Tryfonas Christou (p), Pablo Casas Abián, García-Rodrígue, Nicholas Lazarou, Simone Salotti

Simona Cafieri

This paper sheds light on how AI is expected to reshape regional EU labour markets in the coming years, analysing the implications of this shift for regional disparities. To conduct the analysis, we use a spatial dynamic general equilibrium model calibrated for the EU NUTS2 regions in which the workforce is divided by AI exposure levels across EU regions and sectors. Specifically, we leverage AI occupation-specific exposure data to simulate how the EU workforce is expected to evolve as AI spreads through the economy, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of AI exposure across regions in the. The findings reveal a scenario in which AI increases regional disparities, benefiting labour market conditions in more developed regions while negatively impacting or having a negligible effect on less developed regions.

Simona Cafieri (p)

Amanda Wolf

In an era marked by economic, environmental, and social uncertainty, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative tool for promoting regional resilience. This paper explores how AI can be leveraged to address pressing challenges in turbulent times, focusing on its applications in regional and urban planning, predictive analytics, and sustainable governance. Drawing on a case study from Italy and European regions, we examine the role of AI in analyzing complex systems, predicting health and environmental trends, and supporting evidence-based decision-making. We also discuss the challenges associated with AI, including data quality, ethical considerations, and the risk of widening inequalities. By highlighting best practices and successful experiments, this paper aims to foster a dialogue on how AI can contribute to sustainable, inclusive, and adaptive regional development.

Amanda Wolf (p), Márta Konczos Szombathelyi, Tamás Dusek

Simona Cafieri

The impact of AI and other digital technologies on the financial sector in Central and Eastern European countries

Amanda Wolf, Márta Konczos Szombathelyi, Tamás Dusek
Széchenyi István University, Doctoral School of Regional- and Business Administration Sciences,
Győr, Hungary, ORCID ID: 0009-0001-4271-2060, wolf.amanda@sze.hu
Széchenyi István University, Doctoral School of Regional- and Business Administration Sciences,
Győr, Hungary, ORCID ID: 0000-0001-5248-7752, kszm@sze.hu
Széchenyi István University, Doctoral School of Regional- and Business Administration Sciences,
Győr, Hungary, ORCID ID: 0000-0001-9953-2127, dusekt@sze.hu

Abstract

The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies are having a significant impact on the financial sector worldwide. This paper takes a comprehensive look at the impact of AI and digital technologies in investment strategies and corporate finance in East Central Europe. The research is based on empirical data analysis and qualitative and quantitative methods. It aims to identify technological trends and their impact on financial decision-making processes and market performance. The results will focus on three main areas: firstly, it will present the potential of AI and other digital and other technologies in financial analysis and portfolio management, highlighting the potential for efficiency gains and risk mitigation. Second, it discusses the potential of AI integration, including privacy issues and ethical challenges, which are important considerations for the safe and sustainable application of AI. Third, analyses the role of AI in driving financial innovation and market competitiveness, especially in the East Central European context. The results and conclusions offer a number of relevant implications for financial sector actors, the policy makers and regulators. In addition to the need for further research and development, the study provides recommendations for the financial sector on how to engage with and leverage the opportunities offered by AI and digital technologies to achieve sustainable growth and competitiveness.

Keywords: algorithms, artificial intelligence, Central and Eastern Europe, financial sector, forecasting, market trends, portfolio

JEL Classification: G11, G14, G15, G17, G21, G24, G32

Simona Cafieri (p)

Tryfonas Christou

In recent years, the interlinked of digitalization and ecological preservation have risen to prominence as key drivers of sustainable and inclusive development across European regions. This work delves into the interconnection between digital technologies particularly artificial intelligence (AI), and strategies aimed at environmental sustainability, examining their combined potential to reshape regional economies and foster resilience.
By applying a Clusterwise method approach at the NUTS2 European level, the research identifies groups of territories distinguished by their degree of digital readiness, and commitment to ecological transition.
This method allows for an exploration of how regional contexts, policy decisions, and infrastructural investments interact to produce divergent outcomes. While some regions move swiftly ahead with innovative AI-driven solutions, others lag behind due to infrastructural or policy constraints, thus magnifying existing social and economic inequalities. The results underscore the complexity of balancing economic efficiency, territorial equity, and environmental objectives, illustrating that a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to achieve sustainable transformation on a broad scale.
This work not only demonstrates the importance of tailoring interventions to local realities but also offers a data-driven roadmap for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to harmonize digital and ecological transitions. By integrating advanced analytical tools with forward-looking strategies, European regions can move closer to a future where economic progress, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship reinforce one another rather.