Optimod’s Improving Entrepreneurial Journey Initiative (IEJI): Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice in Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development

Avtorji

Sara Kremsar
Optimod.net
Miha Marič
Univerza v Mariboru, Fakulteta za organizacijske vede
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6689-7944
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18690/um.fov.10.205.1

Kratka vsebina

The Optimod Improving Entrepreneurial Journey Initiative (IEJI) is a continuous research-based project developed and led by Optimod since 2022 to explore the relationship between theoretical entrepreneurship studies and practical experience. Conducted annually, the initiative gathers insights from more than one hundred global founders, CEOs, and leaders, highlighting their real-world experiences and strategic reflections that reveal the complexities of entrepreneurship. Its purpose is to establish a structured framework for understanding how knowledge transfer, leadership development, and collaborative learning contribute to entrepreneurial success. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines surveys, expert interviews, and case studies, the research identifies key factors influencing entrepreneurial growth, including mindset development, innovation, and resilience. Each year, the findings are synthesized into a comprehensive publication that merges academic reflection with practical guidance. The results highlight the importance of human-centric and ecosystem-based approaches that connect education, practice, and sustainable business development. The initiative contributes to the academic field of entrepreneurship by providing a long-term, replicable model that bridges theory and practice while supporting inclusive, adaptive, and innovation-driven entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Biografije avtorja

Sara Kremsar, Optimod.net

Sara Kremsar, M.Sc., is the founder of Optimod, a company that helps fast-growing organizations build clarity, structure, and alignment in their development. She holds a master’s degree in business systems engineering from the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, where she focused on organizational structures, business processes, and system optimization. Since 2016, she has collaborated with companies across various sectors to improve efficiency, strengthen leadership, and support sustainable growth through well-designed processes and strategic alignment. In 2017, she founded Optimod to connect research, education, and real-world entrepreneurship. The company operates on two main pillars: community and ecosystem development, and professional services and collaboration. Through initiatives such as the Improving Entrepreneurial Journey Initiative (IEJI) and the Founders’ Off-the-Grid Retreat, Optimod promotes the exchange of practical experience and academic insight. Sara Kremsar’s work bridges theory and practice in organizational science and entrepreneurship. Her vision is to create resilient, human-centered ecosystems where collaboration, learning, and innovation help individuals and organizations reach their full potential.

Sladki Vrh, Slovenija. E-pošta: sara.kremsar@optimod.net

Miha Marič, Univerza v Mariboru, Fakulteta za organizacijske vede

Miha Marič, Ph.D., is a researcher in the field of leadership, management, and organizational sciences. He holds a Ph.D. from the Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana. He is currently employed as an associate professor at the University of Maribor’s Faculty of Organizational Sciences. His research interests are power, leadership, organizational behavior, human resource management, organization, and management. He is the author of numerous original scientific articles, professional articles, papers at scientific conferences, scientific monographs, and was an editor and reviewer. He also participates in research projects and consulting work.

Kranj, Slovenija. E-pošta: miha.maric@um.si

Prenosi

PDF

Izdaja

Improving Entrepreneurial Journey

Strani

5-62

Izdano

09.12.2025

Kategorije

Avtorske pravice (c) 2025 Univerza v Mariboru, Univerzitetna založba

Licenca

Creative Commons licenca

To delo je licencirano pod Creative Commons Priznanje avtorstva 4.0 mednarodno licenco.

Kako citirati

Kremsar, S., & Marič, M. (2025). Optimod’s Improving Entrepreneurial Journey Initiative (IEJI): Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice in Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development. In M. Marič & S. Kremsar (Eds.), Improving Entrepreneurial Journey (pp. 5-62). Univerzitetna založba Univerze v Mariboru. https://doi.org/10.18690/um.fov.10.205.1