On September 17, 2024, the Faculty of Economics at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv launched the international professional development programme titled “Economics, Innovation, and Creativity for the Digital Transformation of Education at Universities”. This initiative is part of the joint project “Chemnitz-Lviv Learning Bridge 2024” with Chemnitz Technical University, under the “Digital Ukraine” programme of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The programme is supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany and the support of the International Relations Office of Lviv University.
At the opening of the international programme, the participants were welcomed by the Vice-Rector for Research of Lviv University, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Professor Roman Gladyshevskii. In his address, Roman Gladyshevskii emphasized the importance of the cooperation between Lviv University and Chemnitz University within the framework of the “Digital Ukraine” programme, supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). He highlighted that this partnership, initiated in 2022, continues to this day, allowing Lviv University’s scholars and students to enhance their professional skills despite the ongoing full-scale war in Ukraine.
Professor Roman Gladyshevskii also stressed that the digitalisation of learning and the use of digital platforms are among the top priorities for improving teaching at Lviv University. This focus has become particularly relevant not only due to the rapid advancement of digital technologies and their integration into the educational environment, but also in light of the current challenges related to the security situation in Ukraine.
In conclusion, Professor Roman Gladyshevskii wished the participants of the international programme inspiration and success in their academic and professional development. He expressed hope that the programme would assist each participant not only in enhancing their professional skills, but also in serving a bridge for introducing innovations in student learning, fostering their own creativity, and utilizing digital technologies.
Professor Stefan Hüsig, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Chemnitz Technical University, delivered a welcoming address to the participants of the international programme with a welcoming speech. In his speech, Professor Stefan Hüsig highlighted that during the active cooperation between Lviv and Chemnitz universities in the “Digital Ukraine” programme, numerous events were organised to support students and facilitate the exchange of expertise between faculty members of both institutions. This cooperation played a key role in the successful implementation of the international professional development programme, “Economics, Innovation, and Creativity for the Digital Transformation of Education at Universities”, which brought together academics from both universities
Professor Stefan Hüsig underscored that creativity and innovation in education serve as powerful pillars for teachers’ self-improvement, contributing significantly to their professional growth in the age of digital transformation. He stressed that integrating innovative practices into the educational process is essential not only for enhancing the quality of education but also for preparing new generations of professionals capable of addressing the challenges of the modern economy and technological advancements.
In concluding his address, Professor Stefan Hüsig wished the participants success in completing their training, gaining valuable knowledge and experience that would be instrumental in implementing digital solutions in education through a creative approach.
Professor Rostyslav Mykhailyshyn, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics at Lviv University, also participated in the opening session of the international programme. In his welcoming speech, he emphasized that the programme offers unique opportunities for participants to better understand the value of creativity and innovation in enhancing teaching excellence, particularly in light of the ongoing digitalisation of education. Innovations and their active implementation have always been served as catalysts for change in the economy, thereby increasing its competitiveness.
Professor Rostyslav Mykhailyshyn expressed his belief that this programme will establish a framework for the advancement of participants’ professional competences and will open new opportunities for students to be educated in innovative and creative ways. He wished all participants productive engagement and inspiration for new ideas.
The participants of the professional programme have commenced their training, which will continue until October 9, 2024. Throughout the programme, participants will explore concepts of innovation and creativity, key tools for their development, principles of teamwork, and the potential applications of artificial intelligence in education and research. They will also deepen their understanding social entrepreneurship, digital learning platforms, international educational projects, and start-ups.
The programme coordinator from Lviv University,
Acting Head of the Department of Economy of Ukraine,
Professor Marianna Kichurchak