The main objective of this paper is to highlight the importance of core competences as an important catalyst to enable a sustainable transition of business models to Industry 5.0. According to our research based on a scientific methodology, we illustrated that Industry 4.0 might greatly affect the labor market by introducing ITC, AI, IR and AR that will change many jobs in most areas of activity. One alternative solution to diminish these negative effects is to accommodate and prepare the shift to a more human-centric approach. In order to better implement this alternative solution and to generate mid- to long-run positive effects (from an economic, social and environmental perspective), we consider it is imperative that human resources be prepared to understand and to use new technologies. We have focused our research context on European countries. We found that only a part of the European Union Member Countries benefit from the use of human resources with advanced digital skills. Under these circumstances, we consider that only some countries will be able to face the challenges generated by the transition to Industry 5.0, while others, the emergent countries, such as Romania, will have to intensify the complex process of designing competitive and coherent strategies and implement a more efficient and effective mix of policies. This will help to better capitalize the potential sustainable competitive advantage of industries 4.0 and 5.0.

The COVID-19 crisis, along with the other associated complex crises, has amplified the gap that exists in terms of the number of women reaching leadership positions, despite the quality of their work and their important contributions in various fields. This paper aims to explore women's leadership qualities, and perceptions regarding leadership, based on quantitative data originating from four studies. Concerning the research methodology it includes qualitative research and a comparative analysis of global studies. The paper focuses on women, looking mostly for the proportion of women within organizations, and the main characteristics of women's leadership. The analysis then turns to Romania, where we have identified the proportion of women leaders. The main goal of the paper is to investigate the representation of women leaders in EU countries and in particular in Romania. The results of the study illustrate that favorable work conditions have a greater impact on women's aspirations to become leaders. Extrinsic structural inequalities, such as bias against women in certain professions, and gender, racial and other discrimination, are barriers to women's access and advancement in leadership positions in the workplace. Intrinsic individual characteristics of successful women leaders, namely conscientiousness, respect, confidence, acceptance, and resilience have facilitated their success in obtaining and maintaining leadership positions.

Purpose: This article intends to identify, understand and explore the challenges and critical success factors (“CSF”) arising from implementation of new technologies in Romanian companies. We conduct a cross-industry partially explanatory, partially exploratory research focusing on 3 business cases whereby innovative technologies such as automation software, industrial robots and continuous steel melting through the use of electrical cauldron have been implemented. Research Methodology/Design:  We have used a case study approach. We’ve reviewed and mapped the existent academic literature on the subject matter, we have conducted interviews with business stakeholders, we have traced the identified challenges and CSF’ and measured their occurrence in relation to the case studies. Findings:The results suggests that there are several pervasive challenges such as conflicts among the stakeholders, no management and/or employee buy-in, value misalignment and resistance to change that if appropriately mitigated can lead to successful outcomes. We’ve also identified a number recurring critical success factors that can ensure the effective implementation of the new technologies such as management buy in and understanding of value proposition. Research limitations/implications:The current study further extends the existing research on challenges and CSF related to the implementation of technologies from the standpoint of innovation theory. Practical Implications:The present article further expands on the exploration research performed so far on challenges and critical success factors related to the implementation of new technologies taking the scholarly research and validating the findings in the real business world. Originality/value: The current research study provides practical evidence using cross-industry occurrence-based validation testing to indicate the challenges and critical success factors related to the implementation of new technologies in Romanian companies. It adds to the exploratory research on technology transformation as it pertains to jurisdictions that, more often than not, are outside the research radar.

Change is the single constant of our world. We have to face challenging, dynamic and turbulent times. The complexity and dynamics of our world requires a paradigmatic holistic vision that needs collaboration. Collaborative economics focus on trust and team building, established based on a complementary set of core competences where creative, talented and gifted people are mostly valued. Online collaborative platforms and digitalization had been widely developed. We consider that, under the broader umbrella of cultural and creative economy, people have to focus more on non-traditional organizational structures that are better functioning on local and regional levels. Cultural and creative cities facilitate constructive dialogue and interactions, stimulating intercultural sensitivity applying practical wisdom such as to better interact and develop professional and personal networking. Collaborative economics focuses on proving people care more about other human beings and thus they develop new organizational structures based on compassion, empathy, emotional intelligence that ask for an important mentality shift from social networking (such as Facebook) based on sharing information, data and knowledge towards more spiritual oriented organizations within which practical wise, creative and innovative solutions that focus on wisdom have to be facilitated. In the last decades human civilization had shifted step by step from an information-based society towards knowledge, creative and innovation based one. It is high time to be wise and to shift to practical wisdom based on ethical, moral and spiritual values.