Innovation & Entrepreneurship

The Innovation & Entrepreneurship focus group is a dynamic community of scholars and visionaries passionate about exploring the frontiers of innovation and fostering entrepreneurial spirit. Our diverse team investigates the intricate processes of ideation, creation, and commercialization, aiming to unravel the secrets behind successful ventures and disruptive innovations. From cutting-edge technology startups to social enterprises, we delve into the complexities of entrepreneurship across sectors and contexts. Through rigorous research, experiential learning, and industry collaboration, we strive to inspire and equip the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and drive positive change in society. Join us as we chart new territories, challenge conventional wisdom, and shape the future of innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Members
Andreas Veispak

Andreas Veispak

Head of Development and Innovation
Tiit Elenurm

Tiit Elenurm, PhD

Professor
Meelis Kitsing

Meelis Kitsing, PhD

Professor
Karmo Kroos

Karmo Kroos, PhD

Research and Development Programme Officer
Ülle Pihlak

Ülle Pihlak, PhD

Senior Lecturer
Marko Rillo

Marko Rillo, PhD

Head of MBA programme
Marge Täks

Marge Täks, PhD

Senior Lecturer

PhD candidates

Mihkel Kaevats, Pooja Gaurav Kohli, Kaie Koppel, Ahto Kuuseok, Henri Lindal, Brigit Linnamäe, Heidi Vähänikkilä, Shuyun Zhao, Mehruba Shabaab Haque

 

PhDs completed

  • Mart Kikas (2022) Managerial Perspectives on Fostering Intrapreneurship in Organisations Through Education and Training 

  • Andrew Adjah Sai (2020) A Process-Trace of Selected Innovation- and Technology-Led Economic Growth Factors and Their Implications For Estonia´s Economic Development 

  • Faisal Shahzad (2020) Determinants of market entry mode for Finnish SMEs entering neighbouring catch-up and emerging markets 

  • Oliana Sula (2019) Young Students´ Online Social Networking Readiness for Entrepreneurship in Small Developing European Economies 

  • Ly Hõbe (2015) Financial Services Innovation in Estonia 

  • Ülle Pihlak (2012) Change Management in Indian Organizations Compared to Chinese and Estonian Organizations 

 

Micro-degrees offered

 

Ongoing training projects

Supporting entrepreneurship education in Ukraine in line with European values 

Funding: ___EUR 

Project Coordinator at EBS: ____  

Funder: EstDev 

Duration: ____ 

 

Region of opportunities: business training course for long-term unemployed women with children who represent the largest national minorities in Latvia and Estonia 

Funding: 87732.4 EUR 

Project Leader: Marge Täks 

Funder: Interreg 

Duration: 01.05.2024 - 01.07.2025 

 

Completed institution-building projects:  

Systematic Development of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial education at all levels of education 

Funding: 225 000 EUR 

Project Leader: Toomas Danneberg  

Funder: Ministry of Education and Research 

Duration: 01.01.2016 - 31.12.2018 

 

Launching an entrepreneurship competence centre at Ternopil Business School 

Project Coordinator: Aarna, Olav 

Funding: 99 000 EUR 

Funder: Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

Duration: 01.05.2017–31.12.2018 

 

Developing Interdisciplinary Pre-Incubation Model in Product Innovation and Establishing Co-Working Space for Implementing the Model at Akaki Tsereteli State University, in Kutaisi, West-Georgia  

Funding: 51365 (47885) 

Project Leader: Toomas Danneberg  

Funder: Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

Duration: 01.06.2016 - 31.05.2017 

 

Completed research projects: 

Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 

Funding: 7 210 EUR 

Project Leader: Tiit Elenurm 

Funder: Estonian Development Fund 

Duration: 02.01.2012–31.12.2014 

 

Completed training projects:  

Change management for building new business models 

Project Leader:  Meelis Kitsing 

Funding: 106 400 EUR 

Funder: ESTDEV 

Duration: 01.10.2022-31.04.2024 

 

Research publications

 

Bäck, A., Muhos, M. & Virkkala, P. (Early online) “Innovation in microenterprises in the 21st century: a systematic literature review”, International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 1−20.  

 

Ashyrov, Gaygysyz; & Tasane, Helery (2023) “The roles of foreign and domestic ownership in the corruption–firm innovation nexus”, Bulletin of Economic Research, 1−36.  

 

Kerner, Riina & Kitsing, Meelis (2023). “Matching policy goals with entrepreneurial aspirations for smart transition in Estonian cities”, In: Robert Dygas; Prana Krishna Biswas (Ed.). Smart cities in Europe and Asia. (16−30). 12.06.2023 Routledge.  

 

Bäck, Anneli & Taipale-Erävala, Kyllikki (2023) “Business development in growth-oriented microenterprises: enhancing innovation capability”, International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, 22 (2), 171−194.  

 

Kooskora, Mari & Vilumets, Ülane. (2021). “The Role of Meaningful Work in the Context of Startup Events and Entrepreneurial Activities” In: Nayan Mitra, René Schmidpeter (Ed.). Corporate Social Responsibility in Rising Economies. (31−50). Springer. (CSR, Sustainability, Ethics & Governance).  

 

Wannamakok, W.; Chang; Y. Y.; & Täks, M. (2020). “The relationship between institutional environments and entrepreneurial intention in Estonia: mediating roles of desirability and feasibility.” Entrepreneurial Business and Economics Review, 8 (2), 111−126 

 

Elenurm, T.; Tafel-Viia, K.; Lassur, S. & Hansen, K. (2019). “Opportunities of the entrepreneurship education for enhancing cooperation between start-up entrepreneurs and business angels”, International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 38 (3), 379−394.  

 

Banerjee, S.; Wahl, M. F.; Panigrahi, J. K. (2018). “Technology, innovation and knowledge transfer: A value chain perspective”, International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology, 9 (1), 1145−1161. 

 

Alas, R.; Elenurm, T.; Rozell, E. J. & Scroggins, W. A. (2018). “Entrepreneurship Success Factors in High and Low Early Stage Entrepreneurship Intensity Countries” In: Serena Cubico; Giuseppe Favretto; João Leitão; Uwe Cantner (Ed.). Entrepreneurship and the Industry Life Cycle. (231−245). Cham: Springer. 

 

Tafel-Viia, Külliki; Terk, Erik; Lassur, Silja & Viia, Andres (2015). Creative industries in the capital cities of the Baltic States: Are there innovations in urban policy? Moravian Geographical Reports, 23 (4), 47−58.  

 

Elenurm, T. & Heil, P. (2015). “Education and other competency sources for financially successful entrepreneurship”, International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 25 (3), 314−330. 

 

Elenurm, Tiit (2004). “Estonian perspectives of international entrepreneurship”, Handbook of Research on International Entrepreneurship. (370−382). UK, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing. 

 

Übius, Ü., Alas, R., Elenurm, T. (2013).  “Impact of innovation climate on individual and organisational level factors in Asia and Europe”, Journal of Business Economics and Management, 14 (1), 1−21. 

 

Alas, R.; Übius, Ü. & Gaal, M.A. (2013). Organisational Culture as Predictor of Innovation Climate 

In Prause, G.; Venesaar, U.; Kersten, W. (eds) International Business: Baltic Business Development. (169−185). Berlin: Peter Lang GmbH. 

 

Übius, Ü. & Alas, R. (2012). The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on the Innovation Climate. 

Engineering Economics, 23 (3), 310−318.