Another freeze on the new MCI Campus would cause irreversible damage
The demand by FPÖ state party chairman Markus Abwerzger to "stop and bury" the MCI campus project, as expressed in the Tiroler Tageszeitung on August 10, has been rejected by the MCI. "This must be a misunderstanding, and I warmly invite Mr. Abwerzger to personally see the importance of the MCI's new construction," stated MCI Rector Andreas Altmann to the media.
The facts are clear: The demand for study places and graduates from the Entrepreneurial School® continues to increase year after year, exacerbating existing space problems. As it stands, we already have 4,350 (!) applications for the 1,300 study places available for the fall of 2024. We are unable to offer study places to many highly qualified and motivated young people.
Unlike universities, all 3,650 current MCI students pay tuition fees, with those from outside the EU paying even higher amounts. MCI graduates are in high demand and typically receive multiple job offers even before completing their studies.
Our innovative study programs and research achievements in medical technology, mechatronics, process engineering, environmental engineering, energy technology, bio and food technology, software engineering, business, management, law, tourism, health, and social sciences are crucial for the future security of our science, technology, and economic location, ensuring competitiveness and prosperity in the region.
The MCI campus has already been halted multiple times in the past due to political missteps, to the detriment of MCI and its students, the region, and the tax-paying public. Another halt would be a declaration of bankruptcy for our region and would leave irreversible damage.
With the MCI, Tyrol has a university of European standing and enormous future potential, which Austria is internationally envied for. Together with our supporters, students, graduates, and stakeholders, the committed MCI team in research, teaching, management, and administration is confident that the facts, reason, and foresight of the political decision-makers will lead to timely and forward-looking decisions.
"A project that is factually ready for construction is on the table. This needs to be handed over to professional hands and implemented without delay," concluded MCI Rector Andreas Altmann, urging that the right steps finally be taken.
