April 18-19, 2024
Location: University of Bielsko-Biala (UBB), Poland

Participants of kick-off meeting: from left to right:   José Rodrigues (University of Algarve, Portugal), Mauro Figueiredo (University of Algarve, Portugal), Georgi Petrov Dimitrov (ULSIT, Bulgaria), Oleksii Bychkov (TSNUK, Ukraine), Kateryna Merkulova (TSNUK, Ukraine), Jacek Nowakowski (UBB, Poland),   Vasyl Martsenyuk (UBB, Poland), Eugenia Kovatcheva (ULSIT, Bulgaria), Tomasz Gancarczyk (UBB, Poland), Piotr Szymura (Rekord SI, Poland)

The University of Bielsko-Biala recently hosted a pivotal event heralding the commencement of an Erasmus project TransLeader poised to foster collaboration and innovation for IT education across borders.

The TransLeader (Erasmus+ Project No. 2023-2-PL01-KA220-HED-000179445) is the project conducted by the consortium coordinated by the University of Bielsko-Biala. It includes the partners: 1. University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (Bulgaria), University of Algarve (Portugalia), Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (Ukraine), Rekord SI (Poland). It aims to bring together higher education institutions and businesses in a single knowledge transfer network, via:

1. a) Restructuring and rebuilding the higher education system in the field of IT;
2. b) Improve the skills of teaching staff in the field of AI and IoT;
3. c) Create a sustainable knowledge transfer model;
4. d) Build an ecosystem of key partners;
5. e) Collaborative work between universities and enterprises.

The kick-off meeting, spanning two days, saw enthusiastic participation from institutional coordinators and key stakeholders, setting a solid foundation for the project's endeavors.

The meeting commenced with a warm reception by UBB Rector dr hab. inż. Jacek Nowakowski, prof. UBB, followed by an engaging introduction session, establishing a conducive atmosphere for fruitful discussions. Deliberations on partnership agreements and financial management issues ensued, ensuring clarity and alignment among all parties involved.

The meeting was postponed by Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science dr hab. inż. Jacek Pezda, prof. UBB, introducing the participants to the facilities and plans of the faculty when engaging into transnational education projects in IT.

 A highlight of the event was the presentation of the project’s framework by prof. dr hab. Vasyl Martsenyuk, providing attendees with a comprehensive overview and instilling a sense of direction for the project's trajectory. Discussions led by prof. dr hab. Vasyl Martsenyuk and prof. Georgi Dimitrov delved into essential project management principles, emphasizing the roles of institutional coordinators and the utilization of the AdminProject platform.

In addition to academic pursuits, participants indulged in the cultural richness of Bielsko-Biala through a sightseeing tour led by Vasyl Martsenyuk, fostering camaraderie and rejuvenating spirits. The meeting culminated in a speech of Piotr Szymura, President of Rekord IT company, who described his vision to TransLeader project focusing on competencies of IT business leaders, based on the experience of Rekord SI when developing popular software for local governments and motor industry.

Final “TO DO” list was formulated, encapsulating the collective aspirations of the participants.

As the meeting drew to a close, participants gathered for a farewell dinner, reflecting on the productive exchanges and forging bonds that will propel the project forward. With a clear roadmap delineated and a shared commitment to excellence, the University of Bielsko-Biala sets sail on a journey marked by collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth.

The kick-off meeting serves as a testament to the consortium headed by University of Bielsko-Biala’s dedication to fostering international partnerships in preparing IT business leaders and spearheading initiatives that transcend geographical boundaries, paving the way for a brighter and more interconnected future.