INTRODUCTION

Observing the consequences of economic, social and environmental transformations in the countries of the former Eastern Block, including Poland and Ukraine, is a fascinating area of research. As a result of these transformations, which took place in the 90s of the 20th century, these two countries found themselves in completely different situations. Poland, thanks to the reforms carried out, already managed to join the European Union, while this is still a task ahead for the Ukraine. As the problems experienced by both neighboring countries are slightly different, it is worth to explore them and to exchange information and knowledge about the methods of their resolution. A specific effect of such kind of scientific exchange is the present issue, the key value of which is the presentation of the current status quo and research state in the Polish and Ukrainian research centres.

The present publication includes articles on selected economic, social and environmental issues, both in Ukraine and Poland. Part 1 covers the issue of the impact of globalization and labour market changes on the exports of the selected countries, as well as the issue of infrastructure development in terms of sustainable development.

Part 2, which applies to the human capital, covers the following points: the public participation in the implementation of the sustainable development conception and strategy, the issues of formation of innovative culture, exchange of human capital between Poland and Ukraine, and the risk related to population migration from Ukraine.

Part 3, which applies to the environmental issues, covers the problematic aspects of renewable energy, wind energy, macroeconomic dependencies between environmental management and information systems, with particular emphasis on the semiotic and economic aspects, as well as the role of the sustainable development in the functioning of valuable natural areas.

The authors hope that the present study will be useful both for individual readers and research centres in Poland and Ukraine.

Barbara Kryk

Anetta Zielińska