It was announced last week that the Ministry of Innovation and Technology will take over the management of higher education from the Ministry of Human Resources (also known as EMMI). On the Sunday News programme of Kossuth Radio, Rector Zoltán Szilvássy explained that for many years the University of Debrecen has been a pioneer showcasing how innovation in higher education can help make the Hungarian economy more competitive.

- We position The University of Debrecen as an important force in this region’s economic development. In this regard, while still belonging to the EMMI, it is independent of the managing body as the innovative initiatives we have been engaging in demonstrate. It is no secret that the university’s ambitions of economic development are well aligned with this transition, and we hope that Minister László Palkovics will enhance these activities – emphasised Zoltán Szilvássy.

According to the Rector, the cooperation between the university and industry is key enhanced competitiveness, which heavily relies on the collaboration of industrial companies, education and research.

- We ask the company what kind of knowledge and competence they require from their experts. The student is part of a live system: on one side there is the university, and on the other side there is the company, their next potential workplace – explained the Head of the university, who also mentioned the importance of the establishment of logistic routes which will define the activities of economic development in the next period.

After the meetings on the Via Carpatia North-South Route and the Chinese “One Belt, One Road” initiative in Debrecen, Zoltán Szilvássy stated that Hungary (amongst the Eastern-European countries) and the University of Debrecen (amongst the institutes of higher education) being the first to join the initiative s will have a significant impact on competitiveness.

The Rector explained that while imports from Chinese companies will mostly include electronic goods, the exported products will be the result of joint national and Chinese innovation. The Rector highlighted the agreement between the Chinese Morgan Star Group and the university as an exemplary case on the Sunday News programme of Kossuth Radio on August 25th.

Chinese delegation at the university

Another Chinese delegation was welcomed at the University of Debrecen where the guests were invited to explore the target areas of its innovative development. In addition to discussing recent developments at the university, participants discussed finances and the opening of new offices.

 

On August 26th, Rector Zoltán Szilvássy demonstrated the possibilities of a pharmaceutical cooperation based on natural medications. The pharmaceutical and food industry, in particular the potentials of medications and feed supply were of most interest to the delegation. Speaking about the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, the Head of the university stated that it presents a significant advantage for national economic development that Hungary (amongst the Eastern-European countries)and the University of Debrecen (amongst the institutes of higher education) were the first to join the Chinese initiative.

The escorting high representative of the Rector, Tamás Vitézy believes that the knowledge base of the university is key to enhancing economic development as well as boosting Chinese collaboration.

Press Office