Assessing the Importance of Soft Skills Development for Shaping Future Entrepreneurs: Insights from a Delphi Study in Western Balkan Countries

Aleksandra Anđelković, Marija Radosavljević, Sandra Milanović Zbiljić (), Saša Petković, Stojan Debarliev and Perseta Grabova
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Aleksandra Anđelković: Faculty of Economics, University of Niš, Trg kralja Aleksandra 11, 18000 Niš, Serbia
Marija Radosavljević: Faculty of Economics, University of Niš, Trg kralja Aleksandra 11, 18000 Niš, Serbia
Sandra Milanović Zbiljić: Faculty of Economics, University of Niš, Trg kralja Aleksandra 11, 18000 Niš, Serbia
Saša Petković: Faculty of Economics, University of Banja Luka, Majke Jugovića 4, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Stojan Debarliev: Faculty of Economics, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Blvd. Goce Delchev 9V, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
Perseta Grabova: Faculty of Economics, University of Tirana, Rr. Arben Broci, 1000 Tirana, Albania

Administrative Sciences, 2025, vol. 15, issue 12, 1-22

Abstract: This article explores experts’ perspectives on the most important soft skills for entrepreneurial success in the Western Balkans (WB) and identifies effective educational and workplace practices to foster these skills. Using a qualitative Delphi study supported by a literature review, the research gathered and synthesized opinions from 20 experts representing Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Findings show that communication, adaptability, flexibility, teamwork, and critical thinking are essential for business success, while leadership, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and teamwork are considered most vital for future entrepreneurs. Experts emphasized that group projects, specialized courses, and blended learning approaches are effective in educational settings, while workplace skill development benefits from training programs, mentoring, active communication, and openness to feedback. This study provides region-specific insights into skill-building strategies for young entrepreneurs, addressing a key research gap. By integrating expert consensus with evidence-based practices, the article offers a framework for educators, policymakers, institutions, and businesses to strengthen entrepreneurship education and workforce readiness across the WB region.

Keywords: soft skills; Delphi study; entrepreneurship; education; training (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L M M0 M1 M10 M11 M12 M14 M15 M16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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