Purpose This study aims to investigate the key determinants of firm performance in the Greek wine sector. The analysis focuses on firms’ balance sheet structure and operational characteristics, emphasizing liquidity conditions, debt composition, working capital management, investment activity and firm-specific attributes. Design/methodology/approach This study uses panel data from 67 Greek wineries (2013–2024) to analyze profitability via return on assets. The model incorporates internal determinants, including liquidity, debt structure (short/long-term), working capital, capital expenditure, size and age, applying a one-year lag to financing and investment variables to account for delayed impacts. Estimation is performed using pooled ordinary least squares and random effects models, supported by diagnostic tests to ensure robustness. Findings The analysis reveals that liquidity, debt (short- and long-term), efficient working capital management and investment activity all significantly boost firm performance. Notably, long-term debt shows a stronger positive impact on ROA than short-term debt, emphasizing the importance of strategic financing for long-term growth. Conversely, firm size is negatively correlated with performance, pointing toward diseconomies of scale or increased coordination costs in large operations. Profitability is driven primarily by financial metrics rather than the length of time a firm has been operating. Originality/value This research contributes to the literature on the Greek wine industry, presents empirical data on the factors that shape business performance and supports the design of effective strategies and policies.

This study systematically reviews the application of machine learning (ML) in emergency resource allocation across Europe, with the aim of synthesizing current evidence and identifying future research directions. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Data were collected from major academic databases (2018–2025) using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 52 relevant studies were analyzed through qualitative thematic synthesis. The review finds that ML significantly enhances predictive analytics, enabling accurate forecasting of emergency demand and proactive resource allocation. ML-driven optimization improves ambulance dispatch, hospital resource management, and logistics efficiency, while real-time decision support systems strengthen situational awareness and coordination. However, challenges persist, including data quality issues, system fragmentation, ethical concerns (bias, transparency), and limited interoperability across European systems. ML has transformative potential in shifting emergency resource allocation from reactive to data-driven, predictive systems. Its effectiveness, however, depends on robust data infrastructure, ethical governance, and system integration. The study recommends strengthening data systems, adopting hybrid ML-optimization models, enhancing ethical frameworks, investing in human capacity, and promoting cross-border collaboration.

Western Macedonia, the leading power-producing region in Greece, has long depended on thermoelectric plants and lignite mining. To reach climate neutrality by 2050, Greece is undergoing a delignitization process aiming to shut down all lignite plants. This structural reconstruction of the energy model will mainly affect society, the economy, the environment, and agriculture. Strengthening efforts to support lignite-dependent areas are essential for this transition. Bioeconomy could be one of the main pillars for the post-lignite era in the Western Macedonia Region (WMR). This paper explores the gender dimension in the adoption of bioeconomy practices and innovativeness among farmers in the Region of Western Macedonia. Based on 331 structured questionnaires and a Two-Step Cluster Analysis, the research identifies five farmer clusters and then correlates the clusters with Rogers’s theory of diffusion of innovations. The findings identify a dynamic group of young female farmers leading the diffusion of innovation, emphasizing their role in promoting sustainable agricultural transitions and the need for gender-responsive policies in regional bioeconomy strategies.

This study investigates the integration of bioeconomy principles in the Greek livestock sector, framing the transition from conventional farming toward a circular bioeconomy as a strategy for resource conservation and reduced environmental pressure. It assesses farmers' awareness of bioeconomy principles, the adoption of circular practices, and the associated economic and conservation-related performance. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 383 livestock farmers across the main livestock-producing regions of Greece and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Although respondents show substantial awareness, adoption remains incomplete, mainly because of high initial capital costs and insufficient financial incentives. Farmers implementing circular strategies reported gains in resource-use efficiency, waste minimization, and the conservation of soil, water, and biodiversity, particularly reduced greenhouse-gas emissions, while public subsidies and fiscal incentives emerged as the principal drivers of adoption. In applied terms, support should be prioritized for capital-intensive investments such as anaerobic digestion, manure and nutrient recovery, and water reuse, and the awareness-adoption gap is best closed through targeted subsidies and training. The findings offer concrete guidance for conservation-oriented agri-environmental policy supporting the green transition of livestock farming in Greece.

This study explores spatial disparities in public perceptions of decarbonization and acceptance of the bioeconomy in a transitioning region. A structured survey of 465 residents across Western Macedonia assessed views on environmental, economic, and institutional aspects using Likert-scale items. Statistical analyses, including K-means clustering, revealed significant variation in perceptions, with institutional support, visible investment, enterprise activity, and public sentiment emerging as key predictors of acceptance. Institutional engagement showed the strongest influence. Findings underscore the uneven experience of transition across sub-regions and highlight the need for inclusive, place-sensitive policies to foster trust, enhance communication, and ensure a truly just transition process.

The sustainability of the wine sector depends on primary production practices and on the adaptability of plant material to climate change. This study evaluates the carbon footprint and technical efficiency of four grape varieties in Paionia using an integrated Life Cycle Assessment and Data Envelopment Analysis framework. A cradle-to-gate approach was adopted, with system boundaries extending from input production to harvest, and functional units of kg CO2e/ha to capture input intensity and kg CO2e/kg grape to assess product-level environmental efficiency. The analysis included 82 vineyards, with DEA scores ranging from 0.744 to 1.000; most vineyards operated below the efficiency frontier, and the input-oriented VRS model identified potential input reductions without affecting output. Merlot showed the highest footprint (3794.02 kg CO2e/ha), followed by Assyrtiko (2798.40) and Xinomavro (2784.48), while Roditis had the lowest (1958.07); on a per-kg basis, emissions were 0.340, 0.304, 0.281, and 0.143 kg CO2e/kg respectively. The DEA identified targeted input-saving opportunities, including reduced irrigation needs in white varieties and lower nutrient and plant-protection requirements in red varieties, while the strong performance of Roditis highlights the advantages of locally adapted, low-input plant material for improving efficiency.

This study examines professionals’ assessments of the contribution of Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart water management systems (SWMS) to urban water efficiency and sustainability in Greece. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 296 professionals with knowledge and experience relevant to water management. The analysis focuses on four IoT dimensions: real-time monitoring, automated leakage detection, consumption data analytics, and smart irrigation control and their associations with perceived urban water efficiency and sustainability. Multiple regression analysis showed that all four IoT dimensions were positively and significantly associated with perceived urban water efficiency and sustainability, with real-time monitoring showing the strongest standardized association, followed by consumption data analytics, automated leakage detection, and smart irrigation control. The findings provide component-level evidence that different IoT capabilities are not equally associated with perceived urban water efficiency and sustainability. The results may inform the prioritization of smart-water capabilities in professional and policy decision-making, while recognizing that the study is perception-based and does not directly measure project-level water savings or economic performance.

IntroductionCompetency frameworks are increasingly promoted as instruments for strengthening administrative capacity and modernizing public human resource management systems. However, their effectiveness depends not only on formal adoption but also on how they are interpreted, integrated, and enacted within everyday administrative practice. This study examines the implementation of the Common Skills Framework (CSF) in the Greek public sector, focusing on its contribution to professional development, HRM practices, and the organizational conditions shaping its integration.MethodsThe study employs a modified e-Delphi methodology involving experts from key public-sector institutions, employee representatives, and academics. Two iterative rounds were conducted to evaluate consensus, stability, and divergence across core implementation dimensions related to competency framework adoption and organizational integration.ResultsThe findings indicate that the CSF is generally perceived as conceptually coherent and supportive of human resource management and professional development. Nevertheless, its practical implementation appears uneven and is strongly influenced by organizational culture, communication processes, managerial engagement, and administrative capacity. Participants emphasized that the successful integration of competency frameworks requires supportive institutional environments and continuous organizational learning mechanisms.DiscussionThe study demonstrates that competency frameworks should not be viewed merely as formal policy instruments but rather as context-dependent and human-centered implementation processes. Their effectiveness is shaped by the interaction between organizational conditions, managerial support, and learning-oriented administrative cultures. The findings contribute to the literature on public sector reform by highlighting the conditions under which competency frameworks can support sustainable administrative capacity and long-term organizational development.

Food fraud remains a persistent and evolving challenge for official food control systems, requiring proactive and risk-based governance approaches. This study examines food inspectors' perceptions of the applicability, expected usefulness, and implementation barriers of AI-enabled functions in official food controls in Greece, with particular emphasis on food fraud-related uses. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted with 122 inspectors and supervisory staff from all major competent authorities responsible for official food controls in Greece, including the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, the Regional Agricultural Directorates, the Hellenic Food Authority, and the Hellenic Agricultural Organization "DIMITRA". Respondents evaluated AIenabled functions as decision-support applications-such as early warning systems, text mining, big data analytics, visualization tools, and sensor-/imaging-assisted methods-rather than as fully autonomous systems currently deployed in routine enforcement. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and ordinal regression models indicated generally positive perceptions of AI-enabled tools, with the highest perceived usefulness reported for early warning systems, text mining, and big data-driven analytical applications. Perceived value was strongest for risk prioritization, traceability, transparency, and fraud-related control functions, whereas key barriers included limited technical training, insufficient digital infrastructure, budget constraints, and regulatory uncertainty. Educational background, institutional context, and attitudinal factors were associated with variation in perceived usefulness and acceptance. Overall, the findings indicate a structural readiness gap: favourable attitudes towards AI coexist with institutional, regulatory, and capacity-related constraints. Effective integration in the Greek official food control system will therefore require coordinated investment in human capacity, interoperable data infrastructures, and clear procedural guidance for accountable, risk-based use.

This study investigates the satisfaction level of dairy farmers with their collaborating dairy industries, focusing on differences between small-scale (1–100 animals) and large-scale (401–1000 animals) farms. Using survey data collected during 2011–2015, the research assesses both satisfaction and the extent to which dissatisfaction leads producers to switch partners. Findings show that larger farms report higher satisfaction due to stronger bargaining power and preferential contractual conditions, whereas smaller farms face greater insecurity and moderate satisfaction. Despite dissatisfaction, most farmers remain with the same companies, highlighting market rigidity. Results remain relevant today, emphasizing the need for policies enhancing small producers’ negotiating power and supporting cooperative structures.

IntroductionThis study examines the role of Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) in fostering administrative integration and institutional development within Greek universities. In the context of increasing organizational complexity and reform pressures in higher education, SHRM is considered a critical mechanism for enhancing institutional effectiveness and adaptability.MethodsA quantitative research design was employed using a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 397 participants, including administrative staff and academic leaders from Greek universities. Data were analyzed through regression analysis to investigate the relationships between key SHRM practices—strategic workforce planning, employee training and development, performance appraisal systems, and employee participation—and organizational outcomes.ResultsThe findings reveal that strategic workforce planning, employee training, and performance appraisal systems have a statistically significant positive effect on administrative integration. Additionally, employee participation in decision-making processes is positively associated with institutional development. However, the results also highlight persistent challenges, including bureaucratic resistance, limited digital infrastructure, and resource constraints, which hinder the effective implementation of SHRM practices.DiscussionThe study underscores the importance of aligning SHRM practices with institutional goals to enhance organizational performance in higher education. It recommends that Greek universities invest in digital HR systems, strengthen training initiatives, improve performance appraisal mechanisms, and promote a more participatory decision-making culture. The findings contribute context-specific insights into the advancement of SHRM in Greek higher education and offer practical implications for policymakers and institutional leaders seeking to drive organizational change and development.

Food fraud represents a growing global challenge with significant implications for public health, market integrity, sustainability, and consumer trust. Beyond economic losses, fraudulent practices undermine the environmental and social sustainability of food systems by distorting markets, misusing natural resources, and weakening incentives for authentic and responsible production. Despite the establishment of harmonized frameworks of the European Union for official controls, the increasing complexity of food supply chains has exposed persistent gaps in fraud detection, particularly for high-value products such as those with PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Iota ndication) Certification. This study investigates the perceptions, attitudes, and experiences of frontline inspectors in Greece to assess current challenges and opportunities for strengthening official food fraud controls. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, validated by experts and administered nationwide, involving 122 participants representing all major national food inspection authorities. Statistical analysis revealed significant institutional differences in perceptions of fraud prevalence, with mislabeling of origin, misleading organic claims, ingredient substitution, and documentation irregularities identified as the most common fraudulent practices. Olive oil, honey, meat, and dairy emerged as the most vulnerable product categories. Inspectors reported relying primarily on consumer complaints and institutional databases as key tools for identifying fraud risks. Food fraud was perceived to contribute strongly to losses in consumer trust in food safety and product authenticity, as well as to the erosion of sustainable production models that depend on transparency, fair competition, and responsible resource use. Overall, the findings highlight detection gaps, uneven resources across authorities, and the need for improved coordination and capacity-building to support more efficient, transparent, and sustainability-oriented food fraud control in Greece.

The study aims to assess the difficulties faced by SMEs in the region of Western Macedonia during the previous five years and to highlight their possible way out through innovations and green development. For this purpose, a questionnaire was used, which was drawn up for data collection by the SMEs of the region. According to the results of the survey, the shock of the energy transition, the economic crisis and the COVID-19 virus dramatically limited and stopped the development of SMEs in Western Macedonia. the investments in innovation and green development that significantly increasing the last few years in the area are related mainly to multinational enterprises and less to the SMEs. The role of the SMEs could be mainly supporting these large energy companies through trading activities and more significantly in the primary sector to the fields of bio and 'new' cultivations, and bio and traditional products.

IntroductionThis study examines the impact of Human Resource Management (HRM) policies on the integration of administrative structures within Greek universities. The research focuses on how key HRM practices contribute to administrative cohesion, coordination, and organizational effectiveness in higher education institutions.MethodsA cross-sectional survey research design was employed. Data were collected from 334 participants, including university administrators, HR professionals, and faculty members. The study investigated the relationship between administrative integration and four major HRM practices: recruitment and selection, training and development, performance appraisal, and communication and employee participation.ResultsThe findings indicate that all four HRM practices positively and statistically significantly influence administrative integration. Among them, communication and employee participation emerged as the strongest predictors of effective coordination and collaboration within administrative systems. However, several challenges were identified, including limited diversity in recruitment procedures, insufficient access to digital training opportunities, and inconsistencies in performance appraisal and reward systems.DiscussionThe study highlights the importance of aligning HRM policies with institutional strategic goals in order to develop a more efficient, flexible, and integrated administrative environment within Greek universities. The findings suggest the need for modernization of recruitment procedures, enhancement of staff development initiatives, strengthening of the link between performance appraisal and reward systems, and promotion of participatory communication practices. These improvements are essential for enhancing organizational effectiveness and supporting long-term administrative integration in higher education institutions.

Transportation infrastructure plays a fundamental role in shaping sustainable urban and regional development by improving accessibility, strengthening territorial cohesion, and supporting long-term economic resilience. While previous studies have primarily examined this relationship through macroeconomic indicators and secondary datasets, limited attention has been given to the perceptions of transportation professionals directly involved in infrastructure planning, implementation, and management. Addressing this gap, the present study investigates how transportation professionals in Greece perceive the contribution of transport infrastructure to sustainable regional development within the European policy context. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed, administering a structured questionnaire to 384 transportation professionals in October–November 2025. The study examined four interrelated dimensions: socio-economic contribution, environmental sustainability, infrastructure resilience, and long-term development. Multiple regression analysis showed that all four dimensions are significantly and positively associated with perceived regional development, with socio-economic contribution (β* = 0.359) and long-term development (β* = 0.304) showing the largest coefficients (R2 = 0.597, p < 0.001). The study contributes practitioner-grounded evidence from the Greek context, with implications for the European Green Deal, TEN-T, and EU Cohesion Policy.

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of traditional fire management practices in the general mitigation of wildfire risk in Greece. Major emphasis was placed on assessing people’s opinions about the perceived effectiveness of traditional fire management strategies that were historically and culturally employed by local communities—such as weather condition monitoring, prescribed burning, proper land use planning, and mosaic burning—in the general mitigation of wildfire risks. An online questionnaire was used to collect data from 397 environmental experts in Greece. The study shows that traditional fire control methods reduce wildfire risk. First, weather monitoring was found to be crucial to wildfire forecasting and prevention. The results showed that early warning, successful firefighting, and fire prevention depend on meteorological data. Additionally, prescribed burning was revealed to have reduced wildfire risk. Respondents accepted that they could reduce unprescribed fires, protect natural ecosystems, remove wildfire-prone areas, and regulate flame intensity. This suggests that scheduled burning in Greece may reduce wildfire damage. The study underlines the importance of including conventional fire management in the wildfire mitigation strategy of Greece. The aforementioned activities may help the environment and civilization progress by safeguarding ecosystems and reducing wildfire damage. These techniques, combined with community engagement and improved early warning systems, may help manage climate change-induced wildfires. Overall, the study contributes to wildfire management in Greece and other Mediterranean countries. The study emphasizes the need to incorporate traditional fire practices into Greece’s wildfire risk reduction strategies. Taking into account the success rates of these practices in other areas, as well as Greece’s old tradition of conducting fire, this paper stresses that further studies and policy developments be made in order to reinstate these practices in today’s wildfire management.

Stakeholder confidence in a business is largely determined by how transparent the firm's financial and non-financial information is. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of ethical communication in building trust and sustainability. A cross-sectional survey research design and a quantitative research methodology were used in the study. Data were collected from 360 different owners of businesses in Greece using a questionnaire. The study's findings demonstrate the beneficial impact ethical business communication may have on a company's capacity to survive unpredictable times. Additionally, the findings demonstrate that company viability in uncertain times is positively impacted by external and horizontal corporate communication. Research findings point to the need for a greater understanding of how to evaluate the openness of business information. Opportunities for business information transparency valuation have been revealed. These might be utilized to develop business information transparency evaluation methodologies or to have a different firm evaluate its own business information disclosure. People must successfully communicate both internally and externally using the proper forms of communication in order to plan and, as a result, develop sustainability as well as sustainable plans. Hence, when using ethical communication to improve company continuity during uncertain times, managers in respectable organizations should communicate with the recipient in a clear, direct, and accurate way. The findings have significant implications for the area of business management, most especially with regard to the value of business communication in ensuring the viability of companies in uncertain or crisis-ridden times.

The growing concern over environmental sustainability has intensified the focus on consumers’ perceptions of eco-friendly food packaging, especially among younger generations. This study aims to investigate the attitudes, preferences, and barriers faced by Greek university students regarding sustainable food packaging, a demographic considered pivotal for driving future consumption trends. An online questionnaire assessing perceptions, preferences, and behaviours related to sustainable packaging was administered to students, with responses measured on a five-point Likert scale. Three hundred and sixty-four students took part in this survey, with the majority (60%) of them being female. Principal component analysis was employed to identify underlying factors influencing perceptions, and k-means cluster analysis revealed two consumer segments: “Innovatives”, including one hundred and ninety-eight participants (54%), who demonstrate strong environmental awareness and willingness to adopt sustainable behaviours, and “Sceptics”, including one hundred sixty-six participants (46%), who show moderate engagement and remain cautious in their choices. Convenience, affordability, and clear product communication emerged as significant factors shaping student preferences. The findings suggest that targeted educational campaigns and transparent information are essential to converting positive attitudes into consistent purchasing behaviours. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and marketers looking to design effective sustainability strategies tailored to the student population.

This research aims to assess the contribution of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital twin technology in improving the predictive planning of European smart cities, particularly in Greece. It considers the effect of specific elements including simulation accuracy, real-time data processing, artificial intelligence tools, and system readiness on the urban planning process. Structured questionnaires were administered to 301 urban professionals working in smart cities across Greece, focusing on their perceptions of the impact of digital twin features on predictive urban planning effectiveness. Respondents were asked how crucial they found the different features of digital twins in actually improving predictive urban planning. Measurement data were described using the arithmetic mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation, while categorical data were described using frequency distribution tables and percentages. This study revealed that the simulation fidelity, available real-time data integration, artificial intelligence analytics, and results- oriented monitoring system maturity have a positive impact on the accuracy, speed, and flexibility of urban planning. Some of the respondents noted these features as very useful for the prediction of urban conditions and decision-making purposes. Nevertheless, some drawbacks related to the computational load and data flow were also revealed. AI-driven digital twins are useful for improving the effectiveness of urban planning. However, they encounter technical issues; therefore, seeking to focus on system maturity and data integration is necessary for their successful implementation. Cities should adopt advanced digital twin technologies and enhance the compatibility of data and maintain AI transparency for better urban planning results.

This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Delphi SWOT tool in formulating a bio-economy strategy for an isolated region. The analysis will highlight the management and planning aspects that are essential for assessing the internal and external circumstances of the region. A total of 16 experts were selected to participate in the Delphi method, which was used to investigate the current state of the bio-economy in the agricultural sector of a small isolated region in Greece. Following the convergence of the experts’ opinions, a SWOT analysis and a set of policy recommendations for the formulation of a bioeconomy strategy were derived. The formulation of a bioeconomy strategy in an isolated region reveals a promising landscape full of opportunities, but also full of challenges. The region has a number of intrinsic advantages that can be used to advance the bioeconomy. The focus on an isolated region limits the applicability of the findings to other regions with different socio-economic contexts. In addition, the Delphi method relies on expert opinion, which is inherently subjective. The bioeconomy concept has the potential to address the challenges faced by a small, mountainous, rural region whose economy has historically been based on energy production from lignite. To facilitate a sustainable transition, it is essential to harness the region’s human capital, promote sustainable agricultural practices, develop innovative products and processes, and establish new value chains that can stimulate economic growth.