University Employees’ Perceptions of InnovationČalušić, Klara (Avtor) Kustec, Simona (Avtor) innovationuniversity employeesgovernancesurveyBIKEHEI projectUniversities are increasingly recognised as proactive actors in fostering innovation, contributing to regional growth, driving economic development, and enhancing social welfare. This paper explores perceptions of innovation and related knowledge among academic and non-academic university employees, based on data collected through an online questionnaire administered during a training course on innovation ecosystems offered within the BIKE-HEI project. The findings indicate that university employees generally perceive their innovation-related knowledge as relatively strong, with both academic and non-academic staff reporting high levels of intrinsic motivation to engage in innovation, as well as a clear aspiration to create meaningful impact. Among the barriers to acquiring additional knowledge and engaging in innovation-related work, respondents emphasise work-related constraints, including limited time, administrative and financial burdens, insufficient specialised knowledge of innovation, and a perceived general resistance to change within universities. These findings are consistent with existing theoretical and empirical research supporting the innovation and entrepreneurial orientation of universities, and they highlight the need to strengthen institutional support and create conditions that foster employees’ engagement in innovation-related activities.Univerza na Primorskem, Fakulteta za management20262026-06-09 13:29:07Članek v reviji23135sl