Abstract National audit systems play an important role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. European Union countries apply different approaches to the organisation and conduct of audits of public resources, which requires an analysis of their experience to identify best practices and possible areas for improvement. The purpose of this study is to identify the best practices in the field of auditing the effectiveness of the use of public funds aimed at infrastructure development, based on the experience of the European Union countries. The research methods include comparative analysis, classification by several criteria, study of the institutional structure, audit methodology, the degree of independence of audit bodies and the use of innovative technologies. The study highlights the importance of international cooperation to improve the quality of auditing and fight corruption. It is noted that despite the diversity of audit approaches in the European Union, there are common problems, such as professional development and the fight against corruption. Auditing plays a key role in ensuring the sustainability of infrastructure projects and improving public funds management. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the use of funds, in particular on the example of the Fehmarnbelt project, shows the possibility of significant budget savings and increased transparency. An important aspect of the study was also the identification of limitations and possible directions for further analysis, aiming to improve the effectiveness of audit practices and adapt them to changes in the financial and technological environment.

Abstract This study aims to investigate the effect of working capital management on the profitability of manufacturing firms in Europe. To achieve the purpose of this research, we used a multiple regression approach on a balanced panel dataset of 39 European manufacturing firms listed on the Frankfurt and Oslo stock markets between 2017 and 2021. The findings illustrated that both return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) are negatively affected by days sales outstanding. Days payable outstanding have a negative and insignificant effect on ROA, but positive on ROE. Liquidity has a positive impact on both ROA and ROE. Debt to equity has a significant and negative effect on ROA, but a positive on ROE. Overall, managers should understand how to organize and manage working capital because it can be considered a crucial factor in determining the profitability of manufacturing firms.

Abstract The Kazakh judicial system has undergone significant changes in recent years aimed at increasing its independence, transparency and efficiency. The aim of the study is to analyze contemporary approaches to adjudicating disputes regarding the conformity of normative legal acts with the national Constitution and laws in the constitutional and administrative courts of Kazakhstan, identify issues, and propose solutions to ensure the effective operation of judicial bodies and the protection of citizens’ rights. This comparative analysis has revealed contradictions, gaps, inaccuracies, and other deficiencies in the legal framework governing the activities of the Constitutional Court and administrative courts of Kazakhstan, and has developed recommendations for addressing these issues. The results of the study focus on changes in a number of approaches to the activities of the courts, the criteria and principles of delimitation of powers of the courts of constitutional, administrative and civil jurisdiction.

Abstract The main objective of the research was to clarify whether and what types of innovations are generated by work-integrated social enterprises (WISE) in the Czech Republic. The presentation of the results focuses only on selected types of innovation, namely pure and combined. The paper also aims to clarify whether WISEs generate more pure or combined innovations. The creation of pure innovations is more indicative of typical entrepreneur behaviour, while combined innovations are indicative of social entrepreneur behaviour. To collect primary data, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 WISE managers and the results were obtained using content analysis. Thus, the contribution of this paper can be seen in the identification of specific types of social innovations in the WISE environment that help to map the specific needs of managers. The results point to WISE’s support of employees using innovation and their focus on combined innovation.

Abstract The aim of this article is to examine and analyze the relationship between gender motivation for self-employment in the Slovak Republic. The article examines potential differences in motivational factors for entering self-employment between men and women based on 13 motivational factors, which were divided into two categories: “pull” and “push”. For the evaluation of the data from the primary questionnaire survey in which more than 300 respondents were involved, we used the Jamovi statistical software, while for statistical testing we used the Mann-Whitney U test. Our results showed that statistically significant differences exist in the two evaluated factors (I wanted better working conditions, I had the opportunity to get the resources to start a business). We did not demonstrate statistical significance between men and women in the other evaluated motivational factors for self-employment. In the aggregate statistical testing of the influence of pull and push factors by taking gender into account, we also did not demonstrate statistical significance. However, our results indicate that the respondents were motivated to start a business more by pull factors.

Abstract While the beginning of the new millennium offered hope for accelerated economic performance and a rapid narrowing of the performance gap compared to the EU average, the last almost fifteen years have brought a slowdown in the process of real convergence for Slovakia, as well as a gradual deterioration of its position in international rankings that assess the qualitative aspects of economic development. This paper investigates the trajectory of Slovakia’s trade specialization with a focus on technological and R&D intensity, using intra-EU export data and revealed comparative advantage (RCA) indicators for the period 2002–2024. The analysis tracks the evolution of four export categories classified by R&D intensity and examines the stability of specialization patterns through Galtonian regression. The results point to persistent medium-tech specialization and signs of β -de-specialization in several sectors, particularly in high-tech exports. These findings suggest that Slovakia’s current export structure, while technologically more sophisticated in appearance, may lack depth in value-added and innovation content. The paper concludes that catching-up economies like Slovakia face limited growth opportunities from static specialization patterns and that long-term convergence prospects depend on structural transformation toward knowledge-intensive and innovation-driven sectors.

Abstract This paper presents the findings of a quantitative study on the human capital of women entrepreneurs across three distinct life stages. Human capital was analyzed through five constructs, each comprising multiple variables. The results reveal statistically significant differences in previous entrepreneurial and managerial experience among women entrepreneurs at different stages of life. However, no significant differences were observed in educational level attained, pre-business entrepreneurial knowledge, or previous industry experience. The study underscores the need for tailored training programs for different groups, highlighting the critical role of knowledge acquisition in scaling businesses, particularly for women in the so-called pragmatic phase. Furthermore, the interplay between entrepreneurial motives, aspirations, and human capital warrants deeper investigation, particularly to explore variations across different cultural and national contexts.

Abstract In today’s environment, businesses and governments have to be able to quickly adapt to new conditions that are shaped by the development of the latest technologies. Thus, it is vital to ensure their implementation in various institutions, including at the level of territorial communities (TCs). The purpose of this study was to propose options for increasing the investment attractiveness of Ukraine’s regions to attract investment in the development of innovative technologies. The main methods employed in this study included analysis, forecasting, and historical. The study concluded that digital transformation plays a key role in the development of the country and its regions. It was shown that one of the main technologies that can be used to improve management efficiency is artificial intelligence. Furthermore, conclusions were drawn about the level of digitalisation of government representatives using the E-Government Development Index and E-Participation Index. The initiative of the Ministry of Digital Transformation to create an index for assessing digitalisation at the level of TCs was also mentioned. The study also offered some recommendations to improve the region’s innovation attractiveness, including simplifying interaction between government officials and investors, increasing the availability of data on regional development, and automating the submission of documents. It was concluded that the use of such recommendations would considerably improve the investment environment at the TC level. The findings of this study will be useful for shaping government policy to ensure a better investment climate both at the national and regional levels.

Abstract Slowly but surely, the area regulated by European Union law has become accustomed to the protection of personal data materialized in the GDPR Regulation, which has already celebrated its seventh birthday this year. Although it can already be stated that the fundamental questions and mechanisms for the functioning of this in many ways revolutionary and massive legal regulation have now been resolved or set, there are still areas that are in many ways unclear and await interpretation. One such area was compensation for non-material damage in case of infringement of the Regulation, which, in connection with the protection of personal data, was only brought to light by the GDPR. It is this institute that is the subject of this article, which will present the historical development of the institute, its theoretical foundations and, in particular, the case law of the Court of Justice, which in recent years has begun to interpret this institute and thus give it a realistic and practical picture.

Abstract Cliff effects in tax and benefit systems have been the subject of growing scholarly attention for more than three decades. Despite this sustained interest, they continue to persist in the design of many national systems. Empirical studies consistently demonstrate that the presence of cliff effects undermines the economic incentives of individuals and households, especially in relation to the concepts of the “unemployment trap” and “poverty trap”. This article focuses on the analysis of a cliff effect associated with child allowance within the system of state social support. The assessment of the potential impact of removing this cliff effect is based on empirical data from November 2022 and 2023, using simulation and microsimulation methods. The results suggest that the elimination of the cliff effect could significantly enhance work incentives for individuals and households near the eligibility threshold. Moreover, the fiscal impact of such a measure appears to be budget-neutral.