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  Why does the size of the shadow economy vary across nations

  This study examines the shadow economy as a macroeconomic and institutional phenomenon that varies across countries. The main objective is to explain these differences by analyzing factors such as tax burden, institutional quality, regulatory environment, and labor market conditions. The study highlights the lack of a unified definition, with the ... This study examines the shadow economy as a macroeconomic and institutional phenomenon that varies across countries. The main objective is to explain these differences by analyzing factors such as tax burden, institutional quality, regulatory environment, and labor market conditions. The study highlights the lack of a unified definition, with the shadow economy most commonly understood as legal activities deliberately concealed from public authorities. The analysis shows that it leads to an underestimation of real GDP and is measured through direct, indirect, and mixed methods. It is found that its share is lower in developed countries, while in less developed economies it often plays a compensatory role. In conclusion, the size of the shadow economy is determined by the interaction between economic incentives and institutional factors.

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  Transnational cooperation as an instrument for green transition in the Danube region

  This scientific paper examines the role of cross-border cooperation as an instrument for implementing the green transition in the Danube Region. In the context of increasing environmental challenges and the growing need for sustainable resource management, joint initiatives between countries are gaining key importance for the implementation of ... This scientific paper examines the role of cross-border cooperation as an instrument for implementing the green transition in the Danube Region. In the context of increasing environmental challenges and the growing need for sustainable resource management, joint initiatives between countries are gaining key importance for the implementation of effective green policies. The aim of the study is to analyze the contribution of cross-border projects to promoting sustainable development by examining initiatives implemented within the framework of the INTERREG programme. From a methodological perspective, a qualitative approach is applied, based on a case study analysis of the BE READY and CITYWALK 2.0 projects, aimed respectively at climate change adaptation and the development of sustainable urban mobility. The results indicate that cross-border cooperation facilitates knowledge exchange, the implementation of innovative solutions, and the strengthening of the institutional capacity of local authorities. The study emphasises that joint initiatives are not limited to partnerships among participants but function as a practical mechanism for promoting the green transition through the development of tools and the implementation of sustainable solutions at the local and regional levels.

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  Franchising in the tourism sector

  The primary objective of this study is to analyze the role and effectiveness of the franchising model as a strategy for sustainable development and global expansion within the tourism sector. The research focuses on identifying the specific advantages for franchisors (rapid entry into new markets with low capital risk) and franchisees (access to ... The primary objective of this study is to analyze the role and effectiveness of the franchising model as a strategy for sustainable development and global expansion within the tourism sector. The research focuses on identifying the specific advantages for franchisors (rapid entry into new markets with low capital risk) and franchisees (access to an established brand, know-how, and marketing support). A comprehensive approach was employed, including a comparative analysis of leading international franchise chains in the hotel and restaurant industries. Methods of descriptive research on market data, SWOT analysis of the model in a dynamic environment, and a synthesis of best practices were applied. The legal and economic aspects of franchise agreements in tourism were also examined. The analysis demonstrates that franchising is a key driver for quality standardization in tourism, which enhances consumer trust. The results indicate that operating under a common brand allows small and medium-sized enterprises to survive in a highly competitive environment through access to global reservation systems and innovation. The conclusion confirms that despite challenges related to quality control, franchising remains the most successful model for scaling business within the tourism industry.