The authors reveal that while some companies have partially integrated ESG principles into their operations, others have not adopted them at all. They point to the findings that environmental aspects still represent a leading concern. The long-term benefits of ESG compliance including improved reputation, better risk management, and financial sustainability are fortunately recognized by the companies in this sector. The second paper in this section, presented by E. Vlačić and coauthors, studies the role of banks in supporting SMEs green transition in emerging small open economies such as Serbian. Using the questionnaires and focus groups as data collection methods, the authors explore the extent to which ESG principles influence the banking sector’s interactions with SMEs. They conclude that the integration of ESG practices in the Serbian banking sector remains at an early stage, particularly in relation to SME financing. The findings from the study clearly demonstrate that while there has been some progress in the adoption of ESG principles, particularly among systemic banks, significant gaps remain in both the breadth and depth of ESG integration.
In the Economic Growth and Development section, K. Radosavljević sheds light on the changes that have occurred in the marketing channel structure in Serbia, particularly important for future traffic operations and new opportunities arising from market conditions. By applying econometric analysis, the author estimates the level of development of raspberry distribution channels in Serbia.
N. Stanojević, in the International Economics and Business section, explores the Middle East as a promising market for the Serbian industry of weapons and military equipment. The results of the econometric analysis indicate the special importance of several markets. The largest military export potentials of the Serbian defense industry were identified in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iraq, as the countries that are already large importers. Significant future markets are also the UAE and Algeria, to which exports were significantly higher than potential.
The first paper in the Tourism section, written by M. Zrnić, investigates the quality of gastronomy services in hotels with higher category in Serbia, focusing on factors that influence guest experience satisfaction. The author utilized a systematic approach based on the APUCI model. Based on multiple surveys, the author shows that almost half of respondents identified multiple factors contributing to their quality experience, with a significant emphasis on the quality of food and drinks, ambience, and service professionalism. The second paper in this section deals with rather hot issue of EXPO27 in Serbia. I. Kovačević and colleagues provide EKONOMIKA PREDUZEĆA an extensive literature review of the legacy concept in the meetings and events industry as well as explore weather after organizing a mega event there is always a legacy that remains for the hosting destination, and research in what directions legacy should be managed. Special focus has been given to the EXPO financial cost-benefit impacts analysis for the period 2010-2021. The authors identify three major legacy areas: destination marketing and branding, urban development and urbanization process, and monitoring and measuring economic impact.
Finally, in the Marketing section, J. Filipović and coauthors analyse social media as a determinant of green products purchase. The authors investigate the relationship between various dimensions of social media and consumer behavior in the context of purchasing green products. By extending knowledge in the fields of sustainability and social media marketing, based on a conducted survey this paper proposes a model that integrates variables such as social media customer experience, green word-of-mouth, and greenwashing. The research indicates that consumer experience on social media and green word-of-mouth positively influence attitudes toward the purchase of both global and local green products, while greenwashing exerts a negative influence only on attitudes toward local green products.