Research background: After more than a year of the Covid-19 pandemic, we can investigate whether it caused a shock to the global economy, pushing for deglobalization, or on the contrary, it was a challenge for digital globalization and digital transformation of economies. Through this research we join the research contributions that examine the process towards digital globalization that characterizes the world economy, its impact on businesses, consumers, and governments. We also discuss the challenges posed by the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic to globalization and perhaps the acceleration of the digital transformation of economies. Purpose of the article: The aim of this research is to highlight the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the age of digital globalization. Methods: Documentary analysis, as the main research method, is doubled by a case study that allows us to highlight the specific characteristics of digital globalization. Findings & Value added: The findings of the research allowed us to highlight the essential aspects of digital globalization that were perhaps exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, but which contribute greatly to understanding the phenomenon of globalization. Our research also reveals four lessons learned in the COVID-19 pandemic. We also present some considerations regarding the globalization after the health crisis.

Research background: Countries with a similar background before 1990, in the communist bloc in Europe, have begun since the ‘90s to differentiate one from another in terms of development. Nowadays, in many aspects of the socio-economic environment, including welfare and labor productivity, the gaps between them are significant. Measurements done by World Bank Group through The Human Capital Project give us the opportunity to compare the achievements from the last 30 years of the ex-communist countries building strong democracies and open markets. Purpose of the article: The purpose of this paper is to identify the major gaps between 8 EU ex-communist countries in terms of human capital accumulation in the context of globalization – and the way the globalization fostered or suppressed the human development and human capital accumulation. Methods: We will do a comparative analysis of the indicators that the Human Capital Project are based on – life expectancy, expected years of schooling, quality of education and GDP/capita of the 8 EU ex-communist countries. Findings & Value added: This paper may add value to the economic and educational policies in the 8 EU ex-communist countries by identifying the policies that proved their effectiveness in generating higher labor productivity, policies that can be adapted and then adopted by the UE ex-communist countries that are less developed.

Labor-market changes necessitate technological change products. The employment rate is influenced by the share of the young population. The economic environment is determined by the level of education of the population in a community. Thus, the labor market requires people with high skills. The article presents an analysis of the level of education of the population, related to three age groups. Knowing the level of education of the population is in favor of both the labor market and the education and training specialists. Job quality is higher when the population has a high level of education. At the same time, employment is more difficult for people with low levels of education. From this point of view, the article explores the evolution of the share of the population by education levels.

The intense industrial exploitation of resources and the continuous degradation of the environment have determined an ecological crisis of care requires a sustainable strategy. The concept of sustainable development permanently determines or re-evaluates the connection between man and nature and is committed to solidarity between the generations as a single viable option for long lung growth. In the article, the theme of the long-term impact in the world terms on the processes developed in Romania is presented and analyzed, a necessary passage for a sustainable economic growth, but there is an existing resource and the possibility to stimulate and capitalize on an economic factor in this the transition to this new stage of use. Keywords: sustainable development, strategies, ecological, perspectives

The interest in having a low-carbon economy has led to transformations in the economies of all countries. New economic models are being put into practice. New jobs are being created. Sustainable use of resources is becoming more important. The article presents an analysis of waste generation in the member countries of the European Union. The study of the possibility of reusing certain materials started from the design phase of the finished product. Production processes can also contribute to saving natural resources. This can create new business opportunities and avoid inefficient waste management. The article also analyzes the degree of municipal waste collection, as well as the share of recycled municipal waste. In the production process, the recovery of certain materials and then their use can lead to savings in the use of raw materials. This reduces the pressure exerted by the extraction of raw materials on the environment. Further investments in green technologies will contribute to the efficient use of natural resources, restore biodiversity and reduce pollution.