National Recovery and Resilience Plan Projects

Project title: Innovation, Security Challenges and Competitiveness in the Global Environment

Project acronym: GO-INNOSEC

Project code: uniri-iz-25-5

Principal investigator: Prof. Tomislav Galović, PhD, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka

Scientific field: Social Sciences

Abstract:

The global economy is marked by unexpected repercussions of political instability, associated security challenges, and radical trade protectionism. Global geopolitical trends and the dynamics of economic power are steering the world toward a multipolar economic, political, and security order. Security and economic challenges are slowing global innovative activity, fostering technological isolation, reducing investments in innovation, and deepening the technological divide among countries in the global environment. However, global competition, the need for sustainability, and digital transformation are strengthening innovative capacities and the competitiveness of the global economy. In modern times of rapid technological advancement, 3 key phenomena—innovation, security challenges, and competitiveness—are emerging as pivotal forces shaping national and global policies. This research emphasizes the impact of security challenges on the innovativeness and competitiveness of businesses, sectors, and states in the global environment. Countries that prioritize innovation, invest in R&D, and create favorable business environments enhance their global competitiveness. However, current security challenges can significantly diminish this competitiveness. Terrorism, cyberterrorism, and armed conflicts can paralyze economies and create an atmosphere of uncertainty, which substantially reduces innovative activity. Based on scientific findings, this study will demonstrate the influence of current security challenges (terrorism, cyberterrorism, geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts) on the innovativeness and competitiveness of businesses in the global environment.The research will provide a detailed analysis of security challenges, innovativeness, and competitiveness in the business sectors of Croatia, the EU, and the world. It will propose a scientifically grounded foundation for enhancing competitiveness and innovation policies in the global environment. The aim of the research is to design and propose scientifically based guidelines for mitigating security challenges and fostering the growth of competitiveness and innovativeness of businesses in the global environment.

Project team members:

• Assist. Prof. Ivan Uroda, PhD, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka
• Davorin Balaž, PhD, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka
• Prof. Heri Bezić, PhD, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka
• Assoc. Prof. Petar Mišević, PhD, University North / Croatian Chamber of Economy
• Assoc. Prof. Petra Karanikić, PhD, LL.M., Faculty of Biotechnology and Drug Development, University of Rijeka
• Prof. Boštjan Antončič, PhD, Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
• Assist. Prof. Marko Šundov, PhD, Stano-uprava d.o.o., Split / Nikola Tesla University of Applied Sciences, Gospić
• Igor Arapović, MSc (Univ. Spec. Oec.), Hrvatska elektroprivreda (HEP), Plomin / Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka

Project title: Supply chain transparency and resilience – the perspective of small and medium-sized enterprises

Project acronym: SCTIR

Project code: uniri-mz-25-7

Principal investigator: Doc. dr.sc. Petra Adelajda Zaninović mag.oec.

Scientific field: Social Sciences

Abstract:

Supply chain transparency is increasingly attracting the attention of companies, policy makers and academics. Due to increasing pressure from regulators, but also from ever more demanding customers, companies are considering bringing more transparency into their businesses. However, there is still insufficient understanding of the risks and benefits that a higher level of transparency brings, as well as the potential impact on business performance and resilience. A resilient supply chain is defined by its capacity for resilience and recovery. The area of supply chain transparency is under-researched and still in its infancy, so to speak. The existing literature highlights the need for further research on supply chain transparency, especially due to the European Union’s directive requiring all large companies to report on corporate sustainability (ESG) from 2025, which implies greater transparency. On the other hand, small and mediumsized companies are currently not legally obliged to report. Nevertheless, there is direct and indirect pressure for more transparency for both small and medium-sized companies. The aim of this research project is therefore to analyse the existing practises and determinants of supply chain transparency, identify potential risks and benefits of increased transparency, and assess the potential impact on business performance and supply chain resilience. The project aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field of supply chain transparency and provide concrete recommendations for the design or improvement of existing transparency policies. From a practical perspective, the project results will benefit companies by providing them with clear guidance on how to implement transparency in their supply chains, which would contribute to their long-term business success and compliance with international regulatory trends.

Project title: Regulation and Sustainability in Finance: Challenges and Opportunities for the Stability of the Financial System

Project acronym: ROFIS

Project code: uniri-iz-25-33

Principal investigator:: Doc. dr. sc. Stella Suljić Nikolaj, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka

Scientific field: Social Sciences

Abstract:

Regulation is essential for the stability of the financial system, particularly in the context of global challenges, the development of innovative financial products, and economic crises, as effective regulatory frameworks reduce systemic risks, ensure market transparency, and prevent manipulation. Given the increasing negative impact of climate change on society and the economy, regulation must incorporate sustainability risks and ESG objectives, thereby contributing to financial stability and sustainable development. In addition to regulation, other elements of the “safety net” also play a crucial role in reducing systemic risks and strengthening trust in the financial system: supervision, the central bank as the “lender of last resort”, and the deposit insurance system. Sustainable finance is becoming an indispensable part of the financial system by directing capital towards projects with positive environmental and social impacts. The development of instruments such as green bonds and sustainable loans creates new opportunities but also requires appropriate regulation to prevent misuse and preserve stability. In addition to regulatory frameworks, central banks as banking system supervisors are increasingly integrating climate risks into their supervisory processes and stress testing. At the same time, FinTech innovations are improving access to financial services but bring challenges such as volatility and market manipulation, requiring regulatory adjustments to ensure alignment with the goals of financial stability and sustainability.

This project will explore the role of regulation and other elements of the financial “safety net” in maintaining financial stability, with a particular focus on the integration of sustainable financial instruments and FinTech innovations, as well as the effectiveness of regulatory measures in mitigating the risks associated with emerging financial trends.

Keywords: safety net elements, financial stability, systemic risk, ESG, FinTech.

Project team members:

• Izv. prof. dr. sc. Dario Maradin, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Izv. prof. dr. sc. Veljko Dmitrović, Fakultet organizacijskih znanosti, Sveučilište u Beogradu (Fakultet organizacionih nauka, Univerzitet u Beogradu)
• Ornella Jadreškić, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Prof. dr. sc. Ana Štambuk, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Doc.dr.sc. Jakub Kubiczek, Ekonomsko sveučilište u Katovicama, Katedra za gospodarske i financijske analize (Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny w Katowicach, Katedra Analiz Gospodarczych i Finansowych)
• Dr.sc. Denis Buterin, Ministarstvo financija – Porezna uprava Rijeka
• Dr.sc. Slađana Andrian Sredojević, Udruženje banaka Srbije
• Romina Pešut, Ekonomski fakultet, Sveučilište u Rijeci

Project title: Globalization and the Future of Capitalism: Post-Capitalist Visions OR Can Capitalism Survive the Trend of De-/Re-Globalization and De-Growth?

Project acronym: GBKPVKDE2RE

Project code: uniri-iz-25-52

Principal investigator: Izv.prof.dr.sc. Pavle Jakovac, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka

Scientific field: Social Sciences

Abstract:

(Mega)capitalism, as the dominant economic system of the modern era, is facing growing challenges that call into question its long-term sustainability. Globalization, which for decades has facilitated the expansion of capitalist markets, is now under pressure from opposing trends—deglobalization, protectionism, and the regionalization of trade flows. At the same time, the concept of degrowth is becoming increasingly present in academic and political debates as a response to the ecological and social crises caused by the imperative of constant economic growth. This project explores whether capitalism can survive without global market expansion and continuous economic growth, as well as which alternatives could shape a post-capitalist future. Key trends will be analyzed, including trade conflicts, global capital flows, legal and institutional aspects of economic transformations, financial integration(s), the restructuring of global supply chains, the digital economy, and new forms of (collective) ownership. Additionally, the project will examine how neoliberal capitalism responds to economic, ecological, and social challenges and what possibilities exist for transitioning toward more sustainable economic models. The methodological framework includes an interdisciplinary approach that combines qualitative and quantitative methods—historical analysis, econometric models, and case studies of alternative economic systems. Expected outcomes include an assessment of the impact of de- and reglobalization and degrowth on capitalism, as well as an analysis of the viability of post-capitalist visions. The project will contribute to academic and policy discussions on the future of the global economy and offer recommendations to mitigate the negative consequences of global economic transformations.

Project team members:

• Izv. prof. dr. sc. Dejan Bodul mag. iur., Pravni fakultet Rijeka
• Izv. prof. dr. sc. Marko Tomljanović univ. spec. oec., Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Red. prof.dr.sc. Igor Cvečić, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Red. prof. dr. sc. Mario Pečarić, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Tino Kusanović, Sveučilišni odjel za stručne studije, Sveučilište u Splitu
• Mario Bambulović, Hrvatska agencija za nadzor financijskih usluga
• Ivana Rogulj, The Institute for European Energy and Climate Policy (IEECP)

Project title: Modern Challenges of Sustainability Management

Project acronyma: SIMO

Project code: uniri-iz-25-76

Principal investigator: Red. prof. dr. sc. Nataša Rupčić dipl.oec, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka

Scientific field: Social Sciences

Abstract:

The accelerated changes in the internal and external environment pose new challenges for achieving a balance between efficiency, effectiveness and legitimacy as a long-term ability to meet the demands of stakeholders, which can be characterized as sustainability challenges. The proposed scientific research project integrates different aspects of sustainability with the aim of developing management theories, concepts and approaches that strengthen the resilience of organizations while balancing economic, social and environmental responsibility. One of the objectives of researching contemporary sustainability challenges is to investigate how complex systems adapt their operations, strategies and practices by integrating the interests of different stakeholders, i.e. by acting in a socially responsible manner. It is crucial to develop the behavioral complexity of the system and its members in order to achieve resilience and sustainability goals at individual, organizational and societal levels through innovation and change management. This process is primarily based on learning, especially organizational learning in agile, learning organizations. An important factor in this context is the process of human resource management, especially in building the so-called ‘organizational citizenship behavior’ that can contribute to sustainability and resilience. It is also important to consider the importance of leadership, especially ethical leadership, and its role in the sustainability of employees’ work in terms of greater personal well-being, satisfaction and engagement at work in order to achieve organizational sustainability and resilience.

Project team members:

• Izv. prof. dr. sc. Luka Samaržija, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Doc. dr. sc. Dejan Miljenović, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Dr.sc. Ismar Velić, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Izv. prof. dr. sc. M. Bahadır Kalıpçı, Akdeniz University, Turkey
• Izv. prof. dr. sc. Sumita Srivastava, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra, UP, INDIA
• Doc. dr. sc. Rinku Sanjeev, Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies, NOIDA (A constituent of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune)
• Doc. dr. sc. Nidhi Natrajan, Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies, NOIDA (A constituent of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune)
• Marko Lukavac, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Iva Adžić Kušt, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Dalibor Čavić, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Deepak Shah, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra, UP, INDIA

Project title: Health-Related Quality of Life and Antimicrobial Resistance in Croatia: Population Norms and Situational Analysis

Project acronym: HRQOL-AMR

Project code: uniri-iz-25-193

Principal investigator: Izv. prof. dr. sc. Ana Bobinac, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka

Scientific field: Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract:

The project proposal titled “Health-Related Quality of Life and Antimicrobial Resistance in Croatia: Population Norms and Situational Analysis” focuses on two key objectives: determining the first population norms for the EQ-5D-5L instrument in Croatia and conducting the first study on habits, knowledge, attitudes, and treatment costs associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Croatia. The project adopts an interdisciplinary approach, combining economic, health, and social perspectives to improve understanding of quality of life and health challenges related to AMR.

The first objective is to calculate the first EQ-5D-5L population norms for Croatia, enabling the standardization of health outcome assessments, comparisons of quality of life across countries, and better public health policy design. EQ-5D-5L is the most commonly used generic instrument for measuring health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The results will include an analysis of regional inequalities, the impact of health literacy, and the creation of an interactive HRQoL map for Croatia.

The second objective is to investigate AMR in the general Croatian population through an online survey. The focus is on understanding risks associated with AMR, antibiotic use and disposal practices, hygiene habits, and willingness to change behavior. The study will also calculate the cost of AMR-related treatments in Croatia. Results will identify “gaps” in citizens’ knowledge and habits, provide recommendations for public health policies, and encourage educational campaigns. The study will be replicated among students at the Faculty of Economics and Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka through an interdisciplinary student project.

For EQ-5D-5L norms, data will be collected via face-to-face surveys on a representative sample of 1,000 Croatian citizens. Analysis will include descriptive statistics, regression models, and mapping results on an interactive map. AMR research will use an online questionnaire with a sample of 1,000 respondents and analyze socio-demographic inequalities using regression models. AMR costs will be estimated using OECD methodology.

The project aims to contribute to data-driven public health policies, improve understanding of HRQoL and AMR, and support open science by creating publicly accessible databases and interactive tools. Additionally, involving students in research fosters innovative teaching methods and interdisciplinary collaboration. This project has significant scientific, social, and economic potential by improving quality of life, reducing AMR-related costs, and strengthening capacities for interdisciplinary research and international collaboration.

Project team members:

• Dr.sc. Ismar Velić, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Izv.prof.Luka Vončina, dr.med, Fakultet zdravstvenih studija (predavač, naslovni izv.prof) zaposlen u Freyr doo
• Doc. dr.sc. Mirna Bobinac dr.med., Medicinski fakultet
• Dr. Igor Francetić, Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) i Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, University of Manchester
• Izv. prof. dr.sc. Maja Grdinić, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Izv. prof. dr. sc. Nikolina Dukić Samaržija, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka

Project title: Music induced nostalgia in advertising

Project acronym: NIGLO

Project code: uniri-mz-25-47

Principal investigator: Doc. dr. sc. Matia Torbarina, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka

Scientific field: Social Sciences

Abstract:

With the proliferation of new communication channels, particularly digital ones, advertisers face an increasingly difficult task of standing out in the crowd. The primary goal of advertising is to capture consumer attention, and one of the most effective ways to do so is by featuring a human face in advertisements. Consumer behavior models suggest that once an ad has successfully drawn attention and made consumers aware of it, the next step is to elicit an emotional response.

This can be achieved in various ways, such as displaying positive emotions in the ad or crafting messages in an upbeat and affirmative manner. However, one relatively underutilized yet highly effective trigger of positive emotions is music. While most studies on the effects of music in marketing have focused on elements like tempo and rhythm, fewer have examined the impact of exposure to specific types of music.

Hearing, after smell, is the sense most strongly linked to positive autobiographical memories. This project aims to determine whether a particular time period, relative to a consumer’s age, is most closely associated with positive emotions, making it a potential tool for pairing with brands or advertisements. The findings of this research would contribute to a deeper understanding of emotional responses to music and the influence of nostalgia on future consumer behavior. Several experimental studies will be conducted throughout the project to address the research question: How does music-induced nostalgia influence key advertising outcomes? The research will focus on participants over the age of 30, as nostalgic memories are most commonly associated with late adolescence and early adulthood.

The findings could have practical applications in the business world by introducing an additional layer of segmentation, allowing for more personalized advertising. For example, incorporating tailored music backgrounds in social media ads or designing entire campaigns based on specific songs.

Project title: Resilient entrepreneurs for resilient communities: the role of local context in micro and small business resilience

Project acronym: OTPORNOST MIKROPOD

Project code: uniri-iz-25-201

Principal investigator: Izv. prof. dr. sc. Mirjana Grčić Fabić, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka

Scientific field: Social Sciences

Abstract:

Research in the field of entrepreneurship is characterized by a lack of valorization of the environment and place as a source of competitiveness and the formation of strategies for the survival, growth and development of micro and small enterprises (Leick et al. 2024, Iacobucci, Perugini 2021). Micro and small entrepreneurship represents a particularly vulnerable group of economic entities that, due to their often limited resources and growth capacity, find it difficult to adapt to crises and shocks, but which, owing to their flexibility and innovation, represent a key mechanism for the dynamics and revitalization of the economy, social cohesion and local development, especially in less developed and rural areas, but also in urban areas (Hunt et al. 2019). The recent Covid-19 crisis has highlighted in the literature the often neglected local context and resilience of local communities as key factors in creating resilient and sustainable economies (Leick et al. 2024, Korsgaard et al. 2020). The global crisis has highlighted many challenges of the global economy and the inherent strategies of specialization of local economies in creating resilient and sustainable local communities (Korsgaard et al. 2020) and emphasized the need to adapt economic policies towards considering the interdependence of space, i.e. local context and socio-economic development. The essence of such an approach is to strengthen the resilience of the local economy by respecting the specificities of the local environment and promoting the diversification of entrepreneurial activity by relying on locally available resources and relationships, thereby creating more inclusive and environmentally sustainable communities. Given that resilience is conceptualized as a capability that is realized at multiple levels and is determined by the characteristics of the context (Korber, McNaughton 2017), creating resilient economies emphasizes the interdependence of entrepreneurial resilience at the individual level of the entrepreneur, the organizational level of the firm and resilience at the macro level of the entrepreneurial local environment. Therefore, the research will focus on understanding the determinants and mechanisms of entrepreneurial resilience of micro and small enterprises, with an emphasis on exploring the interdependent influence of the local environment and the entrepreneurs themselves on the formation of adaptive strategies and the achievement of competitive advantage. The research aims to extend the theoretical framework of entrepreneurial resilience as a complex contextual phenomenon based on a sample of Croatian micro and small enterprises and to provide practical implications for local economic stakeholders in creating resilient local economies. In order to achieve the set objectives, the research will apply a sequential research design that combines qualitative and quantitative research approaches and is based on the application of grounded theory.

Project team members:

• Doc.dr.sc. Antonija Petrlić, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Doc. dr. sc. Jana Katunar mag.spec., univ.spec.oec., Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Doc. dr.sc. Petra Adelajda Zaninović mag.oec., Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Prof. dr. sc. Slavomir Vukmirović, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Dr.sc. Iva Zdrilić mag.oec. , Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Nikoleta Zubić dipl. oec., mag. psych., Filozofski fakultet
• Izv. prof. dr .sc. Mihaela Braut Filipović, Pravni fakultet
• Prof. dr. sc. Boštjan Antončić, University of Ljubljana, School of Economics and Business
• Višnja Smoje, Sveučilište u Rijeci, Ekonomski fakultet

Project title: From Knowledge to Sustainability: Human Resources, Education and Technology in Economic Development

Project acronym: HEART- Hr, Edu And Resilient Tech

Project code: uniri-iz-25-203

Principal investigator: Prof. dr. sc. Zoran Ježić, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka

Scientific field: Social Sciences

Abstract:

The project explores the interrelationship between human capital, education and technology in the context of sustainable economic development. It is based on the premise that education and technological progress are important drivers of human capital development, long-term growth and economic resilience. Research focuses on understanding how educational structures, digital skills and technological readiness contribute to sustainable competitiveness and innovation.

The main objectives of the project are:

• to conduct a quantitative analysis of the impact of tertiary education and technology on economic development,
• to develop an integrated model of human capital,
• to evaluate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education,
• to develop evidence-based policy recommendations, and
• to apply the research findings to academic teaching by developing new course content and a university textbook.

The methodology includes advanced quantitative techniques, case studies and comparative analysis with a focus on Croatia and selected countries. The project activities are spanning four years and include research, pedagogical application, dissemination and evaluation.

This project is highly innovative as it integrates education, digitalization and development policy in a single analytical framework. It also includes a practical evaluation of AI tools in the classroom and the development of a textbook for the Economics of Education course. The results will contribute to scientific excellence, improve the quality of higher education and strengthen policy making in support of digital and sustainable transformation.

Key beneficiaries include the academic community, higher education institutions, policy makers and students, with an expected impact on science, education, society and the economy.

Project team members:

• Red. prof. dr. sc. Helga Pavlić Skender, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• dr. sc. Daniela Ježić prof., Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Red. Prof.dr. sc. Alka Obadić., Ekonomski fakultet Zagreb
• Izv. prof. dr. sc. Lukasz Arendt, University of Lodz, Poland
• Sandra Furlan, Sveučilište u Rijeci, Ekonomski fakultet
• Snježana Balen, Sveučilište u Rijeci, Ekonomski fakultet

Project title: Resilience, decision-making and business performance: The role of entrepreneurial skills

Project acronym: RDP-EC

Project code: uniri-mz-25-67

Principal investigator: Doc.dr.sc. Antonija Petrlić univ.spec.oec., Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka

Scientific field: Social Sciences

Abstract:

The survival and progress of companies and the effective management of the day-to-day problems faced by micro, small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in particular depend to a large extent on their resilience, both at company level and at the level of the individual decision-maker (entrepreneur/owner/manager). In other words, the dynamics and uncertainty of the environment (e.g. COVID-19) and the associated risk, as well as the increase and influence of data and information, make the dependence of entrepreneurial decision-making on the characteristics, i.e. the skills, of the decision-makers increasingly clear. More specifically, in addition to the undeniable importance of professional and technical skills (so-called “hard skills”), more and more emphasis is being placed on the personal, social and methodological skills of the entrepreneur (so-called “soft skills”), especially with regard to ensuring the success and resilience of the company. Accordingly, the aim of this project is to identify and investigate the impact of soft skills on entrepreneurial decision-making and the resulting impact on the success(financial and non-financial) and resilience of companies. In other words, the aim is to examine the overall effect of soft skills on entrepreneurial resilience at the firm level, but also their relationship as determinants of the individual resilience of decision-makers. The focus is on soft decisionmaking skills (e.g. proactivity, analytical skills). In addition, certain hard skills related to the use of digital technologies in management will also be considered. To conduct the research, a survey will be conducted among owners and managers of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the Republic of Croatia. The questionnaire for the survey will be developed based on a previously conducted bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review, as well as a preliminary identification of the importance of soft skills, i.e. it will be based on existing measurement scales. The WoS and Scopus databases will be primarily used for the literature analysis and the PLS-SEM method with a focus on the hierarchical component model will be used to process the survey results.

Project title: Alternative Work Structures, AI and Well-Being: Balancing Organizational Flexibility and Employee Welfare

Project acronym: ALTERWORK

Project code: uniri-iz-25-207

Principal investigator: Prof. dr.sc. Danijela Sokolić, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka

Scientific field: Social Sciences

Abstract:

The rise of alternative work structures, including gig work, remote work, hybrid models, and platform work, has transformed traditional employment relationships. While these flexible arrangements offer firms greater agility and cost efficiency (Katz & Krueger, 2019), they also raise concerns about worker well-being, job security, and organizational commitment (Cappelli & Keller, 2013). This study explores how various alternative work structures impact worker well-being, considering dimensions such as job satisfaction, mental health, and work-life balance (Eurofound, 2020), as well as the implications that individual impacts have on society (health system, social system, economy, labor market, etc.).

Integrating insights from labor economics, business strategy, and organizational behavior, this research examines: (1) how firms strategically adopt alternative work structures for competitive advantage (Drucker, 1999), (2) how these models reshape employer-employee dynamics, and (3) the extent to which they enhance or erode worker well-being and society as a whole. This research project addresses a key gap in our understanding of how alternative work structures impact organizational flexibility and employee well-being. By adopting an integrated approach that spans multiple disciplines and takes into account the perspectives of employers and employees, the project aims to develop a comprehensive framework for the design and implementation of alternative work arrangements that support organizational goals while promoting employee well-being. The findings will have significant implications for theory, practice, and policy, contributing to our knowledge of how work can be organized in ways that benefit both organizations and individuals in an evolving world of employment.

Project team members:

• Red. prof. dr.sc. Marija Kaštelan Mrak, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• dr. sc. Iva Zdrilić mag.oec., Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Red. prof.dr.sc. Igor Cvečić., Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Izv. prof. dr. sc. Marko Tomljanović, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Tomislav Gligora, Sveučilište u Rijeci, Ekonomski fakultet
• Snježana Balen, Sveučilište u Rijeci, Ekonomski fakultet

Project title: ProSPERO- Piloting the Portfolio of the Center for Business Excellence

Project acronym: PPCPI

Project code: uniri-iz-25-269

Principal investigator: Red. prof. dr. sc. Lara Jelenc, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka

Scientific field: Social Sciences

Abstract:

The project is an example of establishing a science-business cycle. By identifying numerous challenges in the business environment, researchers selected four problems, grouped into two categories. Both aim to apply a scientific approach to understanding business problems through in-depth analysis, theoretical elaboration, and the development of a research methodology. Subsequently, empirical research will be conducted using both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore ways of solving the problems. After optimizing the solutions through testing in a pilot partner organization, the proposed business solutions will be submitted to the Intellectual Property Office and offered as educational material for industrial research solutions. This educational material will become part of the portfolio of the future Center for Business Excellence, which will offer both in-depth and practical business solutions.

In terms of content, the focus is on solutions for implementing lean manufacturing practices, principles, and tools in organizations operating in the process industry—an essential foundation of our economy’s manufacturing competitiveness. These are business challenges where less than 30% of organizations successfully implement solutions that form the basis prior to the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. Therefore, these business solutions are essential before companies decide to invest in expensive new

technologies of the future. The second problem addressed by this project lies on the level of top management. Strategic decision-making in today’s business environment increasingly occurs under conditions of simultaneous and often conflicting requiremennts. Organizations face pressures to maintain stability while also urging to innovate and adapt. In such a context, the ability of leaders to recognize and manage paradoxical tensions is seen as critical to maintaining competitiveness. Within top management teams (TMT), this ability is increasingly linked to the concepts of paradoxical thinking and individual ambidexterity. Ambidexterity and strategic thinking will be the other two topics of business challenges and solutions explored in this project. How to approach them, how to measure them, and what is needed to achieve ambidextrous alignment—as well as the eternal question of high-quality strategic thinking—are the questions that will be posed in order to design and sustain dynamic competitive advantage for organizations.

Project team members:

• Matea Mijatović, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Doc. dr. sc. Saša Aleša Sitarmag.oec., Sveučilište u Ljubljani, Ekonomski fakultet
• Saša Novosel, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Goran Licul, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka

Collaborators

• Anamarija Zron, Ekonomski fakultet, Rijeka, suradnik
• Ana Babić, Ekonomski fakultet, Rijeka, suradnik
• Saša Novosel, Ekonomski fakultet, Rijeka, suradnik
• Matea Šipura, Ekonomski fakultet, Rijeka, suradnik
• Aleša Saša Sitar, Ekonomski fakultet, Ljubljana, suradnik

Project name: Sustainability and Green Transition in Volatile Economic and Geopolitic Landscape

Project acronym: OZTEGO

Project code: uniri-iz-25-272

Principal investigator: Red. prof. dr. sc. Nela Vlahinić, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka

Scientific field: Social Sciences

Abstract:

The European Union is accelerating its green transition under the influence of geopolitical and economic shocks. The war in Ukraine has caused a surge in energy prices and inflation, putting existing green policies under significant pressure. At the same time, the conflict has accelerated efforts to shift to renewable energy sources. Global supply chain disruptions have led to a re-evaluation of dependence on imports of key technologies and critical minerals, while changes in climate policies in the United States and China are reshaping the global framework for the transition. In such a volatile environment, sustainability and the green transition face a range of systemic risks. The aim of this project is to explore how sustainability and the green transition can progress despite global and regional challenges. The research team will pursue three complementary research streams: 1) An analysis of systemic risks (regulatory, financial, physical climaterelated, geopolitical, reputational) that threaten sustainability and the green transition, including an assessment of their likelihood and impact. 2) An investigation of the relationship between sustainability and economic growth: macroeconomic models will quantitatively assess the impact of climate and energy policies

on competitiveness, GDP, investment, and the labour market, evaluating the alignment of green policies with economic development. 3) The role of AI in digitalization and green transition and AI application to model scenarios of the green transition under geopolitical and economic shocks, with the aim of simulating various transition pathways and forecasting their outcomes.

The project will provide scientifically grounded insights and policy recommendations for both decision-makers and the business sector. Expected outcomes include mapping key risks and proposing mitigation strategies, quantifying the macroeconomic effects of the transition, and developing AI-based tools for scenario analysis. These results will contribute to a better understanding of the balance between economic stability and climate goals in conditions of global uncertainty.

Project team members:

• Red. prof., trajni izbor Saša Vlahinić, Tehnički fakultet Rijeka
• Barbara Fajdetić mag.oec., Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka

Project name: Influencer Marketing and Small Producers: Ethical Dilemmas and Collaboration Challenges

Project acronym: IMPES

Project code: uniri-iz-25-277

Principal investigator: Red. prof. dr. sc. Ivana First Komen, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka

Scientific field: Social Sciences

Abstract:

Influencer marketing is today the leading global advertising channel, with numerous benefits such as increased consumer engagement, trust, and loyalty. Despite this, small producers rarely use it. In addition to the lack of resources and knowledge, there may also be ethical barriers, such as the fear of losing authenticity or difficulties in finding influencers with compatible values. To date, there has been no systematic research on the barriers and challenges small producers face when engaging influencers, although such insights would help in the ethical and effective integration of influencer marketing into their promotional activities.

The importance of this research lies in its connection to the 5th area of smart specialization (Tourism, natural and traditional resources for the future), as small producers like family farms and craft producers often base their business on sustainability, tradition, and preservation of natural resources. Their market failure due to poor use of marketing opportunities has broader social consequences, from economic instability in communities to the threat to natural and traditional resources and sustainable tourism. Furthermore, since the moral values of influencers largely shape the attitudes of the communities in which they operate, they directly affect the quality of life in those communities, thus the research also contributes to the 1st area of smart specialization (Public Health and Quality of Life). Additionally, the topic is linked to digital transition. The project aims to explore the attitudes, experiences, and dilemmas of small producers regarding influencer marketing, with a particular focus on the ethical dilemmas related to collaboration. The goal is also to understand the role of influencers in promoting sustainable consumption and their perception of ethical responsibility in promoting small producers. Finally, the project aims to explore the possibilities for co-creating value between producers, influencers, and followers.

Throughout the research, the perspectives of all involved parties will be analyzed through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. The expected outputs of the project include scientific papers, a completed doctoral thesis, upgraded equipment, an educated team, and the dissemination of results to small producers, influencers, as well as the scientific and broader public through science popularization activities and discussions at scientific conferences.

Project team members:

• Red. prof.dr.sc. Jasmina Dlačić, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Nina Grgurić Čop, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Red. prof.dr.sc. Marija Cerjak, Agronomski fakultet Zagreb
• Nada Kaurin Knežević, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Jana Pliško, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka

Project name: Steering the Energy Rapids: Balancing Energy Sustainability and Security

Project acronym: SER-BESS

Project code: uniri-iz-25-281

Principal investigator: Red. prof.dr.sc. Saša Žiković, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka

Scientific field: Social Sciences

Abstract:

The global energy transition, though vital to mitigating climate change, remains unevenly distributed across regions. While high-income, innovation-driven countries lead in clean energy investment and technology, many climate-affected and developing nations face structural constraints, including financial limitations, weak institutions, and vulnerability to climate impacts that hinder their active participation in the transition and are left behind. We aim to provide evidence-based policymaking, build regional capacity for sustainable energy transitions and enhance the resilience of energy systems across both developing nations and the EU. This research addresses that gap by empirically assessing the state of clean energy development in selected emerging and climate-vulnerable countries. It will examine investment levels, sectoral distribution (e.g., solar, wind, geothermal), regional disparities, and global positioning to provide actionable, policy-relevant insights aimed at promoting a just and inclusive energy transition. In parallel, the project explores systemic sustainability risks within the European Union’s decarbonization efforts. These include regulatory and ESGrelated investment uncertainties due to inconsistencies in EU-wide frameworks; socio-economic transition risks such as stranded fossil assets and labor impacts; physical climate risks threatening infrastructure; and geopolitical risks from reliance on imported raw materials and renewable technologies. The research further investigates hydrogen integration into gas networks and its legal-technical implications for energy resilience.Additional components focus on resource recovery from sewage sludge and the challenges faced by microenterprises under EU energy reforms. By bridging empirical gaps and addressing policy vulnerabilities, the project seeks to support sustainable, secure, and equitable energy futures across diverse contexts.

Project team members:

• Red. prof. dr. Nela Vlahinić, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Izv. prof. dr. sc. Ivana Tomas Žiković, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka
• Red. prof.dr.sc. Gazi Salah Uddin, Linköping University
• Doc. prof. dr. sc. Vladimir Valentić, Hrvatski operator prijenosnog sustava

Project name: Socioeconomic Intelligent Modelling Based on Artificial Intelligence

Project acronym: SIMBA

Project code: uniri-iz-25-299

Principal investigator: Prof. dr. sc. Saša Drezgić, Ekonomski fakultet Rijeka

Scientific field: Social Sciences

Abstract:

Contemporary economic challenges require new approaches to modelling public revenues and expenditures, as well as to understanding regional and urban development patterns. Traditional economic methods often fail to fully capture the complexity and dynamics of socioeconomic processes. This project addresses the need to modernize economic modelling by integrating real-time data and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance evidence-based policymaking and public governance.

The research focuses on three key areas:

Modelling public revenues and expenditures – the project develops new analytical tools that, with the support of AI methodologies, enable more accurate assessment of the effects of tax policies, public investments, and budgetary decisions on economic growth and fiscal sustainability.

Regional and urban development – the project analyses territorial development patterns using advanced methods for measuring regional disparities and the effectiveness of public investment in urban infrastructure, with special attention to smart cities.

Socioeconomic imbalances – by applying big data analytics, the project explores the causes and consequences of economic and social inequalities, in order to design more targeted and equitable public policies.

The project builds upon prior scientific research and institutional partnerships, including collaboration with the Croatian Tax Administration and the Ministry of Regional Development, ensuring the practical applicability of analytical tools such as Estat and Efristat. The scientific and societal relevance of the project is further reinforced through the organization of the Economics of Digital Transformation conference. By combining digital technologies with economic theory, the project contributes to a deeper understanding of public finance and regional development challenges, promoting sustainable and inclusive economic governance.

Project team members:

• Prof.dr.sc. Helena Blažić, Ekonomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci
•  Prof.dr.sc. Vesna Buterin, Ekonomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci
•  Izv.prof.dr.sc. Maja Grdinić, Ekonomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci
•  Izv.prof.dr.sc. Vladimir Čeperić, Fakultet elektrotehnike i računarstva Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
•  Dr. Denis Buterin, Porezna uprava Ministarstva financija
•  Romina Pešut, doktorandica, Ekonomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci