Abstract:

The aim of the submitted paper is to present the authors’ own experience and best practices in dealing with international projects and creating a network with foreign universities and participating institutions. Consequently, the challenges and trends in the above-mentioned areas will be introduced.
As one of the most crutial parts of the successful international projects is the phase before the elaboration of the project itself connected to finding the right partners and creating international consortium (networking).

Not only in connection with the creation of international consortia, but also in the specific team building and during the project solving, it is necessary to take into account the cultural differences of individual participating countries and team members. The national culture of a given country plays an unquestionable role in cooperation. There are several models that can be used when choosing suitable partners for solving specific issues within international projects. Hofstede or Fons Trompenaars model of cultural dimensions can be helpful.

Based on the abovementioned, it can be concluded that the importance of effective intercultural management and the need to develop intercultural competence is important for the successful solution of international projects. In addition to the mentioned special knowledge of international projects successful management, the alpha and omega is trust (trust is a crutial element), which needs to be built when starting the first conversation with potential partners. At the same time, trust results from previous experiences of mutual cooperation between partners.

The output of the paper will be a summary of recommendations for effective networking and solving international projects.

Keywords:

Projects, networking, challenges, trust, competence, intercultural management.