The South East European Journal of Economics and Business

THE IMPACT OF GREEN SKILLS MISMATCHES ON GREEN JOB CREATION: EVIDENCE FROM NORTH MACEDONIA

Dimitar Nikoloski — 2026-03-17

The green transition and the adoption of new green technologies impact all workers, necessitating upskilling and reskilling to remain relevant to the changing labour market. The dynamics of the green transition is determined by many factors including the required green skills and related skills mismatches. Hence, the aim of this paper is to assess the impact of green skills mismatches on green job creation in North Macedonia. The empirical analysis is based on a survey of a representative sample of 530 companies, randomly selected from all regions, economic activities and company sizes. The green job creation is assessed by estimating fractional logit regression. Besides the standard control variables, particular attention has been paid to the underskilling, overskilling, skills deficits, skills obsolescence and horizontal skills mismatches. The results reveal that the green jobs creation is considerably limited by the presence of underskilling and skills obsolescence, while horizontal skills mismatches are emphasized as a problem that weakens the short run planning of green jobs. Accordingly, we suggest policy measures in the fields of education and business cooperation aiming to overcome skill mismatches and accelerate the green transition.

INVESTIGATING YOUTH HAPPINESS: THE INTERPLAY OF FINANCIAL SELF-EFFICACY, BEHAVIOR, AND SATISFACTION

Ivan Balabanic — 2026-03-17

This study examines the interplay of financial self-efficacy, financial behavior, financial satisfaction, and life satisfaction of young individuals using Psychological Capital Theory (PCT). Analyzing data from 970 high school and university students in Croatia using structural equation modeling, we find that higher financial self-efficacy positively influences financial behavior. Additionally, responsible financial behavior significantly enhances financial satisfaction, which in turn boosts life satisfaction. Our results indicate a partial mediation effect of financial satisfaction between financial self-efficacy and life satisfaction. The study suggests incorporating behavioral interventions in financial education programs to increase self-efficacy and financial capability perceptions among youth. These interventions have the potential to improve financial behavior and overall happiness among young individuals. These insights are valuable for educational policymakers, financial advisors, planners, psychologists, and behavioral researchers. Effective financial education programs can thus contribute to enhancing youth satisfaction by focusing on increasing financial self-efficacy and responsible financial behavior.

THE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION ON INCOME INEQUALITY: EVIDENCE FROM OECD COUNTRIES

Fatos Geci — 2026-03-17

This study examines the relationships between financial sector development, financial inclusion, and income inequality in OECD countries by utilizing panel data from 38 countries for the period 2010-2022. The impact of financial sector development and financial inclusion on Gini coefficient is examined, while applying fixed effects, random effects and GMM modeling. The results suggest that financial inclusion is associated with lower income inequality, while the effect of financial development, proxied by private sector credit, is positive but not statistically robust. We find that financial development, measured by private‑sector credit, is associated with higher income inequality — a pattern consistent with credit concentration in favor of higher‑income groups — whereas financial inclusion is associated with lower inequality, through channels of broadened access to savings, credit, and risk‑management. This study adds value to the existing literature by providing new empirical evidence on the dynamic interplay between financial and real sectors.

THE THE IMPACTS OF EPCS ON PRAGUE’S RESIDENTIAL MARKET RENTS

Tomáš Podškubka — 2026-03-17

The EU has introduced legal regulations to mitigate climate change, and it is pertinent to investigate economic incentives to invest in higher Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). This paper examines the impact of EPCs on asking rents in Prague’s residential property market using a hedonic regression model. A newly collected dataset of 1,118 rental advertisements is analyzed, with control for the apartment total area, condition, location, and energy efficiency. The results indicate that more energy-efficient residential properties command a rental premium, even though the magnitude varies across location segments. In highly desirable areas, factors such as accessibility and prestige play a crucial role, while in less attractive areas, the EPC ratings are less pronounced. The findings contribute to the existing literature on the economics of energy efficiency by providing empirical evidence from a Central and Eastern European city, offering insights for policymakers, investors, and tenants.