This marks the establishment of the first external Industrial Department of Óbuda University in Székesfehérvár through a collaboration between the University and Harman Becker Kft. The announcement was made at a public press event by the leaders of both the higher education institution and the company at the Alba Regia Faculty of Technology on June 18, 2021.
Harman Becker Automotive Systems and Óbuda University, including the Alba Regia Faculty of Technology, have developed a close relationship in recent years through the dual education programmes offered by both entities. This collaboration culminated in a strategic partnership several years ago. As a result of the professional processes initiated, the company and the university have signed a cooperation agreement to further deepen their relationship and establish the HARMAN Industrial Department.
The announcement of the establishment of the HARMAN Department of Industry at the Alba Regia Faculty of Technology was attended by Mayor Dr. András Cser-Palkovics. The company was represented by Erzsébet Preiszlerné Schweighardt, Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer; Péter Ványi, Director of the Harman Electronics Factory; Gyula Szili, Director of the Harman Acoustics Factory; Szilárd Végső, Director of Harman Global AME; and Prof. Dr. Györök György, Dean.
In its human resources policy, the company places great emphasis on the traditional training of engineering students, including those at the university level. In cooperation with the faculty of Székesfehérvár, it provides technical career guidance through programmes such as the ”Titkok háza” / House of Secrets HARMAN Talent Programme. Additionally, the company contributes to the promotion of electronics and electrical engineering in secondary education, beyond the scope of higher dual training.
Students of electrical engineering often visit the company for practical courses to enhance their professional knowledge in a real working environment. The new department is affiliated with the Institute of Engineering, responsible for electrical engineering training, at the ÓE Alba Regia Faculty of Engineering, but it is operated by the company.
Through the Department of Industry, leading engineers and lecturers from the company will be involved in higher education starting from September 2021. This initiative aims to provide students with opportunities to learn about modern manufacturing technologies in a factory environment through selected subjects. Additionally, company employees will develop closer professional ties with the university by delivering lectures.
Dr. András Cser-Palkovics, Mayor of Székesfehérvár, praised the collaboration, expressing his delight at the partnership between one of the city’s leading industrial entities and the educational alliance of the Faculty of Engineering. “Székesfehérvár stands as an industrial and technological centre, serving as one of the most crucial pillars of the Hungarian economy, thanks to the presence of renowned companies within its borders. The city’s economic foundation rests upon cutting-edge technology, necessitating the preparation of young individuals and the retraining of the workforce through adult education. We take pride in the partnership forged between the city and the companies of Fehérvár, which is further exemplified in educational endeavors, including vocational training, dual education programmes, and other collaborative efforts in higher education. This collaborative approach is pivotal in fostering sustainable, innovative development that generates value and benefits the local community. I extend my gratitude to Harman and the University of Óbuda for their proactive initiative and wish the HARMAN Industrial Department continued success and longevity,” added the Mayor.
Rector Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács underscored that the University has achieved a significant milestone in education by establishing a training programme that is increasingly intertwined with industry, aimed at fostering practical skills and competencies. He highlighted that Óbuda University has emerged as a leader in dual education, attributing its success to the concerted efforts and dedication not only of the University but also of its partners. Addressing the concept of Industry 4.0, the Rector emphasized the crucial role of trained engineers as essential pillars of the knowledge society, underscoring the necessity of an industrial department capable of elucidating and presenting rapidly evolving industrial trends to students. He extended congratulations to the staff of the newly established department and expressed gratitude to the company and city administration for their collaborative efforts.
In her address, Gabriella Ormándi, Chancellor of Óbuda University, emphasized the importance of maximizing the utilization of university infrastructure and fostering collaboration with the business sector. She highlighted that through the establishment of the outsourced industrial department, further advancement of professional-educational relations would facilitate the creation of network hubs providing valuable information to support research and development innovation. By harnessing the available resources and expertise, applied research workshops and intellectual advancements necessary for the nation’s digital transition can be realized. She extended her best wishes for the success of the collaboration and offered her assistance in launching the Department of Industry.
Erzsébet Preiszlerné Schweighardt, CEO and CFO of Harman, underscored that the establishment of the Industrial Department presents new opportunities for the company and its employees, enabling tailored training courses to address real needs.
“By integrating technological specificities and their teaching into the curriculum, we can better meet the industry’s requirements. This represents a significant advancement not only for education but also for the company, as contributing to the training of future generations and professionals is a crucial social responsibility. Given the pace of technical and technological progress, maintaining an up-to-date pool of professionals to meet customer demands is essential, and a unified education strategy is a pivotal step in this regard. We are delighted with this collaboration and invitation, and extend our gratitude to the University of Óbuda, especially Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, Rector of Óbuda University, and the teachers of the department, for the strong relationship forged over the years in the realm of dual education.
The presence of the University in Székesfehérvár is also significant for the company, as local supporters, it is imperative for us to contribute to the city’s development and university life. With the establishment of the HARMAN Industrial Department at the Alba Regia Faculty of Technology, I believe a new chapter in the strategic partnership between the University and the company is unfolding.”
Subsequent to the speeches, Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, Rector, presented a commemorative plaque on the establishment of the HARMAN Industrial Department to the company representative, along with invitation letters to the staff members involved in the Department’s activities. The company’s employees will commence teaching in September 2021 and will be contracted to the Institute following the University’s model change. Tibor Németh, Harman’s Head of Education, was honoured with the title of Associate Professor by the University’s leadership.
Péter Ványi, Director of the Harman Electronics Factory, highlighted in his welcome address the significant potential of the Department of Industry for both the company and the University.
“This collaboration between a renowned university and a successful company represents an untapped opportunity, offering immense benefits for both parties and, of course, for the students. They will graduate with knowledge that they can immediately apply in their careers. It is collaborations like this that ensure a secure future. Our company’s commitment to talent management has been demonstrated through a series of initiatives and support, culminating in this partnership, which elevates our corporate responsibility to a new level. This commitment is palpable in our company’s daily operations, something I am proud to see integrated into our culture and reflected in the attitudes of our colleagues. These dedicated colleagues believed in the project and worked tirelessly to bring it to fruition. On behalf of our company, I extend my gratitude to them, the University staff, and the city administration, who have welcomed us and collaborated with us to create a better, more vibrant, and more livable city—a gesture for which we are deeply grateful. I am honoured to work for a company where we collectively build the future, fostering trust and respect among each other. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.”
Gyula Szili, Director of the Harman Acoustics Factory, expressed his delight at the closer collaboration, which could provide a new impetus to Harman’s engineering talent.
“A well-educated engineer, specifically trained to meet the needs of modern manufacturing technologies, is the cornerstone of efficient productivity and the foundation for reliable, high-quality production processes. Efficiency and quality—these two factors must go hand in hand for a technology manufacturing company to thrive, as HARMAN has done in Hungary over the past 20+ years. It is evident that in an accelerated and fierce industrial competition, being the best today is not sufficient; one must also strive to be the best tomorrow. This closer collaboration is the result of a realization that efficient and quality manufacturing can only be sustained if we begin training tomorrow’s engineers today, by integrating HARMAN’s technologies into the curriculum.
As an engineer myself, I recall that the most engaging classes were those where we learned about and witnessed firsthand the technologies utilized in today’s modern industrial environment. It was equally thrilling to associate this experience with the name of a prominent professional company. Why is this significant? Because our aspiration is not merely to see students graduate from school and join Harman as employees. I firmly believe that this collaboration will benefit the University, the students, and Harman alike.”
