CONCEPT OF THE COMPETENCE CENTER AT THE SILESIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY – INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIP OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY IN THE FIELD OF SAFETY AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT.

Purpose: The aim of the article is to present the key assumptions and the importance of creating the Competence Center at the Silesian University of Technology, which is to be an innovative partnership between science and industry in the area of security and crisis management. The article aims to draw attention to the need to change the approach to safety in industry and to open new opportunities for employers, academic staff and students by integrating the latest scientific achievements with industrial practice. Design/methodology/approach: The first method is the literature analysis: analysis of international literature from main databases and Polish literature and legal acts connecting with the researched topic. Moreover, the article presents a specific concept of the competence center that is being established at the Silesian University of Technology. Findings: The findings indicate that creating a Competence Center at the Silesian University of Technology can significantly enhance safety and crisis management in industry by integrating scientific advancements with industrial practices. The proposed structure and methods for the Center emphasize modern training programs, crisis simulations, and the use of advanced technologies like AI and data analysis to improve risk management. Originality/Value: The article presents the original concept of the new groundbreaking Competence Center for security and crisis management at the Silesian University of Technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]