Full House and New Horizons: Professor Michael Cusumano’s Lecture at BME Marks Beginning of Strategic Collaboration

An exceptional level of interest surrounded the public lecture by Professor Michael A. Cusumano from the MIT Sloan School of Management, held on May 29 at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME). Focused on Generative AI as a New Applications Platform, the event attracted nearly 500 participants, completely filling the Simonyi Auditorium in Building Q with students, researchers, and professionals.

The world-renowned expert in platform strategy, business models, and technological innovation visited BME at the personal invitation of Zsolt Szalay, Ph.D, Head of the Department of Automotive Technologies. His talk offered cutting-edge insights into developments around ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Nvidia, and other groundbreaking technologies. Following the presentation, the audience had the opportunity to ask questions directly to Professor Cusumano.

The event not only brought a world-class academic to BME, but also marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration between the university and Professor Cusumano. At the invitation of Rector Charaf Hassan, Cusumano is the first globally recognized academic to join BME’s newly forming International Scientific Advisory Board. The Board – set to be officially established later this year – will provide strategic guidance on BME’s scientific and research directions, with a strong emphasis on international academic excellence and innovation.

Before the lecture, Professor Cusumano met with BME’s Rector and Vice-Rectors, and the following day he engaged in professional discussions with members of the REAP Hungary team. His visit not only offered scientific value but also strengthened BME’s global partnerships and innovation ecosystem.