{"id":41845,"date":"2026-09-15T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eximbanka.sk\/?p=41845"},"modified":"2026-09-15T09:14:32","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T07:14:32","slug":"the-future-will-belong-to-those-who-can-combine-professional-expertise-with-human-intelligence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eximbanka.sk\/en\/the-future-will-belong-to-those-who-can-combine-professional-expertise-with-human-intelligence\/","title":{"rendered":"The future will belong to those who can combine professional expertise with human intelligence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How can we prepare graduates for the changing world of international trade, and where are the opportunities for Slovak exporters today? We discussed this and more with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/elena-ka%C5%A1%C5%A5%C3%A1kov%C3%A1-70baa0135\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Associate Professor Elena Ka\u0161\u0165\u00e1kov\u00e1, Ph.D. <\/a>, head of the Department of International Trade at the Faculty of Business Administration of the University of Economics in Bratislava.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. What do you find most fulfilling about your role as department chair, and what do you consider to be your biggest challenge today?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What fulfills me most is the opportunity to create an environment where people\u2014students, colleagues, and industry partners\u2014can grow. I don\u2019t view the role of department chair as an administrative position, but rather as an opportunity to bridge the gap between vision and everyday reality and to create conditions in which talented people can fully realize their potential.<br>I consider the greatest challenge to be keeping the academic environment relevant in a world that is changing at an exponential pace. International trade today is shaped by geopolitical shifts, digitalization, deglobalization trends, climate pressures, and artificial intelligence. The university\u2019s role, therefore, is no longer merely to impart knowledge, but above all to develop the ability to navigate uncertainty, think critically, and make informed decisions.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. What competencies should universities systematically develop to ensure that graduates can succeed in international business?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The future will belong to those who can combine professional expertise with human intelligence and the ability to understand the broader context. I consider three areas of competence to be key in this regard: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strategic thinking \u2013 the ability to recognize the connections between the economy, politics, technology, and culture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Analytical and digital skills\u2014working with data, artificial intelligence tools, and scenario modeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intercultural and communication intelligence\u2014the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively across countries and cultures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Graduates of the future will therefore not only need to analyze the market, but also lead people, communicate and collaborate effectively, and act responsibly and ethically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. What tools do you use to connect the academic community with professional practice and market needs?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our goal is for students to be exposed to the realities of the market starting in their first year and to be able to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical experience. That is why we emphasize the following in our teaching: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>practical case studies based on real-world business situations,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>involving practitioners in the teaching process,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>internships and mentoring programs,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>joint research projects with the business community,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>simulations of business negotiations and export decisions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I believe that the most effective education occurs when theory helps us understand practice, and practice, in turn, validates the power of theory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. How do you view the use of artificial intelligence in education\u2014more as an opportunity or as a challenge?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Above all, I see it as a strategic opportunity. Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the way analysts, marketers, salespeople, and managers work. If universities were unable to naturally integrate it into their curricula, they would be preparing students for a reality that has already changed dramatically in the meantime.<br>At the same time, however, I consider it essential to develop critical thinking, ethics, and the ability to verify and interpret the outputs of artificial intelligence. It is not enough to simply know how to properly formulate questions or tasks for AI tools; it is equally important to be able to assess the quality, relevance, and reliability of their responses. Artificial intelligence does not replace human judgment\u2014it most effectively enhances the value of those who have a solid professional foundation and are able to think in broader contexts.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. In your opinion, which segments of Slovak exports currently have the greatest growth potential?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Slovakia has a strong industrial tradition, but I see its greatest potential for growth primarily in high-value-added sectors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>green technologies and modern energy solutions,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IT services and software development,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>automation and smart industrial innovations,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>healthcare technologies and biotechnologies,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>creative and knowledge-based services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I believe that the future of Slovak exports will not be defined solely by what we are able to produce, but above all by our ability to transform know-how, innovation, and talent into globally competitive solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Geopolitical uncertainty is having a significant impact on international trade today\u2014what does this mean for exporters\u2019 decision-making?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, exporters must shift their focus from mere optimization to building resilience. While in the past companies focused primarily on price and efficiency, today the ability to manage supply chain disruptions, sanctions regimes, and geopolitical risks is equally critical. <br>Successful companies therefore develop scenarios for future developments, diversify their markets, and systematically manage risks. Strategic flexibility is thus increasingly becoming their true competitive advantage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. What are the most significant risks for companies entering foreign markets?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most often, companies tend to underestimate the following in particular:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>insufficient knowledge of the local environment,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>exchange rate and payment risks,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>regulatory and customs requirements,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>cultural differences,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>choosing unreliable business partners.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the greatest risk often lies not in external factors, but in overconfidence. Success in foreign markets requires humility, thorough preparation, and careful analysis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. How would you assess the readiness of Slovak companies to use the tools offered by Eximbanka?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The situation is gradually improving, but the potential remains significantly higher. Many small and medium-sized enterprises do not yet view export financing and insurance as a strategic tool for growth, but rather as a supplementary service. However, companies that actively use these tools gain greater certainty, better access to capital, and the confidence to enter more challenging markets. This is precisely what is key to moving from a cautious approach to achieving more ambitious goals.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. In your opinion, how should the role of institutions such as Eximbanka change in the context of the transformation of global trade?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, the role of export-credit agencies is shifting from the traditional provision of financial instruments to a much more complex role as strategic architects of internationalization. Eximbanka SR should not be viewed merely as an institution that covers risks or finances commercial contracts, but as a partner that helps companies navigate the changing landscape of global trade. In the context of a fragmented global economy, geopolitical tensions, the green transition, and technological competition, it will become increasingly important for such institutions to integrate financing, analytics, risk management, and expert advisory services. Their added value will lie in their ability to help companies enter more challenging markets with greater boldness, but also with a higher degree of discipline. I consider it crucial that Eximbanka SR support not only the volume of exports but also their quality\u2014that is, exports with higher added value, technological sophistication, sustainability, and long-term reputational benefits for Slovakia. In this sense, it can play a significant role as an instrument of both economic diplomacy and the state\u2019s modernization policy.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. Where do you see graduates finding employment in the coming years\u2014which career paths offer the best prospects today?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Graduates with a degree in international business will be in high demand in fields that combine analytics, strategy, and a global perspective. Promising career paths include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>export and business development management,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>supply chain management and procurement,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>trade finance and risk management,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>international marketing,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>consulting services,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ESG and sustainability,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data analytics and the use of artificial intelligence in business.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I believe that our graduates will not merely react to change, but will actively shape it. Even today, we have successful alumni who are making their mark with their ideas, entrepreneurial projects, and innovative solutions not only in Slovakia but also abroad. They are proof that a quality education in international business can serve as a springboard to bold and globally relevant careers.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How can we prepare graduates for the changing world of international trade, and where are the opportunities for Slovak exporters today? We discussed this and more with Assoc. Prof. Elena Ka\u0161\u0165\u00e1kov\u00e1, Ph.D., head of the Department of International Trade at the Faculty of Business Administration of the University of Economics in Bratislava.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":41839,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[171,1004],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41845","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-interviews-and-presentations-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eximbanka.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41845","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eximbanka.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eximbanka.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eximbanka.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eximbanka.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41845"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/eximbanka.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41845\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41885,"href":"https:\/\/eximbanka.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41845\/revisions\/41885"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eximbanka.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41839"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eximbanka.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41845"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eximbanka.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41845"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eximbanka.sk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41845"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}