Within the framework of the RESET project - Development of a Conceptual Framework for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Resilience Using Effectuation Theory, funded by the Croatian Science Foundation and led by Prof. DSc. Nataša Šarlija, American Professor Saras D. Sarasvathy visited the Faculty of Economics at Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek. Professor Sarasvathy is Professor Emerita at the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia, Academic Director at the Batten Institute, and a professor at the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore, India.
The research visit lasted one week, from May 25th to 29th, 2026. The first three days were marked by working research meetings of the core and extended project team, where the inclusion of effectuation in the model being developed within the HRZZ project was discussed. Effectuation, as a globally recognized model of entrepreneurial action, was conceived by Professor Sarasvathy herself.
On the fourth day, Professor Sarasvathy held a workshop for about fifteen teachers and associates from the Faculty of Economics at Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek on current research topics. The workshop was also attended by teachers from other constituent parts of Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, as well as international guests. Participants had the opportunity to hear practical life and academic advice stemming from Professor Sarasvathy's extensive career. The workshop was largely conceived as an "ask me anything" session, and participants received concrete answers to their ideas and concerns regarding their own teaching and various research methods.
The visit by Professor Sarasvathy was a significant step in the development and realization of the current project idea, and paved the way for future collaborations on other projects as well.
