Open Economic University of SGH. A new standard in economic education for everyone

The open university was created so as to promote economic education and raise public awareness of market mechanisms and financial management. This initiative responds to the growing need for access to reliable and practical information about the economy, both in the context of daily life and professional careers.  

MOTIVATIONS BEHIND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OPEN ECONOMIC UNIVERSITY OF SGH  

The decision to create OUE was driven by two key factors. First, research highlights the need to improve the economic literacy in society. For example, 22% of Poles believe that when the state has budget deficits, it should print more money, which indicates gaps in understanding inflation mechanisms. At the same time, 54% of respondents admit that better financial knowledge would be useful in their daily lives. Given this situation, the economic education becomes crucial for the improved performance of an individual and the society as a whole.  
Second, this initiative aligns with the SGH mission, which emphasises the promotion of economic knowledge in society and inspiring citizens to actively participate in the country’s economic life. SGH has been a leader in economic education for years, and the Open Economic University is another step towards fulfilling this mission.  

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND KEY ASSUMPTIONS  

• The Open Economic University of SGH programme consists of three educational pathways, tailored to different target groups:  
• The general pathway, aimed at a broad audience, enabling the acquisition of fundamental economic knowledge.  
• The journalists’ pathway, designed for media professionals who wish to gain a deeper understanding of economic issues and report on them more accurately.  
• The teachers’ pathway, supporting educators in effectively conveying economic knowledge in an engaging and accessible manner.  

Within the general pathway, participants can choose from four thematic blocks, covering both basic and advanced topics.  
The first of these is the “Economics and Finance” block, which forms the foundation of the programme and offers the opportunity to earn a certificate. It covers topics such as economic growth, labour market, demographics, financial system and personal financial management strategies. Lectures are delivered by esteemed SGH experts, including Prof. Łukasz Woźny, Prof. Jakub Growiec, Prof. Iga Magda and Prof. Agnieszka Alińska.  

Another offer is the “European Union” block, which focuses on the functioning of the EU, its international relations, and key political and economic challenges. The topics covered in this cycle include migration policy, the EU cooperation with the USA and East Asia, lobbying and relations with Ukraine.  Classes will are run by a team led by prof. Małgorzata Molęda-Zdziech  including experts such as prof. Katarzyna Piekarska, dr. Jan Misiuna, dr. Marta Pachocka, dr. Piotr R. Kozłowski and dr. Iryna Degtyarova.

People interested in developing managerial competencies can participate in the “Management” block, which covers leadership, strategic analysis, organizational culture, and change management. Participants gain the necessary skills to effectively lead teams and make sound business decisions.  Didactic team leader for this block is prof. Maria Aluchna who will deliver classes together with dr. Agata Chutnik and dr Dominika Bosek-Rak.

The fourth block – “Sustainable Development and ESG” – addresses challenges related to environmental protection, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability reporting. In an era of climate change and increasing ESG-related requirements for businesses, this knowledge is crucial both for professionals and informed consumers.  This block is lead by dr Ewa Jastrzębska who cooperates with prof. Agata Lulewicz-Sas, dr. Paulina Legutko-Kobus, dr. Aleksandra Stanek-Kowalczyk and prof. Ewelina Szczech-Pietkiewicz.

FLEXIBLE FORMAT AND CERTIFICATION  

Classes at the Open Economic University of SGH are held every two weeks, allowing participants to balance education with daily responsibilities. Each participant can freely choose the thematic blocks of interest and attend as many lectures as they wish.  

The participation in the “Economics and Finance” block offers the opportunity to earn a certificate, which serves as formal proof of acquired knowledge and may be a valuable asset in the job market. To obtain the certificate, participants must attend at least two-thirds of the lectures and pass a multiple-choice exam. The issuance of certificate requires a symbolic administrative fee of PLN 100.  
Meanwhile, participation in additional thematic blocks – “European Union,” “Management,” and “Sustainable Development and ESG” – leads to a certificate of attendance, granted based on participation in at least four lectures.  

SPECIALISED OFFER FOR JOURNALISTS AND TEACHERS  

The Open Economic University of SGH also offers a dedicated programme for journalists and teachers. The journalists’ pathway includes intensive two-day seminars, during which SGH experts explain key topics in macroeconomics, microeconomics, financial markets and ESG in a comprehensible manner. The workshops cover such topics as interpreting economic data, analysing corporate financial reports and understanding the impact of global trends on capital markets.  
The teachers’ pathway is conducted online, enabling teachers to more effectively convey economic knowledge to their students. With access to teaching materials and educational tools, teachers can enhance their teaching methods and better prepare young people for informed participation in economic life.  

SUCCESS OF THE ENROLMENT PROCESS AND FUTURE PLANS  

The enrolment for the first semester of OUE turned out to be an overwhelming success – all available places were filled within a single day. Such a high demand confirms the need for educational initiatives of this kind and motivates SGH to further develop the programme.  

In response to increasing interest, plans are in place to expand the programme in future semesters by introducing new, engaging topics and blocks. The Open Economic University of SGH aims to better cater to participants’ needs, providing a broader and more in-depth exploration of economic issues.  

JOIN THE OPEN ECONOMIC UNIVERSITY OF SGH  

The Open Economic University of SGH is a unique initiative that not only raises the level of economic knowledge in society but also brings together diverse social groups around the common goal of better understanding economic mechanisms. Thanks to the dedication of experts and a flexible learning model, OUE is becoming a place where knowledge meets practice and participants acquire skills useful in both professional and personal life.  

Habilitated Doctor EWELINA SZCZECH-PIETKIEWICZ, Professor at SGH, the academic supervisor of the Open Economic University of SGH, Head of the Institute of International Economic Policy, Collegium of World Economy, SGH

The inaugural lecture “Why do we learn economics?” was given by Professor Łukasz Woźny, 

PHOTO: PIOTR POTAPOWICZ, SGH