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Editorial and International Advisory Boards

Title	DIGITAL LITERACY OF CIVIL SERVANTS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE EFFICIENCY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
DOI	DOI: 10.47743/ejpar.2025-5-1
Author	Aliona Corcenco
Abstract	Digital literacy is an essential component of the development of professional skills of civil servants. In an era of digitalization, the use of information technologies can significantly contribute to the efficiency of public administration. This study analyzes the importance of digital literacy among civil servants in the Republic of Moldova and its impact on administrative efficiency.
Keywords	digital literacy; efficient public administration; civil servants
JEL Codes	H83, K10

Title	EXPLORING THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE ROMANIAN POLICE
DOI	DOI: 10.47743/ejpar.2025-5-2
Author	Gabriel Crap
Abstract	Today, artificial intelligence (AI) plays a vital role in everyday life, helping with anything from healthcare diagnostics to gadget unlocking via face recognition. AI’s capacity to handle and evaluate enormous volumes of data makes it an invaluable tool for law enforcement, especially in Romania, where integrating AI might help with public safety issues. Notwithstanding its promise, many are still wary about guaranteeing AI’s equity and constructive use. Public safety problems are made worse by a lack of personnel in Romania’s border and police forces. Budgetary restrictions and critical vacancies result in worsened border security, higher crime rates, longer reaction times, and less public confidence in law enforcement. Furthermore, it is challenging to recruit and retain employees due to unfair labour practices and restrictive rules, underscoring the urgent need for changes. Highlighting the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), including increased productivity and reduced crime, and using data analysis to forecast hotspots and discover illegal activity. Risks do exist, though, such as skewed algorithms and gaps in the law that might provide unjust results.
Keywords	police; artificial intelligence; international structures
JEL Codes	O15

Title	BEYOND MERITOCRACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE: EVOLVING BIAS AWARENESS AND WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP IN HIGH-TECH. INSIGHTS FROM A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON THE BIAS AWARENESS IN HIGH-TECH LEADERSHIP
DOI	DOI: 10.47743/ejpar.2025-5-3
Authors	Zeala Pinto
Abstract	This paper explores how women’s leadership aspirations and experiences are shaped by an enduring yet often illusory belief in meritocracy, particularly within high-tech sectors that pride themselves on innovation and data-driven decision making. Drawing on contemporary research (Eagly & Heilman, 2016; Ibarra, Ely & Kolb, 2013; Derks et al., 2016; Rudman & Fairchild, 2004; Fine, 2005; Brescoll, 2016; Hewlett, 2019; Joshi et al., 2015; Cech & Blair-Loy, 2010; Seron et al., 2018), we illustrate how deeply held individualistic and meritocratic ideologies can mask or justify pervasive gender biases in recruitment, promotion, and leadership evaluations. Even as technology-driven businesses advocate a boundary-breaking ethos, women still confront micro-inequities, subtle exclusion from networks, and a “diversity–quality” tradeoff narrative that keeps them on the margins. Through an analysis of content diaries and interview excerpts, the paper shows that women often internalize, rationalize, or minimize inequitable treatment, partly due to cultural norms elevating technical prowess and dismissing socially oriented skills. Moreover, rather than galvanizing collective reform efforts or feminist critiques, many women’s recognition of bias remains fragmented and personalized – an obstacle to broader organizational change. In light of Industry 4.0 transformations – encompassing digital platforms, algorithmic decision making, and disruptive business models – this study urges reevaluations of workplace cultures that unquestioningly assume neutrality. We propose that addressing gender imbalance requires not only boosting women’s participation in data-driven leadership but, more importantly, rethinking how digital-era “meritocracy” can inadvertently replicate old hierarchies. By questioning the assumption that pure technical capability alone ensures fairness, leaders and organizations can generate more inclusive cultures and move toward genuinely transformative practices in the digital age.
Keywords	digital age; high-tech industry; bias awareness; women in leadership; organizational culture; meritocracy myth
JEL Codes	J16, M12, J71, M54

Title	INNOVATIVE POLICIES AND CHALLENGES IN ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE AFFORDALBE HOUSING IN THE EU
DOI	DOI: 10.47743/ejpar.2025-5-4
Authors	Brigitte Steinhoff
Abstract	Current policy innovations and socio-technical factors influence the provision of sustainable, affordable housing in the European Union. The issue of rising cost burdens, overcrowding, housing shortages and environmental needs, all of which have important social and economic impacts on lower and middle-income groups, is of particular concern. This article examines why affordability remains an enduring challenge despite the EU’s commitment to reducing environmental impacts and social inequalities. This article draws on a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach, policy analysis, existing academic literature, and EU-wide statistical data to capture current housing trends. The theoretical framework uses sustainability concepts (environmental, social and, economic) and affordability benchmarks to evaluate how policy innovations and construction practices affect housing. Preliminary results show that effective policy measures such as targeted subsidies, inclusive land-use planning and advanced construction technologies can improve both the cost-effectiveness and environmental performance of affordable housing. Initial findings suggest that collaboration among stakeholders, including local communities and private developers, improves the implementation and long-term viability of projects. The incorporation of sustainable construction practices has been demonstrated to reduce carbon emissions whilst also promoting social equity and community resilience. Comprehensive policy reforms that incorporate multi-stakeholder collaboration and ongoing monitoring of affordability and sustainability targets represent a potential mechanism for effecting meaningful change. Future research will expand the empirical dataset to include diverse urban and rural areas, and test innovative construction techniques and financing models to develop evidence-based affordable and sustainable housing strategies.
Keywords	affordable housing; sustainable development; European Union policy
JEL Codes	O21, Q56, R31

Title	WHY DO YOU USE TIKTOK? DEVELOPING MEASUREMENT SCALES FOR PLEASURE AND FUNCTIONALITY FROM GENERATION Z PERSPECTIVE
DOI	DOI: 10.47743/ejpar.2025-5-5
Author	Oana Țugulea, Rareș Obadă, Beatrice Barbos
Abstract	Nowadays, TikTok dominates the social media world, particularly among Generation Z. Being on TikTok involves not only receiving content, but also creating it, sharing and engaging with people from across the world. On TikTok, individuals feel happy, curious, informed and relaxed as the platform offers the opportunity to romanticize life and escape the real world. On the other hand, TikTok is the driving source for Generation Z to talk about real life problems. This study aims to investigate the determinants that describe the motives to use TikTok by Generation Z and to develop measurement scales for motives to use TikTok by Generation Z users. Data were collected from 2589 respondents from Generation Z. The questionnaire included a scale that consists of 36 items describing various motives to use TikTok. Integrating the SPSS software for data analysis, two important variables were identified as main motives for TikTok usage: pleasure and functionality. Understanding the motives behind its usage became increasingly important, as the findings can serve as a source of information for influencers and brands in building trust among Generation Z users.
Keywords	gen Z; TikTok; social media; motivation; short – form videos; pleasure
JEL Codes	M3, M31, M37

Title	THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES IN PRE-UNIVERSITY EDUCATION: A LITERATURE REVIEW
DOI	DOI: 10.47743/ejpar.2025-5-6
Authors	Georgiana Zamfiroiu
Abstract	Regardless of personal preferences, social media technologies have become an integral part of contemporary life, rapidly emerging as primary channels of communication and information for a significant portion of the global population though the accuracy of such information is not always guaranteed. Younger generations, commonly referred to as Generation Z and the succeeding Generation Alpha, are exposed to and proficient in digital technologies and social media platforms from an increasingly early age. The current educational system struggles to keep pace with the accelerated advancement of technology and the unprecedented speed at which information is disseminated. In the present era, access to information is virtually unrestricted, no longer confined to books or other traditional print media. This article serves as a preliminary exploration within a broader research initiative aimed at integrating social media technologies into the pre-university educational environment. It seeks to provide a comprehensive review of existing international literature on the subject, analyzing key findings and evaluating their implications for the academic context.
Keywords	social media; education; new generations; non-formal education
JEL Codes	A19, A21, A22, A20, A31