Dr Glenn Tiffert, a professor at Stanford University's Hoover Institution in the United States, highly appreciates the development of Széchenyi István University in recent years. He delivered a packed lecture on securing supply chains at the Győr Science Park on 9 April. According to the researcher, the institution works closely with industrial players in an exemplary manner, assisting students in their practical training.

Széchenyi István University aims to impart cutting-edge knowledge to its students and regularly invites renowned speakers from prestigious universities for this purpose. Most recently, on 9 April, the University hosted Dr Glenn Tiffert, a professor of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, ranked fifth in the world on the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) global ranking. The researcher, who visited Hungary with the assistance of the U.S. Embassy in Budapest, delivered a lecture titled "Semiconductors: A Case Study on Securing Supply Chains" to a fully packed audience in the aula of the Győr Science Park, inaugurated by the University last year.

Employees of the Embassy of the United States in Budapest and Széchenyi István University with Dr Glenn Tiffert at the statue of Széchenyi István on the Győr campus. (Photo: András Adorján)

Prior to his lecture, the professor told the press that he came to Győr to learn about Széchenyi University's innovation activities, its connection to the industry, and to share his knowledge with the audience. "I was impressed by what I saw here, especially how the institution closely collaborates with the local industry to provide practical training for students. This is a great model from which we could all learn," he said, adding that he is open to further cooperation.

At the event, Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations, introduced Dr Glenn Tiffert as an expert on modern China, whose areas of expertise include academic, corporate, and governmental research, the integrity of science and technology policy, influence from foreign powers. He is a researcher in Chinese political and legal history, author and co-author of numerous academic publications. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the University Research Security Professionals Association, established to increase security awareness at universities.

Dr Glenn Tiffert spoke approvingly of the activities of Széchenyi István University

In his lecture, through the example of semiconductors, Dr Tiffert drew attention to the dangers of supplier exclusivity in global supply chains. He demonstrated that the current model of the world economy is not safe with the establishment of a monopoly position, as the absence of a single supplier can lead to complete collapse, as happened during the COVID-19 pandemic when the production of essential chips for the automotive industry ceased. According to the researcher from the Hoover Institution, it is worth reconsidering the role of countries involved in development in the global supply chain and expanding manufacturing markets, as a more diversified economic chain could be beneficial in the long run. The professor spoke highly of the research and development activities at Széchenyi University and the involvement of talented students in professional and scientific activities. He believes that innovative scientific work, close cooperation with the corporate sector, and international networking at the university are key to future industrial development.

Many students showed interest in Dr Glenn Tiffert's lecture, and the auditorium of the Győr Science Park at Széchenyi István University was packed for the event.(Photos: András Adorján)