This volume shows how modern econometric techniques, computational tools, and interdisciplinary approaches are reshaping the analysis of growth, financial markets, and microeconomic behavior in an increasingly complex global economy. Featuring select contributions presented at the 2025 International Conference on Applied Economics (ICOAE) held in Bratislava, Slovakia, this volume applies cutting-edge methodologies such as machine learning, genetic algorithms, wavelet transforms, ARIMA-GARCH modeling, and emerging uses of  quantum computing to examine financial efficiency, cryptocurrency dynamics, sovereign debt restructuring, ESG risk, and corporate performance. 

A central theme is sustainability and structural transformation in which links between economic growth, environmental degradation, green finance, circular-economy practices, and pathways to net-zero emissions are explored. The book also analyses how digitization, innovation, and R&D investment influence development across regions such as the EU, MENA Africa, and OECD economies. 

Bridging methodological advancement with policy relevance, this volume serves researchers, policymakers, and advanced students seeking rigorous analysis to inform decisions in sustainable development, financial stability, and digital transformation.

Nicholas Tsounis is a Professor of Economic Analysis at the Department of Economics, and a Director of the Applied Economics Laboratory of the University of Western Macedonia, Greece. His research interests are in applied microeconomics, computational economics, international economics, and the economics of tourism. He has published more than 70 articles in international scientific periodicals and conferences and 20 books. His published work attracted more than 900 citations. He is a referee/peer reviewer for several scientific periodicals and research calls of various countries, including the EU. He is the co-founder and co-chair (with Prof. Aspasia Vlachvei) of the ICOAE conferences (www.i-coae.com).
 
Aspasia Vlachvei is Professor of Marketing at University of Western Macedonia,Greece and Adjunct Professor at Hellenic Open University. She is also director of Institute of Economic Analysis and Entrepreneurship, at University of Western Macedonia. Her research interests focus on marketing strategies, competitiveness of firms, structure, conduct and performance and entrepreneurial behaviour. She has participated in several research projects on agrofood. She is co-editor of sixteen books published by Springer, Elsevier and IGI Global and author of two books (in Greek). She has published in several scientific journals while she has more than 1300 citations. She is member of Gender Equality Committee - University of Western Macedonia, Hellenic Society of University Women and of the women's sector of the International Chamber of Commerce of Greece (ICC Women Hellas).