KOSOVO EMPLOYEE’S PERCEPTION OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DECENT WORK ACCORDING TO SUSTAINABILITY

This research paper aims to identify how implementation of Goal 8 “Decent work and economic growth” deriving from the UN Sustainable Development Goals is being perceived by employees of the public sector and private sector in Kosovo. This paper aims to investigate perceptions of the employees on decent work and explore the path how employees, employers, social partners and public policymakers contribute to a united response to the implementation of sustainability dimensions to foster community cohesion and promote common vision. In a discovery seeking environment, as a research method was used survey. The sample consists of 201 respondents that targeted employees of either private or public sector in different regions of the country. Data collected were analyzed using Independent T-Test and Spearman’s rank order correlations. The study reveals that there is no mean difference between perceptions of females and males about the economic growth in the country and impact on incomes. Economic growth is moderately related with the opportunity of being able to cover basic living expenses. Moreover, the perceptions of the integrity protection at workplace and being able to cover basic living expenses is moderately intertwined with the equal pay for equal value. Safety and physical security at workplace is also moderately related to protection of integrity in the workplace. Perceptions of respondents on economic growth are moderately associated with working sector.

Filipos RUXHO - Assistant Professor, Department of Business Management, Universum International College, Kosovo E-mail: filip.ruxho@universum-ks.org

J10, J13, J40, O10, O40

ANALYZING THE SPATIAL INTERACTIONS IN THE NATIONWIDE REGIONAL CAPITALS NETWORK OF GREECE

This paper studies the spatial interactions of the nationwide regional (NUTS III) capitals network in Greece, using complex network analysis and comparative methods. The study detects the topological characteristics of the nationwide spatial network composed of regional capitals and to examine how this network serves and promotes regional development. The analysis highlights the impact of spatial constraints on the network, provides information on the major infrastructure projects that have developed in the road transport sector and affected the country’s transport capacity, and outlines the gravitational dimension of the nationwide spatial interconnectivity phenomenon. Overall, the paper highlights the effectiveness of complex network analysis in the modeling spatial networks and transport systems, and promotes the network paradigm in spatial and regional economics’ research.

Dimitrios TSIOTAS - Assistant Professor, Department of Regional and Economic Development, School of Applied Economics and Social Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Amfissa, Greece tsiotas@aua.gr, (Corresponding Author)

Serafeim POLYZOS - Professor, Department of Regional Development and Planning, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece, spolyzos@uth.gr

R4, R41, R42

USING QUANTITATIVE TOOLS TO UNDERSTAND POLITICAL ISSUES

This study focuses on understanding what the Americans think about the groups of people that collaborating among themselves would make it possible to solve the thorny political issues that brought the events of January 6th, 2021. A Mind Genomics experiment is designed to collect and analyze the collected data. A four X four experiment is used; for each pillar/category four potential answers are provided to cover the entire response spectrum. Thus, the four considered categories are Ordinary People, Leaders, The political world, and Personages. The main issue with this study is to analyze and understand the following question: What will happen when these people work together to solve this problem: Insurrection - People who want to overthrow the government. The study shows higher impact values of the answers for category "The Political World" that could solve complex social and political issues the USA is facing today. The higher impact values for the vital performing elements in the teens tell us that we have selected groups of respondents with similar points of view, with these strong points of view not being diluted.

Petraq PAPAJORGJI - Moore Albania Sh.P.K., petraq@gmail.com, ORCID: 0000-0002-3833-5215

Ardita TODRI - Associate. Professor, Finance and Accounting Department, University of Elbasan "Aleksandër Xhuvani", Albania, ardita.todri@gmail.com, ORCID: 0000-0002-3825-0780

P10, P20, R50

CLUSTERS AS ENGINES OF SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT GROWTH IN ROMANIA

The imperative for sustainable growth has elevated clusters as pivotal tools for economic and social inclusion, fostering job creation, equitable income distribution, and regional competitiveness. A cluster comprises interrelated companies and institutions in close geographical proximity, establishing expertise and a robust network of suppliers and skills. Clusters enhance productivity and catalyze development by concentrating enterprises and labor within a unified framework, surpassing isolated firms in regional impact. This study aims to examine whether clusters act as accelerators of employment growth over time and space. Using Simple Linear Regression (SLR) to analyze data from the Romanian Association of Clusters (CLUSTERO) and the National Institute of Statistics (Tempo INS) for 2013, 2015, 2019, and 2022, we investigate the research question: Do firms within clusters, as defined by European Policy criteria, contribute to accelerating employment creation? Specifically, we assess whether the ratio of employment in clustered firms relative to total employment shows a positive trend over time. Findings reveal that clusters contribute significantly to employment growth, validating their function as a strategic asset in enhancing workforce specialization, economic development, and regional resilience. Policy recommendations underscore the need for inclusive growth strategies that incorporate sustainability to maximize cluster impact on social and economic objectives.

Cristina LINCARU - Dr, FeRSA, Department of Labour Market, National Scientific Research Institute for Labour and Social Protection, Bucharest, Romania. cristina.lincaru@yahoo.de, ORCID: 0000-0001-6596-1820

Gabriela TUDOSE - CS II, Dr., National Scientific Research Institute for Labour and Social Protection, INCSMPS, Romania; gabriela_tudose@yahoo.com, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-3540-9987

Daniel COSNITA - President, drd. Romanian Cluster Association, dc@inpulse.ro

Speranța PIRCIOG - Dr General Director, National Scientific Research Institute for Labour and Social Protection, Bucharest, Romania, pirciog@incsmps.ro, ORCID ID: 0000-0003-0215-038X

Adriana GRIGORESCU - Dr., Full Professor in Management, National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA), Bucharest, Romania/Full Member Academy of Romanian Scientists (AOSR)/ Associate Senior Researcher/ National Institute for Economic Research ”Costin C. Kiritescu” (INCE) – Romanian Academy, adriana.grigorescu@snspa.ro, ORCID ID: 0000-0003- 4212-6974

Vasilica CIUCA - Dr., National Scientific Research Institute for Labour and Social Protection, INCSMPS, Romania; vasilica.ciuca@incsmps.ro, ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4687-6377

L52, R11, O18, Q56, J23