Participation at the 9. Central European Conference, Hungary

The 9. Central European Conference (CEC), organized in Eger, Hungary by the Rajk László College for Advanced Studies, was held between the 10th and 13th of March, 2013. One BCC member, Krisztina Ábrahám, participated at the CEC.

The language of the conference was English. Participants from 10 countries attended the event, giving the conference an international character. One BCC member, Krisztina Ábrahám, participated at the CEC.

Participants could choose from six different sections. Krisztina chose to attend the “SME’s in Central Europe” section. The lecturer of the section was Dr. Günter H. Walter, a retired professor of the Karlsruhe Technological Institute from Germany. His lectures were built around four main topics:

• The role and status of industrial enterprises
• The role of SME’s in innovation
• SME’s and innovation systems in Central and Eastern Europe
• The role of innovation in rebuilding the competitiveness of the EU

On the last day of the conference the participants of the section, divided into two teams, had to develop a business model for a start-up company. The ideas were evaluated by a jury composed of students of the Rajk László College. Krisztina and her team has been awarded with the recognition for the best business idea.

Beside the professional programs, participants had the opportunity to go sightseeing, take part in the European Night event, and on a wine tasting. These programs gave the opportunity to connect with other participants, to exchange ideas and learn about new perspectives.

All in all, the CEC was a great experience for everyone who participated on it.