University for Continuing Education Krems and UAS St. Pölten intensify cooperation

The University for Continuing Education Krems and the University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten have agreed on a cooperation that will enable UAS researchers and graduates to participate in the PhD program "Technology, Innovation, and Cohesive Societies" and promote joint research and teaching activities. It is planned to include habilitated academic staff from the University of Applied Sciences in the extended faculty of the PhD program and to jointly acquire research funding and carry out research projects as part of the dissertations. The cooperation deepens the existing collaboration between the two institutions in the field of social and computer sciences.

"The cooperation with the UAS St. Pölten is an expression of the efforts to deepen cooperation of high scientific quality and strengthens cooperation in important future fields at the interface of technology, innovation and society," says Friedrich Faulhammer, Rector of the University for Continuing Education Krems.

"The cooperation enables our graduates and researchers to take part in a doctoral program that fits in well with some of our research focuses and master's degree programs. The planned joint research projects with the University for Continuing Education Krems are expected to provide significant impetus for science in Lower Austria in the field of technology and innovation," says Hannes Raffaseder, Managing Director of UAS St. Pölten.

Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf: "Thanks to our universities, Lower Austria has established itself as an innovative and attractive location for higher education. I am particularly pleased that cooperation between the universities is increasing, also thanks to the initiation of the Lower Austrian University Conference. These collaborations, such as the one between the UAS St. Pölten and the University for Continuing Education Krems, are increasingly building up expertise, which in turn directly benefits students and researchers."

Mayor Matthias Stadler: "The cooperation between the University for Continuing Education Krems and the University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten is not only an enrichment for both educational locations as drivers of innovation, but also for the entire region. This scientific exchange with the combination of the respective strengths and competencies drives research forward and produces highly qualified experts who strengthen our societal future, especially in digitalization agendas."

The dynamics of digital transformation in organizations

The PhD program "Technology, Innovation, and Cohesive Societies" at the University for Continuing Education Krems focuses on research at the interface between social sciences and computer science. The special feature of this PhD program is the treatment of digitalization agendas within the research fields of digital transformation, innovation and business informatics. It takes into account the dynamics and effects on the social and economic level of organizations. The aim is to develop an understanding of the potential impact of new technologies and innovations on the resilience of these organizations and societal cohesion. The PhD program "Technology, Innovation, and Cohesive Societies", led by Prof. Gerald Steiner, Prof. Barbara Brenner, both Deans of the Faculty of Business and Globalisation at the University of Krems, and Associate Prof. Thomas Lampoltshammer, was accredited by AQ Austria in 2021 and started in the summer semester of 2022.

Joint research and teaching

The cooperation between the University for Continuing Education Krems and the UAS St. Pölten also includes an increase in joint submission of research funding applications. Lecturers at the UAS St. Pölten with a habilitation are given the opportunity to participate in the supervision of dissertations. The results of the research activities should lead to joint publications.

About the University for Continuing Education Krems

As a public university, the University for Continuing Education Krems uses its expertise in research and teaching to overcome societal challenges and tailors its study programs accordingly. Its continuing education studies and shorter continuing education programs in ten thematic fields are aimed in particular at working professionals. With over 7500 students from 90 countries, the University for Continuing Education Krems combines many years of experience in academic continuing education with innovation and the highest quality standards in research and teaching. The university has been awarded the AQ Austria seal of quality.

About the University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten

The University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten offers practical and performance-oriented higher education in the fields of media, communication, management, digital technologies, computer science, security, railroad technology, health and social affairs. In 6 departments, 26 study programs and numerous continuing education courses offer almost 4,000 students a forward-looking education. Teaching and research are closely interlinked. As a European University, St. Pölten UAS leads the European University Alliance E³UDRES² (Engaged and Entrepreneurial European University as Driver for European Smart and Sustainable Regions) and works with universities from 9 partner countries on concepts for the university of the future and on the development of smart and sustainable European regions.