The paper proposes an approach to the integrated assessment of the social responsibility of EU countries with a combination of data from three international indices most relevant to the monitoring of social responsibility at the macroeconomic level: the Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index, the Sustainable Development Goals Index and the Social Progress Index. Applying the method of taxonomic analysis on the example of index values for EU countries, we assessed the differences and leaders in ensuring social responsibility. The authors do not consider country-level social responsibility only as a consequence of the development of responsible practices at all levels. Taking into account that social responsibility should be a prerequisite for expanding opportunities in all spheres, in particular, in business, the authors conducted a correlational analysis of the relationship between the taxonomic indicator of social responsibility and the development of innovative business. As a result, we confirmed significant connections with “Business sophistication” indicators (as part of the Global Innovation Index) and the share of innovative firms of total SMEs (according to OESD statistics). The obtained results strengthen the grounds for considering social responsibility not only as an important socially oriented concept, but also as a reliable basis for the development of innovative business due to the created comfortable institutional environment of business development.

The rapid expansion of Hungary’s infrastructure projects, especially in railway construction, has significantly increased the demand for crushed stone. Both national and EU-funded initiatives have strained supply chains, resulting in logistical challenges and material shortages. With limited domestic production capacity, efficient resource management is crucial to keeping projects on track. This paper evaluates Hungary’s supply chain for crushed stone, identifying key weaknesses and proposing solutions to enhance sustainability. Purpose. This study investigates the logistical and supply chain difficulties in delivering crushed stone for Hungary’s railway infrastructure projects. It evaluates current supply limitations, proposes ways to improve domestic resource management, and offers strategies to reduce reliance on imports while emphasizing sustainability. Methodology. The research applies Geographic Information System (GIS) modeling to analyze transportation routes for crushed stone, suggesting ways to streamline logistics. It examines the production capacities of Hungarian quarries, some producing 15,000–25,000 tons monthly, and assesses the impact of European and Hungarian regulations on material quality and availability. The potential for integrating recycled materials into the supply chain is also explored. Findings. Hungary’s domestic quarries cannot meet the high demand for railway ballast, estimated at 192,000 tons annually, leading to import reliance. GIS modeling shows optimized transportation routes could cut costs and carbon emissions. Incorporating smaller stone fractions and recycled materials could mitigate shortages, with recycled materials potentially comprising 40 % of railway ballast. Originality. By integrating geological, logistical, and regulatory insights, this paper provides novel approaches for addressing Hungary’s crushed stone supply chain challenges. The use of GIS modeling and recycled materials offers innovative solutions for reducing environmental impacts. Practical value. The findings present actionable strategies for improving Hungary’s supply chain efficiency, promoting recycling, and optimizing logistics. These solutions are applicable to Hungary and other regions facing similar infrastructure material supply challenges.