Entrepreneurs, local government officials, and external stakeholders gathered at the University of Gdansk Library to strengthen existing relationships and create new ones with the largest university in Pomerania. The meeting with strategic partners was attended by university authorities and representatives of faculties and UG units responsible for cooperation with the socio-economic environment.

‘Today, the word 'cooperation' will be used in all forms and contexts. I firmly believe that cooperation at the University of Gdańsk is part of our everyday activities,' said UG Rector prof. dr hab. Piotr Stepnowski. ‘Scientific cooperation is a given; cooperation in the field of education and didactic projects exists at every university; cooperation with the socio-economic environment, however, needs to be constantly defined and properly formed. There is still a real challenge in catching the synergy between the academic, the social, and the business aspects.’

After the event's official opening, the debate on the practicality of education in the classical university began. The panel discussion was attended by Vice-Rector for Students and Quality of Education dr hab. Arnold Kłonczyński, prof. UG, Director of the Centre for Didactic Improvement and Tutoring at the University of Gdańsk dr Ewa Szymczak, prof. UG, Anna Bratko from HR Site Head Bayern sp. z o.o., Antonina Markut from Talent Acquisition Lead Thyssenkrupp Group Services Gdańsk sp. z o.o. and HR Director at Arrow Electronics Paulina Makowska. The discussion was moderated by the Deputy Director of CDDiT UG, dr Beata Karpińska-Musiał.

Representatives from external companies talked about what they look for and require from candidates during interviews. One of the universal skills sought in young graduates turned out to be soft skills - the ability to communicate across generations, cooperation or healthy conflict resolution. Prof. Arnold Kłonczyński and Prof. Ewa Szymczak talked about the education process at the University of Gdańsk and new teaching strategies. The conversation also resonated with the fact that knowledge itself is no longer a value; what matters is how someone uses their knowledge.

The audience, meanwhile, asked about rhetorical skills among job candidates, the demographic crisis, new technologies, internationalisation, and IT training at the University of Gdańsk.

The event was accompanied by the performance of vocalists from the UG Vocal Studio.

After the official part of the meeting, there was time for networking, during which members of the UG academic community sought space for joint activities with representatives of the socio-economic environment.

The meeting took place on December 8, 2023.