Development In Romania Research Articles

Understanding sustainable purchasing behavior in Romania: Drivers, barriers, and environmental participation

Abstract In recent years, there has been a growing interest in sustainable purchasing behavior as individuals and organizations seek to align their consumption patterns with environmental and social values. To identify the local nuances of sustainable development in Romania, the current study aims to determine the main drivers and barriers to buying organic products. Various statistical techniques such as factor analysis, correlation, and multiple regression are applied to evaluate data collected from 595 urban consumers through an online survey. The responses are used to classify the participants into three different groups according to their ecological perceptions and preferences. Findings revealed a multifaceted landscape of drivers motivating individuals to engage in sustainable purchasing behavior, including attitude, green product knowledge, social influence and health consciousness. Furthermore, it was found that consumer participation in environmental actions is more often motivated by individual and contextual benefits rather than altruistic beliefs and social values. On the contrary, various barriers hindering the adoption of sustainable consumption practices were identified, such as high prices, limited availability, lack of awareness, and conflicting priorities. The impact of socio-demographic factors (age, gender, education and income) is also considered. To the best of the author’s information, this article represents one of the first attempts to provide a conceptual framework for the study of organic consumers in Romania and implement value-based segmentation, covering significant research gaps. By synthesizing the diverse array of drivers and barriers, this review provides valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and researchers seeking to promote sustainable consumption. Across Europe, and particularly in Romania, this matter must receive the utmost priority.

An indicator-based approach to assess and compare the environmental and socio-economic consequences of photovoltaic parks in Romania's development regions

An indicator-based approach to assess and compare the environmental and socio-economic consequences of photovoltaic parks in Romania's development regions

ASPECTS OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE LEADER APPROACH TO RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN ROMANIA CASE STUDY: NORTH-EAST DEVELOPMENT REGION

Rural development is the second pillar of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union (EU), with the role of helping the rural areas of the EU and implicitly Romania to address the economic, environmental, and social challenges they face. The purpose of the research included in this paper is to demonstrate the contribution of the LEADER approach to rural development in Romania, with an emphasis on the North-East Development Region. At the same time, the aim was to highlight the innovative nature of this approach: what it means, how it can be applied, and how it was applied. The data studied through the analysis carried out show that the Romanian territory and, implicitly, the North-East Development Region is poor, fragmented, depopulated, or in the process of depopulating, with few opportunities for young people. The innovative character of the LEADER Programme in Romania and implicitly the North-East Development Region results from the degree of novelty that an investment financed through it brings to the targeted territory, without being limiting and without necessarily presupposing a technological innovation, because the innovation must be evaluated relative to the local situation. The main instrument through which the principles of the LEADER approach can be implemented is the Local Action Group. It is the main driving force behind the activities to be carried out in the territory and which will lead to their implementation. The Local Action Groups set up in the North-East Region provide a common communication framework for local communities to develop and implement Local Development Strategies by initiating, developing and financing projects at local level. They contribute to the unity of local communities and their participation in local development. LEADER approach has brought and how its innovative character is highlighted. The questions that informed its development were: Is this concept considered as a model for sustainable rural development in Romania and the N-E Region? Is LEADER a truly innovative approach. In order to achieve the proposed goal, a multi-step working procedure was developed to allow the collection of target data and additional data derived from the initial target data. Thus, the working procedure was structured in the following steps: problem identification and conceptualization, literature review, document structuring, strategy selection, operational planning, data calculation, and interpretation. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in this work. Thus, from a quantitative point of view, the following research methods were considered relevant for obtaining data: administrative data analysis. As a qualitative method, a bibliometric analysis was carried out, i.e., the literature on sustainable rural development through the use of support measures was analysed by means of the VOSviewer programme, using the Web of Science collections database. Without the implementation of the LEADER Programme in Romania and implicitly in the North-East Development Region, rural areas may be deprived of funding that determines the improvement of conditions in that area, but efforts in the field of implementing sustainable rural development measures must be continued so that the effect of this funding is really visible. Thus, the results of the research carried out in the North-East Development Region of Romania add additional value to the information published in previous studies through proposals for rural reform and concrete examples of innovative projects implemented there.

Topographic Monitoring of the Operational Behaviour of the Longest Cantilever Viaduct in Romania

Over time, bridges have been built to fulfil different roles. With the development of industry came the need to build new transit routes linking industrial areas to cities or freight routes. The peak period of industrial development in Romania was in the 1960s, when a large number of bridges were built and put into operation. One of these bridges is the Sidex viaduct, located in Galaţi. The construction has a total length of 1,070 m, with 15 spans of different lengths (47.40 m + 13 * 75.00 m + 47.40 m). The resistance structure is made of 7 prestressed concrete frames linked together by joints located at the level of the cantilevers, the structure being the largest cantilever viaduct in operation in our country. The present article focuses on the presentation of the implementation of a special monitoring program of the viaduct’s in-service performance. For this purpose, special technologies have been used, such as topographic monitoring of the evolution of structural displacements at the most representative points of the structure, an implementation that we develop in detail.

European Funding for Sustainable Transport Systems—Influencing Factor of Regional Economic Development in Romania

Sustainable development is a core concept in regional development. Sustainability is characterized by supporting the building of resilient infrastructure and promoting the sustainable industry. In this context, sustainable transport is particularly important as it represents an opportunity for regional development. This research aims to quantify the impact of investments through structural instruments, specifically EU funds, on promoting a sustainable transport system and eliminating barriers from large-scale transport networks. This study focuses on the impact of these investments on regional economic development in Romania. The analysis used data from all eight development regions of the Romanian economy between 2014 and 2020. Panel data regression models, including the generalized difference method of moments (Dif-GMM) and the system GMM method (Sys GMM), were employed. This study confirms the idea that European structural and investment funds (ESIFs) play a positive role in promoting sustainable transport for regional economic development. Additionally, the quality of regional governance is identified as a key factor in economic development. This study, therefore, reveals a convergence effect between regions. Regions with a lower initial GDP per capita develop quicker compared to regions with a higher initial GDP per capita, indicating a “catch-up” effect. From a policy perspective, these issues can guide decision making and resource allocation.

Evolution of urbanisation and metropolitan development in Romania

Evolution of urbanisation and metropolitan development in Romania

THE GEOSTATISTICAL DIMENSION OF TOURIST FLOWS GENERATED BY FOREIGN TOURISTS IN ROMANIA

The article represents a comprehensive and insightful study aiming to unravel the intricate dynamics of foreign tourism within Romania. This research delves into various key aspects, employing a geostatistical approach to offer a nuanced understanding of the spatial and temporal dimensions of foreign tourist flows. One of the primary inquiries addressed by the study revolves around the quantitative assessment of foreign tourists visiting Romania. By meticulously analyzing arrival data, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the sheer number of foreign visitors the country attracts. This quantitative dimension is crucial for assessing the overall impact of tourism on the national economy and informing strategic decisions in the tourism sector. Moving beyond mere numbers, the study ventures into the temporal aspect of foreign tourism in Romania. By scrutinizing patterns over time, researchers aim to answer the question of when foreign tourists predominantly choose to visit the country. Understanding the temporal preferences of tourists is invaluable for both businesses and policymakers, enabling them to optimize resource allocation, marketing efforts, and infrastructure management during peak tourism seasons. Furthermore, the research explores the destinations chosen by foreign tourists within Romania. The geostatistical analysis differentiates arrivals based on specific tourist destinations and counties, shedding light on the preferences of international visitors. This information is pivotal for local authorities, businesses, and stakeholders, offering insights into which regions benefit the most from foreign tourism, thus facilitating targeted development strategies and resource allocation. In addition to destination preferences, the study investigates the accommodation choices made by foreign tourists. Through geostatistical analysis, the research categorizes accommodation preferences based on various criteria, including types of accommodation units and comfort categories. This information proves invaluable for the hospitality industry, guiding investments, and helping businesses tailor their offerings to meet the diverse needs of international visitors. The temporal aspect of foreign tourists' stays in Romania is another focal point of the study. By examining the duration of visits, researchers aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of how long foreign tourists typically stay in the country. This data is instrumental in shaping tourism policies, influencing marketing strategies, and optimizing services to enhance the overall tourist experience. Beyond the borders of Romania, the study investigates the means of transportation foreign tourists employ to reach the country. By understanding the modes of transportation preferred by international visitors, Romania can improve its infrastructure and connectivity, ensuring a seamless and positive experience for tourists from various origins. Lastly, the research explores the geographical origins of foreign tourists who visit Romania. This analysis not only provides insights into the diverse cultural backgrounds of visitors but also aids in crafting targeted marketing campaigns to attract specific international markets. The article goes beyond a mere exploration of tourist numbers. It offers a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the spatial and temporal dimensions of foreign tourism, providing valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders. This geostatistical approach not only enriches our understanding of the complex dynamics of foreign tourist flows but also lays the foundation for strategic and sustainable tourism development in Romania.

Toward Sustainable Development: Assessing the Effects of Financial Contagion on Human Well-Being in Romania

In a globally interconnected economy marked by volatility, this study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to examine financial contagion’s impact on Romania’s financial stability. It investigates both conventional and unconventional channels through which financial contagion is transmitted, emphasizing its sensitivity to factors such as geopolitical events and investor sentiment. The study also assesses the influence of unemployment, market capitalization, and financial freedom on Romania’s Human Development Index (HDI) from 2000 to 2022. Using HDI, which encompasses health and education alongside economic aspects, the research provides a holistic view of well-being and quality of life. In addition to the ARDL model’s insights, this study expands its scope by conducting a multilinear regression analysis, with GDP as the dependent variable. We have incorporated independent variables such as HDI, transaction volume, and the BET-FI index to comprehensively assess their relationships and potential impact on Romania’s economic growth. This analytical approach unveils intricate connections between key economic and financial indicators, paving the way for a deeper understanding of how these variables interact. Furthermore, to shed light on the financial dynamics within Romania, a supplementary analysis in the Altreva Adaptive Modeler was undertaken, focusing on the BET-FI index. This software-based exploration provides a nuanced perspective on the index’s behavior and its interactions with other economic and social indicators. This additional dimension contributes to our holistic understanding of the effects of financial contagion and the implications for sustainable human development in Romania. By combining traditional econometric methodologies with cutting-edge modeling techniques, this study strives to offer a robust framework for comprehending the multifaceted nature of financial contagion and its implications for both the national economy and well-being. These findings have the potential to guide policymakers and financial institutions in implementing more effective risk management strategies, driving economic development, and ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life in Romania.

Theory of Endorsements: Legislative and Jurisprudential Development in Romania and in the European Union

Theory of Endorsements: Legislative and Jurisprudential Development in Romania and in the European Union

Analysis of Fulfillment of the Objectives for Sustainable Development in Romania

Analysis of Fulfillment of the Objectives for Sustainable Development in Romania

Case Study of Smart City Development in Romania

Case Study of Smart City Development in Romania

Advocacy for territorial and people-centered approaches to development in Romania: Place attachment based on industrial heritage

This research focuses on the stories of two small yet unique settlements in Transylvania, Romania: the town of Petrila and the village of Roșia Montană, former mining settlements, currently deemed disadvantaged. Our research inquires about the relevance of their industrial heritage for inhabitants’ place attachment during a long-term process of resistance to neoliberal development and change that caused the partial loss of material and immaterial heritage. We used qualitative discourse analysis to process inhabitants’ accounts in two documentaries: Planeta Petrila and Roșia Montană, a Place on the Brink. Our findings show that place attachment is very strong and painful with many of the locals and is closely connected to industrial heritage and the past. Both industrial heritage and inhabitants’ place attachment based on this heritage are crucial resources for any future strategy that considers territorial and people-centered approaches to development, within a paradigm of sustainability and inclusiveness.

Security in the Context of Sustainability: The Implications on Defence Expenditures

Abstract This scientific article aims to assess the link between defence expenditures and sustainable development in Romania. As the world faces increasingly complex security challenges and environmental concerns, it becomes crucial to examine the interplay between defence investments and sustainable development goals. The study focuses specifically on Romania, a country that has been undergoing significant economic and political transformations since joining the European Union. The analysis employs a comprehensive framework that integrates economic, social, and environmental indicators to evaluate the sustainability implications of defence expenditures. Using data from various sources, including national statistics and international databases, this study examines the trends in defence spending in Romania over a specified period. The research investigates the potential trade-offs between defence investments and sustainable development outcomes by considering key dimensions such as economic growth, social well-being, and environmental impact. By examining the case of Romania, valuable insights can be gained regarding the challenges and opportunities in balancing defence expenditures with sustainable development priorities. The study not only provides a comprehensive analysis of the current situation but also identifies potential pathways for enhancing the sustainability of Romania’s defence sector. This study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable security fostering a more resilient and sustainable future.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (AA) IN ROMANIA: AA’S BEGINNINGS IN ROMANIA, A QUALITATIVE STUDY

This paper aimed to trace the evolution of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in Romania from its establishment there in 1991, focusing on the experiences and efforts of early members to develop the fellowship, disseminate the AA message and create relationships of cooperation and trust with existing religious and healthcare institutions. A qualitative ethnographic study was conducted between March and April 2021 and included 7 participants from the first two AA groups founded in Romania. Data were collected using ethnographic interviews and content analysis was used to obtain a comprehensive synthesis of the data. In addition, archival research was used. Four research categories emerged: AA’s founding moments in Romania, AA’s development in Romania, AA’s relationship with professionals, and perceptions of the disease of alcoholism, then and now. Results suggest that AA's development in Romania was slow due to the political context, lack of information and professionals’ reluctance to support AA. In addition, there is a need to build strong relationships with professionals in the area of substance abuse, social work and religious institutions to facilitate recovery for those who suffer from alcoholism.

THE INFLUENCE OF VARIOUS COLLABORATIVE ASPECTS OF LARGE AND MEDIUM COMPANIES ON REGIONAL PERFORMANCE

In this paper we investigate a modern topic in the regional economics literature, namely the concept of microeconomic competitiveness. Particularly, we investigate the influence of the collaborative activities of the large and medium firms, as a regional prerequisite for cluster formation and development, and the relationship with various regional level performances. For years already, scholars debated within the economics literature if the regional clusters drive the regional performance. Therefore, we contribute to this stream of research through investigating if the specific conditions in the regional context, in our case the collaborative aspects of the companies operating in the region, influence the regional performance. Through a statistical analysis of the data provided by 40 best performers medium and large companies, operating in three regions for economic development in Romania, we found significant associations between the proposed variables. Specifically, we found that the regions in which the companies reported higher scores for proactivity regarding collaboration identification and formation, higher commitment for collaboration participation, respectively higher scores for their collaborative competences and abilities are the regions which also reported higher regional level performances. The results from our study are valuable for the regional economics literature since underline the fact that in order to build regional competitiveness, respectively to accelerate the economic growth and development, the existent companies operating in the regions also need to take some specific actions. The companies and firms play an important and active role in the regional economic development. In contrast to a ‘orthodox’ top-down approach for economic development, the paper brings support to the stream of research on regional economics which militates for collaboration between the public and private sector, and for regional development through microeconomics competitiveness building, local and regional.

Bioeconomy in Romania: Investigating Farmers’ Knowledge

The approach of studying the perceptions of Romanian farmers regarding the bioeconomy brings an element of novelty, and the study intends to add value to works in the field. The literature regarding the attitudes of farmers towards the adoption of new bioeconomic practices is quite limited at the European level and even more so in Romania. However, Romania’s agricultural potential is recognized nationally and internationally. This article aimed to explore the attitudes of Romanian farmers towards the bioeconomy and to take a step forward in determining a set of scientific actions necessary for the initiation of a national strategy dedicated to the bioeconomy. The quantitative research presented is based on a comprehensive survey. The analysis revealed the role of the bioeconomy in agricultural activities and the expectations of respondents in relation to the main aspects addressed by the concept of bioeconomy. The findings pointed out the contribution of Romanian public institutions in explaining and promoting this complex phenomenon to agricultural workers. The results led to three main conclusions: (i) farmers’ attitudes towards the bioeconomy are generally positive, although their knowledge is limited; (ii) public authorities are not sufficiently involved in supporting and promoting the bioeconomy; (iii) the bioeconomy is underfinanced at the national level. The findings draw attention to a great investment potential in the agricultural field that could foster job creation and regional development in Romania. A closer collaboration between researchers, decision-makers, local authorities, and farmers as well as the expansion of technological research are the conditions needed for the development of the bioeconomy in the agriculture of Romania.

Comparative analysis of the study of personal development in Romania and the Republic of Moldova

The Personal Development discipline has the role of helping and guiding students to have a quality life, to maintain optimal relationships with others, to establish and then achieve goals in a certain period of schooling, related to the current social context. The article proposes an overlap of the legislative framework that regulates the study of this discipline in Romania and the Republic of Moldova, with the aim of identifying the similarities and differences that constitute the basis for the realization of the educational act in a relatively new discipline and without an established theoretical layer as in the case of the studied disciplines from the beginning of education.

Rural areas and wine tourism: The case of Romania

"The purpose of the present paper is to provide an integrated approach to the development of wine tourism in Romania’s rural areas. The main research question is: are the communes hosting vineyards and wine-producing facilities and/or cellars/wineries in a better position to attract tourists, compared to the other communes? This question was induced, first, by the fact that Romania is among the top 15 wine pro-ducers worldwide, and some of its wine brands are (well)known at least at the regional level, hence this position might influence Romania as a wine tourism destination. Second, Romanian rural tourism is still in its early stages of development at the national level and therefore a differ¬entiation feature represented by wine-related activities might enhance the attractiveness of a rural destination. Furthermore, wine tourism is a fastly developing trend at the international level and those destinations which have the resources to establish and/or improve wine tourism should take advantage of this trend. The findings of the current paper indicate that wine tourism is poorly developed for the group of wine-producing Romanian rural localities. The extra tourist potential of these localities (represented by vineyards and wineries) is used in an unsatisfactory and inexpertly manner for attracting tourists. The findings are in line with the relatively low level of rural tourism development in Romania presented by other academic works. Keywords: vineyards, wine tourism, rural area, Romania JEL Classification: Z32, L83, C10, R00."

Journeys to Significant Places in Orthodoxy as a Source of Sustainable Local Development in Romania

Religious tourism has developed in post-communist Romania, after decades of restrictions on the manifestation of the population’s religiosity. New monasteries and hermitages appeared and the number of travellers eager to arrive visit those and other religious places has increased. The purpose of this article is to support a sustainable orientation in the development of religious tourism in Romania. Content analysis of articles published by mass media in the last year regarding the two great Orthodox pilgrimages in Romania, to St. Parascheva in Iași and to St. Dimitrie the New in Bucharest, together with a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with group or solitary travellers and the results of two participatory observations conducted at monasteries in Făgăraș Land highlighted the types of journey to religiously significant places in contemporary Romania, i.e., pilgrimages, journeys to father confessor, spiritual journeys, group religious journeys and secular visits, as well as the particularities of hospitality related to them. Involving local communities in hosting and preparing meals for travellers to hermitages and monasteries would reduce pressure on monastic communities and contribute to sustainable local development. The inclusion of local historical sites in journey itineraries to religious places, and the revitalization of traditional local crafts would also contribute to this development.

Sustainability in Construction

The main theme of this work is the sustainability of buildings and their relevance for sustainable development in Romania and Europe in the current context of orientation towards sustainable augmentation, minimizing the negative impact on the environment.A sustainable building must be designed to use the necessary resources: energy, water, and materials in a more efficient way while aiming at reducing the impact that the construction itself has on the health of the occupants but also on the environment.As it is known, human activity in the last few centuries has led to the consumption of resources and the spread of pollutants in the environment.
 According to statistics, over time it has been proven that the construction sector is one of the most active contemporary polluters. The largest amount of greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector results from the use of energy (e.g., for heating, lighting, etc.). Thus, it is demonstrated the need to decrease energy consumption for the use of buildings, but also for their construction and recycling.