MakeLearn, TIIM & PIConf Conference Recognizes University of Oulu Researchers in Poland
The MakeLearn, TIIM & PIConf conference annually gathers approximately 200 researchers in management, business, and technology from dozens of countries. It is organized by Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Poland, the International School for Social and Business Studies in Slovenia, Kasetsart University in Thailand, and Pegaso International in Malta. The conference serves as a well-established platform for sharing up-to-date research and findings in the field. This year’s theme was “Artificial Intelligence for Human-Technologies-Economy Sustainable Development.”
"Receiving the Best Paper Award at such a forum is a gratifying recognition of our long-term research efforts. The University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute conducts research on micro-entrepreneurship in line with its national mission. This award underscores the relevance of this research theme and highlights its growing interest within the international research community", says Matti Muhos, Professor of Growth Management, Renewing Business and Digitalisation and Director of the University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute.
Micro-Entrepreneurs Are Growth-Oriented Despite Challenges
"Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) — a firm’s strategic posture towards entrepreneurship — has been strongly linked to business growth in research. This study examines the role of EO in the growth intentions of micro-entrepreneurs. The findings suggest that micro-entrepreneurs are indeed growth-oriented", says Kai Hänninen, Adjunct professor at the University of Oulu.
EO measures three factors: risk-taking, proactiveness, and innovativeness. It provides insights into entrepreneurial thinking and the factors influencing it, such as strategic decision-making within a company.
"Most microenterprises aim to grow, but sustaining growth capabilities is more challenging for them than for SMEs. As a result, growth intentions do not automatically translate into actual growth. In this context, the role of low-threshold business services operating at the regional level is crucial", Hänninen explains.
Quantitative Research Highlights Growth Components
The award-winning paper explored the cause-and-effect relationships between microenterprise operations, their environments, and growth.
"The results help us better understand the various components of growth and, for example, guide support initiatives in the right direction”, says Osmo Kauppila, University Lecturer at the Faculty of Technology, University of Oulu.
Kauppila is very pleased with the recognition of the outcomes of long-term collaboration. "The award serves as a reminder of how quantitative methods can yield intriguing research results," he adds.