Starting from the findings of specialized studies on knowledge management in the field of biotechnology, this paper aims to present the factors that underline sustainable performances of Romanian biotechnology organizations. Particularly, descriptive analysis of these factors has outlined a picture of the current situation of biotechnology in Romania. The design of an exploratory knowledge management model for organizations in the biotechnology sector was achieved and validated through a panel data model. Starting from a model of growth based on productivity, capital inflow, and human capital, three statistical hypotheses were validated by a time series data panel regression model using EViews 9.0 software. The data were collected for the enterprises active in the field of biotechnology for a period of nine years. The paper highlights the fact that the economic performance of biotechnology organizations is determined by the flow of capital, productivity, and the workforce. Knowledge-based growth strategies are essential in the econometric model presented. Nevertheless, in terms of knowledge management strategies, the sector has not reached its maturity, and full sustainability is not a norm.

Purpose: Emerged from a theoretical contradiction, the purpose of this paper is to investigate whether perceptions and behaviors toward new brands depend on the priority assigned to promote the company’s intentions (warmth) vs its abilities (competence). Design/methodology/approach: The research uses a two-level single factor experiment to test the effects of launch communication strategy (warmth-competence vs competence-warmth) on people’s perceptions and behavioral intents, and applies partial least squares structural equation modeling to explore the collected data. Findings: Results offer valuable insights into the usage of communication strategy with a view to favor brand perception, referrals, and sales, laying stress on the underlying mechanisms. Research finds that warmth-competence communication strategy has a higher positive influence on brand perception than the reversed strategy. Revealing people’s proneness to promote the new companies perceived as warm and competent, results indicate that perception of warmth mediates word-of-mouth propensity. Research limitations/implications: The present study brings novel insights for corporate communication, showing that people’s propensity to advocate on behalf of new brands is driven by the perception of company’s warmth. Explaining connections between communication strategy, brand perception, and WOM propensity (supportive or denigrating), the current study adds contributions to the previous findings on warmth and competence stereotypes applied to consumer-brand interactions. Practical implications: From a managerial perspective, findings offer practical hints about how to use launch communication to improve brand perception and consumer supportive behaviors. Originality/value: The present study brings novel insights for corporate communication, showing that people’s propensity to advocate on behalf of new brands is driven by the perception of company’s warmth. Explaining connections between communication strategy, brand perception, and word-of-mouth propensity, the current study adds contributions to the previous findings on warmth and competence stereotypes applied to consumer-brand interactions.

Generation Z, the next generation of employees, proposes a complex combination of challenges and opportunities in the current digital business world. This generation brings to the workplace a specific set of skills, beliefs, and views influenced by their experiences in a digital environment that is continually expanding. As they assume increasingly important responsibilities in the workforce, it is essential to understand their perspectives on collaboration and transformation in the digital business environment. This literature review analyzes the current state of research on the cooperation and transformation behaviors of Generation Z within the digital business world. The research explores the unique characteristics, values, and perceptions of Generation Z, as well as the developing dynamics of work in the digital business climate and their impact on collaboration and transformation. In addition, the review assesses the importance of diversity and inclusion in attracting and retaining members of Generation Z in the digital business workforce, as well as the effects of technological developments and digitalization on their capacity to contribute to cooperation and transformation in the industry. The findings of this literature review give academics, professionals, and policymakers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing this emerging generation of workers in a digital world that is rapidly changing. This research contributes to a better understanding of how Generation Z is transforming the digital business landscape and how organizations should adapt to their unique perspectives and demands.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many universities to close doors and keep students completely online—a phenomenon that raised unprecedented challenges with lessons learned that should be integrated into future educational knowledge management strategies and practices. Special attention should be given to students’ learning habits. This paper presents the results of a semi-systematic literature review on the research problem and a survey of a sample of business students regarding their learning habits and preferences. Learnings of the research can be useful for the transition to an entirely online distance education, integrated in the framework of knowledge management strategies regarding e-learning in universities. The primary quantitative research was conducted before the start of the lockdown, and the results give useful insights that can be translated into mandatory elements for any strategy designed to assure a smooth and effective passage from in-class education to online teaching and learning. Students’ pre-epidemic learning habits, their use of communication tools and their preferences for solutions usable in distance education, with a special focus on gender and education level, have been investigated. Results are correlated in the paper with possible knowledge management strategies in universities as part of an approach with both academic and practical implications.

Nowadays, the ubiquity of the digital technology and the transformation it brings both within the societies and economies around the globe has become a well-accepted fact. For business is no longer a matter of whether or not to incorporate technology in their daily activity, but a matter how to change their way of approaching, and doing when adapting to digital. The digital transformation has enabled the emergence of new business models, as well as many other changes when it comes to satisfying the customer’s needs and expectations, by creating opportunities for value and sustainability. The present paper highlights all these aspects, emphasizing on how businesses can think about the digital transformation to achieve the highest benefits and create competitive advantage.

In a VUCA world dominated by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity as it is the case today, strategic management is redefined by the necessity to acquire strong organizational capabilities of agility and resilience, simultaneously with a prominent orientation toward adoption of measures destined to meet climate change and social challenges. The environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are the new must when designing corporate programs, starting to be adopted by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well, but with different success rates. High-profile ESG programs tend to be launched and developed mainly by organizations that integrate them into evolving business models and strategies, thus translating gradually to sustainable strategic management frameworks. Nevertheless, to adopt sustainability in business requires concomitantly acquiring financial performance and having access to disposable financial capital. The paper explores the current challenges of sustainable strategic management in parallel with the academic discussions on shareholders’ value creation, investigating the relation with available sustainable investments’ practices. The long-term and short-term financial performance of sustainable business practices are investigated, as well as the orientation of professional investors regarding ESG programs, as presented in recent literature. The authors discuss the importance of knowledge in adopting sustainability in business, the organizational maturity in adopting sustainability in day-to-day activities, as well as the impact of regulatory stimulus and of financial performance on investing in ESG programs. Finally, the paper tackles the necessity to make available more financial resources alongside a gradual transformation of managerial mentalities oriented toward measurable and well-defined planned sustainable strategic management.