Today’s economic systems are, on the one hand, exposed to various risks and uncertainties with their trends changing almost daily, while on the other hand, they represent an extremely complex system with a large number of sustainable influential parameters. The challenge is to model macroeconomic parameters and achieve sustainability, yet also satisfy conflict situations with an increased level of uncertainty. The aim of this paper is to create an appropriate functional model by examining the mutual influence of various macroeconomic factors. It assesses a total of four scenarios considering mutual influences of: FDI (foreign direct investments), GDP (gross domestic product), imports, exports, inflation rate, RER (real exchange rate) and employment rate as defined parameters. First, the DEA (Data envelopment analysis) model was applied to determine the initial efficiency of two countries, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) and Serbia, for the period 2005–2020. Then, PCA (Principal Component Analysis) was applied in combination with DEA to obtain more precise values. In addition, IMF SWARA (Improved Fuzzy Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis) was applied to define weight coefficients of macro-economic parameters. Finally, the CRADIS (compromise ranking of alternatives from distance to ideal solution) model was applied for the final ranking of part of decision-making units. This developed, integrated model can be classified as a mathematical method for economic analysis and gives extended opportunities for solving different problems. The results show that 2009, 2013 and 2016 were the most favorable years in terms of the conditions set when it comes to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and 2012, 2014 and 2016 when it comes to Serbia. These years have been singled out and can be a benchmark for further handling and modeling of macroeconomic elements. In addition, correlation was tested using statistical coefficients.

Paradigm of sustainable development is not a stationary state but a global resolution of problem in a peacefully manner across the planetary boundaries. It is a normative (ethical) concept, an analytical concept, the science about complex systems, and at the same time a saving formula of the global survival of the world and the most complex human challenge in the 21st century. As an ideal this is a utopian concept, there are no reliable scientific arguments in support of its realisation and predictable time proximity. As an idea, it is a call to mobilizs the whole of mankind. The basic thesis and problem, whether and to what extent sustainable development is achievable or if it remains a fiction and a real danger of excessive technological mind and ecological degradation of the world of life.

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International trade quite often includes intra-industry trade (IIT) – definition classifies IIT as trading with similar goods or services belonging to the same industry; which are simultaneously imported and exported by a particular country during the specific time period, mainly on a yearly basis. On the other hand, foreign direct investments (FDI) directly influence international trade, and intra-industry trade, as well. According to the recent research during last decades a revival of interest in intra-industry trade has been noted; both on micro and macro level. The standard Grubel-Lloyd formula is still being used for empirical work. This however refers only to international trade, disregarding capital flows, and FDI. Given the overwhelming importance of the latter, this paper tries to research for relevant data in this regard. The objectives of the paper are to present fundamental theoretical framework linked to IIT, and more specifically to research a direct link that IIT and FDI form in contemporary international economic relations. In addition to presented theory related to the subjects of research, further observation includes analysis of empirical research and case studies. This enables the authors to draw conclusions and, therefore, suggest potential implications for development policy.

Тhis paper considers the phenomenon of global growth, emphasizing the slowdown and (limits) of the Western GDP growth. By comparing the United States as the most mature economy in the world, China as the new hegemon, the OECD countries, the BRICS countries, and the rest of the world, we show the growth and unequal development of the five "regional futures" of the global world. In addition to the imminent economic reasons for the backwardness of Western economies and societies, the crisis of the structure and functioning of the democratic capitalist system, and the ecological limits of sustainability, we emphasize two non-economic moments: the end of liberalism as a fundamental ideology of the Western world, and the loss of trust, which is a fundamental moral category. According to futurist forecasts, the West has slowed down, the financial system has been damaged, and the recovery is slow and uncertain. The following subjects are being considered: the growth paradigm, the belief in lasting progress, the end of liberalism and the loss of confidence, the recovery of Western economies, some monetary policy measures, and European fiduciary money and the slowdown of the growth in the Eurozone. The monetary economy of the euro as an agreed single currency has caused strong changes in the Eurozone and has “trapped” the European Union. The euro economy, among other things, is responsible for the sharp division of the Eurozone member states into surplus and deficit countries, and the Eurozone crisis, stagnation, and slowdown in economic (non- economic) growth.