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Succeeding in the Age of AI: Insights from Jānis Paksis at VILNIUS TECH
On the 7th of January 2026, Jānis Paksis from Riga Business School at Riga Technical University (RTU) visited VILNIUS TECH to share his experience and perspectives on how universities and professionals can succeed in the rapidly evolving age of artificial intelligence.
Rethinking Master’s Studies for the AI Era
During his visit, Jānis Paksis held in-depth discussions with the study program administration at VILNIUS TECH, focusing on how to better integrate social, business, and management skills into master-level studies. The central idea of the discussion was clear: while technical AI skills remain important, they are no longer sufficient on their own.
During his visit, Jānis Paksis held in-depth discussions with the study program administration at VILNIUS TECH, focusing on how to better integrate social, business, and management skills into master-level studies. The central idea of the discussion was clear: while technical AI skills remain important, they are no longer sufficient on their own.
Learning from Practice: Lectures for Master’s Students
Later in the day, Jānis Paksis delivered several lectures for VILNIUS TECH master’s students enrolled in the study programs “Engineering of Artificial Intelligence” and “Management of Artificial Intelligence Solutions.” These lectures formed part of a broader approach within the programs, where partners from other universities and industry are regularly invited to join student lectures and share their real-world experience, insights, and best practices. This type of collaboration allows students to gain first-hand knowledge of how AI is applied outside academia and helps bridge the gap between theoretical studies and practical implementation.
Managing AI Projects and AI-Driven Change
The lectures focused on managing AI projects and managing projects with AI, addressing both technological and organizational aspects. Drawing on his extensive experience and deep understanding of ICT and AI business trends, Jānis Paksis provided students with practical guidance on how to approach AI-based initiatives in a structured and value-driven way.
Students gained a clearer understanding of how to work on existing AI projects, how to shape and validate new AI-driven ideas, and how to align technological solutions with business goals.
From Success Stories to Future Readiness
An important part of the sessions was open discussion. Together with students, Jānis Paksis explored success stories and challenges in ICT and AI-driven businesses, analyzed where AI technologies are heading, and discussed what organizations and professionals should expect in the near future.
These discussions encouraged critical thinking about innovation, market readiness, and long-term impact. Students were invited to look beyond pure technology and consider strategic questions such as scalability, adoption, ethics, and sustainability.
Preparing the Next Generation of AI Professionals
The visit reinforced a key message: the future belongs to professionals who can combine AI expertise with business acumen and management skills. As AI tools continue to evolve and become more accessible, the ability to select, adapt, and manage these tools effectively will be increasingly important.
Jānis Paksis’s visit to VILNIUS TECH highlighted the value of cross-institutional and industry collaboration in higher education and demonstrated how integrating external expertise into master’s studies helps prepare students to confidently and responsibly utilize AI technologies in tomorrow’s professional environments.
MERIT project invites professionals in their field to join our community by sharing their experience in lectures or industry engagement workshops, joining mentor team for master thesis preparation, participating in MERIThON events, providing student access to their infrastructure or developed solutions or any other collaboration, leading way to more impactful development of advanced digital skills.
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