The paper proposes a methodology for the analysis and evaluation of the traffic scheme of Bulgarian cities. The authors combine spatial, network, and socio-economic analyses of cities with transport operators’ financial-economic evaluation, sociological studies of transport habits, and the possibilities of new information technologies for transport modeling (such as geographic information systems). The model proposes several approaches to optimize the municipality’s transport scheme. It results from a new need to improve urban traffic, the quality of transport services, and the integration of urban transport into the regional economy of Stara Zagora municipality. It presents a description, analysis, and outline of the opportunities for developing urban transport connectivity and mobility in Stara Zagora municipality. The research results show a deficit of transport connectivity between the different parts of the city, reflecting on the regional economy’s development and the efficiency of the environment and the population.

This empirical inquiry adopts the AutoRegressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to meticulously examine the multifaceted interconnections among innovation, globalization, and productivity across a diverse set of 76 nations, encompassing both developed and developing economies. The research employs rigorous econometric techniques within the ARDL framework to discern the short- and long-term effects of innovation and globalization on productivity levels. The findings underscore a robust and statistically significant association between innovation and productivity, as well as a constructive impact of globalization on enhancing productivity. The outcomes underscore the transformative potential of innovation and the facilitating role of globalization in fostering productivity growth. This empirical evidence contributes to the empirical literature by offering a refined understanding of the intricate relationships shaping productivity patterns on a global scale, emphasizing the joint influence of innovation and globalization in driving economic efficiency.

Sustainable development has emerged as a global imperative, with the rapid adoption of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework reflecting this trend. In the context of digital transformation, this study aims to investigate the impact of ESG performance on corporate value, while also examining the moderating and mediating roles of digital transformation and green innovation within this relationship. Utilizing annual data from A-share listed companies on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) and Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) spanning the years 2018 to 2022, this research encompasses a total of 17,940 observations. Given China’s commitment to sustainable, high-quality development, this study underscores the critical importance of advancing ESG principles alongside corporate digital transformation. Empirical analysis reveals that ESG performance significantly enhances firm value, with digital transformation serving as a positive moderator that amplifies the impact of ESG performance on firm value primarily through the enhancement of firms’ green technology innovation capabilities. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the interaction between ESG initiatives and firm value, particularly amidst ongoing digital advancements. Consequently, this paper recommends that governments enhance corporate ESG performance through a combination of incentive and penalty mechanisms, establish a comprehensive ESG rating system, and optimize the policy framework for digital transformation. Moreover, enterprises should foster awareness of green innovation, refine their governance structures, accelerate digital transformation efforts, and promote the application of digital technologies and information sharing across various domains to achieve sustainable development and enhance competitiveness.

This paper aims to advance the knowledge in the domain of youth entrepreneurship and empowerment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The rationale is to address the gap in knowledge on entrepreneurship and youth empowerment in the UAE by analyzing strategies and initiatives that support empowering millennials to achieve sustainable development, with the aim of promoting youth entrepreneurship and supporting sustainable economic development. The primary research question guiding this study is: “What strategies and initiatives in the UAE foster the empowerment of the millennial generation for sustainable development?” This study relies on a mixed methodology that combines a descriptive approach, content analysis, and data meta-analysis, with the aim of exploring the relationship between youth entrepreneurship and sustainable development in the United Arab Emirates. with a focus on the future sustainability leaders (FSL) program. While the FSL program demonstrates its significance in promoting youth entrepreneurship and empowerment, it also reveals certain limitations in its design and implementation that may hinder sustainable economic development. To address these challenges and support youth entrepreneurship, the paper proposes three essential action-oriented approaches: promoting participatory diversity and engagement, managing entrepreneurship drivers, and ensuring access to essential support mechanisms. These recommendations are intended to guide multilateral agencies, voluntary sectors, and private entities in the UAE in designing, evaluating, and implementing effective youth entrepreneurship programs. This paper underscores the importance of continued discourse and critical input to refine existing theories and establish a normative framework for youth entrepreneurship and empowerment. Such efforts are crucial for poverty reduction, sustainable development, and the promotion of intergenerational equity.

The present study analyzed the extant literature about the phenomenon of human trafficking in Indonesia. The Scope Analysis examined scholarly journals and publications from 2012 to 2020. We obtained databases from internationally recognized journals such as Scopus and Web of Science. We restricted the time frame based on the available evidence at that moment. The methodology employed in this study involved the identification, collection, and organization of peer evaluations that were published with pertinent details or by delineating the fundamental concepts that constitute the domain of a research investigation concerning chronology, location (nation or setting), source (literature review), and provenance. The findings of the analysis indicated the existence of articles that delved into the circumstances and current state of persons who fell victim to human trafficking, specifically from Indonesia to different regions throughout the globe. The analysis approach was utilized in this study, following the methodological parameters outlined by Arksey and O’Malley in 2005. Moreover, it is anticipated that the Scoping Analysis will generate policy recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking to combat and address the illicit trafficking of individuals in Indonesia.

The government’s increased cigarette tariff aims to lower smoking rates and avoid adverse impacts. This study’s goal was to offer process innovation for lowering Asian’ smoking behavior. The participants were chosen by stratified random selection from a total of 738 people residing in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand. The instrument was a questionnaire. A software programmer was used to examine descriptive and inferential statistics using EFA and one-way ANOVA techniques. A strategic framework guideline using a SWOT analysis and TOWS matrix to encourage smoking reduction was proposed. The findings revealed two components: smoking behavior change and continues smoking that were based on SWOT analysis and TOWs matrix. There were nine strategies for the excise department to consider for the adjustment of the next policy in terms of reducing the number of smokers. The practical and policy suggestions could help reduce the negative impact of the cigarette industry on public health and increase government revenue while addressing weaknesses and threats in the industry.