Why International Teaching Matters

19 November 2025, 10 pm

Enhancing Cross-Border Academic Collaboration: Highlights from Prof. Kumar’s Visit to Poznań

Why International Teaching Week Matters

In an increasingly interconnected and rapidly evolving global landscape, International Teaching Weeks have emerged as essential pillars supporting the internationalization strategies of higher education institutions. Beyond serving as short-term academic events, they function as dynamic platforms where knowledge, pedagogical innovation, and cultural perspectives converge. By providing access to diverse teaching styles, contemporary global issues, and a broad spectrum of international expertise, these initiatives enrich the academic experience for both students and faculty.

For students, International Teaching Weeks offer unique opportunities to engage directly with international academics whose experiences reflect a wide range of cultural, economic, and disciplinary backgrounds. This exposure enhances their understanding of global systems, strengthens intercultural communication skills, and prepares them for the increasingly internationalized workforce. Such experiences cultivate global competencies—critical thinking, adaptability, cross-cultural empathy, and collaborative problem-solving—which are essential for success in the 21st-century knowledge economy.

For universities, International Teaching Weeks play a vital role in advancing institutional goals related to international cooperation, curricular innovation, and research development. They promote faculty mobility, facilitate the exchange of best practices in teaching and learning, and encourage the co-creation of new academic initiatives. These events also serve as incubators for future collaborations, including joint research projects, dual-degree programs, and externally funded international initiatives.

Furthermore, International Teaching Weeks help strengthen global academic networks by enabling universities to build relationships with partner institutions, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and identify areas for sustained cooperation. By bringing together educators and learners from around the world, these programs deepen cross-cultural understanding and foster mutual respect—key ingredients for peaceful and productive international engagement.

Ultimately, International Teaching Weeks contribute to building resilient academic ecosystems that are better equipped to address global challenges. They advance shared educational goals, support sustainable academic development, and reaffirm the role of universities as spaces where ideas transcend borders and where international collaboration drives meaningful societal impact.

Expanding Academic Bridges Between HSMW and PUEB

A significant stride toward strengthening international academic cooperation unfolded this month as Prof. Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Mittweida (HSMW), Germany, completed a highly productive academic visit to the Poznań University of Economics and Business (PUEB)in Poznań, Poland.

Hosted by PUEB’s Office of International Relations, the visit occurred during the institution’s International Teaching Week (November 03–07, 2025). The event brought together academics from multiple countries—including Mauritius, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and others—creating a vibrant and diverse academic environment.

Prof. Kumar’s active participation underscored his commitment to promoting international teaching and research excellence, while simultaneously strengthening the academic ties between HSMW and PUEB.

Academic Engagement and Knowledge Exchange

During the week, Prof. Kumar delivered several interactive and research-driven lectures, engaging both local and international student groups. His teaching approach fostered a dynamic, multicultural environment that encouraged critical thinking and global awareness.

Students examined real-world business cases involving global corporations such as Volkswagen and Tata Motors, applying theoretical frameworks to assess strategic challenges and managerial decision-making in an increasingly complex global economy.

Specialized Lectures Delivered by Prof. Kumar

To enrich students’ understanding of global economic and geopolitical transformations, Prof. Kumar conducted three in-depth academic lectures:

1. The European Union’s Economic Challenges and the Quest for Strategic Autonomy in 2025: This lecture explored the EU’s diminishing competitiveness, declining FDI inflows, and heavy reliance on external energy and defense architectures. Through the lens of recent crises—such as the Russia–Ukraine conflict, energy instability, and inflationary pressures—students analyzed the EU’s constraints in achieving strategic autonomy. The session also reviewed key EU initiatives, including the European Green Deal, digital transformation strategies, and resilience-building frameworks designed to restore investor confidence and strengthen Europe’s global economic standing.
2. Emerging FDI Trends and the Rise of the Global South: Focusing on shifting global economic dynamics, this lecture examined the rising influence of emerging economies such as India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brazil. Students explored economic, demographic, and policy-driven factors that position these regions as new hubs for global FDI. The discussion highlighted the challenges these countries face—such as institutional capacity, regulatory volatility, and environmental sustainability—while emphasizing how the Global South is reshaping global investment architecture.
3. Geopolitical Realignments and the Reshaping of Global Investment Flows: In this session, Prof. Kumar discussed how geopolitical conflicts, sanctions, and shifting alliances have transformed global trade and investment patterns. He analyzed the emergence of two dominant blocs: the U.S.-led Western alliance, and the China–Russia–Iran axis. Students examined how BRICS, VISTA, and ASEAN economies have become attractive investment regions for European industries seeking stability and profitability. The lecture emphasized how multinational corporations adapt their strategies amid geopolitical risks, emphasizing nearshoring, friend-shoring, and global economic fragmentation.

Fostering Future Collaboration

Beyond teaching, Prof. Kumar held several strategic meetings with faculty members and representatives of PUEB’s International Relations Office. Discussions centered on strengthening institutional cooperation between HSMW and PUEB, with particular emphasis on:

• Joint research initiatives
• Faculty and student mobility programs
• Dual-degree and joint-course opportunities
• Participation in EU-funded research and innovation projects
• Collaborative business and entrepreneurship initiatives

A notable highlight of the visit was Prof. Kumar’s official meeting with Her Magnificence Prof. Barbara Jankowska, Rector of PUEB, where they explored potential avenues for initiating formal academic agreements and long-term collaboration.

Reflecting on the visit, Prof. Dr. Pradeep Kumar stated:

“My visit to the Poznań University of Economics and Business has been inspiring, intellectually enriching, and deeply rewarding. The exchange of ideas and our shared commitment to academic excellence will undoubtedly pave the way for long-term collaboration and mutual growth.”

This visit marks a significant advancement in cross-border academic engagement, laying the foundation for a robust partnership between HSMW and PUEB in the years ahead.

About Prof. Dr. Pradeep Kumar

Prof. Dr. Pradeep Kumar is a founder President of Indo-European Education Foundation, and affiliated with the University of Opole, Poland, where he teaches and conducts research. He currently serves as a Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Mittweida (HSMW), Germany, under the project:

“Strategic Communication for International Business and Sustainable Educational Development: Catalyzing Social and Economic Growth in Germany and Beyond (STRATCOMM)” October 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

This initiative builds on his previous project: “Economic Issues in International Context,” October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025

Both projects are funded through the Internationalization of German Universities Program, supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), in collaboration with Hochschule Mittweida University of Applied Sciences (HSMW), Germany.

About Poznań University of Economics and Business (PUEB)

The Poznań University of Economics and Business is one of Poland’s foremost institutions in economics, management, and business education. Renowned for its commitment to research excellence, innovation, and international cooperation, PUEB maintains active partnerships with universities and research centers across Europe and beyond. Its strong focus on global engagement makes it a leading hub for academic internationalization and collaborative knowledge advancement.