The debate will also explore how universities operate under rapidly changing conditions, particularly in connection with technological development, the rise of artificial intelligence and digitalisation, increasing operational costs, and transformations in the labour market. These changes affect not only the preparation of graduates, but also the structure of university staff, including the growing presence of international employees. All of this comes at a time of limited financial resources and increasing pressure for efficiency and new evaluation metrics, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of higher education and the ability of universities to fulfil all the roles society expects from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The discussion between the rectors of V\u0160B \u2013 Technical University of Ostrava, University of Ostrava, and Silesian University in Opava will offer perspectives from a geoinformatics expert, an American studies scholar, and a lawyer on the current challenges and future direction of higher education. The debate will focus on the influence of universities on society, their role in shaping public space, protecting freedom and democratic values, and their importance for regional development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speakers: Igor Ivan<\/a>, Petr Kopeck\u00fd<\/a>, Tom\u00e1\u0161 Gongol<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Discussion will be moderated by: Jana Fabi\u00e1nov\u00e1<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The discussion will reflect on the unique position of universities as institutions that are long expected to maintain a high degree of independence, uphold the quality of education and research, and remain open to cooperation with industry and international partners. The ability to connect academic environments with real-world practice is now one of their most important roles in contemporary society.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":14284,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":[],"program-year":[456],"program-category":[427],"program-genre":[],"program-country":[256],"class_list":["post-14673","program","type-program","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","program-category-meltingpot-programme","program-country-cesko-en"],"yoast_head":"\n