This article is dedicated to medium-sized cities in Bulgaria. By revealing their peculiarity and structure, the author aims to initiate a debate on their development and search for optimal forms of implementing effective regional development policies in these medium-sized cities. The framework of these cities is that several smaller cities, even with a population of 1,000 people, gravitate towards them, while others are formally ranked between 5-9 thousand people, and others with a population of 14-19 thousand people. It is important to note that these cities have their own tradition and histories of urbanized areas, which is a necessary condition for their renaissance. In addition, they need to seek opportunities for new profiling or the formation of a brand or series of brands that would present them in the pan-European space as attractive centers of the regional economy. An important significance for their regional development is that they often appear as the core of several settlements, whose future depends on the state of the regional center and its ability to successfully develop regional economic policy.
This study examines the financial stability and risk profile of wine-producing enterprises using accounting-based financial indicators. The analysis focuses on liquidity, leverage, and solvency measures derived from the financial statements of 56 enterprises for the period 2022–2024. Descriptive statistical analysis reveals substantial heterogeneity in financial structures across firms, with significant differences in liquidity coverage, debt levels, and equity buffers. A cluster analysis further identifies three distinct financial risk profiles, ranging from relatively stable enterprises with strong liquidity and moderate leverage to highly vulnerable firms characterized by weak liquidity and excessive indebtedness. The findings indicate that financial risk in the sector is concentrated among a limited number of enterprises rather than being uniformly distributed. The results highlight the importance of prudent working capital management, balanced capital structures, and adequate equity capitalization in enhancing financial resilience in capital-intensive agri-food industries. The study contributes to the literature on firm-level financial stability by providing sector-specific empirical evidence and practical implications for financial risk management in wine-producing enterprises.
Effective human resource management in the agricultural sector is unthinkable without the creation and maintenance of an effective work organization that guarantees optimal use of the labor potential of those working on farms. The aim of the article is to propose a system for effective human resource management. The development of a human resources management system is an important condition for increasing the efficiency of management in the agricultural sector, leading to the achievement of high production and economic results. In this system, the optimization of positions is an activity of paramount importance for the proper and effective functioning of any agricultural enterprise. Through it, such positions are developed, regulated, and implemented that create the opportunity for optimal use of the potential of human resources.
This paper discusses innovation and technology strategies with a specific focus on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into corporate strategic planning. As businesses face growing pressure to adapt in an increasingly digital and competitive landscape, AI has emerged as a transformative tool with the potential to enhance decision-making, streamline innovation processes, and optimize resource allocation. Drawing on, theoretical frameworks and empirical process, this study investigates how AI is reshaping the formulation and execution of innovation and technology strategies. Particular attention is paid to the dual nature of AI’s impact: its capacity to generate strategic advantage and the managerial and ethical challenges it poses. Based on an approach, including case studies and thematic analysis, the research highlights emerging patterns in AI adoption, and the organizational capabilities required to manage this technological shift. The findings aim to contribute to both theoretical understanding and managerial practice in the field of innovation and technology strategy.
This article examines the impact of circular economy principles on the profitability of wine-producing enterprises. The analysis is based on empirical data from 94 enterprises grouped according to the degree of implementation of circular practices. Indicators of return on sales, cost profitability, and return on investment are employed, applying descriptive and comparative statistical analysis. The results reveal a positive relationship between the level of circularity and financial performance. Enterprises with a higher degree of integration of circular practices achieve higher and more stable profitability, while in the early stages a temporary decline in returns is observed due to investment costs. The study confirms that the circular economy has a significant long-term economic effect.
