PRINCIPLES OF DEVELOPMENT

Over the past decade, the global, regional, and local context in which education and the operations of (private) higher education institutions take place has changed significantly. Given these changes, relying solely on organic growth will not be sufficient. Additionally, the overall development of the system has reached a critical juncture where established positions are being redefined, and necessary adaptations must be made. The paradigm that has shaped the sector’s development over the past ten years now requires a thorough reassessment. It is essential to develop a new comprehensive strategy that will incorporate all the positive elements of past growth, acknowledge new circumstances, and anticipate future changes. For the next phase of development, it will be necessary to redefine aspirations, set new goals, enhance the academic and business structure and organization, and mobilize leadership and available resources to achieve key development projects.

STRATEGIC PRINCIPLES

This document serves as a continuation of the previous two Strategic Development Frameworks (2011–2015 and 2016–2020), while also marking the beginning of the second decade of Effectus Higher Education Institution’s development journey (culminating in the 2026–2030 period).

The document aims to examine all aspects of a complex strategy, address the most pressing challenges and questions, identify key development projects, and include the necessary elements for their planning and implementation.

It is important to highlight that EFFECTUS recognizes the key role of entrepreneurship in Croatia’s development and has analyzed relevant reports (e.g., CEPOR report on SMEs in Croatia – 2019). Furthermore, continuous research has been conducted among internal and external audiences, consistently emphasizing the critical importance of entrepreneurship and highlighting a gap between educational needs and the available educational offerings for entrepreneurs.

Additionally, this document must be both “data-driven” and “future-driven” in its implementation.

In this regard, EFFECTUS has redefined its mission and vision.

Mission:

Through an individualized approach, EFFECTUS imparts practical entrepreneurial knowledge and skills relevant for both the present and the future. These entrepreneurial studies enable professional development and personal growth.

Vision:

To become a unique higher education institution that innovatively and interdisciplinarily integrates all areas of entrepreneurial education into entrepreneurial study programs, upholding principles of excellence and transforming students into leaders who contribute to economic and societal development.

Institution Name Change:

Following the newly defined mission, vision, and key strategic directives, the institution EFFECTUS – Finance and Law Studies will change its name to EFFECTUS – Entrepreneurial Studies – Higher Education Institution.

STRATEGIC GOALS FOR THE 2021–2025 PERIOD:

The 2021–2025 period marks a strategic leap for Effectus Higher Education Institution along two dimensions: horizontal and vertical.

Accordingly, strategic goals have been defined based on the recommendations of the Expert Committee from the second cycle of Effectus’ reaccreditation in 2019.

Furthermore, both general strategic goals (guidelines) and specific strategic objectives have been outlined.

The specific strategic objectives include:

1. Enhancement of infrastructure: Improving the spatial, organizational, procedural, and technological infrastructure of EFFECTUS to meet the development demands of the planned period and ensure high student standards.
2. Academic and institutional capacity building: Ensuring educational excellence by employing qualified teaching staff (full-time lecturers, assistants, and associates), continuously aligning syllabi with current and future labor market needs, and adopting modern, creative, and expert-driven teaching methodologies.
3. Study programs: Implementing an education process based on learning outcomes, a unique evaluation method and grading metrics (aligned with constructive alignment principles), supported by proprietary teaching materials and cutting-edge ICT technology.
4. Internal quality assurance and social role of EFFECTUS: Strengthening a self-sustaining quality assurance system in higher education governance and academic delivery, thereby ensuring the continuous provision of high-quality professional and specialist education.
5. Professional and scientific activities: Enhancing the institution’s research component and strengthening its role as a scientific organization.
6. Internationalization and business collaboration: Actively engaging in international associations (especially within the EU), strengthening ties with the business sector and related institutions in Croatia and abroad, and fostering conditions for increased mobility of faculty and students.
7. Strengthening cooperation with Effectus Business School: Particularly in implementing lifelong learning programs in line with labor market and societal development needs.

EFFECTUS aims to achieve all its general and specific strategic goals to ensure a high-quality, innovative, and practical transfer of modern entrepreneurial knowledge focused on students. Horizontally, achieving these goals will enhance the teaching process and student support systems, while equipping students with the necessary skills to enter the labor market immediately after graduation.