Bálint Magyar

Balint Magyar400Bálint Magyar

Location: Hungary
Areas of educational interest: The complex development programs of public and higher education, especially in the fields of competency-based education, spreading digital literacy, introducing the Bologna process, reforming the management and business structure of higher education institutions and carrying out a PPP program renewing the infrastructure of HEIs.
Why I’m involved in EFF: Education Fast Forward is a good opportunity to discuss the possibilities of complex development of education. Personally, I hope that I can add a new viewpoint from an Eastern European perspective and as a former minister of education. Also, I hope that I can bridge the gap that sometimes exists between policy making, science and business.

About Me:
Bálint Magyar is a member of the Governing Board of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, as well as Strategic Consultant of the Financial Research PLC at Budapest.

Bálint obtained an MA in History and Sociology at the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest. He started his career as a researcher (1977–1990) and was a member of the Democratic Opposition. Bálint became a member of the Hungarian Parliament in 1990 and served on several parliamentary committees until 2010.

As a Minister of Education (1996–1998; 2002–2006), he initiated and carried out public and higher education reform process. He developed and passed the Act on Innovation, set up an Innovation Fund and founded the National Office for Research and Technology. Bálint was Vice President of the National Development Council (2006–2008) and Secretary of State for Development Policy (2007–2008).

Bálint’s particular areas of educational interest are the complex development programs of public and higher education, especially in the fields of competency-based education, spreading digital literacy (Schoolnet Program), introducing the Bologna process, reforming the management and business structure of higher education institutions and carrying out a PPP program (650m €) renewing the infrastructure of HEIs.