Articles

• Gancho Ganchev — South-West University "Neofit Rilski"

  Mariya Paskaleva — South-West University "Neofit Rilski"

  Kalina Durova — South-West University "Neofit Rilski"

  Yordanka Noneva-Zlatkova — Chief Assistant at the South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, Faculty of Law and History

  SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DIGITALIZATION IN POST-COVID-19 EUROPE

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  стр. 139-171

  The present article addresses a problem which is an extremely important, relevant, and under-researched topic. As a whole, Europe lags behind China and other technologically advanced countries in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization; Bulgaria is among the worst places in the EU in terms of digitalization of the economy. This research contributes to understanding the social and economic significance of digitization and AI in the EU after COVID-19. The emergence of artificial intelligence in the socio-economic landscape of EU member states, coupled with accelerated digitalization, heralds a new era in their development which is anticipated to enhance productivity, innovation, and efficiency. This article aims to study and analyse the theoretical foundations as well as empirical and legal developments concerning the socio-economic effects of Europe's "digital decade" and the applications of AI in a post-pandemic era. SWOT analysis was conducted to pinpoint the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and recommendations associated with the use of AI in EU countries. Conclusions and recommendations are provided for implementing suitable state interventions, transforming the pandemic's challenges into growth through new technologies, and helping to achieve a high standard of living in all EU nations.

• Juliana Vassileva — Associate Professor at the Department of Administration and Management of New Bulgarian University

  YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP: ATTITUDES AND ACTIVITIES OF STUDENTS IN BULGARIA

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  стр. 172-196

  This study examines the entrepreneurial attitudes, intentions, and activities of students in Bulgaria based on data from the global empirical research project GUESSS 2023. A total of 1,742 students from 31 Bulgarian universities participated in the survey. The analysis focuses on young people's career preferences, the factors influencing their entrepreneurial motivation, and the role of the university environment. The results show that 22% of students intend to start their own business immediately after graduation, with this share increasing to 37% within five years. Special attention is given to the impact of entrepreneurship education, institutional support, and family entrepreneurial background. The article also includes a comparative analysis of Bulgaria in relation to both global and European trends, along with specific recommendations for promoting student entrepreneurship.

• Daniel Petrov — Institute of Agricultural Economics

  ADAPTATION OF BULGARIAN AGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE GREEN DEAL

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  стр. 197-212

  This study analyses the economic and agroecological efficiency of sustainable agricultural practices within the context of industrial grain production in Bulgaria, in alignment with the objectives of the European Green Deal. Using a case study approach over two cropping seasons (2022–2024), the impact of implementing three innovative practices were assessed: (1) stabilized urea with urease and nitrification inhibitors (NBPT and DCD), (2) cover crops (vetch, clover, radish), and (3) minimum tillage (no-till). The research was conducted under real production conditions on a farm with a strategic crop rotation – wheat, maize, and sunflower – applied across 270 hectares of experimental land annually. The methodology incorporates economic indicators (profitability, ROI, NR), agronomic parameters (yield, protein, starch, oil content), and environmental metrics (organic matter, microbial activity, NUE) using quantitative analysis, statistical processing, and data triangulation. The results show that the application of inhibited urea leads to the highest nitrogen fertilization efficiency (up to 64.4 kg/kg N) and profitability (up to 217.1%), while cover crops and no-till improve soil fertility and reduce costs. The studied practices demonstrate a high degree of adaptability and economic viability in the Bulgarian context, offering strong potential for transitioning our agricultural systems toward a sustainable model with reduced emissions, optimized resource use, and enhanced soil function.

• Gergana I. Koleva — Assistant Professor at the University of National and World Economy

  Matilda Aleхandrova — PhD, Professor at the University of National and World Economy

  MODEL OF THE IMPACT OF "DESIGN THINKING" ON BUSINESS RESULTS IN BULGARIAN BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  стр. 213-232

  There is a growing need to update labour processes in leading Bulgarian enterprises. This has become a vital condition for their sustainability and prosperity and involves integrating tailored new approaches, including management methods such as "design thinking" to make use of the human capital available in the country (young employees, new users and partners). It has provoked the search for and creation of a model highlighting the impact of "design thinking" in all business endeavours wherein the activities of relevant stakeholders and managers are a decisive factor influencing the degree of design integration with business practices in the company as a whole. Based on a detailed review of the literature on the topic, definitions of the "design thinking" concept were systematized from the point of view of its practical application in corporate management. Successful methodological practices were studied, resulting in the development of six tools appropriate for resolving various business issues and supporting the activities of managers. The developed model regarding the impact of "design thinking" on business outcomes was tested, and the formulated hypotheses were verified through correlation analysis. Conclusions based on the testing of this model which could be useful to businesses are summarized at the end of this paper.

• Vladimir Belkin — Chelyabinsk branch of the Institute of Economics of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences

  FEDERAL FUND RATE AND GEOMAGNETIC INDEX Ap CYCLES (1955–2024)

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  стр. 233-241

   The paper uses a methodological approach based on W. S. Jevons and A. L. Chizhevsky. The years of solar cycles were numbered according to the order established in solar astrophysics, grouped and compared with the arithmetic mean values of the effective US federal funds rates and the geomagnetic index Ap. The Fed rate is minimal either in the year of the geomagnetic index Ap extremum (this is the first year of the solar cycle) or in the year following it (these are the seventh and twelfth years of the solar cycle) as a reaction to the Ap index extremum. The forecast value of the effective federal funds rate for 2025 is 3.92%, and for 2026 it is 2.81%.

• Mehti Melikov — Department of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer, University of National and World Economy; Director of the “Copyright and Neighbouring Rights” Directorate in the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria

  "EQUITABLE REMUNERATION" FOR PERFORMERS — THEORETICAL BASIS AND CURRENT PROBLEMS

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  стр. 242-266

  The concept of equitable remuneration paid to performers for the use of sound recordings containing their works was introduced by international treaties in the field. The Rome Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organisations of 1961 introduced the "right to remuneration", replacing the exclusive right of the performer to authorise the secondary use of their recorded performances.

  The article examines the transition from an "exclusive right" to the "right to remuneration" in the context of Bulgaria’s cultural industry. The author proposes a categorisation of the phases during which creative products are made and brought to fruition while also tracing the role of performers’ rights throughout each stage of this process. From a business standpoint, achieving equitable remuneration is often put to the test since it is possible for both sides to agree on a lump sum payment. With regard to the perceived weaker position of performers compared to producers, the author critically analyses the scope of performers’ exclusive rights in the Bulgarian Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act. It is concluded that this law prevents the effective collection and distribution of equitable remuneration for performers in cases of live performances when sound recordings are made and broadcasted on radio or television channels.