Dr. Argyrios Loukopoulos | Strategic HR Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Argyrios Loukopoulos | University of Patras, School of Economics and Business, Department of Business Administration | Greece 

Argyrios Loukopoulos is a dedicated researcher, educator, and military professional from Greece, combining academic excellence with strong leadership in public service. With a PhD in Business Administration and dual MSc and MBA degrees, he contributes actively to academia, particularly in the fields of social entrepreneurship and organizational strategy. Simultaneously, he holds senior HR managerial roles within the Hellenic Air Force and the National Guard of Cyprus, emphasizing discipline, strategy, and employee development. He is certified as an adult education trainer and frequently participates in EU research projects and vocational education initiatives. As an author and peer reviewer in high-impact journals, Argyrios has contributed significantly to the discourse on organizational growth, social capital, and innovation. With fluency in English and German and a passion for learning, he stands out as a multidimensional professional committed to creating sustainable social impact through research, education, and leadership.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

✅ Strengths for the Award:

1. Strong Publication Record in Reputable Journals:

   • Publications in ABS 3-star journals such as International Public Management Journal and International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research.

   • Several papers in Q1-ranked journals and high-impact outlets (e.g., IF 5.3 and 6.2).

   • Topics of contemporary relevance: social entrepreneurship, public sector innovation, HR, and organizational behavior.

2. Multidisciplinary Engagement:

   • Bridging fields of business administration, HR, public service, social impact, and cybersecurity awareness.

   • Work relevant to both academic theory and practical policy development, especially in the public and social sectors.

3. European Research Collaborations:

   • Participation in Erasmus+ projects like DIGIT OPEN and STAY CONNECTED, showing international collaboration and EU-funded project experience.

   • Co-authorship with researchers across Europe.

4. Teaching and Knowledge Transfer:

   • Adult educator certification and experience delivering vocational education programs in Project Management and E-commerce & Marketing.

   • Experience bridging academia and applied training, enhancing societal impact.

5. Academic and Institutional Service:

   • Active reviewer for prestigious journals (e.g., Business & Society).

   • Presenter at peer-reviewed international conferences, showing academic community engagement.

6. Leadership and Administration Experience:

   • Managerial positions in both military (Hellenic Air Force) and public HR departments, demonstrating leadership, project coordination, and people management.

   • These roles provide a unique lens through which research is applied practically.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

1. Further Diversification of Publication Venues:

   • While several high-quality journals are listed, further outreach to top-tier (ABS 4, FT50, or Scopus Top 10)* journals would enhance global academic impact.

2. Greater Emphasis on Methodological Innovation:

   • Most published works focus on applied themes. Publishing a paper highlighting novel methods, frameworks, or analytical tools could strengthen theoretical contributions.

3. More Distinct Research Identity Online:

   • Although there are strong individual profiles (Google Scholar, ORCID, LinkedIn, etc.), a dedicated academic website or research portfolio platform might consolidate impact, outputs, and networks.

4. Grants and Independent Research Leadership:

   • Most current research is under collaborative/consortium frameworks (e.g., Erasmus+). Leading an independent grant-funded project (e.g., Horizon Europe) would further validate leadership as a principal investigator (PI).

5. Higher Engagement with Policy Makers or Industry Partners:

   • Translating findings into policy briefs, public engagement, or impact case studies would boost measurable impact beyond academia.

📚 Education:

Argyrios Loukopoulos holds a PhD in Business Administration from the University of Patras, focusing on social impact strategies and organizational performance in Greek social enterprises. He earned an MBA from the same institution with high distinction (9.06/10) and is currently pursuing an MSc in Operations Management at the University of West Attica (8.67/10). He also holds a BSc in Economic Science from the University of Patras and is concurrently completing a degree in Public Administration at the Hellenic Open University. His foundational military training includes graduation from the Hellenic Air Force Administrative NCO Academy, where he ranked among the top with a 94.97% score. In addition to formal degrees, he holds multiple certifications in cybersecurity, project management, and human resources from prestigious global institutions such as IBM, University of Minnesota, and Copenhagen Business School. His education reflects an interdisciplinary and applied approach to management, public service, and organizational development.

💼 Experience:

Argyrios Loukopoulos combines academic research with over a decade of public service. As a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Hellenic Air Force since 2011, he has led the Military Personnel Office, focusing on recruitment, HR management, and administrative functions. Since 2023, he has also served the National Guard of Cyprus as an HR Manager. In academia, Argyrios is a researcher at the University of Patras, working on EU Erasmus+ projects such as DIGIT OPEN and STAY CONNECTED. His research blends digital transformation, hybrid work environments, and social innovation. He has teaching experience in VET programs, focusing on project management, e-commerce, and hospitality marketing. His practical experience in structured organizations and active engagement in academic and EU-funded initiatives enables him to bridge theory with real-world practice. His career demonstrates leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to continuous improvement and education across military, academic, and public administration domains.

🔬 Research Focus:

Argyrios Loukopoulos’s research centers on organizational social capital, social entrepreneurship, and strategic growth within social enterprises. His PhD explores how organizational strategies influence social and financial performance in Greek social enterprises. He has expanded his focus to include hybrid workplaces, digital transformation, and public sector innovation through projects like DIGIT OPEN and STAY CONNECTED (Erasmus+ KA2 VET). His studies examine mediating roles of entrepreneurship orientation, ethical leadership, and job-related stress, particularly within public service frameworks. His multi-disciplinary approach fuses management theory, public administration, and social impact measurement, making his work relevant both academically and practically. His research contributions are widely recognized, with publications in ABS 3* journals and invitations to high-level conferences. As both a practitioner and a scholar, Argyrios brings unique insights into how organizations—especially those in the nonprofit or public sectors—can optimize human capital, navigate challenges, and scale their social missions effectively and sustainably.

📄 Publications Top Notes:

📘 2025
📌 Rising to the challenge: Job stress, role overload, and change-oriented organizational citizenship behavior in the public sector
📌 Uniqueness of the Training Needs of Social Enterprise Professionals: Analysis in the European Context

📘 2024
📌 Unleashing the Power of Organizational Social Capital: Exploring the Mediating Role of Social Entrepreneurship Orientation in Social Enterprises’ Performances

📘 2022
📌 Social Entrepreneurship Education Enhancement: Through Innovative Training Pedagogies Across Europe
📌 Organizational Growth Strategies: For Greek Social Enterprises’ Social Impact During the COVID-19 Pandemic
📌 Mapping and Interpreting the Evolution: Of Social Enterprises in Greece

🏁 Conclusion:

Argyrios Loukopoulos demonstrates an exceptional profile as a young and emerging researcher. With a multidisciplinary background, international collaborations, and a strong publication record in quality journals, he is highly suitable for a Best Researcher Award, particularly in categories such as:

• Early Career Researcher

• Social Impact Research

• Public Sector and Organizational Innovation

• Applied HR and Management Research