OeAD university conference at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol

The OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalization, brought together experts from universities, science, research, and education policy at an internationally oriented symposium. The annual OeAD University Conference sees itself as a platform for exchange, analysis, and design and is dedicated to issues that have a lasting impact on the international university landscape.

The OeAD University Conference 2025 took place on the 26th and 27th of November at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol. Under the main theme of University and the World of Work | Global Perspectives, the focus was on the diverse interactions between academic education and the international world of work.

In addition, two topics that are currently the subject of particularly lively debate came into focus: responsible internationalization, as well as the Global Gateway Initiative and the European Commission's future international priorities for the design of the Erasmus+ program from 2028 onwards.

The Minister for Women, Science, and Research, Eva-Maria Holzleitner, BSc, was present as guest of honor. She emphasized: "A strong, equitable higher education landscape is the foundation for everyone to develop their own strengths - regardless of origin, gender, or social background. In a globally connected world, we in Austria and Europe must ensure that science remains free and opportunities are distributed fairly. International cooperation should not be a privilege for the few, but a reality at our universities. European programs such as Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, the European Competitiveness Fund, the European Universities, and the European Research Area (ERA) support precisely this path."

OeAD Managing Director MinR Mag. Dr. Jakob Calice emphasized the importance of international cooperation: “Universities are not only drivers of innovation, they are also places where international perspectives are established at an early stage and global challenges are reflected upon. In this sense, international mobility and cooperation are no longer optional extras, but a necessity.”

UNIVERSITY AND THE WORKPLACE: SKILLS FOR A GLOBAL PROFESSIONAL WORLD

How can students be equipped with the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow? What technical and social skills are employers looking for, and how can international study programs and mobility abroad specifically promote the development of these skills? The focus topic highlighted key issues at the interface between science, business, and society. Among other things, the discussion focused on how internationally oriented cooperation models between universities and companies can support the successful integration of graduates into global labor markets. In addition, the role of universities as drivers of innovation was emphasized: as bridge builders between science, business, and the world of work, and as places where international perspectives are anchored at an early stage and global challenges are reflected upon.

RESPONSIBLE INTERNATIONALIZATION: COOPERATION IN CHALLENGING TIMES

The additional topic of responsible internationalization addressed the question of how international cooperation can be made active, resilient, and at the same time secure, especially against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and increasing risks of misuse of research results. The focus was on the responsibility of scientific institutions to continue to operate as openly as possible, but at the same time with the necessary caution in international cooperation.

EUROPE'S GLOBAL ROLE: INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS AND THE GLOBAL GATEWAY

Another focus was the European Commission's Global Gateway Initiative, which will play a key role in shaping Europe's international positioning in the fields of education, research, and scientific cooperation. The conference provided an opportunity to jointly analyze the opportunities and challenges of this framework and to explore its possible impact on universities, including future EU program calls in a global context.

EXCHANGE, CLASSIFICATION AND IMPULSES

The OeAD conference reflected on complex issues from different perspectives and provided a forum for critical discussions, practical examples, and strategic outlooks. The aim was to provide impetus for sustainable, globally networked higher education and to further strengthen the dialogue between science and practice.

Managing Director of the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol Prof. (FH) Dr. Thomas Madritsch: “We are very proud to host the OeAD University Conference at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol. As hosts, we want to provide impetus for how universities can actively shape international developments. The exchange here on campus shows how strongly shared perspectives shape our future.”

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE

The OeAD magazine Global Connections was published for the conference, offering in-depth articles, interviews, and analyses on the main topics of the university conference.

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