In recent years the world of work has been transformed: alongside digitalisation and the spread of artificial intelligence, employee expectations have shifted while companies operate in increasingly complex international environments. This evolution raises the question of what role Hungary can play in the global market for high value-added, knowledge-based services.
Several core questions arise about the future of domestic service centres. First, how can a Hungarian service centre grow into a strategically important international knowledge hub, and which skills are required for that transition? Second, how will artificial intelligence change day-to-day operations: increased automation and stronger data analytics capabilities can restructure tasks and alter the skills employers seek.
These issues were discussed by Illés Gábor, head of the Syngenta Budapest Service Center, who pointed to changing corporate practices and market expectations. He emphasized that flexible work arrangements — such as hybrid or remote models — are no longer just employee preferences but factors of competitiveness that help retain talent and improve the efficiency of international work organisation.
Sustainability and leadership culture have also become critical components of maintaining competitiveness. Environmental and social considerations are increasingly important for companies, and modern leadership practices — for example empathetic, supportive management and environments that encourage continuous learning — help organisations adapt to rapid change.
Portfolio addressed the topic in a podcast supported by Syngenta. For a deeper industry overview, Portfolio’s Deep Tech 2026 event, titled "Deep Tech 2026 Research, industry, capital: where will the major business opportunities of the next decade emerge?", offers further discussion; registration is open and the conference will take place on November 18.
In summary: for Hungarian service centres to maintain and improve their positions, they need to leverage the opportunities of artificial intelligence and digitalisation, integrate flexible work models, embed sustainability considerations and develop contemporary leadership culture. Together these factors determine whether local centres can become genuine international knowledge hubs.
