Opening Speech by Dr. Pradeep Kumar at the Inauguration of the EIIC Project at Hochschule Mittweida,

4 December 2024, 7 pm

Opening Speech by Dr. Pradeep Kumar at the Inauguration of the "Economic Issues in the International Context (EIIC)" Project at Hochschule Mittweida, Germany

Mittweida, Germany – November 27, 2024 – The Indo-European Education Foundations (IEEF) proudly marked the formal inauguration of the "Economic Issues in the International Context (EIIC)" project at Hochschule Mittweida, University of Applied Sciences, Germany. This cutting-edge research-based teaching initiative, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), is aimed at fostering international academic collaboration and addressing global economic challenges.

Dr. Pradeep Kumar, President of Indo-European Education Foundations, delivered the opening speech at the event, held at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering at UAS Mittweida. The inaugural session was attended by a distinguished audience comprising faculty members, renowned economists, experts in international relations, students, and university officials.

Welcoming Remarks and Project Introduction

The session began with an introductory speech by HE Prof. Dr. rer. oec. Serge Velesco, Educational Dean and Cooperation Degree Programs at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering. As the Project Supervisor, Prof. Velesco provided a comprehensive overview of the EIIC initiative, its objectives, and the importance of such cross-border academic projects. The project, which brings together scholars and experts from multiple disciplines, is focused on addressing pressing economic issues in a globalized context while contributing to the internationalization of German universities.

HE Prof. Dr. rer. oec. Volker Tolkmitt, Rector of UAS Mittweida, welcomed the guest speaker and the attendees to the university, emphasizing the significance of global partnerships in enhancing academic excellence. HE Prof. Dr. rer. oec. Johannes N. Stelling, Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, presented Dr. Kumar with a bouquet of flowers as a token of appreciation and a warm welcome to the university community.

Dr. Pradeep Kumar’s Address: "Educational Development is the Only Way to Accelerate Social & Economic Development: Poland, India, and Germany Perspective"

In his keynote address, Dr. Pradeep Kumar discussed the profound relationship between education, economic development, and social progress. He presented his speech titled “Educational Development is the Only Way to Accelerate Social & Economic Development: Poland, India, and Germany Perspective,” highlighting the critical role education plays in shaping the future of nations.

Dr. Kumar emphasized the necessity of fostering cross-border academic collaborations among countries like India, Poland, and Germany to understand and address contemporary economic challenges. Drawing from a wealth of personal experience and research, he noted that each of these nations offers unique insights into tackling global economic issues, and their shared perspectives can provide innovative solutions grounded in empirical data.

Key Insights on the Role of Education in Economic Development

Dr. Kumar’s address touched upon several core themes:

1. The Power of Education in Economic Growth: He argued that nations with strong educational foundations are better equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century, especially in the face of rapid technological change, economic globalization, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Education, he asserted, is not just a tool for individual advancement but a critical driver of societal and economic prosperity.
2. Cross-Border Academic Collaboration: Dr. Kumar stressed the importance of international partnerships, particularly between Poland, India, and Germany, in fostering a deeper understanding of global economic issues. He emphasized the need for academic institutions to actively engage in research projects that address both regional and global economic challenges, and how such collaborations can provide valuable policy insights and practical solutions.
3. Evidence-Based Approaches: Highlighting the importance of data-driven research, Dr. Kumar called for a rigorous, evidence-based approach to economic analysis. He underlined the value of combining academic research with real-world economic data to devise policies that are not only theoretically sound but also practically applicable in various national and international contexts.
4. Innovative Educational Models: The project at UAS Mittweida, Dr. Kumar noted, is a step in the right direction towards building more resilient and adaptive educational systems. The incorporation of research-based teaching into university curricula allows students to engage with real-world issues while honing their critical thinking and analytical skills.

Collaborative Opportunities and Challenges

Following Dr. Kumar’s address, a B2B discussion, where various stakeholders, including faculty members and international experts, delved into the opportunities and challenges of the EIIC project. Among the panelists were:

• Dr. Cornelius Hagenmeier, Head of Internationalisation at UAS Mittweida
• Saskia Langhammer, Head of the International Office
• Tim Friedrich, Advisor for International Students (Incomings)

Professors from the university, including Prof. Dr. jur. Kerstin Walther-Reining, Prof. Dr. rer. pol. Klaus Vollert, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Thoralf Gebel, and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anika Möcker, also shared their insights on the project, discussing both the opportunities it offers and the challenges it may encounter, especially in aligning educational frameworks across different countries and cultures.

The Path Forward

The EIIC project at Hochschule Mittweida, supported by DAAD, is set to be a transformative initiative in the internationalization of higher education in Germany. By encouraging academic collaboration between Germany, Poland, and India, the project promises to generate new knowledge, deepen academic exchange, and contribute to the resolution of pressing global economic issues.

The project’s long-term goal is not only to promote the exchange of ideas and knowledge but also to create a sustainable model for international collaboration in higher education. With continued support from academic institutions, governments, and international bodies, the EIIC project is poised to make a lasting impact on the way academic research and teaching are conducted in the global context.

In conclusion, the opening ceremony on November 27, 2024, was a celebration of new beginnings and a reaffirmation of the transformative power of education in shaping the future. Dr. Pradeep Kumar’s visionary speech set the tone for the project’s success, urging the academic community to embrace collaboration, research, and innovation in tackling the most pressing economic challenges of our time.

The Indo-European Education Foundations look forward to continued engagement with UAS Mittweida, the German academic community, and international partners as they collectively work towards building a more interconnected, informed, and resilient global society.