Research results with existing or prospective impact on society
The evaluated research project outcomes at FEC bring significant positive impacts on society in various fields, including business, financial stability, education, and sustainable development. Tools such as SIP-SME, E-Start, and the Industry 4.0 assessment tool help enterprises improve innovation strategies, manage financial risks, and prepare for digitalization, thereby enhancing competitiveness and economic stability. Applications like We Go Together and Bankruptcy as a Win contribute to community development and financial literacy, while methodological outputs and the sustainability development portal provide key resources for regional planning and support environmental and social aspects of development.
Most of the outputs promote inclusivity and accessibility, with the gender dimension explicitly considered in some cases by ensuring equal access for users. A strong emphasis is placed on sustainability, whether through optimizing business processes, reducing economic risks, or supporting environmentally friendly innovations. Overall, these outputs strengthen the connection between research, the business sector, and the public, thus contributing to greater economic and social resilience and holding the potential to generate long-term benefits in innovation, financial stability, and sustainable development.
The SIP-SME application is a software tool that was developed as part of a cross-border project in the Interreg V-A Austria-Czech Republic programme. SIP-SME allows companies to assess their innovation readiness through a simple self-assessment questionnaire, where managers can determine the key areas of resources needed for the implementation of innovations.
The main advantage of the tool is saving time and identifying possible risks before launching a project. Based on extensive research, analysis of regional conditions and feedback from experts and pilot users, the tool was optimized to be understandable and easy to use. SIP-SME works as a web application available on Windows and MacOS platforms and is available online for free. This tool supports the connection of enterprises with research organizations, strengthens innovation processes and brings new impulses for small and medium-sized enterprises in South Bohemia and Upper Austria.
The application can be used for effective innovation planning and improving the competitiveness of enterprises.
The evaluated unit must demonstrate in the description that the research results of the SIP-SME project lead or will lead to positive impacts on society in the near future. This includes, for example, a description of the use of the tool by SMEs, the range of users for whom the tool is relevant, measurable economic benefits or benefits for cooperation between enterprises and research organizations. The commentary also includes consideration of the gender dimension and an analysis of the impacts on sustainability through the support of innovation and the reduction of risks associated with innovative projects.
E-Start is a unique application designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups manage exchange rate risks in foreign currency trading. Developed under the ‘Exchange Rate Prevention System’ (TL01000348) project, it operates under the ÉTA Programme with support from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, CzechTrade, and the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic. The primary goal of E-Start is to provide businesses with an effective tool for identifying potential exchange rate risks and analysing possible financial losses. Users receive key insights, such as worst-case historical losses, currency stability, and expected losses at contract maturity.
Unlike speculative tools, E-Start focuses on risk prevention and minimization of financial losses, helping businesses make informed decisions about securing contracts and receivables. As a result, the application contributes to greater financial stability for SMEs. Given the unpredictability of currency markets, this tool responds to real challenges businesses face today. Surveys conducted by CzechTrade confirm strong interest among entrepreneurs, particularly in light of current economic uncertainties.
Beyond direct financial benefits, E-Start also supports economic sustainability, helping businesses manage currency risks and ensuring long-term stability. The project considers gender inclusivity by ensuring equal access to the tool for all users. By strengthening financial resilience, E-Start plays a key role in enhancing business security and promoting sustainable economic growth in the Czech business environment.
https://www.businessinfo.cz/nastroje/kalkulacka-kurzovych-rizik/
This methodology results from a project supported by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TACR) and certified by the Ministry for Regional Development. It aims to assist local actors—municipalities, non-profits, businesses, and individuals—in contributing effectively to sustainable development.
The methodology promotes dialogue and cooperation in tackling sustainability challenges, such as fostering innovation, shifting development approaches, and identifying concrete paths to a sustainable future. It provides tools and recommendations for engaging local communities in decision-making, essential for successful sustainable development strategies.
A key objective is to enhance local actors' knowledge and skills in planning, implementing, and evaluating sustainability-focused activities. The document covers topics like environmental education, sustainability economics, and the social dimensions of development. It emphasizes a participatory approach, ensuring the inclusion of diverse population groups in development processes.
The methodology underscores the importance of collaboration among the public, private, and non-profit sectors while stressing the need to adapt strategies to local conditions. By bridging theoretical knowledge with practical experience, the project contributes to both regional development and national sustainability.
The document is freely available online and serves as a valuable resource for those looking to engage in building sustainable communities and regions.
Evaluations must demonstrate that research results offer innovative solutions to regional challenges, whether through practical application or improvements in community quality of life. They should also assess whether the outcomes contribute to sustainable development goals, including environmental, social, and economic aspects.
The Bankruptcy as a Win application was developed by FEC as part of the TACR project and under the auspices of ARET Praha s.r.o., with support from the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TACR). It offers a fun and interactive way to deepen knowledge of bankruptcy and insolvency.
This innovative educational tool presents bankruptcy as an economic and legal simulation game, demonstrating that insolvency is not necessarily a failure but can serve as a strategic tool for protecting investments, stabilizing the economy, and minimizing social impacts.
The game has two phases: economic and legal. In the economic phase, the player takes on the role of a manager navigating a company toward bankruptcy while facing challenges like competition, economic crises, and technological changes. The goal is to manage the company effectively while identifying the optimal moment to initiate insolvency proceedings to minimize losses.
In the legal phase, the player acts as the debtor’s representative, ensuring the best possible insolvency process through reorganization or agreements with creditors. The game also provides insight into the perspective of an insolvency court, offering a comprehensive understanding of the process.
The project emphasizes strategic decision-making, negotiation skills, and knowledge of legal frameworks. Bankruptcy as a Win is not just an educational tool but a practical resource for managers, entrepreneurs, and professionals in law and economics.
By promoting financial literacy, the application helps improve crisis management in businesses and supports economic stability. However, the project does not explicitly address gender aspects in its outcomes. Thanks to its innovative approach, it enhances understanding of insolvency and contributes to more effective business strategies and economic resilience.
The We Go Together application is an innovative project by the Faculty of Economics, University of South Bohemia, designed to strengthen neighbourly relations and improve transport services, especially in smaller municipalities. It enables carpooling, promoting eco-friendly transport and efficient vehicle use. Drivers can offer free seats, and passengers can easily connect with them.
Operating on voluntary neighbourly assistance, the app is free for users, with municipalities purchasing licenses to grant access to their residents. The project fosters community cooperation, sustainable transport, and stronger local ties.
Currently available mainly on computers, a mobile version is planned for broader accessibility. The app is being tested in approximately 20 municipalities to refine its functionality.
Funded by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic under the GAMA2 programme, the project provides practical transport solutions while supporting environmental protection and
community relationships. It demonstrates how technology can enhance social cohesion and sustainable mobility.
The We Go Together app has significant potential to benefit society by fostering neighbourly connections, reducing emissions, and promoting shared transport. Designed inclusively for all user groups, it contributes to community development, sustainability, and social inclusion.
The software, developed within the GA19-04412S project New Approaches to Modelling and Statistics of Random Sets (2019–2022), focuses on advanced statistical methods for analysing random sets. It enables spatial data modelling and geometric analysis using new probabilistic models and statistical approaches. The software offers key features such as advanced methods for describing and analysing random sets, statistical testing tools applicable in image analysis, biology, and geosciences, and a user-friendly environment for visualizing spatial and geometric characteristics. Its applicability extends to various scientific fields, including medicine, ecology, and material sciences, where working with spatial data and random structures is essential.
Bridging theoretical research with practical application, the software enables more precise analyses and improved decision-making in applied mathematics and statistics. By enhancing the processing and interpretation of complex spatial data, it contributes to more effective research and industrial applications. The software’s broad usability in medicine, ecology, biology, and material sciences demonstrates its potential for positive societal impact, helping institutions such as research institutes and industrial companies working with spatial analysis.
Although the project did not explicitly address the gender dimension, it supports sustainability by improving analyses in ecology and other environmental applications.
This portal was created with the aim of bringing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) closer and more accessible in a context that supports development, especially in rural areas. It is intended for a wide range of actors operating at the local level–from individuals and community initiatives to smaller organizations, municipalities and other entities that strive for the sustainable development of their regions. It is also a valuable source of information for those who support this process from outside, such as experts, NGOs or state institutions.
The primary focus of the portal is the practical application of knowledge that can help initiate and implement desired changes from the bottom up, i.e. directly at the level of communities and individual local initiatives. Sustainable development often begins at the local level and is the result of cooperation between active citizens, entrepreneurs and public institutions who strive together for the environmental, social and economic stability of their regions.
This site was created or significantly expanded as part the project ‘Sustainable Development at the Local Level – Connecting Theory and Practice’, supported in 2019-2022 by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic.
This portal serves not only as an information platform, but also as a support for sharing knowledge and best practices in sustainable development. The objective is to provide users with practical tools, inspiration and examples of good practice that will help them implement innovative solutions in their communities and contribute to the long-term sustainable development of regions.
https://www.enviwiki.cz/wiki/Port%C3%A1l:Udr%C5%BEiteln%C3%BD_rozvoj_na_m%C3%ADstn%C3%AD_%C3%BArovni
The Industry 4.0 implementation assessment tool is specialized software designed to help companies evaluate their level of digitization and automation. It enables enterprises to assess their readiness for Industry 4.0 through a structured self-assessment that identifies strengths and
areas for improvement. Key aspects of this concept include digitization, the integration of physical and virtual systems, and the use of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), the Internet of Services (IoS), and the Internet of People (IoP).
The tool's main advantages are its simplicity, efficiency, and ability to provide specific feedback. After completing a self-assessment questionnaire, users receive an overview of their strengths and potential barriers to further development. This analysis helps businesses optimize processes and prepare for the challenges of digitization and automation.
Since entrepreneurs and managers understand their companies best, the tool relies on their objective evaluation of business aspects to generate a tailored analysis. Enterprises receive a summary of their strengths and weaknesses in Industry 4.0, along with recommendations for overcoming obstacles and suggestions for future growth.
Based on the assessment, users receive a detailed report on their company’s position in the Industry 4.0 landscape, including strategies to eliminate weaknesses and optimize the use of available technologies. The tool is suitable for small, medium, and large enterprises aiming to stay competitive in the era of digital transformation.
By using this assessment, businesses can better plan technological innovations, improve resource efficiency, and prepare for future challenges related to industrial process digitization.
