiveness of audit practices and adapt them to changes in the financial and technological environment.
While the beginning of the new millennium offered hope for accelerated economic performance and a rapid narrowing of the performance gap compared to the EU average, the last almost fifteen years have brought a slowdown in the process of real convergence for Slovakia, as well as a gradual deterioration of its position in international rankings that assess the qualitative aspects of economic development. This paper investigates the trajectory of Slovakia’s trade specialization with a focus on technological and R&D intensity, using intra-EU export data and revealed comparative advantage (RCA) indicators for the period 2002–2024. The analysis tracks the evolution of four export categories classified by R&D intensity and examines the stability of specialization patterns through Galtonian regression. The results point to persistent medium-tech specialization and signs of β -de-specialization in several sectors, particularly in high-tech exports. These findings suggest that Slovakia’s current export structure, while technologically more sophisticated in appearance, may lack depth in value-added and innovation content. The paper concludes that catching-up economies like Slovakia face limited growth opportunities from static specialization patterns and that long-term convergence prospects depend on structural transformation toward knowledge-intensive and innovation-driven sectors.
In today’s environment, businesses and governments have to be able to quickly adapt to new conditions that are shaped by the development of the latest technologies. Thus, it is vital to ensure their implementation in various institutions, including at the level of territorial communities (TCs). The purpose of this study was to propose options for increasing the investment attractiveness of Ukraine’s regions to attract investment in the development of innovative technologies. The main methods employed in this study included analysis, forecasting, and historical. The study concluded that digital transformation plays a key role in the development of the country and its regions. It was shown that one of the main technologies that can be used to improve management efficiency is artificial intelligence. Furthermore, conclusions were drawn about the level of digitalisation of government representatives using the E-Government Development Index and E-Participation Index. The initiative of the Ministry of Digital Transformation to create an index for assessing digitalisation at the level of TCs was also mentioned. The study also offered some recommendations to improve the region’s innovation attractiveness, including simplifying interaction between government officials and investors, increasing the availability of data on regional development, and automating the submission of documents. It was concluded that the use of such recommendations would considerably improve the investment environment at the TC level. The findings of this study will be useful for shaping government policy to ensure a better investment climate both at the national and regional levels.
This paper presents the findings of a quantitative study on the human capital of women entrepreneurs across three distinct life stages. Human capital was analyzed through five constructs, each comprising multiple variables. The results reveal statistically significant differences in previous entrepreneurial and managerial experience among women entrepreneurs at different stages of life. However, no significant differences were observed in educational level attained, pre-business entrepreneurial knowledge, or previous industry experience. The study underscores the need for tailored training programs for different groups, highlighting the critical role of knowledge acquisition in scaling businesses, particularly for women in the so-called pragmatic phase. Furthermore, the interplay between entrepreneurial motives, aspirations, and human capital warrants deeper investigation, particularly to explore variations across different cultural and national contexts.
Cliff effects in tax and benefit systems have been the subject of growing scholarly attention for more than three decades. Despite this sustained interest, they continue to persist in the design of many national systems. Empirical studies consistently demonstrate that the presence of cliff effects undermines the economic incentives of individuals and households, especially in relation to the concepts of the “unemployment trap” and “poverty trap”. This article focuses on the analysis of a cliff effect associated with child allowance within the system of state social support. The assessment of the potential impact of removing this cliff effect is based on empirical data from November 2022 and 2023, using simulation and microsimulation methods. The results suggest that the elimination of the cliff effect could significantly enhance work incentives for individuals and households near the eligibility threshold. Moreover, the fiscal impact of such a measure appears to be budget-neutral.
Slowly but surely, the area regulated by European Union law has become accustomed to the protection of personal data materialized in the GDPR Regulation, which has already celebrated its seventh birthday this year. Although it can already be stated that the fundamental questions and mechanisms for the functioning of this in many ways revolutionary and massive legal regulation have now been resolved or set, there are still areas that are in many ways unclear and await interpretation. One such area was compensation for non-material damage in case of infringement of the Regulation, which, in connection with the protection of personal data, was only brought to light by the GDPR. It is this institute that is the subject of this article, which will present the historical development of the institute, its theoretical foundations and, in particular, the case law of the Court of Justice, which in recent years has begun to interpret this institute and thus give it a realistic and practical picture.
This study discusses the design of collaborative rural governance strategies to enhance the rural economy through Village-owned Enterprises (VOE) in Riau Province, Indonesia. Using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) combined with Textual Network Analysis (TNA) in the Rich Picture stage of SSM, we investigated the current state of VOE management. Significant obstacles identified include insufficient business feasibility analyses, lack of managerial skills, misalignment between strategy and practice, and inadequate oversight. To address these challenges, we propose a collaborative strategy involving regional governments, academic institutions, NGOs, and the private sector. This strategy emphasizes community needs assessments, efficient resource mobilization, and targeted training programs. A dedicated working group will ensure continuous monitoring and iterative improvements. Our research highlights the novel integration of SSM with TNA, providing a robust framework for improving VOE management and demonstrating the potential of collaborative efforts in driving rural economic development.
Based on the analysis of the current state of international markets, the article reveals the main problematic issues of creating an effective strategy for companies to enter them. The criteria and approaches to the segmentation of international markets are also disclosed. Priority directions for creating a strategy for companies to enter international markets are identified. The main elements of this strategy are emphasized and the threats to its implementation are classified. The practical result of the study is a set of recommendations for improving the efficiency of applying methods of companies’ entry into international markets. The theoretical result is the identification of the main patterns of interaction between companies in international markets. The scientific originality of the study lies in the fact that for the first time a thorough study of the coffee markets of Germany and Poland was conducted in terms of the entry of foreign business, namely Ukrainian. This allowed us to identify the obstacles and prospects for Ukrainian companies and to create useful proposals for successful entry into the EU market. For the first time, we present a revised model of the international marketing environment that takes into account social capital, availability of support, and institutional maturity of the exporting country. In addition, it highlights modern exit strategies such as marketplaces, crowdsourcing, and diaspora participation. This ensures that the internationalization plan is tailored to the circumstances of Ukraine’s developing economy.
