Data-driven future

At the beginning of 2025, the University of Pécs launched the Smart University Program (SUP), which aims to renew educational, institutional and research processes with data-driven, sustainable, and innovative solutions. In connection with this, an event entitled "SMART BAR" was held on January 15, which created a forum for direct discussion and networking between experts involved in the Smart University Program and representatives from the corporate and academic spheres.

The University of Pécs is consciously building an approach in which data science and artificial intelligence are not merely areas of research, but an integral part of the university's operations, education, and services. The SUP is an institutional-level initiative born out of a commitment to operations based on data science and artificial intelligence. The program focuses on solutions that simultaneously support the improvement of the quality of education, the strengthening of research potential, and the increase of the efficiency of university operations.

We are building a network where different scientific fields have the opportunity to think together, learn about each other's projects, and create new ideas, products, and services, said Dávid Siptár, Director of the PTE Innovation Management and Economic Relations Directorate, in his welcoming speech.

One of the core pillars of the initiative is cross-institutional networking, as PTE is convinced that value-creating solutions in the above-mentioned areas can only be developed if university knowledge, research, and industrial experience reinforce each other in projects.

Dr. Attila Miseta explained that the Smart University Program emerged from the shared reflections of several colleagues, that they ultimately embraced the initiative in an institutional form. He also emphasised that research related to smart technologies and artificial intelligence is developing exponentially, and the University of Pécs cannot afford to fall behind.

Following the welcome speech, the professional program began with two presentations: Dr. István Szászi, Managing Director of Robert Bosch Kft., gave a presentation entitled "AI in the world of mobility and engineering?" in which he presented how artificial intelligence is used in the field of transportation and in engineering developments. The company established the Center for Artificial Intelligence in 2017 in preparation for the significant transformation of the industry due to AI. They currently employ more than 5,000 AI experts, and AI is present not only in manufacturing but also in most of their products.

After that, István Cseh, Business Development Manager at evosoft Hungary Kft., gave a presentation titled AI: The Future of Industry in the Present, where he talked about how artificial intelligence is already transforming industrial processes and what opportunities it offers for the business sector.

The presentations were followed by a panel discussion, where Dr. István Szászi, István Herbály, and István Cseh discussed What does industry expect from universities in the field of AI? Is joint product development a reality, or will the academic sphere play a role elsewhere? The discussion was moderated by Dr. Krisztián Szűcs.

The event not only offered professional inspiration and opportunities for cooperation, but also provided an opportunity for informal conversation and networking. 

Author: Martina Aknai-Kiss
Photos: Szabolcs Csortos
Translation: Hanna Leemans