We investigated the resilience of small-scale family farms because of the contemporary importance of both the farms’ resilience and the role of these farms in five countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The authors addressed a research gap concerning cross-sectional research on the resilience of farms by combining determinants from various fields. Thus, the primary goal of this article was to identify microeconomic and political factors and links to markets that affect the resilience of small-scale family farms in Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Romania and Serbia. Using a database of over 3500 farms, the resilience of the farms was calculated, and then the impact of selected factors on that resilience was determined. The research showed that the production scale was the key determinant of the resilience of farms. To achieve higher benefits, increasing the production should be combined with strengthening the market integration of agricultural producers. The position of the producer in the food supply chain determined the income situation of the farm (economic stability). This shaped the quality of life of the family members (social stability). Identifying the effects of those dependencies may provide recommendations for the policy of supporting small-scale family farms in the analysed countries.

Distribution of agricultural products from the aspect of farms is a continuous issue. Efficient application of the distribution model should provide a farm owner with regular income, as well as with a competitive advantage. Assessment of distribution channels in the context of an agricultural producer is subject to multi-criteria decisions, including both qualitative and quantitative factors. The aim of this paper is to develop a model which enables a structured analysis and an efficient assessment of distribution channels. The methodology based on the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) will be a useful tool in setting various criteria for deciding on distribution channels, as well as a tool for managing a multi-variant qualitative assessment of data included in decision-making processes. The survey results show that the most important distribution channel for agricultural products is the channel of sales via processing plants (cooling and drying facilities, silos and agricultural combines), compared to sales through advertising (which significantly increased its share with the COVID-19 pandemic), sales through sales channels or at farmers’ markets.

New technologies, digitization and educational methods are leading to new innovative models based on increasing cooperation between companies and education. Changes in the education system have led to the improvement of the quality of education, the introduction of dual education, lifelong learning, short study programs, new methods and models based on connecting education and businesses, all with the aim of adapting the education system to the needs of the economy. The results of the research presented in this paper will show the degree and manner of connection between companies and educational institutions, with special reference to higher education institutions. The period of the last ten years, from 2014 to 2024, was observed in order to see in which direction the cooperation is going, as well as predictions for the next period. It was shown who are the initiators of cooperation, that companies increasingly support dual education and accept students for internships. In addition, it is shown how much new t

Public awareness about renewable sources can contribute to social acceptance of sustainable development projects. The purpose of this study was to determine attitudes and level of awareness of the population of rural regions of Serbia about renewable energy sources. The research method included the random sampling of 400+ respondents in Southern, Eastern and Central Serbia. A questionnaire with closed-ended questions for expressing attitudes (Likert scale) was used. Collected data have been analyzed with SPSS. The results of this study clearly show that the citizens of rural regions of Serbia are relatively poorly informed not only of general aspects of energy production and consumption, but of specific aspects related to the use of renewable energy sources. This investigation emphasizes the need for intensive public information campaign about the advantages and benefits of renewable energy in order to have broader public support for the implementation of this form of energy into energy sector of Serbia.

This paper presents an analysis of the use of social networks from the various aspects of usage in the case companies, from the point of view of different activities and opportunities in the implementation of the obtained results for marketing purposes of these companies. Social networks are one of the most suitable basis for the collection of information that is by nature of a wide spectrum and enabling marketing activities developed under their influence. This paper presents the results of research in the frequency of the use of social networks. The valid sample in this study consisted of 200 questionnaires, on behalf of the 90 companies that responded. The results are statistically analyzed. After conducting research in this paper, data processing was done, and it is accounted for in the Figures. In accordance with the set of objectives, the results were analyzed. The research results indicate that the use of social networks positively affects many marketing activities and requires the adjustment of the existing model of marketing communications in companies. Research results can influence the understanding of the specificities of social networks and their impact on business operations and indicate the need to adapt to the different activities of this specific medium.

This paper examines income convergence in Europe by jointly analyzing European Union member states and Western Balkan economies over the period 2004–2023. While classical growth theory predicts that poorer economies should grow faster than richer ones, empirical evidence for Europe remains mixed, particularly when institutional and structural heterogeneity is taken into account. Using panel data techniques, the study tests for absolute and conditional β-convergence and complements this analysis with an assessment of σ-convergence. The results provide strong evidence of absolute income convergence across the sample, indicating that economies with lower initial income levels tend to grow faster. Conditional convergence is also confirmed, although the direct effect of institutional quality weakens once structural factors such as foreign direct investment and human capital are included, suggesting that institutions operate primarily through indirect channels. An interaction analysis shows no systematic evidence that institutional quality alters the speed of convergence. Finally, σ-convergence analysis reveals pronounced regional heterogeneity, with strong convergence among new EU member states, stable but low dispersion within the Western Balkans, and more modest convergence patterns in the EU core. Overall, the findings highlight that European convergence remains uneven and highly conditional on institutional and structural characteristics.