Understanding the Visegrad Initiative and its Impact on Logistics
The Visegrad Group—comprising Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia—has long been a cornerstone of Central European cooperation. By aligning regional policies and investing in cross‑border research, the group fosters shared growth and resilience. Logistics and supply chain management, which underpin economic performance, have naturally become a focus of this collaboration. The recent International Workshop hosted by Corvinus University of Budapest epitomised this endeavour, bringing together scholars, industry practitioners and students from all four Visegrad countries to examine the emerging skills required for a sustainable logistics future.
Workshop Highlights: A Two‑Day Deep Dive into Logistics Futures
Held on 25–26 November, the workshop spanned two intensive days of collaborative sessions, real‑world case studies and interactive activities. Participants worked in mixed‑national teams, tackling scenario‑based challenges that mirrored the practical demands of modern logistics. The agenda combined academic rigor with industry relevance, featuring presentations from corporate partners such as Knorr‑Bremse and Hungaropharma. These companies provided insider perspectives on evolving logistics practices, showcasing how technology, digitalisation and sustainability are reshaping supply chains.
- Scenario‑Based Team Projects: Students addressed tasks such as route optimisation for cross‑border freight, carbon‑neutral warehousing and integration of autonomous delivery drones. Teams presented solutions that blended data analytics, operational research and scenario planning.
- Industry Panels: Executives from Knorr‑Bremse highlighted customer‑centric logistics and circular supply‑chain models, while Hungaropharma underscored regulatory compliance and quality assurance in pharmaceutical distribution.
- Networking Opportunities: Informal sessions and cultural exchange built lasting contacts among participants, reinforcing the Visegrad partnership network.
Key Takeaways for Logistics Professionals and Students
1. Digital Transformation is Imperative: The workshop underscored that next‑generation logistics hinges on digital tools—from IoT sensors in cargo vehicles to AI‑driven demand forecasting. Professionals must acquire skills in data analytics, cloud computing and cyber‑security to stay relevant.
2. Sustainability Must Be Core: The Visegrad focus on environmental performance translated into real‑world goals: reducing emissions in freight transport, adopting electric vehicles and optimising packing to minimise waste. Students gain exposure to green metrics and life‑cycle analysis.
3. Cross‑Border Synergy Drives Innovation: The collaborative format showed how pooling expertise from different national contexts accelerates problem‑solving. Businesses that can navigate multiple regulatory environments and coordinate with partner hubs gain a competitive edge.
4. Action‑Based Learning Takes Place in Real Projects: The hands‑on tasks provided students with portfolio material that demonstrates applied competence. Employers often look for candidates who have sprinted on real‑world problems rather than only theoretical knowledge.
Corvinus University’s Role in Advancing Logistics Education
Corvinus University of Budapest, through its Institute of Operations and Decision Sciences, has long been at the forefront of operations research and logistics research in Central Europe. The workshop was organised by key faculty members—Zsolt Matyusz, Judit Gáspár and Adrienn Munkácsi—under the facilitation of Professor Mónika Miskolcziné Gábriel and project management by Gréta Maró. Their collective effort demonstrates how university research units can translate academic insights into industry‑ready solutions.
The university’s Master’s programmes in Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Operations Research provide a curriculum that aligns with the skills highlighted during the workshop. Courses cover advanced topics like autonomous systems, sustainability analytics and cross‑border regulatory compliance, preparing graduates for roles that demand both analytical depth and strategic vision.
The Visegrad Grants Programme and Funding Landscape
The workshop and the broader project were co‑financed by the governments of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia through the Visegrad Grants from the International Visegrad Fund. The Fund’s mission is to promote sustainable regional cooperation, and its investment in logistics research directly supports increased mobility, reduced transportation costs and a greener supply chain network across Central Europe.
For students and professionals, this funding translates into expanded research opportunities, enhanced academic resources and funding for industry collaborations. Projects can tap into grant mechanisms to develop prototypes, test pilot solutions or publish joint research findings.
Getting Involved: Pathways for Students and Professionals
Interested external stakeholders can participate in future workshops, contribute to ongoing projects or access the compiled workshop materials. Additionally, the University’s networking platforms—such as the MyCorvinus Navigator and the Media Studio—offer venues for continuous engagement.
1. Join the Corvinus Supply‑Chain Research Centre
The centre actively seeks collaborators from industry and academia to explore challenges like cyber‑resilience in logistics, data‑sharing architectures and end‑to‑end visibility. Participation can enhance a professional’s practical experience and academic credentials.
2. Apply for Corvinus Master’s Degrees
Students looking to specialise in logistics can enroll in the Master’s in Supply Chain Management (MSCM) or the Master’s in Operations Research (MOR). These programmes are aligned with the Visegrad initiative and emphasize cross‑border cooperation, sustainability and digitalisation.
3. Access the Workshop Report and Materials
The full workshop report, including case study briefs, team presentations and expert panel recordings, is available for download on the university’s News portal. The document can serve as a reference for academics, students and industry practitioners alike.
Future Outlook: What Comes Next for V4 Logistics?
The workshop flagged several emerging trends that will shape the logistics landscape over the next decade:
- Automation and Robotics: Increased use of autonomous trucks and drones is expected to reduce labour costs but will require robust regulatory frameworks.
- Blockchain for Supply‑Chain Transparency: Distributed ledger technology can enable real‑time tracking, reducing fraud and improving compliance.
- Circular Supply Chains: Re‑use, remanufacture and 3‑R (reduce, reuse, recycle) principles are becoming core components of strategic planning.
Professionals who understand and can implement these trends stand to lead the next wave of logistical innovation across the Visegrad region.
Take Action Today
Whether you are a student eager to shape the future of logistics, an academic seeking research collaborations, or a professional aiming to integrate cutting‑edge solutions into your operations, the Visegrad Workshop and Corvinus University present engaging opportunities for growth and impact. Don’t miss the chance to join the next step in Central European logistics development.
Learn about our Master’s programmes in Logistics & Supply Chain Management. Explore the curriculum details here.
Download the Workshop Report. Access the full 2025 report here.
For further information, contact the Institute of Operations and Decision Sciences directly via their web page.
Start your logistics journey with a strong foundation from Corvinus University. Apply now, or seek a professional development consultation to align your career with the evolving demands of the V4 logistics landscape.
