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Smart mobility supports smart city ideas and concepts. A consequences of smart mobility activities are more wide and common using electromobility. There is no doubt that electromobility is a global trend that unequivocally supports the principles of sustainable development, while being one of the basic elements of the smart mobility. The following discussion critically addresses the indicated topic, especially in the context of the barriers that currently exist and that stand in the way of implementing the expected expansion of electric cars into urban markets. Considering the following assumptions, the threat of urban pollution associated with the increasing number of vehicles (passenger and freight) should be mitigated using smart mobility solutions. In addition, solutions should include that electromobility promotes zero-emissions. Furthermore, the inadequate development of charging infrastructure and the projected energy crisis may result in plans to develop the electromobility market in cities that are under threat and impossible to meet. We highlight the current state and development level of the electric vehicle market, in particular the market for light commercial vehicles (LCVs). In this market, electric cars account for less than 1% of total cars. In truth, as shown in articles in recent years, the growth of new electric cars is significant; however, as shown by forecasts, the growth is insufficient to achieve the planned goals so the market share of LCVs will only increase to about 25% in 2030 and there will only be about 600,000 electric LCVs on the market. In this article, the authors focus on answering the question of if the upcoming energy crisis can significantly affect the further dynamic development of electromobility as an element of the smart city and undermine the plans to create zero-emission economies, with a particular focus on cities. Not only do we point to electromobility as a positive trend, but we stress that optimistic assumptions in its development in the current economic situation, especially in Europe, may be difficult to realize. The theoretical assumptions are reflected in the statistical analyses and forecasts of market development and their interpretation.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly regarded as a transformative enabler of sustainable logistics and supply chain management, particularly in the context of global energy transition and decarbonization efforts. This study provides a comprehensive conceptual and exploratory assessment of the multidimensional role of AI, highlighting both its potential to enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as its inherent environmental costs associated with digital infrastructures such as data centers. The findings reveal the dual character of digitalization: while predictive algorithms and digital twin applications facilitate demand forecasting, process optimization, and real-time adaptation to market fluctuations, they simultaneously generate additional energy demand that must be offset through renewable energy integration and intelligent energy balancing. The analysis underscores that the effectiveness of AI deployment cannot be captured solely through economic metrics but requires a holistic evaluation framework that incorporates environmental and social dimensions. Moreover, regional disparities are identified, with advanced economies accelerating AI-driven green transformations under regulatory and societal pressures, while developing economies face constraints linked to infrastructure gaps and investment limitations. The analysis emphasizes that AI-driven predictive models and digital twin applications are not only tools for energy optimization but also mechanisms that enhance systemic resilience by enabling risk anticipation, adaptive resource allocation, and continuity of operations in volatile environment. The contribution of this study lies in situating AI within the digital–green synergy discourse, demonstrating that its role in logistics decarbonization is conditional upon integrated energy–climate strategies, organizational change, and workforce reskilling. By synthesizing emerging evidence, this article provides actionable insights for policymakers, managers, and scholars, and calls for more rigorous empirical research across sectors, regions, and time horizons to verify the long-term sustainability impacts of AI-enabled solutions in supply chains.

Energy poverty is a phenomenon that is affecting an increasing number of EU citizens. It occurs when people are unable to buy enough energy to meet their needs at a socially acceptable level. Despite the many efforts and measures taken to prevent this negative phenomenon, the looming energy crisis could exacerbate it. On the one hand, efforts towards energy transition are intended to prevent this phenomenon, but on the other hand, inadequate restraint on the energy market may lead to its escalation. Various scenarios need to be analysed to ensure that the risks associated with energy shortages do not lead to even greater levels of energy poverty, with negative consequences for societies, economies, and the environment. Using a scenario approach and expert research, as well as mathematical–statistical tools, the article presents possible scenarios related to the implementation of measures affecting energy transformation and the transition to renewable energy sources in economies. These measures can change the phenomenon of energy poverty. The results of the analysis conducted in the article showed that there is a relationship between the increase in GDP per capita and the degree of energy consumption from renewable sources. In addition, there is a negative correlation between the degree of use of energy from renewable sources and the problem of energy poverty, especially in countries with a relatively lower level of GDP per capita. The current economic and political situation requires research in this area and the identification of possible solutions, as energy poverty is becoming a major social problem. The measures taken to promote sustainable development in an energy crisis situation might not be able to be implemented in a highly satisfactory manner.

The aim of the paper was to identify which European capitals are sustainable and smart, why, and what influences the ranking. The main research hypothesis was to indicate that cities in the ‘old’ E.U. countries (richer and with higher levels of economic development) are more sustainable and smart. Furthermore, sustainable smart cities, by definition, through the use of advanced and modern management tools and technological support, should contribute to community resilience. Sustainable energy plays a significant role in the measurement system. The study’s results showed the differences that exist across countries, as well as the leaders in each smart category and area. This is interesting and new; from a research point of view, there has been no study based on OECD research and data confronting and correlating the range of data with indicators found in the literature. The study results show that the concept of a smart city is comprehensive and that it is necessary to analyze in depth the various sub-categories included in the measurement and assessment of smartness offered by different indicators. This is because it turns out that an overall score and ranking do not always mean that a city is smart in every area and every element included in smart. Statistical methods and literature analysis are used for the study. The results represent a novel development and contribution to the science discipline and can be the basis for further scientific exploration in this area. The research gap and challenge indicate whether there is a link and correlation between the use of sustainable energy in E.U. countries and the implementation of smart concepts in European capitals in the context of the division into ‘new’ and ‘old’ E.U. capitals. An important element is the verification of the thesis that ‘old’ capitals are more advanced in the implementation of smart cities and make greater use of sustainable energy to meet social and economic needs. The thesis has been partly falsified and confirmed negatively; the results are not obvious. It means that the ‘new’ E.U. countries are very skillful in using financial, organizational, and common development policy opportunities to make their cities modern, intelligent, and friendly to their inhabitants.

The present study delves into a critical concern on the relationship between energy poverty, digital and social development and inclusive growth. The main research hypothesis assumes a positive relationship between these areas, although differences between countries are inevitable. Therefore, the following research questions were asked: Is the impact of the level of energy poverty on inclusive growth the same in different EU countries? How does the use of renewable energy sources in individual countries affect energy poverty and thus inclusive growth? What is the link between energy poverty, digital and social development and inclusive growth in the countries studied. This study uses a critical analysis of the literature and methods of descriptive and mathematical–statistical tools/model. The main conclusions and findings of the analysis reveal that the link between energy poverty, use of renewable energy resources, digital and social development and inclusive growth varies across EU countries. The results of our analyses may be useful, for example, for government decision makers in terms of actions aimed at eliminating energy poverty through the country’s use of sustainable energy sources as well as designing and implementing actions aimed at increasing digital and social development, which will then contribute to inclusive growth.

The problem of energy poverty exists in practically every European country. Its size and scope are determined by a variety of factors, ranging from economic development to the direction of energy and climate policy implementation to cultural factors. Our aim in this paper was to carry out a comparative analysis of indicators related to energy poverty and sustainable development to identify correlations and links between the two issues and determine how they are related. The fact that the analysis was performed for most European countries is new and represents a broad spectrum of research; we were not limited to studies of countries bound by formal political-economic arrangements or by consideration of the degree of economic development. This approach enabled explication of how diverse the situation is in Europe. The research methods used included a critical analysis of the literature and the use of descriptive and mathematical-statistical tools. The main conclusions and findings of the analysis were that in some countries in economically developed Europe, energy poverty is a major problem, and that, in this respect, there are large differences between “old European Union” and “new European Union” countries, and in the countries that do not belong to political-economic structures in Europe. It is clear, from the research, which countries are rapidly and effectively reducing their energy poverty problems and which factors are the determinants of this. These results are linked to the new direction of energy policy and the shift towards more environmentally friendly energy use. In conclusion, it has been possible to identify the causes of energy poverty and how the energy poverty situation in Europe is changing.

The topic of this study is energy supply chains in the context of sustainable development. The analysis is based on bilateral analysis methodology using the knowledge map visualization tool VoS Viewer and performance analysis. The aim is to investigate whether and to what extent there is interest in the research topic of renewable energy supply chains in the context of sustainability. An analysis of keyword associations, indexes, authors, and places of publication gives an overview of the current state of research in this area. It is valuable and new from the point of view of contributing to the development of the discipline to show the broad spectrum of terms and research topics related to the operation, management, and improvement of energy supply chains. The sustainability context also offers new possibilities for interpretation and application of other management tools in selected chains. Co-dependency and co-occurrence analysis and text mining provide an excellent background for further research in this area. At the same time, it allows data to be refined for further analysis and will provide an excellent starting point for further work in this area.

The aim of the article is to present and analyze the implementation of intelligent lighting within the concept of smart energies and smart cities. Motivation and research hypothesis: Electricity consumption in the world is based largely on non-renewable energy. Until these full changes, it is necessary to look for opportunities to save and use it efficiently. Today’s cities are increasingly implementing the smart concept, of which smart energy is one area. One of the smart city elements implemented by cities is smart energy. Within this framework, a supported concept is the replacement of traditional lighting with LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes), which contributes to energy and cost savings and reduces the pollution of the sky with artificial light, while increasing the efficiency of urban lighting. Positive effects of modern solutions include reduced lighting expenses and increased safety of residents. Methods and results of the research: The authors chose the case study method for their research. The authors present forecasts for the development, not only from the point of view of the number of lamps but also the cost efficiency pointing out the importance of this element in the context of building smart cities. These are specific benchmarks for cities that have not yet implemented this concept. Conclusions and interdisciplinary implications: solutions are desirable directions for the development of the smart city concept, bringing benefits and reducing external costs. Considerations show a quantitative development forecast and an indication of the possibility of achieving trade-offs and cost reductions. It translates into meeting the requirements of sustainable development providing tangible benefits. The analysis of the case studies is intended to show the effects that can be achieved and the wide range of applications (indicating that modern lamps are not just lighting, but a platform for urban services). The analyses presented are intended to serve as benchmarks showing the possibilities of reducing costs and increasing the quality of life of residents in modern cities. The indicated examples and analyses are of economic importance, they show managers, but also inhabitants, in which direction they should lead the smart city concept, which will allow saving costs, but also to increase the quality of life of inhabitants.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate which of sustainability elements, in the context of triple bottom line (TBL), are used to build sustainable supply chain resilience. This paper presents a new body of knowledge and contribution to the literature by relating the triple bottom line (TBL) context to the building of sustainable supply chain resilience using structural equation modelling. The research were used to understand that individual sustainability factors matter and play a role in the context of supply chain resilience. A survey questionnaire was designed to collect this data from the research respondents. To statistical analysis was first Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) conducted and used, then for the analysis and interpretation structural equation model. The findings indicate that individual sustainability factors matter and play a role in the context of supply chain resilience. A number of previous studies have developed broad catalogues of sustainability factors influencing supply chains, however, to date no convincing evidence has been presented as to which of the range of elements identified, and how they influence supply chain resilience building. Despite the large number of publications on sustainable supply chain and resilience building, there is still a gap and lack of proper consideration of TBL-related criteria as elements that can determine mechanisms for building supply chain resilience in the context of sustainable development. This paper operationalizes a using the structural research model to using a structural research model to investigate how and in which relationships the different elements of the triple bottom line influence the resilience of supply chains.

Creating alternative supply chains can help increase economic and social benefits for all beneficiaries of the supply chain. Alternative short supply chains for organic products are considered when seeking optimal scenarios to obtain the highest profit for producers, with maximizing profit being one of the main reasons for taking up business within this type of supply chain strategy. The aim of this study was to clarify the ideas of short food supply chains (SFSCs) and the organic production of food products and to indicate how economic benefits can be achieved in individual markets. The identified research gaps include the lack of a strong theoretical basis, as well as the lack of empirical studies concerning the multi-objective optimization of the economic effects of producers using computer simulation methods. However, the aim of this research was to identify the activities within such structures that can produce economic effects and influence the competences and soft relationships between the organizations participating in the chains. The adopted research methods included a critical analysis of the literature and the use of information technology tools and computer simulation. We found that computer simulation methods can lead to better decisions (to increase manufacturer benefits) regarding how to service selected markets within the SFSC. The most important limitations are the small territorial scope of the research and the consideration of only three of the most frequently purchased and manufactured products in Poland. This study was a pilot study, which will be developed further by the authors, from both a territorial and product point of view.