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Challenges, Opportunities, and Inspiration. Participants gathered to explore the challenges of a transforming labor market, the impact of technology on daily life, and the critical issue of online security. Although around 70% of Czechs aged 16–74 possess basic skills like working with Word or Excel, the question remains: Is that enough for the future? The labor market increasingly demands a willingness to embrace lifelong learning and master advanced technologies. However, with progress comes new security risks that cannot be ignored, particularly as an aging population stays active in the workforce longer.

Opening the event, moderator Aleš Vlk engaged students from Luděk Pik´s Grammar School and Masaryk Grammar School in Pilsen, asking them about their plans for further education and careers, as well as their perspectives on technology's role in society.

David Navrátil, Chief Economist at Česká spořitelna, outlined the challenges facing the Czech economy—ranging from stagnation and fragmented governance to housing availability and demographic risks. While painting a sobering picture, he also highlighted potential solutions, emphasizing better organization, digitalization, and leveraging economies of scale. He noted that the Czech Republic has a strong foundation thanks to its diverse economy, high-tech exports, and capacity for green technologies: "The Czech Republic ranks second in a unique combination of indicators measuring industrial capabilities to produce ‘green’ products. While we are not a global leader in any single area, our consistency across multiple domains positions us as a strong contender—like a pentathlete outperforming specialists," Navrátil said, referencing the country’s exceptional performance in the Green Industry Opportunities Index.

Jaroslav Miller from the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports stressed the importance of lifelong learning, presenting a vision for a system of micro-credentials to ensure professional adaptability in the future. He also emphasized international collaboration, urging Czech students to study abroad, welcoming international students to Czech institutions, and fostering partnerships between academic institutions.

Petr Kavalíř, Director of NTC and the Czech Republic’s Envoy for Quantum Technologies, joined the conference remotely from the European Quantum Technologies Conference in Lisbon, Portugal. He called this era a pivotal moment in history: "We are living in a transformative period that will be remembered as the age of the digital and quantum revolution. Emerging technologies represent a massive opportunity, not only for students with technical or mathematical inclinations but also for those in the humanities," Kavalíř remarked.

Kateřina Duspivová from the STEM agency explored how generational shifts (Millennials and Gen Z), digitalization, automation, and immigration are reshaping the labor market. She warned of the growing number of economically inactive people and their impact on pension systems. Comparing the Czech Republic to Estonia, Duspivová pointed out that while Estonia boasts ten unicorns (startups valued at over $1 billion), the Czech Republic has only three.

Jan Kubr, Head of Virtual Reality Development at VR Medical and a Ph.D. student at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of West Bohemia, showcased the use of virtual reality in senior rehabilitation. This presentation, prepared in collaboration with the university’s Faculty of Health Care Studies, resonated particularly with older attendees and health sciences students in the audience.

The younger generation’s interest in security and technology was evident in the numerous questions directed at Pavel Štěpáník from the National Cyber and Information Security Agency (NÚKIB). Štěpáník discussed advancements in quantum cryptography and digital security. Students, who have grown up immersed in technology, expressed keen interest in how modern systems are secured and what the future holds for cybersecurity. These discussions underscored the importance of engaging young people not just as users but as future innovators and experts.

Jan Váně, Vice-Rector for External Relations and Communication at the University of West Bohemia, closed the conference by presenting megatrends and societal challenges shaping the future. He emphasized that education must be the priority in addressing these challenges and questioned whether universities, including the University of West Bohemia, are fully prepared for the tasks ahead: "The key is identifying individuals who can rise to these challenges—and the University of West Bohemia has them," he stated. This aligns with the university’s ongoing campaign, which highlights how science and education are transforming the region. The campaign’s central message is a commitment to future generations by integrating science, education, and the university’s daily operations.

The event took place on 18 November as part of the Week for Digital Czechia.