The article is devoted to the study of ways to strengthen and develop Ukraine's export potential in the context of integration into the global economy. The research subject aims to analyze the current state of exports, identify the main challenges and barriers faced by Ukrainian exporters, and develop strategies to enhance the competitiveness of Ukrainian products in international markets. The object of the study is Ukraine's export potential. The article also examines the possibilities of expanding the geographical structure of exports, which is an important step toward reducing dependence on specific markets and increasing the resilience of the Ukrainian economy. The goal is to explore the barriers and challenges hindering the development of Ukraine's export potential in the context of the country's current economic crisis amid active military operations. Research methods include a systematic analysis, statistical data analysis, and factor analysis to establish cause-and-effect relationships. The proposed export development strategies focus on supporting the national brand, fostering innovation, and implementing new technologies, which will ensure long-term export growth and Ukraine’s successful integration into international economic processes. Ukraine possesses significant export potential, particularly in the agricultural sector, IT industry, energy, and metallurgy, which can contribute to stable economic growth amid integration into the global economy. However, realizing this potential is accompanied by numerous challenges and barriers that require a comprehensive approach to overcome. The primary challenge for Ukraine's exports remains the military conflict, which has led to significant destruction of critical infrastructure, production facilities, and logistics chains. The closure of Black Sea ports has affected the ability to export agricultural products and other essential goods, which are crucial for Ukraine's economy. Additionally, economic and political instability caused by the war negatively impacts investment inflows, limiting opportunities for modernization and export potential development. The results of the research reveals problems in Ukrainian exports caused by the military conflict and the blockage of production and infrastructure tools for conducting export activities. To overcome these challenges, Ukraine needs to focus on several key strategies. An important step is restoring and modernizing infrastructure, especially transport infrastructure, which reduces logistics costs and improves access to international markets. Integration into the global economy requires actively implementing new trade agreements and diversifying export markets while applying innovations and modernizing production. Conclusion: based on the conducted research, various strategies for improving Ukraine’s export potential in the global market have been proposed.
The subject of the study is the current trends in the development of historical reenactment festivals as an important component of event tourism and analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this industry. The author also focuses on changes in tourists' preferences caused by social, economic and technological transformations. The goal of the work is to determine the prospects for the development of historical reenactment festivals in the world and in Ukraine in the context of post-pandemic recovery, as well as to develop certain recommendations for the use of virtual formats to maintain audience interest and ensure the sustainability of this form of event tourism. The objectives of the study include: the analysis of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on historical reenactment festivals; identification of changes in tourist preferences caused by social, economic and technological transformations; assessment of the implementation of digital technologies in historical reenactment festivals. The study is based on the following methods: analysis of modern publications and examples of successful practices from different countries; using the comparison method, the author finds out how digital technologies are implemented in the organization of historical reenactment festivals, what challenges and opportunities are associated with this process. As a result, the conclusion is drawn that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the festival movement in the world and in Ukraine. In particular, there have been changes in the format of events: due to their mass cancellations, there has been a decline in tradition, a reduction in audience, and an orientation towards local communities. However, in many cases, the crisis has become a catalyst for innovation. First of all, it is about the use of virtual and augmented reality technologies, which allow creating new formats of cultural events. The online formats implemented in the festivals have allowed not only to maintain contact with the target audience, but also to significantly expand the geography of their participants by ensuring wide access from different countries of the world. Conclusions: festival organizers in Ukraine have also begun to use digital technologies, which allows them to draw attention to the national cultural heritage, despite the restrictions that are now associated with the full-scale Russian invasion. At the same time, the author draws attention to the fact that since the youth audience gravitates towards modern technologies and especially to the gamification of content, there is a danger of losing what is denoted by the concept of “cultural authenticity” and which especially characterized the festivals of historical reenactments. This necessitates the need to more actively involve professional experts in determining the content of such events. However, in general, the introduction of VR and AR technologies, the creation of multilingual content and the use of online platforms can strengthen the positions of festivals in the global event tourism market. This also applies to historical reenactment festivals in Ukraine. Thus, although the COVID-19 pandemic has become a serious test for the industry, at the same time these tests have led to important transformations. The preservation of the festival movement depends on the ability of organizers to carefully implement technologies that will make events more accessible, interactive and personalized, while preserving the established traditions that determined their “cultural authenticity”. Ukraine, with its rich historical potential, can become an example of a successful combination of traditions and innovation in event tourism.
This article explores the key features of the digitalization process in the United States economy, emphasizing its role as the global leader in the IT services sector. The analysis confirms that the United States holds a dominant position in the international IT services market, boasting the highest volume of exports. Special attention is given to the overall level of digitalization in the U.S. economy. The country's position in global rankings of digitalization and digital competitiveness is identified. Trends in the volume of IT services exports over the past decade are analyzed, along with the geographical structure of U.S. IT services exports. Furthermore, the study outlines major barriers and emerging trends in the development of digitalization within the economy. The subject of this research is the patterns and trajectories of digital transformation in the U.S. economy, considered in the context of its leadership in the global IT services market. The purpose of the study is to define the distinctive features of the digitalization of the U.S. economy as the world’s foremost exporter of IT services. The study addresses the following objectives: to characterize the specific features of the United States’ economic digitalization; to analyze the dynamics of IT services exports; to examine the geographic distribution of IT service trade; to determine the country’s position in international digital competitiveness rankings; and to outline prevailing trends in the digitalization of the U.S. economy. The methodological framework of the study includes system analysis to identify the characteristics of digitalization; graphical methods to illustrate trends in IT services exports; and expert evaluation methods to assess the country’s global digital competitiveness. The analysis yielded the following results: the United States’ leading role in the global IT services market was reaffirmed, and key characteristics of digital economic development at the national level were identified. Conclusions: The digital economy accounts for a substantial share of the United States’ gross domestic product and is marked by high added value. To sustain its global leadership in the IT services sector, the United States must continue developing high-quality digital services by increasing investments in digital innovation—particularly in artificial intelligence.
The current state and prospects for the development of trade and economic cooperation between Ukraine and African countries are considered in the prism of changes in the approaches of Ukrainian diplomacy to building foreign relations with the countries of the African continent, due to the implementation of the provisions of the new foreign policy strategy of Ukraine, adopted in the early 2020s. The subject of the article is trade and economic cooperation between Ukraine and the countries of the African continent in the context of the transformation of the African vector of Ukrainian foreign policy, with an emphasis on the development of economic diplomacy as a tool for implementing national interests. The aim is to study the current state and dynamics of trade and economic relations between Ukraine and African countries, to identify key directions, trends and challenges in the process of intensifying the Ukrainian foreign policy on the African continent. The objectives of the work are to identify changes in Ukraine's foreign policy priorities towards Africa and assess increased Ukraine's diplomacy in the African region in 2021-2024; to analyze the geographical and product structure of Ukraine's foreign trade cooperation, in particular Ukrainian exports, with African countries; to outline the main directions and instruments of Ukraine's economic diplomacy towards Africa; to consider challenges and opportunities for further deepening trade and economic cooperation between Ukraine and African countries. The following results were obtained in the course of the study: changes in Ukraine's foreign policy priorities towards Africa and the increased diplomatic presence of Ukraine on the African continent; indicators of Ukraine's foreign trade cooperation with African countries analyzed; the main directions and instruments of Ukraine's economic diplomacy in building relations with the African region identified; challenges and opportunities for further deepening trade and economic ties between Ukraine and African countries considered. Conclusions: the results obtained made it possible to objectively consider trade and economic relations between Ukraine and the African region in the context of the transformation of Ukraine's foreign policy priorities in relation to the continent and the intensification of economic and diplomatic activity in the African direction.
A promising potential partner for the Latin American region is Canada, which is also interested in diversifying its economy and strengthening investment and trade ties. But the closest economic ties have developed between Canada, the United States and Mexico, which is due not only to geographical proximity, but also to participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement - NAFTA, and later USMCA. The subject of the study in the article is Canada's trade cooperation with Latin and North American countries. The aim is to study the economic and trade relations of Canada and Latin American countries in the context of North American integration from the point of view of a holistic view of their evolution. Methods: in studying the model of economic integration, the historical method and comparative analysis were used; statistical analysis was used to analyze the trends in the development of trade cooperation between Canada and Latin American countries. The following results were obtained: based on the analysis, it is noted that the development of economic and trade relations between Canada and Latin American countries almost completely corresponds to the interests of Canada, which wants to get a quick return on its investments in the region. Latin America appreciates working with Ottawa in key areas, actively using Canadian investments in the industrial and social spheres. But the closest economic ties have developed between Canada, the USA and Mexico, which is due not only to geographical proximity, but also to their economic integration, which was regulated by various documents - NAFTA and USMCA. Conclusions: Canada considers the Latin American region as a rather promising direction of development due to the richness of economic relations, the volume of trade turnover is quite stable, and today there are hardly any factors that can influence this trend. At the same time, the closest economic ties are developing between Canada, the USA and Mexico within the framework of the USMCA integration agreement and their intensification is given special attention, taking into account new requirements.
The article is devoted to the analysis of musical heritage as a factor in shaping Ukraine’s tourism attractiveness in the context of the growing importance of cultural tourism as a tool for sustainable development. The focus of the study is on exploring the potential of musical heritage as a significant resource of intangible cultural heritage capable of stimulating interest in Ukrainian tourist destinations and contributing to the preservation of cultural identity. Subject of the study – the musical heritage of Ukraine in the context of its integration into contemporary tourism practices and the development of a strategy for enhancing tourism attractiveness based on authentic cultural experiences. The aim of the study is to identify the prospects for developing Ukraine’s tourism appeal through the promotion of its musical heritage, particularly by examining its potential as an essential component of tourism. Research methodology is based on an interdisciplinary approach that combines methods of cultural studies, tourism studies, sociology, and systems analysis. The study includes content analysis of regulatory documents, analytical reports, and academic publications, as well as the development of a conceptual model for integrating musical heritage into the tourism space. Research results. The study reveals that musical heritage, as one of the most expressive forms of national identity, holds strong potential for revitalizing tourism activities, especially in the context of growing interest in cultural authenticity. At the same time, the absence of a systematic approach to utilizing musical resources in Ukraine’s tourism sector complicates the formation of a coherent policy in this field. Conclusions. The proposed conceptual model serves as an analytical tool for identifying the key mechanisms through which musical heritage can become a catalyst for increasing the country’s tourism appeal. This approach not only enhances the cultural value of tourism products but also provides socio-economic benefits, supports the preservation of national heritage, and expands opportunities for international cultural communication.
The aim of this article is to examine investment asymmetry in the development of the IT sector across European Union countries, taking into account structural, institutional, and macroeconomic factors. The author conceptualizes the notion of investment asymmetry in the context of the digital economy and elaborates on the unique characteristics of the IT sector as a specific target of investment, marked by high capital mobility, globalized competition, and dependence on innovation capacity. The study emphasizes the leading role of Western and Northern European countries: namely France, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Ireland in attracting more than 70% of venture capital directed toward digital industries. This concentration highlights a structural imbalance in the development of innovation infrastructure among EU member states. A comparative analysis is conducted on key institutional factors such as the quality of public governance, the presence of national digital strategies, the level of investor protection, the efficiency of the judicial system, access to venture and private capital, and the dynamics of investment attractiveness indices across EU countries. Particular attention is given to the role of government incentives, tax benefits for IT companies, and the availability of innovation infrastructure, such as technology parks, R&D centers, and innovation hubs. A quantitative approach is employed to measure asymmetry by comparing individual countries’ shares in total foreign direct investment in the IT sector with their respective shares of EU GDP, the number of jobs created in relevant sectors, and their level of participation in pan-European digital transformation projects. The study also addresses the potential of the IT sector to act as a compensatory force for economic inequality, particularly in countries with less developed industrial bases. It is argued that the IT sector offers relatively equal initial conditions for attracting investment, provided that human capital and basic digital infrastructure are present. The article underscores the importance of developing a coordinated EU policy aimed at reducing investment asymmetry and expanding opportunities for smaller member states. This can be achieved by fostering technological hubs, improving access to finance, and enhancing institutional capacity.
The aim of the article is to identify trends in the development of foreign trade relations of the Western Balkan countries in the context of their ongoing integration processes with the European Union in recent years. The main challenges and achievements of the countries in the region – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro on the path of harmonizing trade policies in accordance with current EU policies are analyzed. Special attention is paid to the role of bilateral Stabilization and Association Agreements between the EU and the studied countries, as well as to the significance of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) in shaping the regional economic space. Using trend analysis, export statistics to the EU from 2014 to 2024 are presented, showing an overall positive dynamics in export-import operations between the EU countries and the Western Balkans. It is demonstrated that the participation of the region’s countries in the Stabilization and Association Both trade agreements contributes to trade liberalization and increases integration compatibility with the European market. Despite positive developments, internal and external factors affecting the effectiveness of foreign trade activities in the Western Balkans are revealed, particularly institutional limitations, underdeveloped logistics, and dependence on certain industries, which impact the current export potential. The role of EU macro-regional strategies (EUSDR, EUSAIR) as tools for deepening integration cooperation is noted. The article concludes that despite positive developments, the countries of the region require structural reforms, increased competitiveness, and stronger institutional capacity. The experience of the Western Balkans is considered a valuable reference for Ukraine which is also at the stage of implementing the European integration course.
The article examines the current aspects of international technology transfer in the countries of the European Union in the context of global digitalization. In the modern world, digital transformations are fundamentally changing the mechanisms of technological exchange between states, companies and research institutions, leading to the need to rethink traditional approaches to innovation management. The article emphasizes that for the European Union, technology transfer is not only a tool for innovative development, but also an important factor in geoeconomic sustainability and the formation of a single digital space. Given the growing complexity and multilevel nature of global economic relations, an effective technology transfer policy requires an interdisciplinary and interinstitutional approach based on the principles of open innovation, cooperation and joint development. European digital initiatives, including the Digital Single Market, Horizon Europe, the European Innovation Council and others, play an important role in this process. They create conditions for the integration of digital solutions into all links of the value chain – from research and development to commercialization. The article highlights the problem of digital inequality both within the EU and globally, where countries with less developed digital infrastructure – Ukraine – risk being on the periphery of technological progress. The article substantiates that increasing the efficiency of international technology transfer is possible only under the conditions of strategic coordination of digital policies, the development of a single regulatory framework, the activation of cross-border cooperation and the formation of inclusive innovation ecosystems. Special attention is paid to the issue of strengthening the role of Ukraine in the European space of technological exchange as a factor of its economic modernization and gradual overcoming of the digital divide. Thus, the approach proposed in the article allows for a comprehensive assessment of current trends in technology transfer in the context of digital transformation, to identify systemic challenges and promising directions for the development of innovation cooperation policy.
The article considers the features of the development of international trade relations in the context of the formation of the global digital economy. The increasingly active use of the latest information and communication technologies significantly accelerates export-import transactions, allows to significantly expand the circle of participants in the cross-border turnover of goods and services, and involve new resources in it. The goal is to analyze the impact of the digitalization process on international trade relations, their dynamics, new forms and contradictions. General scientific methods are used, such as logical analysis and comparison, as well as methods of generalization and processing of information using economic and statistical methods of analysis. The following results were obtained: using the potential of modern information and communication technologies has given rise to new megatrends in international trade relations. E-commerce is not just growing in absolute and relative terms, but is forming new trends in cross-border trade relations, primarily due to the comparative advantages generated by digitalization. Platform solutions have acquired particular importance. At the same time, in addition to the undoubted positive effects, the growth in the scale and importance of e-commerce creates a number of problems, in particular, additional prerequisites for the monopolization of trade between countries are being formed. Fundamental issues of regulation of this new sphere of international interaction require resolution. Conclusions: All countries are now involved in one way or another in the processes taking place in the global digital space, including in the international e-commerce segment. They are to develop advanced national information and computer technologies with critically thoughtful consideration of foreign experience, create their own electronic trading platforms and extensive digital infrastructure, and improve the legislative framework. This creates a solid potential for resolving bottlenecks in world trade and the global economy as a whole, for resolving accumulated contradictions and mutual claims.
The article explores the investment potential of implementing digital twin technology in Ukraine’s industrial sector within the context of global digital transformation. The author justifies the relevance of the topic by highlighting systemic challenges in domestic industry: outdated equipment, low automation levels, weak digital integration, and limited adaptability to international standards of efficiency and quality. It is established that digital twins–virtual models of physical objects and processes–enable a new level of analytics, failure prediction, and production cost optimization. The international experience of digitalization leaders (Germany, the USA, Japan) is presented, where digital twins have already proven their economic viability in energy, mechanical engineering, and pharmaceuticals. Special attention is given to implementation barriers in Ukraine: high initial costs, lack of skilled personnel, underdeveloped digital infrastructure, and absence of regulatory frameworks. Nevertheless, the author emphasizes that with state support, pilot projects, educational programs, and the creation of digitalization centers, the technology could become a driver for modernizing capital-intensive sectors such as metallurgy, mechanical engineering, and agriculture. A multi-level implementation strategy is proposed, encompassing short-, medium-, and long-term measures, including integration with IoT, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. The study concludes that successful execution of these solutions would enhance Ukraine’s economic competitiveness and integrate it into the industrial standards of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The global automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the urgent need for decarbonization, energy security, and technological advancements. Electric vehicle (EV) production has become a central element of this transformation, emerging not only as a technological challenge but also as a critical arena for international industrial competition. This article examines the European Union’s strategy for electric mobility development within the context of the green economy transition, particularly focusing on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for EV production in the EU. The goal of this study is to define the EU's current position in the global electric mobility landscape, identify key policy gaps, and develop scientifically grounded recommendations for enhancing EV production. The methodological framework of this study is built upon a qualitative approach, emphasizing comparative and structural analysis of key factors influencing the development of electric mobility within the EU. The research employs systems analysis and contextual evaluation to understand how innovative technologies are integrated into EU transportation policies and the broader context of the green economy transition. The findings reveal that, despite long-term regulatory frameworks like the 2035 internal combustion engine (ICE) phase-out and the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), short-term policy volatility and market fragmentation persist as significant challenges. The slowdown in battery electric vehicle (BEV) market share, particularly in Germany, underscores the need for continued and stable policy incentives to maintain adoption momentum. The success of the EU’s electric mobility transition will depend on three critical dimensions: sustained policy coherence, equitable infrastructure development, and maintaining industrial competitiveness in a shifting global market. The article identifies the main challenges and opportunities related to the integration of green energy technologies into the EU's transport system and their impact on shaping a sustainable future of mobility. It highlights the role of electric vehicle production as a central component of the EU’s green economy transition, addressing both technological and strategic aspects in the context of decarbonization and energy security. The study proposes scientific and practical recommendations for enhancing electric vehicle production within the EU, focusing on the development of policies that ensure long-term stability and effective implementation of green energy technologies. These recommendations aim to overcome the challenges associated with market fragmentation and policy volatility, which threaten the adoption of EVs, especially in the face of a slowdown in the BEV market share, particularly in Germany. The practical implication of this research lies in providing a robust framework for EU policymakers to accelerate the integration of green technologies into the transport sector, thereby boosting the competitiveness of Europe in the global electric vehicle market. The results offer insights into necessary interventions for achieving climate neutrality and securing technological sovereignty within the EU, while also promoting economic growth and job creation in a low-carbon future. Governments must engage in active, long-term policy interventions to foster industrial ecosystems that support clean mobility, economic competitiveness, and technological sovereignty. The proposed recommendations provide a framework for government action that, if successfully implemented, will not only accelerate the transition to electric mobility but also contribute to the EU’s broader goals of climate neutrality, technological innovation, and inclusive economic growth. Future research should focus on further refining the strategies for cross-border collaboration, the integration of renewable energy into EV infrastructure, and the evolution of consumer behavior in response to policy measures. Ultimately, the EU’s strategy for electric mobility development will determine its ability to lead in the global transition to sustainable transportation.
The problems and directions of ensuring international digital information security in the countries of the Southeast Asian islands (SEA), in particular regarding protection against ransomware, are considered, which are based on the recommendations of the Singapore Task Force on Combating Ransomware (CRTF), as well as on analytical materials of scientists, experts and specialists specializing in the issues of regional information security and the development of appropriate tools for its provision. The subject of the study in the article is the issue of ensuring international digital information security in the countries of the SEA islands in the context of combating ransomware. The goal is to study the current state, current problems and trends of international digital information security in order to find possible directions for increasing its effectiveness in the countries of the SEA islands using the example of information threats from ransomware and methods of combating them. Tasks: to identify the main modern information threats and features of ensuring digital information security in the studied region; to investigate the trends in the development of information threats from ransomware, their impact on international business and existing recommendations for combating them; to develop guidelines, recommendations and methods of data protection that can be used by organizations and international companies of the SEA island countries to improve the effectiveness of digital information security. The general scientific method of system analysis is used to determine the current state, challenges and key trends of digital information security in the fight against ransomware, as well as to study possible directions for increasing its effectiveness. The following results were obtained: based on the processing of reports on the current state of international digital information security and ransomware, the state, features and problems of ensuring cybersecurity in the SEA island countries were determined. Recommendations for combating ransomware and methods of protecting against them were provided based on the conclusions of leading companies working in the field of information security, as well as taking into account the CRTF guidelines. Possible directions and prospects for further scientific research on the issue under consideration were identified. Conclusions: The research findings, as well as the implementation of the recommendations set out in the article, in particular on combating ransomware, contribute to ensuring effective digital information security and the formation of a reliable, resilient digital environment against complex information threats. The guidelines, recommendations and methods for protecting corporate data proposed in the work can be used as best practices for private organizations and international companies in the SEA island countries. Additional recommendations for public and private organizations in the region indicate how best to protect themselves from various information threats, with an emphasis on the conclusions and recommendations of the CRTF task force. As a result, by implementing effective measures and practices, organizations in the island region can significantly strengthen their information security positions in terms of data protection and disaster recovery, as well as significantly reduce cyberattacks from both internal and external threats.
The article examines the barrier-free environment as a key factor in ensuring the sustainable development of tourism in Ukraine. A barrier-free environment is not only a matter of social responsibility, but also an important tool for the sustainable development of the tourism business in Ukraine. Creating accessible tourism will allow integrating vulnerable categories of the population into tourism activities, increasing the economic efficiency of the industry and improving the international image of the country. Investments in accessibility are investments in the future that take into account the interests of everyone. The object of the study is the socio-economic processes of the development of the tourism sector of Ukraine in the context of transformation to an inclusive model of spatial organization. The subject of the study is the structural and functional characteristics of the barrier-free environment in tourism, the mechanisms of its integration into the tourism development management system and the practices of implementing accessibility principles in the strategic planning of sustainable tourism. The methodological basis of the study is an interdisciplinary approach that combines a systemic analysis to identify relationships between elements of tourism infrastructure and inclusive access conditions; institutional approach to the analysis of regulatory and legal principles and management practices for the formation of a barrier-free space; comparative analysis of foreign experience in developing inclusive tourism to adapt best practices in the Ukrainian context. It is substantiated that the inclusiveness of tourism infrastructure is not only an element of social responsibility, but also a strategic resource for expanding the market of tourism services, increasing the competitiveness of destinations and integrating into international standards of sustainable development. The regulatory and legal prerequisites for the formation of an inclusive space are analyzed, in particular the provisions of the National Strategy for the Creation of a Barrier-Free Space by 2030, as well as Ukraine's international legal obligations in the field of the rights of persons with disabilities. A structural model for the formation of an inclusive tourist environment is proposed, which integrates the principles of universal design, information and spatial accessibility, digital inclusion, professional training of personnel, regulatory regulation and intersectoral interaction. The results of the study confirm that the implementation of barrier-free solutions in the tourism sector is a necessary condition for achieving sustainable development goals, in particular in the aspects of social equality, accessibility of economic opportunities and preservation of cultural diversity. The conclusion is made about the feasibility of institutionalizing inclusive tourism as a priority area of state tourism policy.
This research analyses the influence of digital finance on the performance of the Nigerian stock market from 2009 to 2023. This study examines the impact of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transactions, Point of Sale (POS) transactions, mobile payment transactions, and online payment transactions on stock market capitalisation in Nigeria. The research employs an ex-post facto design and utilises secondary time series data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple regression analysis, were employed to examine the data. The results demonstrate a robust and significant correlation between digital finance and stock market success. Web pay transactions have the most substantial positive impact on market capitalisation, indicating that online payment methods augment investor engagement and stock market expansion. Conversely, ATM and mobile payment transactions exhibit adverse effects, suggesting possible inefficiencies or restricted integration with stock market operations. POS transactions exhibit a modest yet favourable impact on stock market capitalisation. The research finds that digital finance is essential for advancing stock market growth in Nigeria. It advises that governments and financial institutions policy makers should deepen digital finance platforms with capital market services, augment infrastructure, and elevate digital literacy to optimise the advantages of digital finance for stock market performance.
Quality management of tourist services is a determining factor in the effective operation of enterprises within the tourism sector, requiring continuous improvement and consideration of current trends. In today’s world, tourism activity is defined by the level of competitiveness, and quality serves as the key competitive advantage for tourism enterprises. The aim of this article is to substantiate modern approaches to quality management in tourist services. To achieve this goal, the following research methods were used: analysis and synthesis, comparison, and generalization. It has been established that effective quality management of tourist services requires a comprehensive approach that integrates all processes and functions aimed at achieving a high level of customer service. It is established that the quality of tourist services is a important factor, as it provides an assessment of the service provision process, which in turn affects customer loyalty and positive feedback. Equally important is the fact that high service quality contributes to enhancing the economic efficiency of tourism enterprises and improving their market reputation. It has been established that providing a high level of tourist services contributes not only to increasing the economic efficiency of enterprises, but also to the development of sustainable tourism, which is an important component of the tourism industry development strategy. The main and modern approaches to managing the quality of tourism services include: implementation of international quality standards; customer orientation; digital transformation; competitive market analysis and study of tourist requests. It is noted that service lies at the core of tourist services. The main components of a high level of service are staff professionalism, communication culture, quick response to the needs of tourists and an attentive attitude towards each tourist. It has been established that improving the quality of service is crucial. Among the key tools for improving service quality are: regular professional training of staff, self-directed learning, the implementation of employee motivation systems, and conducting customer surveys. It is determined that competitiveness is defined by two main indicators: primarily the quality level of the product and the pricing level.
In contemporary scholarly research, investments in the European Union’s renewable energy sector are regarded as a key instrument for achieving the 2030 and 2050 climate and energy targets. This study examines the mechanisms and instruments for financing EU renewable energy investments, as well as the interdependence of regulatory, technological, and market factors that determine their effectiveness and resilience. The aim of the paper is to analyze the current state of EU renewable energy investments, identify the key instruments influencing these investments, and assess their development prospects. The research employs statistical analysis of investment and deployment data for renewable energy sources, comparative analysis of policy instruments, and content analysis of EU strategic documents and reports from international organizations. The results show that, between 2021 and 2024, renewable energy investment volumes grew by over 40% thanks to the combination of InvestEU budget guarantees, RRF grants and concessional loans, and the introduction of the EU Green Bond Standard. The implementation of market mechanisms (auctions, PPAs, carbon pricing) has optimized costs but also revealed the need to develop risk-hedging instruments and improve the regulatory framework. Structural barriers — approval delays, grid constraints, and price volatility — create a complex risk profile for EU renewable energy projects. While the EU has made significant progress in renewable energy investment, accelerated efforts and targeted interventions are required to overcome existing barriers and achieve the 2030 and 2050 climate and energy goals. A multifaceted approach combining robust policy frameworks, innovative financial instruments, and technological advancements is critical for future success.
Contemporary trends in tourism highlight the increasing significance of event-based formats, with festival tourism emerging as a particularly dynamic and promising direction. Festival tourism involves participation in large-scale artistic, gastronomic, historical, religious, or musical events, which serve as catalysts for tourist flows, instruments for preserving cultural heritage, and tools for regional branding. In recent years, festivals have also increasingly been positioned as platforms for social dialogue, intercultural communication, and the construction of a positive image of destinations in the global arena. The subject of this study is festival tourism as a distinct form of tourist activity that combines cultural participation, social interaction, and the economic stimulation of localities. The goal of this article is to systematize theoretical approaches to the analysis of festival tourism and to identify its core classification features, structural components, and developmental trends in the context of global challenges. The objectives include: clarifying the conceptual essence of festival tourism, outlining its key functions and influencing factors, and examining international practices of its implementation. The research methodology is based on general scientific methods: systems analysis to explore the specific features of the field's development; comparative analysis to identify relevant international models; and structural analysis to elaborate a typology of festival formats. Key results include an in-depth analysis of the factors shaping demand for festival tourism, its typological features, institutional development frameworks, and emerging participatory formats. Conclusions: Festival tourism is defined as a multidimensional socio-cultural phenomenon that combines event-based experiences, the creative economy, communicative practices, and territorial identity. It demonstrates substantial potential for enhancing the tourism attractiveness of regions, fostering intercultural cooperation, building sustainable destination brands, and reinforcing local economies under conditions of global transformation.
The article analyses the life and professional activity of one of the most famous American chefs and restaurateurs, a representative of molecular gastronomy, Homaro Cantu (1976–2015). Obsessed with the diversity of food forms, Homaro Cantu was set to change the restaurant experience: to redefine service, the way customers interact with food, what can and cannot be consumed. One of his main ideas was to get rid of cardboard or plastic packaging for juices by treating fruit with an ultrasonic wave generator. Homaro Cantu also actively researched the effect of miracle berry (synsepalum dulcificum). This small West African fruit contains miraculin, a complex molecule that temporarily disrupts the sweet and sour receptors on the human tongue. On Future Food TV series (2010) chef Cantu demonstrated how tasteless but edible plants can be used to mimic familiar flavours in foods by tricking the appropriate receptors. In 2013, Homaro Cantu published the book «The Miracle Berry Diet Cookbook», where he presented more than 150 dishes where it is suitable to use this miracle berry. Homaro Cantu was a media personality who regularly participated in television shows. In his media appearances, he advocated ending world hunger and believed that his edible paper creation and miracle berry could play a significant role in achieving this goal. One of his projects was consulting with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Elon Musk’s company SpaceX on 3D printing food for astronauts and growing crops on board spaceships. At the beginning of 2015, Homaro Cantu was busy with his famous establishments «Moto», «Berrista», his own research company «Cantu Designs», a new brewery, a non-profit mentoring program that he ran in honour of Chef Charlie Trotter, trying to support each of his projects. Despite all this, friends and colleagues did not notice anything strange in Homaro’s behaviour. On April 14, 2015, Homaro Cantu hanged himself in the large warehouse where the brewery was about to open. In 2016, Brett A. Schwartz directed a documentary «Insatiable: The Homaro Cantu Story». After his death, the book «Moto: The Cookbook» (2017) was published. Homaro Cantu entered the history of world gastronomy as a true innovator and visionary, whose creative ideas continue to be actively explored and used.
In the context of significant changes within the post-bipolar system of international relations, the activity of the People’s Republic of China is notably increasing, particularly in African countries. A priority direction of China’s foreign policy in Africa is its strategic partnership with Nigeria, which is striving to attract new investments – especially from China – to strengthen its international status. It seeks support from the PRC in the political, military-technical, and financial-economic spheres. The purpose of this article is to analyze the history and current state of Sino-Nigerian relations, to explore the full spectrum of the PRC’s interests in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to identify the main areas of their strategic partnership, especially the security dimension of bilateral cooperation against the backdrop of escalating conflicts in West and Central Africa. The methods used to achieve the research goal include historical-comparative analysis, systematization and generalization, and the retrospective method. The article demonstrates that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971, cooperation between China and Nigeria has significantly expanded due to the continuous growth of bilateral trade. The results of the study show that relations between the two countries are developing most dynamically in the economic sphere. Nigeria has become a key oil supplier for the Chinese economy. At the same time, China has provided Nigeria with significant investment, military-technical, and political support, considering it one of the key participants in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It is emphasized that Nigeria was the first African country to be recognized by China as a strategic partner after the signing of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding in 2006. The two countries consistently support each other in international organizations, particularly in the United Nations, and within the framework of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). It is shown that China provides significant military support to Nigeria, supplying weapons and military equipment to combat insurgents and terrorist groups, particularly in the Niger Delta. It is noted that the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Nigeria on January 9-10, 2025, will help accelerate the development of bilateral relations and the Global South in general.
