ICDT

About the project

This project continues a long tradition of Transilvania University of Brasov related to the study, debate and research on EU topics. Introductory and general courses on EU issues are regularly taught at some bachelor study programs provided by the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, while research on EU issues is conducted by a very restrained group of professors of the same faculty. Despite the interdisciplinary nature of the Doctoral School within our university, there is no course on EU topics embodied in its official curriculum. However, many high level positions on the labor market request knowledge of particular subjects in the field of EU studies, such as the EU regional policy.

The general objective of the project is to strengthen capacity of Transilvania University of Brasov to provide general and advanced knowledge as well as to conduct advanced research in the field of European integration and regional policy, in response to growing importance of this policy for the local development. More specifically, the project aims to stimulate advanced study and research in the field of EU regional policy at 2 master programs (Financial and Banking Management, and International Business), as well as to provide practical knowledge on the EU regional policy to all doctorate programs of the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School. A better understanding of the EU regional policy by local professionals, decision makers and civil society represents another specific objective.

The main project outcomes are:

•  Knowledge of EU regional policy, a better understanding of the European integration process and soft skills acquired by master and PhD students enrolled at Transilvania University of Brasov
•  Deeper understanding of EU regional policy by policy makers, professional groups, teachers, researchers and civil society
•  Creation of a pipeline of highly skilled graduates with knowledge in the field of EU regional policy from our university
•  Increased stream of high-level publications on the project topic issued from our university
•  Consideration of EU regional policy in the decision-making process, studies, reports, teaching materials and project proposals.

Project output:

•  Two new semester courses developed for two master programs (Financial and Banking Management, and International Business),  and one intensive course for all PhD programs within the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Scholl, as well as modernized curricula;

See here the course PPT
See here the book sample and  the book inside cover page 
See the diploma

•  Three project deliverables (one book, a series of Newsletters and website)

See here the book sample
See a selection of newsletters: Newsletter November 2019, Newsletter March 2021, Newsletter March 2022

•  Two working papers posted on the faculty and project websites + 2 papers published in international peer reviewed journals, during the project lifetime.

See the research papers:   Improving the school-to-work transition for young people by closing the digital divide. Evidence from the EU regions andRegional patterns and drivers of the EU digital economy

• Other events (webinars, conferences)

See PPT presentations: Migration and happiness, Specializare inteligenta and Intreprinderi sociale.

Pedagogical approaches

The project uses different pedagogical approaches to carry out the teaching activities, such as interactive lectures and blended learning, the latter being completely new for our university. Given the specificity of the EU studies area and the project objective to gather together a larger audience from various locations, the use of blending learning approach, interactive lectures, interactive e-learning platform and webinars provides academic added value. Improving official curricula with new disciplines and bringing new contributions to the literature by the project research papers also provide academic added value.

Impact

The major impact of the project would be better knowledge and understanding of EU regional policy and of the role it has in regional development by high-level graduates, professionals and local actors whose professional activity is influenced by any aspect in the area of EU regional policy. Also, the impact of the project reflects in enhanced research and higher visibility of Transilvania University of Brasov in advanced EU studies.

The impact of the project at international level is threefold. First, foreign PhD and master students attending the courses will become aware of the EU regional policy and will better understand the European integration process. Second, the research activity conducted in the framework of this project will result in a number of open access and peer review publications that will add new evidence to the literature on EU regional policy. Third, the project website will present the project activities and events, and will also largely disseminate the results and deliverables.

Recent events

Roundtable debates at the European Night of Researchers

About the academic coordinator

-Academic coordinator of a Jean Monnet European Module “EU Economic Studies”, Agreement 2009-3238/001-001
- Full professor in European finance, International monetary and financial relations, and EU social policy at Transilvania University of Brasov
- General director of the R&D Institute of Transilvania University of Brasov which hosts 10 research centres (out of a total of 30) dealing with different EU research topics
- Ph.D. supervisor with theses focused European integration and EU policies
- Teaching activity in EU countries (e.g. Germany, Ireland, Czech Republic, Italy, France, Luxembourg)
- Publications in highly ranked journals, mostly on EU topics
- Editor-in-chief for Journal of Smart Economic Growth, whose focus and orientation are in line with the Europe 2020 Strategy
- “Prometeo” fellowship in Ecuador 2015-2016, where sharing the experience and knowledge about the EU regional convergence to help public authorities in Ecuador to design policies aimed to foster regional convergence in Ecuador
- Participation in the elaboration of public policies in the area of regional convergence and social cohesion, as well as in the design of middle and long term national strategies, with the Institute for Economic Forecasting within the Romanian Academy (since 2010)
- Involved in the management of many national and international research projects (since 2001)
- Organizer of the series of annual conferences “International Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth” held in Brasov (Transilvania University of Brasov)

Contact: monica.szeles@unitbv.ro