Abstract This paper analyses the new Croatian legal framework governing the economic use of beaches, with particular emphasis on concessions and permits introduced by the Maritime Domain and Seaports Act (MDSPA) of 2023. Beaches are a strategic tourism resource and managing them requires balancing general access with the imperatives of sustainable economic development. The first part presents the categorisation of beaches, statutory limitations on granting concessions, and specific safeguards to protect the public interest, such as the prohibition of fencing and the charging of entrance fees. The second part addresses the new regime of permits on the maritime domain. Furthermore, the paper emphasises the importance of planning through the Maritime Domain Management Plan, which is intended to reconcile the objectives of coastal preservation, general use, and economic exploitation. Finally, the analysis considers international conventions, EU directives, and strategic documents that frame the objectives of sustainable management of the coastal and marine environment, with relevance for beaches.
Abstract Organisational pride is associated with job satisfaction and employee engagement because it may strengthen employees’ sense of purpose and meaningfulness at work. This study examines the mediating role of organisational pride in the relationships between job characteristics, job satisfaction, and employee engagement. Data were collected from 308 employees in 15 Croatian organisations at three time points. Job satisfaction and employee engagement were measured in April 2024, job characteristics in July 2024, and organisational pride in October 2024. Two simple mediation models were estimated using the PROCESS macro for SPSS. Job characteristics were positively associated with organisational pride, which was positively associated with job satisfaction and employee engagement. The direct associations between job characteristics and both outcomes remained statistically significant, and the indirect associations through organisational pride were also significant. The findings support statistical mediation; however, the temporal ordering of the measurements does not permit causal inference or establish a temporally ordered mediation process. The results therefore identify organisational pride as an important psychological mechanism associated with job characteristics, job satisfaction, and employee engagement.
Abstract This study focuses on the digital development of European Union Member States. The analysis was conducted using 2022 Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) data and covered three key areas: the basic digitalisation of business, the adoption of advanced online activities, and the availability of 5G network infrastructure. The results show that most Member States have achieved a high level of basic digitalisation. At the same time, the use of advanced solutions, such as cloud computing and e-commerce, remains relatively limited. Particularly noteworthy is that the indicators are less strongly associated than might be expected. For example, countries with well-developed 5G infrastructure do not necessarily make greater use of advanced technologies. Cluster analysis divided the countries into three groups distinguished by different combinations of infrastructure development and the adoption of digital tools. The findings suggest that digital transformation is not linear, but a complex mix of technological, organisational, and cultural factors. The study highlights the importance of coordinated policies that support not only investment in infrastructure but also the development of digital skills and innovative business models.
Abstract This paper applies descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and simple linear regression to examine the relationship between the utilisation of European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds and GDP per capita in Croatia from 2015 to 2025. It explains the role of EU funds in Croatia’s economic development and the criteria used to classify fund utilisation. Data were collected from official EU funds portals, the European Commission Cohesion Open Data, and the Croatian National Bank. The analysis combines tabular and graphical presentation with measures of central tendency, dispersion, linear association, and regression modelling. The findings indicate that Croatia gradually increased absorption of ESI funds over the observed period and approached near-complete utilisation by 2025. The correlation coefficient (r = 0.6926) and the simple regression model suggest a positive and statistically significant relationship between ESI funds utilisation and GDP per capita. Nevertheless, the results should be interpreted as an association rather than proof of direct causality, since other macroeconomic factors also influence economic growth. The paper contributes to regional development research by highlighting the importance of administrative capacity, project preparation and effective fund management for Croatia’s continued economic convergence.
Abstract On the one hand, innovations accelerate tourism development; on the other, they can cause negative consequences in urban centers. Although they are often used to stimulate growth and meet desired sustainability standards, their potential to transform the sector is undoubtedly great. Regulation is highlighted as an important instrument for shaping an innovative and sustainable environment. In order to achieve goals in all three dimensions of sustainability, it is necessary to direct innovations in such a way that they simultaneously address economic, environmental, and social effects. By presenting examples of innovation applications through the Triple Bottom Line concept, the paper explores the positive and negative consequences of their implementation. In conclusion, innovations in urban tourism generate double effects, with negative consequences most often manifested in the environment and the local community.
