Economic Themes (2026) 64 (1) 4, 45-67
Valentina Ivanić
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to examine the capacity of the academic community in the region of Šumadija and Western Serbia, defined as a NUTS 2 statistical region, to act as a potential driver of S3, particularly within the EDP. The study is based on a quantitative survey conducted in 2024 on a sample of 59 respondents employed at the University of Kragujevac. Hofstede’s dimension of power distance was examined through three items, while satisfaction with cooperation with NGOs was treated as the dependent variable. The findings showed that fear of expressing disagreement with superiors was significantly associated with satisfaction with cooperation (p = 0.019). A statistically significant association was also found between satisfaction with cooperation and current managerial style (p = 0.005; Cramer’s V = 0.468): satisfactory cooperation was most frequently associated with the consultative managerial style. Self-assessed material status was significantly associated with satisfaction with cooperation (p = 0.008; Cramer’s V = 0.481), as respondents satisfied with cooperation more frequently reported a more favourable material position. The paper contributes to the literature by identifying factors that support the development of a culture of cooperation between academia and NGOs in Serbia.
Keywords: academic community; NGOs; Smart Specialisation; Entrepreneurial Discovery Process; power distance; regional innovation system; Serbia
THE ROLE OF ACADEMIA IN THE ENTREPRENEURIAL DISCOVERY PROCESS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CULTURE OF COOPERATION IN SERBIA: THE CASE OF COOPERATION WITH THE NGO SECTOR
Valentina Ivanić
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to examine the capacity of the academic community in the region of Šumadija and Western Serbia, defined as a NUTS 2 statistical region, to act as a potential driver of S3, particularly within the EDP. The study is based on a quantitative survey conducted in 2024 on a sample of 59 respondents employed at the University of Kragujevac. Hofstede’s dimension of power distance was examined through three items, while satisfaction with cooperation with NGOs was treated as the dependent variable. The findings showed that fear of expressing disagreement with superiors was significantly associated with satisfaction with cooperation (p = 0.019). A statistically significant association was also found between satisfaction with cooperation and current managerial style (p = 0.005; Cramer’s V = 0.468): satisfactory cooperation was most frequently associated with the consultative managerial style. Self-assessed material status was significantly associated with satisfaction with cooperation (p = 0.008; Cramer’s V = 0.481), as respondents satisfied with cooperation more frequently reported a more favourable material position. The paper contributes to the literature by identifying factors that support the development of a culture of cooperation between academia and NGOs in Serbia.
Keywords: academic community; NGOs; Smart Specialisation; Entrepreneurial Discovery Process; power distance; regional innovation system; Serbia
