Society could only continue functioning by using digital devices during pandemic

04/09/2020

We have been thinking differently about digitalisation since the coronavirus pandemic started and digital devices have received special attention in the areas of economy, education and work as well – said Dr. András Levente Gál, the professional leader of Digitális Jólét Program (DJP), (Digital Success Programme), during his opening speech at the Networkshop 2020 conference.

Speakers of the online conference, organised by the HUNGARNET Egyesület (HUNGARNET Association) and DJP – which was held between 2 and 4 September at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology of the University of Pécs – gave a comprehensive picture of the digital transformation of higher education, public education and public institutions among many things. The speakers also informed the viewers about the digital and network ecosystems in the area of research as well as the symbiosis of scientific work and infrastructure. The three-day conference had 300 registered participants who were able to follow more than 100 lectures via their computers.

On the 29^th symposium Dr. András Levente Gál emphasised the fact that everyone has been thinking a bit differently about digitalisation since the pandemic began as economies and societies worldwide could only stay in function by using digital devices and platforms.

The professional leader of the Digital Success Programme highlighted the extraordinary performance of DJP since the pandemic began as all experts seek to find efficient answers to every emerging question. HUNGARNET Association has proved to be a great partner in this task, as it has been helping the work of DJP for a long time now. The objective of this conference was also to have different experts from different branches come together and think about these newly emerging problems – Mr. Gál added. Since there is a pandemic going on, brave approaches and sharp thinking are needed – finished his speech Dr. András Levente Gál.

The principal patron of the event was Prof. Dr. László Palkovics, minister for innovation and technology, while one of the patrons was Dr. Károly Balázs Solymár, the Ministry for Innovation and Technology’s deputy state secretary for digitalisation, who also gave a speech at the conference.

The deputy state secretary presented the National Digitalising Strategy in his speech, noting that digitalisation affects almost all areas of life, it is unequivocally the engine of development and competitiveness, moreover it also poses questions of sovereignty. He added that Hungary could be most proud of the development of its digital infrastructure – even in international comparisons. Besides the infrastructure, questions of proper digital competencies, excellent adaptations and digital education will influence all nations’ existence in the future – emphasised in his speech Dr. Károly Balázs Solymár.

Gergely Szertics, expert of the Artificial Intelligence division, Andrea Vörösné Deák, regional head of DJP network, Krisztina Szentkirályi-Szász, head of International Development and Analysis division, dr. Angéla Bajzáth, colleague of Digital Competence division, Sándor Szalay professional quality assurance advisor, Attila Erik Farkas, DJP constant expert, Attila Frész, digital developer, Ferenc Dénes, head of Digital Sport Knowledge Centre division, Csaba Huszty, DJP commissioned expert, and Ákos Mácz, head of Digital Infrastructure division, also spoke at the event.