Economic insights for engineers from a top multinational executive

Jürgen Steinberger, former President of Knorr-Bremse's commercial vehicle business banch, is proceeding with his English-language course in the spring semester, entitled Synergy of Engineering and Business: The Disruptive Transformation of the Truck Industry as a case study.

In an interview last year, the renowned guest lecturer summarised the concept of the course at the BME: "It is important to understand the background: why we do things. That's why I decided to broaden this course and give an insight into what is going on in the truck industry. This includes the results and consequences, but also the background - and what it takes to manage it all.

Because it's not just about coming up with the right technical solution. It's also about being able to decide where to focus resources."

The former senior manager of Knorr-Bremse, a company having close links with BME, will therefore provide students with a thorough understanding of the latest developments in the commercial vehicle industry and how the sector is changing, using real-life case studies.

We asked Bence Buzás, a master's student who already works for the company's domestic subsidiary, why he thinks it is worth listening to a top executive of a global company and what he himself learned from Jürgen Steinberger's lectures.

"He gave a very detailed presentation, based on his own management experience, of the global structure of the automotive industry and how it is likely to change.

As an automotive engineer, it was useful to learn about the economics of the industry in addition to the technical knowledge, since it is less discussed in other subjects," said Bence Buzás.

The subject is open not only to students of the KJK but also to students of other faculties. If you want a taste of what to expect from Mr Steinberger, you should watch the video below.

Rector's Office, Communications Directorate