Boosting Innovative Strength in the Region

Last week, the St. Pölten UAS invited partners from the regional economic area to a Business Reception at the Campus St. Pölten. Under the title “Regionale Innovationszentren: Hochschulen als Partner für Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft“, prominent panel guests discussed possibilities of boosting innovative strength in the region, systematically promoting talents, and counteracting the lack of skilled labour.

Higher Education Institutions as Drivers of Innovation

The innovative capacity of the business sector and society is a decisive factor for sustainable prosperity and international competitiveness. By educating and further training talents, creating new solutions through research and development, and engaging in activities for intensive knowledge transfer, higher education institutions can play a key role in this context – as drivers of innovation for companies and regional development.

Approximately 80 representatives of regional companies and politics took part in the event and discussed possibilities and ways of jointly strengthening the economic area. Matthias Stadler, Mayor of St. Pölten, opened the Business Reception together with UAS CEOs Johann Haag and Hannes Raffaseder.

“The St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences is an important driving force for our town: It attracts talents, promotes innovation, and strengthens the regional economy. Close collaboration between higher education institutions, companies, and start-ups does not only open up new economic perspectives but also contributes significantly to the high quality of life in St. Pölten”, explains Mayor Matthias Stadler.

Panel Talk on the Role of Higher Education Institutions as Centres of Innovation

At the subsequent panel talk, Regina Aichner (Federation of Austrian Industry), Doris Agneter (tecnet), Thomas Welser (Welser Profile), and Clemens Foisner (Horus Business Consulting) discussed the role of higher education institutions as centres of innovation for the business sector and society.

They started out by discussing current societal developments that shape the business and industry sector. Moreover, the experts highlighted the criteria that turn higher education institutions into attractive business partners as well as the meaning of European and international networks for the business location. The event was moderated by Sandra Stromberger (Industry meets Makers).

“Generating Enthusiasm for Entrepreneurship Early on”

“If we want more business founders in higher education, we must pave the way for them instead of blocking it. This takes clear and transparent framework conditions that regulate, for example, questions of intellectual property and participation models – so that these need not be newly negotiated for every new idea. After all, every additional obstacle slows down the founding process, which ultimately inhibits innovation. At the same time, however, it is just as important to inspire enthusiasm early on: If you think entrepreneurship, you should be able to experience it, too – in your studies, in projects, and in daily higher education culture”, says tecnet CEO Doris Agneter.

“The close exchange with the regional economy is of central importance for us. At the St. Pölten UAS, we train urgently needed experts in sought-after areas such as the STEM disciplines and healthcare. With hands-on education and application-oriented research, we create future-proof solutions and contribute decisively to strengthening the region’s competitiveness. Through Europe-wide exchange within the framework of the European University Alliance E³UDRES², we also provide a strong network and valuable impulses for the region”, add St. Pölten UAS CEOs Johann Haag and Hannes Raffaseder.

Short Presentations on AI, Sustainability & Co.

After the panel, the guests had the opportunity to visit the different topic-related stands and obtain information on artificial intelligence, mobility, sustainability, talents, and cooperations. Experts of the St. Pölten UAS were available for exchange and networking.