We distinguish different types of Short Food Supply Chains (SFSC); nevertheless, their common main characteristic relate to reduced numbers of intermediaries between farmers/food producers and consumers. The aim of the paper is to present the SFSCs as local and sustainable food systems with their possible development. The SFSC idea follows the concept of sustainability, which is based on three pillars: environmental, social, and economic. In the paper, the authors also highlight other barriers to growth, and challenges faced by local food systems.

Railway transit forms the backbone of sustainable transportation systems, which are necessary to limit the effects of global warming. In this paper, the authors seek to determine whether there is a statistically significant difference in energy consumption between distinct railway vehicle types. Firstly, the energy consumption measurement methods in the railway transportation sector are described and compared to each other in respect to precision and cost. Secondly, the use of energy consumption as a criterion in rolling stock tenders with the associated norm is analysed, particularly with regard to the life-cycle cost of railway vehicles. In the next part real life data on energy consumption of six distinct passenger electrical railway vehicle types is presented and analysed in order to compare the efficiency of different types of rolling stock. The differences in energy efficiency between rolling stock types may be used to improve the procurement process ensuring train operating companies obtain less energy-consuming vehicles.

The topic of digitalization has become increasingly relevant as it plays a critical role in shaping the competitiveness of European countries in a globalized economy. This research paper aims to examine the impact of digitalization on the competitiveness of selected European countries by analysing key indicators that define digital progress and economic performance. Digital transformation has been identified as a fundamental driver of economic growth, innovation, and efficiency across various sectors, emphasizing the importance of digital technologies in shaping contemporary economies. The study utilizes a combination of correlation, canonical, and regression analyses to systematically explore the relationship between digitalization and competitiveness. Data for 10 European countries – Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Luxembourg, Denmark, and Portugal – was collected from the European Commission, World Economic Forum, and official sources from IMD and WIPO over the period from 2017 to 2022. The key indicators analysed include the Digital Economy and Society Index, Global Competitiveness Index, Global Innovation Index, E-Government Index, and R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP. These variables were selected to comprehensively assess the state of digitalization and its correlation with national competitiveness. Findings from the analysis suggest that digitalization has a profound influence on the competitiveness of the countries studied. High DESI and GII scores, indicating advanced digital integration and innovation capacity, are positively correlated with a higher GCI score, reflecting global competitiveness. Moreover, R&D expenditure emerged as a significant factor contributing to digital readiness and economic performance. The disparities in digitalization levels across countries highlight the uneven progress in adopting digital technologies, suggesting a need for policies that enhance digital infrastructure, skills development, and innovation ecosystems. The discussion emphasizes that digitalization drives the transformation of traditional business models, improves efficiency in manufacturing (Industry 4.0), and fosters innovation in services such as fintech, e-commerce, and public administration. However, challenges like the digital skills gap, regulatory barriers, and differences in infrastructure and policy readiness persist, impacting the overall ability of European countries to leverage digital transformation for competitiveness. The paper concludes by advocating for continued investment in digital infrastructure, balanced regulatory frameworks, and skill development initiatives to maximize the benefits of digitalization and enhance the competitive standing of European nations in the digital economy.

Sustainability is increasingly a priority in the policies of the European Union, especially in the Common Agricultural Policy. This paper focuses on Sustainable Development Goals, the European Green Deal, and the Farm to Fork Strategy in an attempt to establish a relationship with the European Union’s trade policy. Three selected components of the agri-food sector—the food supply chain, agri-food quality standards, and global trade—are examined in relation to defined sustainability aspects. The aim is to understand the interrelationship between the three components with specific regard to sustainability, to highlight their high complexity and current relevance, to contribute to systematic analysis in this area, and to present current progress. This qualitative–explorative study is empirically supported by a survey of market experts, and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership between the European Union and the United States is used as an example. The results show the complexity between the relationships of the three components with a focus on sustainability and reveal a deep uncertainty. The most notable results are the limited level of knowledge and the insufficient attention from business representatives to sustainability aspects. Finally, the study identifies the state of integrating a sustainable perspective into European Union trade policy and provides suggestions for further research.

Profitability is a complex notion, intertwined with theoretical, socio-economic, and modern economic considerations. While traditionally linked to monopoly advantages, contemporary views broaden this to include shareholder value creation. In agriculture, profitability faces impediments such as rising input costs, market volatility, and economic disparities, emphasizing technological innovation, market conditions, and policy as crucial determinants. This study presents an econometric simulation model to analyze and forecast wheat production profitability in Poland from 2023 to 2027, providing insights into production efficiencies, market dynamics, and policy impacts. Using a system of recursive equations, the model forecasts profitability, integrating econometric techniques with expert insights. It examines variables like resource use, production levels, and price changes, validated through FADN data. The findings reveal that price relations and production efficiencies are the key to profitability. The model highlights market volatility, particularly through “price scissors”, as the main factor influencing profitability. Favorable price conditions significantly boost profitability and incentivize production. The model is a critical tool for analyzing wheat profitability, highlighting the influence of market and policy changes. Future work could extend the model’s use to other regions or crops, incorporating advanced technologies to improve accuracy. This study offers valuable insights for agricultural economics, aiding stakeholders in strategic decision-making.

Purpose: This research aims to analyse the perceptions of practitioners in three regions regarding the challenges faced by their firms during the pandemic, considered a black-swan event. It examines the strategies implemented to mitigate and recover from risks, evaluates the effectiveness of these strategies and assesses the difficulties encountered in their implementation.Design/methodology/approach: In the summer of 2022, an online survey was conducted among supply chain (SC) practitioners in France, Poland and the St. Louis, Missouri region of the USA. The survey aimed to understand the impact of COVID-19 on their firms and the SC strategies employed to sustain operations. These regions were selected due to their varying levels of SC development, including infrastructure, economic resources and expertise. Moreover, they exhibited different responses in safeguarding the well-being of their citizens during the pandemic.Findings: The study reveals consistent perceptions among practitioners from the three regions regarding the impact of COVID-19 on SCs. Their actions to enhance SC resilience primarily relied on strengthening collaborative efforts within their firms and SCs, thus validating the tenets of the relational view.Originality/value: COVID-19 is (hopefully) our black-swan pandemic occurrence during our lifetime. Nevertheless, the lessons learned from it can inform future SC risk management practices, particularly in dealing with rare crises. During times of crisis, leveraging existing SC structures may prove more effective and efficient than developing new ones. These findings underscore the significance of relationships in ensuring SC resilience.