Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.17234/SocEkol.34.2.3
A new approach to enhancing sustainable economic growth in Croatia: an ANFIS analysis of variable interplay
Ana Markuz
orcid.org/0000-0001-8839-5585
; Libertas International University
Abstract
Economic growth rests on human capital, along with natural resources, technological innovation and capital,
which points to a strong interdependence between the quality of effective management and production
inputs. Energy efficiency is an effective instrument for achieving competitiveness and economic growth.
While renewable energy in the energy mix can reduce import dependence and energy supply uncertainty, as
well as help decarbonize industry, exploiting synergies between energy and industrial policies will be key for
achieving competitiveness. This scientific paper explores modalities for improving the management of energy
efficiency measures through an analysis of the interdependence of selected variables and their impact on the
observed output variables, energy efficiency and energy productivity. A new approach indicates the variables
that should be considered when choosing the direction for Croatia’s faster transition and economic prosperity.
The selected variables tend to be nonlinear, so fuzzy logic is used to reduce uncertainty in decision-making
in the presence of such nonlinearities. The adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was deployed for
the new approach in connecting such variables and yielding better modelling results. Additionally, expert
knowledge was introduced through a survey of Croatian entrepreneurs, for validation purposes. The analysis
of the interdependence of variables provides valuable insight for future interventions, and in EU member
states, indicates the need for a different model of effective governance. In this context, an improved, optimal
model is constructed, which can, if applied, help Croatia achieve faster economic growth.
Keywords
adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system; Croatia; energy efficiency; innovative governance model; sustainable economic development
Hrčak ID:
335603
URI
Publication date:
16.9.2025.
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