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The European Association of Young Neurologists and Trainees (EAYNT) is a non-profit organization which acts on behalf of young neurologists in Europe and concertedly exerts influence on the formation of a new generation of neurologists [Struhal et al.: Eur J Neurol 2009;16:e146-e148]. This concerns particularly the Generation Y (Gen Y), also known as Millennial Generation, Digital Natives or Generation Next, a demographic cohort defined by birth between 1981 and 1999 [Elkind: Neurology 2009;72:657-663]. A unifying feature is the increased use and familiarity with online media and digital technologies. Online social networks and interactive communication have not only shaped this cohort but necessitate a different approach towards educational matters. This position paper aims to address the changing needs for Gen Yers in the context of education. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The digital age requires people of all ages to communicate and organise their lives through digital technologies. The project EQualCare investigates how the growing population of older people living alone is managing this transition, how it shapes their (non-)digital social networks and what changes on a local level need to be brought about. This paper aims to give insight into the process of participatory action research (PAR) with older people in the community across four countries and reflects on experiences made by academic and co-researchers. Design/methodology/approach: Following the emancipatory underpinnings of PAR, which aims to reduce inequalities through collaboration and co-design, EQualCare involved nine teams of co-researchers across Finland, Germany, Latvia and Sweden making older people the centre of policy development. Co-researchers were involved in formulating research aims, collecting data, reflecting on data, formulating and disseminating recommendations for local policy stakeholders. Findings: Co-researchers' motivation to invest considerable time and effort was driven by a desire to create a more equal future for older people living alone. Moreover, they were keen to involve marginalised older people and became frustrated when this proved difficult. Power dynamics played a role throughout the process but became productive as roles and responsibilities were renegotiated. Doing PAR with older people can be emotionally challenging for co-researchers when negative feelings around ageing are encountered. Originality/value: The paper advances understanding on the process of PAR in ageing research by reflecting on the social, cultural and political contexts of doing PAR with diverse sets of older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital connectivity of queer migrants on the move to Europe plays a crucial role in confronting border regimes, heteronormativity and racist oppression. ICTs at the disposal of queer migrants interrupt the material politics of silence and violence. However, digital technology also implies serious hazards. Queer migrants use digital space to empower themselves, to build networks, and to trace, reach and create safer spaces of care. This paper conceptualises how care is materialised in self-organised actions and horizontal relationships that question power regimes and commodification practices while introducing the notion of radical digital care. Digital spaces of (radical) care constitute safe spaces of compassion where people can be heard and believed. They act as points of reference for queer people seeking recognition and care. Moreover, queer migration constitutes constant shifting between subject and care positions that redefine the notion of home and safety and the material ordering of migration itself. Based on a qualitative study of ten semi-structured interviews with solidarians and migrants, this paper reveals how the appropriation of digital media by queer migrants re-arranges the material politics of the borderland by contesting border technologies, and through radical care, allows communities to live through hardship, fear, and abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the effects of digitalization and organizational practices on innovation in Europe, between 2010 and 2016. We analyze the cross-country and industry differences in firms' investments and capabilities to adopt and use new technologies and their effects on innovation outputs. Along with traditional drivers of innovation, such as research and development (R&D) expenditure, two composite indicators are constructed. One encompasses direct measures of the adoption and use in enterprises of a set of digital technologies. The other measures the learning capacity of organizations, which captures the use of management tools and organizational practices concerned with the improvement of individual and organizational learning. Product, process, organizational, and marketing innovations are identified as well as their combinations within companies. Empirical evidence is provided by a unique dataset based on the integration at the sector within the country level of European Union (EU)-wide employers' and employees' surveys: the Community Innovation Survey (CIS), the Community Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) usage and e-commerce in enterprises survey (Eurostat), and the European Working Conditions Survey (Eurofound). The descriptive evidence shows that Digital technology adoption and use is rapidly growing across Europe, while the Learning capacity of organizations remains stagnant. By contrast, our results from the econometric analysis show that these investments can favor all forms of innovations and that, further, they may show some complementarity. Overall, a mix of product/process innovations and organizational/marketing innovations rests on joint investments in R&D, digital technology adoption and use, and learning capacity of the organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Digital servitization concerns how manufacturers utilize digital technologies to enhance their provision of services. Although digital servitization requires that manufacturers possess new capabilities, in contrast to strategic (or dynamic) capabilities, little is known about how they develop the required operational capabilities. The paper investigates the mechanisms for developing operational capabilities in digital servitization. Design/methodology/approach: This paper presents an exploratory study based on 15 large manufacturers operating in Europe engaged in digital servitization. Findings: Three operational capability development mechanisms are set out that manufacturers use to facilitate digital servitization: learning (developing capabilities in-house), building (bringing the requisite capabilities into the manufacturer), and acquiring (utilizing the capabilities of other actors). These mechanisms emphasize exploitation and exploration efforts within manufacturers and in collaborations with upstream and downstream partners. The findings demonstrate the need to combine these mechanisms for digital servitization according to combinations that match each manufacturer's traditional servitization phase: (1) initial phase - building and acquiring, (2) middle phase - learning, building and acquiring, and (3) advanced phase - learning and building. Originality/value: This study reveals three operational capability development mechanisms, highlighting the parallel use of these mechanisms for digital servitization. It provides a holistic understanding of operational capability development mechanisms used by manufacturers by combining three theoretical perspectives (organizational learning, absorptive capacity, and network perspectives). The paper demonstrates that digital servitization requires the significant application of building and acquiring mechanisms to develop the requisite operational capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine job quality effects of new digital technologies, using the European frame of seven job quality domains: Pay, Working Time Quality, Prospects, Skills and Discretion, Work Intensity, Social Environment, and Physical Environment. Theoretical effects are ambivalent across all domains. The analysis of these effects confirms that digital technologies can both improve and harm job quality depending on how they are used. In light of this analysis and to think through the challenge of regulating digital technologies, we review emerging regulations across several European countries. Drawing on the principles of human-centred design, we argue that worker participation is important for securing good job quality outcomes, at both the innovation and adoption stages. We also consider the application of data protection legislation to the regulation of job quality. Overall, the paper extends debate about the future of work beyond employment and pay, on to a consideration of job quality more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The profound societal effects resulting from the digital revolution in Europe have completely reshaped the fabric of everyday life. This revolution is characterized by the seamless integration of digital technology into all aspects of society, influencing the way people interact, businesses function, and governments operate. Notably, it has greatly improved connectivity and access to information, fostering both innovation and economic growth. The objective of this paper is to explore the complex connection between the Digital Society and Economy Index (DSEI) and the Social Progress Index (SPI), which together provide a holistic representation of societal progress. The main aim is to establish the correlation between these indices, shedding light on how digitalization impacts different dimensions of social advancement in European countries. Through this examination, the study aims to offer valuable insights into the implications of digital transformation on the well-being of society, economic stability, and overall social development throughout Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its potential, the application of dynamic pricing (DP) remains the exception rather than the rule in car parks across Europe. This paper conceptualizes DP as a practice and leverages mechanisms of practice diffusion and organizational implementation to explain its slow diffusion. Among European car park operators the lack of technical and cultural fit of DP is identified as one of the main reasons for the slow diffusion process. It appears that more time is needed for an acceleration of the diffusion process as data management improves and prevalence of increasing digital solutions in a rather analogue industry become more accepted. As parking customers will eventually become more susceptible to digital solutions, more market participants are likely to adopt DP as the driving pricing scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought considerable transformations to the worldwide markets, creating an economic and sanitary crisis. Distribution channels were disrupted, affecting supply networks and business models. With restaurants and bars closed down, banned airlines and travel restrictions implemented, the economic well-being of worldwide industries got disturbed. As global decreases in alcohol trade were registered, wine market was appraised an industry worthy of being taken under consideration, with focus on its market size, incurred revenues, price evolution and degree of embracing digitalization to adapt to the ongoing restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The latter one referring to traditional wine tasting rooms which were banned due to the lockdown, wine industry found online wine tasting as a profitable alternative. The presented metrics were analyzed in Europe, with a high focus on region's main wine producers: France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Portugal, but not only. Research followed an exploratory approach to determine changes under pandemic restrictions, lockdown and finally economic crisis in the selected industry, by engaging international available data and statistics. The study, therefore, formulated relevant hypothesis based on market size and registered revenues, price evolution and adoption of online wine tasting strategies. Results of the paper highlight decreases in market size and revenues of European wine market, however, on the long-term, industry revival is forecasted. Prices slightly decreased mainly for prestigious wines (AOP labelled), showing consumer budget restraints brought by the crisis. European's wine market digitalization show differences among countries, with Germany being a leader for engaging such technologies. Our paper brings a snapshot of current trends and barriers under the COVID-19 pandemic, acting as a future basis and guidance for researchers in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is proposing a new research approach to mergers and acquisitions value creation analysis. By using option pricing models we propose a new methodology on how mergers and acquisitions decisions can be analyzed using a quantitative approach, especially suitable for conglomerate type of mergers and acquisitions, where cost and revenue synergies do not represent a direct or visible financial benefit. Currently, the M&A research field is focusing mainly on the stock returns or cost synergies by the horizontal types of M&A events. The main implications of the results presented in this paper can confirm whether the top 20 M&A events that have taken place in the USA and Europe in the last 20 years were ones with high probability of value creation. In the future, this can become an important analysis point useful for the investment banking industry when evaluating M&A investments. On top, it can expand the field of research in the M&A environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological and digital transformations of the steel industry intensify already existing skill shortages and create specific skill demands that are currently not being met. One of the main problems in this sector lies in the lack of sufficient information on which skills companies need and which skills trainings are suitable for today's challenges. In addition, more information is needed to provide more and better information for policy-making processes for getting the sector's workforce well-equipped for digitalisation and decarbonisation. This paper uses the framework of skills intelligence in the steel sector, reflecting on theoretical developments and the application of concrete tools in the European projects BEYOND 4.0 and ESSA. The main research questions guiding this work are: To what extent is the concept of skills intelligence useful in the steel sector, and how can it be applied in the steel sector in Europe? This paper provides empirical data based on qualitative and quantitative research carried out in the mentioned projects. The main contribution of this paper is the development of concrete reflections on the concept of skills intelligence based on tools in the steel sector. This work operationalises the skills intelligence approach at sectoral level, namely for the steel industry, and shows how this sector approach can be implemented at the European, national and regional levels. The main findings suggest that skills intelligence in the steel sector is not limited to the preparation and presentation of data but creates a governance structure to mitigate skills imbalances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Was something lost as society moved away from "traditional" media such as handwritten letters and photography and into the digital age? Some of the authors remember this age fondly, and we wanted to see if this fondness could be translated into a science dialogue project with school classes. We designed and carried out a communication process with four classes at different schools across Europe. During this process, each class would interact with a single scientist primarily via handwritten questions, letters, and a Polaroid photo album. The scientists would make this unique, one-of-a-kind album whilst on board a research expedition in the Barents Sea. We asked whether this process might show any benefits to the school students involved. To answer this, we asked the students to write up their thoughts on communicating with a scientist in this way. We analysed the texts and found that most students thought that the letters and Polaroid albums were a "beautiful experience". Others commented on how important it is to actually put pen to paper and write since they (almost) only use digital media these days. Most importantly, the students learnt different elements of the science connected to the research expedition but also about the scientific process in general. And, equally important, some of the students were surprised and thankful that the scientists took the time to communicate with them in such a personal way. These results could possibly have been achieved using other media; however, the handwritten letters and Polaroids worked very well. They also seemed to conjure up some of the personal memories that we have about communication not so long ago. Maybe there is something to be said for slowing things down with our science communication projects and making them more personal and unique. This is something that snail mail and making photo albums forces us to do. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the evolution of private powers in the digital landscape, developing a quadrangular systematisation of such a phenomenon based on four main aspects: space, values, (private) actors, and (digital) constitutional remedies. Taking a trans‐Atlantic approach, the paper shows how these categories, typical of constitutionalism, apply to the context of the Internet and of new digital technologies both in the United States and in Europe. On the one hand, the United States has up to now maintained the supremacy of the notorious Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. On the other hand, European legislation has undergone a significant change, moving from a phase of digital liberalism, of which the 2000 E‐Commerce Directive is the emblem, towards a new era of digital constitutionalism, passing through the age of judicial activism of European courts. In this sense, Europe has increasingly attempted to introduce limits to private (digital) powers, with a view to better protect and enforce (also horizontally) users' fundamental rights. Additionally, the evolution of digital constitutionalism, from a vertical‐sectoral approach to a horizontal and procedure‐based one, significantly showcased by the recent Digital Services Package, is underscored, signalling the recent movement of the EU into its second phase of digital constitutionalism. In this respect, the paper argues that the great benefit of stressing the procedural dimension, which may be defined as a European application of "due (data) process" to the relationship between individuals and private powers, is that it is potentially able to help consolidate a (necessary) trans‐Atlantic bridge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bodenkultur: Journal for Land Management, Food & Environment is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The priority of modern business systems of municipal waste management is recycling of waste materials while the imperative of their mission is determined by the degree of digital transformation which enables their reproduction, distribution, usage, and storage of information in digital form, as well as new ways of digital communication with the general public. In this paper the focus is on examining the information practices and digital perspectives of municipal waste recycling service providers in Europe. The goal of this paper was to detect information concepts relevant for establishing the degree of their digital maturity. Five data classes were created for the purpose of content analysis method to conduct research on practices on digital communication channels in seven countries to evaluate their availability and accuracy. The designed information model defines a unique conceptual framework of the digital communication information set of the municipal waste recycling service providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the author analyses the current changes that are taking place in the field of labour relations and labour law. The paper covers the previous experiences of digital transformation of labour relations that occurred in the pre-Covid era, on the one hand, as well as the impact of the Sars KOV 19 pandemic on this process today. The author in the paper pays special attention to the parallel digitalization process of the economy expressed through the so-called „the fourth economic revolution" and its impact on the transformation of labour relations in the region and Europe. The paper analyses the aspects of responsiveness of legal systems in Europe and the region of Southeast Europe in terms of acceptance or resistance to the digitalization of the economy and labour. The paper lists the positive aspects of the current and future digital transformation of labour relations, which means for workers, employers, as well as future government labour policies. The negative aspects are also analysed, as possible future challenges that will inevitably bring the digitalization of labour relations, among which the author emphasizes the growth of unemployment, weakening trade union influence, resistance from employees and the aspect of safety and health at work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Innovative digital solutions are shaping a new concept of dementia care, opening additional venues for prevention, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment. Hereby, we report the development of a tablet-based teleneuropsychology platform (Tenèpsia®), from concept to certification as Medical Device (MD) Class IIA, as per new MD regulation 745/2017. Methods: The platform was designed for the remote cognitive evaluation and created thanks to the effort of a collaborative working group including experts from three Italian scientific societies and Biogen Italia S.r.l. (hereafter "Biogen"), and developers from Xenia Reply and Inside AI. The development strategy was guided by converting traditional paper-and-pencil tests into digital versions while maintaining comparable neuropsychological features and optimizing patient accessibility and user experience. The experts focused on the choice and adaptation of traditional neuropsychology measures for a 45-min teleneuropsychology assessment. Results: The developers created a web and a mobile interface, respectively, for the professional (neuropsychologist) and non-professional (patient and caregiver) use. Recording of voice, drawing and typing information was enabled. Instant dashboards provide a quick overview of the patient's condition. Simulation activities were performed to obtain MD certification, valid across Europe. Conclusion: Neuropsychology services will benefit from the implementation in clinics of harmonized digital tools with adequate scientific and technological standards. The use of digital cognitive testing for the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment is expected to enhance patient and clinician outcomes through simplified, digital objective data collection, sparing of time and resources, with a positive impact on healthcare costs and access to treatments, reducing inequalities and delays in diagnosis and cure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research background: Digitalization in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated significantly across Europe, including in regions that are at the stage of catch-up development. However, as innovative technologies are intensively integrated into everyday life, the digital gap between the EU countries is increasing. The widening digital gap is becoming a serious threat to achieving the EU's sustainable development goals and building a sustainable European society. Purpose of the article: The purpose of the article was to empirically substantiate the inclusiveness and convergence of the digital strategy in the EU countries. Methods: Using the method of fuzzy sets, the level of asymmetry in access to transactional (e-commerce), information (cloud computing), operational (artificial intelligence) technologies in the EU countries was assessed. The negative impact of the digital gap within the countries (the gap between small, medium, large companies) and the global digital gap (the gap between EU countries) on the competitiveness of countries was established, for which correlation analysis and the Granger causality test were used. Findings & value added: The findings of this study contribute to the literature of digital transformation and digital gap of European countries. The impact of the digital gap in transactional, information, operational technologies on the competitiveness of countries is differentiated depending on the level of digitalization of the country. Cluster groups of countries are determined by the convergence of digitalization and ways to ensure long-term competitiveness. The directions for reducing the digital gap in the EU countries are substantiated by changing the priorities of spending on innovation and increasing productivity, diversifying the digital technologies used. The empirical results obtained can serve as a basis for improving the effectiveness of the digitalization policy in the EU countries in accordance with individual convergence goals. The main added value of the paper is related to the presented research procedure, which can be used in analyses of digital technologies development also for other countries. The results provide valuable insights into evaluating the digital technologies in European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper conducts an analysis of the impact of COVID-19 and digital transformation (DT) on the financial performance of European listed companies. Using a panel data regression model from 2015 to 2021, the study analyzed the financial performance of 2179 companies. The sample of companies was chosen based on the availability of financial statements and aimed to examine the effects of COVID-19 and DT on financial performance, as measured by return on assets (ROA). The study used a fixed-effect model and checked for robustness by introducing return on equity (ROE) as a dependent variable. The results indicated that COVID-19 had a negative significant impact on financial performance, while DT had a positive significant impact, consistent with previous research. This study provides valuable insights into the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and DT on the financial performance of listed companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This article aims to analyse the impact of data analytics and robots on firms' performance across Europe. Design/methodology/approach: This paper aims to examine the impact of data analytics and robots on companies' performance, multilevel models are estimated. Empirical research is based on the fourth round of the European Company Survey 2019. Findings: The main findings show that human resource management practices (HRMP) are relevant to explain firms' profits. Therefore, human resource practices and technology are complementary resources to achieve higher results. A positive and significant relation between profits and the use of data analytics to monitor employee performance was found. In addition, positive and significant relations between human resource practices and profitability were obtained. Practical implications: From a practical perspective, this article helps to understand the role of technological and human factors in profitability, and it emphasises the relevance of human resource strategies and technology to accomplish business outcomes. Originality/value: This study's findings reinforce the concept of Industry 5.0 which highlights the role of humans in the digitalisation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the relationship between education, digitalization, and financial development between 1996 and 2019 with the aim of showcasing the differences between developed and emerging economies in Europe. We use a Bayesian VAR framework that includes variables related to education, digitalization, and financial development, as well as several endogenous variables to control for differences between countries in terms of nominal GDP growth, unemployment rate, and trade openness. Our findings clearly demonstrate the dynamic interdependence between financial development—including its two main components, financial institutions, and financial markets, digitalization, and education. Furthermore, we find that education is a leading variable in the financial development–education–digitalization nexus, whereas financial development and digitalization are laggard variables. These findings open possibilities for influencing joint policies on digitalization, education, and financial development, particularly in emerging European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The GECEM Project Database stands out as a new Digital Humanities solution to accurately order and analyse the new historical Big Data gathered in Chinese and European historical archives. Traditional challenges such as capture, storage, analysis, data curation, searching, sharing, transfer, visualization, querying, updating, and information privacy are being tackled and solved within the design of this new multi-relational database. The implementation of this database has as its main innovative elements the capability of coding and cross-referring historical data in Chinese and Western languages. Thus, we present a new database as a digital solution to solve the long-lasting problem in historical research: the maximization and optimization of data collection when analysing historical sources and how to make use of a large amount of registers and information when developing case studies and work hypotheses for historical research. In this paper, we present a solution for data collection and analysis of probate inventories and trade records which is a relevant source when determining changes in patterns of consumption and global trade through the introduction of Chinese goods into Europe and vice versa during the early modern period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since digitalization and Industry 4.0 have been recognized as a key issue for future economic development, prosperity and wealth distribution, several studies have emerged on the potential threats of new technology on workforce development. The consensus is that jobs may fall away, while some new jobs will be created, with a different skills profile and a new set of qualifications that are required. This paper examines the effects of three main indicators: the impact of skills, industrial sector dominance and product complexity on workforce reduction. Based on metropolitan data from the US (Census) and Europe (Eurostat), the author develops a metropolitan typology based on industrial sectors in each metro and analyses the systematic relationship between regional variations of automation, local skills and economic sector variations, finding that automation exposure in Europe is significantly lower than in the US and that medium-skilled manufacturing jobs in the US are increasingly threatened and low-skill service jobs remain relatively safe from automation – leading to a decreasing middle class. This also shows how metropolitan areas are at risk of developing polarized effects: some facing economic upturn and continuous prosperity, and a majority of others either stagnant or with extreme downturn and high unemployment rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archaeology & Science / Arheologija i Prirodne Nauke is the property of Institute of Archaeology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cybersecurity of production systems is a very topical issue in response to the dangers associated with the very high number of cyber-attacks in Europe. The current digital transformation of the industry associated with the digitalisation of manufacturing brings both the positives associated with increased flexibility and productivity of production, and the negatives associated with the risk of data loss, data alteration or blocking of control systems. Cybersecurity issues are also reflected in the revision of EU harmonisation legislation governing the requirements for placing products on the market or in service. It appears that the issue of cyber security needs to be addressed comprehensively across the entire infrastructure of a manufacturing plant. The present paper focuses on the relationship between machinery security and OT/IT security and presents the results of a study aimed at identifying potential sources of threats in an integrated manufacturing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Economy & Market Communication Review / Casopis za Ekonomiju i Trzisne Komunikacije is the property of Pan-European University Apeiron and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The unique contribution of this paper is the assessment of the interrelation between Industry 4.0. and social innovation, which is lacking in the academic literature so far. The data for the analysis is a result from an own survey developed and conducted under project "Possibilities and barriers for Industry 4.0 implementation in SMEs in V4 countries and Serbia", funded by the Visegrad Fund. By performing factor analysis five components forming social innovation based on previous studies (Klerkx et al.;2019b) are proved to have positive influence on the digital transition of small and medium sized companies in Central and Eastern Europe The factors are named as following: 1) Adoption of digital technologies; 2) Effects of digitalization on company's identity; 3) Ethics in digitising production systems and value chains; 4) Digitalization and innovation systems and 5) Economics and management of digitalized production. They could serve as a base for creating a business model, which could facilitate Industry 4.0. implementation in manufacturing companies in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) are ecosystems bolstering European companies to overtake innovation hindrances and drive Europe to become the world leading innovator in the industry digital revolution. Each of such organizations can provide a certain list of services, that can be classified and grouped in five macro-classes according to the Data-driven Business-Ecosystem-Skills-Technology (D-BEST) reference model, able to decode DIHs' service portfolio and to shape collaborative networks in the Industry 4.0 age. However, to support an easier codification of DIH support actions, which also directly entails the engagement of enterprises in the DIH ecosystems, a method able to analyze typical Customer Journeys (CJs) is needed. Therefore, this paper proposes the D-BEST based DIH CJ analysis method, able to configure DIHs' unique value proposition, mapping on the five macro-classes of services of the D-BEST the digital transformation processes of the two main categories of DIH customers (technology end-users and technology providers). The method analyses the service provision process of single DIHs, evidencing their strengths and weaknesses, and is also effective in suggesting possible collaborations and joint service provision in a network of multiple DIHs, being able to unveil the commonalities and complementarities among the different journeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Business Consultant / Poslovni Konsultant is the property of FINconsult Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Hydropower has played an important role in Europe in recent decades, offering a unique combination of safe, low-cost, and clean power generation. Today, it is still one of the largest renewable energy sources (RES), accounting for about 35 % of RES electricity generation. However, grid stability is threatened by the increasing amount of undispatchable RES. Flexibility and dynamics such as energy storage and rapid response are urgently needed to achieve EU policy goals. In such a context, hydropower can play a key role, not only as a provider of regulated renewable energy but also due to its ability to balance a renewable energy system in the short term and the medium/long term by pumped storage technology. All these aspects underline the new role of hydropower, which aims to strengthen grid stability and power supply resilience and to enable higher penetration of volatile RES. In this context, the aim of this paper is to demonstrate the role of hydropower at the European level as well as the needs and opportunities of modernization to fully exploit its potential. In particular, this study provides, the assessment of the today flexibility offered by hydropower to the power system at the European level by leveraging a database of information collected through the participants to the working groups of the COST Action Pen@Hydropower which includes stakeholders in the hydropower sector of 34 European countries. The study confirms the key role of hydropower in future energy scenarios with 30 % of the flexibility demand at all time scales met by hydropower. Furthermore, the paper presents a review of the digitalization solutions and innovative technologies that support the growth of a new generation of sustainable hydropower together with the modernization opportunities for existing hydropower plants. The results of this work have practical implications for stakeholders in the hydropower sector and policymakers as it provides evidence at the European scale of the role of hydropower technology in balancing the power system and the need to have supportive frameworks and adequate markets to fully exploit the European hydropower potential to achieve the energy transition goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cuadernos Europeos de Deusto is the property of Universidad de Deusto and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper presents some aspects about digitalization in Europe taking into consideration the new pandemic context. Several indicators linked to the topic were chosen for the purpose of this study. The indicators refer to households - level of internet access, individuals' level of digital skills, employed persons working from home as a percentage of total employment and E-government activities of individuals via websites. The information was analysed with statistical indicators. The result shows that not all the countries of the European Union are prepared to adapt to that new situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I review and critically discuss the histories of mobile Internet and markets in Europe. I examine the emergence of mobile Internet as an important though relatively minor part of European development of mobile technology in the 1980s and 1990s. I take up the story of how Europe then failed to capitalize on its global success with 2 G digital mobiles, and faltered with initiatives in mobile web and mobiles services in the late 1990s and early 2000s. I discuss the various factors It is with the smartphone, from 2008 onwards, that mobile Internet becomes widely established and used in Europe — yet this takes diverse, complex forms. Finally, I offer concluding remarks on the implications of the paradoxes in these mobile Internet histories for understanding of the evolution of complex socio-technical systems, including the contemporary imaginaries of integrated digital markets in Europe and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarizes arguments driving education policy discussion about a relationship between the growth of the economy and early childhood cognitive and non-cognitive skills. The first finding is that rising Harmonized Test Scores, including PISA test scores, do not contribute to labor productivity per person in high income courtiers in Asia, Europe, and North America. On the other hand, the test scores can drive the economy in high income countries in Africa, Caribbean, Middle East, and South America; upper middle-income countries in Africa, Caribbean, Middle East, Ocean, and South America; low middle-income countries; and low middle-income countries more than high-income countries. The second finding is that rising Harmonized Test Scores (HTS) are likely to connect to labor productivity per hour. By a simple regression by taking a logarithm, this study investigates the relationship between labor productivity per hour and the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) test scores. The coefficient of determination is 0.60. It is not enough to get a sufficient result. Accordingly, the study discusses how labor productivity per hour in high income courtiers in Asia, Europe, and North America is associated with non-cognitive skills. In the digital economic phase, it seems that integrated cognitive skills and non-cognitive skills contribute to labor productivity per hour. We recommend that policymakers should invest in early childhood to not only maintain or improve PISA test scores but also to improve non-cognitive skills associated with psychology. Overall, this paper presents analysis and empirical results, aimed at building a more future-oriented education policy. The audience for this paper includes policymakers, educators, and economists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyber-attacks pose a growing threat to global commerce that is increasingly reliant on digital technology to conduct business. Traditional risk assessment and underwriting practices face serious shortcomings when encountered with cyber threats. Conventional assessment frameworks rate risk based on historical frequency and severity of losses incurred, this method is effective for known risks; however, due to the absence of historical data, prove ineffective for assessing cyber risk. This paper proposes a conceptual cyber risk classification and assessment framework, designed to demonstrate the significance of proactive and reactive barriers in reducing companies' exposure to cyber risk and quantify the risk. This method combines a bow-tie model with a risk matrix to produce a rating based on the likelihood of a cyber-threat occurring and the potential severity of the resulting consequences. The model can accommodate both historical data and expert opinion and previously known frameworks to score the Threats, Barriers and Escalators for the framework. The resultant framework is applied to a large city hospital in Europe. The results highlighted both cyber weaknesses and actions that should be taken to bolster cyber defences. The results provide a quick visual guide that is assessable to both experts and management. It also provides a practical framework that allows insurers to assess risks, visualise areas of concern and record the effectiveness of implementing control barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper extends the traditional gravity model to explain the effect of digitalization on international tourism flows to five Southern European countries, where tourism plays an important economic role. The analysis is based on balanced panel data covering the period 2004–2019. Internet-user statistics and Google Trends search data are used as a proxy for digital adoption and virtual proximity, respectively, by source markets. Results lend support to the notion that virtual proximity rather than digital adoption aided international travel, demonstrating that digitalization cannot be interpreted as a fluid and vague concept that exerts a consistent effect. Results also present evidence that Southern European countries should not be treated as a block of homogenous destinations. These findings inform stakeholders regarding the significance of digital platforms as strategic tools to empower consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BigTech and Fintech have been developing for some time. They will make a significant contribution to the global digital economy. The digital economy is the new frontier for international trade and investment. Yet, their ability to capture and use personal data is significant and not well understood by individuals or entities outside the sector. Combined, BigTech and Fintech are developing and providing new products and services for consumers, such as finance. Their reach is significant, and they have been able to provide access for consumers online that traditionally were so remote they had no access at all. This article explores the potential vulnerability of the cross-border flow of data in the emerging Fintech and BigTech economy. Coupled together the vulnerability of data in Fintech and BigTech, which are relatively under-regulated, will pose a number of challenges. Furthermore, with the increasing push of BigTechs into the Fintech sector, this may result in competitive advantages or disadvantages to a few. On the other hand, data flows and data protection are beginning to be well embedded into national legal frameworks. A challenge is the competing areas of law that are all pulling in different directions in regulating the functional arrangements of BigTech and Fintech. A related purpose is that competition law provides a very different function to minimise monopolies forming. This is on the backdrop of nation states encouraging the expansion of investment across these two sectors. On this basis, it is argued that there is the potential for anti-competitive behavior by these sectors. In drawing on the work undertaken by the EU in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), this article highlights how there are competing laws, achieving different things. That is, the GPDR protects the use of personal data, and provides for data flows, while there is emerging legislation to regulate Fintech, which has been and continues to be in tension with the GDPR. It will demonstrate how the current Fintech legislation in Europe requires a level of reporting on transactions. In responding to the potential anti-competitive behaviour by these sectors, it will be argued that, in part, it can be addressed where jurisdictions have data portability and data retention laws. The paper concludes by attempting to strike a balance between economic advancement of data in the digital economy, and consumer choice, while not penalising BigTech and Fintech companies, who have been instrumental in the development this relatively new economy. This sector alone is predicted to bring significant benefits economically and socially to people around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to explore the impact of organizational context on individuals' industry activities in Chinese universities. Academic engagement, which includes collaborative research, contract research, consulting and other informal outreach activities, is posited as being jointly determined by organizational and individual level factors. Based on 564 Chinese scientists' survey responses, our results show that scientists perceiving their university as having a strong entrepreneurial mission or supportive policy context are more active in academic engagement. This relationship is, however, moderated by individual-level factors. Specifically, entrepreneurially oriented university missions and supportive policy are more strongly associated with intra-individual differences in academic engagement for junior scientists, and for scientists with established personal networks to industry. Our analysis also shows that several individual-level predictors of academic engagement identified in studies set in Europe and the US carry over to the Chinese context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to study the impact of digitalization on energy efficiency in Europe, where institutions are committed to promote both digital transformation and energy transition by implementing the European Twin Transition, ETT [1]. The paper starts by empirically analysing the state of play of the Twin Transition across European Member States (MS) by mapping the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), its sub-indices and the energy productivity. We then discuss the impact of the abovementioned digital indicators on energy productivity growth in 26 European MS during the period 2016–2020 by applying a system GMM model. The results show a significant and positive impact of digitalization on energy efficiency and relevant complementarities across diverse digitalization dimensions. This study contributes in an original manner to the literature by applying for the first time DESI and its sub-indices in a European twin transition analysis; moreover, empirical insights have important policy implications because all the variables considered are parts of the European policy targets. • This paper explores the impact of digitalization on energy efficiency. • A statistical investigation of twin transition across European MS is carried out. • DESI and its sub-indices have a positive and significant impact on energy productivity growth. • Potential complementarities exist among DESI sub-indices regarding their impact on energy productivity growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sharing economy, intended as the creation of new markets for idle resources managed by digital intermediary platforms, is spreading in most economies. This paper offers new evidence on the geography of this phenomenon in the NUTS2 regions of the EU27 + UK by proposing a methodology to identify its stages and intensity of development. Results suggest that the sharing economy develops unevenly across countries and across regions, highlighting exceptional cases of mismatch between the intensity of the sharing economy and the most favourable socio-economic context conditions and warning against the possible detrimental effects of its development for wage inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the digital world, social media have become important for people with disabilities in terms of communication and visibility. They have also become the ideal place for activism, as they allow the self-representation of disability by the content creators themselves. This social group, traditionally segregated and discriminated against, has seen in these platforms a tool to promote social inclusion and confront the dominant discourse. This paper explores the social media Instagram as a space for communication and visibility of instagrammers with disabilities from Europe and Latin America. The main objective of the research is to analyse the publications of Spanish-speaking influencers with physical disabilities to establish if there are similar characteristics or if there are significant differences in the uses they make of Instagram’s functions and how disability is represented in their profiles. Through quantitative, descriptive, and statistical research, a content analysis was carried out of 400 publications corresponding to 10 Instagram profiles, all of them of microinfluencers and macroinfluencers with physical disabilities who had different types of business collaborations. The results show that disability is visible in 85% of the publications, whether in the photos or videos shared, in the text of the post, hashtags or emoticons, although it predominates to a greater extent in audiovisual content. In advertising, mentions or tags of brands stand out, much more than paid collaboration, which appears as a minority compared to other forms of promotion. The degree of influence is decisive for interactions in the form of likes and views per video or reels. Finally, the use of hashtags on inclusion and social awareness reinforces the importance of these platforms for the social integration of people with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a set of digitalisation indicators focused on measuring the different digital capabilities and infrastructure of electricity distribution systems, as opposed to previous indicators which have mainly focused on performance and quality of service aspects. The indicators are classified according to the pillars of digitalisation: sensor and actuator, connectivity, data processing, and digital culture. They are use-case-agnostic and do not require a huge amount of information. In addition to this, three possible new applications of these indicators for distribution system operators and regulatory authorities are identified and discussed. The extensive use of these indicators in Europe could allow the development of fruitful collaborations between distribution system operators, allow the identification of cause–effect relations between grid performance and digital infrastructure, and improve the replicability of innovative smart grid solutions. However, this will only be possible if regulators promote the adoption of the proposed indicators and the dissemination of their results. • Smart grid indicators are required by European Directive 2019/944. • Indicators on sensors/actuators, connectivity, data processing, and digital culture. • Indicators to provide an overview of the distribution grid. • Indicators to study relation between performance and digital infrastructure. • Indicators to generate information for the replicability of solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ESTRO members value access to high-quality scientific content alongside networking opportunities. • A 2023–4 ESTRO strategy review re-evaluated strategic priorities in the wake of a black swan event. • Key ESTRO strategic goals for the years 2024–2026 focused on improving research impact, strengthening and diversifying ESTRO's educational offerings and fostering proactive and mutually beneficial partnerships. • The ESTRO Board approved these objectives, alongside prioritising digital innovation, financial sustainability, and community engagement for ESTRO's continued growth and development. • In essence, ESTRO aims to advocate, empower, expand, and diversify its community, with the overarching goal of enhancing cancer care for patients in Europe, and beyond. In 2019, the European Society of Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) published its 2030 Vision "Radiation Oncology, Optimal Health, For All, Together". However, in 2020, the global pandemic, coinciding with the Society's 40th anniversary, had long-term consequences on global behaviours and on the financial environment for scientific associations worldwide. In 2022, ESTRO conducted a survey among its members, revealing their strong appreciation for networking opportunities and the creation of high-quality interdisciplinary scientific content. In response to the survey findings and to address the evolving landscape following the COVID pandemic, ESTRO initiated a strategic review process to respond to, and refocus on, the opportunities and challenges ahead. This paper, marking a turning point in ESTRO's strategy for achieving its Vision 2030 in a post-pandemic era, describes the 2022–23 strategic review process, discussions, and consequent recommendations. The comprehensive strategic review process involved: (i) pre-meeting preparations with surveys and strategic documents; (ii) a carefully themed three-day retreat in Brussels incorporating a blend of plenary sessions, workshops focusing on ESTRO's role, value creation and capture, strategic objectives; and (iii) a post-retreat phase including qualitative analysis and development of action plans. The strategic review emphasized the need for adaptive tactics for scientific associations to remain current and productive in the face of changing global conditions. The development of key strategic goals for the years 2024–2026 focused on improving research impact, strengthening and diversifying ESTRO's educational offerings and fostering proactive and mutually beneficial partnerships. The Board approved these objectives, alongside prioritising digital innovation, financial sustainability, and community engagement for ESTRO's continued growth and development. In essence, ESTRO aims to advocate, empower, expand, and diversify its community, with the overarching goal of enhancing cancer care for patients in Europe, and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated changes in European healthcare systems, with a significant proportion of COVID-19 cases being managed on an outpatient basis in primary healthcare (PHC). To alleviate the burden on healthcare facilities, many European countries developed contact-tracing apps and symptom checkers to identify potential cases. As the pandemic evolved, the European Union introduced the Digital COVID-19 Certificate for travel, which relies on vaccination, recent recovery, or negative test results. However, the integration between these apps and PHC has not been thoroughly explored in Europe. Objective: To describe if governmental COVID-19 apps allowed COVID-19 patients to connect with PHC through their apps in Europe and to examine how the Digital COVID-19 Certificate was obtained. Methodology: Design and setting: Retrospective descriptive study in PHC in 30 European countries. An ad hoc, semi-structured questionnaire was developed to collect country-specific data on primary healthcare activity during the COVID-19 pandemic and the use of information technology tools to support medical care from 15 March 2020 to 31 August 2021. Key informants belong to the WONCA Europe network (World Organization of Family Doctors). The data were collected from relevant and reliable official sources, such as governmental websites and guidelines. Main outcome measures: Patient's first contact with health system, governmental COVID-19 app (name and function), Digital COVID-19 Certification, COVID-19 app connection with PHC. Results: Primary care was the first point of care for suspected COVID-19 patients in 28 countries, and 24 countries developed apps to complement classical medical care. The most frequently developed app was for tracing COVID-19 cases (24 countries), followed by the Digital COVID-19 Certificate app (17 countries). Bulgaria, Italy, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Romania had interoperability between PHC and COVID-19 apps, and Poland and Romania's apps considered social needs. Conclusions: COVID-19 apps were widely created during the first pandemic year. Contact tracing was the most frequent function found in the registered apps. Connection with PHC was scarcely developed. In future pandemics, connections between health system levels should be guaranteed to develop and implement effective strategies for managing diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Europe's transportation infrastructure including bridges requires optimised maintenance plans and adequate monitoring throughout its life cycle to ensure safety and serviceability. The deployment of new technologies can help this goal, providing numerous advantages compared to existing and established inspection and monitoring methods. This deployment can be facilitated by adequate policies and focused research and innovation, taking also into account the European ambitions for safe, secure, and future-proof transportation infrastructure. Considering the above, the objective of this study is threefold. First, it provides an overview of recent policy initiatives in Europe that facilitate the adoption of new and emerging technologies in bridge inspection and monitoring, as well as maintenance in general. Second, it identifies and reviews R&I projects relevant to bridges, including the budgetary expenditure, from the Horizon 2020 European Research Framework Programme which was recently concluded. Finally, it systematically reviews technologies and solutions developed by the identified projects, assessing also their technology readiness. What emerges is substantial research, which includes solutions and technologies (e.g., use of air or ground drones, artificial intelligence, digital twins) that have the potential to reshape the bridge inspection and monitoring state of play in Europe and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While some consider open insurance to be a buzzword with more hype than substance, the underlying trend of open finance stimulates insurers to use digital technology to exchange data with third parties to realise process efficiencies and develop new products and channels. Based on a literature review and 30 interviews with industry experts in Europe, we define open insurance, identify its key drivers, and discuss the dimensions and performance impact of open insurance strategy. The combined insights can help executives develop a better understanding of open insurance and formulate an open insurance strategy that provides performance benefits to them, customers, and third parties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper identifies the leading role of digitalization and Industry 4.0 formation for economic development in modern conditions. It is emphasized that new digital technologies can help a united Europe to become more competitive. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic underlined the importance of economy’s digitalization and Industry 4.0 development. This also increased the risks to achieving Europe’s economic goals if the digital transformation is not carried out. The main declared provisions for the development of Industry 4.0 in the EU are given. It is determined that in fact these plans were not achieved before the economic downturn which was caused by the pandemic. An analysis of the impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic on EU macroeconomic indicators is proposed: the crisis has revealed the interdependence of global value chains and the value of Europe’s globally integrated Single Market. It is determined that in such conditions a new transition to a more digital and sustainable economic and industrial model in order to support and strengthen the EU’s desire for sustainable competitiveness has gained new meaning and relevance. The EU’s Multiannual Financial Plan for 2021-2027, has been analyzed. It aims to offset the economic and social damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Innovation, digital transformation, strategic infrastructure and the single market should be key to boosting the EU’s future growth. A large amount of budget funding of the European Union is aimed at economic recovery through the digital transformation and the formation of Industry 4.0. It is planned that this will help invest more in advanced digital skills and wider use of digital technologies in the economy and society, i.e. the formation of a base for Industry 4.0 further development. Although the effects of the pandemic on the EU economy are not yet fully visible, there is already a strategy to overcome them through the acceleration of innovation, the intensification of digital transformation and the development of Industry 4.0 in all EU countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we provide a first overview of the landscape with respect to calculus teaching in European classrooms, an area where research is very limited. In particular through a small expert-based survey and a literature review, we trace the development of calculus teaching at schools in a number of European countries and identify commonalities and differences. In the current curriculum developments, we notice a reduction in the content of calculus and a more informal approach. The use of digital tools has started to be integrated in calculus teaching in most countries. However in some nations, teaching of calculus in the classroom is rather traditional, focusing on procedural aspects of knowledge. Moreover, in cases where more informal and conceptual teaching approaches are used in the classroom, often contradictions seem to exist with other contextual matters such as examination requirements. Finally, we discuss the future of calculus teaching in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear energy is presently the single major low-carbon electricity source in Europe and is overall expected to maintain (perhaps eventually even increase) its current installed power from now to 2045. Long-term operation (LTO) is a reality in essentially all nuclear European countries, even when planning to phase out. New builds are planned. Moreover, several European countries, including non-nuclear or phasing out ones, have interests in next generation nuclear systems. In this framework, materials and material science play a crucial role towards safer, more efficient, more economical and overall more sustainable nuclear energy. This paper proposes a research agenda that combines modern digital technologies with materials science practices to pursue a change of paradigm that promotes innovation, equally serving the different nuclear energy interests and positions throughout Europe. This paper chooses to overview structural and fuel materials used in current generation reactors, as well as their wider spectrum for next generation reactors, summarising the relevant issues. Next, it describes the materials science approaches that are common to any nuclear materials (including classes that are not addressed here, such as concrete, polymers and functional materials), identifying for each of them a research agenda goal. It is concluded that among these goals are the development of structured materials qualification test-beds and materials acceleration platforms (MAPs) for materials that operate under harsh conditions. Another goal is the development of multi-parameter-based approaches for materials health monitoring based on different non-destructive examination and testing (NDE&T) techniques. Hybrid models that suitably combine physics-based and data-driven approaches for materials behaviour prediction can valuably support these developments, together with the creation and population of a centralised, "smart" database for nuclear materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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