Innovative Entrepreneurship Demonstrates That Czech Universities Can Lead Educational Reforms
Prague, 18 February 2025 – Today, the President of the Czech Republic visited the Faculty of Economics and Management at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (FEM CZU) to personally explore the unique yet accredited teaching model of the Innovative Entrepreneurship (IE) program. Upon arrival, he was officially welcomed by CZU Rector Prof. Ing. Petr Sklenička, CSc., and FEM Dean Prof. Ing. Lukáš Čechura, Ph.D. During the meeting, the President emphasized the importance of new forms of higher education, which could serve as an inspiration for other Czech universities.
A Czech Response to Global Education Trends
The Innovative Entrepreneurship program at FEM CZU is a pioneer in the Czech Republic in applying the learning organization concept, based on the Finnish Tiimiakatemia® methodology. This approach focuses on:
- Team-based entrepreneurship – students start their own “start-ups” from the very first year,
- Dialogue and coaching instead of traditional lectures,
- Student initiative and self-reflection as the driving forces of learning,
- Strong links to real-world practice – including collaborations with businesses and public institutions.
"The President’s visit gives us hope that our efforts to transform the traditional education system towards greater student autonomy and responsibility truly matter. We believe this model can inspire other faculties and universities,” said Ing. Ph.D. Gabriela Dlouhá, Head Coach of the IE program.
Real-World Engagement: Birth Giving Marathon
Last week (11–12 February 2025), FEM CZU hosted an eight-hour Birth Giving marathon, during which teams of Innovative Entrepreneurship students worked intensively on real-world challenges set by the Presidential Office. Their goal was to develop a communication strategy for the President’s regional visits focusing on mental health awareness. A panel of representatives from the Presidential Office selected the three most successful projects, which students had the opportunity to present directly to the President today.
"The chance to present our proposals directly to the President of the Czech Republic is a truly unique experience. I am delighted that our program genuinely connects education with high-level practice,” added Ing. Ph.D. Gabriela Dlouhá.
A Student-Led Presidential Visit
"Our goal was to show the President that student-led projects can have a real impact. I hope he leaves with a strong impression of how proactive and entrepreneurial we can be when given enough space and responsibility – something he got to experience firsthand," said Elen Kejdová, student and co-organizer of the Presidential visit.
The President Acknowledges the Program’s Broad Scope
During the visit, the President met with coaches and students and expressed his support for innovative educational methods that foster creative thinking and responsibility. After touring coaching spaces and dialogue sessions, he commended the innovative approach of all involved:
"Developing our own projects is a daily priority throughout our studies. That makes us even more excited to showcase them to the public – and especially to the head of state," shared Anastázie Zvoníková, student and co-organizer of the visit.
Moving Toward Further Reforms
According to the President, the FEM CZU visit confirms that non-traditional teaching methods can be successfully implemented within the current higher education system. FEM Dean Prof. Ing. Lukáš Čechura, Ph.D., stated:
"Our vision is to educate responsible, creative, and proactive leaders who can bring their ideas to life and see them through to success. Today’s presentations to the President are proof of that. We hope this initiative will spark discussions with the Ministry of Education, businesses, and other universities to collectively enhance the quality and approach to education in the Czech Republic."
Thanks to their agility and adaptability, graduates of the Innovative Entrepreneurship program find career opportunities not only in private companies but also in the public sector.
The Birth Giving marathon also featured a team from the Silesian University.
"I truly appreciated how the President highlighted the optimistic vision of this study program and recognized that students here grow both professionally and personally. I see this as a great challenge for the entire higher education sector to draw inspiration from similar models," said Assoc. Prof. Mgr. Tomáš Gongol, Ph.D., Rector of the Silesian University and Head Coach of the IE Karviná program.
International Collaboration and Future Events
The Innovative Entrepreneurship program places strong emphasis on international cooperation. Additionally, students are preparing a networking event, Team for Learning, for students from Tiimiakatemia units worldwide. The President appreciated that this is a global initiative connecting students across universities and fostering the exchange of experiences.
About the Faculty of Economics and Management, CZU
The Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM CZU) is the largest economics faculty in the Czech Republic. It specializes in economics, management, informatics, entrepreneurship, and public administration. The faculty actively integrates education with real-world practice and supports innovative teaching methods.
Media Contact
Ing. Richard Hartman
Head of the Marketing Center, Faculty of Economics and Management, CZU Prague
Phone: +420 733 706 084 | Email: hartman@pef.czu.cz
For more details on the President’s visit, the Innovative Entrepreneurship program, or collaboration opportunities with FEM CZU, please contact us. We are happy to arrange interviews with students and academics shaping the new era of higher education.
