UK Partner
Olubukola Aluko, lecturer in International Business and Sustainability Faculty Marketing and Innovation Department
Ukraine Partner
Svitlana Yermak, professor of Economics Department Institute of Economics and Management
Project objectives
Our proposed research project is directly and primarily relevant to the development challenges in Ukraine. The research project complies with the Ministry of Education and Science Research Priorities (2022-26) (Priority No. 5. Socio-economic support of human potential development and decrease of social vulnerability of citizens).
The study aims to provide insights into how the military conflict in Ukraine affected the readiness of SMEs in Ukraine to adopt social entrepreneurship and inclusive business models, based on the UK experience. These models focus on achieving a social and/or environmental mission, along with generating profit which can be beneficial for the socio-economic support of the development of human potential and reduction of the level of social vulnerability of the population.
Our study has the potential to develop new policies, training programs for SMEs, and strategies to support small businesses, create job opportunities, increase economic growth, and reduce social vulnerability, promoting a more sustainable and inclusive economy in both countries. Strategies developed will support small businesses and policymakers in the creation of new job opportunities, increase in economic growth, and a reduction in social vulnerability. The focus on balancing social and environmental missions with profit generation could have benefits for UK businesses and stakeholders
Aims:
● Detailed study of the international (UK and Ukraine) experience of implemented inclusive business models and successful social entrepreneurship to transfer it to the activities of Ukrainian enterprises, representatives of SMEs during the war and at the stage of post-war recovery, when an increase in vulnerable categories of the population is expected (veterans and war invalids; forced migrants returning home; orphaned women and children, etc.) who will need to fill their niche in the country’s economy.
● To develop a modern paradigm for socio-economic development and form a theoretical and methodological basis for the development of inclusive business models.
● To identify principles, mechanisms and methods for the organization and management of entrepreneurship to ensure socio-economic efficiency and inclusivity.
● To assess the effectiveness of inclusive business models in improving socio-economic support and reducing social vulnerability.
Objectives:
● To examine the awareness and readiness of inclusive business models and social entrepreneurship among small and medium-sized businesses in the UK and Ukraine.
● To identify the key factors that influence the adoption and implementation of inclusive business models in small and medium-sized businesses.
● To identify the benefits and challenges associated with implementing inclusive business models in small and medium-sized businesses.
● To assess the potential impact of inclusive business models on socio-economic support and social vulnerability in the UK and Ukraine.
● To provide recommendations on how to promote the adoption of inclusive business models and social entrepreneurship among small and medium-sized businesses in the UK and Ukraine.
Methodologies:
● A literature review of existing research on inclusive business models, social entrepreneurship, and their potential benefits for small and medium-sized businesses.
● A survey of small and medium-sized businesses in the UK and Ukraine to gather data on awareness and adoption of inclusive business models and social entrepreneurship.
● Data analysis using statistical techniques to identify patterns and trends in awareness and adoption of inclusive business models and social entrepreneurship.
Activities:
● Literature review (month 1)
● Research seminar presentation at the University of Portsmouth (month 2)
● Survey development (month 2)
● Sample selection and data collection (month 3)
● Data analysis (month 4)
● Report writing and dissemination (month 5)
Role of each Partner
- Development of the research proposal and obtaining funding
- Contributing to the research activities, and ensuring that the study is conducted ethically and in compliance with all relevant regulations
- Contribute to the development and conduct of survey amongst SMEs in UK and Ukraine.
- Development of questionnaires (base of questions) and conduct an online survey of 30 representatives of SMEs in United Kingdom
- Manage the reporting of the project
- Writing up the final report
Ukrainian Lead:
- Development of design for the study and leading the literature review
- Presentation at the University Of Portsmouth Research Seminar (online)
- Development questionnaires (base of questions) and conduct an online survey of 30 representatives of SMEs in Ukraine
- Analysing the survey data and the relevance of the sample using statistical methods
- Preparing a report and issue it in the form of a scientific publication
These actions will enable us to conduct a robust study and collect meaningful data to achieve our research aims. The collaboration between the UK and Ukrainian leads will ensure that the study is conducted ethically and in compliance with all relevant regulations. This collaboration will also enable us to draw upon the expertise of both researchers and provide a more comprehensive analysis of the data collected.
Timing
Project Start Date: 01/04/2023
Project End Date: 31/08/2023
Expected results
1. Literature review presented at the University of Portsmouth Seminar: Faculty of Business and Law Research Seminar.
2. Participation in a conference with publication a Research paper 1 (British Academy of Management)
3. Research paper 2. The target journals: Journal of Business Ethics or Business and Society
