The article explores the interaction between commodity science and commercial activities, emphasizing their critical role in ensuring the efficiency and competitiveness of modern enterprises. Commodity science is examined as a multidisciplinary field that studies products throughout their life cycle‒from production to consumption‒focusing on quality assessment, consumer properties, assortment analysis, storage and transportation conditions, compliance with standards, and innovative approaches in materials and design. The study highlights current trends shaping commodity science, including digitalization, the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning for automated quality control, globalization of markets, standardization according to international norms (ISO, ASTM, EN), and integration into transnational supply chains.The article also emphasizes the growing importance of consumer-oriented approaches, such as user experience (UX), personalization, and the transformation of the product concept from a simple commodity to a comprehensive consumer experience. Sustainability and environmental considera-tions are increasingly incorporated into product evaluation through eco-certification, life cycle assessment, and recyclable or reusable materials. Furthermore, ethical and legal requirements, including consumer protection, transparency of information, and social responsibility in production processes, are identified as essential elements of modern commodity science and its practical application in commercial activities.Commercial activities are presented as a set of operations aimed at purchasing and selling goods or services for profit, including market and demand analysis, assortment formation, procurement and sales organization, pricing, and inventory management. The study demonstrates that effective commercial management heavily depends on in-depth knowledge of product characteristics, quality, and consumer preferences. Integrating commodity science into commercial decision-making supports optimal assortment planning, risk reduction, cost efficiency, and strategic pricing, while simultaneously enhancing consumer trust and market reputation.The findings indicate that a well-coordinated interaction between commodity science and commercial activities contributes to higher competitiveness, improved customer satisfaction, increased profitability, and sustainable development of enterprises.
The article explores the sensitization of investment futurology of social entrepreneurship in the context of profound transformations of urban systems, which are taking place under the influence of digitalization, globalization and the growing role of sustainable development. Particular attention is paid to the integration of spatial planning approaches, SMART corporatization of cities and modern management of foreign economic activity (FEA) as interrelated elements of the formation of a new investment paradigm. The aim of the work is to form a holistic conceptual framework that combines long-term investment forecasting with socially oriented business models and innovative urban management tools.It is substantiated that the sensitization of investment decisions involves increasing the sensitivity of investors, authorities and business structures to social, spatial and institutional factors of territorial development, as well as to global challenges and opportunities for international economic interaction. The role of spatial planning as a key tool for aligning investment flows with the functional structure of the city, human capital needs and the development of social entrepreneurship ecosystems is revealed. SMART corporatization of cities is considered as a mechanism for integrating digital technologies, corporate governance principles and partnerships between the public and private sectors in order to increase the investment attractiveness of territories and the social impact of projects. Particular attention is paid to the management of foreign economic activity as a channel for scaling social innovations, attracting responsible foreign investment and including cities in global value chains.As a result, an interdisciplinary approach to the investment futurology of social entrepreneurship is formulated, which contributes to ensuring sustainable development of cities, increasing their competitiveness and social resilience in the long term.
The transition to a circular economy requires fundamental restructuring of logistics systems beyond traditional efficiency optimization. While circular business models are increasingly adopted across supply chains, theoretical understanding of their evolutionary patterns, maturation mechanisms, and systemic integration pathways remains fragmented. This article systematizes the evolutionary stages of circular business model development in logistics, compares key characteristics of model groups, and identifies interconnections between them. The research employs structural-functional and compara-tive analysis, a systems approach, combined with examination of empirical cases from leading international logistics companies: DHL, Maersk, Renault Re-factory, and Kalundborg Symbiosis. A three-level evolutionary framework of circular business models in logistics is proposed: 1) logistics-specific models (operational maturity), focused on efficiency and basic reverse flows; 2) transformative logistics models (strategic maturity), integrating logistics functions with production and service processes; 3) network models with logistics components (ecosystem maturity), based on interorganizational coordination of resource flows. The model groups are compared according to transformation scale, business logic reconfiguration, coordination comp-lexity, and expected economic and environmental outcomes. Three types of inter-connections are identified: evolutionary progression, synergistic combinations, and technological convergence. The findings demonstrate that combining models across maturity levels enhances circular performance compared to isolated implementation. The study establishes an analytical framework for assessing circular practice maturity in logistics and developing staged transformation strategies. Research findings can be utilized by logistics operators and manufacturing companies to accelerate the transition toward circular logistics ecosystems and enhance supply chain resource efficiency. The evolution of circular business models in logistics follows a cumulative, multi-dimensional trajectory – shifting from internal efficiency optimization to life-cycle integration and, ultimately, to interorganizational ecosystem coordination.Understan-ding this evolutionary path enables the development of more resilient, resource-efficient, and sustainable logistics systems supporting the global circular economy transition.Keywords: circular economy, evolutionary development, logistics transformation, circular business models in logistics
The article examines the impact of environmental responsibility on enhancing the competitiveness of shipping companies under conditions of globalization and tightening international environmental regulations. It explores key directions for implementing ecological standards in maritime transport, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, fleet modernization, the use of alternative fuels, and the development of energy-efficient management systems. The study highlights the economic benefits of environmental initiatives, such as lower operational costs, improved market reputation, enhanced access to green financial instruments, and stronger partnerships with cargo owners. Special attention is given to the role of international institutions, particularly the IMO and the EU, which shape regulatory frameworks and encourage the transition of the industry toward a low-carbon development model. Based on comparative analysis, the research demonstrates that companies integrating environmental responsibility into their strategic management achieve higher competitiveness and better adaptability to market transformations. The article also provides practical recommendations for improving environmental policies within shipping companies and strengthening their positions in the global maritime transport market. The study confirms a fundamental paradigm shift: environmental responsibility has transformed from a reputational category into a strict economic imperative and a key factor of competitiveness, driven by «double pressure»– a combination of global IMO standards (EEDI, GFS) and regional EU market mechanisms (EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime).Analysis shows that this dual regulatory system acts as a market accelerator, making vessels with a high carbon footprint economically unviable and creating corresponding advantages for «green» operators. These advantages are multidimen-sional: financial access, market access, and operational advantage.
The current state of the maritime industry is characterized by increasing technical complexity of vessels, stricter international regulatory requirements, and growing demands for operational efficiency, environmental safety, and economic sustainability. A significant portion of the global fleet is approaching the final stages of its life cycle, which creates objective prerequisites for the implementation of modernization projects aimed at restoring and improving vessel performance, extending service life, and ensuring compliance with modern international standards. In this context, ship modernization should be considered not as a set of isolated technical measures but as complex project-oriented transformations requiring the application of modern project management methodologies.This study examines the system of prerequisites for ship modernization, which include technical, environmental, regulatory, economic, operational, and socio-market factors. Technical prerequisites arise from physical wear, technological obsolescence, and reduced reliability of ship systems. Environmental prerequisites are driven by increasingly stringent international regulations aimed at reducing emissions and minimizing the ecological impact of maritime transport. Regulatory prerequisites are associated with the requirements of international conventions and standards governing vessel safety, environmental performance, and operational compliance. Economic prerequisites are determined by rising operational costs of aging vessels, the need to maintain competitiveness, and the economic feasibility of extending vessel service life. Operational prerequisites relate to maintaining reliability, efficiency, and safety during vessel operation, while socio-market prerequisites reflect changing customer expectations, sustainability requirements, and competitive pressures.The study also systematizes the main types of ship modernization, including renovation, retrofitting, conversion, and modernization of propulsion and energy systems. These forms differ in their scope, objectives, and expected outcomes but share the common goal of improving vessel performance and extending operational life. Renovation, in particular, plays a key role as an effective strategy for restoring structural integrity, upgrading onboard systems, and ensuring compliance with modern technical and environmental standards.The results of the study provide a theoretical basis for understanding the prerequisites and types of ship modernization and support the development of economically justified and strategically effective modernization projects.
