The entry of local producers into the market, the development of short supply chains, and the social and labour-market reintegration of homeless people are supported by joint Hungarian–Slovakian projects involving Széchenyi István University. Funded by the European Union’s Interreg Hungary–Slovakia Programme, these three initiatives offer practical solutions to the economic and social challenges faced by the border region.

The Interreg Hungary–Slovakia Programme fosters cooperation among stakeholders in the Hungarian–Slovakian border region through the implementation of joint developments. Among the projects to be launched with the participation of Széchenyi István University, CommonBasket and FRESHBRIDGE strengthen the region’s small-scale producers and local food economy, while Bridge to Home focuses on social issues related to homelessness.

Two projects aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of small-scale producers.

The project titled "Common Basket – Short Supply Chains and Open Farm Gates in the Kisalföld–Szigetköz–Csallóköz region" explores how to improve market access for small-scale and craft producers offering local products in the Hungarian–Slovakian border region. Currently, this process is hindered by a lack of cooperation among stakeholders, limited sales opportunities, and a shortage of the expertise required to operate short supply chains.

Within the framework of the project, a cross-border model will be developed and piloted to establish closer links between producers, consumers, catering enterprises, and local authorities. The partners will map one hundred producers in the region, involving forty of them in professional training, alongside organising six "Open Farm Gate" events. The programme will also feature a joint gastronomic festival, several public awareness campaigns, and study tours.

A key element of the initiative is the development of a shared digital system. The Hungarian–Slovakian "SSC Atlas" (Short Supply Chain Atlas) compiles regional opportunities and best practices for short supply chains, serving as the foundation for a bilingual product showcase platform. The promotion of local products will also be supported by AI-assisted content creation, short videos, and social media content.

The 24-month project, led by Herman Ottó Institute Nonprofit Ltd., starts in September with a total estimated budget of €531,823, including a funding allocation of €127,008 for Széchenyi István University. The academic work at the University is directed by Dr Károly Kacz, Associate Professor at the Department of Agricultural Economics, Albert Kázmér Faculty of Mosonmagyaróvár.

The project titled "Premium Flavours of the Region – Cross-Border Short Supply Chains for the Market Access of Local Craft Products (FRESHBRIDGE)" also serves to enhance the competitiveness of small-scale producers. In addition to mapping and engaging producers, its Hungarian activities place a strong emphasis on knowledge transfer, supporting participants through practical training, mentoring, and professional workshops.

The programmes cover expertise spanning the entire value chain, including marketing, new sales opportunities, product development, food safety, and regulatory requirements. Over the course of the project, ten in-person and ten online training sessions are planned, alongside six events related to short supply chains in each country.

The professional leader of the project running from November 2026 to October 2028 is Gergely Csima, Research Engineer at the Department of Food Science, Albert Kázmér Faculty of Mosonmagyaróvár, Széchenyi István University.

The third funded initiative seeks a joint Hungarian–Slovakian solution to a challenge of a different nature. Széchenyi István University is participating in the "Bridge to Home – Cross-Border Cooperation for the Social Reintegration of Homeless People" programme through a practice-oriented course. Within this course, law and social work students jointly examine how the legal, institutional, and social dimensions of homelessness intersect.

The initiative adopts different approaches to support those affected in Győr and Dunaszerdahely. In Győr, the focus is on providing secure housing, offering twelve individuals the opportunity to move into municipal housing premises for rent. This housing is accompanied by tailored professional support involving social workers and addiction specialists. In Dunaszerdahely, the primary emphasis is on enhancing employability and facilitating entry into the labour market.

The University’s training programme enables participating students to gain practical experience through real-life situations, while bridging the perspectives of different academic disciplines. The project, led by Győr Regional Development and Project Management Ltd., has a total planned budget of €459,727, with €5,180 allocated to the tasks of Széchenyi István University. The University's academic leader for the project is Professor Dr Péter Smuk, Dean of the Deák Ferenc Faculty of Law and Political Sciences.