Colleges prepare students for life in a world that doesn’t exist. This bold thesis is put forward by the organizers of the Competitive Education conference entitled: “University Idea. Digital Transformation” and invite representatives of the scientific community and business practitioners to the discussion. The conference is held under the patronage of Olivia Business Centre.
“The essence of higher education does not consist in (…) it is about inculcating factual knowledge, but about training the mind to arrive at what cannot be found in textbooks,” Albert Einstein claimed. These words still ring today, in times of digital transformation that is rapidly advancing not only in science and technology. Digital transformation affects each of us, in every area of life – from everyday communication and entertainment, through education, work, to complex business processes. Are we ready for it? How does it affect us? What opportunities and threats does it bring? How to take full advantage of the opportunities it gives us in the educational, academic, business and personal spheres?
Answers to these questions will be sought by authorities and experts invited by the organizers to participate in the conference: prof. Jerzy Hausner (Cracow University of Economics), prof. Dariusz Filar (economist and writer), Henryka Bochniarz (President of the Lewiatan Confederation), prof. Witold Bielecki (Kozminski University), prof. Julita Wasilczuk (Gdańsk University of Technology), Anna Grosiak (Business Development Director at Siemens Sp. z o.o.), Dr. Andre Helin (President of the Management Board of BDO), Piotr Voelkel (founder of the VOX Capital Group), Krzysztof Kwiatkowski (Supreme Audit Office), Jakub Wojnarowski (ACCA) and guests from abroad: Joanna Bochniarz (Center for Innovative Education, Brussels), Alain Heureux (Brussels Creative and Creative Ring) and Tom Clark (Center for Innovative Education, Brussels). The event is planned in an attractive formula combining a lecture, a “power speech” and an Oxford debate, in which the audience will also have a voice.
“We live, learn and work in a world where change is happening at an unprecedented speed. We don’t have time to think more deeply about where we’re going. It is precisely in order to force us to stop and think – that we, as conference organizers, put forward a bold thesis: “Universities prepare students for life in a world that does not exist.” We want to make representatives of the business and academic communities listen to each other’s arguments for and against, articulate their own opinions and be open to the thoughts of others, and then get involved in programming and implementing the necessary changes in education. says Ewa Sowińska, ESO Audit Partner, member of the Conference Programme Board.
Changes in education are necessary. It is estimated that 60 per cent of the population is in the EU. Children who are currently starting school will work in professions that do not yet exist. Within 10-15 years, about 40 percent will disappear. Professions. This will happen as digital transformation and automation continue. There will be new professions – today we can’t even name them.
“The current education system still focuses on the ability to memorize textbook knowledge and narrowly understood subjects – it does not show the interpenetration of various fields of science. It’s a system that was created for a different era. As a society and decision-makers, we don’t seem to notice that this era has already passed into history – says Barbara Stepnowska, PhD, Director of MBA Studies at the Gdańsk University of Technology, member of the Conference Program Council.
The World Economic Forum’s report “New Vision for Education. Unlocking the Potential of Technology”, lists 16 skills and traits that are crucial for the 21st century, requiring improvement not only at the school or university stage, but throughout life. These are, m.in, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, creativity, communication and collaboration skills, curiosity, taking initiative, adaptability, leadership skills, perseverance, and social and cultural awareness. Is there a chance that the Polish education system will also focus on their shaping and development?
“The digital revolution brings many unknowns. A lot depends on the accuracy of predictions and readiness for change. Do universities really prepare young people for life in a world that will not exist in a moment to exist? Is the business world still stuck within organizations that won’t be needed? These are no longer the archaic considerations of a few years ago about economic transformation, labour mobility, flexible forms of employment and flexible working time. These are fundamental questions – who will we be, and even more importantly – who will we not need – adds Dorota Sobieniecka, director of the Gdańsk Business Club, member of the conference Programme Council.
The conference, organised by the MBA Studies of the Gdańsk University of Technology, the Faculty of Management and Economics of the Gdańsk University of Technology, the Gdańsk Business Club, ESO Audit and the GAP Foundation, will be held on 18 April as part of the Open Eyes Economy on Tour series. in the Main Building of the Gdańsk University of Technology. Details of the event, including the program, can be found at http://fwd.edu.pl/konkurencyjnaedukacja/. Admission is free – registration is required.
The event was held under the honorary patronage of:
Minister of Science and Higher Education and Rector of the Gdańsk University of Technology.
