Evaluating and Developing Start-up Founders’ Soft Skills

Hafsa Laçi, PhD candidate, presented insights from the Croatia study visit, focusing on the evaluation and development of soft skills in start-up founders. She highlighted key takeaways related to the role of soft skills, such as emotional intelligence, adaptability, creativity, and leadership in supporting the growth, innovation, and resilience of start-ups. Based on discussions and case studies explored during the visit, she emphasized how soft skill development strengthens team dynamics, investor confidence, and long-term sustainability. The presentation also addressed effective educational methods, including flipped classrooms, simulations, and serious games, as well as the importance of aligning training programs with industry needs. She concluded by underlining the vital role of universities in bridging theory and practice to empower future entrepreneurs through inclusive and applied learning models.