Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova

This article examines and compares main theoretical criteria of economic efficiency used in welfare economics and the formulation of public policies. In a world with limited resources and increasing social needs, efficiency becomes central to rational decision-making. The research applies a conceptual and comparative methodology, based on authoritative academic sources. The concept of efficiency, which serves as an analytical benchmark for optimizing the input-output ratio under the constraint of limited resources, has evolved from ancient conceptions in China, Egypt, Israel, and Greece to mercantilist views, then to classical economics and marginalist formalization, being subsequently evaluated through modern criteria such as Pareto, Kaldor-Hicks with Scitovsky’s correction, the Rawlsian maximin principle, adaptive efficiency (van Staveren), and evolutionary efficiency (Muñoz-Encinar), which this article analyzes comparatively with a view to provide a foundation for public decisions. Classical criteria – Pareto, Kaldor-Hicks, Scitovsky, are analyzed alongside modern approaches such as van Staveren’s adaptive efficiency and the maximin principle formulated by Rawls. No single criterion is sufficient on its own: classical ones provide analytical clarity, while modern ones integrate equity, sustainability and institutional dynamics. It is proposed a heuristic criterion inspired by the logic of heuristic algorithms, which evaluates performance through iterative processes of learning and adaptation in complex and uncertain contexts, it is supported a pluralist approach that combines multiple criteria depending on policy objectives, context, and resource constraints, thereby maximizing the social and economic impact of public interventions.

The European Union provides unprecedented support to developing regions and autonomous territorial communities in the Republic of Moldova through the “Economic Recovery Plan for Moldova,” emphasizing the need to implement ambitious reforms for the benefit of citizens and to strengthen health systems in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the current state of the healthcare system in the Transnistrian region and highlighted the urgent need to integrate it into the European digital ecosystem. The digital transformation of the economy and the healthcare sector in the Eastern Partnership (EaP) regions constitutes a strategic objective, with significant implications for interregional cooperation, the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, and community wellbeing. In this context, the implementation of the Living Lab concept was proposed through an innovative public–private partnership model aimed at modernizing “Family Medicine Centers” and facilitating electronic interactions of the G2C, G2B, and G2G types. Such an approach would enhance the interoperability of information systems and strengthen cooperation among universities, local administrations, businesses, and civil society. The study’s conclusions underscore the considerable potential of digital transformation to improve healthcare service delivery and economic collaboration, highlighting its role in promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life in the region.

In recent years, the banking business has undergone significant transformation under the influence of the digitalization of the environment and business. Banking products and services, driven by new economic phenomena and information technologies, are changing and modernizing. The issue of an effective path for the development of the banking system has become particularly relevant in the context of the rapid digitalization of economic activity. The application of modern technologies by banks fundamentally contributes to reducing costs and increasing revenues. The purpose of the research on the topic is to analyze the transformations of the banking business under the influence of digitalization and to identify the most effective ways to ensure the sustainable development of the banking system. This research aims to highlight how modern technologies contribute to the modernization of banking products and services, the reduction of operational costs, and the increase of revenues, especially in the context of the rapid digitalization of economic activity.

This systematic literature review investigates the integration and adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the evolving role of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the field of education. Utilizing thirty peer-reviewed empirical studies published from 2020 to 2025 and using the PRISMA protocol, this systematic literature review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the evidence across various educational levels and global contexts. Evidence related to technology adoption rates demonstrated similar and consistent patterns and included key determinants of technology adoption. Overall, although the findings demonstrated that ICT and IoT have potential valued implied and explicit student engagement, the shifting mindset required to create innovative pedagogy and professional learning to ultimately effect learning outcomes is plagued by the usual barriers in education. Some of the barriers include the limited confidence and competence of some teachers, limited technology infrastructure, funding, time, resistance to change, and limited engagement with digital sustainability. Differences in 'adoption' because of age, gender or teaching experience were described. It would be beneficial if the education sector adopted a multi-stakeholder approach to the integration of sustainable technology, which included tailored and continuous professional development, institutional support, participatory policy development and environmental steward accountability. The suggested future research should incorporate mixed-method approaches, involve a wider range of stakeholders and assess the long-term educational implications of adopting use of ICT and IoT.

The main objective of this article is to investigate the extent to which education level, professional training, and continuous professional development of internal auditors influence the efficiency of internal audit activities. The study began with an analysis of the specialized literature and of both national and international regulatory frameworks. The study results were validated using Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients applied to data collected from the 2024 consolidated annual report on Public Internal Financial Control and from 56 individual activity reports produced by the internal audit subdivisions of national public entities. Consequently, it was demonstrated that there is a direct correlation between the level of training and continuous professional development of internal auditors and the effectiveness of internal auditing. Their professionalism and competence reflect the outcomes of theoretical and practical training, as well as training and continuous development programs. However, the efficiency of audit activities also depends on the attitude of public authorities and institutions, the level of resource allocation, the strengthening and improvement of audit methodologies, and adaptation to international standards.

This article aims to study the manipulations of the National Bank of Moldova with the monetary policy instruments in order to balance the country's Balance of Foreign Payments. During the research, we studied the main monetary policy actions for the period 2022-2024 and, in parallel, we investigated their interdependence with the efficient management of balance imbalances. We verified some economic hypotheses and examined their degree of application in the economy of the Republic of Moldova, at the same time we concluded on the diversity of factors influencing the dynamics of the balance of payments and the complexity of achieving its balance.

he article explores the conceptual foundations and defining characteristics of the sharing economy, focusing on its implications, benefits, and challenges. The sharing economy, characterized by the efficient use of underutilized resources, transparency, trust, and reciprocity, contrasts with traditional economic models by fostering peer-to-peer interactions facilitated by digital platforms. These platforms, such as Airbnb and Uber, have disrupted traditional markets by offering more flexible, accessible, and cost-effective services. The study highlights that the rapid growth of peer-to-peer platforms is driven by technological innovation and the increasing demand for flexibility. It also identifies the sharing economy’s influence on various sectors, including transportation, accommodation, and professional services, primarily in North America and Western Europe. The findings underscore that collaborative consumption, a key component of the sharing economy, contributes to the development of a circular economy, supports the reduction of overconsumption, and provides financial relief to individuals, especially during economic downturns, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the study also points out the challenges posed by the sharing economy, including regulatory issues, unfair competition, and the risk of monopolistic practices. The lack of clear regulations and the potential for misuse of personal data are significant concerns among consumers. The article concludes that while the sharing economy offers substantial benefits, it also necessitates careful consideration of regulatory frameworks to ensure fair competition and consumer protection.

In the Republic of Moldova, public finance management (PFM) is subject to continuous reforms. Reforms are necessary to improve PFM, especially given that resource allocation must be in line with the national goals in the context of the Republic of Moldova’s EU candidate status. The vision of reforms is reflected in the policy document Strategy for Public Finance Management 2023-2030. The Memorandum on Economic and Financial Policies signed with the International Monetary Fund in 2023 also provides for a series of reforms of budget-fiscal policy to strengthen revenues mobilization, improve budget quality and budget transparency, efficiency of expenditure related to economic growth etc. Moldova has already implemented the foundations of a modern budget and has made good progress in line with the recommendations of international organizations on budgetary governance. The most important reforms were the introduction of new budget legislation, a medium-term budget framework, performance budgeting, and the piloting of gender-responsive budgeting. This paper examines some aspects of the evolution of budgetary-fiscal policy in the Republic of Moldova, with particular attention to the budgetary process. Based on this analysis, the recommendations focus on ways to strengthen the institutional and policy framework, improve the quality of the methods and tools available for decision-making throughout the budget process, and the quality of the budget management system.

International tax cooperation is an essential process in the context of the globalization of economic relations, focusing on how countries work together to address cross-border tax issues and promote effective tax governance globally. This cooperation involves the participation of international economic organisations in processes such as avoiding double taxation, combating tax evasion and aggressive tax planning, exchanging information between tax authorities, and developing international rules and standards to facilitate tax coordination and cooperation. The role and importance of international organisations, such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in promoting tax transparency and the exchange of information for tax purposes are essential. These organisations contribute by applying and exploring various mechanisms and tools, such as double taxation agreements and information exchange agreements, which facilitate international tax cooperation. Through the initiatives and mechanisms, they promote, international economic organisations support the harmonisation of national tax laws with global standards, thus improving the coordination of tax policies between states. They also contribute to strengthening the administrative capacities of national tax authorities by providing technical assistance and expertise for the effective implementation of these standards. The contribution of these organisations is not limited to the creation of regulatory frameworks; they also act as intermediaries in promoting dialogue and cooperation between states, thereby facilitating the adoption of common solutions to global fiscal challenges. Through these efforts, international economic organisations ensure the stability and equity of international tax systems, contributing to sustainable global economic development. These skills provide them with the tools to navigate and influence international tax policies, thereby contributing to the development of fair and efficient tax systems worldwide.

In an era of globalization, advanced technologies, and access to information sources, the need to develop autonomous learning skills of foreign business languages has become increasingly crucial. These competencies help students become more capable global citizens who can handle the demands of a rapidly changing world. Because of this, modern education needs to encourage and facilitate the growth of these competencies, laying the groundwork for students to become lifelong learners. The teacher, traditionally viewed as the main supplier of knowledge, an expert who transmits information in a predominantly one-directional manner, has to take on now a new role as a guide and facilitator of the learning process, supporting students to become autonomous learners and develop their own learning skills. The article’s main goals are to elucidate the critical role that teachers play in fostering students’ autonomy during the business foreign language learning process, as well as to identify practical methods for carrying out this function. The purpose of this article is to investigate how teachers might support students in acquiring the abilities necessary for autonomous learning, enabling them to become self-sufficient business language learners. Developing autonomy in learning business English for our university students will not only enhance their professional competence but also prepare them to adapt to the ever-evolving global marketplace.