Catalina Soriana Sitnikov

@edu.ucv.ro

PhD Professor, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
University of Craiova

Catalina Soriana Sitnikov


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64

Scopus Publications

851

Scholar Citations

15

Scholar h-index

25

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Regional Energy Transition: Decoupling CO2 Emissions and Policy Perspectives
    Raluca Mihaela Drăcea, Mirela Cristea, Cătălina Sitnikov, Ina Nimerenco, Alexandra Nedelcu
    Sustainability Switzerland, 2026
    This study examines the relationship between energy consumption and energy-related CO2 emissions for a sample of 79 reporting entities, grouped into seven regions, over the period 2013–2023. The methodology uses three empirical tools: (i) Tapio elasticity to classify types of decoupling; (ii) Kaya–LMDI decomposition to identify factors that determine emissions; and (iii) a log-difference panel model to separate year- and country-specific effects. The results indicate a reduction in carbon intensity in all regions, more pronounced in Europe and North America. According to the Tapio classification, Europe is in recessive decoupling, the Middle East is on the verge of expansive decoupling, North and South America are in strong expansive decoupling, and Asia Pacific, Africa, and CIS show only weak signals of expansive decoupling. The LMDI results show that, in regions with strong decoupling, the decrease in carbon intensity contributes to reducing emissions. In those with weak decoupling, the effects are partially canceled out by population growth and energy demand. Finally, the fixed-effects panel model does not identify any structural decoupling at the regional level. Overall, this study contributes to the literature by separating long-term structural effects from annual fluctuations. On this basis, we provide clear guidelines for designing regional energy policies.
  • ADOPTAREA TEHNOLOGIILOR DIGITALE ÎN IMM-URILE HORECA – O PERSPECTIVĂ MANAGERIALĂ
    Amfiteatru Economic, 2026
  • Nexus Between Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, and Economic Development: A Multi-Method Approach
    Laura Vasilescu, Mirela Sichigea, Cătălina Sitnikov, Laurențiu-Stelian Mihai
    Economies, 2025
    Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key driver of the energy transition and sustainable economic development. However, the specific mechanisms through which AI adoption impacts renewable energy production versus consumption remain poorly understood. This study addresses this research gap by empirically analyzing how three AI dimensions (investments, readiness, and projects) differently influenced renewable energy production and consumption across 30 countries (EU-27, USA, China, and UK) during 2020–2023. Additionally, the AI–energy transition nexus is analyzed in relation to economic development (GDP per capita) and carbon emissions (CO2). Employing robust regression, Gaussian graphical modeling, and cluster analysis, the study provides robust multidimensional validation. Empirical findings reveal that AI investments predominantly stimulate renewable energy production, while AI readiness and institutional ecosystems primarily drive renewable energy consumption. The following two country clusters emerge: advanced economies (USA, China, Germany, UK, and France) characterized by higher AI readiness and superior green-energy integration, and developing economies with significant catch-up potential. The study demonstrates AI’s dual role as both direct determinant and systemic mediator in the energy transition. Moreover, CO2 emissions show an asymmetric role, being positively correlated with renewable energy production but negatively linked with renewable energy consumption. These insights highlight the need for targeted policies that bridge economic and technological divides, thereby accelerating the renewable energy transition and enriching academic debates on technology-driven sustainability.
  • A Bibliometric Analysis of the Role of Digitalization in Achieving Sustainability-Oriented Innovation
    Laurențiu-Stelian Mihai, Valeri Viorel Sitnikov, Mirela Sichigea, Laura Vasilescu, Anca Băndoi, et al.
    Sustainability Switzerland, 2025
    In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the relationships among organizational digitalization, innovation, and sustainability are receiving growing academic and managerial attention. This paper employs bibliometric analysis to examine the scientific literature on these interconnected terms, based on 775 relevant publications retrieved from the Web of Science database and analyzed using MS Excel, Bibliometrix, and VOSviewer software packages. The findings reveal a rapid increase in research on digital transformation and sustainability since 2017, with key themes including Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and circular economy. However, the analysis also highlights notable conceptual fragmentation, emphasizing the need for a more integrated theoretical framework, especially in fields such as performance measurement and corporate social responsibility. From a practical standpoint, the study identifies research gaps—including CSR alignment, SME digitalization, and evaluation metrics—where organizations and policymakers continue to face challenges. These findings can support targeted capacity building, policy development, and strategic research funding aligned with sustainability-oriented innovation. By synthesizing key patterns from the literature, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how digital transformation drives sustainable innovation, while suggesting several directions for further investigation in both academia and practice.
  • MODELING ESG RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE EMPLOYABILITY-OPERATIONAL GROWTH-PROFITABILITY TRILOGY IN THE EUROPEAN FOOD SYSTEM
    Mirela Sichigea, Laura Vasilescu, Laurentiu Mihai, Catalina Sitnikov, and
    Amfiteatru Economic, 2025
    The development of a sustainable food system involves the coordinated efforts of all actors in the value chain. In this context, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices of companies play a key role, being closely related to their economic and financial resilience. The study uses the Gaussian Graphical Model (GGM) technique and the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to analyse the direct and indirect causal relationships between ESG ratings and the financial dimensions of European food companies: employability, operational growth
  • Disparities and Convergencies of CSR Across Europe: Bridging National Policies with Global Standards
    Laurențiu Mihai, Cătălina Sitnikov, Laura Vasilescu, Anca Băndoi, Leonardo-Geo Mănescu
    Palgrave Studies in Governance Leadership and Responsibility, 2025
  • Leveraging Digital Tools and Artificial Intelligence for Optimizing Organizational Processes and Decision-Making: A Bibliometric Analysis
    Laurențiu Mihai, Cătălina Sitnikov, Mirela Sichigea, Laura Vasilescu, Anca Băndoi, et al.
    Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics, 2025
  • A Study Regarding the Relationship between Carbon Emissions, Energy Consumption, and Economic Development in the Context of the Energy Growth Nexus
    Laurențiu-Stelian Mihai, Laura Vasilescu, Cătălina Sitnikov, Anca Băndoi, Leonardo-Geo Mănescu, et al.
    Energies, 2024
    As the EU strives to achieve its climate goals, it is becoming increasingly crucial to understand the complex relationships between economic activity, energy consumption, and carbon emissions. In this context, our paper aims to investigate the correlation between carbon emissions, energy consumption, and economic development. To fulfill our aim, we have used Eurostat and OECD data for the EU-27 member states for a period of 13 years (2010–2022), using a linear regression as the main analysis method. Our results have shown that there is a strong correlation between demand-based and production-based CO2 emissions as well as between production-based CO2 emissions and final energy consumption, while at the same time, our findings have shown that there is no direct correlation between energy consumption and economic development, aligning our study with the neutrality hypothesis of the energy growth nexus. This paper expands the ongoing discussion on sustainable development and climate change mitigation by conducting a thorough analysis of the EU-27 countries over a span of thirteen years. The results emphasize the need for integrated strategies that address both production and consumption emissions, emphasize the vital role of energy efficiency, and raise questions about the effectiveness of increasing energy consumption to enhance economic productivity or CO2 efficiency.
  • Strategic Management Practices of Romania’s Small and Medium Enterprises in the Digital Era
    Cătălina Sitnikov, Daniela Corina Rotescu, Rotescu Cristinel, Cristinel Sorin Spinu, Sofia Mihaela Romanescu, et al.
    Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics, 2024
  • Determinants of FDI Stock in Some Central European Countries
    Popescu Liviu, Brostescu Simina, Sitnikov Catalina, Vasilescu Laura
    Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 2023
    Given the importance of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the economy, the purpose of this study is to identify and investigate the economic indicators that can explain the development of FDI in the economies of Central and Eastern European countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Slovenia throughout the period 1995–2020. When developing multiple linear regression models, the following explanatory variables were considered: exports, imports, import concentration and diversification indices, the balance of trade, the balance of payments, and different components of the economic freedom index. Therefore, it was shown that a rise in exports and imports has a beneficial impact on enhancing the flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) in each of the nations examined for this study. Furthermore, an increase in the value of the import diversification index is shown to have a beneficial effect on the levels of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovenia, as determined by this study. On the other hand, the import concentration index has been shown to benefit foreign direct investment in Poland. Furthermore, it was discovered that the balance of payments was a positive factor in the Hungarian economy. In contrast, the trade balance was shown to be a positive element in Poland and Slovenia. Both indicators have positively impacted foreign direct investment (FDI) flow.
  • Performance of EU Countries in Managing Electrical and Electronic Equipment Waste in the Context of the Circular Economy
    Catalina Soriana Sitnikov, Laura Vasilescu, Anca Bandoi, Daniela Firoiu, Sorin Tudor, et al.
    Amfiteatru Economic, 2023
  • Green Economy—Green Jobs in the Context of Sustainable Development
    Anca Vasilica Tănasie, Luiza Loredana Năstase, Luminița Lucia Vochița, Andra Maria Manda, Geanina Iulia Boțoteanu, et al.
    Sustainability Switzerland, 2022
  • Funding, Turnover, Sustainability and Digital Technologies: A Multicriteria Research Model for SMEs Facing a Challenging Context
    Mara Del Baldo, Cătălina Sitnikov, Laura Vasilescu, Lucian Mandache, Radu Ogarcă, et al.
    Sustainability Switzerland, 2022
  • THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN RESOURCES COMPETENCIES IN ORGANISATIONAL CYBER RISK MANAGEMENT
    Anca Băndoi, Cătălina Sitnikov, Daniela Dănciulescu, Lucian Mandache, Ionut Riza
    Contemporary Studies in Economic and Financial Analysis, 2022
  • Societal Technological Megatrends: A Bibliometric Analysis from 1982 to 2021
    Florin Victor Jeflea, Daniela Danciulescu, Catalina Soriana Sitnikov, Dumitru Filipeanu, Jeong O Park, et al.
    Sustainability Switzerland, 2022
  • The Opportunity to Approach Sustainable Development from the Perspective of the Economic and Social Environment in the Context of the Covid-19 Crisis
    Cătălina Sitnikov, Mara Del Baldo, Ionela Staneci Drinceanu, Alina Mădălina Belu
    Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics, 2022
  • DIGITALISATION: A NEW ERA IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY FOR SUSTAINABILITY
    Sorana Vătavu, Oana-Ramona Lobonţ, Cătălina Sitnikov, Florin Costea
    Contemporary Studies in Economic and Financial Analysis, 2022
  • CSR 4.0 Dimensions in Relation to the Advantages of Industry 4.0
    Anca Băndoi, Cătălina Sitnikov, Anca Tănasie, Ionut Riza
    Insurance and Risk Management for Disruptions in Social Economic and Environmental Systems Decision and Control Allocations within New Domains of Risk, 2022
  • Smart storage and grid services based on removable modular batteries for EV
    Leonardo-Geo Manescu, Denisa Rusinaru, Cosmin Buzatu, Lucian Mandache, Anca Bandoi, et al.
    2021 International Conference on Applied and Theoretical Electricity Icate 2021 Proceedings, 2021
  • Including sustainable reporting practices in corporate management reports: Assessing the impact of transparency on economic performance
    Anca Băndoi, Claudiu George Bocean, Mara Del Baldo, Lucian Mandache, Leonardo Geo Mănescu, et al.
    Sustainability Switzerland, 2021
  • Methods for predicting the future evolution of ghg emissions by domains
    Anca Băndoi, Claudiu George Bocean, Aurelia Florea, Lucian Mandache, Cătălina Soriana Sitnikov, et al.
    Contemporary Studies in Economic and Financial Analysis, 2021
  • Transversal Analysis of Predictors, Mediators and Related Effects of Heavy Work Investment
    Claudiu George Bocean, Anca Antoaneta Varzaru, Anca Bandoi, Catalina Soriana Sitnikov, and
    Amfiteatru Economic, 2020
  • Preface
    Csr Sustainability Ethics and Governance, 2020
  • Current Approaches and New Paradigms in Educational Institutions Social Responsibility
    Claudiu George Bocean, Catalina Soriana Sitnikov, Dalia Simion, Sorin Tudor, Monica Logofatu
    Csr Sustainability Ethics and Governance, 2020
  • ISO 26000: Is It a Case of Implementation or Simple Reporting? An Exploration of CSR Standards in Companies in Romania
    Claudiu Bocean, Catalina Sitnikov
    Csr Sustainability Ethics and Governance, 2019

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Regional Energy Transition: Decoupling CO 2 Emissions and Policy Perspectives
    RM Drăcea, M Cristea, C Sitnikov, I Nimerenco, A Nedelcu
    Sustainability 18 (2), 652 , 2026
    2026
    Citations: 1
  • Disparities and Convergencies of CSR Across Europe: Bridging National Policies with Global Standards
    L Mihai, C Sitnikov, L Vasilescu, A Băndoi, LG Mănescu
    The Social Responsibility of Public Administration: Cases, Models and … , 2025
    2025
  • Nexus between artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and economic development: a multi-method approach
    L Vasilescu, M Sichigea, C Sitnikov, LS Mihai
    Economies 13 (9), 271 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 2
  • A Bibliometric Analysis of the Role of Digitalization in Achieving Sustainability-Oriented Innovation
    LS Mihai, VV Sitnikov, M Sichigea, L Vasilescu, A Băndoi, C Sitnikov, ...
    Sustainability 17 (13), 5822 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 8
  • MODELING ESG RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE EMPLOYABILITY-OPERATIONAL GROWTH-PROFITABILITY TRILOGY IN THE EOROPEAN FOOD SYSTEM
    M Sichigea, L Vasilescu, L Mihai, C Sitnikov
    Amfiteatru Economic 27 (69), 329-350 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 2
  • Competitiveness and Sustainability in the Digitization Era
    SO Idowu, C Sitnikov, A Băndoi, E Özen
    Springer , 2025
    2025
  • Leveraging Digital Tools and Artificial Intelligence for Optimizing Organizational Processes and Decision-Making: A Bibliometric Analysis
    L Mihai, C Sitnikov, M Sichigea, L Vasilescu, A Băndoi, LG Mănescu
    International Conference on Competitiveness and Stability in the Knowledge … , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 2
  • A study regarding the relationship between carbon emissions, energy consumption, and economic development in the context of the energy growth nexus
    LS Mihai, L Vasilescu, C Sitnikov, A Băndoi, LG Mănescu, L Mandache
    Energies 17 (17), 4526 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 7
  • A systematic analysis of new approaches to digital economic education based on the use of AI technologies
    L Mihai, LG Mănescu, L Vasilescu, A Băndoi, C Sitnikov
    Amfiteatru Economic 26 (65), 201-219 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 9
  • Assessing and forecasting current and future trends of ict employment in european enterprises
    V Brabete, F Petcu, C Sitnikov, L Vasilescu
    BRAIN. Broad Research in Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience 14 (4), 1-40 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 1
  • Exploring Empirical Correlations among Energy Efficiency, Energy Productivity, Energy Use and Economic Development in EU Countries
    MA Tudor, L Vasilescu, L Mihai, C Sitnikov
    BRAIN. Broad Research in Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience 14 (4 … , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 2
  • Strategic management practices of Romania’s small and medium enterprises in the digital era
    C Sitnikov, DC Rotescu, R Cristinel, CS Spinu, SM Romanescu, I Riza
    Griffiths School of Management and IT Annual Conference on Business … , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 2
  • The Importance of Managerial Control Systems in the Framework of Economic Entities in Romania
    C Sitnikov, CM Mihalcea, SM Romanescu
    Revista de Management Comparat International 24 (1), 21-34 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 2
  • Improving the Management of Local Public Administration
    C Sitnikov, CM Mihalcea, SM Romanescu
    Ovidius University Annals, Economic Sciences Series 23 (1), 787-795 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 1
  • Performance of EU countries in managing electrical and electronic equipment waste in the context of the circular economy
    CS Sitnikov, L Vasilescu, A Bandoi, D Firoiu, S Tudor
    Amfiteatru Economic 25 (62), 115-133 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 6
  • The Opportunity to Approach Sustainable Development from the Perspective
    C Sitnikov, M Del Baldo, IS Drinceanu
    Post-Pandemic Realities and Growth in Eastern Europe: The Griffiths School … , 2022
    2022
  • Digitalisation: A new era in the energy industry for sustainability
    S Vătavu, OR Lobonţ, C Sitnikov, F Costea
    2022
    Citations: 1
  • Green economy—green jobs in the context of sustainable development
    AV Tănasie, LL Năstase, LL Vochița, AM Manda, GI Boțoteanu, ...
    Sustainability 14 (8), 4796 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 71
  • The importance of human resources competencies in organisational cyber risk management
    A Băndoi, C Sitnikov, D Dănciulescu, L Mandache, I Riza
    2022
    Citations: 8
  • Funding, turnover, sustainability and digital technologies: a multicriteria research model for SMEs facing a challenging context
    M Del Baldo, C Sitnikov, L Vasilescu, L Mandache, R Ogarcă, A Băndoi, ...
    Sustainability 14 (7), 3953 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 20

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Green economy—green jobs in the context of sustainable development
    AV Tănasie, LL Năstase, LL Vochița, AM Manda, GI Boțoteanu, ...
    Sustainability 14 (8), 4796 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 71
  • Including Sustainable Reporting Practices in Corporate Management Reports: Assessing the Impact of Transparency on Economic Performance
    A Băndoi, CG Bocean, M Del Baldo, L Mandache, LG Mănescu, ...
    Sustainability 13 (2), 940 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 63
  • Societal technological megatrends: A bibliometric analysis from 1982 to 2021
    FV Jeflea, D Danciulescu, CS Sitnikov, D Filipeanu, JO Park, A Tugui
    Sustainability 14 (3), 1543 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 48
  • Triple bottom line
    CS Sitnikov
    Encyclopedia of corporate social responsibility, 2558-2564 , 2013
    2013
    Citations: 46
  • Risk management model from the perspective of the implementing ISO 9001: 2015 standard within financial services companies
    CS Sitnikov, CG Bocean, D Berceanu, R Pîrvu
    Amfiteatru Economic Journal 19 (Special Issue No. 11), 1017-1034 , 2017
    2017
    Citations: 35
  • Assessment criteria of e-learning environments quality
    G Grigoraş, D Dănciulescu, C Sitnikov
    Procedia Economics and Finance 16, 40-46 , 2014
    2014
    Citations: 32
  • Matrix model for choosing green marketing sustainable strategic alternatives
    CS Sitnikov, L Vasilescu, R Ogarcă, S Tudor
    Amfiteatru Economic Journal 17 (40), 909-926 , 2015
    2015
    Citations: 31
  • Relationships among social and environmental responsibility and business
    CS Sitnikov, CG Bocean
    Amfiteatru Economic 15 (7), 759-768 , 2013
    2013
    Citations: 31
  • The role of risk management in ISO 9001: 2015
    CS Sitnikov, CG Bocean
    Proceedings of 9th International Management Conference: Management and … , 2015
    2015
    Citations: 28
  • New approaches of consumers' protection in terms of management systems' international standards evolution
    CS Sitnikov, CG Bocean
    Amfiteatru Economic 12 (28), 360-372 , 2010
    2010
    Citations: 28
  • Corporate social responsibility through the lens of ISO standards
    CS Sitnikov, CG Bocean
    Business Excellence and Management 2 (4), 56-66 , 2012
    2012
    Citations: 25
  • Setting international standards in human resources
    CG Bocean, CS Sitnikov
    Management & Marketing Journal 13 (1), 16-22 , 2015
    2015
    Citations: 24
  • Funding, turnover, sustainability and digital technologies: a multicriteria research model for SMEs facing a challenging context
    M Del Baldo, C Sitnikov, L Vasilescu, L Mandache, R Ogarcă, A Băndoi, ...
    Sustainability 14 (7), 3953 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 20
  • ISO 26000-a standardized view on corporate social responsibility: practices, cases and controversies
    SO Idowu, C Sitnikov, L Moratis
    Springer , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 20
  • Responsibilities in management of tourist destinations.
    M Mazilu, C Sitnikov
    Management & Marketing Journal 8 (2) , 2010
    2010
    Citations: 15
  • Relationships between corporate social responsibility and strategic planning
    C Sitnikov, C Bocean
    Stages of Corporate Social Responsibility: From Ideas to Impacts, 121-137 , 2016
    2016
    Citations: 13
  • Corporate sustainability and organizational change. Case of OMV Petrom
    CS Sitnikov, CG Bocean
    Amfiteatru Economic Journal 14 (32), 323-332 , 2012
    2012
    Citations: 13
  • EDUCATION–RESEARCH PROCESS FROM QUALITY MANAGEMENT MODELS’PERSPECTIVE
    C Sitnikov
    Revista tinerilor economişti, 123-132 , 2011
    2011
    Citations: 13
  • Essential Issues in Corporate Social Responsibility: New Insights and Recent Issues
    SO Idowu, C Sitnikov
    Springer Nature , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 12
  • Management strategic
    T Nistorescu, C Sitnikov
    Editura Sitech, Craiova , 2003
    2003
    Citations: 12