Faculty of Public Administration

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A conceptual review of the higher education system based on open innovation (OI) perspectives
(Springer Nature, 2024-03-16) Mochnacs, Amalia Elena; Pîrciog, Speranța; Sigurjonsson, Throstur Olaf; Grigorescu, Adriana
The open innovation paradigm has evolved from its incipient form, namely Schumpeter's new production function from 1912, to the current context of a global network of societies, including virtual communities that produce innovative ideas and industry applications through knowledge transfer. The role of industry-university cooperation and networks is widely recognized within the current academic approach. However, the context of higher education, its characteristics, and business application are not thoroughly explained from the Open Innovation (OI) perspective. The debate and further understanding of OI, industry-university cooperation, and the accurate application of academic knowledge to the business world and society are academics' main concerns nowadays, our research being a beginning step. The research objective is to present the evolution of the innovation concept from the higher education perspective through a qualitative review of existing studies. The contribution of this paper is linked to the proposed higher education service life cycle framework for academics based on the current needs for innovation, accessibility, and global integration.
Accounting Information Systems as Mediator for Digital Technology and Strategic Performance Interplay
(MDPI, 2023-04) Nassani, Abdelmohsen A.; Yousaf, Zahid; Grigorescu, Adriana; Oprișan, Oana; Haffar, Mohamed
Digital technology (DT) has been broadly studied in industry and in scholarly research. This study aimed to examine the use of digital technology in the attainment of strategic performance and considered the mediating role of the accounting information systems (AISs) between them. Furthermore, this study explored the moderation of digital innovation in the linkage between DT and strategic performance. For data collection, 326 questionnaires were collected, and quantitative methods and random sampling techniques were used. The results showed that digital technology is directly associated with strategic performance. The findings also confirm that AISs play a mediating role, and digital innovation plays a moderating role in the association between digital technology and strategic performance. The results of this research encourage businesses to utilize opportunities for growing advanced technologies and developments in the industry to take up novel digital technologies, to advance their digital abilities to grow to be innovation leaders, and to boost the strategic performance of their firms. This study is one of the first pieces of research to provide information on how the latest technologies could have an influence in making innovative products/services and, afterward, boost firms' strategic performance. This study also fills a gap in the literature regarding the driving factors of strategic performance by defining the mediating role of AISs and the moderating role of digital innovation in the association between dynamic factors and performance. The outcomes of this research demonstrate that AISs are extremely helpful and have an influence on the strategic performance of electronics firms.
Active Ageing in Inclusive Urban Social Innovation
(MDPI, 2025) Matei, Ani; Dobre, Alexandra Elena; Matei, Oana; Leoveanu, Andy Constantin
This article examines the convergence between active ageing, inclusive social innovation, and smart city development, proposing the concept of the Inclusive Urban Social Innovation Ecosystem (IUSIE) as a systemic framework for enhancing the quality of life for older adults in urban environments. The study explores how urban governance, digital transformation, and community-based collaboration can collectively support health, autonomy, and participation among ageing populations. Using a literature-based review combined with comparative analysis of recent international policy and innovation practices, the paper develops and validates three interconnected research hypotheses. These hypotheses address the role of IUSIE as a complex adaptive system for active ageing, the function of inclusive social innovation as a bridge between ageing processes and artificial intelligence, and the expression of smart city adaptability through urban inclusiveness. Case studies from Europe, Asia, and North America illustrate how age-friendly urban innovation is being pursued through participatory methods, technology-enabled services, and ecosystemic policy integration. The findings confirm that addressing active ageing in smart cities requires interdisciplinary, inclusive, and context-sensitive strategies. The IUSIE model offers an integrative perspective for designing urban environments that are not only technologically advanced but also socially responsive and longevity-ready.
Adjusting the 5C pentagon for better health policymaking: observing the leading behavioural risks factors (diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption)
(General Association of the Economists in Romania (AGER), 2023) Bițoiu, Teodora; Nicolescu, Cristina Elena
Smoking, alcohol consumption, and dietary risks pertain to the goods that can destabilisethe market should their production trigger too many negative externalities and not enough researchto counterbalance them. Moreover, all three are among the factors that, connected to ever-presentrisky behaviours, drive the most death and disability combined (the other two risk factors being themetabolic ones and the environmental/occupational risks). Therefore, they are to be considered as relevant to both the perceived health of the population and analysed in relation to the data onsmokers, alcohol consumers, and poor diet impact.However, the design of these health policies must be adapted to the pattern of national culture of Romania, increasing the degree of their acceptance by the population. This is particularly true whenless-damage alternatives are present in the market. Policymakers should incentivize their use overmore-damaging products. In fact, the existence of better alternatives deepens the market failure thata sub-optimal allocation of resources produces when consumers opt for more damaging productsover better goods. Clearly, the objective of policymakers ought to be to differentiate based on therisk profile of the products present on the market.
Alternative Dispute Resolution in Public Procurement Contracts - Administrative Law Boundaries
(Bibliotheca Târgovişte, 2018-11) Cărăușan, Mihaela Victorița
The article discuss the developments in the field of alternative dispute resolution in construction contracts. The area attracting the attention is the debate over the use of alternative or statutory dispute resolutions in construction contracts. This article explores the new legal grounds of arbitration in the Romanian administrative construction contract. Because of the lack of quantitative data the research methodology was based on the qualitative ones and we reviewed the literature on construction contracts, the Romanian legal framework and the Constitutional Court Decisions, and the good practices in the field of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Finally, by taking into account the barriers of the Romanian administrative and legal systems we discuss the insufficiencies of using arbitration in administrative contracts. This paper first provides an overview of dispute-resolution methods that can be used within public construction contracts. Then reviews the possibility to use arbitration method in administrative contracts. In the end, the paper summarizes and concludes with a direction for further research and development.
Alternative Dispute Resolutions Within Administrative Contracts: Attributes and Enforcements
(Universul Juridic Publishing House, 2018) Cărăușan, Mihaela Victorița
This study provides an overview of the attributes of the alternative dispute resolutions (ADRs), and attempts to address the missing information about the use of these methods in Romania. Particular attention is given to the arguments that take a dispute out of the court. ADR schemes are known as out-of court mechanisms, which have been developed across Europe to reach a peaceful agreement. ADR schemes usually use a third party such as an arbitrator, mediator or conciliator, negotiator to help the parties to reach an amicable settlement. The advantages of ADR schemes are that they offer more flexibility; they are cheaper, quicker and more informal than the court. Within the world based on the country development, legal culture and traditions, business environment, and other factors ADR techniques have evolved differently in each one of them, even in the countries which are member of the same legal family. This article defines the basic ADR traits and reviews the theory, history, controversies, and future of alternative dispute resolution processes in administrative contracts.
An empirical review of public policies on the sector of SMEs in the European Union
(University of Zielona Gora, 2020-06) Grigorescu, Adriana; Ion, Amalia Elena
The paper aims to provide with a close picture of the SME public policies in one of the most prominent capitalist economies of the world, that of the European Union. In order to do this, a qualitative analysis has been undergone, on the basis of the following indicators: access to financial resources for SMEs, regulatory and legal frameworks for SMEs, and public assistance on information and knowledge about markets. Since there is no prior research on the subject, the implications of this paper have impact on the theory, practice and policy making. The results of the content analysis suggest that there is a contemporary structure to the European SBA, with a focus on a persistent business approach, based on the results of scientific research and market studies involving the problems raised by the now compact European SME industry. In the end, it must be acknowledged that the present research is only preliminary, and to better understand the mechanisms behind the European policy, further studies on the subject are necessary. Nevertheless, the paper has managed to point out that public policy in the SME industry represents one of the most important aspects of the EU-28 new economic direction.
Analiza orizontală a Web site-urilor primăriilor municipiilor din România (2024)
(National University of Political Studies and Public Administration. Faculty of Public Administration, 2024) Vrabie, Cătălin
Avansul tehnologic a avut un impact semnificativ asupra furnizării serviciilor din sectorul public. Primăriile din România adoptă digitalizarea ca parte a strategiilor lor de dezvoltare, având ca scop implementarea platformelor web pentru servicii publice, sporind eficiența și accesibilitatea pentru cetățeni. Pandemia COVID-19 a accelerat această tranziție digitală, determinând instituțiile publice să treacă de la servicii livrate în format tradițional la servicii online. Acest studiu evaluează adaptabilitatea primăriilor din România la digitalizare, oferind noi perspective asupra rezilienței instituțiilor publice în fața schimbărilor tehnologice. Va fi analizată furnizarea de servicii prin portalurile web oficiale ale celor 103 municipii din România, folosind 23 de indicatori pentru măsurarea diseminării e-serviciilor în contexte locale. Cercetarea dezvăluie progrese semnificative în transformarea digitală a serviciilor în timp (2014-2023), cu majoritatea municipiilor oferind funcționalități online, precum plata impozitelor pe proprietăți, informații despre transportul public și documentația de stare civilă. De asemenea, cercetarea relevă disparități în calitatea și disponibilitatea serviciilor, sugerând necesitatea unor standarde uniforme de digitalizare. Concluziile au rolul de a oferi sprijin științific decidenților politici, sprijină instituțiile publice în avansarea furnizării de servicii digitale și contribuie la cercetarea tehnologiei în reforma sectorului public.
Analysis of legislative changes concerning the registration of immigrants in Germany
(The Union of Jurists of Romania and Universul Juridic Publishing House, 2016) Cocoșatu, Mădălina
European Union's Common Policy on Asylum, Immigration, Visas and External Border Controls has the theme of Title V (Area of freedom, security and justice) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, 1.1 million immigrants have entered the territory of Germany in 2015, and of these, 500,000 have filed documents to apply for asylum. It found that there are inconsistencies in the level of activity of the five authorities in Germany that registers refugees. In this paper we analyze the legislative measures adopted or are being adopted to streamline the work of public authorities involved in the management of immigrants.
Artificial Intelligence and Higher Education Legal Limits
(Springer Nature, 2023) Vacarelu, Marius
Human knowledge has undergone a constant process of information accumulation—first about nature, then about space, and finally about most of the social processes in which a human being is involved during life. Obviously, not all this knowledge is exhaustive, but libraries are impressive witnesses to the work of so many generations of researchers and teachers, and no doubt we can appreciate it objectively as positive results in many areas. The evolution of knowledge has made a huge leap since the invention of printing, and from that moment, a growing category of people have access to knowledge about contemporary realities, as well as cultural and artistic “products”. Knowledge has become increasingly “popular” in the background, meaning that the price of access to culture and information about every day realities has dropped to a level easily reached by more than half of each country's population. The second great transformation brought by the human mind appeared at the time of the Internet creation, which today has been extended to the dimension of new technology, called artificial intelligence. In this new paradigm, education is about creating new directions of action, and as a result, changing the entire human society. Within this great transformation, higher education—carried out in universities—will play a fundamental role, and the legal limits of the activities that these huge research centers are doing well in turn influence the next decades of all nations and countries, with no exception.
Artificial intelligence and sustainable development during the pandemic: An overview of the scientific debates
(Cell Press, 2024-05-15) Năstasă, Anamaria; Dumitra, Teodora Catalina; Grigorescu, Adriana
The current work aims to analyze the main themes related to artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable development during the pandemic period. This study provides an overview of the specialized literature related to AI and sustainability from the beginning of the pandemic through 2023. The present paper analyses scientific literature emphasizing both artificial intelligence's positive and negative impacts on sustainable development objectives (SDGs). To conduct the research, we employed bibliometric analysis and text-mining techniques to identify the major themes in the literature indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Firstly, we used descriptive measures to identify the authors' impact, the article production by country, the main keywords used, and other descriptive data. We further used data reduction methods based on coword analysis (such as multiple correspondence analysis) on authors' keywords to show patterns in the themes explored in the literature. Bibliometric analysis was supplemented by text mining using Latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) and structural topic modeling on abstracts to provide a comprehensive view of scientific debates on AI and sustainable development. Our research has identified various themes in the literature related to AI and sustainable development. These themes include social sustainability, health-related issues, AI technologies for energy efficiency, sustainability in industry and innovation, IoT technologies for smart and sustainable cities, urban planning, technologies for education and knowledge production, and the impact of technologies on SDGs. We also found that there is a significant positivity bias in the literature when discussing the impact of AI on sustainable development. Despite acknowledging certain risks, the literature tends to focus on the potential benefits of AI across various sectors. In addition, the analysis shows a growing emphasis on energy efficiency, which is facilitated by the use of AI technologies. Our study contributes to a better understanding of current scholarly discussion trends and emerging scientific avenues regarding AI and sustainable development. It also highlights the areas where research is needed and the implications for practitioners and policymakers.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Decision-Making Algorithms, Internet of Things Sensing Networks, and Deep Learning-Assisted Smart Process Management in Cyber-Physical Production Systems
(MDPI, 2021-10) Andronie, Mihai; Lăzăroiu, George; Iatagan, Mariana; Uță, Cristian; Ștefănescu, Roxana; Cocoșatu, Mădălina
With growing evidence of deep learning-assisted smart process planning, there is an essential demand for comprehending whether cyber-physical production systems (CPPSs) are adequate in managing complexity and flexibility, configuring the smart factory. In this research, prior findings were cumulated indicating that the interoperability between Internet of Things-based real-time production logistics and cyber-physical process monitoring systems can decide upon the progression of operations advancing a system to the intended state in CPPSs. We carried out a quantitative literature review of ProQuest, Scopus, and the Web of Science throughout March and August 2021, with search terms including "cyber-physical production systems ", "cyber-physical manufacturing systems ", "smart process manufacturing ", "smart industrial manufacturing processes ", "networked manufacturing systems ", "industrial cyber-physical systems, " "smart industrial production processes ", and "sustainable Internet of Things-based manufacturing systems ". As we analyzed research published between 2017 and 2021, only 489 papers met the eligibility criteria. By removing controversial or unclear findings (scanty/unimportant data), results unsupported by replication, undetailed content, or papers having quite similar titles, we decided on 164, chiefly empirical, sources. Subsequent analyses should develop on real-time sensor networks, so as to configure the importance of artificial intelligence-driven big data analytics by use of cyber-physical production networks.
Artificial Internet of Things, Sensor-Based Digital Twin Urban Computing Vision Algorithms, and Blockchain Cloud Networks in Sustainable Smart City Administration
(MDPI, 2024-08-07) Matei, Ani; Cocoșatu, Mădălina
The aim of this paper is to synthesize and analyze existing evidence on interconnected sensor networks and digital urban governance in data-driven smart sustainable cities. The research topic of this systematic review is whether and to what extent smart city governance can effectively integrate the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), intelligent decision algorithms based on big data technologies, and cloud computing. This is relevant since smart cities place special emphasis on the involvement of citizens in decision-making processes and sustainable urban development. To investigate the work to date, search outcome management and systematic review screening procedures were handled by PRISMA and Shiny app flow design. A quantitative literature review was carried out in June 2024 for published original and review research between 2018 and 2024. For qualitative and quantitative data management and analysis in the research review process, data extraction tools, study screening, reference management software, evidence map visualization, machine learning classifiers, and reference management software were harnessed. Dimensions and VOSviewer were deployed to explore and visualize the bibliometric data.
Aspects of the protection of migrant children’s rights in the European Union Law
(Universul Juridic, 2016) Moroianu Zlătescu, Irina
The present study is based on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in terms of immigration in recent years in Europe. There are analyzed some aspects of migration regulations and their implementation in cases of underage migrants in the European Union.
Assessing the Potential of Civic Crowdfunding as an Alternative Mechanism for Financing Social Innovation in Romania
(The Bucharest University of Economic Studies in partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services, 2025) Jaliu, Dumitru Dragoș; Farcasanu-Ravar, Anamaria
The paper investigates the potential of civic crowdfunding to become an alternative financing mechanism for Romanian social innovation initiatives. At the time being, traditional funding sources for social innovation - public grants, philanthropy, and corporate social responsibility – face growing constraints due to increasing competition (from both for-profit as well as not-for-profit entities) and increasingly restrictive eligibility conditions and evaluation criteria. In many cases, applicants develop projects to address funding criteria rather than satisfying existing social needs. Moreover, challenges remain in demonstrating social impact, particularly for early-stage ventures. The disruptive potential of crowdfunding - as an alternative to traditional funding sources – has been well-documented; thus, it is generally accepted that crowdfunding offers increased accessibility, transparency and flexibility. The current research focuses on civic crowdfunding, a participatory approach engaging citizens and public authorities in funding and delivering public goods and services, often through matchfunding. The study builds on an extensive literature review, as well as a mapping of promising practices in civic crowdfunding and matchfunding mechanisms implemented in various European cities. The paper also analyses qualitative data collected from a focus-groups with social innovators and semi-structured interviews with representatives of Romanian municipalities and supporting organisations. Research questions explored local authorities’ knowledge and perception of civic crowdfunding, as well as the degree to which social innovators are interested in civic crowdfunding programmes. Last but not least, the analysis dwelled into potential implementation obstacles, as perceived by both municipalities (as initiators and administrators of civic crowdfunding programmes) and social innovators (as beneficiaries). Findings reveal limited awareness of civic crowdfunding among both categories of stakeholders. Local municipalities perceive civic crowdfunding as challenging due to the lack of clear legal frameworks, limited administrative capacity, and insufficient expertise among municipal staff. Still, social innovators and civil society organisations show significant interest in civic crowdfunding and are looking forward to alternative financing options being implemented. Overall, the results of the research confirms the potential of civic crowdfunding as an alternative funding mechanism, while pointing out the need for capacity-building and addressing administrative challenges. Although the study is exploratory, the findings may be used to promote a more participatory approach to funding social innovation in Romanian municipalities.
Assessment of Public Administration Integrity Level: Between Morality and the Law
(National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, 2017) Popa, Florin Marius
In recent years, the academic and research institutions, international organizations (among which the International Monetary Fund, World Bank) have an increased interest for estimating the integrity, public administration reform and to gauge the impact of this reform on the level of economic development. From a marginal part in international aid programs, the integrity has grown to occupy a privileged position in most development programs. Currently, it is considered a key factor in good governance of a country with vast implications and whose development must be prevented. The large number of managerial incidents led to a growing interest in ethical programs within organizations. ""Respect"" and ""integrity"" are two alternative management strategies that are formulated in order to avoid moral deviations from organizations. Compliance and integrity differ regarding how the moral behavior of members of an organization can and should be achieved. The strategy focuses on explaining under a set of rules. The main objective of this paper is to analyze how the integrity within public organizations became an organizational value and not only a legal value.
Capitalul social - demers strategic pentru o guvernanță locală viabilă?
(Revista Transilvană de Ştiinţe Administrative, 2011) Popescu, Luminița Gabriela
In this study the author explores the relationships between governmental public policies and social capital, with a focus on the case of Romania. The development of social capital as well as the development of links between social capital and civil society represents a strategic endeavor focused on overcoming the challenges local governance faces. From a theoretical standpoint, it can be argued that public institutions and public policies influence the formation of social capital, by means of developing mechanisms for stimulating the participation of the members of the sociaty in public affairs. From a pragmatic standpoint, it is very likely to have errors that will limit/stop the formation process of social capital. This study strives to prove that the viability of governance is ensured through: (1) a clear understanding of the role of the state, civil society, and the market; (2) a new institutional design and the existence of well established social capital; and (3) political will. The conclusion of the study, based on empirical data, is that for now social capital does not represent a support for governance. Even more, we believe that the current situation leads to the consolidation of authoritarianism and rigid bureaucratic structures.
Challenges in the Administrative Procedure of Trademark Registration at the World Intellectual Property Organisation
(Journal of Public Administration, Finance and Law (JOPAFL), 2018) Budileanu, Cristiana Georgiana; Cărăușan, Mihaela Victorița
Intellectual property protection in an age of information in the cloud is a dynamic challenge for law and market. Business people are more engaged in the knowledge-based economies where intangible goods prevail and the intellectual property rights rules. Nowadays, not just the resulted goods and/or services are legally protected from other similar and/or identical subsequent ones, but also domain names. The study emphasises the legal steps which must be followed in the international procedure of trademark registration. The trademark was used either as business identifier or virtual advertisement, but currently it become the domain itself. Information flow is global and without spatial boundaries the protection of goods and/or services and domain name has to be internationally recognised. Intellectual property surrounds us in approximately everything we do, and we are surrounded by the results of human creativity and invention and almost all are registered trademarks. The article is a quest for understanding international trademarks and intellectual property protection in the digital age.
Circular Economy and Decision Models among European SMEs
(MDPI , 2017-09) Zamfir, Ana Maria; Mocanu, Cristina; Grigorescu, Adriana
While targeting waste reduction and maintaining the value of products and resources in the system as much as possible, undertaking circular economy practices at the company level is a way of achieving entrepreneurial sustainability. This paper explores entrepreneurial decision models for adopting circular economy practices, focusing on European SMEs. Decision tree models are applied on data from Flash Eurobarometer 441 in order to uncover business strategies in relation to the implementation of circular economy practices at the company level and with the optimal level and nature of investments in the circular economy for improving economic performances of companies. The main findings of the article offer a better understanding of the relation between characteristics of European SMEs and their decisions in the field of circular economy. Such results are relevant from both macro and micro perspectives, as they can be used for customizing circular economy programs and intervention strategies for various groups of SMEs, as well as for supporting sustainable entrepreneurial decisions.
Civic Engagement and Cultural Heritage: Lessons from the Herculane Project
(Civil Rewiev, 2024-06-24) Berceanu, Ionuț Bogdan
In the current global context, the cultural sector faces various challenges related to funding, access, and participation. This paper aims to identify potential pathways for civic initiatives. The purpose of this narrative article is to discuss the role of civic engagement in protecting cultural heritage goods when public authorities fail to do so. The Romanian Law of Preserving Cultural Monuments is central to this discussion. It delineates the responsibilities of both governmental and non-governmental entities in safeguarding the nation's cultural heritage. Thus, the Herculane Project- situated in Băile Herculane (Herculane Baths), initiated by a Romanian non-governmental organization (NGO) offers invaluable lessons on the dynamics between civil society, public administration authorities, and the preservation of cultural monuments. The work presents a qualitative analysis of the mechanisms through which civic engagement has influenced the trajectory of the Herculane Project. It explores how local communities, NGOs, and grassroots movements have mobilized to advocate for the preservation of Băile Herculane's cultural heritage. The conclusion of this paper aims to demonstrate the relevance of contemporary civil societies in preserving cultural heritage goods. It underlines how the best practices employed by the NGO in charge of the Herculane Project can be applied to other cases while considering the dynamics of cultural heritage preservation.

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