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2. Enhancing knowledge and technology transfer : determinants and indicators of successful university–industry collaborationJana Hojnik, Štefan Bojnec, Simona Kustec, Vaida Zemlickienė, Zenonas Turskis, 2026, review article Abstract: Both universities and companies create value and innovation to maintain their position and remain competitive. Different, but still similar, with two goals that are shared. With their collaboration, they can enhance their pursuit of sustainability and as well corporate social responsibility by creating and delivering value and thus contributing to the well-being of society. This paper thus examines the determinants and indicators of successful university–industry collaboration (UIC) in the context of knowledge and technology transfer. The purpose of the research is to identify key factors that drive effective UIC and to establish measurable indicators for evaluating the performance of this collaboration. The paper aimed to understand not only what drives UIC but also how to measure its effectiveness. So, an exploratory, theory-building approach, adopting a systematic literature review is applied. By focusing on the determinants and measurable outputs of UIC, the paper provides insights into the strategic importance of measuring knowledge and technology transfer for a wide range of stakeholders involved in it. UIC for universities is a part of their third mission and their CSR, while with respect for companies, UIC is a result of practicing open innovation and pursuing corporate social responsibility. While consolidating these dimensions, the study also develops a holistic input–output indicator framework that not only clarifies how collaboration is initiated and structured but also how it can be evaluated in practice.
Keywords: corporate social responsibility, indicators, innovation policy, knowledge and technology transfer, sustainability, technology transfer office (TTO), university–industry collaboration (UIC)
Published in RUP: 13.04.2026; Views: 389; Downloads: 11
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3. Do agri-environmental schemes reduce farm greenhouse gas emissions? : evidence from SloveniaŠtefan Bojnec, Imre Fertő, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture is a key objective of the European Union's Green Deal and is among considerations of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Agri-environmental schemes (AES) are the main CAP instruments to promote more sustainable farming, yet their short-term climate effectiveness remains uncertain. This study provides the first farm-level evidence for Slovenia on whether AES participation reduces GHG emission intensity and whether effects differ across production systems. Using a balanced panel of 227 farms from the Farm Accountancy Data Network (2014–2021), we estimate dynamic treatment effects of AES adoption on net carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions per hectare, applying modern difference-in-differences (DiD) estimators for staggered adoption and extensive robustness checks, including alternative estimators, placebo tests, and dynamic conditioning. Results show that AES adopters had higher pre-adoption emission intensity, consistent with targeted uptake by higher-emission farms. However, estimated reductions in emission intensity during the first one to two years after adoption are small, statistically insignificant, and robust across specifications. These findings suggest that broad, practice-based AES may not deliver immediate, measurable climate benefits at the farm level, either because effects take longer to materialize or because current schemes are insufficiently targeted to high-emission sources. Policies that combine more precise targeting, climate-specific measures, and long-term monitoring may be needed to unlock the full climate mitigation potential of AES.
Keywords: agri-environmental schemes, greenhouse gas emissions, difference-in-differences, agricultural policy evaluation, Slovenia
Published in RUP: 13.04.2026; Views: 321; Downloads: 10
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4. Trajnostni razvoj rastlinske pridelave, predelave in prodajeŠtefan Bojnec, Drago Papler, 2025, scientific monograph Abstract: Znanstvena monografija se osredotoča na trajnostni razvoj rastlinske pridelave, predelave in prodaje v okviru lokalnih skupnosti, kjer ima kmetijstvo pomembno vlogo pri oblikovanju ekonomske, družbene in okoljske strukture v trajnostnem razvoju podeželja. Hrana ni zgolj osnovna dobrina, temveč temeljni vir energije za življenje, zato je razumevanje dejavnikov, ki vplivajo na njeno pridelavo in distribucijo, ključno za dolgoročno vzdržnost lokalnih kmetijskih sistemov. Glavni cilj raziskave je bil preučiti mnenja različnih deležnikov o trenutnem stanju povpraševanja in ponudbe po kmetijsko-živilskih proizvodih ter povezanih storitvah, prepoznati obstoječe in potencialne tržne priložnosti ter analizirati ključne gradnike razvoja rastlinske pridelave, predelave in prodaje. V ospredju so bili tudi vloga izobraževanja ter motivacijski vidiki za vključevanje v ekološko kmetovanje. Za pridobitev podatkov je bila uporabljena metoda anketiranja, pri čemer smo s pomočjo statistične analize ugotovili pomembne dejavnike, ki vplivajo na kmetijsko dejavnost in zadovoljstvo z izobraževalnimi programi. Z regresijsko analizo smo preverili hipoteze o vplivu posameznih dejavnikov na kmetijsko ponudbo ter oblikovanje lokalnih kmetijskih politik. Faktorska analiza je omogočila identifikacijo povezanosti med posameznimi spremenljivkami ter razumevanje njihovega prispevka k širšim razvojnim vidikom trajnostnega razvoja. Rezultati raziskave potrjujejo pomen podeželja pri razvoju trajnostnega kmetijstva in posebej rastlinske pridelave, ki omogoča prostorske, socialne in naravne pogoje za izvajanje trajnostne pridelave. Analize so pokazale visoko stopnjo zanimanja anketiranih za ekološko pridelavo hrane, kar nakazuje večjo ozaveščenost o trajnostnih načelih med porabniki in ponudniki. Ocenjevanje kmetijsko-izobraževalnih programov s strani odraslih udeležencev je razkrilo pomembnost stalnega vseživljenjskega učenja in prenosa znanja za izboljšanje kmetijske prakse ter krepitev konkurenčnosti na trgu. Ugotovitve kažejo tudi na potrebo po večji podpori lokalnim pobudam in spodbudam, ki bi še dodatno okrepile tržno vlogo lokalno pridelane hrane in razvoj kratkih oskrbnih verig z nizkim ogljičnim odtisom. Znanstvena monografija tako prispeva k boljšemu razumevanju kompleksnosti razvoja kmetijstva v lokalnem okolju, pri čemer poudarja pomen medsebojnega povezovanja deležnikov, sistemskega načrtovanja in vključevanja trajnostnih vidikov v vse faze kmetijske proizvodnje – od pridelave do končne prodaje.
Keywords: ekonomska uspešnost, kmetijstvo, podeželje, trajnostni razvoj, kmetijska pridelava, kmetijsko povpraševanje, kmetijska ponudba, izobraževanje, raziskava, statistična analiza, korelacijska analiza, regresijska analiza
Published in RUP: 25.03.2026; Views: 339; Downloads: 21
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5. Agri-environmental schemes reduce variable input costs : evidence from Slovenian farmsŠtefan Bojnec, Imre Fertő, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Agri-environmental schemes (AES) are central policy instruments designed to promote environmentally friendly agricultural practices by financially supporting the adoption of sustainable land management. While a substantial body of research examines how AES influence environmental outcomes and overall farm performance, far less is known about their direct effects on farm-level variable input costs, particularly in terms of energy, fertilizer, and crop protection expenditures. Existing studies typically analyse eco-efficiency or broad economic-environmental indicators, leaving a critical empirical gap regarding whether and how AES reshape the cost structure of farms during and after adoption. This study addresses this gap by estimating the causal impact of AES participation on key variable input costs using Slovenian Farm Accountancy Data Network data and a Differences-in-Differences (DID) design with staggered adoption, supported by robustness and sensitivity analyses. The findings indicate that AES participation leads to significant reductions in pesticide and energy costs, while fertilizer expenditures tend to increase in the short term before stabilizing or declining over time. These patterns suggest that AES trigger structural adjustments in production—such as reduced tillage intensity and transitions to organic or biological inputs—that can initially raise some input costs but contribute to longer-term sustainability. The study therefore offers new empirical evidence on the cost implications of AES, improving understanding of how environmental policy instruments affect farm-level economic decisions. These insights are essential for designing AES that support both environmental objectives and the economic viability of farmers, particularly in regions where sustainability transitions may involve short-term trade-offs.
Keywords: agri-environmental schemes, resources in agriculture, energy, fertilizer, crop protection, variable input costs, Slovenian agriculture
Published in RUP: 23.03.2026; Views: 385; Downloads: 15
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6. Governance failure and wildfire escalation : a multi-level analysis of institutional preparedness, corruption, and emergency responseDaraz Umar, Štefan Bojnec, Younas Khan, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Wildfire escalation is increasingly threatening ecosystems and communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, particularly in forest and rangeland landscapes where eco- logical flammability interacts with human activity. While environmental and climatic drivers are well studied, governance factors remain underexplored despite their decisive role in shaping how ecological risk translates into disasters. Regional forests show consid- erable ecological diversity, including chir pine-dominated stands, mixed temperate conifer forests, broadleaved oak-associated systems, and shrub rangeland mosaics, each differing in fuel structure and fire behavior. Dependence on fuelwood collection, grazing, and forest access further influences ignition probability and fire spread. This study examines how governance failures influence wildfire risk and severity through a Governance-Fire Risk Framework. Governance is treated as a determining institutional condition affecting prevention capacity, regulation of hazardous land use, fuel management, and emergency response effectiveness. A cross-sectional survey of 540 stakeholders from rural (Dir Lower, Dir Upper) and peri-urban districts (Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad) was analyzed using SPSS (version 26) and AMOS (version 24) (CFA and SEM). Governance failure significantly escalates wildfire risk through delayed emergency response, regulatory non-compliance, political interference, and weak institutional coordination. Institutional preparedness and response capacity reduce risks, whereas corruption intensifies them. Corruption functions through illegal land conversion, diversion of fire management resources, procurement irregularities, nepotistic staffing, and selective enforcement, increasing ignition sources, fuel accumulation, and response delays. Rural districts show stronger governance-fire linkages. Wildfire escalation in KP is governance-driven in interaction with ecological conditions and community dependence on forest resources. Effective mitigation requires anti-corruption measures, rapid response systems, stronger enforcement, and improved preparedness. The study offers a transferable governance-focused framework for wildfire management in fire-prone developing regions.
Keywords: wildfires risk escalation, governance failure, institutional preparedness, corruption, emergency response, fire management, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Published in RUP: 27.02.2026; Views: 472; Downloads: 10
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7. Gender role reversal in gig economy households : a sociological insight from Southeast Asia with evidence from PakistanDaraz Umar, Štefan Bojnec, Younas Khan, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The rapid growth of the gig economy and digital platforms is challenging traditional gender roles, particularly in developing countries where structural inequalities continue to shape labor and household dynamics. Despite growing global interest in gender equity and digital inclusion, limited research has examined how gig work, digital access, and women’s income contributions interact to influence household gender dynamics within culturally conservative contexts. This study aimed to investigate the multidimensional impacts of women’s participation in gig work on time use redistribution, intra-household decision making, gender ideology, and role reversal within households in Pakistan. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from a representative sample of married couples engaged in the gig economy across urban and peri-urban areas of Pakistan. A quantitative analysis was conducted employing a combination of an analysis of variance, ordinal logistic regression, hierarchical multiple regression, and structural equation modeling to evaluate the direct and indirect relationships between constructs. The findings revealed that women’s gig work participation significantly predicted enhanced digital access, greater income contributions, and increased intra-household decision-making power. These, in turn, contributed to a measurable shift in gender ideology toward equality norms and a partial reversal of traditional gender roles, particularly in household labor division. The study concludes that the intersection of economic participation and digital empowerment serves as a catalyst for progressive gender restructuring within households. Policy implications include the need for gender-responsive labor policies, investment in digital infrastructure, and targeted interventions to support empowering women in non-traditional work roles.
Keywords: gig economy, digital inclusion, women's empowerment, gender ideology, intra-household decision making, role reversal
Published in RUP: 04.02.2026; Views: 460; Downloads: 5
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8. Cultural narratives, social norms, and psychological stigma : a study of mental health help-seeking behavior in Peshawar, PakistanDaraz Umar, Štefan Bojnec, Younas Khan, Zakir Hussain, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Introduction: Mental health stigma remains a major barrier to accessing psychiatric care worldwide, with pronounced effects in culturally traditional societies such as Peshawar, Pakistan. In the Pashtun cultural context, the code of Pashtunwali—an honor-based system—shapes social attitudes and behaviors, potentially influencing mental health help-seeking patterns. This study examines how cultural narratives, social norms, and stigma interact to affect help-seeking behavior in this sociocultural setting. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a stratified random sample of 400 adults aged 19 years and above in Peshawar. Data were collected using culturally validated instruments, including the Mental Illness Stigma Scale (MISS) and a Social Norms Scale. Bivariate analyses employed simple linear regression and binary logistic regression to examine individual relationships between variables. Multivariate analyses, including multiple linear regression and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), were used to assess combined effects and mediation pathways. Results: Cultural narratives had a positive impact on help-seeking behavior, explaining 42% of its variance. Stigma showed a significant negative association, decreasing help-seeking likelihood by 26% for each unit increase. Social norms demonstrated a positive association with help-seeking behavior and indirectly reduced stigma. Collectively, these variables accounted for 68% of the variance in help-seeking likelihood. Discussion: The findings highlight the pivotal role of culturally resonant narratives and supportive social norms rooted in Pashtunwali in improving mental health service utilization. Addressing stigma while reinforcing positive cultural frameworks can substantially enhance help-seeking behavior in Peshawar and similar sociocultural contexts.
Keywords: cultural narratives, mental health stigma, social norms, psychiatric help, structural equation modeling (SEM)
Published in RUP: 28.08.2025; Views: 1561; Downloads: 12
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9. Exploring the drivers of farm sustained participation in agri‑environmental programmesŠtefan Bojnec, Imre Fertő, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This paper examines the socioeconomic and institutional determinants influencing sustained participation in Agri-Environmental Climate Schemes (AECS), drawing on comprehensive panel data from Slovenian farms covering the period 2014–2021. Using discrete-time hazard models and nonparametric duration analysis, we identify economic resilience—characterised by larger farm size, income diversification, and prior participation—as a significant driver of prolonged AECS engagement. Conversely, greater dependence on market-based income is negatively correlated with long-term participation, highlighting inherent trade-offs between short-term economic gains and sustained ecological commitments. Additionally, educational attainment exhibits a modest yet positive association, emphasising the importance of knowledge dissemination and capacity building in facilitating the responsible use and sustained environmental protection. Our findings underscore the necessity for context-specific policy designs, advocating diversified financial incentives, robust extension services, and market-aligned strategies to effectively integrate agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability.
Keywords: agri-environmental climate scheme management, farm corporate social responsibility, sustainable farm production adoption, selection model, duration analysis, discrete-time models
Published in RUP: 28.08.2025; Views: 775; Downloads: 8
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10. Assessing the economic effects of agri-environmental schemes on farm input useImre Fertő, Štefan Bojnec, 2025, published scientific conference contribution abstract (invited lecture) Abstract: . This study assesses the economic impacts of agri-environmental schemes (AES) on farm-level input expenditures, particularly fertilizers, crop protection products, and energy, in Hungary from 2014 to 2020. Employing advanced econometric methodologies, including Synthetic Difference-inDifferences (SDID), Synthetic Control (SC), and traditional Difference-in-Differences (DiD), the analysis addresses the complex challenges posed by staggered AES adoption and significant farm-level heterogeneity. The findings indicate no statistically significant overall change in expenditures for fertilizers, crop protection, and energy. Nonetheless, detailed temporal analysis reveals nuanced dynamics. During the initial phases of AES implementation, transitional inefficiencies are evident, indicating adaptation challenges and associated costs as farmers adjust to new environmental requirements. These initial costs stem from administrative burdens, the need for training, and investments in sustainable practices such as precision agriculture and integrated pest management (IPM). Over subsequent years, the results exhibit stabilization or slight increases in input expenditures rather than substantial cost savings. Such trends suggest that while AES may encourage environmentally sustainable farming practices, the expected economic benefits from reduced inputs—due to input substitution or increased efficiency—may not be immediate or uniformly achievable. Indeed, more precise and environmentally-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical inputs, despite their ecological advantages, can incur higher short-term costs. Further analysis highlights considerable heterogeneity in AES impacts across different farm sizes and adoption timing. Larger, more technologically advanced farms display a relatively smaller incremental cost increase, benefiting from economies of scale and superior resource access, yet these differences are minor and statistically inconclusive. Early adopters, defined as farms participating in AES from the scheme’s initial stages, showed no systematic economic advantage or disadvantage compared to later adopters, indicating a consistent adaptation pattern across all participating farms. Robustness checks, including random treatment falsification tests and analyses on never-treated farms, reinforce the credibility of the findings, affirming that observed AES impacts genuinely reflect causal relationships rather than selection biases or confounding factors. The study concludes that the complex interplay between policy design, farm structure, market dynamics, and adaptation processes can obscure immediate economic outcomes. Therefore, it underscores the need for more tailored AES interventions that consider farm-specific constraints, transitional costs, and longterm adaptation dynamics. Additionally, integrating broader sustainability indicators—biodiversity, soil quality, and resilience metrics—could yield a more comprehensive evaluation of AES efficacy. This research contributes important empirical evidence to ongoing discussions regarding the economic viability and environmental effectiveness of AES within diverse agricultural landscapes. Policymakers are encouraged to account for initial adaptation phases, support targeted technological and management innovations, and embrace regionally customized strategies to optimize both ecological and economic outcomes of AES policies.
Keywords: agri-environmental schemes, input expenditures, synthetic difference-in-differences, policy evaluation
Published in RUP: 18.08.2025; Views: 852; Downloads: 4
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