From 13 to 16 May this year, the Faculty of Business Management hosted the 7th Erasmus+ International Staff Week titled “Making Learning Closer to Reality”, which brought together 18 participants from universities in 10 countries: Bulgaria, Italy, Kenya, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, France, Slovenia, Germany, and South Africa.
Participants shared their experiences and took part in seminars organised by VILNIUS TECH Faculty of Business Management’s social partners (Citadele Bank, SEB, Western Union, Cyber City, Baltia Tour), went on educational visits, attended the 15th International Scientific Conference “Business and Management 2025”, and joined the panel discussion “The Importance of MNEs in Strengthening Economic Resilience”, moderated by Prof Tomasz Dorożyński (Director of the Institute of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz). One of the highlights for the participants was the visit to Cyber City.
The first day was dedicated to networking and seminars. To break the ice, participants engaged in an introductory task led by Assoc Prof Dr Bahman Peyravi from the Department of Economic Engineering. Each participant creatively presented their country and university. The day also featured two insightful seminars: “Leading with Impact: How to Unlock Potential in Every Team Member”, delivered by SEB representative Erika Nemanė (Core Accounting Unit Manager), and “Princes from Dream Countries – Too Good to Be True (?)”, presented by Western Union representative and VILNIUS TECH partner, Assoc Prof Simona Survilaitė.
The second day focused on sustainability. Participants visited the VILNIUS TECH Sustainability Centre, where they created souvenirs from recycled plastic and attended an inspiring lecture by public policy analyst and climate solutions advocate Ieva Budraitė, titled “How to Recognise and Overcome Green Brainwashing”. Later that day, they visited the innovative technology hub Cyber City, located in the heart of Vilnius. During the tour, Paulius Krikštaponis, Product Manager at Nord Security, introduced the activities of the companies operating within the centre and discussed the specifics of data-driven organisations. Participants had the opportunity to explore Cyber City – a space dedicated to cybersecurity specialists, IT professionals, startups, and related companies. The centre includes modern facilities for training, seminars, and events, as well as laboratories where new cybersecurity technologies can be tested under real-world conditions and practical skills can be developed. The centre serves as a bridge between business, the public sector, and academia, aiming to foster collaboration and build a more secure digital future for Lithuania. Participants were accompanied by Assoc Prof Dr Raimonda Bublienė, Head of the Department of Law, and Assoc Prof Dr Jurga Vestertė from the Department of Business Technologies and Entrepreneurship.
The third day was devoted to one of the Faculty’s key annual academic events – the 15th International Scientific Conference “Business and Management 2025”, which brought together over 200 researchers from around the world. Staff Week participants had the opportunity to attend the plenary session, participate in eight thematic sessions, and learn about the latest research in business, management, technology, and innovation.
On the final day, guests were invited to take part in a guided tour of Vilnius Old Town, where they explored historical and cultural sites, experienced the spirit of the city, and learned about Lithuania’s cultural heritage. The tour was organised by Giedrius Čyras, Lecturer at the Department of Business Technologies and Entrepreneurship. On the same day, the final panel discussion “The Importance of MNEs in Strengthening Economic Resilience” took place, during which participants explored the challenges and opportunities of international cooperation, shared good practices, and discussed the potential for future collaboration.
The panel featured insights from four experts from diverse fields:
-
Prof Dr Janusz Świerkocki from the Department of International Economics, University of Lodz
-
Assoc Prof Dr Juozas Merkevičius, representing the Department of Business Technologies and Entrepreneurship, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
-
Rūta Ežerskienė, CEO of Citadele Bank
-
Jonas Pupius, Science Manager at the Institute of Economics and Rural Development
Participation in such events inspires joint projects and scientific research that create value for participants, their universities, and society at large.
The event was organised by Assoc. Prof. Dr Alma Mačiulytė-Šniukienė, Vice-Dean for International Relations, Alumni and Partnerships at the Faculty of Business Management, together with her team: Assoc. Prof. Dr Jolanta Nalivaike, Vice-Dean for Communication; Assoc. Prof. Dr Raimonda Bublienė, Head of the Department of Law; Assoc. Prof. Dr Bahman Peyravi from the Department of Economic Engineering; Lecturer Giedrius Čyras from the Department of Business Technologies and Entrepreneurship; Monika Linkevič from the Sustainability Centre; and Faculty Administrator Marina Duoblienė.
The event would not have been possible without the support of the Dean of the Faculty of Business Management, Prof Dr Vida Davidavičienė, and the Vice-Dean for Research, Prof Dr Viktorija Skvarciany, who led the organisation of the conference. Sincere thanks also go to the heads of departments and lecturers who actively contributed to the programme: Prof Dr Ieva Meidutė-Kavaliauskienė, Assoc Prof Dr Jurga Vestertė, Assoc Prof Dr Algita Miečinskienė, and Prof Dr Renata Korsakienė.
