On 6 July 2026, the Faculty of Economics and Finance of the University of Rzeszów hosted the international scientific conference “NextGen SUSTAINABILITY – Data, Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Transformation”, which inaugurated the 15th ASECU International Young Scientists Conference and Summer School 2026.

The event was officially opened by Prof. Adam Reich, Rector of the University of Rzeszów, Prof. Bogdan Wierzbiński, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Finance, and Prof. Grigoris Zarotiadis, President of ASECU. Among the distinguished guests were Małgorzata Jarosińska-Jedynak, Member of the Board of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, and Michał Tabisz, CEO of the Podkarpackie Innovation Center.

In her address, Małgorzata Jarosińska-Jedynak emphasized the importance of cooperation between academia, business, and public administration in building the region’s innovation potential. As she stated: “In Podkarpackie, we believe that innovation begins with collaboration. Strong partnerships between universities, businesses, and public institutions constitute the foundation of our Regional Innovation Strategy and our vision for the future. The best ideas emerge when people with diverse experiences work together towards a common goal.”

The event brought together more than 100 researchers, PhD candidates, students, and experts representing academic institutions from 17 countries, including Poland, the United States, China, Greece, Azerbaijan, Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Armenia, Cyprus, North Macedonia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Kosovo, and Italy. The conference was also attended by representatives of regional institutions cooperating with the Faculty of Economics and Finance, including Dr. Krzysztof Jarosz – Governor of Rzeszów County, Jarosław Reczek – Director General of the Subcarpathian Chamber of Commerce, as well as representatives of the National Bank of Poland Regional Branch in Rzeszów, the Marshal’s Office of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship (Department of Local Development), and the Statistical Office in Rzeszów.

The conference provided a platform for international exchange of experience among representatives of academia, public administration, and business. The programme included the plenary session “From Reliable Statistics to Responsible Innovation”, chaired by Prof. Bogdan Wierzbiński, as well as two international panel discussions moderated by Prof. Barbara Fura and Prof. Mariola Grzebyk. The speakers included experts representing, among others, the World Health Organization (WHO), Statistics Poland, universities from the United States, Greece, Azerbaijan, Albania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia, as well as representatives of business (Deloitte, FormalFoundry) and the innovation sector. The discussions focused on the use of data and artificial intelligence in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the role of official statistics, digital transformation, regional innovation, and cooperation among academia, public administration, and business for a sustainable future.

The event partners included the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, the Podkarpackie Innovation Center, Statistics Poland, the Statistical Office in Rzeszów, Deloitte, and FormalFoundry.

The first day of the ASECU Summer School concluded with an International Cultural Evening, during which participants presented the culture, traditions, and customs of their countries, fostering integration and building international relationships in a unique and inspiring atmosphere.