ACTIVITIES
IUS FBA Project: Determinants and Outcomes of Different Types of Innovations in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Role of Green Practices
Team from the Faculty of Business and Public Administration (FBA) at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS), led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emil Knezović, will be working on the project "Determinants and Outcomes of Different Types of Innovations in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Role of Green Practices." The project aims to investigate the determinants and consequences of various types of innovations in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and establish the connection between innovations and environmental (green) practices. Other members of the project team include Asst. Prof. Dr. Hamza Smajić, a third-cycle student Aida Hamur, and a second-cycle student Neira Zulić.
The research is related to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Firstly, the research promotes innovation in SMEs, which is related to industry, innovation, and infrastructure (Goal No. 9). Additionally, the focus on green practices in the research contributes to sustainable consumption and production (Goal No. 12) and sustainable economic growth and decent work (Goal No. 8). The project is based on quantitative methods, and the team plans to conduct primary cross-sectional data collection.
The project is supported by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of the Canton Sarajevo through the Public Call for co-financing scientific/research/artistic/research and development projects and programs from the budget of the Canton Sarajevo for the year 2023.
Data Collection for the Project Completed
Data collection for the project officially began on December 1, 2023. Initially, companies were selected using a random sampling method from the Dun & Bradstreet database. Following the selection, necessary contacts were gathered, and the companies were contacted via email. This email included a cover letter describing the study and a link to the questionnaire. Before accessing the questionnaire, participants had to give their consent.
Despite the careful planning, the response rate from the companies was lower than anticipated. This challenge, foreseen in the project proposal, led us to also collect data using conventional methods in parallel. Consequently, the data collection period was extended by one month, with the new deadline set for April 1, 2024.
The data collection was successfully completed, thanks to the significant contributions of IUS students: Ms. Selma Krivokapa, Ms. Sajra Hodžić, Mr. Enes Serkan Akıncı, Ms. Inaya Duran, and Ms. Hanan Babić.
The team is looking forward to the next phase of the project.
Authors Presented the Paper at the 3rd International Conference on Advances In Science and Technology
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emil Knezović, Assist. Prof. Dr. Hamza Smajić, MA candidate Ms. Neira Zulić, and Ph.D. candidate Ms. Aida Hamur presented the paper at the 3rd International Conference on Advances In Science and Technology in Herceg Novi, Montenegro, from May 29 to June 1. The paper was titled "Innovation in SMEs in Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Role of Green Entrepreneurial Orientation."
Their research showed that green entrepreneurial orientation positively relates to different types of innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The presentation received excellent feedback from the audience. Additionally, the team presented the International University of Sarajevo and their project to other participants and made valuable connections for future collaborations.
Dr. Knezović Presented the Paper at the 7th International Conference on Management and Organization: Managing Paradoxes In and Across Organizations
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emil Knezović presented a paper at the 7th International Conference on Management and Organization: Managing Paradoxes In and Across Organizations in Belgrade, Serbia, on June 20-21, 2024. The paper, titled "Organizational Characteristics and Business Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Role of Green Innovations," demonstrated that green innovations significantly influence business performance.
Dr. Knezović highlighted how green innovations act as both a determinant and a mediator in enhancing business outcomes. He also used the conference to promote the university and project and to develop valuable relationships for future collaborations.
Project Results Presentation
On Thursday, September 19, 2024, the Faculty of Business and Administration (FBA) hosted a presentation of research results for the project.
The event brought together representatives from academia, students, and business professionals to engage with the findings. The presentation was well-received, emphasizing the critical role of sustainable business practices in driving innovation within SMEs.
The project was funded by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Sarajevo Canton, which has been a long-standing supporter of research initiatives at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS). By backing projects like this exploration of innovation in SMEs, the Ministry continues to contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge and the development of practical solutions to contemporary challenges, fostering collaboration between academia and industry.
