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Abstract: University-Industry collaboration has drawn much attention in recent years when it comes to organizational studies. To enhance their competitiveness and innovativeness, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) must be ready to interact with a broad range of external actors - as in our case, academic High-Performance Computers (HPC) centres. The present discussion will draw attention to processes of creation of networking interactions. The research was conducted in 14 countries of the Danube Region, and it reveals conditions for creating and maintaining networking interactions between academic HPC providers and SMEs working in the automotive or electronic sectors. The main research questions the article addresses are a) how the networking interactions are initiated and structured in the Danube region, and b) what are the characteristi of networking interactions between automotive and electronic sector SMEs and academic HPC providers of the region.
Keywords: University-industry cooperation, network interactions, social capital, academic HPC centres, SMEs, Danube Region
Published in DiRROS: 27.07.2026; Views: 172; Downloads: 49
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Keywords: model trojne vijačnice, scenariji prihodnost, ustvarjanje in prenos znanja, socialni kapital
Published in DiRROS: 08.06.2026; Views: 238; Downloads: 124
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Abstract: The article investigates the mechanisms through which social forces, networks, cognitive frames, and institutions shape public opinion in Southeast Europe via communication. Employing a qualitative approach, data was collected through synchronous focus groups conducted in six Southeast European countries. The findings reveal that social networks play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, with organizational position and relationships influencing communication effectiveness. Cognitive frames significantly impact public perception, with entrenched beliefs guiding interpretation of information. Meanwhile, social institutions, such as language and communication rules, influence the clarity and accessibility of messages, thereby shaping public understanding. The research underscores the need for deeper research, ethical standards, and transparent communication to build and maintain public trust. Continuous engagement with the public and adaptability in communication strategies are essential for fostering mutual understanding and trust. This research emphasizes social forces’ complexity and overlapping nature in shaping public opinion and the strategic approaches required for effective communication in Southeast Europe.
Keywords: public communication, networks, cognitive frames, institutions, Southeast Europe, public opinion
Published in DiRROS: 18.02.2026; Views: 520; Downloads: 177
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Abstract: This study examines how employees perceive workplace digitalization through institutional, network, and cognitive frames (Beckert, 2010). We treat digitalization as an organizational–cultural transformation, not just a technical upgrade. The objective is to identify conditions that enable or hinder adoption beyond tool rollouts. In 2025, we conducted heterogeneous focus groups in six companies (47 participants). Data was audio-recorded and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Findings show that digitalization is sustainable when tools align with values and employees understand the purpose of change and help co-shape it; otherwise, tensions arise around trust, privacy, relationships, and the preservation of competencies. This requires social—as well as digital—infrastructure: open communication, collaboration, organizational learning, and explicit handling of value tensions. Through a field-theoretic lens, three patterns emerge. Institutionally, adoption accelerates when technology, culture, leadership, vision, and structured training are aligned; lowest-price procurement and late regulator/union involvement slow implementation, and knowledge transfer from training is often patchy. Relationally, success depends on trust, precise goal alignment, and transparent datasharing with partners; administrative burdens, cultural gaps, and research-to-industry lags impede uptake, while education systems refresh digital skills slowly. Cognitively, employees adopt tools they perceive as error-reducing, growth-enabling, and value-consistent; resistance grows with surveillance cues and added administrative load. Two-way communication and mentoring shorten the path from pilots to routine. Contributions:(i) an actionable tri-frame diagnostic to align rules, relationships, and meanings; (ii)evidence that human-centric communication and training improve adoption trajectories; and (iii) guidance for designing the social infrastructure that sustains digital transformation.
Keywords: workplace digitalization, social infrastructure, institutions, networks, cognitive frames
Published in DiRROS: 03.02.2026; Views: 521; Downloads: 297
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Abstract: If it can be made to work, fusion energy offers the potential for unlimited, clean energy. This prospect has seen substantial investment in the science and engineering behind fusion in order to demonstrate its viability. As key societal stakeholders, the opinions and actions of publics can shape the success of emerging energy technologies. To date, however, there have been relatively few studies focused on the public acceptability of fusion. The current study provides insight into public perspectives about fusion in five European countries (Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia and Spain). Using a qualitative ‘World Caf´ e’ type method, participants (n =10–25 per country) were provided with basic and balanced information about fusion, before being invited to discuss the risks, benefits and drawbacks of the technology and investment in its development. Transcripts from each World Caf´ e were subject to template analysis. The results indicated that while awareness of fusion was low in each country, participants were broadly supportive of fusion. This support was, however, tentative due to its commercially unproven nature. This stimulated questions about the value of investment in the technology, particularly given the urgency of addressing climate change. While there was some variation in the sub-topics raised and discussed in each country, the principal themes raised were broadly comparable. These findings add to our systematic understanding of the ‘mixed feelings’ held about fusion and have implications for future public engagement and communication efforts relating to the technology.
Keywords: fusion, energy, attitudes, public acceptance, social acceptance, World Café
Published in DiRROS: 15.07.2025; Views: 869; Downloads: 557
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