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The 18th European Economic Congress \u2013 one of the most important business events in Central Europe \u2013 will take place on 22-24 April 2026 at the International Congress Centre and Spodek Arena in Katowice. This year\u2019s edition will focus on the role of dialogue in an environment of increasing geopolitical and economic uncertainty. The topics of discussion will include Europe\u2019s strategic position, economic competitiveness, security, energy transition, digitalisation, and the social dimension of change.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" [vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row] […]<\/p>\n\n
\nProf. Ryszard Kozio\u0142ek, Rector of the University of Silesia, \u2018Polish science\u2019
\nThe higher education system in the face of the needs of the economy, the country\u2019s development ambitions, demographic trends, and technological challenges. Financing. Reform of the system. Assessment of science in Poland \u2013 new rules. Drop-out \u2013 how to respond? Polish science within the European system of university cooperation. The offer of Polish universities for foreign students.<\/li>\n
\nProf. Ryszard Kozio\u0142ek, Rector of the University of Silesia, the panel \u2018Green Planet 2 \u2013 University 2035\u2019
\nDigitalisation 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 \u2018knowledge creation\u2019, 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\u2019 expectations?<\/li>\n
\nProf. Robert Krzysztofik, moderator of the session \u2018The future of metropolitan areas\u2019
\nA 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.<\/li>\n
\nKatarzyna Trynda, PhD, Associate Professor, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education, the panel \u2018Education, security, resilience\u2019
\nA 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n