Economy and Management in Sustainable Innovative Industry

The aim of education in the study programme Economics and Management in Sustainable Innovative Industry is to prepare students for active involvement in the transformation of industry towards sustainability and innovation. The programme is designed to develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to address the challenges of implementing environmental strategies and optimising economic processes. During their studies, students are introduced to the principles of the circular economy, circular business models and innovative approaches to solving environmental problems. Emphasis is placed on the integration of environmental, economic and technological aspects into strategic decision-making processes, ensuring that graduates are prepared not only to analyse current challenges, but also to design practical solutions with lasting positive impact.

The programme focuses on developing students' abilities to effectively plan, implement and evaluate projects that promote sustainability in industry, using modern technologies and innovative approaches. Students learn practical skills in strategic management, financial strategy development and business process optimization. The program promotes analytical and critical thinking, the ability to solve complex problems and teamwork in an interdisciplinary environment. The training results in industry-ready professionals who can effectively implement sustainable development principles into business practice, manage environmental projects and provide expert consultancy to support the green transformation of industries. Students are encouraged to be not only technically proficient, but also socially responsible and able to contribute to solving global challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity.

A graduate of the Economics and Management in Sustainable Innovative Industry programme is an interdisciplinary professional who excels in the ability to effectively address the complex challenges associated with the transition to sustainable and innovative industrial practices. He is equipped with in-depth knowledge of circular economy principles, circular business models and modern environmental strategies, enabling him not only to analyse and optimise industrial processes, but also to directly design and implement innovative solutions. The graduate is able to effectively link economic, environmental and technological aspects in project and process management, with an emphasis on optimising resources and maximising sustainability. The practical experience gained during the studies enables him/her to apply the principles of sustainable management in everyday practice and to successfully address the challenges of energy efficiency, decarbonisation and environmental innovation.

A distinctive characteristic of the graduate is his/her ability to critically assess the economic and environmental impacts of business activities and create business models that respond to current industry trends. He/she has developed skills in project management, strategic planning and implementation of financing strategies aimed at promoting green technologies and sustainable financing. These skills make him ready to take on leadership positions such as innovation and sustainability project manager, environmental innovation consultant, circular economy expert or project manager for strategic business management in sustainable development. His adaptability and flexibility enable him to respond effectively to dynamic market changes, while his interdisciplinary knowledge and experience make him a specialist in both international and national contexts.

The graduate of the engineering study programme Economics and Management in Sustainable Innovative Industry possesses professional and methodological knowledge, skills and competences in the field of economics and management, which create the prerequisite for his/her sectoral specialisation. These are:

KNOWLEDGE

- know and understand the principles and regulations of circular economy,
- have an overview of the legislative frameworks at European and national level that affect sustainable business,
- have knowledge of sustainable and circular business models that generate multiple value,
- know and understand circularity criteria for evaluating companies' economic activities,
- have knowledge of ecodesign and its application in the circular economy,
- know the financial mechanisms and innovations (innovative technologies) applied in the circular economy,
- know the principles of reverse logistics, value chain optimization and reverse collection systems,
- know circularity indicators, reporting tools and tools for the creation of sustainable and circular economic models,
- know the principles of sustainable finance and its relevance for innovative industries,
- understand ESG factors and their integration into management and financing strategies,
- be able to identify key financial instruments in sustainable and green finance,
- understand the regulatory framework for sustainable finance,
- be able to characterize economic and financial mechanisms for promoting sustainability,
- understand the importance of managing the risks and opportunities associated with ESG investments,
- know methods for measuring and reporting ESG performance of companies,
- understand the ethical and social aspects of financing in the industry,
- know and understand advanced sustainability concepts and strategies.- be able to navigate legislative and policy frameworks ranging from international agreements to national and regional strategies,
- have knowledge of strategic planning for sustainable development,
- know and understand the key phases of strategic planning and know how to apply them in the context of sustainable development,
- understand the role of innovation in achieving sustainable goals and be able to identify technological and social innovations that support sustainability,
- be familiar with selected evaluation methods, analytical methods, selected indicators of strategy success and their application in real projects,
- be able to explain the basic concepts, principles and approaches to integrated management systems, including their historical development and relevance in organisations,
- understand the structure and requirements of international standards for management systems: ISO 9001 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System) and other standards (e.g. Understand the legislative and regulatory framework related to integrated management systems at the national and international level,
- Identify the benefits and challenges associated with the implementation and operation of integrated management systems in practice,
- define and interpret the issues of enterprise and entrepreneurship with an emphasis on the use of business terminology,
- define basic concepts in the field of business management,
- explain the processes that affect the enterprise and entrepreneurship itself in the real business environment,
- interpret and justify the significance and impact of changes in the various elements of the environment on the enterprise and entrepreneurship itself.

REQUIREMENTS

- Identify opportunities to apply circular economy principles in various industries,
- Analyze and participate in the creation of sustainable business models using tools such as Business Model Canvas or Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN),
- Apply eco-design principles to product and process design with an emphasis on sustainability and circularity,
- Optimize material and energy flows in value chains,
- quantify circularity and sustainability using selected indicators and tools,
- evaluate companies' economic activities based on circularity criteria,
- analyse and apply ESG criteria in investment and management decisions,
- design financial strategies supporting low-carbon technologies and circular economy,
- evaluate financial instruments and their suitability for financing industrial projects,
- manage the risks and opportunities associated with sustainable finance,
- use methods to measure and report ESG performance,
- develop proposals for public-private partnerships and strategies to promote sustainability,
- effectively present the results of analyses,
- design and formulate sustainable strategies based on data analysis and identified needs,
- develop concrete action plans and scenarios for implementing strategies in different contexts (local, regional, global),
- use selected tools in the strategy development process,
- evaluate the effectiveness and success of strategies based on measurable indicators and conduct revisions of implemented strategies,
- use digital and technological solutions (AI, Big Data, IoT) to support decision-making and address sustainability challenges,
- identify and implement innovative practices to support sustainability,
- participate effectively in strategic processes,
- analyze and evaluate existing management systems in the organization and identify areas for their integration,
- design and implement an integrated management system based on the requirements of relevant ISO standards, taking into account the specifics of the organization,
- conduct internal audits of integrated management systems and propose corrective actions for improvement,
- work with integrated management systems tools and techniques such as the PDCA cycle, risk and process management, documentation and performance monitoring,
- identify synergies between different systems (quality, environment, occupational health and safety) and minimize duplication of processes,
- analyze market opportunities, select the appropriate legal form, establish and manage a new enterprise,
- practically apply the acquired knowledge in solving specific business problems,
- critically evaluate, identify and assess the processes and basic causal relationships acting on the enterprise and its business activities,
- apply managerial and business principles of financial management in real practice,
- critically evaluate information and integrate newly acquired knowledge with other areas such as management, accounting and marketing.

COMPETENCY

- think in broader contexts and design comprehensive and long-term solutions promoting circularity and sustainability in economic processes,
- integrate knowledge, communicate effectively with experts from different fields and implement circular and sustainable solutions,
- strategically plan and integrate circularity principles into business models and organizational processes,
- analyze economic processes based on ESG, using selected indicators and tools,
- optimize value chains with an emphasis on circularity, resource efficiency and reverse logistics,
- integrate sustainable finance principles into corporate strategies,
- critically evaluate regulatory requirements and their implementation in industrial enterprises,
- lead teams focused on ESG project planning and implementation,
- be responsible for strategic decision making in the area of sustainable finance,
- interact with public and private entities to support the financing of ESG initiatives,
- drive investments focused on social responsibility and environmental sustainability,
- initiate changes that support sustainability in industries,
- think in a broader context and design comprehensive and long-term solutions that support sustainability,
- critically analyse data, assess risks, opportunities and respond flexibly to adaptation measures,
- master modern technology solutions (AI, Big Data, IoT) and be able to use them to design and implement strategies,
- identify and promote innovative approaches and solutions for sustainability,
- integrate different sectoral strategies and coordinate them at different levels (local, regional, global),
- interpret the acquired knowledge and apply it in practice, independently present and substantively discuss sustainability strategies,
- engage in all phases of strategic planning,
- use knowledge and skills in the field of sustainable development for their professional and personal development, especially in the form of critical evaluation of the implementation of sustainability strategies,
- to use knowledge in the process of argumentation to justify their positions, present them independently and discuss them substantively,
- to critically evaluate the effectiveness of integrated management systems within the organisation and propose measures for their continuous improvement,
- to integrate quality, environmental, safety and energy management aspects into the strategic planning of the organisation,
- communicate and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams in the implementation of integrated management systems,
- apply ethical and sustainable principles in the design and operation of integrated management systems,
- develop proactive thinking in the areas of risk management and improving organizational performance through integrated management systems,
- be creative, think pragmatically and critically and solve problems that affect business,
- demonstrate competencies and present their own opinions in an appropriate and professional manner,
- effectively use the acquired knowledge to independently solve assigned tasks in business practice,
- use appropriate strategies in the company to adapt to changing market conditions,
- coordinate changes in the economic environment and predict their impact on business activities.

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