The International Conferences on Economics and Social Sciences (ICESS) organized by Bucharest University of Economic Studies provide an opportunity for all those interested in Economics and Social Sciences to discuss and exchange research ideas. The papers presented at the Conference are available online in the Conference Proceedings series (ISSN 2704-6524): Volume 2019 Collaborative Research for Excellence in Economics and Social Sciences, ISBN 9788366675322 Volume 2020 Innovative Models to Revive the Global Economy, ISBN 9788395815072 Volume 2021 Resilience and Economic Intelligence Through Digitalization and Big Data Analytics, ISBN 9788366675704 Volume 2022 Fostering recovery through metaverse business modelling, ISBN 978-83-67405-07-2 The world today is vastly different than what it was even a few decades ago, as a result of advances in technology, globalization, and societal changes. Recently, particular attention has been given to sustainable development raising the question of how to drive economic growth in a responsible manner by harnessing technology’s potential while accounting for diverse national perspectives. In 2015, the United Nations agreed upon 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed to transform our world by 2030. However, without the support of stakeholders from government, business and civil societies, the SDGs are

Digitalisation plays a crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness of the global supply chain, primarily by improving trade openness and efficiency. The current study examined the impact of digital transformation on supply chains by analysing key digital and logistical factors over three Eastern European countries: Bulgaria, Poland, and Romania. Using multifactorial linear regression on data collected from 2013 to 2022, the present research paper evaluated and highlights the influence of broadband penetration, ICT graduates, and transport infrastructure over trade openness. The findings revealed a differentiated impact between the three analysed countries, such as a significant enhancement provided by broadband in Poland and Romania, ICT graduates having a low influence in Bulgaria, and air and rail transport not exhibiting a strong relationship with trade openness in all three countries. These results highlight the need for stronger policies that integrate the adoption of digital technologies, workforce development, and investment in infrastructure to enhance supply chain efficiency. Nevertheless, the present study contributes to the on-growing research trends over digitalisation’s role in trade and supply chain management while providing valuable insights for policymakers and business leaders in the current digital economy.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has often been cast as a straightforward engine of growth, yet its record across Central and Eastern Europe tells a more tangled story where outcomes hinge on the interplay of education, governance, and the timing of external shocks. This study embeds fixed effects panel econometrics within a systems framework, treating FDI as a subsystem of socio-economic dynamics. Using a long-run panel of eleven economies from 2000 to 2023, the analysis models path dependence and regime shifts through interaction terms and period-specific dummies set against a systems-thinking backdrop. The analysis shows that for the average CEE economy, FDI’s contribution has waxed and waned: it dragged on growth during the early transition years (2000–2007), settled into a neutral role after the global financial crisis, and proved unpredictable in the pandemic era. Romania stands out, however, with a marked “FDI premium” quantified as approximately 0.7 pp of growth per pp of FDI that seems to stem from reinforcing loops between rising tertiary enrolment and productivity spillovers. Mapping these feedbacks brings to light virtuous circles where human capital and resilience make or break the benefits of foreign capital. The policy message is plain: nurture the positive loops through investment in skills and firm linkages, keep institutions nimble enough to adapt, and watch for early warning signs of systemic strain.

In the present research paper, we argue that digital transformation and students’ behavioural trends are intertwined through the increasing integration of digital technology tools into both academic and personal communication contexts. We construct our argument through a rigorous methodological approach employing quantitative and qualitative analyses, including ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, chi-squared, and multiple regression models, to assess the main predictors of digital communication satisfaction and engagement. Hence, we emphasise distinctly the diverse roles of digital communication platforms as relating to the expression of students’ engagement and adaptability, beyond mere technological adoption. While investigating the role of behavioural economics in modelling students’ engagement with digital technologies, we examine the impact of digitalisation on students’ communication patterns, both in terms of personal and academic purposes. To measure student engagement, we employ a mixed-methods approach by carrying out a pilot study (N = 167). The findings underline the role of digital transformation in enhancing students’ access to learning, communication, and collaboration tools, while they also align with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education). Our intention is to develop a more comprehensive model that integrates behavioural insights with technology acceptance theories, while another further direction could be exploring longitudinal data to assess the long-term impacts of digital tools on student engagement and learning outcomes.

Digitalization significantly transforms the teaching profession paradigm and enhances the impact of digital learning environments. These online environments reduce physical distances and generate innovative educational activities, thereby contributing positively to higher student participation and intrinsic motivation. Furthermore, the current state of scientific literature underscores both the benefits and challenges brought about by the digital transformation of the education sector. However, despite the interest in the topic of digitalization, only a handful of studies have analyzed this process from an educational perspective. This article provides a comprehensive review of the existing literature, focusing on the role of political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors in shaping digitalization. The research methodology adopted is a thorough PESTLE analysis, which aids in understanding the interplay of these factors. The research questions are centered around how these factors influence the digitalization trajectory, with a particular emphasis on their impact on the employment and training of ICT professionals. The main findings reveal that the digitalization process in Romania's education sector is dynamic, influenced by various elements ranging from technological advances to policy changes. The implementation of digital solutions has revolutionized teaching methodologies, learning experiences, and administrative processes. The paper contributes to the field by offering valuable insights into the multifaceted process of digitalization in Romania's education sector. It also underscores the need for a holistic approach, considering all PESTLE factors, to successfully navigate the digital transformation journey in the education sector.

The t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ technology from Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. was cleared by the Food and Drug Administration in December 2019. This study examined the commercial introduction of Control-IQ technology in the U.S. We performed a retrospective analysis of users who uploaded at least 30 days of pre and 30 days of post Control-IQ software update usage data to Tandem’s t:connect® web application as of March 11, 2020 and had ≥75% CGM use during this time (n=1,659). Outcomes included total daily insulin and sensor glucose values during open and closed-loop use of Control-IQ technology. Changes in glycemic outcomes were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The mean age of patients was 43 years, 52% female, and mean diabetes duration was 21 years. Ninety percent of patients reported type 1 diabetes, 4% type 2 diabetes, and 6% “other” or unknown. The Control-IQ software update led to a 10% increase (p180mg/dL to 21% (IQR= 13%-30%) and a 0.1% decrease of sensor time <70mg/dL to 1.1.% (IQR=0.5%-2.2%). Improvements in sensor time in range were consistent across age groups. Mean sensor glucose fell from 161 mg/dL to 148 mg/dL while the median total daily insulin increased from 48u to 49u. Median time in closed-loop was 96% (IQR = 93%-98%). These real-world data demonstrate improved sensor time in range without increasing hypoglycemia. Disclosure: L. Mueller: Research Support; Self; Dexcom, Inc., Tandem Diabetes Care. A. Constantin: Employee; Self; Tandem Diabetes Care. Other Relationship; Self; Bigfoot Biomedical. H. Singh: Employee; Self; Tandem Diabetes Care. S. Habif: Employee; Self; Tandem Diabetes Care.