Gdańsk Tech and the Lean Education Foundation Join Forces to Develop Youth Competencies
Gdańsk Tech has established cooperation with the Lean Education Foundation, which aims to develop practical competencies of pupils, students, and academic staff. The joint activities, carried out under the Young Lean Leader program, will focus on problem-solving, project management, teamwork, and fostering entrepreneurial attitudes.
Gdańsk Tech has established cooperation with the Lean Education Foundation, which aims to develop practical competencies of pupils, students, and academic staff. The joint activities, carried out under the Young Lean Leader program, will focus on problem-solving, project management, teamwork, and fostering entrepreneurial attitudes.
The agreement was signed on November 10, 2026, in the Senate Hall of Gdańsk Tech. The university was represented by Prof. Barbara Wikieł, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, while the Lean Education Foundation was represented by Piotr Bielawski, a member of the Foundation's board.
The meeting was also attended by PhD Eng. Aleksandra Wiśniewska, Vice-Dean for Education at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology, and PhD Eng. Joanna Czerska from the Department of Management Engineering and Quality at the Faculty of Management and Economics, who has been teaching Lean methods for several years, both in work with students and during training sessions for teachers. Students who are members of the Science Club of Production Systems Optimization and Mechanisms "LeanTech" were also present: Agata Bona and Kinga Warzocha.
From Knowledge to Practical Action
The basis of the cooperation will be the Young Lean Leader program, developing among young people the skills to identify and solve problems, improve processes, manage projects, and work effectively in teams. Its assumptions are based on the Lean Thinking philosophy, which focuses on continuous improvement, eliminating waste, and creating value.
An important element of the program is also fostering entrepreneurial attitudes and encouraging young people to think independently and take initiative. The cooperation aims to combine school and academic education with the experience of business practitioners, demonstrating how to apply acquired knowledge in real-life situations.
– We want young people not only to acquire knowledge but also – by harnessing their enormous potential – to be able to recognize opportunities, take initiative, and turn ideas into concrete actions – emphasizes Prof. Barbara Wikieł, PhD, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs at Gdańsk Tech.
As part of the agreement, the partners plan to organize workshops, training sessions, and educational events aimed at students and teachers. Schools cooperating with Gdańsk Tech will also be invited to participate in the program.
One of the initiatives will be a competition for two- and three-person student teams, in which participants will be able to test their practical skills by using Lean Thinking tools to solve problems, improve processes, and work in teams.
Students and Researchers Collaborating
On the side of Gdańsk Tech, two faculties will be involved in the implementation of the agreement: the Faculty of Management and Economics and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology.
The cooperation also envisions active participation of the academic community. Staff, doctoral candidates, students, and alumni of the university will be able to engage in the Young Lean Leader program as experts, mentors, jurors, and organizers.
The Science Club of Production Systems Optimization and Mechanisms "LeanTech," operating since last year at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology, may play an important role in the planned activities. Its members develop interests related to process improvement and practical application of Lean methods. Student involvement in the program will be an opportunity to share knowledge with younger participants and gain experience in project and educational work.
Students participating in the program will be able to get to know Gdańsk Tech better, among others by taking part in selected lectures, workshops, educational events, and study visits, as well as initiatives carried out by student Science Clubs.
The agreement also provides for the possibility of academic teachers participating in Lean Thinking training and using the Foundation's educational materials and methods during additional classes for students.
Coordination of cooperation on the part of Gdańsk Tech will be handled by PhD Eng. Aleksandra Wiśniewska from FME&ST and PhD Eng. Joanna Czerska from FME, who initiated the collaboration. On behalf of the Lean Education Foundation, activities will be coordinated by Piotr Bielawski.
The signed agreement opens new opportunities for cooperation between schools, the university, and the business environment. Its goal is not only to develop practical skills among young people but also to inspire them to undertake their own initiatives, develop technical interests, and pursue further education.
