MVŠO Hosted the International Academic Network Meeting
From 17 to 20 June 2025, Moravian Business College Olomouc (MVSO) had the honour of hosting the 34th annual meeting of the NICE Network (New Initiatives and Challenges in Europe). This prestigious network brings together more than forty European universities with
a focus on business and economics education. Its mission is to foster long-term international cooperation among higher education institutions, ensure high-quality mobility for students and academic staff, share examples of best practices, and develop new educational initiatives within the European context.
The NICE Network was established in 1990 through the initiative of several universities that recognised the importance of international exchange in the field of higher education. Since then, it has evolved into a respected and active partnership connecting institutions, educators, and students across Europe. The annual meeting provides not only a platform for professional dialogue and the sharing of innovations, but also an opportunity to establish personal and professional relationships among institutions and individuals.
This year’s edition of the event was of exceptional significance for MVSO. Being selected as the host institution is perceived as recognition
of our long-standing efforts in the areas of internationalisation, high-quality teaching, and academic development. It was also an opportunity to present our institution, the city of Olomouc, and the entire region to our European partners and the academic public.
The meeting officially commenced on Tuesday, 17 June, with an informal programme, including a visit to the Basilica on Svatý Kopeček and
an evening gathering at Bounty Rock Café. This segment of the programme provided space for initial introductions and informal networking among participants.
Wednesday’s programme continued with an excursion to Bouzov Castle, a guided tour of the historic centre of Olomouc, and a joint dinner
in the city centre. These activities allowed guests to discover the cultural and historical richness of our region and experience the atmosphere of the city in an informal setting.
The main part of the official programme took place on Thursday, 19 June, directly on the MVSO campus. Participants attended the opening plenary session, during which the college’s strategy and future vision were presented, along with the official welcome of both new and existing network members. The significance of the event was further emphasised by the presence of representatives from regional authorities – Mgr. Svatopluk Binder, Ph.D., Deputy Governor of the Olomouc Region for Education, Tourism and External Relations, and Mgr. Viktor Tichák, Ph.D., Deputy Mayor of the Statutory City of Olomouc for Education, Culture, and Tourism – who expressed their support for this international initiative through their participation. The programme continued with thematic workshops, an interactive World Café discussion block, and a presentation of the city of Olomouc focusing on its cultural characteristics, traditions, and regional identity. The day concluded with a dinner in traditional Czech style.
The final day of the conference, Friday, was dedicated to a second series of workshops, known as "spotlight sessions," presentations of best practices, and a vote on the proposed new logo of the network. Participants also had the opportunity to visit MVSO’s multimedia studio and explore our technological capacities. The entire programme concluded with an informal visit to a local brewery, which offered a relaxed setting for final networking and farewells.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to all participants, guests, partners, and representatives of the city and region, as well as to the entire organising team, whose efforts contributed to the smooth and successful realisation of this exceptional event. We deeply value the opportunity to have hosted this year’s meeting and to be part of an international platform that has been connecting the European academic community and enhancing the quality of education across borders for over three decades. The next edition will take place at a university in Dublin.
