The Technik Plus development programme initiated a comprehensive transformation process at the University of Passau in 2011. Since then, the Bavarian High-Tech Agenda (HTA), starting in 2019, built on many of the initiatives and momentum generated by that programme.
Under the Technik Plus programme, the University established eleven new chairs and professorships across all faculties. These areas – working in an interdisciplinary manner and closely integrated with existing professorships and chairs – built upon the former strategic focus of “Networked Society, Digitalisation and (Internet) Cultures” in research, teaching and knowledge transfer. New degree programmes and modules followed, including the B.Sc. Mathematics and the M.A. Development Studies. New research initiatives shaped the University’s established and emerging research areas – of which the DFG Research Training Group 2720 “Digital Platform Ecosystems” is one example.
The programme’s measures were focused on boosting interdisciplinarity and strengthening collaborative partnerships as well as internationalisation, knowledge transfer and the STEM subjects. Notable initiatives included fostering a welcoming culture, the establishment of the Transfer Centre (Division IV – Knowledge and Skills Transfer) in 2013, and the implementation of new formats to promote interest in STEM subjects, e.g. through events for pupils and partnerships with schools. Technik Plus also strengthened collaboration between the University of Passau and other universities in Bavaria. Since 2014, the INDIGO Network has promoted exchanges with the other universities in Eastern Bavaria.
Eleven new chairs and professorships were established at the University under the Technik Plus initiative:
