Public consultation of the UO Strategic Plan 2026+ revealed key challenges the University needs to meet

On Tuesday 24 June 2025, a public consultation was held on the draft Strategic Plan 2026+, which was open to all staff and students of the University of Ostrava. The meeting was opened by the Rector of the University of Ostrava, Petr Kopecký, who warmly welcomed everyone present. Ondřej Slach, Vice-Rector for Strategy and Development, then presented the organisational structure for the preparation of the strategic plan and emphasised the university′s core principles: engagement, sustainability, kindliness and openness.

In the next part of the session, participants were briefed on the timetable for drafting the strategic document. This was followed by a division into four working groups, within which discussions took place on six key issues concerning the university′s future direction.

The outcome of the joint meeting is the following overview of the main challenges identified within the framework of the individual strategic priorities:

Under the strategic priority High-quality teaching for a knowledge society, participants identified the need to better link study programmes with practical experience, to reflect the current needs of the labour market more consistently, and to further develop the digitalisation of education as the main challenges.
In the area of Excellence in research and art for the advancement of knowledge, discussions focused primarily on the need for the effective transfer of scientific knowledge into the applied sphere, a greater emphasis on communicating science to the general public, and supporting young researchers.
To fulfil the university′s third role, participants identified, in particular, the strengthening of its visual identity, the organisation of cultural and social events, and the university′s active participation in public debates as key factors.
In the area of internationalisation, the importance of helping international students settle in, engaging in international projects, and interconnecting the university with the private sector was emphasised.
According to those present, the People, infrastructure and technology priority should focus, over the next five years, on the modernisation, repair and maintenance of University buildings, the digitisation of processes, and on the well-being of both students and staff.

You can also submit your suggestions in writing by 31 August; the contact person is Aneta Folwarczna, Strategic Analysis Manager.

The public consultation is one of the many platforms through which the university is seeking input for the development of its new strategic plan.

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