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How would you analyse the business known as the Faculty of Economics of the University of West Bohemia today? In what condition are you taking it over?
The Faculty of Economics has a 35-year tradition. Over the years, it has experienced both successes and failures and has gradually found its place among well-known and respected faculties in the field of economic sciences. At present, the faculty is in excellent shape—possibly the best it has ever been—in terms of interest in its study programmes, the structure of those programmes, and its financial stability. A consolidated team of staff has undoubtedly contributed to this. Among the achievements that should not be overlooked is the accreditation to conduct habilitation procedures and proceedings for the appointment of professors.

What specific plans do you have for your four-year term? Are changes ahead for the faculty?
My vision up to 2030 is a strong faculty with high-quality, highly qualified staff, motivated early-career academics, accredited study programmes that are attractive to prospective students, doctoral programmes that prepare young researchers and teachers, and habilitation and appointment procedures that support the professional development of both internal and external academic staff. The most immediate tasks arising from the Strategic Plan of the University of West Bohemia and the Faculty of Economics include completing changes related to the amendment of the Higher Education Act, especially in the area of doctoral studies, and monitoring legislative developments that significantly affect higher education, such as the preparation of a new Higher Education Act or changes to the accreditation standards of the National Accreditation Bureau. I very much hope that all these activities can take place in a calm and constructive environment.

Does the faculty have any untapped potential?
At present, there is undoubtedly a need to intensify research activities. The faculty aims to be more open to the international environment. To this end, we strive to create conditions for integrating foreign researchers into the faculty’s internal environment, thereby increasing the quality and excellence of research outputs, securing valuable international research projects, and strengthening the overall visibility of the Faculty of Economics within the global academic community.

As commentators on the country's economic developments, you often say the Czech Republic is facing structural changes. How should an economics faculty respond to this? What competencies should its graduates have in five years?
The Czech Republic—and the European Union as well—will inevitably have to undergo structural changes in the near future if it wants to maintain competitiveness with advanced economies. Such changes can only be implemented by groups of modern-thinking, creative, and professionally competent people. A graduate of the Faculty of Economics of the University of West Bohemia should be fully capable of operating in an international environment, understand the importance of innovation, support changes that lead to societal development, grasp new technologies, and demonstrate the ability to collaborate across disciplines. The Faculty of Economics aims to create the best possible conditions for acquiring these competencies, for example, by opening up to international cooperation with significant European partners and by making use of the opportunities offered by the university’s membership in the EU Peace Alliance.

You have been working at the faculty since 1993. Is there anything you already consider outdated—whether in faculty management, relations between departments, or academic culture?
Teaching methods have certainly evolved. Today’s education system must adapt to the mindset of the younger generation, keep pace with modern educational technologies, break down intergenerational barriers, and at the same time uphold ethical standards and a culture of communication. This requires continuous self-education and the adoption of new teaching methods by academic staff. A classic example is the development of digitalisation and artificial intelligence. If we want to be respected educators with authority, we must have a high level of knowledge and strong practical skills in these areas. Faculty management, like any managerial activity today, requires teamwork. I believe I am fortunate to be able to rely on such a team, and I will strive to maintain this atmosphere at the faculty throughout my term of office.