As a part of series of briefs to ensure continuous public impact within the project Project SAIGE, on June 5, 2024, the Institute of Social Sciences organized a meeting with representatives of the business sector dedicated to exploring collaboration opportunities between social sciences and business entities. The Institute of Social Sciences (IDN) accredited since 2022 as an institution of national importance for the Republic of Serbia, has been a prime example of successful integration of fundamental, applied, and developmental research in the field of economics, interconnected with social, organizational, political, and institutional issues.
The meeting was opened by the director of the Institute, Dr. Goran Bašić, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between science and business to support socio-economic development. Representatives of IDN elaborated on the areas where their team provides advisory services, employing applied science and practical solutions, focusing on:
- Public policies (strategies, programs, action plans) for socio-economic development.
- Evidence-based analyses of public policies.
- Public opinion research using reliable methods.
- Strategies and policies for regional and local economic development.
- Analyses of regulatory environments affecting business operations.
- Sectoral analyses and projections.
- Analyses and forecasts of inflation, employment levels, and production levels.
- Measurement of service quality in retail.
Participants actively discussed how these research and analyses could enhance business operations and the formulation of more effective business policies. The significance of a multidisciplinary approach and the use of valid data and facts for proposing appropriate solutions were highlighted.
It was concluded that it is essential to continue collaboration and establish a permanent communication channel to operationalize the proposed partnership. It was agreed to continue holding meetings and coordinating activities to ensure the efficient realization of shared objectives.
This meeting marked the first step towards strengthening the bond between science and business, recognizing significant yet underutilized potentials of this collaboration. IDN will continue to deploy its resources, research, and knowledge in the service of public policies, business, and society as a whole, thereby enhancing the quality of life and business environment in the Republic of Serbia.
