Krakow University of Economics becomes an international partner of the Expertisenetwork Systemic Co-Design (ESC)

Krakow University of Economics has joined the Expertisenetwork Systemic Co-Design (ESC) as an international partner, thereby strengthening its presence within the European landscape of academic, educational, and implementation-oriented collaboration. Joining the network represents an important step toward the internationalisation of the University’s activities and the advancement of research on innovative approaches to addressing complex socio-economic challenges.

The ESC network is an interdisciplinary platform that brings together researchers, educators, and practitioners interested in developing the systemic co-design approach, which focuses on designing systemic solutions to complex global challenges. The network’s activities include the development of methodologies, tools, and collaboration models that integrate academia, business, and the public sector. Particular emphasis is placed on areas such as the circular economy, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and healthcare systems. The network was established by four Dutch universities of applied sciences, namely InHolland University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, and Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, which initiated a collaboration based on the integration of research, education, and practice, now evolving into a Europe-wide initiative.

Alongside Krakow University of Economics, the network’s international partners include Turku University of Applied Sciences from Finland, Nikanor VET Centre, Start For Future Cooperative, and Let Her In Network, jointly creating a shared ecosystem of research and educational activities.

As part of its engagement in the ESC network, Krakow University of Economics will undertake a range of international activities. The University will be responsible for organising the ESCalators webinar series, acting as a leader and coordinator in developing the annual schedule and ensuring substantive collaboration with network partners. At the same time, the University will co-create and co-deliver ESCapades online research sessions, engaging in joint activities with international partners and stakeholders from Poland and the Netherlands. The University will also contribute to the exchange and development of tools and methodologies related to systemic co-design, as well as to the creation of a shared repository of case studies covering thematic areas such as healthcare, circular economy, and artificial intelligence.

The coordination of activities related to Krakow University of Economics’ participation in the ESC network will be led by Justyna Tomala from the Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, who initiated the University’s accession to the Expertisenetwork Systemic Co-Design, and Dr Barbara Grabińska from the Department of Finance and Financial Policy.

The initiatives will be implemented by an interdisciplinary team of experts representing various academic disciplines, including Prof. UEK Dr hab. Mariusz Andrzejewski, Dr Barbara Grabińska, Prof. UEK Dr hab. Konrad Grabiński, Prof. UEK Dr hab. Tomasz Jedynak, Prof. UEK Dr hab. Bartłomiej Marona, Dr Mateusz Mierzejewski, Agata Miętus, Jarosław Pawlik, Prof. UEK Dr hab. Jarosław Plichta, Dr Ksymena Rosiek, Prof. UEK Dr hab. Mariusz Sołtysik, Prof. UEK Dr hab. Grzegorz Strupczewski, Joanna Tarnowska, Justyna Tomala, Dr Marta Ulbrych, Prof. UEK Dr hab. Maria Urbaniec, Dr Karol Wałachowski, Prof. UEK Dr hab. Magdalena Wojnarowska, and Dr Magdalena Zajączkowska.