https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4761 Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:15:36 GMT 2026-06-27T00:15:36Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147639 Title: Humancentric economy 5.0 as a proposal for a new concept in economic sciences Authors: Modrzejewska, Dagmara; Kansy, Dominika Abstract: PURPOSE: This article attempts to systematize the terminology associated with Economy 5.0 (E5.0), Society 5.0 (S5.0) and Industry 5.0 (I5.0), and presents a proposal for a new concept with a formulated definition in economic sciences, which the authors called Humancentric Economy 5.0.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Economy 5.0 represents an extension of the paradigms of Society 5.0 and Industry 5.0. Therefore, within the framework of Economy 5.0, it is crucial to adopt a holistic and contextual approach to social and economic phenomena, taking into account both existing correlations (co-occurrences) and causations (causeand-effect relationships), as well as the broader contextual conditions in which they occur. The unifying element of E5.0, S5.0, and I5.0 remains the human being and their unique attributes, such as feelings and emotions, as well as skills and capabilities, among which empathy merits particular attention, as it underpins human agency and provides an advantage over technology and its attributes, including progress, innovation, and advanced solutions such as artificial intelligence. The study employed a critical literature review and bibliometric analysis. The research was based on an examination of scientific publications available in the Scopus database, conducted in July 2025, using the selected keywords: E5.0, S5.0, and I5.0. Subsequently, bibliometric analysis was applied to identify the most frequently occurring research themes and to examine their evolution within the specified domains (I5.0, S5.0, and E5.0). In order to extract human-related terms, contextual filtering was conducted using a dictionary developed by the authors.; FINDINGS: The completed bibliometric analysis identified 4099 articles on Industry 5.0, 1264 articles on Society 5.0 and 9 articles on Economy 5.0. in the timeframe from 2016 to July 3th 2025. The analysis revealed that, within the literature examined, the primary focus is on technology rather than on humanisation.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: In the concept of the Humancentric Economy 5.0, the authors emphasize the role and position of humans in the modern economy, along with their unique attributes. Organizations aiming to remain competitive should focus on promoting lifelong learning and strengthening intellectual capital as a strategic resource. In the newly proposed humancentric approach, human capital is treated as a primary actor. Accordingly, the human being occupies the central position within intellectual capital, which forms the core of management systems.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Systematization of knowledge in the areas of Economy 5.0, Society 5.0, and Industry 5.0, as well as the development of an original definition of a Humancentric Economy 5.0. Furthermore, a network of connections was established: human– technology–competences–organization–data, which resulted in an analysis of the associations between the human as the central entity of a human-centred economy and other attributes. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147639 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147638 Title: The role of religious tourism in the regional development of tourist destinations Authors: Niezgoda, Agnieszka; Markiewicz, Ewa; Kędzia, Marta Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to define the role of religious tourism in regional development and to identify the main factors determining this impact.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The article adopts a broader approach to integration processes, in which religious tourism encompasses not only traditionally understood pilgrimages undertaken in different cultures, but also cognitive -based travel with a component related to religion characteristic of different cultural circles. A qualitative study was conducted. Triangulation of methods was used, combining focus group interviews (FGI) and expert interviews (IDI) conducted in six European countries (Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Spain, Greece, Italy).; FINDINGS: Discussions within the FGI and IDI studies allowed for the identification of three key issues indicating the impact of tourism on regional development: (1) The impact of an integrated religious tourism product on the tourism services market in the region, (2) The importance of sacred sites for local sustainable development, and (3) The preservation of the cultural heritage of regions with religious assets. The research confirmed the broad and multifaceted role of religious tourism in regional development.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The research has shown that the key factors determining the role of religious tourism in the development of tourist regions are: cooperation between multiple entities in shaping an integrated religious tourism product, taking into account the principles of sustainable development, and caring for cultural heritage in its tangible and intangible aspects.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: A broader approach to religious tourism was presented, taking into account its cultural elements relating to different European countries. The research is original due to the development of an original research methodology and the establishment of a method for selecting respondents. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147638 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147634 Title: Economic conditions of the functioning and development of health resort treatment within the health care system Authors: Walczak, Jakub; Kowalska, Grażyna Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyse the economic conditions of health resort treatment in Poland, with particular emphasis on the structure and dynamics of financing sources. The article aims to identify key trends in public and private funding of spa treatment services and to assess the role of institutional financing in the context of demographic, economic, and systemic changes.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study is based on an analysis of secondary data derived from statistical reports of the Central Statistical Office of Poland (GUS) for the years 2023– 2025 and financial reports of the National Health Fund (NFZ) for the years 2022–2024. The research method includes descriptive and comparative analysis of financing structures, budget plans, and final financial outcomes, supported by a review of relevant literature addressing economic, legal, and organizational determinants of health resort functioning.; FINDINGS: The results indicate a gradual shift in the financing structure of health resort treatment towards a growing share of public institutional funding, including KRUS and PFRON, accompanied by a relative decline in the proportion of fully paid services. At the same time, NFZ data reveal increasing discrepancies between planned and final financial budgets, particularly from 2023 onwards, when final expenditures exceeded initial plans. These trends suggest rising financial needs and growing pressure on public financing mechanisms.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings highlight the need for flexible and adaptive financial management in health resort institutions, as well as for diversified funding models combining public and commercial sources. From a policy perspective, the results may support decision-making processes concerning the allocation of public funds and the development of sustainable financing strategies for spa treatment services at both national and local levels.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study contributes to the literature by integrating statistical data from GUS with detailed financial analyses based on NFZ reports, offering a comprehensive view of the economic conditions shaping health resort treatment in Poland. The results provide empirical evidence of evolving financing patterns and underline the importance of institutional support for the long-term stability and development of the spa sector. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147634 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147633 Title: Magistratus publicus : the competences of a local government official and the expectations of external stakeholders Authors: Kiełtyka, Leszek; Kęsy, Weronika Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to assess the extent to which the professional competences of local government officials correspond to the expectations of external stakeholders operating in the local public sphere.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The analysis focuses on three key areas of competence— knowledge, skills, and social competences—which collectively determine the quality of public administration and its relations with the external environment. Empirical research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, combining questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews. The study encompasses both the self-assessment of local government officials and evaluations formulated by external stakeholders.; FINDINGS: The results reveal significant discrepancies between officials’ self-assessments and stakeholder expectations, particularly with regard to social competences and selected practical skills. At the same time, the study confirms a high level of substantive and professional knowledge among local government officials, which constitutes a stable foundation for the effective performance of public tasks.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings justify the need to implement an integrated and holistic model of professional competence development in local government administration, one that systematically incorporates the perspectives and expectations of both administrative actors and external stakeholders.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article contributes to the literature on public administration and competence management by offering a multidimensional and stakeholder-oriented assessment of local government officials’ competences. By juxtaposing internal self-evaluations with external expectations, the study provides novel empirical insights that may support evidence-based human resource development policies in local public administration. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147633 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z