Since its foundation, Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences (HNU) has rapidly developed into a dynamic and internationally connected business school with a growing student body in an economically prosperous region. How should the university further distinguish itself in terms of content and programmes, which subject areas should it focus on, and what strategies should be developed? A future conference, to be held on 21 June at the Vöhlin Castle University Centre with participants from academia and industry, aims to provide answers and inspiration.

The event will be chaired by Prof. Dr Robert Wittmann from Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences. Prof. Dr Gunter Schweiger, former President of Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences and ‘University Manager of the Year 2011’ (awarded by the Centre for Higher Education Development and the Financial Times Deutschland), will kick off the discussions.

The university management had previously called on professors and HNU staff to submit initial proposals for further raising the university’s profile as part of an ideas competition. These ideas have been collated and will be presented and discussed in specific thematic areas at the 2012 Future Workshop. Around 70 invited participants from the worlds of business and academia will actively contribute their questions and personal experiences.

The event is divided into two parts: in the morning, there will be an analysis of current political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, environmental and legal trends. In the afternoon, the panellists will draw on these findings to develop concrete strategies across nine higher education-related thematic areas.