Business Beyond Tomorrow: NEWTON Redefines the Future of International Education

Prague became the epicentre of innovation for a week. International Week is far more than just an academic conference; it acts as an incubator for ideas that shape the European Forum of Entrepreneurship (EFE). From psychological safety in classrooms to the creation of pan-European university alliances, NEWTON is proving to be a leader that doesn’t just wait for a "better tomorrow" but actively builds it.

From Theory to Real-World Impact 

The programme for International Week 2026 (IW) was meticulously designed. Under the banner of the upcoming EFE 2026 with its motto "Business Beyond Tomorrow," lecturers and students explored the themes driving the modern world—from AI ethics to leadership in an era of resilience.

This year’s inspiring keynote was delivered by Prof. Alona Revko, PhD, an Academic Visitor at the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, Saïd Business School (University of Oxford) and Professor at Chernihiv Polytechnic National University. Our students may recognise her from the NEWTON in Oxford Summer School, held annually at Magdalen College—our Chancellor's alma mater. Prof. Revko focused on social entrepreneurship and leadership under extreme conditions, sparking significant interest from the Czech media.

Another standout speaker was Mikołaj Pindelski, PhD (Habil.), Professor at the Warsaw School of Economics. His work bridges the gap between academic research into AI and digital transformation and the practical realities of global business strategy.

Gen Z and Psychological Safety 

Modern education has moved far beyond traditional lecturing. According to Jan Orava, creating an environment where students aren’t afraid to make mistakes is critical. "A silent classroom isn’t proof of understanding; it’s often a reflection of an ill-conceived environment," Orava notes. The aim is to move participants from their comfort zone into the "learning zone," where curiosity and provocative discussion take centre stage.

This approach meets the needs of Generations Z and Alpha, who demand transparency, relevance, and authentic experiences. IW combines intensive teamwork with cultural exchange, ensuring students leave not just with credits, but with a network and 21st-century skills like digital literacy and grace under pressure.

A European Degree Within Reach 

One of the most ambitious outcomes of this year’s meeting is the development of a university alliance. NEWTON is carefully selecting partners with a shared philosophy to overcome national legislative barriers and create "Joint Degrees."