Michael Stabentheiner
Carinthia relies on university research that is put into practice. The close cooperation between companies and universities creates innovations that have a direct impact on the economy. Whether technological developments such as intelligent energy systems or recruiting measures – universities in Carinthia offer a wide range of opportunities to bring new ideas to market maturity and promote talent in a targeted manner.
Austria / Kärnten / Klagenfurt / STANDORTMARKETING KÄRNTEN / Dronenhalle Lakesidepark B13, Mitarbeiter*Innen der Universitaet Klagenfurt
Foto Copyright by Johannes Puch www.johannespuch.at
In Carinthia, there is an exchange in university research that benefits both sides. The University of Klagenfurt and Carinthia University of Applied Sciences both work closely with companies to solve challenges such as the digitalisation of industry, the development of sustainable energy solutions and the automation of processes. These partnerships make it easy for companies to benefit from new developments and at the same time attract the specialists of tomorrow.
1. Research fields of the future
From electronics and robotics to energy technologies: Carinthia’s universities cover pioneering fields of research. The focus is always on practical benefits: companies can access existing expertise in areas such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence or energy technologies and work with researchers to develop specific projects that create economic added value and positively shape social progress. The main areas of research include networked systems, “Humans in the Digital Age”, self-organising systems, sustainability research and energy technology.
2. Drone Hub Klagenfurt
Drone Hub Klagenfurt is a central component of the University of Klagenfurt and, with Europe’s largest drone hall, offers a unique infrastructure for the development and testing of autonomous systems. This is where technologies are created that set new standards in industry, rescue services and agriculture. For example, current projects include the development of drones for disaster control and the optimisation of agricultural processes. Companies can use the hall for tests and developments – from prototype testing to series production.
Austria / Kärnten / Klagenfurt / STANDORTMARKETING KÄRNTEN / Dronenhalle Lakesidepark B13, Mitarbeiter*Innen der Universitaet Klagenfurt
Foto Copyright by Johannes Puch www.johannespuch.at
3. Practical research at Carinthia University of Applied Sciences
Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (CUAS) stands for applied research that flows directly into the economy. Practical projects and Bachelor’s and Master’s theses are developed in close cooperation with companies, with a focus on areas such as microelectronics, smart materials and digitalisation. This results in solutions that make everyday operations easier and drive innovation: for example, digital control systems for production or innovative storage technologies for renewable energies. At the same time, companies benefit from access to highly qualified specialists.
Tine Steinthaler
4. Recruiting and employer branding
The universities in Carinthia are important partners for companies that want to attract talented individuals. In addition to job portals and career fairs, scholarships, internships and joint projects offer opportunities to get in touch with young talent early on and position one’s own brand as an attractive employer. One major advantage of this is an ‘entrepreneurial mindset’, which is actively promoted by the universities and encourages practical, business-oriented thinking during the studies. The universities also provide support in personnel development and further training as well as in the establishment of continuing education programmes.
Austria / Kärnten / Klagenfurt / STANDORTMARKETING KÄRNTEN / Lakeside Park / Business Meeting
Foto Copyright by Johannes Puch www.johannespuch.at
The University of Klagenfurt is more than just an academic teaching institution – it is a driving force for regional development, innovation and social discourse. With a broad range of subjects and practice-oriented research, it combines theory and application, science and business. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Peter Schlögl, Vice-Rector for Transfer, Cooperation and University Lifelong Learning, is actively involved in shaping this interface. In this interview, he explains how the collaboration works, what impetus it provides and why he sees the university as an arena for major topics such as sustainability, climate protection and democratic coexistence.
“Short distances, close links between science and business as well as international networking in the Alpine-Adriatic region and beyond – Carinthia embodies this like hardly any other region.”
Carinthia.com: Prof. Dr. Schlögl, Carinthia wants to become an innovation leader in certain areas. What potential do you see for the region in the next five to ten years – and what role does the university play in this?
Prof. Dr. Peter Schlögl: Science creates the basis for innovation. So the university’s job is to be an enabler for things that we are not even thinking about yet. In addition to product innovations, these can also be new processes or business models – for example in the area of wood as a regional raw material or in the microelectronics industry, for which Carinthia is known. The interdisciplinary approach is crucial here. In my opinion, really good solutions to the major problems of our time only emerge when different perspectives come together. And we are actively working on such solutions and approaches at the University of Klagenfurt. Our aim is also to sensitise students to this, to plant the seed of an entrepreneurial spirit in them and to promote entrepreneurial thinking.
How do the University of Klagenfurt and Carinthia University of Applied Sciences support companies with global challenges such as digitalisation, climate change and the shortage of specialists?
Prof. Dr. Peter Schlögl: The spectrum is very diverse and ranges from practice-oriented Master’s theses and dissertations to large research projects that contribute to the social dissemination of a new idea, technology or concept. We also have endowed professorships, which are sponsored by companies and bring scientific expertise into economic contexts in a targeted way. With regard to digitalisation, we are working on a wide range of topics. We are highly active in the field of artificial intelligence and drone technology – and this throws up many possibilities: for example, how can drones help in the search for missing persons or in avalanche protection? In addition to theory, it is also about concrete applications and social benefits.
Can you give an example of the transfer of knowledge to the economy?
Prof. Dr. Peter Schlögl: Several things come to mind. One example is the technologies in the field of video streaming, which originated and were developed at our university and have led to international patents and even branches as far away as Palo Alto. The large-scale, federally funded project to make Klagenfurt climate-neutral also shows how science and practice can work together to develop sustainable solutions. Various municipal utilities, companies, citizens and the responsible political bodies are working closely together with researchers and are jointly embarking on the path to a climate-neutral future. The project is now no longer just based in Klagenfurt, but is part of an international network in which other cities are also represented and learn from each other.
How does the university make it easier for companies to work together?
Prof. Dr. Peter Schlögl: We are currently developing a framework for cooperation – from sponsoring for specific subject areas to the organisation of research projects or in further education formats. For example, we clarify important issues relating to intellectual property, data protection and company secrets in order to make collaboration efficient and transparent. We are therefore professionalising and systematising our service structure in order to further stimulate, promote and facilitate cooperation between science and economy.
Which research areas interest companies the most?
Prof. Dr. Peter Schlögl: The approximately 1,500 people who research, teach and administer at the University of Klagenfurt provide a colourful mosaic of subject areas. In this case, I would single out computer science, AI and drone research, but also holistic, participatory research processes. As a university, we look at problems from several angles and contribute to holistic solutions. After all, it usually takes more than just one dimension to tackle a social problem, an entrepreneurial issue or a technological challenge. This is also reflected in our research and cooperation projects.
Generally speaking, the university could provide a platform where science, business and politics can develop strategies together. In other words, a kind of arena where the key players can meet and negotiate how to proceed in the future. I am firmly convinced that it is only through joint reflection and exchange that really good ideas, socially robust results and, as a result, effective processes emerge. We also see the university as a kind of flyway that knows what is happening in the world and brings the key developments to Carinthia. As a hub to the world, we want to make it possible to dovetail regional development and economic dynamism with international debate.
© Michael Stabentheiner
Researchers, entrepreneurs, founders, investors and other interested parties can find all the information they need about collaborations, networks, funding opportunities and contacts in one place in our white paper “Business opportunities in Carinthia”. We also look forward to receiving your inquiries and will be happy to advise you personally.
