In recent years, these is a significant increase in people taking up the profession of real estate agent in Poland due to the deregulatory actions legislator and as a consequence of the abolition of the license required to perform this profession in the past. Despite the increase in quantity, qualitatively Polish market remains, however, largely still behind the markets of the West, especially the United States of America. It should be noted that the development of a professional broker takes place through lifelong learning and gaining experience. As a result, the person becomes more effective in realizing more and more transactions. This efficiency is also reflected in the increase in the profitability of the business. These effects are determined by the relevant marketing of a real estate agency, which must be implemented and coordinated by a professional having dualistic skills – both theoretical and practical, knowledge of marketing tools, as well as in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market. Nowadays, new trends in the approach to marketing are created, there are observable changes in the attitudes of customers and the evolution of the enterprise environment. Without a doubt, the world moves towards individualized marketing which is derived from the concept of precision marketing. The new strategic concept aims at the maximum satisfaction of each customer through the customization of products. Individualized approach is the concept of reaching out to a person as a client and not to the mass of unidentifiable people. The consequence of the new order of relationship is the disappearance of the concept of clear market segmentation. The increasing diversification of demand is a consequence of consumer behavior. The heterogeneity of needs and preferences, as well as high consumer awareness, results in deepening of the individualized approach. Polish real estate market agency should be modeled on these from the USA where computer marketing systems determine high professionalism and effectiveness of real estate agencies. An important element of modernization in this aspect is the approach to innovation. Expenditure on any kind of improvement in the functioning of real estate should not be treated as an expense but as an investment which definitely strengthens the competitive position in the market and brings multiplied benefits in the future.

Most of the nineteenth-century historians from Cracow did not pay particular attention to Jewish residents. Cracow in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century was an economically developing city. The new investments had been taken and purchased, so that Cracow was seen as a modern and friendly city for its inhabitants.

In 1848–1914 a new model of entrepreneur was created in Galicia. Some entrepreneurs from Cracow were taking innovative actions and focusing on development. The enterprises have been transformed in such areas as the ownership, production and organization. The large group of entrepreneurs among the Cracow inhabitants constituted the Jewish population. The subject of this article is to outline the characteristics of the activities of Jewish entrepreneurs in Cracow.

The article aims to present the concept of creativity and creation in the context of its deliberate support in the educational environment. It presents the determinants of this process from four perspectives: individual determinants, environmental determinants, the course of the process and product features. The importance of the environment for the development of creativity, pointing to the relational and contextual conditioning and understanding of creativity, is also addressed in the paper.

The world is facing tremendous trials that imply new strategies. To foster creativity and innovation in education is a must today, but many challenges dwell between theory and practice. This article provides a perspective of Portuguese researchers and educators, by reflecting on current global problems as well as on how creativity is being applied in schools. It emphasises the problems that we still face, but it also highlights the positive work bringing new and exciting projects into educational settings. It also highlights the importance of multidisciplinary work and the need to optimize children’s inner resources, such as creativity and innovation as a way to prepare for present and future uncertainties.

Self-government diplomacy as an innovative management instrument region

The aim of the article is to present self-government diplomacy as a novel, innovative form of international contacts realized by regional and local authorities, including the kujawsko-pomorskie voivodeship. The author has made a formal and statistical analysis of the various forms of functioning of this method of international cooperation. On this basis, the author concludes that local government diplomacy fosters the construction of international social, economic, cultural and other ties at local and regional level.

Design thinking - a chance for innovation in higher education institutions

Design thinking as a way of reasoning is becoming more and more popular nowadays. Originated in business and transferred to other areas, it is now being implemented even in education and science. With its four or five steps in the whole process, interdisciplinary teams can solve every problem and find a solution which meets the needs and expectations of the end-users. This approach has also been successfully implemented in higher education institutions and it is through that HEIs are becoming more open and efficient in their cooperation with business, public administration, NGOs and other stakeholders.

During the last 200 years, the school and the educational system in Spain have experienced an explosion of ideas, approaches, trends, models and pedagogical currents which proclaim themselves as alternative or innovative. In this article, we are going to compare the alternative models and practices with the traditional educational model. We are going to start with a conceptualization of traditional pedagogy and the alternative models which have been presented in Spain in recent years. The conclusions of the study are going to show the relevance of the alternative educational practices; a limited relevance, which is more retro than neo; a recovery of the pedagogical memory and an updating more than an innovation.

This paper examines the innovation and employability of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members for sustainable development in south-east Nigeria. The research design employed for this study was a descriptive survey. The population for this study comprises all NYSC members serving in southeast Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was used to sample all 2019 Batch “C” who participated in the Post Mobilisation Workshop held on 27t - 29t January 2020. Also, a simple random sampling technique was used to select 400 NYSC members from each state of south-east Nigeria. In all, 2000 NYSC members participated in this study. The questionnaire that was used to collect data in this study was titled “Influence of Innovation on Employability of NYSC Members for Sustainable Development Questionnaire”. Percentages were used in describing the demographic characteristics of the respondents, and mean ratings were used to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that influence of innovation on employability of NYSC members for sustainable development in south-east Nigeria was positive. The main new innovation to enhance employability of NYSC members for sustainable development in south-east Nigeria was agro-allied. The main employability skills of NYSC members for sustainable development in south-east Nigeria were confidence skills. It was concluded that innovation positively influences employability of NYSC members. It was recommended that the NYSC commission should embark on introducing more innovative skills to NYSC members for them to be able to stand on their own after the NYSC programme.

The authors conducted a survey among graduates of Master’s courses in Teacher Education in Biology to determine their opinions on the importance of biology and environmental education didactics during their pre-graduate studies. Results of the survey indicated some existing deficiencies in pre-graduate teaching of biology and environmental education didactics and raised suggestions for innovation. The survey of 119 respondents was conducted in 2009. Most respondents considered the benefit of their pre-graduate Teacher Education in Biology degree sufficient for their own knowledge in biology, while considering the benefit of a pre-graduate course for their own pedagogic and didactic competencies a small one. The survey proved that most graduates of Teacher Education in Biology studies ranked the subject of biology didactics among the key modules of their pre-graduate degree course and identified several strengths and weaknesses in the teaching of biology didactics. The respondents who were professionally involved in Environmental Education viewed the absence of special didactics of environmental education and limited time allocation for teaching practice as shortcomings of their pregraduate course structure. Based on this research, two educational projects were designed, allowing for the implementation of innovated didactics of biology and environmental education together with specialized teaching practice for biology teacher education students in collaboration with several Czech universities and participating foreign lecturers.

The determinants of the diffusion of i-voting as public innovation

This article analyzes the determinants which have an influence on the process of spreading i-voting as public innovation. The basis for their interpretation was the Everett M. Rogers’ diffusion of innovation theory. The review of terms: innovation, public innovation, diffusion of innovation and i-voting found in source literature has been made. The attributes of i-voting were a basis for interpretation of its acceptance. This article points out how important role in this process plays the important attributes of innovation and its connection with number of external factors such as political, social and cultural.

Innovation is one of the key factors for growth and development in any society. However, there are many factors that can potentially impede innovation capacity. One of them is culture; this study has investigated how some African cultural practices can affect innovation potential. The author has taking into consideration such practices like prostrating, kneeling, bowing to show respect when greeting, and the perception that asking questions / been curious is impolite and disrespectful. Innovation can be triggered by curiosity and the desire to try new things; hence this research is an attempt to understand how intellectual curiosity and creativity can be stifled as a result of excessive adherence to certain cultural practices. The survey design used to collect primary data for the research featured 57 questions with total respondents of 502. Logistic regression was used to measure the predictive power and the degree to which the independent variables affected the target variable. 65% of respondents asserted that they grew up learning to be curious and had the cultural privilege to ask questions around older people. The study shows a positive relationship between growing up curious, asking questions around older people, and being potentially innovative while other cultural practices like showing respect by prostrating, kneeling, bowing, curiosity and not challenging traditional practices shows a negative relationship with innovation potential with the highest negative correlation value. However, this does not suggest that the continuous observance of these practices suppresses people’s innovation potential because correlation does not imply causation. The findings in this study implies that for Africa and Nigeria to become more competitive with respect to innovation potential, it must embrace and prioritize an open culture that eliminates subjugation in any form, one that values curiosity, out of the box thinking and creativity.

Cybersecurity culture in the public and private sector area in the Central European region

Cyber security is a growing problem associated with everything a citizen or organisation does in cyberspace. The problem thus outlined fits into a multifaceted programme that can be addressed through cyber security management. The analysis in the article compares the level of cyber security awareness among the staff of public institutions and the private sector in four Central European countries, namely Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Public institutions are by nature open, decentralised and rich in a wide range of data about the state, society, economy, economics and research and innovation. For this reason, they are often exposed to serious cyber threats. This study examines the relationship between cyber security culture and the urgent need for preventive action against possible cyber threats. The main thesis of the study is that an adequate understanding of cyber security culture and improved awareness among employees about digital threats is key to achieving cyber security growth. The research illustrates breaches in so-called digital hygiene, which are caused by a lack of knowledge, skills and errors in employee behaviour. Following a survey of staff employed in both public and private organisations, an identification of key cyber security risk factors is made. Increasing staff competencies can help improve cyber resilience.

In the scientific article, the author explores the influence of Bauhaus aesthetics and ideology on the formation of contemporary artistic and design culture. It is noted that Bauhaus, which operated during the interwar period in Germany, became a key moment in world culture, promoting innovative approaches and the synthesis of art and design. The article discusses key aspects of Bauhaus, its influence, and relevance to contemporary art, architecture, and design. The progressive ideas of this school, such as the synthesis of art and design, experimental approach, functionalism, and visual communication, are considered in the context of their impact on the development of the artistic and design sphere. The school advocated for the combination of different art forms, the creation of functional and simple forms, and the use of new materials and technologies. Artists inspired by these ideas use the synthesis of art and design to create innovative works. They experiment with forms, materials, and concepts to create unique visual impressions. Contemporary artistic culture reflects the diversity of Bauhaus, adapting its principles to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. In addition to art, the author also examines the influence of Bauhaus on contemporary design. The ideas of functionalism and industrial design, emphasizing simplicity and purity of forms, have become the basis for present-day designers. Creating objects that meet the needs of modern life is an essential part of contemporary design trends. The article also investigates how Bauhaus influences architecture. Bauhaus representatives believed that architecture should be functional while embodying aesthetic principles. This concept is reflected in contemporary architectural trends, where simplicity of form and the use of new materials and technologies combine with the desire to create a functional and aesthetic environment. In the conclusions, the author emphasizes the importance of Bauhaus in shaping contemporary artistic and design culture. The influence of Bauhaus is manifested in an open, experimental approach to creativity, the use of new materials and technologies, and a focus on the functionality and simplicity of forms. Bauhaus ideas continue to inspire artists, architects, and designers, contributing to the development of contemporary art and design. All of this highlights the relevance and significance of Bauhaus in the modern world, where the traditions of the past and the innovations of the present come together to create a new dimension of art and design.

Individuality in the Society as a Proposal of Such a Paradigm in Sociology? Thoughts on Jan Szczepański’s Concept

This paper attempts to provide a critical review of individuality theory as proposed by Polish sociologist Jan Szczepanski. It draws attention to the theoretical and methodological assumptions for showing their incompleteness and the need for further additions. A key thread following text are searching for theoretical roots of individuality within the classical and contemporary sociological theory that could fill some of the gaps and give a chance for more thorough understanding of the issues analyzed, which is individuality. The article highlights the importance taken by Szczepanski attempt to go beyond antinomian description of social reality and the distance the relational model, by emphasizing the role of loneliness in a person’s life.

Research aim: This paper aims to show the actions that European metropolises are taking to minimise anthropic pressure and to present the attitudes of Polish city dwellers towards climate change. Research problem and methods: The main research problem is to determine to what extent cities, within the possibilities of self-government, can limit, their negative impact on the environment, taking into account the attitudes and opinions of their inhabitants. As research methods, a system analysis, a decision-making analysis, and a behavioural method were used, within which a survey technique was applied. Process of argument: the article presents the process of climate change and its consequences for the state of the environment and the well-being of societies. Actions taken by European metropolises that are forerunners in the implementation of pro-environmental solutions that fit into the vision of the economy and society of the future are presented. This futuristic perspective was juxtaposed with an analysis of the attitudes of the inhabitants of Polish cities. Results of the scientific analysis: The scientific analysis has shown that metropolitan European communities value intangibles, recognising the state of the environment as an integral part of them. Similar attitudes have been noticed among the inhabitants of Polish cities, although they vary depending on the size of the centre. At the same time, environmental awareness is not the same as the willingness to incur costs to protect nature. Conclusions, innovations, and recommendations: Stopping climate change is only possible with the active participation of cities that are forerunners in the implementation of innovative environmental technologies. Polish cities should benefit from the good practices of European environmental leaders, with the participation of citizens in the decisions taken.

The paper discusses the importance of independence of thinking and acting, so in the school education as in the scientific work. In broader understanding independence means such an attitude of the intellect, emotions and will that makes one willingly undertake different tasks-problems and realize-solve them in a responsible way. Thus independence means the steady disposition to intellectual and practical activity in schools, universities and in the research work. When this activity is emotionally positive, it may create the basis for the development (in the process of school-university education) of scientific, social and moral convictions and attitudes, necessary not only for understanding the universe and for changing it, but also for the development of wisdom, which may be understood as harmony between to have and to be, among material needs and moral values.

Designing and running training schemes for farmers are critical steps to support a global strategy to foster sound cooperation between research centres and rural entrepreneurs to improve overall competitiveness of a rural area. This paper outlines the problematic environment of planning and implementing these schemes with a specific emphasis on the great number of difficulties and critical knots hampering the effectiveness of these initiatives: a “paradigm shift ”, and updated approaches and tools, are required firstly to convince decision makers to adopt a renewed and a more participatory approach in training to improve and increase impacts of these schemes and make the involved public and private investments more effective and efficient.

Teacher autonomy, agency and innovation in the language of contemporary pedagogical and jurisprudential terminology. A linguistic-pedagogical study

The article examines the concepts of teacher autonomy, agency and innovation from a linguisticpedagogical perspective. The research material was selected with the use of the method of searching the existing documents. The documents included selected encyclopaedic articles and legal texts concerning the teacher and his pedagogical activity. The authors used the theoretical framework of cognitive semantics in the form of conceptual integration theory when analysing the material. Autonomy as a pedagogical phenomenon has a broad and well-established lexical basis in both encyclopaedic and legal texts. The second concept, agency, has a very narrow dictionary and theoretical basis. The use of the last of the category, innovation, is limited to only some authors and their texts. Besides, the issue of innovativeness appears in legal texts sporadically and, as a rule, in relation to the school and not to the teacher. On the basis of the results obtained, it was proposed to treat the title terminological triad as an amalgam, in which the enumerated terms form a unity on the one hand, while on the other hand each of them expresses one aspect of the whole, which shows the multifaceted nature of the teacher’s pedagogical activity.

The objective of this study is to analyze the implementation and utilization of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the development of Smart Cities by the authorities of the V4 capitals. This research examines the smart city concept in the context of the development strategies of the V4 capitals. The study utilizes quantitative and qualitative methods to assess the potential of each city and conducts a comparative analysis of strategic documents related to the smart city concept. The article initiates by examining the changing dynamics of public space management in light of the increasing significance of cybertechnology. The subsequent section highlights the key points outlined in the Agenda 2030 document. This is followed by an effort to conceptualize the smart city concept and an explanation for investigating the development of the V4 capitals. The subsequent portion of the article delves into the perception of economic and social development, drawing from the security and cybersecurity strategies of each V4 country. The cases of each country are then analyzed based on selected factors that define their technological potential. The analysis aims to identify the predominant aspects pertaining to the utilization of ICT within the Smart City concept in the V4 capitals. The comparative analysis will reveal commonalities, disparities, strengths, and areas that require further development in each capital. The insights derived from this research prove vital for effective urban management. They facilitate an enhanced understanding of the interconnectedness between various economic and social resources and allow for the systematization of assumptions, visions, and underlying concepts related to urban space management. This, in turn, assists in identifying the factors that influence comprehensive engagement in smart city initiatives.

Development of innovative energy hubs – a panacea for difficult times?

The Energy Hub concept can be defined as a central point where multiple energy carriers meet and the corresponding energy flows can be processed, conditioned, stored and ultimately distributed according to demand requirements in an optimal manner. The energy node modeling concept describes the relationship between input and output energy flows and can be used to optimize energy consumption during planning and operation. The hub can store surplus energy generated by photovoltaics for a long time and cover electricity and heat needs, even during periods of high demand or low renewable production. The research goal of the article is primarily to present the concept of innovation in the field of energy and to identify key energy hubs for the development of the modern economy, as also indicated by one of the authors of the innovation concept, Christensen, who treats distributed energy as the so-called a breakthrough innovation, i.e. one that will gradually replace the classic energy system from the market.