At the 19th Research Forum of Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences in 2026, approximately 300 participants from academia, business and politics, as well as representatives from 17 universities of applied sciences (UAS), gathered. FHWien der WKW was also present with a delegation at FH CAMPUS 02 in Graz and presented its latest research findings.
“Graz Memorandum” on strengthening applied science
In addition to the exchange of experiences and insights among domestic UAS institutions, the presentation of the “Graz Memorandum” was a central highlight of the Research Forum 2026: Ulrike Prommer, President of the Conference of Universities of Applied Sciences (FHK), presented it to the Federal Minister for Women, Science & Research, Eva-Maria Holzleitner. The memorandum, which stems from a unanimous resolution by the FHK Executive Board, emphasises the role of universities of applied sciences as indispensable players in the innovation system and outlines concrete measures to strengthen applied science.
The results of this research took center stage on April 15 and 16, 2026. Under the conference motto “Smart Science. Better Business.”, numerous practice-oriented research projects from fields of automation, data management, innovation, marketing, finance, as well as social affairs and health were presented. The focus was on concrete solutions to current challenges and their immediate benefits for the economy and society.
Future skills in controlling
Clemens Löffler, a researcher in the Department of Management, presented key findings on data-driven transformation in controlling on behalf of FHWien der WKW. Based on collaborative work with Thomas Kaufmann-Lerchl and Christopher Liska from the Competence Center for Business Controlling & Accounting, the presentation focused on business and predictive analytics as future-oriented skills, as well as the question of how data-driven analyses are fundamentally changing the role of controllers.
According to Löffler’s presentation, automation and improved forecasting capabilities are increasingly transforming controllers into business partners for management. In the subsequent discussion with the expert audience, the importance of strong communication skills, presentation skills and a willingness to embrace change for future professionals in controlling was emphasized, in addition to the relevant technical and analytical skills.
Working students – between the lecture hall and everyday work life
In addition, David Bourdin, a researcher in the Department of Communication, presented a study he conducted in collaboration with his colleague Gerald Kolar from the Competence Center for Leadership & Social Skills across various study programs at FHWien der WKW. The study examines the career priorities, performance motivation and professional loyalty of working Master’s students from Generation Z. In his presentation, he demonstrated that this target group is by no means homogeneous, but can be divided into different preference profiles with, in some cases, starkly divergent expectations of employers.
Bourdin particularly emphasized that a good work environment, as well as opportunities for development and compensation, are key influencing factors, while attachment to the employer is generally rather moderate and based less on loyalty than on the current fit and opportunities for growth. The results underscore the need for differentiated strategies in employer branding and in the design of work and study conditions for this demanding target group.
Discussion and cooperation as drivers of further development
This presentation was also followed by a lively discussion, during which it became clear that other UAS have a strong interest in the future expansion of research activities. This fulfilled the fundamental purpose and cross-institutional significance of the research forum, which each year drives the advancement and cooperation in applied research at Austrian universities of applied sciences. This will also be the case next year when the FH Technikum invites participants to the Research Forum 2027 in Vienna.