RISULTATI RICERCA

Although interest in the intersection of sustainability and digital transformation is growing, Sustainable Digital Transformation (SDT) remains under-defined and empirically thin. A comprehensive review of the SDT literature was done in this study to assess the extent of empirical research. Searches of Scopus and Web of Science were refined for relevance and complemented by bibliometric mapping and SDG alignment. Findings indicate a post-2018 publication surge, with six thematic clusters, and SDG attention concentrated on SDG 9 and SDG 13 (with links to SDG 11). Use of “sustainable” is often rhetorical, with few designs tracing outcomes to specific SDG targets. Results show that SDT research remains fragmented, and that clearer concepts, SDG-linked indicators, and designs demonstrating measurable SDG outcomes are needed to inform policy and practice.

This research examines how the concept of “erotic capital” - widely recognized in social sciences but often viewed negatively - is softened by adjectives like “presentability”, “physical beauty”, and “extroverted” within the labor-intensive tourism sector. It investigates how this concept commodifies both female and male employees and how businesses implement discriminatory policies based on it. Central focus is on how male and female employees perceive erotic capital, their similar or different experiences, and the benefits and harms they associate with it. The methodology consists of a qualitative, phenomenological approach to examine participants’ perceptions of erotic capital deeply. Data collection involved semi-structured, in-depth interviews with open-ended questions aligned with research goals. Descriptive analysis was preferred for data. The findings demonstrate that erotic capital operates as a complex and ambivalent form of capital in the tourism sector, and its effects vary according to gender. Women are more frequently subjected to expectations of grooming and objectification, while men benefit from certain advantages yet face scrutiny based on their appearance.

What is erotic capital, and how is it influencing board dynamics? How can we develop research and knowledge about board dynamics and board members’ erotic capital? Is erotic capital an enabler cross-cutting other capitals, or is it an independent board capital? In this reflection paper I try to identify how erotic capital can influence board dynamics, team production and corporate value creation.

The theoretical background and starting point in this paper is the extended team production theory (Gabrielsson and Huse, 2023) and Hakim’s publications on erotic capital (2010, 2011a). Board dynamics is about power and the human side of corporate governance, and erotic capital has hardly been used in the board literature. I argue that erotic capital today may be an important concept for exploring board dynamics and power. Two types of erotic capital are identified. Relational erotic capital is about attraction, while social erotic capital is about attractiveness. Relational erotic capital may have significant impact on board dynamic, for example by energizing the board as a team, creating cohesion and developing a boardroom culture. Social erotic capital is directly linked to distant stakeholders and contributes legitimacy and reputation.

The paper thus concludes that erotic capital can moderate relations between other types of capital and board task performance as well as being an independent part of other capitals. Erotic capital has been seen as a taboo topic in board research and discussions. It has also been argued that it is impossible to do research on erotic capital. I disagree with this, and thus I outline research paths that can help us understand board dynamics as a result of erotic capital.

This study aimed to analyse institutional and diplomatic approaches to confidence-building measures in Kazakhstan and China, with a particular emphasis on assessing their impact on regional security and the sustainability of bilateral relations. The research employed methods such as comparative analysis of foreign policy strategies, content analysis of official documents, and an examination of integration processes within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). The role of China as a leading economic and geopolitical player in Central Asia was analysed, focusing on its strategy of infrastructure project diplomacy and the use of economic influence mechanisms within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Key challenges identified in the study include border demarcation, water management, Kazakhstan's growing economic dependence on Chinese investment, and the necessity to balance economic benefits with the preservation of strategic autonomy. The study underscores the importance of sustainable development in fostering long-term regional stability and cooperation.

This paper investigates Kazakhstan’s position in the Shanghai Five and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), focussing on multilateral security mechanisms and sustainable regional development. This study uses qualitative analysis of SCO documents, legal texts, and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime data to examine Kazakhstan's role in regional security and sustainable development. It was noted that the main objectives of the “five” in the 1990s were to establish trusting relationships to prevent military and border conflicts in Central Asia. It is analysed that separatist rallies took place in the northern regions of Kazakhstan in the mid and late 1990s, but the provisions of the Shanghai Convention on Combating Terrorism, Separatism, and Extremism helped to minimise separatist phenomena in Kazakhstan. The provisions of the Agreement of the SCO in 2004 became important for such changes, where a role was given to the development of a health protection system. Counteraction to the transportation of narcotic substances in Kazakhstan was extremely weak since 730 kg of heroin were seized in 2009 and 323 kg – in 2010, considering 70-75 t of heroin that arrived in transit to Kazakhstan in 2010. The findings reveal that Kazakhstan’s SCO engagement shows a regional cooperation model that links security governance to sustainability, resilience, and equitable development. The data also shows that institutional corruption and law enforcement’s ineffective narcotics control continue to impair sustainable outcomes.

The sustainability of public institutions and the rule of law depends heavily on the safety and resilience of those entrusted with enforcing them, namely, law enforcement officers, members of special state bodies, and military personnel. These individuals, while performing their professional duties, are increasingly exposed to threats against their life and health, highlighting the urgent need for effective and consistent legal protection. This study analyses the criminal legislation of Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Mongolia, Belarus, China, Japan, and France concerning offences committed against these categories of public servants. Using dialectical, structural-functional, analytical, and synthetic methods, the research evaluates the extent to which national legal frameworks provide sustainable and targeted protection for state agents. The findings indicate that only a subset of these countries, Ukraine, France, Belarus, and Japan, have clear statutory provisions that establish criminal liability for such offences, while others treat them as general domestic crimes. This gap in legal protection risks undermining the operational sustainability of state institutions and signals a degree of decriminalization of threats against public officials. A key determinant in the criminal classification of these acts is often the offender’s knowledge of the victim’s official status. As states aim to reinforce institutional legitimacy and ensure uninterrupted service delivery, establishing strong, consistent legal protections for state agents becomes essential. The practical value of this study lies in its policy relevance: its conclusions and recommendations can inform legislative reform to strengthen institutional resilience and promote justice systems aligned with the goals of sustainable development.

In contemporary legal studies, crimes against the order of governance have gained particular relevance, as they directly impact the functioning of state authorities and societal stability. The aim of this research is to develop the legal characteristics of crimes against the order of governance and to identify the key issues in classifying such offences. The methodological foundation is based on an analysis of current legislation, academic works, and law enforcement practices in Kazakhstan and other countries. The article examines crimes against the order of governance, their legal characteristics, and classification challenges within the framework of Ukrainian legislation. Particular attention is given to the evolution of anti-corruption legislation in Kazakhstan. The study includes a comparative analysis of Kazakhstani legal norms with international law standards and the legislation of other countries. The research findings highlight the need to improve the legislative framework and implement international standards into national legislation to enhance the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures and ensure proper governance and sustainability in public administration. The practical value of this study lies in its potential application by law enforcement agencies and legislators to refine the legal regulation of crimes against the order of governance, as well as by legal scholars and students in academic settings.

The relevance of the subject matter of this research study is due to raising issues in the field of environmental law enforcement in the Republic of Kazakhstan as well as the need to improve the existing methods of protecting environmental law and order in the country. The main purpose of this research study is to examine the legal means of protecting environmental law and order in Kazakhstan and the rights of the country’s citizens to protect and enforce environmental law. The methodological approach in this research paper consisted of a combination of systematic analysis and the synthesis with abstraction of research data. The findings demonstrated a whole set of objective prerequisites for the establishment of effective legal remedies for the protection of the environmental legal order in the country. The Republic of Kazakhstan has adopted and successfully applied in practice the Environmental Code, which regulates the rights and obligations of citizens in the field of environmental law and order. At the same time, there is prosecutorial surveillance in the area of natural resource management and environmental protection. It is an effective tool for monitoring compliance with the rule of law in protecting the citizens’ rights in environmental law enforcement. These rights are also under protection of the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters. This convention was the subject of ratification by the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The practical significance of the results obtained in this research is in the possibility of their application in the development and practical implementation of effective legal ways to protect the norms of environmental safety in Kazakhstan.

Examining foreign practices helps determine the optimal models of legislation and principles that can be applied in the context of the Kazakh mediation system. Given the issue's significance, the study aimed to deliver an exhaustive analysis of mediation legislation and its implementation in the Republic of Kazakhstan and abroad. The legal nature of mediation was examined, during which the main principles on which the procedure is based were identified and analysed. The research contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the foundational conditions necessary for establishing mediation institutes within a national context, while simultaneously tracing the evolutionary trajectory through which mediation developed into one of the most sophisticated alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Through systematic comparative analysis, the investigation examined both legislative frameworks and the practical implementation of mediation procedures in the Republic of Kazakhstan and various international jurisdictions. The analytical findings revealed quantitative measures of mediation effectiveness within the Republic of Kazakhstan, establishing comparative benchmarks against international jurisdictions where mediation procedures have been systematically implemented and evaluated.

This paper investigates the role of the oil sector in Azerbaijan’s sustainable economic development and its impact on economic diversification, job creation, infrastructure development, and increased export earnings. By analysing data on gross domestic product and investment, the oil sector is shown to be growing steadily, reflecting a gradual shift towards a more resilient and sustainable economic model. The study also examines the role of small and medium enterprises within the non-oil sector and highlights initiatives promoting regional recovery and entrepreneurship. It emphasizes the importance of developing human capital in the oil and non-oil sectors by providing qualified personnel and social support for workers as prerequisites for long-term sustainability.

The purpose of this study was to analyse effective practices of sustainable public governance in crisis management, with a particular focus on Japan and New Zealand. The study was based on public administration in Japan and New Zealand. For the Japanese government, the 2011 earthquake was a crisis event, and for New Zealand government, the COVID-19 pandemic was a crisis event. The study analysed how the Sendai city authorities have been actively involved in modernizing critical infrastructure and residential buildings since the 2011 earthquake and promoting renewable energy programs. In November 2023, within the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, a lecture on earthquake safety was held for Kyoto University students. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan has been strengthening the earthquake resistance of educational institutions and as of 2024, 100% of schools have been modernized. After the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, New Zealand authorities introduced a system of 4 levels of warning, according to which different rules for staying in public places were applied depending on the level of epidemiological danger. The vaccination rate reached more than 80% in a brief period, which enabled the introduction of a traffic light system, according to which, if the population had a vaccination certificate, they could return to their pre-pandemic lifestyle. The study explores how sustainable approaches – such as infrastructure modernization, disaster risk reduction, renewable energy promotion, and inclusive health governance – contributed to long-term societal well-being. The findings emphasize that sustainability-oriented strategies in public administration strengthen crisis resilience and enhance national preparedness for future challenges.

The paper examined the sustainable development of the furniture industry, focusing on three main components: environmental, economic and social aspects. The study examined the level of development of such companies as IKEA and Herman Miller, as well as the current state of the furniture industry in Kyrgyzstan, including the enterprises “Lima Mebel”, “Mebelnaya masterskaya”, “Mosmebel” and “Kerege”. The results showed that the use of certified materials, the introduction of closed production cycles and the use of innovative technologies significantly reduce the negative impact on the environment. The economic aspect includes the need to achieve business profitability while respecting the principles of sustainable development. The study emphasized the importance of finding a balance between economic benefits and environmental constraints. Investments in modern technologies allow not only to reduce production costs but also to improve product quality, which in turn contributes to reducing the negative impact on the environment. The social aspect is related to the well-being of workers and society as a whole.

The study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of the organisation and operation of jury trials in Ukraine and the United States, as well as to identify problematic aspects and propose recommendations. In addition, the system of jury selection, the organisation of their activities during the trial and the decision-making procedure were addressed. The study was conducted using the methods of legal document analysis, comparative law, and analysis of judicial practice. The results of the study demonstrated significant differences in the organisation of jury trials in Ukraine and the United States. In Ukraine, there are restrictions on the age of jurors, no clear rules for replacing jurors during trials, and no unified system of jury instruction. In contrast to Ukraine, the United States has a clear system of jury selection and replacement, as well as detailed instructions for jurors, which helps to improve their efficiency. As a result of the analysis, several recommendations were made to improve the jury system in Ukraine, in particular: reviewing the age requirements for jury candidates, introducing clear rules for replacing jurors, creating a unified system of jury instruction and enhancing media coverage of jury trials. Implementation of these recommendations will help to improve the effectiveness of jury trials, strengthen public trust in justice and further democratise the judicial process in Ukraine

International organisations and cross-border mobility are driving up civil conflicts involving foreigners in Kazakhstan, challenging the capacity, inclusiveness, and predictability of national civil justice. This article analyses the legal status and procedural rights of foreign citizens and stateless persons in civil actions under Kazakhstani law in the context of sustainable legal growth. The study uses a dialectical approach and normative and comparative legal analysis of the Civil Procedure Code, private international law rules, and relevant international instruments governing court access, judgement recognition and enforcement, and legal assistance. Persistent shortcomings in institutional resilience include fragmented jurisdictional regulations, inconsistent service standards abroad, language and cost constraints, and inadequate digital accessibility for cross-border litigants. Addressing these issues through improved connectivity, recognition procedures, translation and fee-waiver safeguards, e-justice tools, and treaty alignment would improve fairness, efficiency, and non-discrimination. Strengthening foreign people’ procedural status can boost societal trust, investment climate, and the rule of law while complying with international responsibilities. A more resilient and sustainable civil justice system in Kazakhstan can be achieved by embedding principles of accessibility, transparency, equality before the law, and effective remedy into proceedings involving foreign persons. The article proposes incremental legislative and institutional reforms that are timely and necessary.

The aim of this study was to identify the ways in which business schools can contribute to the restoration of a country’s national economy following the end of a war, and to examine the potential implementation of such practices in Ukraine. The research analysed the successful experience of American business schools in contributing to economic recovery in the post-war period. Additionally, an analysis of the operational environment of business schools in Ukraine was conducted based on statistical data, in order to assess the feasibility of applying American practices within the Ukrainian context. Between 2010 and 2023, the number of business entities in Ukraine increased by 12.41%. In 2020, the country recorded a high ease of doing business score (80.9 out of 100), and in 2022, the human capital development index stood at 0.734 out of 1.0. It was established that, by adapting curricula and implementing new teaching strategies, American business schools made a significant contribution to the country’s economic recovery following the World War II. These strategies included prompt responses to labour market demands and to changes in national economic activity. An analysis of high-quality internationally accredited business schools was conducted, revealing that the development of such institutions in Ukraine remains problematic. The primary obstacles to their effective functioning stem from the instability of the external socio-economic environment resulting from the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, as well as from the declining performance of educational institutions. For business schools to make a meaningful contribution to post-war reconstruction, following the American example, it is crucial to implement relevant strategies and teaching approaches that respond swiftly to societal changes and foster leadership among business school graduates.

The study analyzes information resilience in Ukrainian and German societies and assesses its implications for political transformations and sustainable democratic development. Using comparative public policy analysis, content analysis of legislative initiatives, and evaluations of media literacy and public resistance to disinformation, the research compares state and societal responses. Findings show that in Ukraine, information resilience is shaped by hybrid warfare and sustained information attacks, with polarization and low trust in official sources as key constraints. In Germany, policy prioritizes countering online extremism, preventing foreign interference, and regulating digital platforms under the Network Enforcement Act, yet election-period disinformation remains impactful despite higher media literacy. Consistent information policy and close collaboration with civil society and international partners can enhance adaptive capacity, protect democratic deliberation, and sustain institutional trust.

The aim of this study was to investigate the reproduction of fixed capital as a factor of sustainable development, as well as to analyse the approaches, challenges and prospects in this area, focusing on the example of the United States, China, Spain, Italy, India, Syria, Libya, Vietnam, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, South Korea, Singapore, Denmark, Norway, Sweden. The study uses a combined approach that includes regression and comparative analysis, as well as systematic analysis to study the relationships between fixed capital reproduction and sustainable development, in particular economic, social, and environmental aspects. The study found that fixed investment fluctuated, with USD 33 trillion in 2018, increasing to USD 34 trillion in 2019, but declining to USD 30 trillion in 2020 due to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, there was a partial recovery to USD 32 trillion, indicating the ability of economies to adapt to new conditions. Key findings show that the level of fixed investment is directly correlated with gross domestic product growth and job creation. For example, in Brazil, infrastructure investment created 1.5 million jobs in two years, while in India, the level of fixed investment reached 30% of gross domestic product, contributing 6% to economic growth. The study also developed recommendations for the reproduction of fixed capital in Kyrgyzstan. The conclusion emphasises the need for an integrated approach to investment strategies that takes into account economic, social and environmental factors to achieve sustainable development.

The article examines the problems of financing and forecasting within Azerbaijan's system of social insurance and pension provision. Through a thorough theoretical and methodological analysis based on the current regulatory and management framework, the main aspects of financial sustainability challenges were identified. The research evaluates the complex interplay between demographic, economic, and institutional factors affecting the pension system’s long-term viability. The study’s main scientific innovation lies in the development of a comprehensive analytical approach to a specific country model, providing methodological frameworks to handle financial security and sustainability issues, thereby expanding and improving the methodological foundation for financial management and forecasting in social protection systems Particular attention is drawn to relevant priorities for strengthening the financial foundation of social protection, identified as the most critical factor in improving overall social protection. The findings provide a valuable theoretical basis for policy development at the national management level within the current pension system, which operates solely on the solidarity principle.

The relevance of this study stems from the need to integrate international standards into the public administration system of the Republic of Kazakhstan, particularly in the context of globalisation, the shifting political and economic landscape, and the imperative of sustainable governance. The aim of the research is to analyse the process of adapting international standards within Kazakhstan’s civil service system, with particular emphasis on the recommendations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and their influence on sustainability in public institutions. The research methodology includes a comprehensive analysis of national and international practices, employing historical and comparative approaches to identify best practices for integrating global experience into Kazakhstan’s administrative system. The findings indicate that the implementation of international standards contributes to the development of a sustainable organisational culture, the strengthening of ethical norms, and enhanced governance efficiency. The conclusions of the study include proposals for legislative updates in Kazakhstan, enhancement of public service ethics standards, and institutional mechanisms that support sustainable administrative transformation and ethical continuity.