Innovation Week at FIR: What Happened During the Event
Innovation Week at the Faculty of International Relations (FIR VŠE) this semester once again brought students a unique opportunity to peek into the diverse world of diplomacy, international business, leadership, and academia. Over the course of a few days, a series of inspiring events, discussions, and meetings with experts from the Czech Republic and abroad took place. Students were able to absorb new knowledge, gain valuable experience, and find motivation for further professional growth, both within the traditional fields of international relations and in the perspective areas of intercultural communication. Let’s take a look at some of the events our students could attend during this Innovation Week.
US-Czech Economic Relations: Trade, Investment and Innovations
Innovation Week offered a unique discussion with the U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic, H.E. Nicholas Merrick. The event provided students with the opportunity to hear insights on U.S.-Czech economic relations and directly engage in a conversation with this leading diplomatic representative regarding investments and innovations.
She’s the General: Kdo tu nosí kalhoty?
An inspiring insight into leadership without stereotypes was brought by the first female General of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic, Lenka Šmerdová. During her presentation, she shared her rich experience in leading people, building respect, and discussed her career, gender issues, and hospitality in the military environment.
Taller práctico: Comunicación Intercultural en la Empresa
For those interested in the Spanish language and corporate culture, a practical workshop was prepared with Nerea Olabegoya, CEO of Qualo. In an interactive format and in the presence of Spanish professors, students focused on intercultural communication in practice and learned to work with the differences between Spain and the Czech Republic.
The Philippine Economy: Current Trends, Czech Relations, and Global Outlook
Another significant diplomatic visit was a lecture and discussion with the Ambassador of the Philippines, H.E. Eduardo Martin R. Meñez. Participants gained a comprehensive overview of current developments in the Philippine economy, strategic priorities, and challenges. There was also a debate on economic diplomacy in a dynamic global environment and bilateral ties with the Czech Republic.
Protecting the European Market: Trade Defence Instruments in the Era of Geopolitical Competition
How to protect the European market in an era of tectonic geopolitical shifts? Lukáš Pejčoch, Head of Sector for Trade Defence Investigations at the European Commission, arrived to answer this question. The seminar focused on the balance between open markets and the protection of European industry, and also introduced new tools, such as the Foreign Subsidies Regulation.
Chinese popular beliefs in practise
An interactive lecture led by Dr. Qi Hudečková took participants into the world of traditional Chinese beliefs. Attention was paid to the theories of Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, the Book of Changes (I Ching), and the practical use of Feng Shui in understanding the trends of events and the relations between humans and their environment.
Meetings with Study Programme Guarantors
An integral part of Innovation Week was also online and in-person meetings with the guarantors of bachelor’s and master’s study programmes (e.g., doc. Pavel Hnát). Space was given for feedback from students, and discussions revolved around the format of state final exams, the course of studies, as well as possibilities for future development and study abroad programmes.
