Labor Market Transformations And The Need For Educational Reforms
Vanya Ivanova, Andrey Vassilev,
Kaloyan Ganev, Ralitsa Simeonova-Ganeva
Sofia University
https://doi.org/10.53656/str2025-4-1-tra
Abstract. The study analyses issues related to contemporary transformations of European labour markets. Specifically for Bulgaria, it also identifies educational reforms that could help overcome labour market mismatches. Based on a review of specialised literature, three main channels of labour market transformation are identified: demographic dynamics, changes in the social environment and technological development, including environmental development and the transition to a green economy. These channels have a significant impact on jobs, the demand and supply of specific skills, the emergence of new occupations, etc. The labour market transformations resulting from these influences give rise to the need for educational reforms that lead to the formation of the human capital necessary for long-term economic development.
Keywords: labour market; demographic development; labour migration; green transformation; skills mismatch; education reforms
The Need to Study “Green Entrepreneurship” In Universities in Bulgaria
Radostina Yuleva-Chuchulayna
South-West University “Neofit Rilski”
https://doi.org/10.53656/str2025-4-2-neo
Abstract. The so-called “green entrepreneurship” plays a key role in addressing environmental and social problems in the country. Enhancing students’ knowledge of “green entrepreneurial intention” will contribute to the sustainable development of Bulgaria’s economy. Therefore, entrepreneurial motivation, university education aimed at improving ecological entrepreneurial behavior, and the ability to utilize green innovations and technologies are competencies that students can acquire at universities and put into practice. These competencies could drive an entirely different economy, ensuring a better future for everyone in Bulgaria. The main objective of this study is to establish the need to study green entrepreneurship at universities, as well as to examine students’ opinions on the necessity of learning about green entrepreneurship. The main research methods used in the article are content analysis, the method of analysis and synthesis, intuitive and systematic approaches, and a survey.
Keywords: green entrepreneurship; sustainability; universities; education; business; development; innovation
Prevailing Sentiments Among Bulgarian Teachers and University Professors Towards the Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education
Denitza A. Kurshumova
University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”
https://doi.org/10.53656/str2025-4-3-pre
Abstract. This study aimed to investigate the prevailing attitudes among Bulgarian educators towards artificial intelligence (AI) and its integration in education. The data was aggregated through an online survey with 3195 teachers and university professors from all levels of education in all 28 districts of Bulgaria. The participants were aware of the challenges that the existing educational system would be confronted by the implementation of AI tools. They expressed moderate views on the benefits and negative effects of AI utilization. The level of familiarity with AI and favorable inclinations towards AI emerged as significant predictors of the use of AI, with a coefficient of determination R-square = 43.41%. The university instructors and the youngest participants were the most familiar with AI tools and reported the most frequent use of AI in their teaching practice. The participants were concerned about the lack of foundational knowledge and skills and stressed the need for training in AI technology. They outlined the risks associated with the unethical use of AI and the need for technical and methodological guidelines for student assessment.
Keywords: artificial intelligence; benefits; challenges; ethical norms; guidelines
Paradigmal Foundations of Academic Interaction between Scientific Innovations and the Preservation of Cultural Identity
Steliana Yordanova, Stoyan Garov
University of Library Studies and Information Technologies
https://doi.org/10.53656/str2025-4-4-par
Abstract. This paper focuses on the possibilities for developing a model of academic interaction that combines the pursuit of scientific innovation with the need to preserve and enhance cultural identity. In the context of global transformations in research and development systems, and in response to the pressing need for sustainability in the cultural sphere, the study proposes a new strategic approach to academic cooperation. Key principles are outlined for sustainable collaboration among academic institutions, cultural organizations, and innovation structures, through the application of qualitative methods and comparative system analysis of international academic practices. The report defines the central focus of the research as the interaction between scientific innovation and cultural identity.
Keywords: academic interaction, interaction, cultural identity, scientific innovations, strategic planning, integrated model, paradigmatic foundations
Collaboration between Social Workers (Case Managers) and Social Pedagogues in the Application of the Family Case Management Model
Ilona Klaniene, Donatas Lengvinas
Klaipėda University, Lithuania
Vilma Šinkevičienė
Pedagogical Psychological Service of Mažeikiai Region, Lithuania
https://doi.org/10.53656/str2025-4-5-col
Abstract. Parents must ensure that children can grow in safe environments; however, some families face various social risks that interfere with their children’s development processes. In such situations, the family case management model is applied to ensure the child is granted the right conditions for successful socialization. The social worker (case manager) organizes the case management process by mobilizing specialists for coordinated assistance. The purpose of this article is to reveal the possibilities of collaboration between the social pedagogue and the social worker (case manager) in assisting the students in the context of the case management family. It also presents the results of the performed qualitative research (interviews with social pedagogues and group interview with social workers) that revealed that the support of the social worker, mediation between institutions, and positive mutual interaction are important for successful collaboration. Yet, it is often disturbed by mutual distrust of specialists, and different approaches to solving pupils‘ problems. Active cooperation between the social worker and the social pedagogue during the application of case management to the family helps achieve better results in aiding the student.
Keywords: children, social workers (case managers), social pedagogues, cooperation, case management for the family
Experience and Attitudes of Bulgarian Libraries as Partners in the Field of Accessible Tourism
Radoslav Hristov
University of Librarianship and Information Technologies (Sofia)
https://doi.org/10.53656/str2025-4-6-opi
Abstract. This article presents purposefully selected results from the first-of-its-kind study of public libraries‘ capacity to partner in accessible tourism. The main objective is to identify the resources available to them to provide accessible environments and attract tourism interest and whether librarians are prepared to meet the needs of accessible tourism users. A direct communication method was applied through an online survey conducted between October 21st and December 21st, 2024. Respondents were from Bulgaria‘s public libraries, which most often fall within the scope of potential tourism partners. Out of 150 invited professionals, 66 participants effectively participated. Based on the analysis of the responses, conclusions are drawn about the current state of the problem. Recommendations are made for more effective exploitation of available resources and for raising awareness – both of librarians and users of accessible tourism – of libraries‘ opportunities.
Keywords: libraries; accessible tourism; library tourism; people with special needs; Bulgaria
Ecosystemic Dimensions of Integrated Policies and Practices for Personal Development Support in Bulgaria
Silvia Nikolaeva, Simeon Sapundzhiev
Sofia University
Abstract. This article presents the results of a study and critical review of integrated policies and best practices for supporting personal development in Bulgaria through the principles of the ecosystem paradigm in social research. The central research question involves identifying the ecosystemic dimensions of current policies and practices, evaluated using a criterion scale of ecosystemic measures, such as ecosystemic values and priorities, ecosystemic cycles, ecosystemic levels, networks and chains, and socio-ecological footprint. The methodology integrates the analysis of strategic, normative, and institutional documents and reports with a case study of three best practices for regional support of various target groups. The results highlight areas of significant ecosystemic progress regarding the strategic conceptualization and normative framework of goals, values, priorities, and approaches. Simultaneously, at the level of the intersectoral (external) ecosystem of integrated personal development support, there are still serious normative and applied weaknesses and obstacles that limit their impact, scope, and sustainability.
Keywords: ecosystem; integrated policies; integrated practices; personal development support; education; social work
Social Inclusion and Education: Working with Inmates During and after Imprisonment. Review of the International Conference on Scientific Research and Good Practices and its Published Collection of Papers
Daniel Polihronov
Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
https://doi.org/10.53656/str2025-4-7-soc
Abstract. The present article surveys the International Conference in Scientific Research and Good Practices in the field of Social Inclusions and Education Work with Inmates During and After Imprisonment, held on November 21, 2024 at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski. The reports presented at the conference and included in the same interdisciplinary collection of conference papers are reviewed within the framework of a very broad context – historic, legal, social, pedagogical, and philological fields. The conference main goal was to support the Faculty of Pedagogy students training in social inclusion and education work with offenders, being also useful for others such as researchers, specialists and experts interested in this scientific field.
Keywords: social inclusion and education work, imprisonment, international conference in scientific research and good practices, collection of scientific papers
