Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute

FESTIVE MEETING OF THE SCIENTIFIC COUNCIL OF
YURIY FEDKOVYCH CHERNIVTSI NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
on the 150th anniversary of the university

Solemn Awarding of Mantles Ceremony
2025-10-02

On-Site Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, Ukraine
On-Site Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute, Norway
Zoom link

Awarding of the title
DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSA
To Professor h.c. mult., Doctor h.c. mult., Fil. Dr. Jan-Urban Sandal, Norway

Acceptance Speech

Rector Ruslan Biloskursky,
Members of the Academic Counsel of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University,
The Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Roman Hresko,
The Head of the Department of International Economics, Oleksandr Saienko,
Dear Students,
Distinguished Guests,
Friends,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon,
It is a great honor for me to receive the highest recognition and distinction from Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University; Doctor Honoris Causa. It serves as motivation and inspiration for further meaningful contributions to international cooperation and to the development of science and education. The long and impressive history of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, the remarkable list of talented students, dedicated and famous professors and honorary doctors make this recognition from your university a privilege for me. I hereby express my deepest gratitude.

My first contact with Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University goes back to the autumn of 2012. 2012 is a remarkable year in economic history and the history of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University as it marks the 100th anniversary of the publication of Professor Joseph A. Schumpeter`s famous book: Theorie der wirtschaftlichen Entwicklung, written during his time as a young professor at the university in Chernivtsi between 1909 and 1911.

The foundation of my interest in the theories of Professor Schumpeter was developed and consolidated during my studies at Lund University and reflects my academic analysis in scientific theses that constitute my bachelor`s degree, master`s degree in social sciences, and doctorate in philosophy. I have had the privilege of meeting many outstanding people during my academic career, and at a time like this, it is right to remember.

In 2012, I decided that my institute, the Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute would open a four-year global academic research program in honor of the Austrian German American citizen, Professor Joseph A. Schumpeter, covering his life and his work and the research program was called “In the footsteps of the early Josep Alois Schumpeter.” The program includes site visits to important places where the young professor had lived and worked; archive research, interviews of key persons on site, global lecturing and speaking tours, newspaper, journal, radio and television interviews, exchange of books and literature, library research on sites, meetings with leaders, and members of business and organizations, governments, finance institutions, and trade fairs and exhibitions, all with the purpose of carrying out the research program. The research program included trips to the United States of America (Harvard University), the Czeck Republik, Ukraine, Germany, Austria, Japan, and Egypt. The results and fruits of the Professor Joseph Schumpeter four-year program are extensive; many scientific articles and one monograph have been published, the number of summits has passed 101, internation academic university networks have been established, many students and academicians have attended courses at the Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute and graduated after passing exams, doctorates have defended their theses and research centers and conferences have been established and are operating successfully.

During my first trip under the Schumpeter program, I visited Chernivtsi and met a very friendly and cooperative environment that was eager to collaborate, and this is where our collaboration begins. There are so many people that I have met at the university over the past years and that I would like to pay tribute to, even thou I cannot mention them all. Some of the highlights comprising our collaboration are the Joseph Schumpeter Economic Research Center, the International Schumpeter Conference 'The Scientific Heritage of Joseph Schumpeter and Modernity: A Look from the Past to the Future', the opening of the Joseph A. Schumpeter Lecture Hall, and Reading Clubs.

The degree I receive today is a recognition of my dedication to internation independent science, and the value of innovation as a mechanism of change to make the world a better place for everyone, and activities combining excellence in science, education, international diplomacy, and public service, embracing all corners of the world, leaving no one behind in the process of development.

Once again, I express my deepest gratitude for the great honor it is to receive the highest recognition and distinction from Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University; Doctor Honoris Causa, and I look forward to the continued journey in science, education, culture and international exchanges.

Thank you.
Doctor Honoris Causa of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University,
Professor h.c. mult., Doctor h.c. mult., Fil. Dr. Jan-Urban Sandal