Sustainable Development In Romania Research Articles

Examining the Detrimental Consequences of Delaying Romania’s Full Accession to the Schengen Area: A Security-Centric Approach Aligned with Sustainable Development and Quality of Life

PURPOSE: To highlight the degree of perception among the young population in Romania (ages 18–35) regarding the impact of the decisions by some European Union (EU) countries to delay the full acceptance (air, maritime, and land) of Romania’s accession to the Schengen Area on various indicators characterizing the country’s sustainable development, national security interests, and the quality of life of the population. This study was deemed timely in light of the EU’s decision regarding the removal of air and maritime border controls with Romania starting on 31 March 2024 (“Romania’s accession to the Schengen Area, air and maritime”), while maintaining controls at land borders (non-acceptance of “land accession”), under the conditions of Romania fully meeting all the requirements imposed by European legislation, a situation considered by national authorities and the Romanian public as discrimination compared to European states, and causing significant disadvantages in terms of sustainable development and the country’s security interests. METHODS: The study was based on a questionnaire administered to 785 Romanian citizens aged 18–35 years. Data were collected during the period from 15 March 2024 to 15 April 2024, centered around the date of 31 March 2024, which marks “Romania’s accession to the Schengen Area, air and maritime”, through the elimination of EU air and maritime border controls with Romania. The main method used was statistical analysis (descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate), focused on detecting and assessing the degree of respondents’ awareness regarding the efforts of authorities for the full accession of Romania to the Schengen Area and the EU’s response to this effort; the negative impact of delaying the elimination of controls at the EU’s land borders with Romania (“land accession”) on national security interests, on the sustainable development of the country by relating to the objectives of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda developed at the United Nations Summit in September 2015, and on the quality of life of people in Romania. Additionally, the study was based on empirical research of the analyzed issues, in accordance with the available literature. RESULTS: The study reveals that, in the context of a very high level of awareness among respondents regarding the efforts of national authorities for Romania’s accession to the Schengen Area (75.26–91.30%) and access to credible information resources and materials about these efforts (65.10–73.05%), Romania’s status as a full-fledged EU member is a determining factor for motivating Romania’s full accession to the Schengen Area (83.33–93.48%). Furthermore, the decisions of some European states to delay full accession are perceived as subjective/unfair actions that are likely to limit/violate the access/facilities of Romanian citizens, as full-fledged EU citizens, to the values of the European democratic space (59.12–76.69%). Additionally, respondents believe that these decisions are likely to affect Romania’s security interests (43.61–56.52%), exacerbate the discrepancies between the living standards of Romania’s population and those of Western European countries (47.59–71.73%), and negatively impact the national implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda objectives, as these objectives mostly target significant national infrastructures. Moreover, the WHOQOL-BREF measurement tool shows that these decisions negatively affect, to a large and very large extent, the quality of life of people in Romania (32.07–41.31%), with specific characteristics of the investigated domains (“Physical”, “Psychological”, “Environmental”, and “Social”), depending on the considered socio-demographic variables. CONCLUSIONS: We consider that the study conducted provides a scientifically documented information base regarding respondents’ awareness of Romania’s efforts to join the Schengen Area, their perception of the direct consequences on national security, sustainable development of Romania, and quality of life, as a result of the decisions by some EU countries to delay Romania’s full accession to the Schengen Area. Lastly, the study reveals the correlation between the dissatisfaction/frustration of the population caused by the decision to delay Romania’s full accession to the Schengen Area and the questioning of the social, economic, political, and security consequences induced by this decision.

The Role of Climate Change, Employment, Government Expenditure, and Imports on the Value of Agricultural Production in Romania

Abstract Agricultural production is important for ensuring food security, supporting many activities of society and building strong trade economy of a country, but can be slightly influenced by numerous factors. Even if exists a lot of studies that analyze the influencing factors of agricultural production in terms of value, investments, climate change, credits, costs of energy and more, in the literature can be observed a research gap regarding the relation between emissions or mean weekly hours actually worked per employed person and value of agricultural production. The identified gap in the specialty literature was covered in this paper. The present paper aims to analyze a series of factors that influence the value of agricultural production, like: climate change, employment, government expenditure and imports, after discussing the theoretical framework about the subject. The methodological approach is based on using several linear regressions, tested with the EViews software. One of the main findings indicates the existence of relationships between both the change of imports and the change of emissions with the value of agricultural production in Romania during 1995-2021. Also, another result indicates a negative influence of temperature change on the value of agricultural production, showing once again that climate change does negatively impact agricultural output and, thus, the sustainable development of Romania. This study could be used further by policy makers to understand on which drivers should act on in developing sustainable policies for Romanian agriculture.

Analysis of Fulfillment of the Objectives for Sustainable Development in Romania

Analysis of Fulfillment of the Objectives for Sustainable Development in Romania

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.

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.

Digital Public Administration and the Perspectives of Sustainable Development in Romania

The Romanian Digitalization Authority is currently proposing a new vision in the public sector through the digital transformation component. It's a vision of the business environment. It is estimated that the benefits of digital transformation, such as efficiency, transparency, and simplicity, could lead to much higher process productivity. The vision that ADR will develop in its work is based on the awareness of the need for new technologies by the leaders of public institutions, the continuous adaptation to the requirements of citizens, quality, secure and fast online public services. However, the question arises whether this vision also considers the perspective of sustainable development in Romania in terms of sustainable development indicators. To be able to answer this question, we used as a research method the documentary analysis doubled by an analysis of the indicators of the sustainable development of Romania for the last five years. The review of the specialized literature gave us the chance to identify the particularities of the digitalization of public administration from other countries and to highlight the specific characteristics of Romania. A comparative analysis of sustainable development indicators will be the subject of our further research.

Sustainable societal development perspectives for rural Romania in light of Horizon 2020

Abstract Developmental gaps between urban and rural areas are a trademark of nowadays times, accelerated by economic models that ensure advancement chances mostly to urban hubs, rather than being focused on rural life. The Sustainable Development Goals issued by the United Nations and their desired implementation by 2030 is a first guarantee for an equitable and inclusive societal and economic framework. Currently, Romania lacks rural investments and a forward-looking attitude is much needed to reach the sustainability objectives. In addition, smart rural development, which fosters knowledge, innovation and R&D at village level is a viable tool in laying the groundwork for rural welfare, in response to issues such as migration from rural to urban, demographic ageing and poverty. Despite the multitude of programs tackling rural development at EU scale, Romania appears to perform poorly, even if its population is highly ruralized. In light of these matters, the paper conducts literature review analysis on smart rural development and sustainable development in Romania, to highlight the current performance of Romanian villages in this concern. Using literature and document analysis of Horizon 2020 programs on rural development conducted in the European Union, the aim is to identify the specific points to be addressed by decision makers in order for sustainable advancement of Romanian villages to be further enhanced.

The Kurzarbeit model and the sustainable development of Romania Is Romania ready for this model?

Abstract The Kurzarbeit model was applied by several European governments during the previous crisis of 2008-2009 and involved the design of small state-funded work schemes. Governments have supported subsidized companies to compensate for the loss of revenue. Adapting the model to the crisis has been much easier in countries where regulation already exists, compared to the countries that adopted it for the first time. The efficiency of the model was different, with the best results being obtained by countries that had robust economies before the crisis. Overall, at the level of countries that have applied this model, it can be said that the model provided job stability during the crisis, not the certainty that workers will keep their jobs even after the crisis. Given the recent decision of the Romanian Government to apply the Kurzarbeit measure in our country as well, in the current study we considered the analysis of those issues that affected the countries that adopted this model for the first time, in the previous crisis, at which we added the unprecedented impact of the recent pandemic and the particular aspects that characterize today’s Romanian economy. The results show that, without analyzing the particularities that differentiate Romania from the countries that have successfully applied the model, the Kurzarbeit model will not ensure the sustainable development of the social factor and the employment rate assumed for 2020, and social inequalities and poverty will continue to deepen.

Correlation Between Regional Competitiveness and Smart Regions

This scientific article represents an empirical research on the smart and sustainable development of Romania after the accession to the European Union. The main objective is to determine the current state of smart development of the four macro-regions of our country and to identify possible solutions for improving the performance and reducing the gaps. The research methodology applied in this case is based on critical comparative analysis, and statistical data. The results from the first part of the research shows, on the one hand, that between the macro-regions of the country there are gaps in terms of smart and sustainable development, and the highest performances are registered at the level of Macroregion three. On the other hand, the results show large gaps with Austria (performer in the smart development) with most of the dimensions characteristic of the smart regions / cities considered by us in this research. The results of the second part of the research demonstrates that the level of competitiveness has a decisive role in supporting the process of smart development and reducing gaps at national and international level, and stimulating innovation is essential for achieving the goal of smart, sustainable and inclusive long-term development.

Economic-Ecological Analysis of Sustainable Development in Romania

The intense industrial exploitation of resources and the continuous degradation of the environment have determined an ecological crisis of care requires a sustainable strategy. The concept of sustainable development permanently determines or re-evaluates the connection between man and nature and is committed to solidarity between the generations as a single viable option for long lung growth. In the article, the theme of the long-term impact in the world terms on the processes developed in Romania is presented and analyzed, a necessary passage for a sustainable economic growth, but there is an existing resource and the possibility to stimulate and capitalize on an economic factor in this the transition to this new stage of use.
 Keywords: sustainable development, strategies, ecological, perspectives

The impact of business digitization on the three pillars of sustainable development

Abstract The world is currently facing great challenges generated by the fourth industrial revolution. If the first three major industrial revolutions took place over several centuries, the current revolution, in full swing, is characterized by an alert rhythm, having an exponential evolution, rather than a linear one. Many specialists consider that this is a continuation of the third industrial revolution, started in the sixties of the last century, but the permanent need to adapt and change the business models that characterize daily life determines us to appreciate that they represent the elements of a new, unusual revolution, which will greatly change the face of humanity. Digital technology will bring about essential changes in business, social organization and even current governance models. In this sense, we will approach the digitization of the business from the perspective of the three pillars, social, economic and environment, to conclude to what extent, this new and last revolution adheres to the principles of sustainable development. In this study, we aim to analyze the economic links between the digitization of business and sustainable development in Romania, through an econometric analysis. The results of the econometric analysis will determine to what extent the defining elements of sustainable development will be influenced by this phenomenon. Furthermore, we would like undeline that the fourth industrial revolution, by digitizing business, will affect the three pillars of sustainable development, without mitigation measures which the decision makers should consider, amplifying the phenomenon of social inequity, deepening economic imbalances as a result of the polarization of economic activities, concentrated only in certain regions and irreparably affecting the environment and natural balance, becoming a danger to biodiversity conservation.

DIGITALIZATION – SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CONVERGENCE: METRICS AND EFFECTS IN ROMANIA

Sustainability and digitalization both require major transitions in our world and the way we imagine them. Digitalization is considered to be the engine that alters sustainability. However, it is not yet known whether and to what extent this digital transformation facilitates or hinders the development of a more sustainable world. The aim of this paper is to shed light on the implications of digitalization for sustainable development in Romania and to provide answers to the following questions: how does digitalization affect the most important pillars of sustainability? How can digital technology help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the next period? These key issues are of immediate practical relevance and therefore need to be addressed by researchers and decision-makers alike. In order to achieve this objective, this research examines the relationship between digitalization and sustainable development, in the specific case of Romania, and examines how digital performance affects the main components of sustainable development, pursued on the basis of the following sustainable development objectives: non-poverty, good health and well-being, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, At the same time, it examines the most important measures for evaluating the level of digitalization of countries (more specifically, the Digital Economy and Society Index DESI methodology) and sustainable development at the macro-economic level (through the Sustainable Development Goals Index SDGI components).

Aspects of Marketing in Dental Tourism—Factor of Sustainable Development in Romania

Dental tourism is a growing and emerging phenomenon that is becoming more attractive to patients due to its potential for decreased expenses, increased convenience, and immediacy of treatment. The necessity for travel is the primary motivation for seeking dental treatment due to the successful cooperation between tourism and healthcare. While dental tourism has been largely researched from the perspective of the patient, our research is the first research to apply a concomitant approach on dental clinics and tourism agencies. The aim of our study wasto provide comprehensive empirical evidence from the perspective of the dental clinics and tourism agencies in Romanian dental tourism. We used a representative sampling with an online questionnaire on 160 dental clinics and 32 tourism agencies. The results indicate that both entities have small amounts of information, but they are interested in investing, promoting, and creating a partnership to create a sustainable industry of dental tourism. Dental tourism could strongly contribute to the country’s image and help to prolong the seasonality of tourism activity by enhancing the strategic marketing of dental clinics and tourism agencies toward sustainable health tourism.

Romania’s Research and Innovation Area: The Beginning of a SWOT Analysis

Abstract The global, “soft-power” role of research, development and innovation (R&D) has increased drastically over the last decades and the expectations regarding the societal and economic benefits of R&D as a natural effect of investment are greater than ever. Although Romania has implemented some of the most up-to-date concepts and strategies in the R&D field, the results are still modest and far below expectations, the country ranging last places among international scoreboards. This study briefly surveys some of the most relevant indicators and statistics in the field and builds the fundamentals of a more complex SWOT analysis of the Romanian R&D area. It highlights key interconnected aspects like research national policies, public and private funding, human resources, key players in the field, R&D output and infrastructure. Some of the strong points in the area are generated by a handful of poles of excellence – performing research entities based on highly qualified personnel and state-of-the-art infrastructure, stimulated by funding instruments under competitive conditions. The weaknesses belong to a complex of shortcomings and malfunctions related to the system’s funding and overall structure. These raise serious questions regarding the participation of the national R&D system to the sustainable development of Romania.

Fighting Corruption and Enhancing Tax Compliance through Digitization: Achieving Sustainable Development in Romania

Fighting corruption and enhancing tax compliance through digital public services represent key factors for increasing sustainable development in Romania. We argue that fighting corruption may increase the level of sustainable development, through digital pubic services. Using digital public services leads to the increase of the level of tax compliance, because entrepreneurs will feel more confident and responsible and they will decide to better comply. Tax regulations can affect the level of tax compliance through the additional costs they generate. The discussion is based on the consideration of the costs generated by compliant behavior and we explain how such costs influence the entrepreneurs’ decision in the fiscal environment. If the costs are higher, entrepreneurs will take evasive initiatives and will refuse to comply. Among the numerous tools developed to fight corruption, the use of communication technologies has recently been researched and there is still need for further research in the Romanian economic environment. The use of digital public services reduces costs for entrepreneurs and increases their confidence in state institutions due to higher levels of transparency. We argue for increasing sustainable development in Romania through digital public services, thus fighting corruption and enhancing tax compliance.

A pilot study on education for sustainable development in the Romanian economic higher education

PurposeThis paper aims to emphasize how economics courses offered at higher education institutions can influence sustainable development, in general, and Romania’s sustainable development, in particular.Design/methodology/approachThe conclusions are based on a pilot questionnaire conducted by the authors on the level of Romanian students enrolled in public and private economic faculties. The results were based on a sample of 1,250 respondents – students, master and PhD – from the economic faculties of some prestigious Romanian universities. To identify differences between some groups, t-test analysis and ANOVA were conducted.FindingsEducation is an important pillar for ensuring sustainable development because through education, people understand and learn how to become more responsible toward the environment. Studies conducted in the twenty-first century are showing a direct link between the investment in education and economic, social and human development. The present study revealed that the economic higher education system in Romania has started with small steps to adapt to the environmental requirements. Unfortunately, the efforts still required to be made are significant, since it is observed that all undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD require a change of attitude and mentality. Romanian public universities are more involved than private universities in the implementation of programs, projects, debates and courses on sustainable development and students’ reactions are positive.Originality/valueThis paper provides useful insights, allowing a better understanding of the role of universities in fostering sustainable development. This research is useful to find solutions for developing education for sustainable development in Romania and it can be a starting point for ESD programs and policies.

The WHS Designation—A Factor of Sustainable Tourism Growth for Romanian Rural Areas?

The presence of World Heritage Sites has been frequently used as a mean of tourism promotion and increased attractiveness. However, previous studies showed contradictory results regarding the territorial impact of World Heritage Sites, and very few researchers discussed their impact in Eastern Europe. This paper examines how the presence of World Heritage Sites in rural localities influenced the tourism growth and sustainable development in Romania after 2000. Independent Sample t-test was used to analyse the evolution of tourism and sustainable development indicators between 2001 and 2016. The results suggest an absence of a positive effect induced by World Heritage Sites in rural areas. It seems that, by itself, the brand has not enough power to sustain tourist attractiveness if it is not endorsed by national, regional, and local initiatives. These findings lead a discussion about how certain sites managed to induce a sustained tourism growth while others failed to do so.

Eco-Innovation and Service Activities in the Context of Sustainable Development in Romania

Eco-innovation and sustainability are two concepts that follow the same driving direction in the sense that it determines each other having as purpose a decrease of the impact way of production on the environment by increasing the resistance of nature to environmental pressures and, not least, by obtaining a use of natural resources in an efficient and responsible way. The action of all stakeholders and all economic sectors in reducing aggression on the environment are increasingly asserting more stringent if there are taken into consideration the climate change or diminishing resources and biodiversity, eco-innovation being seen as an opportunity for businesses of any kind and with any object of activity. Service activities can be the beneficiaries of eco-innovation through the emergence and development of high-tech services. But, need to be aware also of the role they play in the environmental protection, in this way exemplifying a small part of them, namely: services of research and development leading to products and innovative services, sanitation services, waste management services where ecology is already a brand presentation and we refer here to ecological tourism services, etc. All these issues can lead to increased quality of life and create new jobs, for which we intend to analyze how can influence healthy to each other two actual concepts namely service activities, innovation and ecology. We also follow to determine how eco-innovation can contribute to the development of innovative services and together can reduce the adverse environmental effects by promoting healthy development and a sustainable economy. In order to achieve the objectives proposed, we analyzed the main literature on this subject and used descriptive statistical methods for interpreted the statistical data available in the official databases. The results of this study establish the relationship between eco-innovation, services, and sustainable development on the one hand, as to identify the place of Romania in the Eco- Innovation Scoreboard - Eco-IS in the European context and the exact situation existing in Romania in relation to support services for the ecoinnovation process, on the other hand.

Green Energy for Sustainable Development in Romania�s Economy

Based on representative energy indicators, this study examines the need to adopt Green Energy Economy in Romania, in relation to the economic activity and demographic changes. The data used are the main energy indicators (the CO2 emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, the renewable energy consumption and the consumption of biofuel), the intensity of energy in economy, and the population number. The methodology consists in a quantitative analysis in EViews program. The results� interpretation will take into account that Romania has to continue to reduce the intensity of energy, by increasing the energy efficiency, focusing mainly on energy technologies with low-carbon.

Renewable energy: A way for a sustainable development in Romania

ABSTRACTThe development of renewable energy sources is justified by keeping a clean environment, by assurance of energy security, by job creation, all these contributing to sustainable economic growth. The paper presents the development level of renewable energy sector in Romania and the benefits of its extension, starting from the potential of Romania in this field. From natural point of view, Romania has a high potential for development of renewable energy, in the hydro, wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass fields. The research results show that even if there are certain limitations in expansion of this field, the natural potential and the advantages obtained by development of renewable energy sources require continued investments and public–private efforts to support it.