Selected transformation processes in the european economy

Abstract

The contemporary European economy is undergoing dynamic changes driven by advan-cing globalization, economic integration, technological transformation and structural shifts occurring both at the level of economic sectors and individual enterprises. These processes influence the functioning of economic entities, shape new determinants of com-petitiveness, and define the directions of regional and national development. Particular importance is attached to issues related to intersectoral linkages, the transformation of traditional industries and the ongoing digitalization of economic activity. This issue presents selected aspects of contemporary transformation processes taking place within the European economy from sectoral, regional and enterprise per-spectives. The articles included address topics related to structural changes in the eco-nomy, the consequences of industrial restructuring, and the challenges associated with the digital transformation of enterprises. The analyzed issues highlight the complexity of contemporary development processes and their impact on economic performance at macro‑, meso‑ and micro‑economic levels. At the macro‑economic level, the analysis focuses on intersectoral linkages in selec-ted European economies (Lyubomyr Sozanskyy). Based on input–output data, key sectors were identified and their significance for the functioning of the economies of Germany, Poland and Slovakia was assessed. The research findings reveal significant differences in the structure of economic linkages among the analyzed countries, resulting from va-rying development conditions, economic scale and degrees of integration into European production networks. At the meso‑economic level, the research concentrates on the restructuring of the mining sector, using the Bobrek–Piekary Hard Coal Mine in Piekary Śląskie (Poland) as a case study (Wioletta Kilar and Patrycja Nowosielska). The study presents the social, economic and environmental consequences of the transformation process taking place in the Upper Silesia region. The analysis indicates that the restructuring of traditional industrial sectors constitutes not only a challenge for local communities and labor markets but also an impetus for seeking new pathways of economic development. The micro‑economic level is examined in the context of the digitalization of enter-prises in Poland compared with other European Union member states (Jakub Misztal). Particular attention is devoted to differences in the adoption of digital technologies according to enterprise size and to the identification of barriers limiting digital deve-lopment. The results of the analyses indicate that, despite systematic progress, Polish enterprises continue to face challenges that hinder their ability to reach the level of Eu-rope’s digital leaders. A common theme linking the contributions presented in this issue is the analysis of transformation processes shaping contemporary economic development. Changes in the sectoral structure of the economy, the transformation of traditional industrial sectors, and the ongoing digitalization of enterprises all influence the competitiveness of economies, the efficiency of business operations, and the development opportunities available to regions. We hope that the topics presented above will attract the interest of our readers. We also encourage further discussion on the transformation of industry and services, the continued development of this field of research, and the dissemination of research findings in the pages of our Journal.