Research at FHWien der WKW | Practice-oriented and with the economy

Research at FHWien der WKW combines the best of both worlds:

As a University of Applied Sciences, we produce reliable research results.
As a partner of the business community, we create practice-oriented know-how.

Research at FHWien der WKW is carried out by a research institute as well as thematically distributed in the respective study areas and pursues the research priorities:

Responsibility and Sustainability
Digitalization and Digital Transformation
Strategic Management

In order to transfer knowledge to the business world, impulses and questions from society, companies and organizations are addressed and practice-oriented solutions and methodologically sound findings are developed in research projects.

Contact

Research

FH-Prof. DI Dr. Walter Mayrhofer
Head of Research

Währinger Gürtel 97
1180 Vienna

Tel.: +43 690 40 476 164

Research for Businesses

Research & Development Projects (R&D)

FHWien der WKW cooperates with a large number of partners and clients in successful research and development projects (R&D). More than 70 business partners demonstrate that our focus on the specific needs of our clients is highly appreciated. In close cooperation with our researchers, the solutions that are developed are scientifically and commercially relevant. For suitable topics, we develop cooperative funding applications and submit them to appropriate funding agencies.

Our projects focus on increasing the competitiveness and innovative strength of the economy. Our R&D activities focus on the key research areas of Responsibility and Sustainability, Digitalization and Digital Transformation, as well as Strategic Management, in order to develop the know-how required for market success in cooperative R&D projects.

We support our clients and partners in the practical implementation of the results in the company in a comprehensive manner.

Collection of basic data within the framework of feasibility studies
Development of new processes, cost- and business-models
Answering questions of customer acceptance, market research projects and product marketing
Problems of Digital Transformation and Sustainable Business Development
Transfer of R&D results to business

We contribute those complementary competences that deliver relevant results and make the findings practically usable – from Human Resources and Organizational Development to Operational Management, Knowledge Management and Financial Management.

Together with clients and partners, we are able to develop individual and cooperative research projects.

We offer expertise and infrastructure for research projects within the scope of our main research priorities.
We identify specific, individual questions for companies within the framework of final theses (Bachelor’s theses, Master’s theses).
We organize practical projects with the collaboration of students in the context of lectures and seminars.
We advise on the optimal methodological and practical approach.
We choose the necessary methods to achieve comprehensible and usable results.

The individual interests of our clients and partners take centre stage. Because this is how we achieve the highest level of application-oriented knowledge together.

Web Analytics Lab

A large part of human behavior is controlled by unconscious processes. To understand these better, our mobile lab can be applied in a wide range of areas and enables a combination of emotion measurement, skin resistance measurement and eye tracking.

For example, we researched at FHWien der WKW:

the effect of advertising media
the usability of websites
as well as service interactions such as chatbot interactions or sales conversations

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How capable is your company of change?

Take 15 minutes of your time. After completing the test, you will immediately see how developed your company’s competence is in

reflection,
information search,
information processing and idea generation,
strategy development,
planning and action.

The test is only available in German.

Participate now

Research Areas

Research & Development – the key for a competitive economy

Research at FHWien der WKW focuses on the innovation and competitiveness of the economy by working on research topics that are relevant to companies.

This results in three main research areas for FHWien der WKW:

FHWien der WKW takes an interdisciplinary approach to the opportunities and challenges that arise in connection with digital transformation. Specifically, it examines corporate strategic responses to these changes as well as changes in activities, qualifications and forms of work.

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In view of relevant issues such as globalization, climate change and governance, FHWien der WKW addresses pressing questions of ecologically, economically and socially sustainable business management. The interdisciplinary research activities contribute to a responsible and sustainable transformation of corporate practice.

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Research at FHWien der WKW is based on an interdisciplinary understanding, takes a holistic perspective on organization, communication and management and develops innovative solutions for future-oriented strategies. This includes examining issues relating to corporate strategies and (regional) competitiveness, corporate governance and SMEs & entrepreneurship.

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Research Departments

The FHWien der WKW is engaged in practice-led research with a strong focus on the specific career fields. For this purpose, study program-related research collaborates with partners from industry as well as with national and international universities and funding agencies.

Maintaining and expanding our network of collaboration partners serves four main goals:

Creation of synergies through cooperation
Developing relevant research questions together with our business partners
Further development of the high-quality exchange of results and expertise
Strategic positioning in promising fields of activity

Our collaborative projects include a wide range of joint activities, such as

Acquiring external funding for R&D projects and conducting R&D projects
Publication activities
Organization of events
Fostering communication between experts

Research at the Department of Communication

The research focus of our study programs Communication Management, Marketing & Sales Management, Journalism & Media Management is on the effects of digitalization on the respective professional areas. Our efforts are guided by a number of central research questions:

How does digitalization change roles and competencies, objectives and strategies, as well as work processes and structures in the field of professional communication?
What new forms of shaping opinions and behavior are emerging between individuals, organizations and publics as a result of digitalization?

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Research at the Department of Management

Research at the Department of Management supports companies in mastering current challenges and expanding their potential for innovation. The focus is not just on the issues of large corporations, but also on the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Sustainable sector and strategy development
Digitalization of business areas and professional fields
Practice-oriented research on professional fields

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Institute for Digital Transformation and Strategy (IDS)

The Department of Digital Economy focuses its research activities at the IDS – founded in 2021 – on the analysis and solving of complex problems related to the organization of digital transformation processes.

In doing so, practice-oriented research questions in the following thematic areas are at the center of its activities::

Digital Transformation
Strategy & Competitiveness
Organization Design & Corporate Governance

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Projects & Publications

Current Projects

HumAInLog

The City of Vienna Competence Team Human-Centred Technology and AI Assistance in Delivery and Transport Logistics is dedicated to new technologies that improve working conditions in the delivery and transportation logistics. The project combines technological innovation with the principles of digital humanism and aims to harness these in a responsible, sustainable, and practical way.

Sponsor: City of Vienna MA 23 – Economy, Labor and Statistics
Project period: 01.06.2025 to 31.05.2028
Project duration: 36 months

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WILKOP – Work Integrated Learning

In the City of Vienna Competence Team for Work Integrated Learning – Connectivity-oriented Internship Didactics (WILKOP) researchers from the Department of Management are developing a structured, institution-wide concept for professional internships that integrates and supports students, companies and lecturers alike.

Funding: City of Vienna MA23 – Economy, Labor and Statistics
Project period: 01.02.2026 to 31.01.2029
Project duration: 36 months

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HybrAId

Hybrid Intelligence & Generative AI Assistance for Innovation & Creativity in SMEs

Despite the advantages of AI technologies, their use is a challenge for domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) due to limited financial and human resources and a lack of skills. The research project is investigating the possible applications of generative AI and “hybrid intelligence”. This refers to the symbiosis of human and artificial intelligence.

Funding: City of Vienna MA 23 – Economy, Labor and Statistics
Project period: 01.04.2025 to 31.03.2028
Project duration: 36 months

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1stAId4SME

Artificial intelligence (AI) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

The project supports SMEs in using generative AI technologies to increase their digital competitiveness and their own core competencies.

Funding: Erasmus+ Cooperation partnerships in higher education (KA220-HED)
Project period: 31.12.2024 to 30.12.2027
Project duration: 36 months

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SIBORC - Simulation and Optimization of Reusable Container Cycles

The Project examines complex circular systems in logistics to optimize them using artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins. A Technology Impact Assessment will evaluate the economic, ecological and social impacts.

Funding: FFG – AI4Green
Project period: 01.11.2024 to 30.04.2027
Project duration: 30 months

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City of Vienna Competence Team Master Propaedeutics - Bridge courses in research skills & methods

To facilitate students’ entry into the FHWien der WKW Master’s programs, the project includes the creation of e-learning courses in the context of research methodology.

Sponsor: City of Vienna MA23 – Economy, Labor and Statistics
Project period: 01.04.2024 to 31.03.2027
Project duration: 36 months

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Endowed Chair for Sustainable Real Estate Development

The aim is to research the sustainable, resource-conserving and climate-neutral development and refurbishment of real estate.

Aspects of the circular economy as well as current legal regulations in Austria and the EU will be taken into account.

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WKW Endowed Chair for Sustainable Urban Tourism

Based on the challenges of sustainable tourism and urban development, the endowed chair addresses socially relevant issues for location development.

The aim is to establish a research program for sustainable and resilient location and tourism development that provides scientific support for the implementation of the Visitor Economy Strategy.

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Learning Studio for hybrid teams

Development of a “Living Studio” for hybrid teaching

The learning studio will create an infrastructure suitable for hybrid collaboration, which shall be integrated into classes. For this purpose, novel teaching methods will be designed and tested together with students and teachers, who will have the opportunity to use the entire hybrid workspace and equipment for learning purposes.

Sponsor: City of Vienna MA23 – Economy, Labor and Statistics
Project period: 01.01.2023 to 31.12.2027
Project duration: 60 months

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"Made in Austria: The Future of Production in Austria"

Study by the TU Vienna in cooperation with the Institute for Digital Transformation and Strategy (IDS) of FHWien der WKW.

Annual survey of over 100 managers in Austrian industrial companies to present the status quo and the expectations of domestic industry on a regular and methodical basis. Automation, digitalization and assistance systems play a central role in the survey.

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Completed research projects

Further and completed research projects of the Institute for Digital Transformation and Strategy (IDS) and research in the study programs of FHWien der WKW can be found on our research projects page.