Robert-Jan Smits, the former President of TU Eindhoven and the Head of the Horizon 2020 program at the European Commission visits the Silesian University of Technology
An outstanding expert in higher education, responsible, among others, for defining and implementing research and innovation programs in European Union countries, visited the Silesian University of Technology at the invitation of His Magnificence Rector, Prof. Marek Pawełczyk.
Robert-Jan Smits, Director-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission in the years 2010-2018, and then President of the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the years 2019-2025, met on September 29th with the University authorities, deans, students, and representatives of the University Social Council.
Robert-Jan Smits is a unique figure in the European world of science and innovation. At the European Commission, he was responsible for the Horizon 2020 programme, co-creating its assumptions and shaping the directions of development of European research policy.
– Our guest is also one of the key people responsible for preparing the structure of the Horizon Europe program, including the Widening component, which Poland and the Silesian University of Technology are actively using. He is also the person who caused the change of the name of the Marie Curie Actions programme to Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, emphasizing the contribution of the Polish Nobel Prize winner to the development of world science. It is worth adding that this was not an easy decision and was met with various reactions in Europe, but for which we are grateful - emphasized Prof. Marek Pawełczyk, the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology.
During a meeting in the Senate Hall with the academic community and representatives of the socio-economic environment, Robert-Jan Smits talked about the strategic role of the university for the region. He presented the concept of Brainport Eindhoven. It is an economic and technological hub, also called the European Silicon Valley, where, next to the Philips headquarters, there is the Technical University TU/e, which was founded 70 years ago on the initiative of the technology giant. Industry and business in the region are focused on modern technologies, as is the university, which cooperates with many companies, including ASML. It is currently one of the most valuable high-tech companies, the world's only manufacturer of EUV photolithography machines used to produce the smallest and most complex integrated circuits.
– The key to our success is management in line with the triple helix model, based on cooperation between science, business, and public administration. It's really a very close collaboration, we meet every week, - said Robert-Jan Smits, emphasizing that thanks to this management model, it's possible to retain the most talented graduates, as many as 80% of them find jobs in the region, and the city authorities, local government, and business representatives work together to ensure that living conditions attract young people.
Robert-Jan Smits also noticed many similarities between Brainport Eindhoven and the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis. Both regions underwent profound economic transformations related to changes in industry, the development of new technologies and the need to retrain large groups of workers. The expert also emphasized the important role of universities that contribute to the development of regions and introduced the idea of a fourth-generation university, i.e. a model of a university that, in addition to education and research, actively co-creates local innovation ecosystems and responds to the social and economic challenges of the region.
– Today we can clearly see that the world is no longer functioning as one global “village.” We are observing a weakening of the existing international order and institutions based on multilateral cooperation. In this situation, Europe must look for new ways to strengthen its position, primarily through better organisation and cooperation at the regional level. That's why the concept of a fourth-generation university is so interesting. It unites universities, local governments, and businesses around a common goal: the development and competitiveness of the region. This is an important direction that responds to the challenges of the modern world, argued Robert-Jan Smits.
– This idea is gaining more and more recognition both in Europe and around the world. A very good example of its effectiveness is TU/e, a university that has focused on extensive cooperation with business, local governments, and society. It was crucial to treat this collaboration not as an additional activity, but as an integral element of the university's mission. As a result, an open and inclusive ecosystem of partnerships has been created around the university, fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and regional development. - I am pleased with the very good personal contact with President Robert-Jan Smits. We often exchange opinions and I appreciate that I have the opportunity to benefit from his extremely rich experience – added Prof. Pawełczyk.
Robert-Jan Smith emphasized that he is impressed with the development strategy of the Silesian University of Technology and its implementation. The guest also visited the Gliwice campus, the Student Creativity Centre and some laboratories at the Faculty of Chemistry and the Faculty of Civil Engineering.
