he completion of the Study on the Assessment of the Economic, Social, and Environmental Impact of the Pig Farming Sector in Romania represented a valuable opportunity to analyze in depth this industry, which is essential for the economy and agriculture of Romania. The qualitative research conducted allowed us to gain detailed insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by pig farmers, as well as to identify solutions for the sustainable development of the sector. Furthermore, the interviews carried out as part of the qualitative research provided the authors from the academic environment with the opportunity to connect with practitioners and exchange experiences with significant synergy for both parties. This study would not have been possible without the financial support provided by PENNY Romania, a dedicated partner in promoting responsible practices in the agrifood industry. Their active involvement demonstrated a genuine concern for the sustainable development of the supply chain and for strengthening a competitive livestock sector at the national level. The research results provide both authorities and industry stakeholders with a solid foundation for making informed decisions, aimed at supporting the modernization and efficiency of the pig farming sector. We appreciate the support provided by the Assoc. Prof. Dr. Simona Roxana Pătărlăgeanu Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest interviewed producers and PENNY Romania, and we are confident that the study’s findings will contribute to shaping sustainable and effective development strategies for the future. As a member of the research team, I greatly appreciated the opportunity provided through the partnership with PENNY Romania within the 3RO project. This collaboration perfectly illustrates how universities can contribute scientific expertise to solve concrete challenges in the real economy, generating applied research with tangible impact. The funding of this study allowed our team to conduct an in-depth analysis of the pig farming sector, with results that are relevant both for the academic environment and the industry. We had the opportunity to explore the dynamics of this sector in detail, and the pragmatic approach of the partnership significantly enhanced the relevance and applicability of our conclusions. The results obtained confirm the belief that smart investments in the agricultural sector yield multiplied returns for the national economy. Thus, I am confident that our study can contribute to the foundation of strategic decisions aimed at fully harnessing Romania’s potential in this essential field. I sincerely thank the PENNY Romania team for their initiative and the financial support provided to this research project, which makes a valuable contribution to a better understanding of the pig farming sector in Romania. I hope that this collaboration will become an example of good practice for other partnerships between the academic and business sectors. Prof.univ.dr. Raluca Drăcea Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest
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