A delegation from the Institute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg (iASK) represented the institution at Széchenyi-day 2026, held on 21 September at the Embassy of Hungary in Vienna. The event brought together experts, policymakers, business leaders and researchers to explore the relevance of István Széchenyi’s intellectual legacy in an increasingly data- and AI-driven world.

Organised by the Embassy of Hungary in Vienna and Collegium Hungaricum Wien, this year’s Széchenyi-day focused on “Data-Driven World: István Széchenyi’s Intellectual Legacy in Data- and AI-Driven Decision-Making in the 21st Century.” The programme examined how Széchenyi’s emphasis on knowledge, innovation and forward-looking decision-making can inform responses to contemporary technological and economic challenges.

The programme opened with a welcome address by the Ambassador, followed by a keynote presentation by DDr. Christoph Thun-Hohenstein, “The Soul of Intelligence: Humanity in the Age of AI.”

A central part of the event was the panel discussion “Data as a Means of Payment – Money or Digital Currency?”, highlighting the challenges and opportunities created by Europe’s increasingly data-driven future.

For iASK, participation in Széchenyi-day provided an opportunity to represent the Institute in an international professional setting, strengthen connections in Vienna and engage with current conversations at the intersection of technology, innovation, society and decision-making.

The event also offered valuable opportunities for networking and dialogue with professionals working across different sectors, contributing to the continued development of iASK’s international relations and professional partnerships.

The Széchenyi-day 2026 demonstrated how the intellectual heritage of one of Hungary’s most influential modernisers can continue to provide a point of reference for discussions about innovation, knowledge and the challenges of the future.