The 2022 Russia–Ukraine war has created a new and intense energy crisis. This crisis, which followed the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to have a major impact on the economy, society, and the environment. It brought transformative change to the energy system amid crises, challenges, uncertainty, and opportunities. EU Member States were most affected because of their high dependence on Russian fossil fuels. The complexity of the energy crisis, its impacts, and the emerging energy landscape create the need for a systematic literature review that serves two objectives: capturing the existing knowledge on the impact of the energy crisis after the start of the Russia–Ukraine war and identifying future research avenues that will adequately and effectively illuminate aspects of the energy crisis. More specifically, this review compiles knowledge across three areas: the food market sector, the energy transition sector, and, lastly, the energy poverty sector. The results of this systematic review demonstrate that the energy crisis triggered by the Russia–Ukraine war has reshaped these sectors in different ways. While the crisis provided the necessary impetus for a faster transition to renewables, it also triggered significant inflationary pressure in the global food supply chain and intensified energy vulnerability for low-income populations.

The practice of contract farming has spread across developing and developed countries because it helps both businesses and farmers protect their interests. Beyond its positive effect on farmers' income, contract farming ensures that enterprises can secure the necessary quantities of agricultural products with specific quality standards. The system also creates a safety net that contributes to food security and national prosperity. The banking sector plays an intermediary role by providing financial support to the contracting parties through credit facilities and other services. However, if contract farming is not based on a solid institutional framework and transparent contract terms, it generates conflicts that undermine its objectives. This chapter examines contract farming through European and national policies, analysing its impact on rural entrepreneurship and the strengthening of the agricultural economy, and concludes with specific policy recommendations.

Due to climate change, natural disasters have become more frequent in recent years, having a particularly severe impact on agricultural and livestock production, and on agricultural businesses, respectively. The current chapter examines the vulnerability and resilience of Greek agricultural businesses in the face of natural disasters. It showed that small rural businesses are particularly vulnerable because they lack the resources and contingency plans needed to protect their infrastructure and equipment. There is a lack of information on prevention, preparedness, and recovery measures, as well as on compensation mechanisms, programmes and procedures for catastrophic events. Furthermore, private insurance programmes for compensating agricultural businesses for natural disasters are not widely adopted or integrated. Those affected by natural disasters in the past are better prepared for possible future events.

In the present study the redistributive dynamics of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) subsidies in Greece are examined, identifying differential impacts of public support across farm-size categories. Smaller and medium-sized holdings absorb the majority of CAP transfers, yet larger farms record significantly higher average gross and net incomes. However, the effectiveness of these payments diverges, as gross income is most responsive to subsidies in very large farms, whereas net income responds most strongly in the smallest holdings. Decoupled payments augment gross income in larger agricultural enterprises, whereas direct payments help stabilize the net income of smaller farms. Elasticity estimates suggest that, although CAP payments support income maintenance, they also reinforce structural asymmetries. A dual function of the CAP is identified, as it operates as stabilizing factor of vulnerable farmers while disproportionately benefiting larger, more capitalized holdings.

Small rural businesses face significant challenges due to geographical constraints, transportation costs, small market size, and low population density. On top of that, the energy crisis that arose after the start of the 2022 Russia-Ukraine war and the sanctions imposed by the EU and the US have created a stifling energy environment. The latter has exposed the businesses to the risk of energy poverty. The current study examines energy poverty within three business sectors that are prominent in the Greek countryside. These are entities firstly involved in the processing, manufacturing, and standardization of agricultural products; secondly, involved in the trade of agricultural products; and lastly, certain businesses operating in the tourist area. More specifically, this research examines the energy needs and energy obligations of these businesses as well as the energy efficiency of their facilities by simultaneously exploring the impact of European and national energy policies on addressing energy poverty in rural micro-businesses. To detect the opinions, experiences, perceptions, estimations, and expectations of entrepreneurs who maintain these businesses in rural areas, a qualitative approach was adopted utilizing personal in-depth interviews. Overall, fifteen micro-entrepreneurs were interviewed. Findings revealed that energy costs for rural businesses are becoming a major issue for their survival. Moreover, they have a substantial effect on their operational costs, exceeding other expenses and leading to an increase in energy poverty. These findings have also been confirmed by statistical data. Energy costs for small businesses range from 15% to 35% depending on the business, and during peak periods or crises, they exceed 40%. In addition, fees and taxes account for over 40% of electricity bills.

Extensive research has been developed on the success factors and benefits of Digital Transformation projects for both public and private sectors. In this spectrum, the parameters that drive company administrations to proceed with such projects have been the subject of research as distinct attributes, with scholars analyzing whether the parameters were sufficiently evaluated and to what extent digital transformation project delivery met initial expectations. In this study we present a scoping review of 61 peer-reviewed academic journal articles published between 2013 and 2024, retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, to assess which are the most crucial evaluation parameters that could support corporate administrations in taking calculated decisions on initiating new digital transformation projects. We selected eligible articles based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria related to publication type, language, publication period, and scientific rigor. We analyzed the selected articles using thematic and content analysis, enabling the identification and synthesis of recurring evaluation dimensions. The findings indicate that key parameters—vision, scope, duration, and budget—consistently emerge as critical determinants of project success. Moreover, we propose the integration of these parameters into a digital transformation plan, which organizations could use in future as a control method to support a digital transformation project’s successful delivery.

Market gardening is increasingly discussed as a sustainability-oriented farming model with the potential to support resilient, locally embedded food systems and to contribute to food security through diversified fresh-produce supply, short value chains, and closer producer–consumer relations. However, limited empirical evidence exists on the competences and training needs required for its professional and agribusiness development. This study examines perceived competence confidence and training priorities for market gardening across Ireland, Greece, France, Germany, and Austria. The research draws on 53 interviews with education and training providers and a cross-sectional survey of 275 respondents, including practitioners, advisory actors, and institutional stakeholders. The survey was structured around EntreComp, DigComp, and GreenComp to assess entrepreneurial, digital, and sustainability competences. The findings show that practitioners reported relatively strong confidence in motivation, vision, ethical thinking, environmental responsibility, and local contextual awareness, but weaker confidence in market research, resource mobilisation, record-keeping, planning, digital farm management, online sales, technical troubleshooting, stakeholder engagement, and participatory sustainability action. Advisory and institutional respondents rated entrepreneurial and sustainability competences as highly important, while digital competences were also considered relevant but showed stronger cross-country variation. The study concludes that market gardening education should move beyond technical horticultural instruction and adopt an integrated, competence-based curriculum combining entrepreneurial, digital, green, and practice-oriented learning. The findings highlight competence-development priorities that may strengthen market gardening and its potential contribution to local food availability, resilient short value chains, and food security.

The present study explores social capital in relation to sustainable development in rural areas experiencing population decline, focusing on the mediating role of young farmers. Specifically, it examines bonding, bridging, and linking capital to determine whether young farmers can halt demographic decline, enhance regional attractiveness, and contribute to sustainable development. For this purpose, qualitative research was conducted using semi-structured interviews with twenty-four young farmers across twelve municipalities in Greece experiencing the highest population decline. Findings indicate that young farmers in these areas have strongly developed and leveraged bonding capital which reinforces their position within the family, social and kinship networks. However, bridging and linking capital remain weak and problematic, complicating the efforts to deal with migration tensions and to create conditions for sustainable development. Policy adjustments are necessary to foster bridging and linking capital.

This cross-country study examines how higher education institutions collaborate with government, industry, and civil society to promote the European Green Deal and Just Transition initiatives. Framed within the quadruple helix (QH) model, the research investigates emerging partnerships and the integration of green policies across six European countries: Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Greece, Serbia, and Spain. Special emphasis is placed on the strategic role of universities in advancing the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability through their initiatives. Drawing on 30 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including local public officials, academics, entrepreneurs, students, and unemployed youth, the study uncovers a growing alignment between academic initiatives and national sustainability agendas. While the extent of policy integration and collaboration varies, the findings underscore the importance of universities in shaping environmental awareness, fostering green innovation, and advancing multi-actor partnerships. The study contributes to the theoretical discourse on the QH model by applying it to the field of green transition policy and offers practical recommendations for enhancing the role of universities in sustainability-oriented governance and education.

This paper examines the relationship between ESG ratings, as a subset of criteria and a tool for assessing sustainability, and firm performance in Southern European economies. It focuses on publicly listed large-cap companies in Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Spain. By analyzing a sample of 110 firms over a four-year period and applying Ohlson's valuation model, we evaluate how ESG scores influence these companies' performance. Our findings indicate that the social dimension is positive and statistically significant, suggesting that investors in Southern Europe increasingly prioritize value social responsibility initiatives as they aim to identify and manage ESG risks. In contrast, the Environmental and Governance components do not show statistical significance. The "polluting dummy" variable is positive and significant at the 1% level, indicating a valuation premium for high-emission firms, possibly reflecting investors' preference for financial stability in economically volatile environments. The baseline model yields an R2 of approximately 10%, consistent with expectations given the multifactor nature of stock prices. The study contributes to the sustainability literature by highlighting the nuanced and region-specific role that ESG factors play in market valuation. We discuss limitations related to the regional scope, rating methodologies, and model specification, and offer suggestions for future research.

This study examines the impact of fixed capital, variable inputs, and labor on agricultural output in Greece from 1981 to 2021 using a Cobb-Douglas equation. It also investigates changes over time through the Bai-Perron structural changes method, confirming a structural break in 2006. From 1981 to 2005, labor and fixed capital had positive elasticities, contributing positively to agricultural production but with decreasing returns to scale. Post-2006, labor and fixed capital exhibited negative elasticities, indicating inefficiencies, while variable inputs retained positive elasticity. This shift suggests an increased influence of variable inputs on production after 2006. The findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and analysis of agricultural factors to enhance sector competitiveness and sustainability, providing insights for policy design and implementation aimed at agricultural development.

Purpose The paper argues that the Community Pharmacy (CP) is an example of a hybrid enterprise that spans across social fields. Using a Bourdieusian practice theory lens and longitudinal data, the research explores the role of these hybrid health enterprises in the marginal communities they serve. We pay regard to times of crises as the boundaries of these enterprises are challenged. Design/methodology/approach In longitudinal qualitative research, we undertook three rounds of interviews with the same CPs between 2020 and 2024 in provincial Greece. Greece provided rich context to explore the impact of the 2009+ Sovereign Debt Crisis and the 2019+ COVID-19 crisis on healthcare and entrepreneurship social fields. Thirty-three interview transcripts were translated, transcribed and analysed, identifying key themes. Findings As hybrid enterprises CPs take on a plurality of roles, with a public health identity central. They adapted to successive crises, demonstrating the resilience of these for-profit enterprises during difficult economic times and their ability to flexibly seize opportunities during challenging healthcare times. CPs maintain relational practices oriented on healthcare goods but take on other community-supporting practices that require high cultural capital. Originality/value The paper contributes to theory by recognising CPs as a unique form of everyday enterprise; extending Bourdieusian practice theory to explain changing practice within marginal rural communities; and considering how CPs may inherit cultural capital responsibilities vacated by other professionals. The paper has recommendations for policy that could help these critical everyday healthcare entrepreneurs and marginal communities survive.

In response to the increasing demand for environmentally friendly products and the parallel rise of deceptive green marketing practices, this study examines the impact of greenwashing awareness and green perceived benefits on consumers’ propensity to purchase green products, with a focus on the mediating role of green consumer confusion. Drawing upon data collected from 300 consumers in Greece through an online questionnaire, this study employed validated measurement scales and used multiple regression analyses to test its hypotheses. The findings reveal that both greenwashing awareness and green perceived benefits positively influence green purchase propensity. Additionally, green consumer confusion mediates the relationship between greenwashing awareness and green purchase propensity, indicating that the awareness of greenwashing reduces confusion and enhances consumers’ likelihood to choose genuinely green products. This study contributes to the literature by offering an integrated model that connects greenwashing awareness, green consumer confusion, and green perceived benefits in shaping green purchase propensity. Finally, the findings offer valuable insights for organizations to design clearer, more trustworthy green marketing strategies that minimize consumer confusion and foster informed green purchasing decisions.

Extensive research has been conducted on key corporate factors that have been impacted, and ultimately transformed, by digital transformation projects. These factors have been broadly analysed as distinct categories, the combination of which has led to a quad-factor model, which has already been introduced to applicators for the future successful delivery of digital transformation projects. Following a structured evaluation model of articles, this study presents a systematic literature review of 183 academic articles published between 2014 and 2023 to assess whether this quad-factor model provides a sufficiently robust framework for successful application of a digital transformation project, or whether the human factor needs to be introduced as the fifth independent factor supporting a project's results. Moreover, this study proposes a theoretical penta-factor model as a conceptual framework which presents human factor to have an equal contribution to the success of a digital transformation project. This will be helpful to future applicators in their efforts to design and deliver successful digital transformation projects with enhanced success and acceptance rates across the corporate ecosystem. Contributing to this highly relevant topic, the study summarises the ongoing trends in digital transformation projects and proposes promising avenues for future research.

The current study conducted across Greece's lignite regions – which are experiencing the consequences of the energy transition – and essentially aims to examine how the potential establishment of incentives could foster green entrepreneurship. It has ultimately indicated the necessity of pursuing measures in order to prevent desertification. On top of utilising a Just Energy Transition plan of social legitimacy, building a concrete sustainable development model is required, and therefore, it must be implemented without any delays or deviations. Additionally, the energy crisis that erupted as a result of the war in Ukraine and the political decision to abandon the use of lignite in Greece by 2028, which is considered an unrealistic goal so far, have already put pressure on project implementation timeline. By conducting qualitative interviews with power plant workers and entrepreneurs located in lignite areas, this empirical research has specifically revealed that environmental goals should be supported by the revival of the local green economy.

The current study explores the trends of the technological advancements with regard to digital tools utilised by 4&5-star hotels, in order to identify how the relevant Cypriot market is in alignment with such innovative practices, leading oftentimes to improved entrepreneurial growth. Additionally, it emphasizes whether such enterprises are willing to implement such advanced instruments in order to ensure higher productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness. More specifically, this primary research strives to examine the strategic role of managerial decisions in applying cutting-edge technological tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their operations in order to achieve sustainability and deploy innovation as well as ensure organisational resilience supported by EU funds. Empirically, qualitative study was conducted by tracing the views and experiences of 12 business executives within the Cypriot hospitality sector. Convenience sampling was employed by the research team to recruit potential participants before semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out in the field, respectively. Moreover, through the perspectives of interviewees, the research offers insights of Cyprus' market reality, by taking into account that tourism constitutes the flagship of the country’s economy. Findings indicate that digital innovation applications play a pivotal role in the ongoing digital transformation of the examined luxury tourism enterprises whilst they are prevalent used in certain internal and external functions ensuring enhanced organisational resilience and entrepreneurial competitiveness. Additionally, the support EU programmes, derived from the Green Deal, appear to be impactful on the establishment of the aforementioned digital equipment. Furthermore, conclusions, and recommendations provide a basis for future research on the specific topic, especially regarding certain EU policies contributed to enterprises' resilience process. Lastly, study's evidence could be useful to European and National institutions that deal with challenges towards digital transformation and formulate relevant policies as well as potential and active entrepreneurs in the field.

The physical isolation of island regions, combined together with their geographical facets and institutional structures, creates additional constraints compared to mainlands, including their continued energy reliance on fossil fuels. Energy dependency, instability, and energy isolation hinder the sustainable development of island regions. EU policies aim to remove these obstacles through the just energy transition. This study examines the EU funding programs supporting the energy transition of island regions and their overall impact, respectively. It identifies challenges and obstacles towards the implementation of the islands' transition plan and concludes with policy recommendations. The latter includes concrete measures to overcome the aforementioned issues in order for the islands to become independent from polluting fossil fuels and achieve green energy autonomy.

This paper investigates how CAP investment subsidies influence agricultural productivity in Greece using time-series data from 2000 to 2023. The analysis focuses on whether subsidies intended to stimulate investment in agricultural infrastructure and technology have a tangible effect on productivity. Employing econometric methods such as the Vector Autoregressive Model (VAR) and Granger causality testing, this study explores the short- and long-term impacts of these subsidies. Findings suggest that CAP subsidies have a significant and positive influence on agricultural productivity, with more notable effects in regions that have adopted technological advancements. These results provide valuable insights for policymakers looking to optimise CAP reforms and ensure sustainable agricultural growth in Greece.

This paper builds on the emerging literature concerning constrained rural entrepreneurship. We explore the context of rural Greece, examining the utility of farm diversification strategies used by farmers to respond to industry constraints. Adopting a multi-method approach, this qualitative study theorises the ‘present realities’ of Greek farming families. Through a multiple case study exploration of five family farms, which includes twenty-five in-depth semi-structured interviews with members of these farm families, we explore farmers' lived experiences in relation to their constrained institutional contexts. Our qualitative analysis, which identifies four original themes, leads to the theorisation of the exogenous and internal challenges within the sector that continue to constrain rural entrepreneurial potential. Findings highlight how farmers' diversification strategies are crucial in enabling farm family households to respond effectively to the sector's increasing challenges, ensuring business survival. These diversification strategies offer significant benefits to farmers, providing sufficient value-added activities that support rural retention within farm family households. Implications for practice and policy suggest a greater need for the development of entrepreneurial and strategic skill sets. Further research is needed to help establish a conducive—not constraining—environment that supports farm entrepreneurship strategies.

As the European Union advances its bioeconomy strategy, the agricultural sector emerges as a key domain requiring targeted upskilling in digital and entrepreneurial competencies. This study examines how agricultural professionals perceive the importance of these competencies and identifies related training needs, drawing on the European Commission’s Digital Competence Framework (DigComp) and Entrepreneurship Competence Framework (EntreComp). Using a quantitative survey methodology, data were collected from 140 respondents, including farmers, agronomists, consultants, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, in four European countries: Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Sweden. Descriptive and non-parametric analyses (Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests) revealed strong recognition of digital competencies across all groups, with significant variation by country, while perceptions of entrepreneurial competencies differed mainly by professional role. Moreover, a significant lack of formal bioeconomy-related education was identified. The findings underscore the need for targeted, competence-based education and policy interventions to equip professionals with the skills required for a sustainable and innovation-driven agricultural sector.