<p><i>For decades, the just-in-time (JIT) paradigm has defined operational efficiency by minimizing inventories and reducing working capital requirements. However, recent global disruptions have exposed its structural vulnerabilities, prompting renewed interest in just-in-case (JIC) strategies that prioritize resilience through redundancy, inventory buffering, and supplier diversification. At the same time, rapid advances in digital technologies are reshaping how firms manage this transition. This paper examines the interplay between transition dynamics, digitalization, and financial implications as European companies move from JIT to JIC. Building on a structured review of the literature, we develop a conceptual framework that positions digitalization not merely as an enabler but as a mediating force that redefines the efficiency-resilience trade-off. Digital tools such as real-time data analytics, platform integration, and predictive systems alter inventory strategies, risk management practices, and capital allocation decisions. Drawing on illustrative case evidence, we show that digitalization can both mitigate and amplify the financial burdens of JIC adoption, depending on firms&rsquo; capabilities and resource endowments. The paper contributes by integrating fragmented insights across supply chain management, digital transformation, and corporate finance, offering a coherent perspective on strategic adaptation under uncertainty. It also provides actionable implications for firms and policymakers navigating an increasingly volatile and digitalized economic landscape.</i></p>

<p>Amid volatile markets and rising ecological pressures, agile management is emerging as the strategic backbone of circular transformation. Traditionally tied to software development and product innovation, agile thinking now transcends methodology&mdash;it has become a regenerative mindset capable of navigating the complexity of circular economy models. This paper reframes agile management through a sustainability lens, highlighting key competencies such as iterative experimentation, systemic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration as vital to enabling restorative and resource-efficient business practices. By integrating agile principles with circular design elements like closed-loop systems, modularity, and extended product lifecycles, the study demonstrates how organizations can fast-track the development and scaling of circular innovations. Two real-world cases illustrate this dynamic in practice: Philips&rsquo; shift toward modular, service-centric product architectures, and IKEA&rsquo;s mission to become fully circular by 2030 through renewable sourcing, product take-back schemes, and design-fordisassembly. These examples underscore how agile approaches foster resilience, customer centricity, and strategic flexibility in a resource-constrained world. For emerging economies such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, applying agile circular practices offers an opportunity to accelerate EU alignment, strengthen competitiveness, and stimulate local innovation ecosystems across key sectors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The research offers a comprehensive insight into the interplay between participation in cultural activities, digital engagement, and the perceived socio-economic impact of culture within the local community. The findings show that respondents report a moderately high level of involvement in cultural events and strongly recognise culture as a driver of social cohesion, which is further confirmed by the nearly perfect correlation between cultural participation and the sense of connectedness. Digital platforms, although somewhat less frequently used, display a remarkably strong association with overall cultural engagement, indicating that digital culture complements rather than replaces traditional forms of participation. Respondents also acknowledge the economic benefits of cultural manifestations&mdash;particularly through tourism and local spending&mdash;although the link between economic perception and individual participation remains modest. Agerelated differences suggest that younger participants most strongly emphasise culture&rsquo;s cohesive role, while middle-aged respondents show greater sensitivity to its economic potential. Taken together, these findings support the need for an integrated cultural development model that combines digital transformation, active community participation, and systematic statistical monitoring of cultural impacts, with the aim of enhancing long-term quality of life within local communities.</p>

<p>The paper applies a comparative method to analyse the digital transformation of public administration in the Western Balkan countries &ndash; Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. The results show that 23&ndash;49% of the population possesses basic digital skills, while internet usage exceeds 80%, confirming a gap between access to<br />technology and the ability to use it. Transactional e-services are most developed in Albania, where a digital component is present in over 95% of public services. In contrast, Bosnia and Herzegovina records less than 20%, while Montenegro and North Macedonia do not exceed 25%. Serbia demonstrates moderate progress, particularly through its e-tax system. The greatestchallenges relate to interoperability and preparedness for the EU Single Digital Gateway: Bosnia and Herzegovina shows the lowest, and Serbia a relatively high but still insufficient level of integration. Compliance with the GDPR is partial, while cybersecurity capacities remain limited in most countries. Transparency and open data are most advanced in Albania and Serbia. The analysis confirms a correlation between digital skills, the number of e-services and interoperability, indicating<br />that institutional capacities and human capital determine the efficiency of digital governance. Regional disparities are reinforced by institutional fragmentation, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while policy recommendations emphasise strengthening digital skills, interoperability and the regulatory framework.</p>

<p>In the pursuit of sustainable industrial transformation, additive manufacturing has emerged as more than a technological revolution&mdash;it represents a new philosophy of production. This paper explores how 3D and 4D printing technologies can serve as key enablers of waste reduction and resource optimization across diverse sectors. By shifting from traditional subtractive methods to digitally controlled additive processes, 3D printing minimizes material loss and energy use through precision, customization, and local production. Going a step further, 4D printing introduces smart, stimuli-responsive materials capable of self-adaptation and regeneration, creating systems that not only reduce waste but actively extend product lifecycles. Through an interdisciplinary lens, the study examines material innovation, eco-design principles, and the integration of artificial intelligence and digital twins for real-time optimization of manufacturing processes. The findings highlight the transformative potential of additive and time-evolving manufacturing in supporting circular economy objectives, Industry 5.0 paradigms, and the broader goals of the European Green Deal. Ultimately, the paper argues that the convergence of digital intelligence and material adaptability offers a tangible pathway toward regenerative, zero-waste production ecosystems. Its originality lies in bridging technological foresight with applied sustainability practice, offering actionable insights for industries and policymakers seeking to redesign value chains through intelligent, resourcepositive manufacturing.</p>

<p>In a period of global social and economic change, the teaching profession in transition countries is undergoing a profound transformation. Teachers of natural sciences and mathematics are particularly affected, as their role becomes crucial in developing the competencies necessary to understand and implement the principles of sustainable development. This paper analyzes the challenges and perspectives of the teaching profession in the context of educational reforms, technological changes, and the demands of the green economy. Using a comparative approach, the research examines the state of teacher education in the fields of natural sciences and mathematics in transition countries, with a special focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina. The results show that it is necessary to redefine teachers&rsquo; professional development through innovative pedagogical models, the integration of digital and environmental competencies, and an interdisciplinary approach to teaching. Particular emphasis is placed on strengthening teacher autonomy, continuous professional learning, and institutional support to empower teachers as agents of change within educational systems. The paper concludes that the future of the teaching profession, especially in the fields of natural sciences and mathematics, plays a key role in building a knowledge-based society and supporting a sustainable transition toward a green and inclusive economy.</p>

Within the digital pulse of modern industry, digital strategic orientation acts as an architect of the future, laying the foundation for technological adaptability and data mastery while constructing a pathway to sustainability that transcends conventional business norms. This study aimed to uncover the extent to which digital strategic orientation shapes sustainability performance. Anchored in the resource-based view theory, this study employs a thoroughly structured methodology, utilizing multiple regression analysis to derive insights from data gathered across 115 enterprises operating within the business landscape of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The research findings underscore a strong, positive impact of digital strategic orientation on sustainable performance, manifesting across its three critical dimensions—financial outcomes, social responsibility, and environmental performance. This study provides a novel contribution to the literature and offers tangible managerial insights by empirically showcasing how digital strategic orientation serves as a catalyst for enhancing sustainable performance. More specifically, the practical implications indicate that firms actively integrating digital strategic orientation into their operations can enhance efficiency, minimize resource waste, and improve financial stability, while simultaneously strengthening stakeholder trust and ensuring regulatory compliance, ultimately positioning themselves for long-term sustainable growth in an increasingly digital and environmentally conscious market.

<p style="text-align: justify;">The convergence of advanced materials science and circular economy principles is redefining the future of sustainable engineering. This paper explores the transformative role of biocomposites, nanomaterials, and smart materials in minimizing environmental impact and fostering resource-efficient production systems. By integrating these materials into industrial processes, manufacturers can significantly enhance product durability, recyclability, and energy efficiency. A critical aspect of this transition lies in the redesign of production chains, aligning them with circular economy frameworks to reduce waste, extend product lifecycles, and create closed-loop systems. Through a multidisciplinary lens, this study examines the synergy between material innovation and circular economy strategies, offering insights into how engineering advancements can mitigate environmental footprints while fostering economic resilience. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable design principles, industries can pave the way for a future where efficiency, adaptability, and ecological responsibility are seamlessly integrated into manufacturing ecosystems.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">The progress of modern society is directly linked to advancements and innovations in information and communication technologies. The new economic and social opportunities that are part of this progress have transformed the urban landscape and led to the emergence of smart cities. Residential buildings, vehicles, and social systems strive to achieve complete connectivity known as the "Internet of Things" (IoT). The use of the IoT in smart cities generates a massive amount of data that must be collected and analyzed. To do this effectively, artificial intelligence (AI) applications are used, as they are the only ones capable of processing such large volumes of data from various sources. Through AI algorithms, it is possible to continuously monitor data, analyze it, optimize resource usage, simplify decision-making, and facilitate the resolution of key urban life challenges in smart cities. This paper explores the ways in which the integration of AI and IoT can contribute to the improvement of various urban aspects. The primary focus of the paper is to highlight the transformative potential of such integration in the scenarios of smart cities.</p>

Purpose Given the substantial challenges and disruptions that companies often encounter from within the organization and the broader market landscape – such as market turbulence, technological advancements and regulatory changes – developing robust organizational resilience and transitioning to digital business practices have become top priorities. This paper aimed to explore if digital human resource management (HRM) significantly influences the organizational resilience within the context of emerging economy. Design/methodology/approach To analyze data collected from HRM experts active in the business sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we utilized in this paper multiple regression analysis. This approach allowed us to explore the relationships and impacts within this specific regional context. Findings The study findings revealed that digital HRM significantly enhances organizational resilience, positively impacting its three key components: the ability to anticipate, the capacity to cope and the capability to adapt. Practical implications This study offers digital HRM strategies for enhancing organizational resilience, guiding HR professionals in using digital tools to boost employee adaptability, streamline crisis communication and improve flexibility and readiness for future disruptions. Originality/value This research adds to the existing literature and ensures practical implication on digital HRM and organizational resilience by empirically demonstrating how digital HRM strengthens organizational capabilities to foresee potential disruptions, respond effectively to crises and adapt to changing circumstances. These capabilities help organizations maintain stability and continue operations smoothly during unexpected events, thereby safeguarding their long-term sustainability and competitive edge.