FORTHEM Journal

Popular Universities In Europe As A Tool For Civic Engagement And Social Inclusion: Origins, Importance And The Case Of Valencia

2025-08-06T07:25:51+00:00

ABSTRACT

This short communication briefly explores the origins of Popular Universities in Europe, with quotes from the Popular University of Valencia as a representative example of the Spanish model. These entities, which emerged in the 19th century under various names, shared common goals of promoting accessible education and civic engagement, and, at present, they continue to play a vital role in fostering lifelong learning and social inclusion, although, in many cases, they do not receive the recognition they deserve. The article therefore advocates for the revitalisation of these institutions within academic and policy discourse, urging renewed research to reconnect them with formal educational structures and align them with global development goals such as SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Communication Report on AI Matchmaking Event

2025-04-14T12:39:57+00:00

UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts: A Powerful Instrument that Unites rather than Further Divides

2025-08-06T07:25:47+00:00

The UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts have been in commercial use for over 30 years. This article aims to examine this instrument from a broader perspective, demonstrating why it is an extraordinary legal tool that seems to be gaining in importance in an increasingly divided world. This study analyses these principles from the perspective of their international character, their drafters, and their content. It is then demonstrated why this instrument has the potential to build, within the framework of international cooperation, one rational voice regarding their interpretation.

This article employs the dogmatic-legal method. The primary objective of this research approach is to analyze the character of the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts and their background. The aim is to determine whether these principles are indeed an outstanding soft-law international instrument that can still be of seminal importance in today's world.

Preliminary study of the use of terrestrial moss (Pleurozium schreberi) for passive biomonitoring related to Hg deposition

2025-08-06T07:25:49+00:00

This study aimed to assess the possibility of using mosses as part of passive biomonitoring of mercury deposition from anthropogenic sources in the municipality of Murów (Opole Voivodeship). Hg concentrations were analyzed using the AMA254 mercury analyzer in the Pleurozium schreberi species mosses. The results obtained made it possible to identify potential sources of contamination and to indicate the direction of environmental spread of mercury in the study area. The study confirmed that the mosses P. schreberi accumulate mercury from atmospheric aerosol and its concentration is proportional to its concentration in the air. The direction of winds is crucial in the spread of pollution from anthropogenic sources. In the study area, mercury polluting sources of atmospheric aerosol such as glass processing plants, sawmills and traffic were identified.

Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Poland: An Analysis of Policy Frameworks and Strategic Initiatives

2025-08-06T07:25:50+00:00

This paper explores Poland’s evolving policy frameworks and strategic initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, within the context of economic transformation and integration into the European Union (EU). Utilising qualitative document analysis, the study evaluates both macro level strategies and micro level mechanisms that support the development of start-ups and higher value-added sectors. Using policy documents, institutional reports, and academic literature, the analysis identifies key instruments such as the Smart Growth Operational Programme, the Fast Track initiative, and the IP Box tax incentive, that work alongside major institutions such as the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) and the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR). Two illustrative case studies, Ryvu Therapeutics and SDS Optic, demonstrate the tangible outcomes of these initiatives in enabling product innovation, attracting investment, and facilitating global market expansion. While the paper recognises Poland’s progress in building an innovation-oriented economy, it also highlights persistent challenges, including fragmented institutional structures, limited industry academia collaboration, and an underdeveloped venture capital ecosystem. Guided by theoretical insights from Wennekers & Thurik (1999), Carree & Thurik (2010), and Urbano et al (2019), the paper argues that financial investment must be complemented by deeper institutional reform to unlock the full potential of entrepreneurship. The findings contribute to policy discourse in transition economies by offering a foundation for future empirical evaluations and proposing strategies for building a coherent, inclusive, and globally competitive innovation system.