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The Clarity of the Information Regarding the Bioeconomy: An Analysis of the Reports Published by the Organizations

Author

Listed:
  • Viorel Avram

    (The Bucharest University of Economic Studies)

  • Daniela Artemisa Calu

    (The Bucharest University of Economic Studies)

  • Valentin Florentin Dumitru

    (The Bucharest University of Economic Studies)

  • Tatiana Danescu

    (University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu Mure?)

Abstract

Bioeconomy is a material potential source of sustainable growth that calls for new approaches in research and innovation to bring about concrete improvements in Europe’s social, economic and environmental wellfare. The purpose of our research is to evaluate the clarity of reports published by organizations. The assessment of the clarity of the published reports is done for both financial and non-financial information (containing elements related to bioeconomy). The steps of this research are: (i) the investigation of the clarity of the information included in the sustainability reports, and (ii) explanation of the atypical evolution of the clarity score, using the characteristics of the cultural dimensions of the home country. We analysed 77 reports published on the websites of 17 organizations in three environmentally-sensitive activity domains in 11 countries. Using content analysis, we determine an annual score of information clarity for each organization. The results of the research show that after switching to integrated reporting in 2013 the score of information clarity was improved for 65% of the companies. Eleven organizations have a degree of information clarity for the reports published in 2013 and 2016 better than for those published in 2010. We find five atypical cases for which the score of information clarity remains the same for all the three periods under investigation. These cases have been analyzed from the point of view of the cultural characteristics existing in the organization’s home country. Through our research we provide feedback to organizations on how they can improve the clarity of their published reports.

Suggested Citation

  • Viorel Avram & Daniela Artemisa Calu & Valentin Florentin Dumitru & Tatiana Danescu, 2019. "The Clarity of the Information Regarding the Bioeconomy: An Analysis of the Reports Published by the Organizations," The AMFITEATRU ECONOMIC journal, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 21(50), pages 1-41, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:aes:amfeco:v:21:y:2019:i:50:p:41
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    bioeconomy; sustainability reporting; integrated reporting; clarity of information.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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