The Academic Community of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development at VMU Agriculture Academy – at the Conference “Customs Ecosystem 2025”
On October 6–7, 2025, the international conference “Customs Ecosystem 2025” took place in Vilnius, organized by the Lithuanian Customs Practitioners Association (LCPA) in cooperation with the Lithuanian Customs Authority. The event brought together experts, academics, and practitioners from various countries to discuss how the modern customs ecosystem is being shaped and strengthened.
The Faculty of Bioeconomy Development at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA), which runs the MBA programme “Customs Process Management”, contributed to organizing the conference’s academic session. The event was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erika Besusparienė, Lect. Kristina Gesevičienė, PhD student Monika Bielskienė, as well as alumni of the MBA programme “Customs Process Management”.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erika Besusparienė from Faculty of Bioeconomy Development took part in the panel discussion “What must be done to inspire and nurture the next generation of world-class customs professionals?” where she presented the university’s role in shaping the future customs professional. The academic discussion was moderated by PhD student Monika Bielskienė, who invited contributions from representatives of the University of Münster (Germany), Nicolaus Copernicus University (Poland), the University of Liège (Belgium), Riga Technical University (Latvia), and Vilnius University (Lithuania).
Academic representatives agreed that universities play a crucial role in developing the customs professionals of the future by fostering interdisciplinary knowledge in law, economics, environmental studies, and related fields – responding to emerging trends in green customs, e-commerce, AI-based risk management, and geopolitically influenced trade.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erika Besusparienė emphasized that modern customs processes require interdisciplinary competencies. Therefore, the MBA programme “Customs Process Management” attracts professionals from logistics, finance, business, and law. Such studies enable students not only to gain knowledge but also to build a bridge between academic research and practical application.
The conference “Customs Ecosystem 2025” also addressed the ongoing EU Customs Reform, presented by representatives of the European Commission, and discussed the development of the EU Customs Data Hub and the role of new technologies. Representatives from customs administrations, associations, and the business sector actively contributed to the debates.
The two-day conference highlighted a new trend – customs as a growing hub of innovation, international cooperation, and knowledge exchange. The VMU Faculty of Bioeconomy Development academic community participation demonstrated how academia contributes to preparing the next generation of professionals ready to design advanced and sustainable customs solutions.
