Research projects
The evaluated research projects have contributed significantly to fulfilling the mission and vision of FEC by promoting innovation, sustainability, and regional development. Projects such as SIP-SME (Interreg V-A) and Exchange rate prevention system (TACR) have supported small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by enhancing their competitiveness and financial stability, aligning directly with FEC’s commitment to applied research and economic growth. Initiatives like POWER4BIO (HORIZON 2020) and Diversification of the impact of bioeconomy (Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic) have strengthened regional bioeconomic strategies, fostering sustainable entrepreneurship and responsible business practices. Interdisciplinary projects such as Bankruptcy as a win (TACR) and Readiness of SMEs for stress management interventions (Visegrad Fund) have provided practical solutions for crisis management and workplace well-being, reinforcing the link between academic research and real-world business challenges. These projects have also demonstrated the faculty’s ability to integrate research findings into educational programs, equipping students with knowledge applicable to modern economic and business environments.
Provider: Interreg V-A
Project leader: University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
Co-researcher: FEC
Other project partners: South Bohemian Science and Technology Park (Jihočeský vědeckotechnický park, a.s.)
Solution period: 2017–2019
The SIP-SME project significantly contributed to fulfilling the faculty’s mission and vision by supporting innovation management in SMEs and fostering knowledge transfer through collaboration between academia, businesses, and public administration. By integrating expertise from SME managers in border regions, it encouraged independent and interdisciplinary cooperation, reinforcing the faculty’s innovation ecosystem. Additionally, the project played a crucial role in regional development by supporting SMEs in South Bohemia and Upper Austria through applied research and partnerships with local enterprises and institutions.
Aligned with the faculty’s vision, the project enhanced SME competitiveness and innovation, contributing to regional economic growth, sustainability, and an improved quality of life. It also fostered cross-border collaboration between SMEs, local economies, and universities, supporting the faculty’s goal of building strong partnerships. Moreover, project insights enriched the faculty’s educational programs, equipping students with knowledge on innovation and regional development and preparing them to tackle modern economic challenges effectively.
The SIP-SME project significantly advanced the faculty’s mission and vision, reinforcing its role in research, innovation, and regional progress.
Provider: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TACR)
Project leader: FEC
Solution period: 2018–2020
The project supported SMEs, the backbone of the regional economy, by providing an exchange rate prevention system that helped them manage financial risks, enhancing their stability and competitiveness. This aligns with the faculty’s focus on applied research and regional development. By offering tools and methods to quantify exchange rate risk, the project also increased financial literacy among entrepreneurs, supporting the faculty’s mission to provide quality education that prepares individuals for modern economic challenges.
The development of a web application introduced an innovative solution to exchange rate risk, transferring academic research into practical business applications and reinforcing the faculty’s vision of fostering innovation and knowledge capitalization. Additionally, through the analysis of historical exchange rate data, the project led to the creation of a tool with high professional value, strengthening the faculty’s research excellence and national recognition. By addressing exchange rate risk, the project contributed to economic stability for SMEs, benefiting both the regional and national economy and supporting the faculty’s mission of sustainable development and societal well-being.
Overall, the TACR project TL01000348 successfully combined research, education, innovation, and sustainability, reinforcing the faculty’s role as a key educational and research institution with regional and international impact.
Provider: European Union – HORIZON 2020
Project leader: FUNDACION CIRCE – Centro de Investigación de Recursos y Consumos Energéticos (Spain)
Co-researcher: Faculty of Economics, University of South Bohemia (FEC)
Solution period: 2018–2021
The POWER4BIO project (2018-2021) significantly contributed to the fulfilment of the mission and vision of the Faculty of Economics of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice by supporting regional development, innovation and education, which are the key pillars of the faculty’s strategy.
The project engaged regional stakeholders in transitioning to a bioeconomy, aligning with the faculty’s mission to support regional development through applied research. By fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and public institutions, it strengthened both regional and international partnerships. Through the development of bioeconomy strategies and business model catalogues, the project promoted innovation and environmentally responsible entrepreneurship, reinforcing the faculty’s commitment to sustainable regional development and responsible business practices.
Additionally, the project provided training for regional stakeholders in bioeconomy, entrepreneurship, finance, and sustainability, supporting the faculty’s goal of delivering quality education and preparing students and professionals for modern economic challenges. As part of the EU Horizon 2020 programme, it enhanced the faculty’s international prestige, with the exchange of best practices across Europe further strengthening its research reputation and academic standing. Furthermore, by increasing public awareness of the bioeconomy’s role in economic growth and environmental protection, the project contributed to the faculty’s mission of improving societal well-being through research, innovation, and education.
Overall, POWER4BIO advanced the faculty’s strategic goals by fostering sustainability, innovation, and knowledge transfer, reinforcing its role in regional and global development.
administration and the proposal of strategic objectives until 2030
Provider: Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, National Agency for Agricultural Research
Project leader: Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague / Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology
Co-researcher: Faculty of Economics, University of South Bohemia (FEC)
Solution period: 2019 – 2021
The project addressed strategic issues in the forestry bioeconomy, a crucial sector for sustainable development. By formulating strategic goals and recommendations for forestry and wood-processing industries, it contributed to the growth of South Bohemia, aligning with the faculty’s regional focus on applied research. Collaboration between academia (ČZU, FEC) and major enterprises supported innovation and knowledge transfer, reinforcing the faculty’s vision of fostering innovative projects and sustainable economic growth.
The project’s outputs, including publications and conceptual developments, strengthened the faculty’s research excellence and international recognition, enhancing its academic prestige. By addressing sustainability in forestry and timber industries, it promoted environmentally and socially responsible entrepreneurship, further supporting the faculty’s commitment to sustainable business practices. Additionally, the project enriched student education by integrating research results, providing access to current knowledge and practical experience, and preparing students for leadership roles in the modern economy.
By fostering innovation, sustainability, and education, the project effectively supported the faculty’s mission to build a creative, independent environment and contribute to regional and societal development.
Provider: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TACR)
Project leader: Faculty of Economics, University of South Bohemia (FEC)
Solution period: 2019–2022
The project developed an innovative online application simulating insolvency proceedings and crisis decision-making, providing a hands-on tool that prepares students for real economic challenges and aligns with the faculty’s mission of delivering practical, high-quality education. Integrating managerial and legal aspects, this interactive game bridges theory with practice and fosters innovative thinking, while its trademark protection underscores the faculty’s commitment to innovation and knowledge transfer. Beyond benefiting economic students, the project also serves senior judicial officials, strengthening collaboration between academia and public institutions and supporting the faculty’s mission to create partnerships for sustainable economic and social solutions. Additionally, the application functions as both an educational tool and a practical aid for crisis management in businesses, contributing to economic stability and regional growth—key elements of the faculty’s mission. By developing this original educational tool, the faculty reinforced its research reputation, with the project’s outputs, including the online application and manuals, showcasing its ability to create impactful solutions recognized both nationally and internationally.
The ‘Bankruptcy as a Win’ project significantly advanced the faculty’s strategic goals in education, innovation, collaboration, regional development, and research excellence, further strengthening its role as a leading academic and research institution.
Provider: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TACR)
Project leader: Charles University / Centre for Environmental Issues
Co-researcher: FEC
Solution period: 2019–2022
The project contributed to the fulfilment of the faculty’s mission and vision, which focuses on sustainable development, regional development and improving the quality of life through education, research and innovation. The project supported regional sustainability by developing a certified methodology and lifelong learning system for local actors, aligning with the faculty’s mission of promoting environmentally and socially responsible entrepreneurship. By engaging local action groups and regional institutions, it contributed to regional development in the Czech Republic, fulfilling the faculty’s goal of supporting applied research and knowledge transfer. Introducing innovative lifelong learning approaches and applying scientific knowledge in practice, the project reinforced the faculty’s commitment to fostering innovation and knowledge capitalization. With a focus on enhancing skills for sustainable development, it prepared professionals to tackle modern economic challenges, aligning with the faculty’s mission to educate future leaders. Utilizing the latest scientific knowledge, the project strengthened the faculty’s reputation in economic research, with publications of results enhancing its recognition at both national and international levels. Furthermore, by developing strategies for decision-making that consider environmental, social, and economic aspects, the project supported the faculty’s vision of sustainable and responsible business practices. Through collaboration with institutions and practical application of research, the project significantly contributed to the faculty’s mission in education, research, innovation, and regional development.
Provider: Czech Science Foundation (GACR)
Project leader: Masaryk University / Faculty of Science
Co-researcher: FEC
Solution period: 2019–2023
The project focused on the current and socially crucial topic of the sharing economy and self-provisioning. Through this research, the faculty demonstrated its orientation towards excellence in economic research, support for regional development and sustainable development, and it also contributed to improving the quality of life in society.
The project significantly contributed to the faculty’s mission by expanding understanding of domestic production and sharing networks, enriching research in alternative economic models, and reinforcing the faculty’s role as a creative knowledge hub. By involving educators, students, entrepreneurs, and public institutions, it fostered interdisciplinary cooperation, aligning with the faculty’s mission to build strong partnerships. Additionally, the research provided insights applicable to policy decisions, supporting knowledge transfer and capitalization—core elements of the faculty’s commitment to practical impact.
Aligned with the faculty’s vision, the project advanced sustainable entrepreneurship and social responsibility by examining self-provisioning and shared networks. Its findings on the environmental effects of self-provisioning contributed to the faculty’s international recognition through research publications. Focusing on Central Europe, the project also supported regional policy and development, reinforcing the faculty’s commitment to South Bohemia’s growth. Furthermore, by analysing participant motivations in informal networks, it provided new insights into social and environmental factors, supporting the faculty’s vision of fostering innovative and sustainable solutions.
The project enriched scientific knowledge and strengthened the faculty’s position as a leader in education and research, actively addressing modern societal challenges and promoting sustainable development.
Provider: Visegrad Fund
Project leader: Faculty of Economics, University of South Bohemia (FEC)
Other project partners: Częstochowa University of Technology, Faculty of Management; Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Faculty of Economics and Management; Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Natural Sciences; University of Debrecen, Faculty of Economics and Business
Solution period: 2020–2021
The project significantly contributed to the faculty’s mission by fostering international cooperation among V4 academic institutions, enabling knowledge sharing and the development of innovative research-based solutions. By focusing on demographic aging, a key socio-economic challenge, it generated valuable insights for economics and public policy. Collaboration with experts from government, social work, and healthcare further bridged academia and practice, reinforcing interdisciplinary cooperation. Additionally, methodological recommendations for V4 countries provided effective solutions for demographic aging, supporting sustainable regional growth. The faculty’s research excellence was strengthened through an internationally recognized monograph, enhancing its academic impact, while the project also reinforced long-term faculty objectives by deepening collaboration between academia and public institutions.
Aligned with the faculty’s key objectives, the project advanced economic research by addressing the economic and social implications of demographic aging, producing valuable findings. Through publications and an international workshop, it increased the faculty’s national and international prestige. The project also emphasized socially responsible entrepreneurship by recommending strategies for demographic adaptation with a focus on social responsibility and sustainability. Moreover, its formulated recommendations offer actionable measures to improve the quality of life for the aging population, highlighting its practical impact.
By linking high-quality research with real-world challenges, the VISEGRAD project strengthened the faculty’s reputation, emphasizing cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development.
Provider: Visegrad Fund
Project leader: FEC
Other project partners: Wroclaw University of Economics and Business (Poland); University of Presov (Slovakia); Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Hungary)
Solution period: 2023–2024
The project significantly contributed to the faculty’s mission by focusing on SMEs and providing practical tools for stress management at both organizational and individual levels. This initiative aligned with the faculty’s commitment to regional sustainability through collaboration with local businesses and public institutions. By introducing new approaches to workplace stress and working with top universities from Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary, the project reinforced the faculty’s goal of achieving national and international recognition through high-impact research publications.
Advancing stress management innovations, the project played a crucial role in supporting SMEs as they navigated digitalization and sustainability challenges, fostering economic growth both regionally and across V4 countries. Additionally, by addressing workplace stress, it contributed to employee well-being and the creation of sustainable work environments, supporting the faculty’s mission to enhance societal prosperity. Through international collaboration with V4 universities, the faculty further strengthened its position as a hub for education, research, and innovation, promoting knowledge exchange and best practices. Furthermore, by tackling workplace stress as a key component of sustainable business practices, the project reinforced the faculty’s vision for socially responsible enterprises.
This international project exemplifies how the Faculty of Economics fulfils its mission through applied research, innovation, and global collaboration, significantly contributing to regional and international development.
Provider: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TACR)
Project leader: Institute of Technology and Economics in České Budějovice
Co-researcher: Faculty of Economics, University of South Bohemia (FEC)
Solution period: 2023–2026
With its focus on innovation, education and cooperation with the public sector, the project supports the strategic objectives of the faculty in several key aspects.
The project contributes to the faculty’s mission by developing a methodology and training system for public administration clerks, supporting SMART CITY solutions at local, regional, and national levels. This initiative aligns with the faculty’s commitment to enhancing regional development and quality of life through applied research and institutional collaboration. By creating educational modules and workshops for public officials, the project promotes knowledge dissemination in modern economic and technological trends, fulfilling the faculty’s educational mission.
Focusing on innovative public procurement for SMART CITY solutions, the project fosters entrepreneurship and economic growth while contributing to social prosperity, reinforcing key pillars of the faculty’s strategy. Additionally, by advancing applied research excellence and collaborating with key partners, including the Ministry of Regional Development, the project enhances the faculty’s national standing. Supporting SMART CITY initiatives, it also promotes environmentally and socially responsible approaches to urban and regional growth, aligning with the faculty’s focus on sustainability and responsible development.
This project strengthens FEC as a leading institution in education, research, and innovation, significantly contributing to regional development and fulfilling its strategic mission.
