How do democratic institutions adapt to societal changes, political challenges and technological developments? These questions were explored by Bachelor's and Master's students of Political Science from Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) during the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA) Travelling Seminar, held on 20–23 October at SWPS University in Warsaw. The seminar was organised by Prof. Dr. Algis Krupavičius from the MRU Institute of Public Policy and Administration.
ERUA Travelling Seminars offer students the opportunity to study in an international academic environment, engage with perspectives from researchers at different European universities, and deepen their understanding of pressing societal and political issues. This time, the seminar focused on the transformation of democratic institutions, their resilience in the face of contemporary challenges, and their future prospects.
How Are Institutions and Democracy Changing?
On the first day of the seminar, 20 October, students attended a lecture and discussion entitled Institutions in Transition, delivered by Prof. Marta Żerkowska-Balas from SWPS University.
The lecture encouraged participants to examine institutional transformation within the broader context of political and societal developments. Democratic institutions today face a range of challenges, from declining public trust and political polarisation to rapid technological advancement and changing citizens' expectations. It is therefore essential not only to understand how institutions function but also to explore what determines their ability to adapt, maintain public trust and ensure the continuity of democratic processes.
During their visit, MRU students also became acquainted with SWPS University and its academic environment. At the end of the day, they met with students from The Public Life Lab (PL LAB), who presented an ongoing project aimed at bringing together students from different levels of study and external partners, combining their knowledge and experience in the field of public policy. The initiative reflects an effort to strengthen cooperation between academia and public policy practice, creating opportunities for students to engage with pressing societal issues.
From Institutional Transformation to Social Innovation
On 21–23 October, the ERUA Travelling Seminar continued alongside the international SOCIN Conference on Social Innovation, held at SWPS University. The conference was originally established at MRU in 2011.
By participating in the conference, students had the opportunity to expand on the topics explored during the seminar and engage with the latest international research. The conference programme addressed a wide range of issues, including the future of democracy and institutions, the impact of artificial intelligence on universities, societal resilience, community empowerment and the development of social innovation.
Among the conference activities particularly relevant to students were discussions on how institutions can learn and collaborate in times of multiple crises, the role of research in society, and the contribution of European universities to strengthening democratic resilience.
The conference also explored collective responsibility, local community resilience and new economic models. During one of the academic sessions, seminar organiser Prof. Dr. Algis Krupavičius presented research together with Prof. Marta Żerkowska-Balas from SWPS University.
International Experience for a Broader Understanding of Political Processes
The ERUA Travelling Seminar combined several forms of learning, including academic lectures, discussions, participation in an international scientific conference, and engagement with the academic community of another European university.
For Political Science students, such experiences are particularly valuable, as they provide opportunities to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world processes of democracy, public governance and societal transformation, while examining political and institutional challenges from a broader international perspective.
Participation in ERUA activities also strengthens students' international competencies, encourages critical thinking and academic cooperation, and provides insights into different European higher education and political environments.
The seminar in Warsaw once again highlighted the opportunities offered by the ERUA Alliance to MRU students: learning beyond the traditional classroom, engaging in discussions on pressing academic and societal issues, and becoming part of a wider European academic community.
