In light of the content contained in this article, in the context of demographic change and globalization, there can be no doubt that education responding to contemporary challenges is a guarantee of promoting knowledge and profiling mobile and adaptive qualified staff characterized by having a specific level of knowledge, unique skills and highly developed qualifications. It is widely recognized that knowledge is the decisive factor in competitive advantage. The dynamics of changes taking place are conditioned by the resource and innovation of people’s knowledge, quality of work, education and training, the ability to think quickly and be innovative and implement new solutions in the process of production, distribution and services. The authors of the article justify why education should be seen as a value in all social and individual interactions, especially in a situation of economic change, globalization and demographic transition. It should refer to the inspiration of change, but also to the stabilization of people’s situations. Learning and education is therefore a modern value. Hence, it is important to perceive the strength and value of education in every social situation.

Implementing climate policy goals, such as achieving climate neutrality by 2050, requires significant transformation of the mining sector—which for some countries and regions where mining is still the basis of the economy and part of the identity is very difficult and results in significant social and economic costs. Focusing on regional aspects and characteristics of the mining sector in Poland and its impact on energy security, the paper provides insight into the noticeable process of mining modernization in the globalized world economy through its transition from the industrial era to a knowledge-based economy and the impact of these changes on regional development. The described process is directly related to implementation of innovative and new technical concepts and technological solutions for the mining industry. The indicated changes imply the need to redefine operating principles and organizational models in the mining industry in order to build responsive solutions based on innovations—shaping modern (intelligent) mining of the future—while at the same time being part of the transformation of (post-)mining regions into a multi-industry region. All the described elements are proposed as supporting elements of the transformation process—to ensure full use of the technological and infrastructural potential during the energy transition process.

Purpose: in the cognitive space, the article focuses on cybersecurity as one of the top priorities of the European Commission and a cornerstone of a digital and connected Europe. The increase in cyberattacks during the coronavirus crisis has shown how important it is to protect hospitals, research centers and other infrastructure. Decisive action is needed in this area to future-proof the EU's economy and society. Therefore, cybersecurity is a key element to ensure the safe and effective implementation of the European Green Deal plan. Methodology: the theses presented in the article were verified using the following methods: literature review, critical analysis of literature, analysis and comparison of documents and an example of good practices. Result: the results of analyzes and research clearly revealed that cyberattacks do not stop at state borders, therefore it is necessary to strengthen cooperation between EU Member States, exchange information on threats and develop common standards and best practices in the field of cybersecurity. This allows for effective protection against attacks and minimization of risk to critical infrastructure related to the European Green Deal. Originality: in the perspective described in the article, important and significant challenges arise in the field of protecting critical infrastructure against cyber threats. One of them is the transformation of underground workings of hard coal mines into facilities critical for national cybersecurity. The theses presented in the article were verified using the following methods: literature review, critical analysis of literature, analysis and comparison of documents and examples of good practices. Keywords: transforming, coal, cyber security.

The main aim of the article is to determine the impact of mine closure on the local environment, with particular emphasis on the social, economic and environmental problems that arise when mining activities are limited or discontinued. Ultimately, the closure of the mine may affect the entire economy of the region, as it will cause changes in the structure of the labor market and in the local and regional economy. In order to better understand the processes related to the preparation of employees and their representatives, as well as employers for the upcoming changes related to the closure of mines, implemented qualitative field research was carried out. Two methods were used in the research. The first was a moderated discussion and the second was an in-depth expert interview. In total, eight moderated discussions and four in-depth expert interviews were conducted. Moderated discussions and in-depth expert interviews were conducted in eight subregions of the Silesian Voivodeship: Bielsko, Bytom, Częstochowa, Gliwice, Katowice, Rybnik, Sosnowiec and Tychy. The research results clearly indicate that coordinated action by the government, local government, enterprises, local communities and other stakeholders focused on strategic planning, cooperation and a sustainable approach to the mine closure process can guarantee lasting success.