Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Administrative Sciences Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Administrative Strategies and Practices for Economic Growth and Development: Governance, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in the 21st Century

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Administrative Sciences (ISSN 2076-3387). This special issue belongs to the section "Strategic Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 21438

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Alina-Petronela Haller

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Economics, Gheorghe Zane Institute for Economic and Social Research, Romanian Academy, 700488 Iași Branch, Romania
Interests: economic growth; development; sustainability; economic policy; macroeconomics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This era of humanity is marked by economic, environmental, and social challenges, the management of which is increasingly difficult and involves collaborative efforts from national and supranational authorities, alongside society. It is essential to define the current conditions, which are characterized by digitalisation, global openness and progress, and to seek solutions that balance interactions among the economy, the environment, governance, and society.

This Special Issue seeks to explore the complex interplay between administrative science and economic development in a rapidly evolving global landscape. As nations grapple with the challenges of sustainable growth, institutional reform, and digital transformation, the role of public administration and governance becomes increasingly central to shaping resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven economies.

This Special Issue welcomes theoretical and empirical contributions that investigate how administrative strategies, policies, governance mechanisms and practices contribute to economic performance, in both emerging and developed economies. We are particularly interested in studies that examine how digital technologies, sustainability imperatives, and administrative reforms are reconfiguring state capacity, service delivery, regulatory effectiveness, and policy innovation. We also are interested in evaluating the effects of managerial and entrepreneurial activity, as well as their contribution to achieving the objectives of growth and economic development in the complex context of the 21st century. Here, the role of education, innovations, green technologies and other important determinants of growth and development is to be enhanced. In order to achieve growth and development, we are also interested in comparative studies that determine how economic and social inequalities can be reduced.

We welcome the submission of original research articles and reviews. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

Public administration and institutional quality as drivers of economic growth;
Governance models and administrative reforms in developed and emerging economies;
Digitalization and smart governance: impacts on growth and public sector efficiency;
Sustainability-oriented policy frameworks and administrative capacity;
Public-private partnerships and innovation ecosystems;
Decentralization, local governance, and regional economic development;
Crisis management, administrative resilience, and economic recovery;
Data governance, digital infrastructure, and public sector transformation;
Administrative challenges in achieving SDGs and inclusive growth;
Determinants of growth and development in 21st century;
The impact of managerial and entrepreneurial capacity on economic growth and development;
Innovation ecosystems and entrepreneurial governance;
The role of education and human capital development in long-term economic performance;
Green technologies and environmental entrepreneurship: administrative and policy implications;
Public sector support for entrepreneurship and SME development;
Administrative strategies to foster inclusive innovation and reduce regional disparities;
Economic and social inequality: comparative studies on public administration and redistribution;
Digital entrepreneurship and smart policy in the context of sustainable development;
Administrative and institutional reforms targeting equitable access to opportunities;
Governance and education policies for innovation-driven and inclusive growth;
Smart cities and sustainable economic growth and development;
Financial aspects of growth, development, sustainability and governance.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Alina-Petronela Haller
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Administrative Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

administrative science
economic development
governance
sustainability
digital transformation
emerging economies
developed economies
public policy
state capacity

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (13 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

25 pages, 746 KB

Open AccessArticle

Governance, Organizational Objectives, and Institutional Constraints in Cooperative Development: A Structural Equation Model of Cuban Production, Service, and Credit Cooperatives

by Elizabeth Guilarte-Barinaga, Alexander Sánchez-Rodríguez, Rodobaldo Martínez-Vivar, Gelmar García-Vidal and Reyner Pérez-Campdesuñer

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16050218 - 1 May 2026

Viewed by 979

Abstract

Cooperatives are key organizational forms for economic and social development; however, the factors shaping their development are often examined in a fragmented manner. This study identifies the main dimensions of cooperative development and tests their interrelationships using structural equation modeling (SEM). Based on a literature review and expert validation, a measurement instrument was developed and applied to 410 members from 82 cooperatives in Cuba between March and July 2025. The model was estimated and validated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and SEM. The findings support an integrated framework in which cooperative values, cooperative principles, organizational objectives, community relations, and the institutional environment jointly explain cooperative development. All hypothesized relationships are positive and statistically significant, with organizational objectives and the institutional environment showing relatively stronger effects compared to normative and relational dimensions. The results demonstrate that cooperative development is a multidimensional and context-dependent process that cannot be explained by normative principles alone. Instead, it depends on the organization’s capacity to translate cooperative identity into strategic objectives and to operate within enabling institutional conditions. The study provides an empirically validated framework for analyzing cooperative governance and offers practical insights for strengthening organizational performance in emerging economies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Administrative Strategies and Practices for Economic Growth and Development: Governance, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in the 21st Century)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 859 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Digital Transformation 4.0 on Public Enterprises in Ecuador and Its Effects on Operational Productivity: A Case Study of EP PETROECUADOR Esmeraldas Refinery

by Victoria Nayeli Flores, Katty Yirabel Flores and Renato M. Toasa

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16050209 - 29 Apr 2026

Viewed by 998

Abstract

Digital transformation represents a strategic factor for enhancing organizational performance in the energy sector; however, its impact on operational productivity in Latin American public enterprises remains understudied. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between Digital Transformation 4.0 and Operational Productivity at the Esmeraldas Refinery of EP PETROECUADOR, Ecuador’s most significant public oil-refining facility. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional design was employed, with a structured survey administered to 200 employees and analyzed through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. The results confirmed a positive and statistically significant relationship between Digital Transformation 4.0 and Operational Productivity. Among the dimensions analyzed, Process Digitalization emerged as the strongest predictor of operational performance, followed by Digital Infrastructure, which recorded a favorable assessment among respondents, and overall Digital Transformation, which reflected a moderate level of strategic implementation within the organization. Digital Talent, while positively correlated with productivity, did not yield an independent significant effect within the joint regression model. These findings provide empirical evidence of the value of technological adoption in public industrial contexts and suggest that future research should incorporate mediating variables such as organizational culture, change management, and sustainability-oriented digital strategies to further explore this relationship. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Administrative Strategies and Practices for Economic Growth and Development: Governance, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in the 21st Century)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 899 KB

Open AccessArticle

Operationalizing Functional Analysis in Public Administration: A Diagnostic Framework for Enhancing System Efficiency in Eastern European Parliamentary Secretariats

by Petar Stanimirović, Marko Mihić and Zorica Mitrović

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030142 - 12 Mar 2026

Viewed by 635

Abstract

Functional analysis (FA) is increasingly used in public sector reforms to assess organizational performance and guide administrative change. However, FA frequently stays procedural and descriptive in both theory and practice, providing little insight into the roots of inefficiencies. The paper addresses this gap by reconceptualizing FA as an organizational diagnostic framework and applying it to parliamentary administrations, a field that has not received much scholarly attention. Using a comparative qualitative case study design, the analysis examined the parliamentary secretariats of Armenia, Ukraine, and Serbia, drawing on functional review reports, institutional documents, and available employee self-assessment data. The proposed framework operationalizes FA across four analytical dimensions: governance and strategic management, structural design, staffing, and process efficiency. The findings show that system efficiency is shaped by governance arrangements and strategic management capacity, while structural design influences functional coherence and coordination. Staffing affects performance indirectly by mediating process efficiency rather than through staffing levels alone. Overall, inefficiencies appear cumulative and systemic rather than the result of isolated functional weaknesses. By advancing FA as a diagnostic approach, the study contributes to public administration theory and offers a transferable framework for assessing organizational efficiency in parliamentary administrations and other complex public sector organizations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Administrative Strategies and Practices for Economic Growth and Development: Governance, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in the 21st Century)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 327 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Organizational Commitment as a Driver of Administrative Management in Local Public Institutions: Insights from a Low- and Middle-Income Country Governance Context

by Fabricio Miguel Moreno-Menéndez, Rubén Darío Tapia-Silguera, Vicente González-Prida, Carlos Rosario Sánchez-Guzmán, José Francisco Via-Rada-Vittes, Waldir Alexis Sánchez-Mattos, Luis Alberto Poma-Lagos and Fredi Paul Gutiérrez-Meza

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020094 - 11 Feb 2026

Viewed by 937

Abstract

Administrative strategies are essential for ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in public institutions, particularly in the context of low- and middle-income countries where governance challenges and resource constraints persist. This study analyzes the relationship between organizational commitment and administrative management in a local public financial institution in Peru. Drawing on Meyer and Allen’s three-component model of commitment (affective, continuance, and normative) and classical administrative theory (planning, organizing, directing, and controlling), the research explores how psychosocial drivers influence perceptions of administrative practices. A cross-sectional, quantitative, non-experimental design was applied, surveying 31 employees using validated Likert-scale questionnaires. Fieldwork was conducted from January to June 2024. Non-parametric correlation analysis revealed a strong and statistically significant positive association between organizational commitment and administrative management (Spearman’s rho = 0.661, p < 0.01). Normative commitment was the most influential dimension, underscoring the role of loyalty and ethical obligation in sustaining perceived administrative management. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening human capital and organizational commitment as part of administrative strategies for institutional development. The study contributes to debates on governance and public sector reform by emphasizing how organizational dynamics in local institutions can shape broader trajectories of economic growth and development in emerging contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Administrative Strategies and Practices for Economic Growth and Development: Governance, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in the 21st Century)

28 pages, 941 KB

Open AccessArticle

Validating a Theoretical Model to Measure Performance Management in South African Private Secondary Schools

by Debapriyo Nag, Christo Alfonzo Bisschoff and Christoffel Jacobus Botha

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020071 - 30 Jan 2026

Viewed by 981

Abstract

Performance management systems (PMSs) in private secondary education are vital, and although several tried and tested public sector performance measurement models exist, limited private secondary school performance measurement models exist in South Africa. This study aims to empirically validate a South African tailor-made theoretical performance measurement model (developed from a systematic literature review of 220 articles) and determine the relationships between its key antecedents (Academic Excellence, Internal Processes, Learning and Growth, and Resources) and their respective sub-antecedents. Data were collected by distributing a hard-copy questionnaire to appointed coworkers at 12 schools in the eThekwini Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal, in Durban, South Africa. The schoolmaster’s permission and blessing were obtained, and a coworker was appointed to assist with the distribution and collection of the structured 5-point Likert-scale questionnaires. A high response rate of 89% (N = 274; n = 244) was realised. The data were tested for normality and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha coefficients consistently exceeded 0.70), and investigated for evidence of model validity using an exploratory factor analysis. The data were normally distributed and not skewed, and the antecedents could be validated. The model showed evidence of validity, and the respective relationships between the antecedents were determined. Learning and Growth (16.46%) was the most critical antecedent, followed by Student perspective (15.51%), and Resource perspective (12.20%). The Internal perspective for academic excellence was, surprisingly, the least important (7.94%). The results show that all four antecedents are valid and should be used in the performance measurement of private secondary schools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Administrative Strategies and Practices for Economic Growth and Development: Governance, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in the 21st Century)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 662 KB

Open AccessArticle

Systematic Review on Academic Spin-Offs: Challenges, Impacts, and Success Factors

by Vilma dos Santos Ramos, Rafael Verão Françozo, Eliane da Silva Leandro and Valdecir Alves da Silva

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020066 - 28 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1548

Abstract

Academic spin-offs (ASOs) are one of the main means of relationship between universities and the market. ASOs transform scientific research results into products, services, or processes that can be commercialized, promoting the transfer of technology between the academic and industrial sectors. This study aims to identify institutional, organizational, and policy-related aspects and drivers influencing the use of ASOs as technology transfer mechanisms. The article systematically reviews the literature on ASOs, aiming to explore concepts, types, creation processes, barriers, and success factors for these initiatives from 2010 to 2023. The search was conducted in the Scopus database, selected according to the following criteria: article format, publication in a scientific journal, and written in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. The analysis resulted in 82 articles published in 47 journals, which revealed different types of ASOs and creation models, as well as determining factors, such as institutional support and external context, that impacted their formation and success. The study suggests that ASOs can contribute significantly to technological innovation and economic development, but they face challenges such as cultural barriers, lack of funding, and university–market integration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Administrative Strategies and Practices for Economic Growth and Development: Governance, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in the 21st Century)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 681 KB

Open AccessArticle

Governance and Service Quality as Drivers of Organizational Performance in the Portuguese Telecommunications Sector

by Núria Castro, Estela Vilhena, Bruno Barbosa Sousa and Manuel José Serra da Fonseca

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16010037 - 12 Jan 2026

Viewed by 866

Abstract

This study aims to assess the perceived quality of telecommunication services in Portugal and examine how governance practices influence organizational performance, addressing the lack of empirical evidence on service quality gaps in the Portuguese telecommunications sector. Specifically, it investigates the alignment between customers’ expectations and perceptions of service delivery among major telecommunications providers in northern Portugal. A convenience sample of 119 subscribers was collected through an online questionnaire disseminated via social media and email. The survey measured service quality across the five SERVQUAL dimensions (tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy), and sociodemographic variables (gender, age, and education) were recorded to explore their influence on customer satisfaction and perceived quality. Results reveal a consistent gap between expectations (6.51) and perceptions (5.54), particularly in reliability and responsiveness, despite generally positive evaluations of tangibility and assurance. Sociodemographic factors significantly influenced satisfaction levels and perceptions of service quality, highlighting the importance of tailored governance strategies. These findings demonstrate that effective governance and quality management are interdependent drivers of sustainable competitiveness in technology-intensive sectors. By identifying specific quality gaps and their drivers, this study provides actionable insights for improving service delivery. Enhancing organizational reliability, responsiveness, and empathy—supported by transparent communication and data-driven decision-making—is essential for improving customer trust, operational resilience, and long-term performance. By integrating continuous quality assessment into administrative strategy, telecommunications firms can enhance service excellence and contribute to broader goals of sustainable economic development and digital transformation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Administrative Strategies and Practices for Economic Growth and Development: Governance, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in the 21st Century)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 272 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Price to Performance: Implementing the Best Value Approach in Czech Public Procurement

by Jitka Matějková

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16010005 - 22 Dec 2025

Viewed by 830

Abstract

Public procurement in many European Union member states remains strongly price-oriented, often at the expense of delivery performance, innovation, and effective risk management. This study examines how the Best Value Approach (BVA) operates within a post-transition, legality-focused administrative environment through a document-based embedded case study of a major public construction contract in the Czech Republic. By analysing artefacts from the Selection, Clarification, and Execution phases, the study traces how BVA’s core governance mechanisms—expert signalling, vendor-led risk ownership, and information-centric oversight—functioned under locally constraining conditions. The findings show that BVA improved capability sorting, surfaced risks earlier, and enhanced transparency through structured reporting instruments such as Weekly Risk Reports (WRRs), Directors’ Reports (DRs), and Key Performance Indicators (KPI)s. However, the performance effects were partial. Three boundary conditions attenuated BVA’s mechanisms: a 40% price weighting that constrained qualitative differentiation, the omission of a formal Value-Added (VA) pathway for supplier-initiated optimisation, and the absence of continuous expert facilitation to support methodological fidelity. A documented execution-phase cost variance of approximately five percent further indicates residual volatility where key BVA complements are incomplete. The study integrates Principal–Agent theory, New Public Governance, and institutional isomorphism to explain why BVA’s governance architecture activated only in attenuated form and identifies the institutional conditions that moderate its effectiveness. While limited to a single revelatory case, the findings support analytical generalisation to similarly price-dominant, audit-driven procurement regimes in post-transition EU member states and offer practical guidance for evaluation design, innovation pathways, and facilitation models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Administrative Strategies and Practices for Economic Growth and Development: Governance, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in the 21st Century)

36 pages, 1549 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cognition and Psychological Preference of Central Bank Digital Currency: Investigation and Empirical Analysis Based on E-CNY

by Jiemeng Yang and Guangyou Zhou

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15120473 - 30 Nov 2025

Viewed by 1601

Abstract

This study examines the public’s adoption preferences for China’s central bank digital currency (e-CNY) through an improved Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology framework. Analyzing 3509 consumer and 1630 retailer questionnaires, we investigate five psychological dimensions: perceived risk, cost, benefit, social influence, and marketing promotion. The findings reveal distinct adoption mechanisms: while perceived benefit drives both groups’ adoption intention, marketing promotion significantly influences consumers but shows a limited effect on retailers. Conversely, social influence substantially affects retailers while demonstrating minimal impact on consumers. Perceived cost negatively affects both groups, whereas perceived risk shows no significant deterrent effect. This research provides novel insights into CBDC adoption psychology and offers evidence-based guidance for differentiated promotion strategies targeting consumers and retailers, contributing to both technology adoption theory and CBDC implementation practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Administrative Strategies and Practices for Economic Growth and Development: Governance, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in the 21st Century)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1487 KB

Open AccessArticle

Participatory Fiscal Oversight in Colombia: Institutional Design, Implementation, and Governance Outcomes

by Campo E. Vega-Rocha, Carlos M. Zuluaga-Pardo, Giovanni A. Rojas-Sanchez, Sara A. Vargas-Nuñez, Rafael F. Duran-Ojeda, Andrés F. Cifuentes-Perdomo, Jaime A. Restrepo-Carmona and Luis Fletscher

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15120471 - 30 Nov 2025

Viewed by 1114

Abstract

This article examines the Participatory Fiscal Control System (SCFP) of the Colombian Comptroller General’s Office as an institutional innovation in democratic oversight. While participatory audit mechanisms have expanded globally, the literature still lacks empirical analyses of how Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) operationalize citizen engagement within formal oversight cycles. This study addresses this gap by analyzing the SCFP’s conceptual foundations, regulatory architecture, and implementation mechanisms. Using a qualitative methodological approach based on document analysis, process tracing, and two in-depth case studies, the article evaluates how citizen participation contributes to fiscal accountability and governance outcomes. Findings show that the SCFP enables early risk detection, accelerates problem-solving installed public works, and strengthens accountability in large-scale social programs. The study contributes to theories of participatory and collaborative governance by proposing a conceptual model of “co-produced fiscal oversight,” and identifies policy implications for SAIs seeking to institutionalize citizen engagement as part of their accountability mandate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Administrative Strategies and Practices for Economic Growth and Development: Governance, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in the 21st Century)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 819 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Approach for the Development and Maturation of ICT Products

by Angelica Serna-Herrera, Oscar Mauricio Caicedo Rendón and Wilfred Rivera Martínez

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15100383 - 30 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1419

Abstract

Product development in academia and its technology transfer are crucial activities for the sustainable development of society. Nevertheless, transferring academic research is a complex process that requires mature research results aligned with market needs. Existing approaches frequently focus on process management and the relationships between system participants, disregarding the importance of maturity assessment in the product development cycle. This paper proposes an approach, comprising a Framework and a Method, to guide the progressive maturation of ICT products from universities and to facilitate their transfer to productive and social sectors. The Framework maps the innovation trajectory from research to commercialization by phases, tasks, activities, and stakeholders. The Method articulates agile cycles inspired by Scrum, with a continuous TRL-based maturity assessment and sustained market engagement to align academic product development with market demands. Innovation experts evaluated the approach using content validity indices and qualitative content analysis. The results showed a high level of agreement on the relevance and usefulness of the Framework and the Method, and qualitative feedback informed improvements in presentation and clarity. In summary, the proposed approach provides a practical roadmap for aligning university research with market needs and enhancing the conversion of prototypes into transferable and marketable solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Administrative Strategies and Practices for Economic Growth and Development: Governance, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in the 21st Century)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 2139 KB

Open AccessArticle

Technology and Export Two-Way Link: Firm-Level Multidimensional Technology Adoption and Utilization

by Andi Susanto, Arif Imam Suroso, Hermanto Siregar and Harianto

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090360 - 12 Sep 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2778

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between multidimensional technology adoption and utilization with exports, focusing on textile and clothing firms in Indonesia. Grounded by self-selection and learning-by-exporting hypotheses, this study uses binomial probit and ordinary least squares (OLS) models with data from 376 firms to estimate a two-way link between a granular technology index, export propensity, and export intensity. The findings show that firms adopting and utilizing advanced technology effectively in administrative and production functions are more likely to self-select into exporting. Upon entering export markets, firms significantly increased their adoption and utilization of technologies, primarily in production functions. However, as export intensity increased, production technology upgrading increased slowly, while administrative technology adoption and use decreased. These results provide nuanced insights into how technology evolves across different stages of export activity and underscore targeted technology upgrading programs that address acquisition or routine utilization in every export activity to foster competitiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Administrative Strategies and Practices for Economic Growth and Development: Governance, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in the 21st Century)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 844 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Romania’s Tourism Competitiveness: A Strategic Analysis Using the Importance-Performance (IPA) and Competitive Importance-Performance Analysis (CIPA) Frameworks

by Eugenia Andronic and Elena-Nicoleta Untaru

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090358 - 11 Sep 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3998

Abstract

In today’s dynamic tourism industry, shaped by globalization and digitalization, understanding destination competitiveness is crucial for crafting sustainable development policies. This paper explores Romania’s competitive advantage as a tourist destination through both theoretical and practical perspectives. The present research aims to diagnose Romania’s level of competitiveness by identifying tourist attributes perceived as relevant by visitors and evaluating their performance relative to other similar European destinations. A quantitative questionnaire-based survey was conducted to achieve this goal. The survey included 235 respondents, gathered through non-probability convenience and snowball sampling. Romania’s competitiveness was assessed using the Competitive Importance-Performance Analysis (CIPA) method, which allowed for the strategic mapping of the country’s position based on the relative performance of essential attributes. These attributes included cultural heritage, the diversity of natural landscapes, the digitalization of tourism services, and staff hospitality. The results highlighted that Romania possesses significant strengths in natural landscapes, gastronomy, accommodation quality, and outdoor activities. However, the study identified major negative gaps in critical areas such as service digitalization, tourist staff attitude, and the quality of cultural events. These findings underscore a latent competitive advantage based on authentic resources, which is currently underexploited from the perspective of modern management and infrastructure. The practical implications of this research provide a solid basis for optimizing tourism marketing policies, efficient resource allocation, and strengthening Romania’s positioning as an authentic, sustainable, and competitive destination within the European landscape. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Administrative Strategies and Practices for Economic Growth and Development: Governance, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in the 21st Century)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Administrative Strategies and Practices for Economic Growth and Development: Governance, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in the 21st Century

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (13 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI