Wrocław University of Economics is ranked among the top economic schools of higher education in Poland, and an important centre of science and research. Its activities are aimed at maintaining and strengthening the position of the university on regional, national and international levels, improving competitive advantage, and shaping its image of a modern institution, open and friendly to its employees, students, and the environment. The Higher School of Trade, Higher School of Economics, and the Wrocław University of Economics are the subsequent names assumed by the private school of higher education formed in 1947 and nationalized in 1950. The founding fathers of The Higher School of Trade were determined to establish an extension to the tradition of the Lvov Academy of Foreign Trade (AHZ), a renowned and well recognized academic institution of the pre-war period. The personnel of The Higher School of Trade, Higher School of Economics, and the Wrocław University of Economics (WUE) employed numerous academic teachers and graduates of AZH. In March 2008 the Polish Parliament conferred the present title of the Wrocław University of Economics.