Aims of HAWtech

An important strength of the universities of applied sciences is their close contact with regional companies which are often medium-sized while at the same time enjoying a truly global perspective. This apparent contradiction can be easily resolved by recognising the significance of networks and alliances. The Alliance member universities intend to further extend their existing strengths, create and make use of synergies, and open up new areas as well as to achieve a national and international profile.  Making this possible will involve close co-operation which transcends national borders in the areas of teaching and training, research, technology transfer, advanced training and education and university management, shared public relations work and national as well as international positioning.

HAWtech has set itself the following goals:

• to optimise the quality and variety of their degree courses in the core (“MINT”) subjects of mathematics, information sciences, the natural sciences and technology
• to concentrate and further develop research competence
• to strengthen international co-operation and enhance intercultural competence
• to function as a source of ideas and competent point of contact for politics, the economy, and for society
• to demonstrate continuous improvement in the deployment of processes and resources
   

In order to achieve these goals, working parties will be set up; these will have the task of developing  implementation strategies that function above the level of individual universities. Concrete examples of such strategies include: activities abroad, co-ordinated and supported by representatives from the different International Offices; the creation of conditions necessary to promote organised exchange programs and semesters and thereby the mobility of students, organised by staff from the Faculties of Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering; and discussions by specialist staff concerning the introduction of a joint Master’s degree program.

Further working parties are already being planned in order to ensure the successful achievement of the goals of HAWtech and to open up new areas of co-operation.