Research Question (RQ): Start-up companies represent the support of the development of every economy. However, this is a more fragile part of the economy, because a large number of start-up companies fail in the first years of their development. The results of previous research indicate that there are several reasons for the failure of start-ups, and one of the key ones is the difficult application of innovations. In today's modern and turbulent times, in the embrace of globalization, innovations are an absolute must have. All companies that are not innovatively oriented are doomed to failure. Even large, multinational companies pay for the lack of innovation, so this is a signal to start-ups that investing in innovation is the most important thing in their budget. However, there are numerous challenges and obstacles in the application of innovations at start-ups. The main problem of the research is to detect what are the most important obstacles and challenges for the application of innovations in Bosnian start-ups, and by what methods it is possible to overcome them. Purpose: The main purpose of the research is to point out the obstacles and challenges faced by start-up companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to give adequate recommendations for start-ups as well as all interest groups, how to eliminate them effectively, in order to make the economy and business operations of the company more propulsive and proactive. Method: In the theoretical explanation of the problem, sufficient information contained in previous researches will be gathered, regarding the considered issue. Through empirical research, it will be determined what the most common types of obstacles are and challenges faced by start-ups in Bosnia and Herzegovina, what types of innovations are most often implemented in start-up companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina and which methods and ways can be used to overcome the mentioned obstacles. The research will be done on a sample of 10 start-up companies in BiH. Results: The results of the research will show what are the obstacles and challenges in the implementation of innovations recorded in the sample of observed start-ups, what types of innovations are most often implemented in start-ups in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and how to most effectively overcome obstacles in the implementation of innovations in start-ups, with the aim of their better and more successful business. Organization: Through research of this type, managers of start-ups (or those who intend to become one) can more easily identify the basic obstacles in the implementation of innovations in their business, and use the proposed methods to overcome them, in order to make their business more stable and sustainable. Society: Increasing the stability of start-ups brings long-term benefits for the entire society. Socially responsible business of start-ups can contribute to a better distribution of resources in society, which is desirable for all participants in society, but also for the environment. Originality: Research of this type represents one of the rare researches on start-ups in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a pioneering research in the context of challenges and obstacles in the implementation of innovations at start-ups in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Limitations / further research: Limitations: small sample size, difficulties in data collection. Recommendations: research on the implementation of innovations according to the areas in which start-ups operate.

This paper’s primary aim is to examine the impact of managerialcompetencies on the performance of healthcareorganizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a particularfocus on the role of middle management.Research Methodology: A quantitative research approachwas employed, and data were collected through a structuredquestionnaire designed to measure six key dimensionsof managerial competencies: leadership, strategicthinking, communication, decision-making, teamwork, andchange management. The construction of the questionnairewas based on previous relevant research and theoretical models of managerial competencies, with particularattention given to the models developed by Boyatzis (1982)and later expanded by Whetten and Cameron (2011), as wellas findings from research on healthcare management, suchas Calhoun et al. (2008) on competencies for healthcareleaders. The items were adapted to the specific context ofhealthcare institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and eachitem was rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1- Strongly Disagree;2-Disagree; 3 – Neutral; 4- Agree; 5- Strongly Agree).The questionnaire was distributed to a purposive sample of120 middle managers working in various healthcare institutionsacross Bosnia and Herzegovina. Data were collectedduring three months from January to April 2025. Descriptivestatistics were used for data analysis.Conclusion: The results indicate that communication andteamwork competencies were rated most positively and significantlycorrelated with organizational outcomes. In contrast,strategic thinking and change management receivedlower ratings. The instrument’s reliability was confirmedthrough high internal consistency (Cronbach α > 0.70).

Introduction: The basic postulate of the lean concept is that greater efficiency of the work process can be achieved through a process of continuous improvement,which aims to eliminate waste and maximize activities that add value.The Netherlands, Great Britain, Italy and the United States were examples of healthcare systems that implemented the lean concept.Aim: To examine the opinion of health workers of a public hospital in the Sarajevo area about the possibilities of improving business processes by implementing thelean concept.Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent to the e-mail addresses of health workers of public health organizations. 91 respondents of both sexes (doctors ofmedicine, residents, registered nurses, nurses and administrative staff) were included.Results: A positive correlation was establishedin the attitude toward the effectiveness and efficiency of business processes. According to the participant’s opinion, the greater effectiveness of business processes contributes to greater efficiency (r=0.846; p<0,05). Spearman’s coefficient rs=0.81 shows a strong connection between the effectiveness and efficiency of business processes.Conclusion: The study showed that there is a positive attitude towards the impact of the lean concept on improving the efficiency of business processes. The reducexpected positive effects of the implementation of the lean concept are manifested through faster provision of services to patients, reduction of service waiting times and general improvement of business processes.

As a modern way of thinking lean methodology uses tools that are directed towards the continuous improvement of the functioning of the system with continuous perfection. Lean production (LP) means less work in the workplace, less manufacturing space, less investment, less time and fewer tools and supplies. The methodology is designed so that it is planned and managed in stages, necessary for the realization of the objectives defined production system. Lean companies are primarily focused on growth, increase profitability and customer value, but also increase productivity, improve the quality of products and processes, as well as the delivery systems are also important elements for improving business efficiency. This paper will present the methodology of implementation of lean concepts for improving productivity in manufacturing companies.