The second year of the GradeUP conference took place at the Creative Centre of the Slovak University of Agriculture (SPU) in Nitra. More than 30 speakers shared their experiences of real-world business, innovation and the world of technology.
"It is also through projects such as these that a significant change is taking place in the way teaching and learning are conducted at our colleges and universities," stated President Peter Pellegrini.
According to the head of state, the new era calls for people who aren't afraid and who possess the drive or desire to innovate, to try new things and to achieve something. "That's why it's important for our higher education institutions to foster these qualities in young people, to awaken in them the desire, even while they're still studying, to try something new, perhaps set up a small business, or help solve a problem in a specific company. At the same time, we must also teach them not to be afraid of failure, so that they understand that even failure on the path to success is part of that journey," said Pellegrini.
In his view, Slovakia has the potential to succeed in a rapidly changing world if it supports young talent, modernises education and prepares students for the real-world challenges they will face. "Just as we've become accustomed to 'upgrading' our television, mobile phones or computer software almost every month because of some innovation, our entire education system faces a similar challenge: we must 'upgrade' it to a higher level and adapt it to these rapidly changing times and the needs that these new challenges bring," he emphasised.
Education Minister Tomas Drucker (Hlas-SD) noted that Slovak schools need not only to educate but also to connect young people with opportunities to realise their potential. What we've been lacking in the long term is innovative thinking and an entrepreneurial spirit. Knowledge is important, but you have to understand it and you must also know how to put it into practice," he stressed.
Drucker also pointed out that behind the stories of successful people lie numerous failures. "Let's not be afraid of failure, let's not be afraid to make mistakes; let's learn from them and try again. I'm convinced that its precisely those setbacks - when we don't succeed - that are the most important in terms of moving forward. And they are essential if we are to innovate and learn, and to be able to link knowledge with how to put it into practice," pointed out the education minister.
The second year of the GradeUP conference is organised by the Education Ministry as part of a national project called 'Supporting students' entrepreneurial and innovative potential'. It is aimed at secondary school pupils, university students and the general public with an interest in entrepreneurship, innovation, technology and new ideas.
Source: TASR
