The 18th European Economic Congress – one of the most important business events in Central Europe – will take place on 22-24 April 2026 at the International Congress Centre and Spodek Arena in Katowice. This year’s edition will focus on the role of dialogue in an environment of increasing geopolitical and economic uncertainty. The topics of discussion will include Europe’s strategic position, economic competitiveness, security, energy transition, digitalisation, and the social dimension of change.
The congress will be attended by representatives from the worlds of business, politics, science and government, and the programme will cover key issues in geopolitics, investment, technology, climate, the labour market, and demographics. The events will be accompanied by, among others. Investor Without Borders 2026 Gala, TOP Inwestycje (TOP Investments), and the final of the EEC Startup Challenge. The organisers are expecting several thousand participants and more than 1,300 panellists. Registration is currently ongoing. Visit the EEC website.
The University of Silesia will be present at the event both through a promotional stand in the main hall of the ICC, run by the Industry Cooperation Office, and the active participation of university representatives in panel discussions:
- 22 April 2026, 12.30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Prof. Ryszard Koziołek, Rector of the University of Silesia, ‘Polish science’
The higher education system in the face of the needs of the economy, the country’s development ambitions, demographic trends, and technological challenges. Financing. Reform of the system. Assessment of science in Poland – new rules. Drop-out – how to respond? Polish science within the European system of university cooperation. The offer of Polish universities for foreign students. - 22 April 2026, 2.30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Prof. Ryszard Koziołek, Rector of the University of Silesia, the panel ‘Green Planet 2 – University 2035’
Digitalisation and innovation define the efficiency and resilience of universities, as they are expected to become participants and leaders of digital transition, help develop competencies of the future, and offer new models of training based on data, AI, and hybrid forms of education. Generative AI is changing the cognitive infrastructure of universities by challenging their monopoly on ‘knowledge creation’, redefining the role of the teacher and standards of evaluation, and forcing them to develop AI policies. How can a digitalisation strategy be translated into actual change in education and the way universities are managed, as they come under pressure of demographics, finance, and students’ expectations? - 23 April 2026, 11.30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Prof. Robert Krzysztofik, moderator of the session ‘The future of metropolitan areas’
A panel on the challenges facing large cities, the direction of EU-supported investment, the role of metropolitan areas as centres of growth and social tensions, and the need for a new model of territorial governance. Local government preparations for the post-2027 funding system will also be discussed. - 24 April 2026, 1.30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Katarzyna Trynda, PhD, Associate Professor, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education, the panel ‘Education, security, resilience’
A discussion on the role of education in building social resilience, including civic education, countering misinformation, emotional resilience, and the function of school communities in crisis situations.