A Cooperation Agreement between VŠE and Škoda Auto Signed

On Thursday, 5 May 2011, the President of VŠE Prof. Ing. Richard Hindls, CSc. signed a three-year cooperation agreement with the representatives of Škoda Auto, the chairman of the board Prof. Winfried Vahland, dr.h.c., and Ing. Bohdan Wojnar, a board member for human resources.

Before the agreement was signed, Mr. Vahland presented Škoda’s vision of its international growth strategy during a lecture for VŠE students in the Vencovského aula. In 2006, the University of Economics, Prague awarded Prof. Winfried Vahland with the honorary academic title of doctor oeconomiae honoris causa.  After five years of being the president and CEO of the Volkswagen China Investment Company, Mr. Vahland returned to the Czech Republic and as an honorary doctor to fulfill his promise to support activities of VŠE and participate in giving lectures.

While signing the agreement, Mr. Vahland stressed that cooperation between manufacturing companies and academic institutions and universities is mutually beneficial, and stimulates both practice and theory equally. “As an automobile manufacturer with its roots in the Czech Republic, the cooperation with the leading Czech economic university is not just close to our hearts, but also an important component within the framework of our growth strategy. We want to pursue strong international growth in the coming years. For that purpose, we need the best thinkers, know-how, and competence.”

VŠE President Prof. Hindls welcomes the support of research and educational activities of VŠE by the Škoda Auto company. “It is very important for the University of Economics, Prague that Škoda decided for a much broader cooperation than in past years. I welcome its involvement as not only a partner of VŠE but also as a corporate partner of the prestigious international CEMS alliance.”

Human resources board member Bohdan Wojnar emphasized: “The University of Economics is a strategic partner for our company in the educational area. The deepened cooperation brings Škoda even closer to the students and future job applicants. As the leading employer in the Czech Republic, we’re offering attractive jobs and outstanding career opportunities. Škoda Auto will already create several hundred new jobs this year, primarily in connection with foreign projects and the development of new vehicles.”