The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Debrecen hosted an Innovation Forum dedicated to the latest advancements in digital design and manufacturing. The English-language program brought together representatives of companies operating in Debrecen, many of which maintain active collaborations with the Faculty.
Jointly organized by the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Debrecen and Shanghai Dianji University, within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, the event aimed to promote industrial transformation driven by computer-aided design and manufacturing. It also sought to connect key stakeholders—engineers, researchers, and decision-makers—to encourage professional dialogue, networking, and the exchange of ideas. Participants had the opportunity to formulate recommendations for future technological innovations and manufacturing solutions.
Innovative Ideas and Global Partnerships
According to Géza Husi, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, the forum generated around 25–30 technical ideas with strong potential for joint projects with Shanghai Dianji University.
“We are looking for universities around the world—both in the East and the West—with whom we can collaborate in the future. The University of Debrecen offers a full spectrum of engineering education: from bachelor’s and master’s to doctoral programs. Shanghai Dianji University could become one of our strategic partners,” said Dean Husi.
He added that the Faculty intends to offer its engineering expertise and research capacity to companies to support innovation and product development. Such collaborations could also help attract more master’s and PhD students to the Faculty.
Industry, Academia, and City Leaders in Dialogue
As part of the event, representatives of participating companies—including Chinese enterprises based in Debrecen—joined members of the Faculty of Engineering and Lajos Barcsa, Deputy Mayor of Debrecen for Economic Affairs, in a roundtable discussion where new innovations were also presented.
“One of our key objectives is to ensure that young people studying at the Faculty of Engineering can find employment locally after graduation. To achieve this, continuous dialogue between educational institutions, the university, and businesses is essential. The University must provide programs that align with the needs and expectations of companies,” emphasized Barcsa.
István Kovács, Financial Director of UD Catapult Nonprofit Ltd., explained that the company—founded by the University of Debrecen —plays an active role in the regional innovation ecosystem by facilitating technological knowledge transfer.
“Fortunately, it’s not only the University that is reaching out to the market—industry players are also eager to connect with us. The University of Debrecen’s model has proven highly successful, and the first results are already visible,” said Kovács.
The poster exhibition accompanying the Innovation Forum showcased the diversity and dynamism of the Faculty’s research groups, underlining the institution’s growing role in international innovation networks.
Exchange of Best Practices and Cooperation Opportunities
Within the framework of the Summit, a special roundtable discussion was also held with the participation of delegates from Shanghai Dianji University, focusing on “Developing Students’ Innovation and Research Skills: Exchange of Best Practices and Cooperation Opportunities.”
Two main topics guided the dialogue:
- Developing Students’ Innovation and Problem-Solving Skills – Participants explored how teaching methods, curricula, and learning environments can foster creativity, independence, and innovative thinking among students.
- Opportunities for Practical Cooperation Between the Two Universities – Both institutions identified several areas for joint projects to enhance innovation and creativity, including shared research programs, dual-degree initiatives, student exchanges, and joint innovation challenges.
The discussion confirmed the shared commitment of both universities to nurturing practical, forward-thinking engineering education that meets the challenges of the digital and industrial future.
Academic Exchange and Joint Research Opportunities
The Innovation Summit was complemented by an academic exchange visit: PhD students from Shanghai Dianji University were welcomed by the Pekár Imre Doctoral School of Mechanical Engineering Sciences.
Professional discussions and joint activities provided an excellent opportunity to lay the foundations for long-term cooperation. The visiting students also participated in the 1st IEEE International Conference on Crisp & Soft Computing in AI, Modelling and Control, where they presented their latest research achievements. Their work covered a broad spectrum of mechanical engineering, with special emphasis on the potential applications of artificial intelligence.
During their stay, the Chinese PhD students explored Debrecen’s Nagyerdő area and Békás Lake, and toured the University’s iconic Main Building with their Hungarian hosts. They were particularly impressed by the city’s natural surroundings and the building’s historical atmosphere.
The visit concluded with an informal dinner, offering a chance to deepen both professional and personal ties. Discussions centered on the role of artificial intelligence in research, automotive innovations, and future international cooperation opportunities.
Cultural Encounter at the Faculty Library
During their stay, the delegation visited the Faculty of Engineering Library, where they had a friendly afternoon tea, offering an opportunity to meet Chinese students studying at the Faculty of Engineering and exchange experiences about student life and research in Debrecen.
The Innovation Summit and related programs clearly demonstrated the Faculty of Engineering’s dedication to fostering international collaboration in both education and research. Through joint initiatives, cultural exchange, and open dialogue with global partners such as Shanghai Dianji University, the Faculty continues to build a strong foundation for future-oriented innovation, talent development, and sustainable industrial growth.