RIS4SEB Workshops Spark New Research Teams Across Europe
This autumn, the RIS4SEB project took a major step forward in connecting researchers. A series of four thematic workshops held across Europe brought together academics who share an interest in sustainability, labour market, innovation and entrepreneurship, and AI and digital transformation — and who are now shaping new blended international research teams.
Four Workshops, One Shared Vision
The series began in September at SDA Università Bocconi in Milan, with a workshop on sustainability in health care systems. Peter Pažitný and Daniela Kandilaki represented VŠE to discuss sustainable approaches to healthcare systems.
The journey continued in Kaunas, Lithuania, where SEB KTU hosted a workshop focused on labour markets and workplace welfare, the event featured inspiring research presentations covering topics such as labour market dynamics, sustainable careers, and social entrepreneurship. Marko Orel from VŠE contributed insights on workplace innovation and hybrid work and Jana Abíková shared her research on humanitarian logistics and disaster management.
In October, the focus shifted north to Tallinn, where EBS organized a workshop on sustainability and the circular economy. Van Quang Tran represented VŠE, taking part in discussions and networking sessions with research colleagues from partner institutions.
The final stop of the series was Prague, where VŠE hosted the workshop on digitalization and AI in business processes. Vojtěch Svátek and Dana Malcová took part in sessions discussing how artificial intelligence, data analytics, and explainable AI can drive smarter decision-making and innovation across industries.
Next Steps: From Ideas to Impact
These workshops were not just networking meetings — they were a testing ground for future collaboration. As the RIS4SEB project now enters its next phase, the international teams formed during these sessions are already preparing joint Horizon Europe proposals, turning shared ideas into specific research initiatives.
“What’s truly fascinating is watching how new ideas emerge when researchers step out of their usual circles and comfort zones. Here, they’re encouraged to talk to people they wouldn’t normally meet — and suddenly, they see their own research from completely new perspectives. This is what drives innovation and contributes to competitiveness of future research projects,” said Aneta Kašlíková, Laura Pavlasová and Jiří Hájek, the project coordinators from VŠE.
