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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Institute & Study Program Research

Institute for Digital Transformation and Strategy (IDS)

Founded in 2021, the IDS focuses its research activities on the analysis and solving complex problems in the organization of digital transformation processes.

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

Digital Transformation
Strategy & Competitiveness
Organization Design & Corporate Governance

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Research in the Study Programs

In the study programs of FHWien der WKW, practice-oriented research is carried out in the professional fields. We cooperate closely with business partners as well as national and international universities and funding agencies.

Research within the study programs focuses on supporting companies in overcoming new challenges and expanding their innovative capacity, even in economically difficult times.

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Projects & Publications

Current Projects

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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AI in educational sector of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce

In an increasingly digital world, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education is becoming ever more important. The project ‘AI in educational sector of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce’ investigates the impact of AI on education and how it can be effectively used in teaching.

To optimize this transition, the educational institutions of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce (WKW) are developing scientifically based recommendations to be completed by June 2025.

Funding agency: Vienna Chamber of Commerce – Education Management
Project period: 01.03.2024 to 30.06.2025
Duration: 16 months

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RESISTANT

More resilient military logistics based on an entirely digitalized, deployed and autonomous supply chain

The goal of the project is to increase the resilience and transparency of the military supply chain to make supplies resilient and effective despite the most difficult conditions.

Funding: FFG – Forte
Project period: 01.11.2022 to 30.10.2024
Project duration: 24 months

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Endowed Chair for Sustainable Real Estate Development

The aim is to create a competence center for the sustainable, resource-conserving and climate-neutral development and refurbishment of real estate.

This will take into account aspects of the circular economy as well as current legal regulations in Austria and the EU.

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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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Writing Lab @FHWien der WKW

Supporting writing and reading skills sustainably through self-organized, explorative and collaborative learning

Development of online educational resources (OER) to support academic writing. These will accompany students from the beginning of their studies in the acquisition of writing skills.

Sponsor: City of Vienna MA23 – Economy, Labor and Statistics
Project period: 01.04.2022 to 31.03.2025
Project duration: 36 months

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EDUcation-INNOvation-COOPeration

The best way for students to acquire international competencies are study-relevant periods abroad. While part-time students are in the majority at FHWien of WKW, they participate only marginally in international mobility.

The project explores the causes and looks for ways to change this. In addition, the project is dedicated to an evaluation of the international University partnerships of FHWien der WKW.

Funding: City of Vienna (MA23 – Economy, Labor and Statistics)
Project period: 01.01.2023 bis 31.12.2025
Project duration: 36 months

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ReKEP

Reusable value for parcel logistics

Reusable transport containers instead of (disposable) cardboard packaging in the CEP sector (courier, express, parcel). Development of digitally supported processes and services to improve the sustainability of the overall system in the dimensions of economy, ecology and social issues.

Funding: FFG – Circular economy

Project period: 01.11.2022 to 30.10.2024
Project duration: 24 months

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Organizational Ambidexterity in SMEs

How can SMEs successfully respond to the demands of digital transformation?

The digital transformation is one of the greatest challenges for established companies in all industries. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which constitute the foundation of the regional economy in Vienna are pressured to successfully transform their businesses.

Funding: City of Vienna (MA23 – Economy, Labor and Statistics)
Project period: 01.04.2022 to 31.03.2025
Project duration: 36 months

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Change for Corporate Sustainability

City of Vienna Competence Team – TransformS
Institute for Business Ethics and Sustainable Strategy (IBES)

As part of the “Transformation for Sustainability (TransformS)” project, the City of Vienna Competence Team addresses the question of how Austrian companies can develop the strategic change competencies required for the transformation towards sustainability (Dynamic Capabilities for Sustainability).

Funding: City of Vienna (MA23 – Economic Affairs, Labour and Statistics)

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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.