European Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies
The European Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies (EJIS) is the first academic journal dedicated to providing a forum for dialogue for advancing European knowledge within and across multiple social science and humanities disciplines.
The Reskilling Paradox: Digital Government Transformation and Workforce Inertia in Post-Soviet Bureaucracies
Digital government transformation is reorganizing public-sector work at a pace that civil service institutions have struggled to keep pace with. This article examines whether digital upgrading in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan has produced a meaningful restructuring of the civil service workforce and why the translation of infrastructure investment into occupational change remains incomplete. The study draws on an asymmetric comparative design, combining shift-share occupational decomposition and vacancy-platform analysis for Kazakhstan with qualitative process tracing for Uzbekistan. In Kazakhstan, routine-intensive occupational shares declined over 2018-2024, yet persistent gaps in digital skill requirements and post-hire training suggest that formal restructuring has outpaced actual capability development. Uzbekistan shows a sharper version of the same pattern, where major digital and AI initiatives were launched before any consolidated reskilling architecture existed for the civil service core. These findings are captured through the concept of the reskilling paradox. Centralized personnel control, hierarchical information flows, and compliance-oriented organizational cultures act as friction coefficients that slow workforce adaptation regardless of how far digital platforms have advanced. Digital modernization, the evidence suggests, cannot be assessed solely through infrastructure.
Copyright (c) 2026 European Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies
A Comparative Forecasting Analysis of Clean Energy Stocks using Recurrent Neural Networks
Climate change represents one of the most pressing existential threats of our time, requiring coordinated, cross-domain responses that integrate technological, financial, and policy-oriented knowledge. This paper investigates the behavior of selected clean energy stock indices before, during, and after the COVID-19 crisis and applies advanced machine learning methodologies, specifically Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) and Gated Recurrent Units (GRUs), to predict clean energy stock prices. The results provide new insights into the nonlinear dynamics of financial markets linked to the clean energy sector and show that both LSTM and GRU models outperform VAR in stock price forecasting, delivering superior accuracy. This research highlights the effectiveness of integrating traditional statistical models with deep learning techniques to improve forecasting performance. It promotes a deeper understanding of the behavior of this crucial industry, providing a bridge between finance, technology, and sustainability topics, necessary to achieving a resilient and equitable low-carbon economy.
Study on the Links between Organizational Models of Social Responsibility and Employee Social Identification. Case Studies of Organizations in Eastern Canada
Currently, organizations are being called upon to adapt to numerous crises, which hinder their development and even their survival. Among these crises there are significant upheavals in the job market. In this context of uncertainty, companies are trying to find tools to better retain and build employee loyalty. One of these tools would be the understanding of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its links with employees' perception of identification with the organization. Despite the existence of some studies on CSR and human resources management (HRM), several facets of the subject remain to be explored. Based on a cross-sectional qualitative research using a comparative case study of two organizations in Eastern Canada, we wanted to study potential links between the fields of CSR and HRM. The first objective was to create an integrative model based on a literature review of the founding texts of CSR and to test it with managers and employees. Next, we aimed to study employees' perceptions of their social identification and the links they perceived between CSR and their social identification. Finally, we made comparisons between the two organizations in relation to the subjects under study. Our research results demonstrated the relevance of the CSR management model we designed. We also observed a strong general connection between employees and their organization. Although further research will be necessary to validate this result, our research demonstrates the existence of a link between participants' perception of social identification and social responsibility management models. Thus, according to employees, sharing the same values as their organization could increase the identification link. However, it was the model as a whole that was appreciated by employees and not specific social responsibility measures. In short, one of the important and novel contributions of this study is the analysis of the connection between two different fields, namely the field of strategic management and that of organizational behavior while also achieving significant results.
Exploring Online Sustainable Fashion Buying Behaviour Antecedents. A Qualitative Research
Sustainable fashion is gaining interest from consumers. However, when buying apparel, individuals look for benefits and try to circumvent or lower barriers. This study aims to document motives and barriers in online buying of sustainable apparel, exploring the tendency of buying from online second-hand vendors, as well as platform features, and information deemed necessary when considering buying such products. The research employed a qualitative methodology, combining in-depth interviews with focus groups. A sample comprising 20 Romanian consumers for the in-depth interviews and 16 for the focus groups was used. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the collected data. The study indicates sought-after benefits and envisaged barriers when buying online sustainable apparel, displaying perspectives particular to online second-hand vendors, provides evidence about online platform features considered important by consumers when buying sustainable fashion, clarifies what information is important in the buying decision of sustainable clothes and indicates reasons for using second-hand platforms to purchase clothes. The study expands the literature by investigating consumer behaviour constructs in a broad manner, by employing a dual-qualitative methodology and by providing information about the Romanian market. Practical recommendations are made to vendors and online platforms.
Cultural Differences and the Application of Diplomatic Protocol in the Central and Eastern European Region
The success of diplomatic relations is closely linked to the understanding of cultural differences and the proper application of diplomatic protocol. In the countries of the Central and Eastern European region, the diverse historical experiences, collective memories, and socio-cultural characteristics significantly shape both formal and informal diplomatic behavior. This paper examines how cultural differences influence the application of diplomatic protocols in the region, with a particular focus on the role of cultural sensitivity in diplomatic interactions. Adopting a qualitative, multiple case study approach, the research analyzes contemporary diplomatic incidents in which culturally embedded symbols, gestures, dress codes, and gift-giving practices led to protocol unconventionalities or failures. The findings demonstrate that a lack of cultural sensitivity may result in misunderstandings, public embarrassment or diplomatic tension, while culturally informed protocol practices can contribute to strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations. By integrating cultural sensitivity theory with the analysis of diplomatic protocol and providing empirical evidence from Central and Eastern Europe, the paper contributes to the literature by offering a region-specific and practice-oriented perspective on diplomacy. The paper highlights how seemingly minor protocol deviations can carry significant symbolic and political meanings in culturally sensitive contexts, thereby influencing the elusiveness of international relations.
Empowering Future Energy Citizens: How Knowledge, Environmental Attitudes, and Student Characteristics Shape Perceptions of Renewables?
This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to support renewable energy among over 6,000 Greek lower secondary students, providing a comprehensive, data-driven exploration of factors influencing youth support for renewable energy initiatives The study aims to analyse overall opinions on renewables based on perceived and objective knowledge, pro-environmental attitudes, and important socio-demographic variables. Regression analyses indicate that people who hold pro-environmental attitudes are the most consistent and strongest supporters of these systems. However, knowledge has complex effects, increasing general support but at times decreasing support for local trade-offs. The results confirm the crucial role of pro-environmental attitudes in fostering youth support for renewable energy, while highlighting important gaps in objective knowledge, especially around bioenergy and national energy specifics. These findings highlight the importance of special environmental education efforts that focus on addressing the knowledge-attitude gap and fostering informed and committed support for renewable energy policies by young people, vital not only for Greece but also all of Europe in its quest for green energy.
Planetary and Social Boundaries in European Banking: Comparative Content Analysis of Sustainability Reports from Western and Central-Eastern Europe (2017–2024)
Earth's ecosystems face increased pressure from human economic activities, which has led businesses to adopt various sustainability principles in their operational frameworks and disclosure systems. This research examines the degree to which major Western and Central-Eastern European banks include the planetary and social boundaries defined by Rockström et al. (2009) and Raworth (2012) within their sustainability disclosure reports. The content analysis of 134 official sustainability reports from leading banks in Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Romania and the Czech Republic, between 2017 and 2024, reveals selective sustainability reporting practices. Banks throughout both regions maintained continuous focus on climate change since the European Union introduced its Green Deal in 2019. However, other planetary boundaries such as biodiversity loss, freshwater use and land-system change received minimal attention. Social boundaries, including education, employment, gender equality, income and healthcare received significant attention from banks because of the socio-economic disruptions, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Western European banks demonstrated stronger environmental regulatory compliance, while Central-Eastern European banks focused on developing their socio-economic aspects. The study demonstrates that European banking sector sustainability reporting is primarily compliant rather than transformational, underscoring a need for enhanced regulatory frameworks and strategic sustainability integration to achieve systemic change.
Digital Fitness and Sustainable Consumption: Understanding Consumer Motivations and Barriers
As digital fitness platforms and wellness technologies become the norm in modern health routines, understanding what impacts the user's engagement is key to creating inclusive, ethical and sustainable solutions. Specifically, we explore participation in online fitness environment and related purchasing behavior through the lens of personal traits, digital trust, and motivational drivers. Utilizing 680 respondents' survey data, the analysis uses statistical testing and behavioral segmentation to reveal specific user patterns and preferences. Findings indicate that younger users who are physically active, especially females and those having higher trust in personal data privacy, were more likely to use online exercise programs and to share personal health data. Behavioural segmentation uncovers three distinct user clusters with varying degrees of digital engagement, which demonstrates a considerable diversity in how users engage health-related technologies. In addition, purchases of products in the fitness and nutrition category seem to be motivated not by price or by ethical issues but by financial incentives and gender differentiation. The study emphasizes that privacy and trust, existing workout habits and cost are the prime factors driving the use of digital fitness offerings. In contrast, poor digital readiness, concerns around data management, and the influence of ethical product attributes act as key hindrances in driving sustainable adoption. This study provides a new perspective by combining the behavioral, attitudinal and demographic predictions into one model of engagement with digital fitness products. These findings add to the broader discussions on sustainable consumption, identifying routes for improving health, equity, and digital wellbeing through inclusive and affordable technology uptake.
Validity Evidence of the Ecological Citizenship Scale for Adolescents
The growing world population is gradually disrupting the balance of the natural world and the environment. Unawareness and improper use of resources contribute to environmental imbalances, leading to ecological problems. To prevent or address these issues, it is crucial for individuals to possess a certain level of ecological citizenship. It is found that there is no scale aiming to assess the level of adolescents‘ ecological citizenship. The purpose of the research conducted is to develop a valid and reliable tool to assess the ecological citizenship levels of adolescents. As part of this goal, a literature review on ecology and ecological citizenship was carried out. The Ecological Citizenship scale was originally developed for adolescents ages 14–17 years old and was presented as valuable for comparing that age group with older participants. This study aims to assess the validity evidence of the Ecological Citizenship Scale (ECS) designed for adolescents. The scale comprises three key constructs: Knowledge, Responsibility and Duty, and Behaviour. This paper presents the results of factor analysis, internal consistency reliability, and normality tests, demonstrating the validity and reliability of the scale. Findings indicate that the ECS exhibits strong internal consistency, with high Cronbach’s alpha values across the components, and provides an empirically grounded measure of ecological citizenship for adolescents.
Institutional Efficiency and Research Productivity in Transitional Higher Education Systems: Panel Evidence from Uzbekistan
This study investigates the determinants of research productivity in Uzbekistan’s public universities using a balanced panel of 15 institutions over 2010–2023. The analysis integrates three complementary dimensions: human capital, institutional efficiency, and macroeconomic conditions to explain why research output varies markedly across universities during a period of rapid reforms. A fixed-effects instrumental-variable model is employed to control for unobserved institutional characteristics and potential endogeneity in spending efficiency and economic indicators. The results show that academic staff capacity is the strongest predictor of research productivity, while GDP growth also contributes positively by creating more stable conditions for long-term academic development. Education spending efficiency has a meaningful effect, suggesting that governance and internal management shape how resources translate into research outcomes. These findings underscore the need to strengthen faculty development, improve institutional accountability, and align higher education policy with national economic priorities.
Leadership Readiness in Higher Education: A SILDM-Based Competency Diagnosis
This paper examines the self-perceived leadership readiness of first-year bachelor’s students enrolled in economics and business programmes, utilising the Korn Ferry Leadership Architect™ as a diagnostic tool within the broader conceptual framework of the Synced Integrated Leadership Development Model (SILDM). SILDM is a theoretically informed synthesis of established leadership and intercultural frameworks, designed to reflect the multifaceted nature of contemporary leadership. It integrates behavioural, ethical, relational, and cultural dimensions into a unified developmental perspective, addressing a key limitation in leadership education: the tendency to apply models in isolation without accounting for their interdependent dynamics. To operationalise this framework, a survey instrument based on 29 selected Korn Ferry competencies was administered to a sample of 1,307 first-year students, enabling structured self-assessment across four leadership domains: Thought, Results, People, and Self. The findings revealed higher levels of confidence in cognitive and task-oriented domains (Thought and Results), and notable developmental gaps in ethical self-regulation and interpersonal influence (Self and People). The paper proposes six pedagogically grounded interventions designed to foster more integrated, ethically grounded, and culturally responsive leadership development during the early stages of students’ academic and professional formation.
Migration Models Based on Diffusion and Determinants Gradients: Beyond the Gravity Theory
The article proposes an alternative approach to study migration flows based on gravity models. This approach does not reject gravity theory; on the contrary, it expands it to some extent. The relevant models are suggested to be described using diffusion-convection approaches. The intensity of human flows is proposed to identify on the basis of determinant gradients, and the very structure of the domain for studying these processes can be represented as a graph with nodes in the form of continuous areas of social space. The proposed approach is suitable for different dimensions of mobility studying, i.e. permanent migration decisions, touristic flows, academic mobility, transportation etc. The developed conceptual approach and mathematical formalization allow for understanding the patterns of migration applying fundamental principles of mathematic physics for economic processes.
Government Crisis Communications and Business Crisis Response during 2024 Dubai Floods
The paper analyzes the behavior of business entities based in the Emirate of Dubai in the context of crisis communication responses by government institutions during the Dubai 2024 floods. The research aims to identify if there are key differentiating factors that influence the understanding of government crisis communications by businesses. Numerous literature sources indicate the importance of employee wellbeing policies for reducing crisis risks and hazards. A document analysis of public announcements of Dubai Government institutions, as well as responses, announcements, and policies of 69 companies operating in Dubai, has been performed to understand what and how the government communicated during the crisis, how companies behaved during the crisis, and what policies and procedures are in place in the companies. The crisis communication of the Dubai government and official authorities was proactive and in line with principles defined by the Situational Crisis Communication Theory. This resulted in the successful mitigation of the crisis risks and the timely restoration of the basic functioning of the city's critical infrastructure. At the same time, the crisis response of business entities was not univocal: some businesses decided to work remotely or temporarily cease their operations, while others decided to carry on with the “business as usual” approach, returning the employees to their workplaces quickly and putting them at risk. Findings of the research indicate that companies with a clear focus on employee wellbeing and developed health, safety, and environment policies were less involved in putting their employees at risk than companies that did not highlight employee wellbeing as one of their priorities. Further, the findings highlight the importance of employee wellbeing policies in crisis risk mitigation and contribute to the body of knowledge in terms of crisis communication, employee wellbeing, and emergency management.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Buying Behavior. A Systematic Literature Review on Determinant Conditions and Managerial Implications
A crisis context, as COVID-19 pandemic, is a situation in which maladaptive buying behaviors are irrationally born. In this context, vulnerability and resilience, as opposed states of being, are two variables that can influence the final behavioral outcome. In a pandemic case, panic buying, impulsive and compulsive behavior, hoarding, and stockpiling are the most common effects. The present paper is a systematic literature review aiming to underline the main theories and variables used in explaining abnormal buying behavior during the coronavirus pandemic, the place of vulnerability and resilience among them, and the managerial implications emphasized by the existing studies. The analyzed research papers (N=63) are selected from 2020-2022 time frame. The results show that Theory of planned behavior and the Stimulus-organism-response are the most frequently used models for understanding and explaining panic conduct. The variables affecting maladaptive consumer behavior are both external and internal, the range of factors being wide and complex. Vulnerability and resilience are believed to mediate the relationship between these factors and panic behavior. The managerial implications born from the analyzed studies include four stakeholders (i.e., retailers, policy makers, governments, and mass-media) that, during a crisis, are advised to improve their communication abilities and to better manage their resources.
Visualizing Maritime Supremacy: The Role of Naval Picture Postcards in Early Twentieth-Century Geopolitics and Material Culture
This article explores the cultural, technological, and commemorative significance of warships as depicted on picture postcards during the early and mid-twentieth centuries. Against the backdrop of rapid naval innovation and geopolitical tension, warships emerged as both tools of military dominance and symbols of national identity. The study situates these vessels within the broader context of the history of technology, examining how they embodied societal values and industrial progress. It highlights the role of naval arms races in driving technological advancements, such as the transition from pre-dreadnought to dreadnought battleships and the advent of specialised vessels like aircraft carriers and destroyers. The article also investigates the public engagement fostered by the circulation of warship postcards. These mass-produced visual artefacts served as accessible records of technological achievement and propaganda tools, cultivating national pride and bridging the gap between industrial modernity and everyday life. The study further contextualises this phenomenon within the framework of international arms limitation efforts, such as the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922, which imposed restrictions on warship construction. By juxtaposing the technological and cultural narratives of warships, this article argues that picture postcards played a vital role in shaping public perceptions of modernity, power, and memory, and play an important role in educating later generations.. Ultimately, it underscores the value of maritime history as a lens for understanding the complex interplay of technology, geopolitics, and public consciousness in the modern era.
A Novel Approach to the Operationalization of Corporate Local Embeddedness: Cultural Perspectives on Narratives as Indicators
Corporate embeddedness, the extent to which companies anchor themselves in a local context through political, economic, academic, social, and environmental connections, remains a key area of research in social and regional sciences. Due to the limited availability of secondary data on corporate relationships, measurement methods often rely on qualitative data. Corporate communication, especially CEO letters in annual reports, is a frequently neglected secondary data source that has grown in significance in meeting stakeholder expectations and providing insights into corporate strategies and operations. Despite the growing scholarly interest in CEO letters, little is known about embeddedness narratives and the cultural factors that influence them. Through an analysis of the cultural variations in embeddedness narratives found in CEO letters from the fashion and cosmetics industries, this study suggests a novel approach to operationalising corporate local embeddedness. The focus on these sectors is justified by the significant variations in embeddedness orientations across industries and the accessibility of relevant data. The study finds that CEO letters can serve as a complementary data source for assessing corporate embeddedness, as they reveal both local and global orientations. Using software-based content analysis, key themes and keywords were identified along the Quintuple Helix model, providing a structured approach to analysing embeddedness. The results highlight cultural influences, with reactive cultures emphasising social sustainability, while academic engagement challenges existing assumptions. In addition to reflecting corporate strategies, CEO letters offer insights into sectoral characteristics. However, more qualitative research is still required to fully comprehend a company’s level of embedding.
The Russian–Ukrainian War as a Social Situation
This article explores the Russian–Ukrainian war as a subjectively perceived social situation, emphasizing psychological dimensions of time (present, past, and future) and their role in shaping individual and collective attitudes. Based on a February 2023 survey of 1,200 respondents in government-controlled regions of Ukraine, four groups were identified according to the subjective length of the "present"—ranging from one year to over ten years. Statistical analysis revealed that a longer subjective present correlates with less negative evaluations of the current situation, a stronger pro-Ukrainian stance, greater resistance to enemy propaganda, and more optimism about the future. Conversely, those with a shorter time perspective expressed lower trust in fellow citizens and supported harsher penalties for collaboration. The findings highlight the role of subjective time in shaping perceptions of the war’s causes, course, and possible outcomes.
Personality Characteristics in Schoolteachers’ Occupational Motivation
Because schoolteachers’ high occupational motivation is an essential prerequisite for their good performance, it is important to understand the personality characteristics that determine it. The present study involved 188 primary and secondary schoolteachers from three regions of Ukraine. Data collection relied on Zamfir’s Motivation for Professional Activities technique, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Personal Orientation Inventory, the communicative inclinations sub-test of the method identifying communicative and organisational inclinations, the Professional Self-Fulfilment Questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory General Survey. The data obtained showed that nine out of 10 personality characteristics used in our study significantly influenced schoolteachers’ occupational motivation. Of these, seven variables had a positive effect, contributing to schoolteachers’ intrinsic motivation, but two indicators of occupational burnout (personal accomplishment and emotional exhaustion) had a negative effect, reducing motivation. The most significant personality characteristics were communicative inclinations (explaining 16.6% of the variation in intrinsic motivation), personal accomplishment (9.3%) and self-efficacy (6.0%). Six additional indicators – three indicators of professional self-fulfilment and individual indicators of time competence, emotional exhaustion and inner-directed support – explained schoolteachers’ intrinsic motivation within 2.7–4.3% limits. A multiple regression analysis revealed that the set of 10 personality characteristics used in our study was highly informative (R = .503; R2 = .253), explaining 25.3% of schoolteachers’ intrinsic motivation. The results open up new perspectives to increase and stabilise schoolteachers’ occupational motivation.
Factors Influencing Human-Centric Innovation Hubs for Effective Digital Marketing of Eco-Friendly Products
The eco-friendly products are digitally marketed through prioritising sustainable practices, adopting technological solutions, and other innovative approaches. New marketing strategies emerge better through human-centric innovation hubs since these platforms support integrated decision-making that combines data evaluation and customer experiences. These digital platforms provide a favourable environment to collaborate with policymakers and consumers for building effective sustainable product digital marketing strategies. Various elements determine how successful this collaborative approach becomes in its output. The aim of the research is to find out the factors influencing human-centric innovation hubs to enhance digital marketing of eco-friendly products. The study initiates a review of literature and a factor analysis method to determine these influential factors. Digital marketing of eco-friendly products depends on four significant elements, with data-driven elements taking the leading role at 25.715%, followed by motivational aspects at 16.675% and policy and engagement dimensions at 10.678%, along with persuasive components at 8.758%. Data-driven elements capture the most critical position among these influential factors. Digital marketing effectiveness increases for businesses and policymakers through their use of human-centric innovation hubs because these hubs offer clear insights into factors that influence eco-friendly product adoption.
Comparative Analysis of Direct Costs of Cancer and Risk Factors in Europe
This study explores the direct costs and risk factors associated with cancer across European Union member states, emphasizing the economic and public health implications. A Cancer Risk Factors Index (CRFI) is developed to quantify and compare the impact of various determinants, including obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic conditions, and pollution. Using data from Eurostat and other authoritative sources, we analyze the correlation between CRFI scores, healthcare expenditures, and cancer mortality rates. Results reveal significant disparities in cancer risk factors and healthcare investments across countries, with lower CRFI scores generally associated with higher healthcare spending and improved outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive public health strategies and targeted interventions to address modifiable risk factors, reduce cancer-related mortality, and promote equitable healthcare access.
Beyond Dystopian Hollywood: The Socioeconomic Narratives of Blade Runner
Films seem to be an essential form of entertainment in modern society, but as the literature review shows, the film industry is involved in subtle distortions of cultural, religious, and political ideas. Regardless of whether films are publicly or privately funded, there are many creative ways to influence or alter perceptions, to educate audiences, to stir irrational fears, and swiftly promote certain ideologies. Therefore, this study examines the socioeconomic narratives present in the Blade Runner film series and their connections to economic theories. The research aims to analyze the portrayal of capitalism, socialism, Malthusianism, Social Darwinism, and ecologism within a dystopian context, focusing on themes such as wealth distribution, labor exploitation, technological disruption, and environmental collapse. Using a qualitative methodology, the study employs socioeconomic content analysis, more specific thematic coding, discourse analysis, semiotic interpretation, historical contextualization, and audience reception assessment. The findings indicate that Blade Runner embodies Malthusian concerns about overpopulation, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. The films portray capitalism as a system that reinforces social stratification, in which technological advances serve the interests of elites while deepening the oppression of the working class. Immigration is framed as a destabilizing force, rooted in historical anxieties about cultural identity and economic competition, rather than being recognized for its real contributions to cultural exchange and economic growth. Furthermore, the films invoke the myth of the noble savage, suggesting that salvation lies in an outsider who remains untainted by capitalist corruption. Through a socioeconomic analysis of the Blade Runner series, this study highlights Hollywood’s influence in shaping dystopian fears and critiques of contemporary economic systems.
Malthusianism, human migration, artificial intelligence, technological progress, Hollywood motion pictures
Copyright (c) 2025 European Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies
Foresight and Active Forecast Potential for Improving Defense Capability
This paper examines the significance of foresight and active forecasting as integrative frameworks for strengthening defense capability. Using Ukraine as an illustrative example, the study demonstrates how these approaches provide a nuanced understanding of current security challenges and enable the anticipation of future scenarios – both essential for effective strategic planning and state-level decision-making. The influence of foresight on the formation of self-defeating prophecies in the context of active forecasting and its role as a management tool capable of public policy adjustment are considered. Examples of NATO Strategic Command and DARPA leadership experience of improving the effectiveness of defense plans using this methodology are considered. The authors discuss various approaches to the use of foresight in the field of defense, including open and confidential options, as well as their possible outcomes in a confrontational international environment. Particular attention is paid to the need to take into account the disinformation factor. The study confirms that foresight as an active forecast is a powerful tool that can significantly improve the state's defense capability and provide a strategic advantage in a rapidly changing international security situation.
Strategic Management of Events and Perceived Urban Destination Attractiveness: Evidence from Lisbon
Urban destinations increasingly deploy events as strategic instruments to amplify competitiveness, stimulate visitation and sustain demand beyond peak seasons. However, their effective contribution to destination management, particularly in the post-pandemic urban tourism landscape, remains insufficiently evidenced. This study examines Lisbon through a mixed-methods design that combines a structured intercept survey of 388 non-resident visitors with a focus group involving nine directors of four- and five-star hotels in the metropolitan area. Quantitatively, events emerge as a relevant but segmented pull factor: their importance is concentrated among short-stay visitors, younger and highly educated travellers, and full-time professionals, who also register the highest satisfaction with event experiences. Satisfaction with events is generally favourable and is closely associated with their experiential, symbolic and emotional value. Qualitatively, hotel directors describe large concerts, congresses and public programmes as decisive triggers of demand, generators of extended stays and catalysts of repeat visitation, while noting that these effects are systematically under-captured by hotel booking and reporting systems. The discussion further reveals structural coordination gaps, including limited communication between event organisers, municipalities and accommodation providers, the absence of an integrated events calendar, and the lack of shared data on event-motivated travel. The study argues that events in Lisbon operate not only as temporal attractors but as experiential enhancers of destination image, memorability and competitiveness. Yet, their strategic potential remains only partially realised due to governance and information constraints that limit integrated planning and evidence-based management.
What Artificial Intelligence Means to Us – Students’ Insights
This study explores students' perspectives on advancing Higher Education to equip them better not only for the evolving demands of the 21st-century labour market, but also for the societal challenges posed by the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI). A total of fifty students from various European universities provided insights into the role of AI in education, articulating their views on AI potential, its ethical application within academic institutions and the necessity for caution due to a general lack of awareness regarding its potential risks. Employing a brainstorming technique to stimulate discussions and to expand responses, the study involved five groups of ten students each, with a facilitator guiding the discourse to foster a structured exchange of ideas on AI's educational applications. The findings align with contemporary research in the field: students emphasize the potential AI offers in education, the importance of familiarization with AI use, and the risks associated with the implementation of AI in Higher Education (HE) institutions. This study contributes to a better understanding of how the rapidly evolving technological landscape influences Higher Education, shaping the experiences and preparedness of future graduates.
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