FHK President Prommer reaffirms the decision of the Provincial Governors' Conference and sees a clear mandate for BM Polaschek

At their meeting on 7 June 2023, the provincial governors discussed the future of Austria as a location for science and business, among other topics. In particular, the issue of the positioning of universities of applied sciences in the international competition between locations was discussed. Now that the Federal Republic of Germany has already introduced the right to award doctorates for universities of applied sciences, the Governors' Conference believes it is important to support universities of applied sciences and enable them to develop further in the form of externally accredited doctoral programmes.

FHK President Ulrike Prommer commented: "We are delighted that the provincial governors have recognised the signs of the times. Universities of Applied Sciences are currently losing good employees because, in contrast to public and private universities, we can offer fewer career development opportunities. Yet it would be so important for the location to make the best possible use of the existing potential of bright minds."

With a view to developments beyond the country's borders, Prommer appeals: "Germany has introduced the right to award doctorates at universities of applied sciences. Our direct neighbour Bavaria will be investing billions in its university location over the next few years. The competition is therefore right on our doorstep. I see it as BM Polaschek's duty not only to enable doctoral studies at universities of applied sciences but also to ensure that research at universities of applied sciences is appropriately funded."

At the universities of applied sciences, research is conducted primarily in the areas of future technologies, sustainability and health. Solutions are developed for social challenges and thus corresponding products and services. In contrast to universities, universities of applied sciences do not receive any financial support from the federal government for research, even though this is one of their core statutory tasks alongside teaching.

For some time now, universities of applied sciences have also been demanding the right to offer doctoral programmes. Doctoral programmes should be subject to external accreditation in the same way as Bachelor's and Master's programmes at universities of applied sciences. If the relevant requirements can be demonstrated as part of this accreditation, the university of applied sciences should be able to start the doctoral programme.

Enquiry note:

Kurt Koleznik,

Secretary General FHK;

Tel.: 0664/42 44 294