This paper highlights the complex relationship between entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and economic growth in 41 European countries, using a reliable K-Means cluster analysis. The research thoroughly evaluates three key factors: the SDG Index for sustainable development, GDP per capita for economic well-being, and the New Business Density Rate for entrepreneurial activity. Our methodology reveals three distinct narratives that embody varying degrees of economic vitality and sustainability. Cluster 1 comprises the financially stable and sustainability-oriented countries of Western and Northern Europe. Cluster 2 showcases the variegated economic and sustainability initiatives in Central and Southern Europe. Cluster 3 envelopes the economic titans with noteworthy business expansion but with the potential for better sustainable practices. The analysis reveals a favourable association between economic prosperity and sustainable development within clusters, although with nonlinear intricacies. The research concludes with a series of strategic imperatives specifically crafted for each cluster, promoting economic variation, increased sustainability, invention, and worldwide collaboration. The resulting findings highlight the crucial need for policy-making that considers the specific context and the potential for combined European resilience and sustainability.

Edible cutlery is a safe alternative that, if adopted, can act as a panacea to plastic pollution. Consumers who believe in a lifestyle of health and sustainability (LOHAS) can motivate others by taking the lead in this direction. This study has explored the psychological variables associated with LOHAS consumers in conjunction with the product attributes of edible cutlery to check whether these variables can influence lifestyle of health and sustainability (LOHAS) consumers to adopt edible cutlery. An empirical study on 210 LOHAS consumers using Partial Least Squares Structure Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and Importance Performance Matrix Analyses (IPMA) showed that social consciousness and subjective norms motivate them to adopt edible cutlery in restaurants. This finding has an implication for hospitality businesses using edible cutlery that can target LOHAS consumers with strategies that affect their social consciousness and subjective norm belief for better adoption intentions.

The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of project managers working in the distinct environment of clinical trial organizations as project management changes in dynamic labor markets. The literature emphasizes the changing skill set needed for project managers and stresses the value of cognitive flexibility, interpersonal skills, and lifelong learning. Nonetheless, there is still a great deal to learn about how these dynamics appear in the setting of clinical trial organizations. By investigating project managers’ perspectives and involvement in lifetime learning and skill development inside clinical trial organizations, this study seeks to close this gap. To elucidate the nuances of their professional experiences, 64 project managers were interviewed using a qualitative methodology. Key themes emerged from the thematic analysis, including the importance of interpersonal and personal qualities, the dynamic nature of abilities like creativity and critical thinking, and the strategic application of lifelong learning. The findings add new evidence to the body of knowledge by offering a sector-specific understanding of the lifelong learning needs and skill requirements for project managers in clinical trial organizations. The study emphasizes how crucial it is to continuously learn to improve healthcare outcomes and adjust to industry-specific problems. Contextual implications encompass perspectives for entities seeking to maximize training regimens and augment the flexibility of project management groups in clinical trial environments. This work advances theoretical ideas and practical concerns for lifelong learning and skill development in clinical trial organizations. It also adds subtle insights into a specialized domain to the discourse on project management.

The paper at hand analyses the principal-agent relationship, where comparative perspective between principals’ (municipalities) and agents’ (public utility providers) in the field of water and wastewater management is scrutinized. The goal of the paper is twofold: firstly, to present empirical results validating principal-agent relationships that emerged due to the reorganization process of public enterprises; secondly, to highlight the similarities and differences between the perspectives of principals and agents regarding motives, advantages and disadvantages, and price-setting in relation to the reorganization process. The empirical research is based on the primary data collected through two self-prepared and structured online questionnaires—one for municipalities, and the other for public utility providers. The results reveal similarities between public enterprises and municipalities in motivating factors for full municipal ownership. However, differences are seen among the advantages of the reorganization process. Price-setting by public utilities is recognized as a motivating mechanism for agents.

Low levels of financial literacy cause people to have lower savings rates, higher transaction costs, larger debts and the loans acquisition with higher interest rates, therefore it becomes relevant to analyze the determinants of financial literacy. The aim of this research is to identify whether there is an association between the financial literacy level and sociodemographic characteristics. The Mexican Petroleum Company (Pemex) employees is the population analyzed. Pemex is the state-owned oil and natural gas producer, transporter, refiner and marketer in Mexico. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling was performed and 404 responses were obtained. The analysis of data was carried out with the Bayesian method. The results show that there is an association between Pemex employees’ level of financial literacy and their level of education, income, age and type of retirement saving. No association was found between their level of financial literacy and gender, marital status and whether or not they have children.

This study examines the relationship between Russian FDI carried out by large MNCs and investment development path (IDP). Although statistical analysis does not establish a significant relationship between outward FDI and GDP, the behavior of Russian outward FDI contradicts traditional models. Two primary factors contribute to this paradox. First, the complex business environment in Russia, characterized by a combination of both improvements and contradictions, has a significant impact on outward FDI behavior. Secondly, the duality of the Russian economy and society plays a decisive role. This segment resembles a high-income country with ample resources, while most face lower income levels, raising concerns about wealth distribution. Historical factors, including Russia’s transition from a state-controlled to a market-oriented economy, contribute to the internationalization of Russian MNCs. Both state-owned enterprises and privatized firms are influenced by the state, although to varying degrees. Government involvement in international business strategies increases the knowledge and experience of Russian MNCs, but also raises concerns about political influence.