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Mutual cooperation strengthens the power and prestige of universities, says Michaela Krechovská, Chair of the Association of Economic Faculties and Dean of the Faculty of Economics at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. In the interview, she speaks about the need to modernize teaching, the generational change among academics, and that keeping pace with digitalization and artificial intelligence is vital for Czech higher education.

How would you describe the role of the Association of Economic Faculties of the Czech Republic within the university landscape – what is its value, in your view?

Simply put, the Association of Deans of Economic Faculties of the Czech Republic serves as a common platform for cooperation and strategic direction in economic education. It currently brings together 23 faculties and university institutes across the country that inspire each other, share experience, and jointly respond to the challenges of today’s rapidly changing world. Its unique value lies in the ability to collectively seek ways to strengthen the quality of teaching, research, and the strategic development of faculties.

Your website states that cooperation among faculties in all areas of their activities is the best way to ensure the development of Czech economic higher education. Why is it important for faculties to be part of the association – what does it offer them?

Cooperation across faculties brings a kind of strength that individual institutions can hardly achieve on their own. The Association allows faculties to connect with peers in their field, jointly address challenges, and coordinate responses to issues affecting economic disciplines and faculties – from legislation to accreditation, funding, and technological or social change. Membership offers space for dialogue and an opportunity to jointly shape the strategy for developing economic education.

Which topics are most relevant for you at the moment?

There are several. Funding for higher education is a long-term concern; recently we have dealt with amendments to the Higher Education Act and devoted much attention to reforming doctoral studies. At the latest meeting of the Association, hosted in October in Pilsen by the Faculty of Economics at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, the main theme was the future of economic faculties amid demographic change, digitalization, and artificial intelligence. We are addressing strategic questions such as ensuring sufficient staff capacity, including generational renewal among academics, modernizing teaching, and reconsidering the future of final theses in economics programs in the age of AI. Increasing the attractiveness of economic education and supporting talented students are also key topics.

How can the Association contribute to a broader public debate, for instance about economic reforms or national economic policy?

So far, the Association has not been very active in broader public debate, focusing mainly on the development of higher education in economics. But I can imagine it could contribute its expertise and insight, entering discussions on economic reforms or policy as a partner promoting informed decision-making based on objective data, analysis, and professional knowledge. This would further enhance the social relevance of economics as a field.

How do you view competition from foreign universities, and how can the Association help Czech faculties perform better internationally?

Competition from foreign universities is strong but also highly inspiring and motivating. Today’s globally open space for study, work, and collaboration drives us to raise the quality of teaching, research, and overall academic environment. Success in the international arena comes through cooperation – and this is where the Association can play a key role. To perform even better, we need systematic support for internationalization, investment in modern teaching and research, and stable conditions for the development of academic staff.

You were elected Chair of the Association of Deans of Economic Faculties in March 2024. What priorities and projects have you set for your term, and how do you assess their progress so far?

My priority is to gradually build a strong platform that actively participates in the academic environment and advocates for the interests of economic faculties – and that is something we are achieving. I also greatly value the atmosphere of mutual trust and openness among deans, which allows us to find common solutions and move the quality of economic education forward. That, to me, is the true added value of our Association.

A project I have been personally involved in is the Award of the Association of Deans of Economic Faculties for the Best Master’s Theses. It is a nationwide competition where each faculty or institute may nominate only one thesis, which helps us compare quality and learn from one another. The awards ceremony for the top three theses and their supervisors is always a highlight. We have now announced the third edition of the competition for theses defended in 2025, with the submission deadline set for December 15, 2025.