1. The prefigurative politics of enactable sustainability transformations in the presentSiddharth Sareen, Sirkku Juhola, Adrianna Czarnecka, Aleksandra Kekkonen, Aleksandra Martinovska Stojcheska, Ana Slavec, Anita Uchanska-Bieniusiewicz, Chris Rønningstad, Claudiu Martin, Gintarė Tamašauskaitė-Janickė, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The concept of “prefigurative politics” invites geographers to envision transformative change through a shift in practices stemming from a micro level. This article examines and substantiates how this idea is mobilised in relation to current sustainability transformations. A large interdisciplinary group of geographers and transition scholars present topic clusters of prefigurative enablers that instigate and catalyse the enactment of transformative policymaking towards sustainable futures. Drawing on dozens of rich and diverse examples to illustrate cases of transformation, we provide a conceptual perspective to advance the theoretical discussion about triggers and processes of transformative change amongst geographers. We argue for three principles for examining the prefigurative politics of present transformation: (a) multi-scalarity, to consider prefigurative politics across personal-systemic spheres; (b) boundary transgression, to span interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary as well as inward- and outward-looking prefigurative politics; and (c) temporalities, to address institutionalisation and change processes that play out along short and long timelines. Approaching present transformations through a prefigurative politics lens helps identify scope for action that aligns with transformative change. We argue for wider deployment of these principles, to synthesise scholarship, channel micro-level prefigurative political efforts into systemic transformative change, and guide future research and policymaking towards sustainability transformations.
Keywords: prefigurative politics, transformation, sustainability
Published in RUP: 22.07.2026; Views: 298; Downloads: 11
 Full text (1,42 MB)
This document has more files! More... |
2. From spectator to stakeholder : how tourists perceive their agency in sustainable tourism development in an island destinationKevin Fuchs, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Amid growing awareness of environmental and social responsibility, many tourists seek travel experiences that reflect their values. Sustainable tourism promotes a balance between development and the need to address evolving environmental and societal challenges. Grounded in Stakeholder Theory, this study explores how tourists perceive sustainable tourism and their role in supporting it. Forty-seven semi-structured interviews and observations with tourists in Phuket were thematically analysed. Five interrelated themes emerged: perceived limits of individual impact, sustainability as a trend, green destination branding and authenticity, situated ethics in tourism behaviour, and cultural variety in sustainability perspectives. While most participants endorsed sustainable tourism in principle, their engagement remained largely symbolic, shaped by uncertainty and context-dependent ethics. The findings reveal a gap between attitudes and meaningful action, emphasizing the need for clearer infrastructure, credible communication, and culturally sensitive engagement strategies. This study contributes to understanding tourists as stakeholders and informs efforts to enhance destination-level sustainability.
Keywords: environmental awareness, nature-based tourism, visitor perceptions, sustainability, sustainable tourism development, pro-environmental behaviour
Published in RUP: 21.07.2026; Views: 229; Downloads: 9
Full text (469,88 KB)
This document has more files! More... |
3. Factors influencing sustainability attitudes in higher educationAjda Fošner, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: The aim of this study is to analyse sustainability attitudes among university students in Slovenia and how two different academic variables influence these attitudes. Using the Sustainability Attitudes Scale (SAS), we investigate the effects of students’ field and level of study on their attitudes towards sustainability. ANOVA results show that the field of study significantly impacts sustainability attitudes, while we can not say the same for the level of study. Moreover, findings from Spearman’s rank correlation tests indicate a positive correlation between students’ sustainability knowledge and their attitudes, highlighting the potential of targeted educational programs to foster more positive attitudes towards sustainable practices. This study contributes valuable insights for developing more effective sustainability education strategies within similar contexts.
Keywords: sustainability attitude, Sustainability Attitudes Scale (SAS), higher educational institutions
Published in RUP: 10.07.2026; Views: 284; Downloads: 9
Full text (1,39 MB)
This document has more files! More... |
4. Eco-sustainable food packaging : biobased multi-active films to mitigate migration of mineral oils and polyolefin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbonsAna Miklavčič Višnjevec, Laura Barp, Donatella Peressini, Sabrina Moret, 2026, review article Abstract: The migration of mineral oils from recycled paper and cardboard packaging to food has raised increasing con- cerns in recent years. In addition to mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH), polyolefin oligomeric hydrocarbons (POH), a class of synthetic hydrocarbons derived from the polymerization of olefins such as ethylene and propylene, and often analytically mistaken for MOH, also pose a risk. POH can migrate from plastic materials into food, espe- cially those made with polyolefins like polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), which are widely used in food packaging (films, trays, containers, etc.). Several solutions have been proposed, and others are still under development to address this issue. Currently, the most promising approach is the introduction of polymeric materials as a barrier to prevent the migration of these contaminants. The primary aim of this review is to provide an updated overview of the migration of MOH and POH from conventional packaging materials into foods, the parameters influencing this process, recent advances in innovative eco-sustainable barrier materials, and the testing methods used to measure their migration. Special attention is given to biopolymers, as they enhance the sustainability of paper and cardboard packaging while maintaining their recyclability.
Keywords: mineral oil hydrocarbons, polyolefin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons, food packaging, sustainability, barrier materials
Published in RUP: 26.06.2026; Views: 376; Downloads: 15
Full text (2,80 MB)
This document has more files! More... |
5. |
6. Time-money segment differences in ideation and collaboration readiness in sustainable tourism educationDejan Križaj, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: This study examines whether tourism students’ self-reported time–money use patterns are related to their readiness to collaborate on idea development, and whether sustain- ability emerges spontaneously in their tourism innovation ideas. Using an anonymised dataset of open-ended questionnaire responses from Slovenian higher education tourism students (N = 597; 2019–2025), we applied deterministic rule-based coding to classify the presence of actionable ideas and sustainability framing, as well as collaboration readiness and conditions. Actionable ideas were common (53.4%), but sustainability framing was uncommon (7.5%). Most respondents were unconditionally willing to collaborate (69.3%), while 30.7% expressed conditional willingness or unwillingness. Time–money behavioural segments were significantly associated with collaboration reservations, whereas segment differences in ideation and sustainability framing were not significant. Among students expressing reservations, topic match and perceived team quality were the most frequently stated conditions. These findings indicate that sustainability-oriented tourism education should support both sustainability integration and low-risk collaboration through clear project briefs, topic-based matching, and team-process supports. The conclusions should be interpreted with reasonable caution as they are context-specific evidence based on self- reported, rule-coded responses, particularly for sustainability framing, where positive cases were rare. In this context, segmentation should be regarded as a diagnostic tool for course design rather than as a basis for labelling students.
Keywords: tourism education, sustainability, collaboration readiness, behavioural segmentation, time–money trade-offs, project-based learning, open-ended survey, clustering
Published in RUP: 04.05.2026; Views: 467; Downloads: 23
Full text (470,73 KB)
This document has more files! More... |
7. Enhancing knowledge and technology transfer : determinants and indicators of successful university–industry collaborationJana Hojnik, Štefan Bojnec, Simona Kustec, Vaida Zemlickienė, Zenonas Turskis, 2026, review article Abstract: Both universities and companies create value and innovation to maintain their position and remain competitive. Different, but still similar, with two goals that are shared. With their collaboration, they can enhance their pursuit of sustainability and as well corporate social responsibility by creating and delivering value and thus contributing to the well-being of society. This paper thus examines the determinants and indicators of successful university–industry collaboration (UIC) in the context of knowledge and technology transfer. The purpose of the research is to identify key factors that drive effective UIC and to establish measurable indicators for evaluating the performance of this collaboration. The paper aimed to understand not only what drives UIC but also how to measure its effectiveness. So, an exploratory, theory-building approach, adopting a systematic literature review is applied. By focusing on the determinants and measurable outputs of UIC, the paper provides insights into the strategic importance of measuring knowledge and technology transfer for a wide range of stakeholders involved in it. UIC for universities is a part of their third mission and their CSR, while with respect for companies, UIC is a result of practicing open innovation and pursuing corporate social responsibility. While consolidating these dimensions, the study also develops a holistic input–output indicator framework that not only clarifies how collaboration is initiated and structured but also how it can be evaluated in practice.
Keywords: corporate social responsibility, indicators, innovation policy, knowledge and technology transfer, sustainability, technology transfer office (TTO), university–industry collaboration (UIC)
Published in RUP: 13.04.2026; Views: 646; Downloads: 13
Full text (1,11 MB)
This document has more files! More... |
8. Sustaining accommodation SMEs : drivers and pathways of sustainable transition in the Mediterranean tourist accommodation sectorEmil Juvan, Guido Capanna Piscè, Federica Murmura, Giada Pierli, Alessio Travasi, Massimiliano Rumignani, Gian Andrea Paolo Garancini, Manos Ligerakis, Jana Čakardžić, Dino Mujkić, 2026, scientific monograph Keywords: Triple Bottom Line (TBL), Value–Belief–Norm (VBN) theory, environmentally significant behaviour, accommodation sustainability
Published in RUP: 08.04.2026; Views: 648; Downloads: 10
Full text (9,67 MB)
This document has more files! More... |
9. Corporate social responsibility practices, managerial attitudes toward artificial intelligence, and AI adoption in micro and small restaurant SMEsMarko Kukanja, Tanja Planinc, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: In hospitality SMEs, digital transformation is increasingly linked to sustainability goals. However, evidence on how corporate social responsibility (CSR) relates to the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in owner-managed firms remains limited. This study ex- amines CSR practices, managerial attitudes toward AI, and AI adoption in micro and small restaurant SMEs in a small European Union (EU) economy. Using survey data from 157 Slovenian restaurant SMEs and structural equation modelling, CSR is conceptualised as an enacted, practice-based orientation. At the same time, managerial attitudes toward AI are modelled as the key mechanism preceding adoption. Results reveal an asymmet- ric relationship between CSR and AI. Employee-related CSR practices, which are mainly institutionalised, do not significantly influence managerial AI attitudes. In contrast, en- vironmental CSR practices are negatively associated with AI attitudes, indicating more cautious evaluations among environmentally responsible managers. Managerial attitudes toward AI are positively and significantly associated with AI adoption, confirming their central role in adoption decisions. Financial performance, measured by objective revenue data, does not emerge as a direct outcome of AI adoption but rather operates as a contex- tual condition shaping how CSR practices relate to managerial attitudes and how those attitudes translate into adoption decisions. Overall, the findings indicate that CSR does not uniformly translate into managerial attitudes toward AI and subsequent AI adoption in restaurant SMEs.
Keywords: corporate social responsibility, artificial intelligence adoption, managerial attitudes, restaurant SMEs, sustainability, financial performance
Published in RUP: 23.03.2026; Views: 845; Downloads: 37
Full text (750,64 KB)
This document has more files! More... |
10. Slovenia’s social sustainability achievements : an examination of local perspectives and satisfaction levelsVinod Sasidharan, Dejan Križaj, Drenicka Quiogue, Justin Aquino, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Slovenia is regarded as a nation which has prioritized green innovations, social responsibility, and its commitment to sustainable development. Although Slovenia’s environmental achievements have received national visibility, local awareness of its social sustainability initiatives has been limited. This study examined perspectives and satisfaction levels among residents regarding Slovenia’s social sustainability achievements and associated sustainable development goals (4, 10, and 16). Utilizing a survey, these perceptions were assessed among respondents from three distinct regions–Ljubljana, Novo Mesto, and Koper, respectively. Frequency tests indicated that quality education, ethnic integration, and effective governance/partnerships were perceived as being important to achieving social sustainability. From a Chi-square analysis, a positive correlation was revealed between educational level and knowledge of national sustainability initiatives. A Spearman’s rho test showed that age had an influence on satisfaction with ethnic integration. The study provides insights into the social sustainability perspectives of Slovene society and offers implications for future research.
Keywords: Slovenia, residents, perceptions, social sustainability
Published in RUP: 19.03.2026; Views: 580; Downloads: 17
Full text (474,45 KB)
This document has more files! More... |
