The Algorithmic Entrepreneurial Process Reshaping the Dominant Paradigm
Croatian Science Foundation
Project Overview
Abstract
The intersection of entrepreneurship and complex algorithmic systems is a rapidly growing research area. While influential conceptual contributions have laid groundwork for a new field at the nexus of entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence, empirical research remains scarce—particularly regarding the development and application of algorithms to improve the entrepreneurial process itself. Algorithmic advances hold the potential to reshape the essence of entrepreneurship: from opportunity discovery and evaluation, through venture design and launch, to scaling and performance optimization.
This project investigates how quantum computing and artificial intelligence algorithms can serve as enablers of entrepreneurial outcomes in the initial stages of the entrepreneurial process (prelaunch and launch phases). Guided by the action theory-based process model of entrepreneurship, the research aims to identify activities in the early stages of entrepreneurial process that can be formulated as algorithmically solvable problems, and develop a quantum computing algorithm addressing a specific entrepreneurial problem.
The project contributes to establishing the scientific foundations of algorithmic entrepreneurship—a concept recently proposed by leading scholars calling for pioneering theoretical, methodological, and empirical advances at this frontier. To our knowledge, this is the first research project dedicated to the conceptualization, development, and application of quantum computing algorithms in entrepreneurship. The research is interdisciplinary, combining entrepreneurship and computing, and is aligned with the EU's strategic priorities in quantum technologies and digital transformation.
The first research project to conceptualize, develop, and apply quantum computing algorithms to the entrepreneurial process, pioneering the scientific foundations of algorithmic entrepreneurship.
Research Objectives
Methodology
Systematic Literature Review
A multi-stage SLR following the PRISMA methodology, including formulation of research problems, development of SLR protocols, literature search in WoS CC, screening for inclusion and quality assessment (using AJG), data extraction supported by a generative AI solution, data synthesis, and reporting of results.
Multiple-Case Study Observational Research
Longitudinal qualitative field research examining 3 market-active entrepreneurial ventures in the initial stages. Data collection through unstructured observation of entrepreneurs and business processes, complemented by unstructured interviews and business documentation. Triangulation of data collection techniques ensures rigor, breadth, and depth.
Focus Groups with Experts
Five focus groups with 2–5 experts in computing and entrepreneurship, conducted at international institutions. Focus groups will validate identified problems and inform the selection of problems for quantum algorithmic solutions.
Algorithmic Problem Definition & Comparative Analysis
Literature search to identify promising research directions, followed by algorithmic problem definitions and comparative analysis of the identified entrepreneurship problems. The purpose is to determine which problems are suitable for quantum computers and quantum algorithmization based on their characteristics and resource intensity.
Complexity Class Reduction
Application of the theory of algorithmic complexity classes and the method of reducing the problem of complexity class of hard problems. The goal is to identify at least one entrepreneurship problem that, by its characteristics and resource intensity, requires the computing power of a quantum computer.
Quantum Algorithm Development
Development of a quantum algorithm building on established design patterns (Deutsch–Jozsa, Bernstein–Vazirani, Quantum phase estimation, among others), potentially combined with classical patterns. The final solution will represent an innovation — either upgrading an existing solution or a completely new design pattern.
Software Robot / Chatbot Development
Modeling through UML and development of a prototype conversation agent powered by a large language model, specially developed for the needs of this project. The agent will make the research results available through intuitive digital technology, with the ability to execute the quantum computing algorithm. The prototype serves as a proof of concept.
Research Team
Robert Kudelić
Principal Investigator
Associate Professor at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Organization and Informatics, Varaždin, Croatia. Research focuses on randomized algorithms, combinatorial optimization, computational intelligence, and quantum computing.
Tamara Šmaguc
Co-Investigator
Assistant Professor at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Organization and Informatics, Varaždin, Croatia. Research focuses on ICT entrepreneurship, AI and quantum computing in entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial capital.
Mladen Turuk
Co-Investigator
Associate Professor at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Economics and Business, Zagreb, Croatia. Research focuses on entrepreneurship, digital entrepreneurship, family business, digital economy, entrepreneurial strategies, and SMEs.
Maja Cerjan
Research Assistant
Assistant at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Organization and Informatics, Varaždin, Croatia. Research focuses on databases, business intelligence, and data warehouses.
Ana Novak
Assistant / PhD student
Assistant and PhD student at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Organization and Informatics, Varaždin, Croatia. Research focuses on digital transformation and small business.
Vlatka Škokić
External Collaborator
Professor at the University of Split, Faculty of Business, Economics and Tourism, Split, Croatia. Research focuses on tourism entrepreneurship, digital transformation and resilience in entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial aspects in children.
Carlos Costa
External Collaborator
Associate Professor at the University of Lisbon, Lisbon School of Economics and Management, Lisbon, Portugal. Research focuses on machine learning in management and finance, gamification, design science research, and information systems theory.
Bjørn Willy Åmo
External Collaborator
Professor at Nord University, Business School, Bodø, Norway. Research focuses on entrepreneurship education, corporate entrepreneurship, employee innovation behaviour, and global entrepreneurship monitoring.
Publications & Outputs
Quantum Monte Carlo randomized algorithm for the Feedback Arc Set problem
Array, 31, Article 101011
Elsevier
Digital transformation and resilience in entrepreneurship and small business: a systematic literature review
Cogent Business & Management, 13(1), Article 2662665
Taylor & Francis
News & Updates
Project approved by the Croatian Science Foundation
The project is invited to the contracting process following the UIP-2025-02 competition ("Uspostavni istraživački projekti"). The project is ranked as the first in its panel (DHZ1) and is among the 66 projects selected by the Croatian Science Foundation (HRZZ) to be funded, with funding expected through 2031.
The project contract has been signed
The project contract has been signed and the project is now officially funded by the Croatian Science Foundation. The total project budget is 201,632.95 €.
Kick-off meeting held
On 20 March 2026, five researchers gathered to officially launch AGENT. Hosted by the University of Zagreb Faculty of Organization and Informatics, the meeting covered funding, milestones, methodology, and the first project activities.
EconCS Laboratory established at FOI
On 26 March 2026 the Laboratory for Information and Computational Research in Economics (EconCS Laboratory) was officially established at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Organization and Informatics. Its founding is a planned output of the AGENT project funded by the Croatian Science Foundation.
Data management plan deposited in Dabar
The AGENT data management plan, authored by Robert Kudelić and Tamara Šmaguc, has been deposited in the Digital Academic Archives and Repositories (Dabar). It describes how project data will be collected, stored, shared, and preserved.
Project literature ordered
The project literature has been ordered and is awaiting shipment.
Qualitative methods summer school at King's College London
From 10 to 14 August 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Robert Kudelić and Assist. Prof. Dr. Tamara Šmaguc took part in a five-day summer school on qualitative research methods at King's College London, as a training activity of the AGENT project.
Paper presented at ITCC 2026 in Tokyo
On 22 August 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Robert Kudelić and Assist. Prof. Dr. Tamara Šmaguc presented a peer-reviewed paper at the 8th International Conference on Information Technology and Computer Communications (ITCC 2026) in Tokyo.
EconCS Laboratory website launched
On 14 September 2026 after the second project meeting the website of the Laboratory for Information and Computational Research in Economics (EconCS Laboratory) was published at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Organization and Informatics.
Second project meeting held
On 14 September 2026 the AGENT team met at FOI in Varaždin. The principal investigator reported on work completed so far and on activities planned for the rest of the first project year.
Get in Touch
Pavlinska 2, 42000 Varaždin, Croatia
+385 42 390 896