1. 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: 395; Downloads: 11
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2. 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: 326; Downloads: 10
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6. International Trade and Economic Growth in an Oil-Dependent Country: Case of NigeriaOludayo Adekunle, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This paper examines the effect of disaggregated international trade on the economic growth of Nigeria. The data and specified model were analysed with Autoregressive Distributed Lag and Toda-Yamamoto techniques. It was found that both non-oil and oil exports enhance economic growth. However, non-oil and oil imports impede economic growth. Furthermore, overall causality results revealed that while non-oil and oil exports and non-oil imports had bi-directional causality with economic growth, nonoil imports did not have causality with economic growth. Consequently, the government should prioritise export-led policy to facilitate economic performance in Nigeria. Findings emphasised the need for the diversification of the economy for higher economic growth and sustainability inthe long run. The paper enriches the literature on the relationship between international trade and economic growth in Nigeria by adequately disaggregating trade components to reflect the economic structure of the Nigerian economy. Also, it brings new empirical findings on the trade-growth relationship in an oil-dependent developing country. This study can provide a theoretical framework for research in countries that oil dependent.
Keywords: international trade, economic performance, trade policy, developing economies, ARDL, Toda-Yamamoto
Published in RUP: 18.12.2025; Views: 454; Downloads: 1
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8. 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: 858; Downloads: 4
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9. Disaster nursing competencies in a time of global conflicts and climate crises : a cross-sectional survey studySabina Ličen, Mirko Prosen, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Aim The aim of this study was to explore the disaster-related nursing competencies among Slovenian nurses, focusing on core competencies, barriers to competency development and roles in disaster management. It also examined the predictors of these competencies, including participation in training, emergency drills, qualifications and leadership roles. Background Global conflicts and climate crises have increased the frequency and intensity of disasters and pose challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Nurses play a critical role in disaster preparedness, response and recovery, yet their competencies are under-researched. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 379 registered nurses using the Slovenian version of the Disaster Nursing Core Competencies Scale (Sl-DNCC). The analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests and logistic regression to identify predictors of disaster nursing competencies. Results Nurses considered disaster-related core competencies to be moderately to very important. Statistically significant predictors of competencies included participation in training, frequency of emergency drills, possession of formal qualifications, and leadership roles. Barriers to developing competencies, such as limited resources and organisational support, were most prevalent among nurses with less experience. Engagement in disaster management was low, except for nurses with leadership positions or frequent participation in drills. Discussion These findings emphasise the importance of leadership roles, practical training and institutional support in enhancing nurses' disaster competencies. Removing barriers, such as limited training opportunities and resources, is critical to strengthening preparedness. Conclusion This study emphasises the need for targeted interventions, including a national competency framework and regular training on disaster management, to improve nursing preparedness in Slovenia. Implications for nursing and health policy Policymakers and healthcare organisations should prioritise investment in training infrastructure, interdisciplinary simulation and leadership development.
Keywords: disaster management, disaster nursing, nursing leadership, nursing policy and practice, Slovenia, nursing preparedness
Published in RUP: 19.06.2025; Views: 1136; Downloads: 8
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