Strategic Objectives Behind the Cooperation
In October 2025, Obuda University’s Vice‑Rector for General Affairs, Professor Dr. Zoltán Rajnai, hosted a delegation from Hebei Province in Budapest. The visit built on earlier discussions at the International Science Park Conference in Shanghai and set the stage for a formal partnership that will intertwine regional industrial ambition with Obuda’s strong engineering research base.
For Hebei, the primary driver of recent economic growth has remained agriculture. However, a state‑level strategy now prioritizes industrial diversification, advanced technology adoption and knowledge transfer. The province’s representatives, Deputy Head of the Economic Division Shi Dexin and Deputy Head of the Investment Subdivision Liu Honglei, articulated a clear intention to support Obuda in establishing a campus and Science Park that serves both local industry and the national science agenda.
Industrial Motivation of Hebei Province
The delegation highlighted three key pillars: modernizing traditional manufacturing, expanding green technologies—particularly hydrogen—and strengthening cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. Hebei’s leadership sees Obuda’s reputation for innovative medical technology, materials science and digital health as an ideal partnership match.
Investment commitments were discussed, with the province willing to provide funding for campus infrastructure and to facilitate site visits for Obuda faculty and students. The underlying goal is to create an “innovative educational hub in Northern China” that complements Beijing’s decentralisation strategy.
Opportunities for Obuda’s Engineering Programs
Obuda’s engineering faculties have long pursued international collaboration, evidenced by programs such as the Cyber Medicine Competence Centre and the Hydrogen Research Hub. The new partnership opens a corridor for joint research projects, dual teaching programmes, and a permanent joint Science Park that will host incubators, labs and start‑up accelerators.
Among the most discussed research areas are medical technology, advanced materials, and cybersecurity. The partnership will enable Obuda researchers to secure larger project budgets, collaborate with industry partners in Hebei and bring modern Chinese production processes back to Budapest for comparative studies.
Key Areas of Collaboration
Joint Science Park: Vision and Infrastructure
Professor Rajnai outlined the development concept for the OU Science Park. The park will be a multi‑disciplinary innovation hub on the campus of the future Obuda campus in Hebei. It will feature high‑capacity laboratories, innovation labs for student start‑ups, and a space dedicated to hydrogen technology—an area that has attracted particular interest from the Chinese delegation.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the park will embed knowledge‑transfer frameworks: joint research consortia, internship pipelines, and industry‑sponsored workshops. Faculty and students from both sides will have access to shared equipment, reducing duplication of investment and accelerating time‑to‑market for new technologies.
Dual Degree Program: Pathways for Students
The joint statement of intent signed by the parties will lead to a dual‑degree curriculum covering engineering, technology and business. Students enrolled in the program will earn degrees from both Obuda University and a partner institution in Hebei.
Across the curriculum, courses will be co‑created, taught jointly by faculty from both universities, and will incorporate an internship component in Hebei’s growing industrial base. Graduates will be equipped with cross‑cultural management skills and a portfolio of experience working in both Central Europe and East Asia.
Short‑Intensive Training: Summer University Model
Professor Rajnai suggested that the University’s Summer‑University model be adapted for short‑intensive training courses. These programs would run for 4‑6 weeks and target professionals in the emerging fields of cybersecurity, hydrogen technology and digital health.
Such courses would be an attractive entry point for industry partners, giving them access to current research while providing a continuous pipeline of engineers trained in the latest methodologies. For students, the intensity of the programme offers accelerated learning and a deeper focus on project‑based outcomes.
Practical Steps for Stakeholders
Engaging Faculty and Researchers
Faculty who wish to participate must submit a research proposal that aligns with one of the three focus areas identified by the partnership: medical technology, materials science, or cybersecurity. Proposals will be reviewed via a joint committee and the most promising projects will be allocated joint funding.
Researchers are encouraged to submit early—application windows for the first round of joint funding open in January 2026. Detailed guidelines can be found on the International Partner Institutions page.
Student Participation and Mobility
Prospective students interested in the dual‑degree pathway should contact the International Relations Office for admission criteria and scholarship options. The partnership will include a merit‑based scholarship fund that covers tuition fees and living expenses for the first two academic years.
Exchange students from Hebei will also have the opportunity to attend Obuda’s signature courses in Eastern European renewable energy and hydraulic engineering, benefitting from a curriculum that complements their home‑country studies.
Funding and Support Mechanisms
Hebei Province has committed to financing the construction of the campus and the Science Park’s first phase. In parallel, EU research funds are available for cross‑border project costs, especially under the Horizon Europe framework. Obuda’s experience in securing international research grants will be invaluable for allocating these resources efficiently.
Both universities will establish a joint administrative office dedicated to project management, compliance, and reporting to ensure that all funding streams are transparent and correctly documented.
Implications for International Academic Mobility
For the first time, Obuda University will physically extend its presence to China. The partnership signals a new model for international academia: universities will locate campuses abroad that are tailored to specific industrial clusters and research priorities.
This model directly benefits students, faculty, and local industries by creating localized knowledge hubs. It also allows for the rapid diffusion of best practices across borders, as faculty and students bring cultural insights back to their home institutions.
Next Steps & How to Get Involved
Contact the International Relations Office
Students and researchers eager to explore the new opportunities can reach out to the International Relations Office for personalized guidance and current admission deadlines.
Apply for the Dual Degree Program
The application portal for the dual degree program will open online on 1 February 2026. Prospective applicants should keep an eye on the Admission page for updates.
Learn More About Student Exchange Opportunities
For students who want to start their international experience sooner, the university’s International Partner Institutions page lists a selection of exchange programmes available at the moment.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Obuda University and Hebei Province marks a new chapter for both partners. By combining Obuda’s engineering excellence with Hebei’s industrial ambition, the joint Science Park and dual‑degree pathway will provide a unique platform that benefits students, faculty, and businesses alike.
Stakeholders are encouraged to engage early, as the partnership’s first projects will launch in the coming academic year. Together, we can shape a more interconnected and technologically advanced world.
Explore more about our international initiatives or start your application today. Our doors are open to ambitious students and researchers from across the globe.
