Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Metody Kanev Author-Workplace-Name: D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics Title: THE SPONTANEITY OF SOCIAL LIFE AND FREE HUMAN CHOICE Abstract: This article is an attempt to interpret fundamental issues related to the spontaneous formation and the course of social life; the role of free human choice of goals, means and actions; the relationship between the spontaneity of social life and its management. Based on the trends generated by new developments in technology and information and social changes, we proposes the thesis that from spontaneous, social life could become anthropocentrically directed and managed. Classification-JEL: A13; F 60; O 15; 22; Z 13 Keywords: spontaneity, manageabilit,; free human choic,; rational choice, constitutive policy Journal: Economics 21 Pages: 3-16 Issue: 2 Year 2019 File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10610/4192 Handle: RePEC:dat:econ21:y:2019:i:2:p:3-16 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Lyudmil Naydenov Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics Title: PERSONAL AND CORPORATE INCOME TAXES AS SOURCES OF LOCAL REVENUES - OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES Abstract: The policy of expanding the tax powers of local authorities leads to the optimisation of vertical financial relations in the public sector and improved economic efficiency and public well-being. Within the context of decentralization (administrative and fiscal one, in particular), regional structures should be equipped with access to profitable revenue-generating tax sources. The paper focuses on the applicability of personal income taxes and corporate taxes at a local level. The pros and cons of using the two types of taxes as sources of revenues to municipalities are analysed, the practice of different countries around the world in the sphrere is reviewed, and, based on those, the author proposes the thesis that taxes on labour incomes should be approached as local or parallel taxes, while there are no grounds for including corporate taxes in the category of local or parallel taxes. Classification-JEL: Н71; Н72 Keywords: local revenue, local government autonomy, personal income tax, corporate income tax Journal: Economics 21 Pages: 17-33 Issue: 2 Year 2019 File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10610/4193 Handle: RePEC:dat:econ21:y:2019:i:2:p:17-33 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Daniela GEORGIEVA Author-Workplace-Name: Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” Title: DIGITAL COMPETENCES OF ACCOUNTANTS WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION Abstract: The aim of this research is to identify the major digital competences that are required for accounting professionals. The focus of the research is on three positions in the National Classification of Professions and Positions (NCPP – 2011) – those of a chief accountant, an operational accountant and a bookkeeper. The objective of the research is to make a comparative analysis of the different classes in the NCPP-2011 and the major digital competences required for them according to the main duties of the people appointed to those positions. Our research approach is based on the methods of logical reasoning, deduction and comparison, as well as analysis and synthesis of the legal requirements which have been adopted at a national and an international level in terms of the competences and professional duties for each position. In addition, an analysis has been made of proposed classifications and identified competences in related economic literature. The propositions and conclusions we give will contribute to raising the awareness of employees, employers and educational institutions about the digital competences and knowledge required from persons practising the profession. The research has been funded by the MES Program ‘Young Scientists and Postdoctoral Students’ through a grant made to the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University. The author would like to acknowledge the support which has been provided through the program. Classification-JEL: M490 Keywords: accounting, digital competences, tasks, chief accountant, operational accountant, bookkeepe Journal: Economics 21 Pages: 34-58 Issue: 2 Year 2019 File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10610/4194 Handle: RePEC:dat:econ21:y:2019:i:2:p:34-58 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Aglika KANEVA Author-Workplace-Name: UNWE Title: ANALYSIS OF THE PROFITABILITY INDICATORS AND THE INDICATORS FOR ASSESSING THE QUALITY OF BANK ASSETS IN EU MEMBER STATES IN THE PERIOD FROM 2007 TO 2017 Abstract: The research paper analyses the profitability of banks in EU Member States -earnings after taxes, return on equity and return on assets. It also reviews the dynamics of the indicators for assessing the quality of bank assets, such as the share of watch exposures and non-performing exposures on loans and advance payments, specific provisions and loan impairments of banks in the European Union and the euro area, since, similar to the profitability indicators, they are strongly affected by financial crises. Classification-JEL: G210 Keywords: banks, banking system, profitability indicator, earnings after taxes, return on equity Journal: Economics 21 Pages: 59-91 Issue: 2 Year 2019 File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10610/4195 Handle: RePEC:dat:econ21:y:2019:i:2:p:59-91 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Trayan Yosifov Author-Workplace-Name: University Paisii Hilendarski Title: ACOMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES OF ADOPTING BIOTECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS Abstract: The underexploited potential of the national economy results in a low standard of living and a poor investment environment. Due to the current condition of economic processes, Bulgaria ranks at the bottom in terms of its GDP compared to other EU member-states and is one of the countries with the fastest declining population in the world. Low competitiveness and innovativeness of Bulgarian enterprises underlie the lack of any serious economic progress. This finding is true even for the economic spheres which contemporary biotechnological innovations are based on and in which our country has real advantages in terms of its natural resources and climate. The objective of this research paper is to analyse the main economic aspects of Life sciences and to present some major European accomplishments and partnerships in the pursuit of competitive advantages by enterprises operating in the sphere of biotechnologies. Classification-JEL: Q57; O32; L21 Keywords: Life sciences, biotechnological innovations, quality of the living environment, competitiveness Journal: Economics 21 Pages: 92-108 Issue: 2 Year 2019 File-URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10610/4196 Handle: RePEC:dat:econ21:y:2019:i:2:p:92-108