German-Austrian academic cooperation breaks new grounds

Weihenstephan. Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) and the Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) are working together to develop and implement new forms of cooperation and collaboration between German and Austrian higher education institutions. The two university of applied sciences heads agreed to this joint project during their first meeting at the Weihenstephan campus at the end of January. Over the course of this year, the institutions will set the course for their new collaboration. “Our goal is to create something bold and original in the academic landscape,” summarized MCI Rector Andreas Altmann. “However, this does not entirely preclude the use of traditional forms of cooperation, such as the exchange of lecturers and students or double-degree programs.” HSWT President Eric Veulliet stressed: “Our institutions complement each other perfectly. We cooperate creatively and innovatively, which means we create added value for both sides, especially for our students.” At MCI study programs focus on entrepreneurial aspects, while HSWT emphasizes practice-oriented experience.

Approximately 3,300 students from over 50 countries are currently enrolled at MCI. With 250 partners, the Entrepreneurial School® is in constant contact with internationally renowned institutions. Founded in 1971, HSWT is one of Germany’s leading universities of applied life sciences and green technologies with over 6,000 students studying at the Weihenstephan and Triesdorf campuses as well as the Straubing location. In the future, both universities intend to increase their focus on international topics as well as on the use of digital methods and instruments in teaching and research.