Austria needs strong universities that stand for innovative research and the transmission of knowledge to the economy and society.

The Austrian University of Applied Sciences Conference (FHK) welcomes the process initiated by Science Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner for the strategic positioning of Austrian universities.

FH/HAW stand for application-orientated research

Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) and Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) in particular make an essential contribution to the further development of science by fulfilling an important transfer mandate to the economy and society with a clearly application-oriented research profile. They will therefore play a key role in the process, as the available analyses clearly and unambiguously demonstrate that UASs create jobs, secure innovation and raise the level of education in the regions. Against this background, the announced harmonisation and strengthening of the profile-specific tasks of the respective university types is welcomed.

Overcoming traditional opinions

"Application-orientated research and development in cooperation with industry and society is the central task of the FH/HAW and a central element of our university profile. We pursue this task like no other university sector. This element needs to be strengthened, which is why applied research at the FH/HAW must be significantly expanded and promoted in the future," emphasises FHK President Ulrike Prommer.

The FHK welcomes a clear sharpening of the profile of Austrian universities. "However, we are deeply convinced that competitive and internationally active universities should not be assessed on the basis of degrees, but rather on the basis of the services they provide. The higher education strategy process is an opportunity to overcome traditional opinions and to strengthen and further develop new innovative concepts," says FHK Secretary General Kurt Koleznik.

Social responsibility of the FH/HAW

UASs have a great social responsibility. They contribute to safeguarding liberal democracy in Austria and take measures to educate people about democracy, strengthen the culture of debate and promote academic friendliness. Freedom of opinion, diversity and peaceful coexistence are core values of their university culture. FHK President Prommer comments: "With their strong cooperation structures, FH/HAW transfer this culture into society and promote the participation of society in science. In our view, a joint commitment to democracy by all university sectors is therefore an important element of the future university strategy, which we expressly support."