Leadership is about enabling impact, resilience, and shared progress
“The Executive MBA wasn’t just a milestone - it was a catalyst that prepared me to lead with vision and adaptability across sectors.”
When Špela Stres enrolled in the COTRUGLI Executive MBA in 2013, she was already leading the Technology Transfer and Innovation Centre at the Jožef Stefan Institute. With a Ph.D. in Physics and an LL.M. in Intellectual Property, her work revolved around bridging research and practice – protecting intellectual property, licensing technologies, and helping to create spin-offs.
“Before the MBA, my professional goals were focused on managing technology transfer,” she recalls. “But during the program, I began to see myself differently – not just as a manager, but as a strategic leader capable of shaping entire innovation systems.”
That shift in perspective proved transformative. After completing her MBA, Špela’s career accelerated rapidly. She joined the 10MG group for the United Nations, advanced to Assistant Director of the Jožef Stefan Institute, and later became Director of ARIS, the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency. She was appointed to the European Innovation Council (EIC) Board and most recently took on governance responsibilities as a member of the RTV Slovenia Council. “Each of these roles reflects a natural progression,” she explains, “informed by the leadership tools I gained during the MBA.”
Balancing national and European leadership
Today, Špela navigates leadership roles at both the national and European level. At ARIS (2023–2025), she led reforms in research and innovation funding in Slovenia. At the EIC Board, she helps shape Europe’s most ambitious innovation program, supporting visionary entrepreneurs and researchers. And since 2025, she has also been engaged in public accountability and governance as a member of the RTV Slovenia Council.
Her biggest challenge, she says, is aligning diverse stakeholders – policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and the public. Yet her proudest achievements stem from doing exactly that: “I’m proudest of building bridges – between science and industry, between innovation and governance, and between national needs and European opportunities.”
Lessons from the MBA
Looking back, Špela values the COTRUGLI MBA as a turning point in her leadership journey. The program equipped her with strategic and leadership skills, but she sees opportunities for further evolution. “Future leaders would benefit from more focus on public governance and accountability, innovation ecosystems, and science-policy translation. And in today’s world, communication leadership is critical – trusted voices are essential in times of change.”
She also sees herself contributing as a mentor within the COTRUGLI community. Having benefited from mentorship during her own career transitions, she is eager to pass it forward. “I can support others in research commercialization, innovation policy, governance, and strategic leadership development. Just as importantly, I want to mentor future leaders on anti-corruption and transparency. In our region, these are not only ethical imperatives but also crucial for sustainable development and public trust.”
Shaping moments and guiding influences
Špela’s career milestones chart her evolution as a leader: a decade directing technology transfer and launching 11 spin-offs; a step into broader research operations as Assistant Director at IJS; leading institutional reforms as Director of ARIS; shaping the European innovation landscape on the EIC Board; and finally, contributing to governance and public trust through RTV Slovenia.
Throughout this journey, mentors and colleagues with integrity and vision played a central role. “I was shaped by people whose example showed me that leadership is as much about values as it is about results.”
Advice for the next generation
When asked what lessons she would pass on to her younger self, Špela emphasizes curiosity, trust, and patience. “Be curious beyond your discipline – understanding systems is as important as technical expertise. Cultivate trust and networks because relationships make impact possible. Be patient and bold – systemic change takes time, but it requires courage. And balance confidence with humility – true leadership listens as much as it leads.”
Defining success
For Špela, the essence of leadership has become clearer with time. “Successful leadership is not about titles, but about enabling sustainable change and empowering others,” she says. “The Executive MBA wasn’t just a milestone – it was a catalyst that prepared me to lead with vision and adaptability across sectors.”