ABSTRACT This study explores the implications of automation and digitalization for low-skilled cross-border commuters, drawing on evidence from the Bavarian-Czech context. Based on interviews with companies employing cross-border commuters, we explore future employment prospects and employability. Findings show that training in digitalized work processes is hindered by limited German language skills, though these skills become less relevant once training is completed. Automation shifts labour shortages to higher-skilled positions, reducing opportunities for lateral entry, currently the main pathway for Czech cross-border commuters. Lacking recognition of Czech vocational training further reinforces this mismatch, particularly in highly automated sectors such as manufacturing, which employs the largest share of Czech cross-border commuters. In contrast, impacts are less pronounced in healthcare or hospitality. Overall, advancing automation and digitalization create growing challenges for cross-border commuting, as skill mismatches and language barriers may reduce the employability of Czech workers in the German border region, potentially reshaping labour market integration and reinforcing the peripheral position of border regions.

Artificial intelligence, clean energy, and market integration: Evidence from multi-period quantile dynamics.

Background: This study investigates the impact of the Full Call Auction mechanism implemented by the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2024 on stocks listed under the Special Monitoring Board. The research aims to evaluate how the FCA affects market liquidity, particularly bid-ask spreads and trading volume, within the financial sector stocks. Methods: Employing a heterogeneous Difference-in-Differences approach, the analysis compares stock-level liquidity indicators before and after the FCA implementation. Findings: While overall treatment effects appear statistically insignificant, subgroup analysis reveals that stocks with longer exposure to the FCA exhibit significantly wider bid-ask spread and persistent reductions in trading volume. These findings indicate that, although the FCA was introduced to improve transparency and market integrity, it may have inadvertently reduced market participation and liquidity. Conclusion: The study highlights the critical role of market design in emerging markets and recommends adopting complementary mechanisms, such as Designated Market Makers, to support liquidity in auction-based systems. Novelty/Originality of this article: This research contributes to the market microstructure literature and provides practical insights for regulators seeking to enhance trading efficiency in emerging capital markets.

ABSTRACT In rural communities, markets can drive change by modifying human activities and influencing landscape complexity. The interactions among markets, resource management, and landscapes deserve closer examination to understand community dynamics and the role of local markets. This study aims to analyze whether variation in peasant’s productive strategy (diversification or specialization) and differentiated market integration are associated with landscape complexity. We employed ethnobotanical, remote sensing, and landscape ecology metrics. We conducted semi-structured interviews and developed land classifications in four communities in Coyomeapan, Central Mexico. Results indicate that communities differ in landscape complexity, reflecting the species sold, resource management practices, and the producers’ socioeconomic capacity for market integration. However, productive strategies are not directly linked to landscape heterogeneity at this scale, since agroecosystems remain largely managed through traditional methods. We emphasize that multifunctional rural landscapes persist through local market linkages, dual peasant economies, and traditional management.

The paper deals with comprehensive theoretical research of the areas of harmonization of the foundations of the development of traditional and digital marketing as a single system of positive influence on consumer behavior. The relevance of solving the research problem lies in the expansion of the conceptual foundations of the integration of traditional and digital marketing into a single system of modern marketing in order to create effective strategies for achieving business development targets through the formation and expansion of target audience segments by increasing the degree of personalization and ensuring a high level of satisfaction of consumer needs. As a result of researching the theoretical foundations of the essence of consumer behavior and determining the relationship between the concepts of traditional and digital marketing, it is proposed to consider consumer behavior as a complex and multifactorial category, the formation and management of which are determined by the influence of a combination of traditional and digital marketing tools.The methodological tools of the research include methods of comparative analysis, empirical analysis, statistical modeling, and mathematical methods. The result of the research consists of a developed model of the complex of modern marketing, under which it is proposed to understand a hybrid system, where each of the 7P components integrates traditional and digital aspects, creating a unified and coherent experience for the consumer. Theoretical principles are developed, and an improved scheme of the consumer behavior model is proposed for practical use with the definition of classification features of advertising in digital marketing channels in the formation of influence on the consumer's subconscious mind.The results of the conducted research can be useful for marketers, business owners, and scientists who devote research to the issue of harmonization of the action of traditional and digital marketing strategies into a single system in the modern business environment.

Unlike traditional marketing methods, social media platforms enable brands to communicate with their target audiences more interactively and dynamically, while also allowing consumers to engage directly and instantaneously with brands. As an integral part of contemporary marketing, the impact of social media on interactive marketing is profound. This highlights the need to explore the strong synergy between social media and interactive marketing, which has become a vital component of digital marketing. This research seeks to answer the pivotal question: “What is the role of social media in enhancing interactive digital marketing strategies?” A systematic literature review using the PRISMA framework was conducted to provide a comprehensive analysis of relevant research in the field. This study aims to examine the evolving role of social media in interactive marketing and to highlight how this synergy contributes to shaping effective digital marketing strategies. The findings show that social media platforms have revolutionized marketing strategies by facilitating direct, real-time interaction with consumers. In addition, the study underlines the critical role of continuous innovation in maintaining competitive advantage, particularly through artificial intelligence (AI) and personalized interaction. Marketers can optimize social media strategies by focusing on real-time, interactive engagement and utilizing AI technologies, such as chatbots and virtual influencers, to strengthen consumer relationships and create personalized brand interactions. This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating that the integration of social media and interactive marketing can significantly enhance brand loyalty and business performance through more effective and personalized consumer engagement.

With the dedicated support of our editorial board members, authors, peer reviewers, section editors, and production team, we are pleased to present the December 2024 issue of the International Journal of Accounting, Business and Finance (IJABF). This volume features five research papers providing insights into the interconnected dynamics of financial markets, sustainability policy, and investor behavior. The papers highlight how new regulatory frameworks for corporate sustainability are driving significant scholarly and practical focus, while event studies demonstrate the tangible market impacts of both domestic policy announcements and international trade tensions. Concurrent analysis of investor decision-making reveals how demographic shifts and behavioral factors shape capital allocation. The discussion further underscores the parallel and critical need for advancing forensic accounting to ensure market integrity. Together, these threads illustrate a financial landscape where policy, sustainability, investor psychology, and enforcement mechanisms are deeply intertwined, calling for integrated analysis and strategies to navigate an evolving global system.

This article explores how collaboration across Arctic borders has enabled the emergence of ultrasmall, Indigenous-led sectors, examining the development of Indigenous screen industries in Sápmi and Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland). The Sámi film industry has experienced a notable rise, driven by strategic transnational collaborations and the establishment of institutions such as the International Sámi Film Institute, which prioritize narrative sovereignty and cultural resilience. The developing Greenlandic cinema has followed a similar path, drawing on Sámi practices to build its own structures for growth, culminating in the establishment of a film institute in 2026. The study highlights how these industries confront legacies of colonialism whilst navigating challenges such as funding limitations, environmental sustainability, and filmmaker fatigue. Through comparative analysis, the article argues that Sámi and Greenlandic screen industries offer a model for other ultrasmall and Indigenous industries globally, demonstrating how cultural authenticity, ethical filmmaking practices, and strategic collaborations can coexist with global market integration. The findings underscore the importance of institution-building, transnational networking, and balancing local priorities with international opportunities. Ultimately, the article shows that Indigenous screen industries globally can transform traditional industry structures, asserting political and cultural agency whilst contributing to a broader reimagining of global cinema.

Purpose The stock market and banking sector facilitate the allocation of funds, supporting both short-term and long-term capital distribution, which in turn drives economic activity. The study explores the dynamics of return and volatility spillovers between public and private sector banks in India. Design/methodology/approach This study employed the EGARCH model, utilising time-series data from April 1, 2008, to March 31, 2024, sourced from Investing.com. Findings The results reveal that Indian Overseas Bank experiences the highest degree of volatility transmission, while Citibank shows the lowest. Additionally, the study finds that positive shocks tend to create more volatility than negative shocks for public-sector banks. In contrast, negative shocks lead to greater volatility for private-sector banks. The analysis also reveals both unidirectional and bidirectional return and volatility spillovers between public and private sector banks. Research limitations/implications These findings underscore the banking sector’s vulnerability to contagion effects, highlighting the need for financial institutions and policymakers to implement strategies that mitigate systemic risks. It is crucial to adopt enhanced risk management practices, enforce appropriate regulatory measures, and maintain ongoing monitoring of financial interconnections to mitigate the impact of volatility transmission and ensure the stability of the banking sector. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive examination of return and volatility spillovers between public and private sector banks in India, utilising an extensive time-series dataset spanning 16 years (2008–2024). Employing advanced econometric models, the study will provide novel insights into market integration within the Indian financial sector and contribute to the broader literature on volatility spillovers in emerging economies.

This study evaluates the logistics performance of a microenterprise using the SCOR v13.0 model, integrating digital marketing indicators to analyze its operational and commercial impact. A mixed-methods approach was employed, based on a structured questionnaire with five dimensions of the SCOR model (Plan, Source, Make, Deliver, and Return) and a semi-structured interview with the company's CEO. The results show strengths in sourcing and delivery, as well as weaknesses in planning and returns processes, particularly due to the lack of supporting digital tools. The conceptual integration of logistics practices and digital marketing reveals opportunities for professionalization, improved customer experience, and alignment with international supply chain management standards. This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the applicability of the SCOR model to technology-based microenterprises in the service sector and its potential when combined with digital strategies.

The present paper analyses the extent to which European Union regulatory frameworks induce the development of circular agriculture within the European Union. In order to evaluate the progress towards circular agriculture within the European Union, a composite Agricultural Circularity Index (ACI) was developed for all EU-27 Member States for the period of 2014–2023. An expert interview and a TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making technique were employed for the construction of the ACI. Results indicate only marginal improvements in the development of circular agriculture on the aggregate EU level, although a pronounced cross-country divergence towards achieving circularity in agriculture was observed. The following four distinct trajectories in the evolution of the circular economy within the EU were distinguished: structurally advancing promoters, short-term breakthrough cases, high baseline, but eroding systems, and mixed or stagnating countries. Indicator decomposition analysis reveals that durable circularity gains in agriculture arise when increased material recirculation coincides with verifiable bandwidth, whereas intensifying input use frequently negates the progress. The findings underscore that regulatory ambition alone is insufficient: implementation design, uncompromised enforcement, and market integration determine whether initial initiatives towards circular agriculture materialize into sustainable practices or remain transitory. From a policy perspective, the ACI functions as a diagnostic tool to locate structural bottlenecks and to target CAP-style interventions where circular flows can be scaled most effectively.

Assessments of poverty among agricultural households in Sub-Saharan Africa often rely on either monetary or multidimensional indicators considered separately, overlooking key structural constraints. This study investigates the determinants of both monetary and multidimensional poverty among agricultural households in Togo. Using nationally representative EHCVM 2021/22 data from 2893 households, monetary poverty is measured using the Foster–Greer–Thorbecke Index, while multidimensional poverty is assessed with the Alkire–Foster method. A survey-weighted logit model is employed to identify the drivers associated with each poverty dimension. Results show that multidimensional poverty (59.40%) is more widespread than monetary poverty (51.50%). Education substantially reduces poverty risk, whereas larger household size, limited market access, and residence in the Savannah region increase it. Economic and natural shocks are negatively associated with monetary and absolute poverty, while cooperative membership raises the likelihood of being poor. Investment in livestock (TLU) reduces monetary poverty but increases multidimensional deprivation. These findings highlight that poverty among agricultural households in Togo is shaped by interconnected socioeconomic and institutional constraints rather than income deprivation alone. Therefore, integrated strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those promoting education, rural credit access, market integration, and resilience-building, are essential for achieving effective and context-specific poverty reduction.

Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have become a central pillar of grassroots socio-economic empowerment in Kenya, particularly for women in low-income urban contexts who rely on collective systems of savings, credit, and mutual support. However, despite their potential, many SHGs in informal settlements struggle to remain stable and sustainable due to internal organizational challenges. This study examined the organizational practices, governance structures, and sustainability factors of women’s SHGs in Viwandani informal settlements in Nairobi, drawing on responses from N = 73 members across seven groups. Guided by Social Exchange Theory and the T7 Model of Team Effectiveness, the study pursued three objectives to: identify organizational practices influencing SHG stability, analyze strategies used to address operational challenges, and examine how member characteristics contribute to sustainability. A quantitative design was applied using descriptive statistics. Findings show that SHGs in Viwandani are governed through frequent meetings, consensus-based decision-making, rotational leadership, and strong committee systems, demonstrating high levels of participation and accountability. Groups reported relying on disciplinary mechanisms, internal loan controls, welfare support, and collective problem-solving as strategies for addressing challenges, although limited market linkages and minimal external partnerships constrained growth. Member characteristics, particularly self-employment, low formal education, and heavy household responsibilities, shaped motivation, commitment, and cohesion, but also exposed groups to financial vulnerability. Overall, sustainability was linked to trust, perceived benefits, shared responsibility, and strong internal governance, while long-term growth required capacity-building, market integration, and stakeholder partnerships. The study recommends targeted training, stronger institutional support, and structured collaboration with financial actors to reinforce SHG resilience in informal urban settlements.

Using weekly price data from 97 Nigerian markets, we examine how seasonal harvest timing shapes price dynamics for staple grains using a dyadic panel design. Our analysis reveals that markets operating in the same harvest phase experience faster price convergence, while asynchronous seasonal conditions slow adjustments-particularly for local rice and cowpea. In contrast, imported long-grain rice shows stable price behavior throughout the year. These results highlight the critical influence of seasonal cycles on market integration and offer fresh insights for food security strategies.

Background: The expansion of global trade has positioned halal supply chains as a critical pillar in Islamic economic systems, particularly as Muslim and non-Muslim markets increasingly demand products that meet rigorous Shariah standards. Yet, the complexity of cross-border logistics, inconsistent certification practices, and frequent incidents of fraud continue to challenge the credibility and governance of halal value chains in the global market. Aims: This study aims to examine the structural challenges facing global halal supply chains while identifying strategic opportunities for strengthening Shariah-compliant governance. It specifically evaluates how ethical principles, regulatory harmonization, and digital traceability technologies can collectively enhance the resilience and legitimacy of halal logistics. Method: The research adopts a qualitative analytical approach informed by literature synthesis, regulatory review, and expert perspectives. Islamic economic principles serve as the interpretive foundation, enabling an assessment of both operational practices and their alignment with Shariah requirements. Result: The findings reveal three dominant challenges: fragmented certification standards, persistent cross-contamination risks, and widespread mislabeling driven by weak oversight. At the same time, globalization has created new opportunities, including broader market integration, rising ethical consumerism, and the use of blockchain-based traceability systems that improve transparency and reduce fraud. Conclusion: The study concludes that the long-term sustainability of halal supply chains depends on embedding Shariah-compliant governance within every stage of production, certification, and distribution. Strengthening mutual recognition frameworks among regulatory bodies, expanding digital verification tools, and enhancing stakeholder accountability are essential for restoring trust in global halal trade. When combined, these elements create a coherent pathway for building a transparent, ethical, and competitive halal economic ecosystem capable of meeting both contemporary global demands and core Islamic values.

Dual Vocational Education and Training (Dual VET) has become established as a key educational model by combining theoretical training with practical experience in companies, thereby facilitating labour market integration and improving academic performance. However, its implementation presents challenges related to quality assurance and coordination between educational and corporate stakeholders. This study develops and validates an Assessment Guide and a Digital Tool based on the standards of the European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 21001, aiming to guarantee quality in Dual VET. Through a comparative analysis of accreditation systems in Spain, Italy, and Germany, seven critical phases in dual training were identified. The results indicate that the tool facilitates quality control at each stage of the process, providing objective criteria for both educational centres and companies. It is concluded that its implementation enhances transparency and the continuous improvement of the model.

ABSTRACT Agroecology is increasingly seen as a pathway for transformative food systems change. This study examines this transformation through the lens of Indigenous knowledge in Nagaland, where traditional practices like the Zabo system have sustained Chakhesang Naga livelihoods for centuries. However, these systems are threatened by modernization pressures (youth migration, market-driven agriculture, infrastructure development). Employing participatory ethnographic fieldwork (2023–2024) by a transdisciplinary team, this study analyzes community-led adaptive strategies. Findings reveal how villagers respond to specific pressures, such as youth disengagement and infrastructure-driven landslides, by demonstrating significant adaptive capacity. This capacity is observed in their “blending” of practices: integrating new commercial crops with traditional subsistence farming, and adopting modern tools while retaining Zabo ponds. This hybrid approach aims to balance market integration with local food security. The study recommends targeted policies, including: (1) creating economic incentives for youth engagement; (2) co-designing infrastructure projects with communities; and (3) balancing market-driven diversification with local food security.

This article investigated the implementation of Dual Vocational Training in the Higher-grade Training Cycle in Pre-primary Education, the reasons for choosing this modality, the formative experience, and the educational and employment expectations. A quantitative study was carried out using an ad hoc questionnaire developed in Google Forms, validated, and completed online by students enrolled in dual training programmes in either the first or second year at vocational training centres that had secured dual projects prior to the enactment of Organic Law 3/2022. The results first show that students had a clear predisposition to enrol in Pre-primary Education studies as their first choice. Secondly, the findings underscore the importance of studies in the dual modality due to its strong link with the professional sphere. Finally, the students expressed a positive outlook toward continuing onto university studies after completing the cycle. Preliminary conclusions indicate a positive evaluation of the dual training received in both the educational centre and the workplace. Students particularly appreciate some advantages of this training model for their labour market integration, in studies that remain predominantly feminized.

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the effectiveness of policy frameworks that support Maritime Canada’s beef sector, and the regional food service industry by adopting the New Institutional Economics (NIE) theoryA thematic content analysis was conducted using 31 policy documents in MAXQDA. It was found that current policies support sustainable beef production and marketing and, indirectly, impact the food service sector. Opportunities exist to enhance local meat sourcing and supply chain stability for restaurants and institutional buyers. The policy instruments influence sourcing costs and supply chain resilience in the foodservice sector by improving production efficiency and fostering local market integration.

This paper examines the environmental impact of service trade innovation in the context of China's dual-carbon goals. Leveraging the staggered difference-in-differences combined with double/debiased machine learning strategy, we identify the causal effect of the Service Trade Innovation and Development Pilot Policy on urban carbon emissions. Results show that the policy reduced emissions by an average of 8.9%. The carbon mitigation effect is more pronounced in coastal cities, those with more developed service sectors, and non-Two Control Zones. The examination of the fundamental mechanisms identifies four primary channels: the intensified enforcement of low-carbon policies, progress in green innovation, the expansion of regional market integration, and the improvement of urban trade networks. Spatial spillover analysis indicates significant carbon reductions within 0-100 km of pilot cities, but a rebound effect in the 100-500 km range, possibly due to resource agglomeration. These results underscore the environmental benefits associated with reforms in service trade and emphasize the necessity for regionally coordinated approaches to promote spatial equity in the implementation of low-carbon transition initiatives. JEL CLASSIFICATION: O14; Q56; Q58; R11.