The study examines the economic recovery of NUTS2 regions in the Visegrad Group (V4) countries after the Covid-19 pandemic. Using Ferenc Jánossy’s trendline theory, the authors assess recovery by comparing current development levels to pre-crisis trends, not just pre-pandemic levels. The focus is on gross domestic product (GDP) per capita adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP) to gauge recovery duration and influencing factors. It also investigates the changes in peripheral area lags due to the pandemic across these regions. The study finds that numerical values are less relevant due to distortion, but comparisons using consistent methodology reveal regional impacts, opportunities, and effective practices. It highlights significant regional differences: areas with diversified economies and adaptable sectors, like Łódź Voivodeship (Łódzkie) in Poland and the Bratislava Region (Bratislava) in Slovakia, fared better, while tourism and service-dependent regions struggled more. The analysis underscores the importance of sectoral diversity and adaptability in crisis mitigation. Slovakia and Hungary experienced varied impacts due to economic policies and structural characteristics. The Bratislava Region (Bratislava) adapted quickly while Budapest’s dominance grew, increasing rural underdevelopment. Regions reliant on tourism, such as Prague (Praha) and Balaton, saw severe declines, whereas agriculture and industry sectors remained relatively stable. We are also planning the second part of the study, supplemented with 2024 data, using our current experiences.

This research was carried out to enable a better understanding of the attitudes of Hungarian consumers and future users towards 5G technology. The development of 5G technology supports social, economic and environmental sustainability together. Among other things, innovative communities, economic progress and a reduction of the carbon footprint can be positive outcomes of 5G. For example 5G benefits the environment in two ways: it helps telecom operators reduce their energy usage, thus lowering their environmental impact, and it provides tools that telecom companies can use to assist others in reducing their environmental footprint. The Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression method was used to establish the correlations between the five factor groups. Research indicates a prevalent skepticism among Hungarian consumers toward 5G technology, characterized by apprehensions regarding health risks and a lack of perceived competitive advantages or inherent business benefits to adopting 5G. This hesitancy must be countered by transparently addressing health concerns, debunking myths, and building a foundational trust in 5G technologies through comprehensive educational and awareness-raising initiatives, aligning technological advancements with consumer confidence and acceptance. 5G must be demystified so that consumers will come to trust the technology and embrace its adoption. Due to the similar technological conditions and historical backgrounds of the Central European Countries (CEC), the results of this research will prove useful to policymakers throughout the region.

Sustainability and environmental protection are the most popular issues of our age, and they function as a social purpose as well. However, delineating the dimensions of responsibility in these realms remains a subject of intense debate, as consumer perspectives often diverge from those held by corporate and governmental entities. This study examines primarily consumer surveys, seeking to elucidate the facets of environmentally conscious attitudes and the factors exerting influence from the consumer standpoint. Individual behaviors are undeniably shaped by an individual's acquisition of knowledge, experiences, and orientations, all of which are cultivated through the lens of their environmental perception. This encompasses an understanding of the intricate ecological systems, as well as the recognition of the social, economic, and political dynamics that impact these systems. This study embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the environmental attitudes within the sampled population, placing special emphasis on environmental orientation. Through a synthesis of quantitative and qualitative consumer opinions, it unveils the distinctive aspects of responsibility at the levels of government, corporations, and individual consumers. As the analysis unfolds, a pivotal question emerges: What opportunities can be discerned at these three levels (state, corporate, and consumer), through the lens of environmental protection? In doing so, it seeks to unravel pathways toward a more sustainable and ecologically responsible future. Results show that the influence of both the government and businesses is pivotal in shaping consumers' environmental attitudes. Consequently, it follows that the state and corporate sector must also function effectively in the case of environmental concepts and actions to steer consumers toward sustainable consumption.

This study explores gender-specific barriers to finding an ideal workplace in the Visegrád countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia), where similar historical and socioeconomic contexts shape labor market inequalities. Based on the relevant literature, women are disproportionately affected by challenges related to language proficiency, professional networks, and mobility. The research applied a quantitative methodology, including chi-square tests, multiple logistic regression, and cluster analysis, using SPSS Statistics software to analyze the survey data. Findings revealed significant gender disparities. Women report greater difficulties with language and mobility, particularly in Hungary and Slovakia, whereas men benefit more from strong professional connections. The cluster analysis identified three respondent groups: those hindered by language barriers, those with weak networks, and those facing limited mobility. International experience mitigates language challenges, and robust networks ease job search difficulties. In line with the ideals of a circular society, this study also explores how circularity, inclusiveness, and collaboration can help break down gender-based barriers in the labor market. The study’s novelty lies in its comparative regional focus and the integration of statistical methods to segment job-seeker profiles. These insights highlight the need for targeted policies that enhance language skills and foster professional networking opportunities, especially for women. By addressing these barriers, policymakers can better support gender equality in labor market access across Central Europe.