The University of Szeged has gained a unique form of international recognition for its entrepreneurial culture and forward-thinking approach to innovation. In August, SZTE was awarded the Entrepreneurial University accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU). The official certificate was presented on 11 September 2025 in Prague. With this achievement, the University of Szeged has become the only university in Hungary to hold the Entrepreneurial University title. In addition, having already earned the Engaged University accreditation last year, it now ranks among the few institutions worldwide to hold dual ACEEU accreditation.
The Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU) is the only globally operating quality assurance body dedicated to recognizing entrepreneurship and societal engagement in higher education. Headquartered in Germany, the organization aims to evaluate, support, and encourage higher education institutions in fulfilling their third mission, while also acknowledging their excellence. Members of ACEEU’s international network are connected by their outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship and engagement, as well as their economic and societal impact.
The 2025 ACEEU Forum, held in Prague from 9 to 12 September, marked the official awarding of this year’s Entrepreneurial University accreditations.
“Recently honored with the Innovative University of the Year award, SZTE has long been a vibrant intellectual hub. Our university is defined by an innovative mindset and a pioneering approach that prioritizes initiative over the traditional “follower” attitude. In this spirit, the university initiated the process of dual accreditation with ACEEU in 2020, which provided an excellent opportunity to receive external expert feedback in support of our development efforts. Accordingly, we regard the newly earned Entrepreneurial University accreditation as an important milestone. Just like last year’s Engaged University distinction, the Entrepreneurial University title serves as an internationally recognized hallmark of both engagement and entrepreneurship,” said Prof. Dr. Ildikó Csóka, the University of Szeged’s Director-General for Strategy and Deputy Chancellor, in connection with the accreditation.
The Director-General emphasized that fostering an entrepreneurial mindset is of key importance at SZTE, as knowledge and innovation only become truly valuable when they extend beyond the walls of the university and find practical application in both economic and societal contexts. Entrepreneurial thinking inspires students, instructors, researchers, and the wider university community to apply their expertise not just in theory but in practice – tackling real-world challenges and contributing to the development of new products, services, and processes. This approach not only supports their success on the labor market but also plays a vital role in driving the economic and social progress of the entire region.
“Today’s higher education institutions are no longer limited to teaching and research – they also operate as economic actors, securing funding, attracting investment, and building strategic partnerships. When a university embraces an entrepreneurial mindset, it becomes better equipped to respond to the challenges of a rapidly changing environment, manage its operations more sustainably, and deliver services that create value for students, teaching staff, researchers, and partners alike. In the long term, this approach positions the University of Szeged not only as a center of knowledge but also as a catalyst for innovation and economic growth, playing a defining role in the advancement of both the Southern Great Plain region and Hungary as a whole,” said Prof. Dr. Ildikó Csóka.
Dr. Dénes Mátyás (center), Deputy Director of the University of Szeged’s Directorate for Strategic Management within the Directorate-General for Strategy and Development, and institutional manager responsible for SZTE’s ACEEU accreditation, received the Entrepreneurial University certificate from Prof. Dr. Thorsten Kliewe, Chair of ACEEU, and Dr. Lina Landinez, CEO of ACEEU.
Photo by Anna Bobkó
An integral part of the University of Szeged’s forward-looking operational model is an organizational innovation unique in Hungary: the establishment of the Center of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development, and Innovation. Focusing on the university’s areas of excellence, the Center brings together its most outstanding research and development projects into thematic clusters. These interdisciplinary, synergy-based applied research hubs function as independent organizational units, supported by dedicated teams specializing in knowledge management, innovation, business development, and project management. Through a structured career pathway, these teams guide both researchers’ and students’ ideas toward implementation, helping ensure that SZTE’s innovations reach society and the economy with maximum impact. At the same time, this organizational innovation enables SZTE’s partners to quickly identify relevant expertise through a single point of contact, streamlining collaboration and facilitating efficient access to tailored solutions.
The dual accreditation awarded by ACEEU represents both a mark of distinction and a responsibility for the University of Szeged. This recognition confirms SZTE’s strong commitment to entrepreneurship and societal engagement, while also demonstrating its alignment with an international standard that only a few institutions have achieved. At present, only three other universities within Europe and around the world hold this exceptional accreditation, placing the University of Szeged at the forefront of higher education innovation in Hungary and ranking it among the most forward-thinking institutions on the continent.
Source: IKIKK-infó
Feature photo: The Entrepreneurial University accreditation certificate was presented to Dr. Dénes Mátyás, Deputy Director of the University of Szeged’s Directorate for Strategic Management within the Directorate-General for Strategy and Development, and institutional manager responsible for SZTE’s ACEEU accreditation, by Prof. Dr. Thorsten Kliewe, Chair of ACEEU, and Dr. Lina Landinez, CEO of ACEEU.
