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Investigating Economics Students’ Perception of the Recent Trends in Globalization, Localization, and Slowbalization

Author

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  • Titus Suciu

    (Department of Finance, Accounting and Economic Theory, Transilvania University of Brașov, 500036 Brasov, Romania)

  • Alexandra Zamfirache

    (Department of Management and Economic Informatics, Transilvania University of Brașov, 500036 Brasov, Romania)

  • Ruxandra-Gabriela Albu

    (Department of Management and Economic Informatics, Transilvania University of Brașov, 500036 Brasov, Romania)

  • Ileana Tache

    (Department of Marketing, Tourism Services and International Business, Transilvania University of Brașov, 500036 Brasov, Romania)

Abstract

This study investigates the perceptions of economics students from Romania’s Central Region regarding the global phenomena of globalization, localization, and slowbalization (GLS), analyzed through the lens of environmental, economic, and educational sustainability. The research highlights a high level of awareness and understanding of globalization and localization, while the concept of slowbalization remains relatively unfamiliar and often perceived with uncertainty or neutrality. Most respondents view globalization as the most sustainable model for long-term economic development, emphasizing its contributions to international trade, market expansion, investment flows, and access to global education and research. At the same time, localization is recognized for its role in preserving cultural identity, strengthening local economies, and addressing pressing environmental issues through low-carbon solutions. Regarding educational sustainability, students support a hybrid model that balances global exposure with the appreciation of local knowledge and traditions—a glocal approach particularly endorsed by master’s students. The study also reveals statistically significant differences between undergraduate and graduate respondents, indicating more mature perspectives among those in advanced studies. The paper could help in course design and lesson engagement and concludes by recommending curricular reforms in economic education and proposing future interdisciplinary, comparative, and qualitative research to deepen understanding of GLS dynamics, particularly in the context of emerging global trends and technological transformations.

Suggested Citation

  • Titus Suciu & Alexandra Zamfirache & Ruxandra-Gabriela Albu & Ileana Tache, 2025. "Investigating Economics Students’ Perception of the Recent Trends in Globalization, Localization, and Slowbalization," Economies, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-23, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jecomi:v:13:y:2025:i:9:p:248-:d:1730349
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Beine, Michel & Noël, Romain & Ragot, Lionel, 2014. "Determinants of the international mobility of students," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 40-54.
    2. Geoffrey Ditta, 2022. "Cross Borders Companies and Worldwide Industry Management. Past, present, and future for businesses at time of slowbalization," Academicus International Scientific Journal, Entrepreneurship Training Center Albania, issue 26, pages 78-92, July.
    3. Robert Peterson & Dwight Merunka, 2014. "Convenience samples of college students and research reproducibility," Post-Print hal-01822317, HAL.
    4. Peterson, Robert A. & Merunka, Dwight R., 2014. "Convenience samples of college students and research reproducibility," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 67(5), pages 1035-1041.
    5. Pedro Antonio Martín Cervantes & Nuria Rueda López & Salvador Cruz Rambaud, 2020. "The Effect of Globalization on Economic Development Indicators: An Inter-Regional Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-18, March.
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