Civil society and its role in shaping solutions to the current economic challenges

Farmers protests, civic repertoires and the New Agrarian Question in Romania

ClaudiuCraciun — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 11:15:59 +0000

Farmers protests, civic repertoires and the New Agrarian Question in Romania ClaudiuCraciun Sat, 03/02/2024 - 13:15

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Non-student author

Author addressing title

Mr.

First Name

Claudiu

Last Name

Craciun

Academic title

Dr.

Address

Bdul Expoziției, Nr. 30A, 7th Floor

E-mail

claudiu.craciun@politice.ro

Phone

0744811564

Institution/University

National University of Political Studies and Public Administration

Conference Panels

Civil society and its role in shaping solutions to the current economic challenges

Paper/Abstract submission

The protests organized by farmers in Romania in the first part of 2024 signal the emergence of a new economic and political cleavage in national politics. Modelled and inspired by similar protests in Western Europe, they have proved to be disruptive to the policy coordination system between large agricultural businesses and the Government and the public agenda. The claims put forward by the farmers were a mix of protectionist and fiscal measures, both at the national and EU level, aimed at shielding them against market fluctuations and revenue losses. The protests also had electoral dimensions, as the far-right parties and groups echoed and inflated the events. The paper uses the framework of Critical Agrarian Studies to highlight the political economy of farming in CEE and Romania and explain the pattern of farmer mobilization in the country. By interpreting the farmer's list of claims, actions and media discourse, we aim to put forward a mobilization model highlighting the interaction between economic agrarian setting, the contentious forms of farmer actions, and its politicization at the national and EU level.

Shaping Romania's National Recovery and Resilience Plan: an analysis on the involvement of Civil Society Organizations

nicolae.toderas — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 16:01:49 +0000

Shaping Romania's National Recovery and Resilience Plan: an analysis on the involvement of Civil Society Organizations nicolae.toderas Sat, 02/24/2024 - 18:01

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Non-student author

Author addressing title

Mr.

First Name

Nicolae

Last Name

Toderaș

Academic title

Dr.

Address

Bd. Expoziției, nr. 30A, etaj 4, sector 1, 012104, București

E-mail

nicolae.toderas@snspa.ro

Phone

+40745068900

Institution/University

National University of Political Studies and Public Administration

Conference Panels

Civil society and its role in shaping solutions to the current economic challenges

Paper/Abstract submission

During the shaping of Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), an environment conducive to the creation of institutional arrangements for socio-centric governance was established. However, these arrangements were not enduring and did not have the capability to modify the specific path dependency of state-centric governance arrangements. This research presents and analyse perceptions regarding the extent and manner in which Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) were engaged in the shaping process of Romania’s NRRP. Based on semi-structured interviews with the relevant CSOs, factors that have influenced the involvement of CSOs in shaping Romania’s NRRP in relation to other European fund programming processes, the lessons learned from this process, as well as possibilities of enhancing the current governance regime specific to European funds management were examined.

Keywords: governance regimes, analysis of the policy-making process, Recovery and Resilience Facility

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Toderas_Civil-Szemle-2024 No. 2.pdf

THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURAL DIMENSIONS ON SOCIAL ENTERPRISE MODELS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN ITALY AND ROMANIA

Dalessio8 — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 09:20:46 +0000

THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURAL DIMENSIONS ON SOCIAL ENTERPRISE MODELS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN ITALY AND ROMANIA Dalessio8 Fri, 02/23/2024 - 11:20

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Student author

Author addressing title

Mr.

First Name

Antonio

Last Name

D'Alessio

Academic title

Dr.

Address

Corso Caudino 240, 82011, Airola, BN, Italy

E-mail

antonio.dalessio002@studenti.uniparthenope.it

Phone

+393899998276

Institution/University

University of Naples "Parthenope"

Co-authors

Alexandra Zbuchea, National University of Political Studies and Public Administration

Alessandro Scaletti, University of Naples "Parthenope"

Conference Panels

Civil society and its role in shaping solutions to the current economic challenges

Paper/Abstract submission

THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURAL DIMENSIONS ON SOCIAL ENTERPRISE MODELS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN ITALY AND ROMANIA

Antonio D’Alessio, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Department of Business and Economics, Naples.

Alexandra Zbuchea, National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, Faculty of Management, Bucharest.

Alessandro Scaletti, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Department of Business and Economics, Naples.

Abstract

In the current context of increasing social inequalities and global economic fragility, the social economy represents a new economic model with people at its center. It promotes poverty reduction, a transition towards sustainable cities and communities, and responsible consumption and production. In recent years, various social economy initiatives have been developed in the European Union, inspired by the community's legislative and regulatory framework. European social economy development follows different rhythms due to the socio-economic, cultural, and political diversity of various Member States. However, this diversity is often overlooked in academic literature, which tends to focus on individual country-level examinations. To address this gap, a comparative study was conducted between Italy and Romania, two culturally different countries with varying levels of economic development. This study aims to investigate the relationships between Hofstede's cultural factors and dominant social enterprise models for each country. A descriptive analysis of the two contexts was conducted to determine if cultural factors influence one social enterprise model over another. The study sheds light on how social economy manifests uniquely across diverse cultural settings. The findings may be useful for political leaders when selecting appropriate policies and development strategies for the social economy, to achieve a unified and shared vision and definition.

Keywords: social enterprise, culture, comparative study, european union, social economy.

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Full Paper - D'Alessio.docx

Demographic changes in context of social security in Poland

marekbed — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 09:49:36 +0000

Demographic changes in context of social security in Poland marekbed Wed, 02/21/2024 - 11:49

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Non-student author

Author addressing title

Mr.

First Name

Marek

Last Name

Bednarz

Academic title

Dr.

Address

Brzozowa 11
83-220 Skorcz
POLAND

E-mail

marek.bednarz@upsl.edu.pl

Phone

+48 606443117

Institution/University

Pomeranian University in Słupsk

Conference Panels

Civil society and its role in shaping solutions to the current economic challenges

Paper/Abstract submission

Demographic changes in context of social security in Poland

Marek Bednarz

e-mail: marek.bednarz@upsl.edu.pl

ID ORCID: 0000-0003-3806-8572

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the article is to present conceptual frameworks for studying the impact of the process of ageing of the polish population on social security in the context of the labour market situation. The goal of the article is also to demonstrate the threats associated with the ongoing the process of ageing of the polish population

Research Design and Methods: To achieve the purpose of this article, used a qualitative descriptive method based on a critical analysis of the subject literature and an analysis of published research reports. The dynamics of socio-demographic changes of the Polish society has been studied in a wide range taking into account both Polish and European statistical data. A review of identified threats to social security was also conducted, with particular emphasis on the labour market area.

Findings: The analysis of information contained in the subject literature and research reports allowed for the identification of selected changes and costs associated with the ongoing processes of population ageing, while also determining the consequences of these processes for social security in the context of the labour market. The results show that Polish society is an aging population, struggling with the problem of the lack of generational replacement, what is destructive to the social security system. In effect the social security system is not guaranteeing citizens a sense of social security.

Implications / Recommendations: The processes of population ageing have a significant impact on the shape and functioning of the modern state and its ability to ensure comprehensive security. A good example of this situation is the area of social security related to the functioning of the labour market, concerning both employers and employees. Knowledge of the specifics of demographical changes and potential problems in the field of social security serves as a starting point for developing effective actions to overcome these difficulties.

Contribution: The article contributes to the discourse on the social changes brought about by population ageing.

Article type: original article.

Keywords: demography, strategies of solving social problems, ageing of the population, social security, labour market.

Marek Bednarz - Ph.D. in Social Sciences specializing in Political Science, employed at the Pomeranian University in Słupsk, Institute of Security and Sociology, and serves as the Head of the Department of Sociology of Culture. He is an expert at the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) and a Data Scientist. Additionally, he holds certifications as a Project Manager. He is a graduate of MBA studies, postgraduate studies in corporate finance, postgraduate studies in research and development project management, and studies in social sciences and local government administration. With over 50 scientific publications, his research focuses on political science, social policy, and social security, particularly within the context of demographics, transformations in contemporary work, and technological revolution.

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Demographic changes Abstract.docx

Policy of left populism in power. The institutional challenge of Podemos.

Matteo Giardiello — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 16:38:53 +0000

Policy of left populism in power. The institutional challenge of Podemos. Matteo Giardiello Wed, 02/22/2023 - 18:38

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Student author

Author addressing title

Mr.

First Name

Matteo

Last Name

Giardiello

Academic title

Dr.

Address

Largo Tarsia 2
80135
Napoli (NA), Italy

E-mail

matteo.giardiello@unina.it

Phone

+393494675220

Institution/University

Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II'

Conference Panels

Civil society and its role in shaping solutions to the current economic challenges

Paper/Abstract submission

Policy of left populism in power

The institutional challenge of Podemos

Keywords: Populism, Left, Policy, Government, Covid-19

Abstract

This paper is inserted in the analytical framework that focuses on the participation of populist forces in governments. It aims to contribute to the scientific debate analyzing the left-wing populist in power in Europe.

One of the most exemplary case is undoubtedly 'Podemos' that, since January 2020, has been part of the Sánchez II government in Spain. It is interesting to understand how this political subject that is born in response to the economic, political and social 2008 crisis and that defined itself as anti-system comes to be the system. Further, starting from its integration into the institutional system, it will be analyzed the role it covers within the government and the practical results achieved. Then, this will also allow the analysis of the change of left-wing forces in the European context.

The analysis of the Podemos participation in government focuses on a particular moment of the European and world context, i.e. during and after the Covid-19 crisis. The aim is to show whether Podemos, once in government, carries out policies responsive to the main cleavages that characterize its discourse and what effects on the political context. The analysis will be carried out by comparing the most representative policies of Podemos' ministries and through semi-structured interviews conducted between May and November 2022 with leading members of the party and Spanish government.

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POLICY OF LEFT POPULISM IN POWER_ THE INSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE OF PODEMOS_ Giardiello.pdf

Clashing visions

eugen.gabor — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 15:23:21 +0000

Clashing visions eugen.gabor Wed, 02/08/2023 - 17:23

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Non-student author

Author addressing title

Mr.

First Name

Paul

Last Name

Dobrescu

Academic title

Prof.

Address

E-mail

paul.dobrescu@comunicare.ro

Phone

Institution/University

National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, Bucharest, Romania

Conference Panels

Civil society and its role in shaping solutions to the current economic challenges

Paper/Abstract submission

The paper focuses, from a conceptual perspective, on current challenges for development, especially those related to managing uncertainty and crisis. We argue that we live in an age of strategic uncertainty and that strategic projection is lagging behind reality. Today's challenges are not bound to specific fields (e.g. geopolitics, energy, finance, climate change, public communication, and the digital revolution). All these challenges merge, fueling a crisis of the whole (ensemble), which can only be overcome through a new vision, through a grand strategic shift. The contemporary competition between states and regions will be a competition of visions, in terms of consistency, comprehensiveness, and realism.

The paper follows a qualitative approach to analyze the aforementioned issues, and to discuss relevant case studies (e.g. the mission of education in contexts of uncertainty, and the impact of the digital revolution). We use secondary data analysis of the most recent, state-of-the-art analyses, reports, and data available to identify main challenges and to inform on the implementation of a new strategic approach for development. The conclusions will discourage policy-makers and leaders from the risky, but common practice of setting priorities insufficiently focused on solving the crisis of the whole.

Key words: strategic development, overlapping crises, strategic uncertainty, vision.

Digital transition between cohesion and territorial disparities

eugen.gabor — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 10:14:30 +0000

Digital transition between cohesion and territorial disparities eugen.gabor Sun, 04/17/2022 - 13:14

First Name

Daniela

Last Name

La Foresta

Institution/University

Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II

Conference Panels

Civil society and its role in shaping solutions to the current economic challenges

Paper/Abstract submission

Technology and the opportunities deriving from the extensive use of information society tools are considered fundamental components of all growth models. The spread of innovation within territorial systems and social functions are directly related to a balanced access to digital services, becoming a key factor in promoting competitiveness, equity, economic development and social and environmental sustainability.

This is also the direction taken by the European Commission which, in highlighting the potential of digital transition as an important tool in the pursuit of the objectives related to sustainability, highlights the persistence of territorial disparities in access to innovation and the risks for social cohesion: this is the framework to which the vision of the "European digital decade" can be traced. In fact, the Commission emphasizes the centrality of the European digital policy for the coming years by clearly indicating objectives, governance mechanisms and financial instruments that support the territories in the processes of cohesion and elimination of digital inequalities dramatically emerged during the pandemic and that have confirmed a polarization of the gap between urban and rural areas and between western and eastern territories of the Union.

The strategic nodes foreseen by the European digital transition, referring to the increase of digital skills of citizens, the diffusion of a secure infrastructure system, the digital transformation of businesses and public administration and the creation of a European industry of digital technologies, have also been included in national policy documents that represent an opportunity to re-launch the economies of European countries.

The objective of this research work is to analyze, in a comparative perspective at the European scale, the infrastructural ecosystem in which the digital transition envisaged by the National Recovery and Resilience Plans financed by the European Union is grafted. The research, in an attempt to describe the peculiarities of different territorial contexts, will compare the relationship between processes of economic growth and some significant variables underlying the development of the communication society (regional expenditure for research and development, broadband coverage, number of innovative companies, expenditure of companies for innovation, number of university students in STEM disciplines, number of patents registered), focusing on the various actions planned to overcome the territorial fragmentation and complexity of the implementation of the objectives.

The reform of the PA in the PNRR. The impact of the EU on the historical-institutional development of the Italian public administration

eugen.gabor — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 10:04:31 +0000

The reform of the PA in the PNRR. The impact of the EU on the historical-institutional development of the Italian public administration eugen.gabor Sun, 04/17/2022 - 13:04

First Name

Gianluca

Last Name

Luise

Institution/University

Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II

Conference Panels

Civil society and its role in shaping solutions to the current economic challenges

Paper/Abstract submission

The reform of the Italian public administration is one of the enabling objectives of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) drawn up by the government to revitalise the country’s economy following the crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the main objectives identified by the Plan is, therefore, the implementation of a reform of the administrative apparatus, in order to improve the administrative weakness of the Italian public sector which over the years has been an obstacle to the overall development of the country.

The efficiency of the administrative apparatus is seen as indispensable, and therefore enabling, for the success of the Plan itself, since it is envisaged that numerous projects will be implemented and many works carried out within an extremely tight and complex timeframe, given the historical performance of the Italian public administration.

In drafting the simplification of public administration in the Italian PNRR and, above all, in defining its central and innovative aspects, account was taken of the fact that the results achieved by the structural reforms of the Italian public administration over the years have always been partial, unable to provide Italy with a performing administrative apparatus.

The PNRR, therefore, appears to be an attempt at reform which, through a simplification of administrative procedures, the overall digitalisation of administrative systems, a new management of public personnel and a governance enabling the Government to replace public offices at all levels when they slow down the executive process, aims, by learning from the mistakes of the past, to make the Italian administrative apparatus efficient and competitive.

The above appears to be the starting point of this contribution which, starting from an analysis of the public administration reform envisaged by the Italian Plan for Recovery and Resilience, that highlights its strengths and weaknesses, carries out a historical-political reconstruction and an analysis of the various reforms that Italian governments have adopted over the years to improve the administrative system.

In fact, the relationship between administrative reform in terms of simplification and the possibility of being able to access a large amount of funds to relaunch the socio-economic development of the country imposed by Brussels, requires a rethink of the entire European institutional architecture and a new vision of the relationship between central government and local administrations in the Italian scenario

Perspectives and potential for revitalization of the inner areas of Southern Italy.

vitamato — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 17:14:13 +0000

Perspectives and potential for revitalization of the inner areas of Southern Italy. vitamato Tue, 04/12/2022 - 20:14

First Name

VITTORIO

Last Name

AMATO

Institution/University

UNIVERSITY OF NAPLES FEDERICO II

Conference Panels

Civil society and its role in shaping solutions to the current economic challenges

Paper/Abstract submission

The paper intends to present, in a perspective of socio-economic revitalization, the situation of small municipalities in inner areas, many of which are subject to phenomena of progressive depopulation and depletion of resources.

The recognition of a territorial network of marginality, very widespread and consistent throughout Southern Italy, already at the center of the attention of the national and European political agenda, requires a cognitive and interpretative effort that can support the adoption of territorialized policies and facilitate trend reversal. The reference is to the identification of conditions that can usefully be considered and activated in order to generate the allocation of public and private investments and, therefore, to support demographic resettlement and the localization of economic activities.

The Impact of Global Pandemic on the Social Security in Poland

marekbed — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 08:58:44 +0000

The Impact of Global Pandemic on the Social Security in Poland marekbed Sun, 04/10/2022 - 11:58

First Name

Marek

Last Name

Bednarz

Institution/University

Pomeranian University in Słupsk

Conference Panels

Civil society and its role in shaping solutions to the current economic challenges

Paper/Abstract submission

The aim of this paper is to show the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the socio-economic dimension of social security. In order to understand the essence of the socio-economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic outbreak, the concepts of "social security" have been considered in the paper. Detailed research attention was focused on social attitudes during quarantine and the manifestations of pathological and dysfunctional behaviors resulting from the specificity of the economy and the labor market in the post-Covid reality. The work uses interdisciplinary research methods, including intuitive, behavioral and comparative ones. By studying the behavior of society in such an extraordinary situation as a global pandemic, taking into account socio-economic conditions, it is possible to assess their impact on social attitudes. Hence, to forecast and direct these behaviors in the short and long term, taking into account the possibility of another wave of infections. Due to the new phenomenon, which is the pandemic and the crisis caused by it in many areas of the functioning of the state and society, the work contributes to holistic research on this issue, and the example of Poland provides the basis for interesting comparative analyzes against the background of other European countries.

Key words: pandemic, social security, social policy, labor market, national quarantine, social pathologies.