Artificial intelligence, law, cybersecurity, and concrete experiences from digital transformation. The Behind the Curtain of Digitalization conference in Liberec demonstrated that digitalization is no longer merely a technological topic, but a key factor in the competitiveness of companies, institutions, and regions.
The conference program offered a diverse perspective on digitalization from various angles. Topics discussed included the development of artificial intelligence in the Czech Republic, the legal aspects of AI, cybersecurity, the use of digital technologies in education, and specific examples of digitalization in cultural institutions. Speakers included Lukáš Kačena, the government’s AI envoy; Petra Stupková, AI Personality of the Year 2025; Marek Zítka and Daniel Školník from Prusa Research; Petr Váchal; David Mařák; and Václav Maněna and Pavel Matějíček.
Strong TUL participation underscored the strategic importance of digitization
The participation of Rector Aleš Kocourek and the new Vice Rector for Internal Legislation and Digitalization, Michal Řezanka, demonstrated that digitalization is a strategic priority for the Technical University of Liberec. It is not just about the technologies themselves, but about a broader transformation of how institutions operate, their processes, communication, and their ability to respond to a rapidly changing world.
It was precisely the strong presence of TUL’s leadership that gave the entire event an extra dimension. It confirmed that the university wants to be an active participant in the debate on digital transformation and, at the same time, a partner that bridges research, education, and practical needs. In a regional context, this is an important signal: digitalization is not an isolated topic for experts, but an area that increasingly affects the direction of institutions, companies, and the public sector.
Digital Transformation in Practice
One of the highlights of the program was the panel discussion “Digital Transformation in Practice.” It demonstrated that successful digitization is not merely a matter of technology, but above all of communication, properly managed expectations, and mutual understanding between the client and the experts guiding the design and implementation of changes. Jan Kočí and Kateřina Jílková, Martin Řípa and Petra Jáhnová very convincingly described how the entire process unfolds from both the client’s perspective and that of the digital expert. In doing so, they offered the audience valuable insight into what digital transformation actually entails in practice, from the initial need for change all the way through to concrete implementation.
Empty or full?
At our CXI TUL institute’s booth, we presented an image analysis where we are able to locate your glass of prosecco in a dynamic scene captured by a camera and, using artificial intelligence, determine how empty the glass is and when it needs to be refilled. However, this playful demonstration actually revealed something more substantial: the wide range of possibilities for image analysis, including for other practical applications.
For the EDIH team at CXI TUL, participating in the conference was very inspiring and reaffirmed how important it is to create space for sharing experiences, expert debate, and finding concrete ways to put digitalization into practice.
The conference was organized as part of the EDIH Northeast project in collaboration with regional and expert partners. The EDIH consortium consists of the Regional Development Agency, the Technical University of Liberec, the Textile Machinery Research Institute, the National Cluster Association, the University of Hradec Králové, the Center for Investment, Development, and Innovation, and ARRICOMA.
EDIH 2
Although the current EDIH project is gradually coming to an end, it will be followed by EDIH 2. We will continue to be ready to help companies and institutions find digitalization solutions tailored to their needs. Please do not hesitate to contact us. Together, we can find a way to approach digital transformation meaningfully and effectively within your institution as well.
Principal Investigator
Jan Kočí, M.Sc.
+420 485 356 338,
+420 725 578 591
jan.koci@tul.cz
Financial Manager
Michala Bobková, M.Sc.
+420 485 356 283
