Innovativeness in Higher Education: Drivers and Barriers

Abstract

Increasing complexity and dynamics of global environment imply increasing need for diverse types of
innovations. Innovations emerge as the key factor of socio-economic development and play crucial role in economic
policies. The majority of national economies formulate the set of policies and strategies in order to drive innovations at
regional and national level. Aiming to adapt to these societal changes and needs, adopting ofappropriateinnovative
practices, i.e. innovative teaching methods, innovative organizational structures and innovative organizational culture
at higher education institutions (HEIs)isone of the main prerequisites for functioning of higher education institutions
(HEIs).Innovations in higher education can be seen as the process of institutional adaptation to environmental changes,
but they are also related with the changes of organizational culture, strategy and structure as internal characteristics of
HEIs. Examining the viewpoints of the relevant stakeholders regarding the main factors affecting innovations is the
relevant research area. Accordingly, the research aim is to identify the relevant drivers and barriers of innovativeness
in higher education through the analysis of students' perceptions. Original empirical research was included the students
of undergraduate academic studies at the Faculty of Economics, University of Kragujevac. Reseach results indicate
students' perceptions on internal and externalfactorsthat affect innovations in higher education. Derived conclusions
present a base for formulating the relevant guidelines for improving innovativeness of HEIs through redefining
organizational strategies, structures and culture. Within future research, it is necessary to include examinations of the
other relevant stakeholders' perceptions (teaching staff, management of the faculty/university, representatives of
business, etc.) as well as students of others faculties/universities.