CULTURAL AND SOCIO-CULTURAL DETERMINANTS OF ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET AND BEHAVIOR: A REVIEW AND ANALYSIS

This article analyses the influence of cultural and socio-cultural factors on the development of entrepreneurial mindset and behavior across different regions worldwide. Analyzing existing literature, international reports, and recent statistics, it highlights how cultural dimensions such as individualism, collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, and long-term orientation shape entrepreneurial attitudes and actions. The study underscores that countries with open, innovation-friendly cultures tend to exhibit higher rates of new venture creation, whereas more conservative societies display lower entrepreneurial activity. The role of education, social norms, and public policies in fostering entrepreneurial culture is emphasized as crucial for economic growth and social progress. Overall, the findings suggest that understanding and leveraging cultural values can significantly enhance entrepreneurial development, advocating for targeted strategies to cultivate an environment conducive to innovation, risk-taking, and social capital building across diverse cultural contexts.

Imelda SEJDINI - Associate Professor, Business Administration Department, University of Elbasan"Aleksandër Xhuvani" E-mail: imelda.sejdini@yahoo.com, ORCID: 0000-0002-9067-12

Ina SEJDINI - Dr. Lecturer, Economics Department, University of Elbasan"Aleksandër Xhuvani", E-mail: ina_sejdini@live.com, ORCID: 0000-0002-5381-2112

Ardita TODRI - Associate Professor, Finance and Accounting Department, University of Elbasan "Aleksandër Xhuvani", E-mail: ardita.todri@gmail.com, ORCID: 0000-0002-3825-0780

L26, F22, F63, O31

RETHINKING OLIVE OIL PRODUCTION: PATHS TO SUSTAINABILITY

Olive groves and olive oil production have been part of rural landscapes in Portugal since ancient times. While their social and cultural relevance are rooted in the past, their economic role stands out today. However, the intensification of production has been putting at risk the balance between territory, landscape and production. The challenge is to revitalise rural areas without pressure on natural resources, ecosystems and their inevitable relation to local communities, meaning to improve agricultural practices and quality of life. Sustainability programs have emerged to address these concerns. This article reflects on some impacts of the intensification of olive groves and shares insights from the Olive Oil of Alentejo Sustainability Program (OASP), focusing on Human Communities, Landscape Management, and Biodiversity. It presents suggestions for improvements in these areas and concludes that initiatives like OASP are important complements to public policy instruments. Also highlights the importance of involving public and private actors, researchers, and communities to develop innovative and responsible solutions that values and respects landscapes, ecosystems, and communities.

Isabel JOAQUINA RAMOS - Assistant Professor, Department of Economics. CEFAGE-U.É.-Center for Advanced Studies in Management and Economics. University of Évora. Portugal. E-mail: mcpr@uevora.pt

Conceição REGO - Assistant Professor, Department of Economics. CEFAGE-U.É.-Center for Advanced Studies in Management and Economics. University of Évora. Portugal. E-mail: mcpr@uevora.pt

Maria da Conceição FREIRE - Assistant Professor, Department of Landscape, Environment and Planning. Researcher at CHAIA-Centre for Art History and Artistic Research. University of Évora. Portugal. E-mail: mcmf@uevora.pt

Lília FIDALGO - Head of the Territorial Planning and Strategy Division, Alentejo Regional Coordination and Development Commission. Évora. Portugal E-mail: lilia.fidalgo@ccdr-a.gov.pt

Q01, Q15, R11, R52

THE IMPACT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES ON SOCIAL COMMUNICATION AS A CATALYST FOR BUSINESS MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY

The rapid development of information technologies has significantly transformed the way social communication is conducted within business organizations, directly influencing managerial processes and organizational efficiency. In the context of the digital economy, technology-mediated social communication has become a key factor in coordinating activities, supporting decision-making, and achieving strategic objectives. The main purpose of this article is to analyze the role of information technologies in social communication and their impact on enhancing the efficiency of business management. The study is based on a combined methodological approach, integrating a theoretical analysis of relevant literature with empirical data collected through appropriate research instruments. The findings indicate that the integration of information technologies improves the quality of organizational communication, increases transparency, facilitates decision-making processes, and contributes to the optimization of managerial performance. The contribution of this study lies in expanding the theoretical framework on the relationship between social communication and business management, as well as in providing practical implications for managers seeking to enhance organizational efficiency through digital transformation.

Kushtrim UKA - PhD Candidate, University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (ULSIT) Sofia, Bulgaria ukaa.kushtrim@gmail.com

M15, O32, D83, J24

TURNING KNOWLEDGE INTO CAPITAL: HOW ADULT EDUCATION AND RVCC UNLOCK COMMUNITY ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN RURAL TERRITORIES

This study examines how Adult Education and the Recognition, Validation and Certification of Competencies processes (RVCC) can be strategically mobilized to activate human capital, foster local entrepreneurship and promote sustainable development in Almodôvar, a lowdensity rural municipality in the Alentejo region. Based on a qualitative and exploratory approach, supported by semi-structured interviews with 15 participants, including learners and programme promoters, and analysed through thematic analysis, the research repositions competency recognition as a strategic resource rather than merely an educational outcome.The findings show that structured learning pathways and the recognition of experiential knowledge function as catalysts for individual empowerment, increased employability and strengthened entrepreneurial confidence, generating human capital with relevance for local economic dynamics. At the community level, these initiatives reinforce trust-based cooperation networks and stimulate civic engagement, both essential for territorially rooted entrepreneurial ecosystems. However, structural barriers persist, including mobility constraints, scheduling rigidity and resource scarcity, which limit expansion, sustainability and overall impact.

Susana Soares Pinheiro Vieira PESCADA - Assistant Professor, Universidade do Algarve, Portugal spescada@ualg.pt

Fernando José Calado e Silva Nunes TEIXEIRA - Associate Professor, Instituto Politécnico de Beja, Beja, Portugal fernando.teixeira@ipbeja.pt

António Manuel Felício Espírito SANTO - Instituto Politécnico de Beja, Beja, Portugal antonio.espiritosanto@ipbeja.pt

R11, R12, L26, J24, Q18