Press 2016

Expanded curriculum at the Entrepreneurial School® I Interdisciplinary blend of two innovative future-oriented fields I Enhanced graduate competency profile and additional synergies I Different program options and interdisciplinary approach I Master’s programs available I Improved employabilityBiotechnology & Food Technology is an interdisciplinary field integrating biology, pharmacology, chemistry, process engineering as well as food and nutrition science. With enormous growth potential and excellent opportunities for career development, it is considered to be one of the key industries of the 21st century. This makes it an ideal addition to the Entrepreneurial School®’s curriculum with its frequent top ratings in surveys and rankings and numerous international research cooperation programs. The goal of the expanded curriculum is to further improve the competency profile of MCI students and to promote synergies with related fields.Bachelor’s program for Biotechnology & Food TechnologyIn this newly devised Bachelor’s program, two future-oriented life sciences are combined to create an exemplary competency profile. Students benefit from the possibility to elect different attractive options, a broader range of subsequent Master’s programs and excellent career opportunities in exciting fields. Within the Bachelor’s program, a special focus is placed on the development of innovative products, production processes and quality assurance.*Master’s program for BiotechnologyAt the interface of biochemistry, molecular biology and process engineering, this program teaches a broad scientific foundation in life sciences and process engineering, allowing students to manage biotechnological processes in their entire range from the basic principles of genetics to the final product. This program is designed for graduates of corresponding Bachelor’s programs such as Biology, Pharmacy or Biochemistry.Master’s program for Food Technology & NutritionAustria should be producing healthy quality food distributed via specialty stores, health food stores and pharmacies. The Master’s program for Food Technology & Nutrition is committed to this claim, addressing the consumer’s need for healthier and sustainable food as well as the discrepancy between the ongoing internationalization and simultaneous regionalization of the food industry. This Master’s program is designed for graduates of technical and natural science programs with adequate prior knowledge.*Statements:Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) Rector Prof. Dr. Andreas Altmann: “The continuous further development of our academic and research curriculum in the interest of our students , graduates, research partners and employees is one of the strategic goals of MCI. The field of Technology and Life Sciences is one of the most promising areas with a particularly high potential for career development and value creation.”Prof. Dr. Christoph Griesbeck, head of department and program director for Biotechnology and Food Technology: “By combining biotechnology with food technology, we allow our students to immerse themselves in two closely linked fields. They thus qualify for a large array of interesting fields in high demand, such as health, nutrition and environmental protection. Elective modules allow students to specialize on either biotechnology or food technology, depending on their interests.”Prof. Dr. Katrin Bach, program director for Food Technology and Nutrition: “Modern consumers have increasingly high demands when it comes to nutrition and food. Diets are constantly changing, and the demand for quality assurance is rising in line with heightened quality awareness. Producers are reacting with intelligent product development and innovative production processes. The sustainable supply of resources has become a particularly difficult challenge. Graduates of the Master’s program for Food Technology & Nutrition deal with these challenges and can provide a valuable contribution both to research and industry within this innovative and future-oriented field.”*subject to accreditationFurther information:Bachelor’s program for Biotechnology & Food TechnologyMaster’s program for Food Technology & NutritionMaster’s program for BiotechnologyAdmission and deadlines{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1082}Presscontact{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

Infineon Technologies Austria and the Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) are strengthening their scientific cooperation, and have today signed a two-year cooperation agreement. Their partnership has already led to a successful innovation project: the market-ready multicopter system solution.The successful cooperation between Infineon Austria and MCI has already been in place for two years in the fields of research and development, teaching, student projects and internships, and this has now been reinforced by means of a cooperation agreement. The agreement was signed today by Sabine Herlitschka, CEO of Infineon Austria, and Andreas Altmann, Rector of MCI, in the presence of Bernhard Tilg, the member of the provincial government of Tyrol with responsibility for science, and Christine Oppitz-Plörer, Mayor of Innsbruck. Within the framework of this agreement, Infineon and MCI intend to set up a joint research laboratory on the site of the Entrepreneurial School® in Innsbruck, which will take the form of an emerging applications lab. Amongst other things, the lab’s work will focus on upgrading existing technologies for use in applications in global markets. Infineon Austria will make EUR 500,000 available for this in the next two years.The positive synergies between Infineon and MCI are already bearing fruit: a student project supervised by experts from both establishments has resulted in an Infineon system solution for multicopters being taken from the concept study to market-readiness within a very short time. “The project, which embodies the exchange of ideas and skills between industry and the academic world, is an impressive example of both the creative potential of students and teachers, and also the speed and professionalism with which innovation projects are initiated, acted upon and implemented at Infineon Austria,” said Sabine Herlitschka, emphasising the market-oriented nature of the approach in line with actual requirements. She went on to summarise the objective of the cooperation on the basis of two key pillars: “Viewed overall, our cooperation with the university location o Innsbruck – on the one hand in the context of our endowed professorship in power electronics at the University of Innsbruck, and on the other hand through our cooperation with MCI – is an active contribution to practice-oriented research and teaching, as well as to increasing the number of trained technical specialists in Austria.”A further aim of the cooperation is the joint creation of courses of study and the integration of Infineon’s key areas into research and teaching. With its researchers, teachers and students, MCI is able to contribute the corresponding prerequisites here in terms of a good mix of professionalism, lateral thinking and the courage to try new things. “Research cooperation between industry and universities, encompassing joint projects and innovative study concepts, can help to achieve competitive advantage, strengthen Europe as a scientific location, and increase the quality of academic teaching and career opportunities for students and graduates”, stated Andreas Altmann, emphasising the benefits of application-oriented cooperation between research and industry.International innovation project from Austria: Market-ready solution for multicoptersOne result has already been achieved in terms of developing reference designs for Infineon, in the form of the world’s first multicopter to be controlled by means of Infineon microcontrollers. It contains a total of 53 Infineon components, largely developed in Austria. The first prototypes of this successful Austrian innovation project have already been presented to customers and experts in Asia and America with great success. “ This makes us the only manufacturer capable of offering such a complete system for this strongly growing market”, said Siegfried Krainer, head of the Technologies and Innovation/Power Management and Multimarket Division of Infineon Austria, who initiated and managed the project within the framework of his teaching activity at MCI.In practice this project looked into whether the XMC series microcontroller produced by Infineon – a chip with integrated interfaces for measuring and controlling industrial applications – might also be suitable for controlling quadcopters. As well as the flight control systems and drive technology, this also involved integrating ultramodern sensor technology. MCI project manager Ronald Stärz explained: “In just a few weeks, within the framework of jointly supervised lectures and student projects as well as supplementary scientific inputs, we were able to achieve the complete kinematic modelling of an aircraft of this kind, the sensor system used to stabilise its position, and the control technology and software required for flight.” Michael Kraxner, head of research and technologytransfer at MCI, added: “As an Entrepreneurial School® we are able to contribute our strengths such as a practical approach, application-oriented research and development, and great flexibility. MCI and Infineon both derive equal benefit from this efficient cooperation.”Enormous market opportunitiesThe multicopter sector offers enormous growth opportunities in both the logistics sector and the private segment; it is one of the fastest growing markets worldwide, with annual growth rates of 28 percent forecast in the medium term. However, Infineon is not going to construct any multicopters itself in the future, but intends to sell the semiconductor components, both individually and as a complete system solution. Further development activities will centre around the synergy effects of these developments: “We are going to undertake further work with a strong focus on engine controls and autonomous flight. Multicopters are very good ‘carriers’ for highly efficient engine controls and technologies for autonomous flight, such as our time-of-flight 3D camera sensor or radar sensors”, said Siegfried Krainer, outlining the next steps.These topics amongst others will also form part of the further cooperation between Infineon Austria and MCI. This constitutes a clear signal with great potential for the future successful interplay of research, teaching and science, and thus for the strengthening of Austria as an industrial location.About Infineon AustriaInfineon Technologies Austria AG is a group company of Infineon Technologies AG, a worldwide leading supplier of semiconductor solutions to make life more simple, secure and more environmentally friendly. Micro-electronics by Infineon reduces the energy consumption of consumer electronics, household devices and industrial installations. It contributes considerably to the comfort, safety and sustainability of vehicles and provides secure transactions in a connected world.Besides Germany, Infineon Austria is the only site capable of meeting competencies for research & development, production as well as global business responsibility. Its headquarters is based in Villach, further branches are located in Graz, Klagenfurt, Linz and Vienna. With about 3,500 employees (1,300 of whom are in research & development) from around 60 nations, the company achieved a turnover of €1.4 billion in the 2015 fiscal year (ending in September). Infineon Austria is the most research oriented company in Austria with a research quota of 25% of the total turnover.About Management Center InnsbruckFounded 20 years ago, MCI Management Center Innsbruck now has 3,000 students, 1,000 teachers, 200 partner universities and thousands of successful graduates and employers worldwide, and has become aninternational benchmark and sought-after partner for research, teaching and further education.With its unique concept of the Entrepreneurial School®, MCI occupies a leading position in the international education landscape. Positioned at the interface between a university, a university of applied sciences, a polytechnic, a grande école and a business school, it combines the best from several systems and stands for scientifically based problem-solving expertise, innovation, an international approach, a close relationship with the business world and practical relevance.MCI constantly achieves top places in surveys and rankings, confirming its position as an international benchmark. Thanks to its excellent reputation, MCI is highly attractive to students, teachers, researchers, partneruniversities and companies throughout the world.Further informationwww.infineon.com/austriawww.mci.eduJoint Press Release Infineon - MCIQuadcopter – Article in "Innovation in Tirol"{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1081}Presscontact{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

In cooperation with the Vienna University of Economics and Business, the Federation of Vienna Insurance Brokers grants three graduates with the Hammurabi Award 2016 to acknowledge their exceptional papers: Among this year’s winners is Johanna Haas, MCI graduate of the part-time degree course in Business & Management.Within the scope of her Bachelor thesis, Johanna Haas studied the factors which are assumed to influence our choice of insurance. Her results show that the familiar environment, particularly family, play a major role when it comes to choosing an insurance. With her work, Haas managed to be among this year’s three winners of the popular Hammurabi Award. The jury primarily praised Haas’s unconventional approach to the topic, which questions the role of advertisement, or other opinion leaders, and draws attention to the significance of people’s personal environment.“The Hammurabi Award is a high distinction for Johanna Haas’s work and at the same time an acknowledgement for MCI,” as Dr. Maria Rabl, Head of Studies for Business & Management at MCI, states proudly. Johanna Haas, BA, who completed her degree at MCI in 2015, emphasizes that the study program gave her the possibility to successfully combine study and work: “The part-time study program at MCI was challenging, but allowed me to professionally apply my newly acquired knowledge in practical projects already during my studies. I feel absolutely proud that my final paper has now also been awarded with a prize.” Moreover, the results of her paper are of direct relevance to her employer, the Tiroler Versicherung.The Hammurabi Award has been created to reward excellent papers about the economic and legal aspects of insurances, about insurance purchases in general, and insurance broking as well as consultancy services provided by brokers and advisers in particular. The prize was initiated by the Federation of Vienna Insurance Brokers and the Vienna University of Economics and Business. The original name can be traced to King Hammurabi, who codified laws as early as 1700 BC and thus formulated some of the earliest agreements resembling modern insurances.{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1077}Presscontact{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

Completely sold out, the South Tyrolean Economic Forum inspired executives from Italy, Austria, and Germany with presentations under the motto of “Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Start-Ups – South Tyrol and Euroregion Tyrol Muster the Courage to Face the Future”The high-class program of the 12th South Tyrolean Economic Forum attracted more than 400 respected visitors to Brixen. Not only were they offered the possibility to participate in highly relevant lectures, but also to engage in animated discussions. The participants in the international program of the event moreover seized the unique opportunity to network with decision-makers from Italy, Austria, and Germany.Following the address of welcome, which was held by the South Tyrolean Governor Arno Kompatscher, lecturers from all over Europe presented an interesting program with valuable impulses. Under the slogan “Courage to Face the Future”, Paolo Pininfarina, manager of the Italian design company Pininfarina, emphasized the importance for companies to be on the lookout for innovative ideas and committed to “creative destruction”. Elmar Mair, whose lecture followed after Pininfarina’s talk, expressed his conviction that the Silicon Valley relied on exactly this innovative energy as its mainspring. Mair, working on autonomous driving and thus on revolutionizing mobility, is active in the Californian Silicon Valley himself. In his talk he affirmed that you must never rest on your laurels, and consistently question your own decisions. Early in his life, the native Viennese Hermann Hauser established his first business in Cambridge. As a venture capitalist he now invests in promising ideas. The young entrepreneur from Innsbruck Christina Scholochow invests in start-ups and seized the occasion of the South Tyrolean Economic Forum to warn other young entrepreneurs in the world of apps to not be discouraged by the failure of a large number of start-ups. Richard Piock, successful manager and president of Durst Phototechnik, highlighted the necessity to be assertive in order to enforce innovative projects: Innovation consisted of only one percent invention and 99 percent hard work.The event was organized by Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) in collaboration with the publishing company Business Bestseller, Südstern, the Südstern network for South Tyroleans abroad, and the charity of the Südtiroler Sparkasse.Preview 2017Next year’s South Tyrolean Economic Forum takes place on Friday March 24, 2017.Further informationwww.wirtschaftsforum.it{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1085}Presscontact{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

MCI graduate Rebecca Wahler receives notable prize from the German Society for Tourism Science (DGT)Already for the fifth time in a row, the MCI Department for Tourism was able to convince the jury of the DGT Science Award. At the opening of the ITB, the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show, Rebecca Wahler was awarded in the category “Best Paper on eTourism”. In her thesis with the title “Applying Eye Tracking within the Scope of Sensory Marketing for the Purpose of Evaluating the User Friendliness of Tourist Websites”, Wahler deals with the effective use of technological innovations in the tourism sector. Her focus is primarily on the so-called Generation Y, whose members are assumed to have particularly high expectations from websites and online elements due to their broad technological know-how. Analyzing the eye movement of altogether 16 Generation Y members, Kohler is able to determine the elements which the test persons look for on the target website. Based on the results of the study Wahler derives recommendations on how to create a stimulating website design.Rebecca Wahler particularly impressed with her clear focus on the needs of the Generation Y, which has never been studied in such a context before. Experts moreover praised the high quality of Wahler’s empirical evaluation.This year the DGT Science Award rewarded the most exceptional papers of tourist study programs for the 22nd time. Graduates of 2014/15 were allowed to submit their theses with relevance to tourism in four categories: “Best Paper on eTourism”, “Best Paper on Sustainability in Tourism”, “Best Dissertation”, and “Best Paper by a Young Professional” as a special award for the best Bachelor or Master thesis{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1079}Presscontact{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

A cooperation based on interconnected know-how benefits both parties involved: The global technology group of Siemens supports the expansion of applied research into drive engineering and the dynamics of machines at Management Center Innsbruck (MCI), and at once profits by the know-how of the Entrepreneurial School®.The Mechatronics Department at MCI is currently involved in the development of an engine test bench, which is meant to serve as a basis for further research into drive engineering and the dynamics of machines. The costly project has now gained the support of Siemens as an experienced partner with international expertise. The company supplies the project with relevant hardware and thus takes responsibility for control and converter systems used in the actuation and operation of engines. As a first step into the cooperation Siemens and MCI mechatronics engineers jointly drafted a concept for the development and usage of the engine test bench. This concept exhibits the potential of creating an excellent foundation for a diverse range of industrial applications.The first stage of the project involves the planning and implementation of mechanical engineering aspects, measuring techniques, and the visualization of the engine test bench. In the second stage researchers are to test electrical engines and additionally examine the use of combustion engines. The diversity of engine technologies which are expected to be tested during this phase requires a modular set-up and a high degree of flexibility of the test bench.Jörg Wuggenig, Head of the Siemens Industrial Sales Center, explains that “due to the continuing process of digitization, which allows producing companies to accelerate and optimize the development of products and solutions, the field of mechatronics becomes more and more important. The leading technology group is therefore very much concerned with providing support for research work as carried out at MCI, and thus facilitating applied training programs in the respective field.”Teaching at the MCI Mechatronics Department, Bernhard Hollaus, MSc, knows: “At the MCI Mechatronics Department we carry out research with great relevance for industrial application. Siemens strengthens our research foundation as a globally active partner. I would therefore like to seize the opportunity to thank my colleagues from Siemens, Dietmar Künzel and Jörg Wuggenig, for their support and friendly cooperation.”Head of the MCI Mechatronics Department Prof. Dr. Andreas Mehrle additionally highlights that “industrial partnerships such as between the Mechatronics Department and Siemens form the backbone of applied research at MCI. They allow our students to approach the concrete tasks and challenges of their later career fields already during their studies.”{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1069}Presscontact{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy trusts Entrepreneurial School® | Expansion of Life Sciences | 15 more out of 200 new places to study at Austrian universities go to MCI | Final expansion entails 30 new places to studyManagement Center Innsbruck (MCI) announces its most recent achievement: In his endeavor for the further expansion of study, research and service opportunities, Austrian Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economic Affairs Dr. Reinhold Mitterlehner allows the Entrepreneurial School® to offer 15 more annual places to study a Master degree from fall 2017. The Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy just presented MCI with the great piece of news.Particularly the sector of Life Sciences will benefit from this additional contingent. The work in Life Sciences, as carried out at MCI, combines most recent scientific requirements with the complex demands of the business world in a most exemplary way. Prestigious research projects and fruitful partnerships with representatives from the industry prove the success of MCI’s approach. The final expansion will thus entail the creation of 30 more places to study a Master degree at MCI and provide committed people with the best possible prospects for their futures.MCI Rector Andreas Altmann is delighted about the news: “With this expansion the Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy acknowledges the quality of our study programs, responds to the enormously high demand for places to study at the Entrepreneurial School®, and shows its trust in the excellent career perspectives of our graduates. We are prepared to do just anything to justify the trust we are given and to make the best of the additional resources.”{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1075}Presscontact{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

Felicitas Kohler distinguished as Austria's best entrepreneur 2016 in the category for exportManagement Center Innsbruck (MCI) has just received this pleasant piece of news: The WirtschaftsBlatt and Austrian Federal Economic Chamber have announced Felicitas Kohler, graduate of the degree course in Business & Management, to be the country’s best entrepreneur in the category for export.Three years ago Felicitas Kohler took over the family business planlicht from her father. At that point the company had 90 employees and an annual turnover of 16 million euros. By 2015 both annual turnover and export rate had already doubled: With 160 employees the company for the first time reached an annual turnover of 27,5 million euros and an export rate of 60 %. As part of Kohler’s strategy to minimize the entrepreneurial risk, the company has entered several new markets. For 2016, Kohler plans to achieve a further growth rate of up to 16 %.MCI has got to know Felicitas Kohler as a committed student who does not always just choose the easiest path. Kohler herself describes her student years as follows: “Studying at MCI shaped my personality, opened up new opportunities, enabled me to connect with wonderful humans, and enriched me with valuable experience and a good amount of endurance. My time as a student was challenging and full of setbacks. But it taught me to follow my true mantra ‘If you fall over, get up, smile, and move on’, and led me to success!” Kohler likes to share what she has gained at MCI and therefore only employs the “best of the industry, which are very often graduates of MCI.” The Department for Business & Management is delighted to announce that their students will soon also be able to cooperate with planlicht in a joint project.Custom-made lighting systemsThe company planlicht based in Vomp primarily produces customized lighting systems for large objects such as schools or medical centers. Their competitive edge rests on flexibility: “In-house production allows us to intervene at any time necessary. This is not possible in large corporations,” Kohler explains. She is furthermore convinced that “in the long run investments in quality are cheaper than products of poor quality.”The Entrepreneur Award of the WirtschaftsBlatt and Federal Economic Chamber is to recognize exceptional achievements of Austrian entrepreneurs.{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1073}Presscontact{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

First online MBA in western Austria | modern didactic concept for working decision makers | students from all over the world | starting in autumn 2016: double degree option with renowned Royal Roads, VancouverThe International Business MBA in a blended learning format first started at the Enterpreneurial School® last autumn. Since then, students from all over the world have been taking advantage of the opportunity to complete a degree program based on innovative technologies, taught fully in English. They are inspired by the didactic concept, which provides optimal compatibility of work, family and advanced education, as well as by the international context, which further enriches their studies.In all, the master’s program comprises ten topic-centered modules. The main focus is on the areas of global management, strategy, entrepreneurship and leadership. Thanks to the intelligent mix of attendance modules, online modules and electronic media, the didactic concept differs significantly from conventional distance learning programs and, with its singular level of interactivity and practice-orientation, meets the highest standards in an increasingly digital world.The scientific head of the MBA program, Professor Karin Sixl-Daniell, is a figurehead with outstanding online experience. Before her professorship at MCI she was active as an online lecturer and head of e-learning projects at renowned international higher education institutions, among others, in Singapore and Hong Kong.MCI has been consistently following their digitalization strategy, which was started several years ago. Rector Andreas Altmann underlines: “Higher education too must not ignore the change that digitalization is bringing about. MCI has been able to gather exemplary e-learning know-how over the last few years. With the online MBA in International Business we have set an international bench mark.”Double Degree Option with Renowned Royal Roadys University, Vancouver/KanadaAs a special asset, from autumn 2016 a double degree option in cooperation with the renowned Royal Roads University in Vancouver, Canada, will be open to students. Thanks to additional attendance and online modules at one of Canada’s leading universities, students are able to earn an additional master’s degree in global management. Susanne Herzog, head of MCI Executive Education, is pleased at this cooperation: “Royal Roads has specialized for years in blended learning programs and is one of the best universities in this area. The partnership offers extraordinary advantages to students of both schools.”{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1072}Presscontact{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

International success for Management Center Innsbruck through membership of the influential European University AssociationThe Entrepreneurial School® achieves another international success. As has recently been announced, the council of the European University Association (EUA) accepted Management Center Innsbruck as a new member on January 29 2016. With this, MCI is now represented in the largest and most renowned union of European universities. The membership of the EUA is confirmation of the academic quality and international reputation of the Entrepreneurial School®. It facilitates MCI’s continued process of internationalization and the cooperation with scholars and university leaders throughout Europe. MCI is moreover a member of a range of recognized international university associations including the International Association of Universities in Geneva, the prestigious MBA Roundtable in Chicago, the European Federation for Management Development in Brussels, and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business in Tampa, Florida.The European University Association, based in Brussels, comprises more than 850 members in 47 countries. Prof. Rolf Tarrach, the previous Rector of the University of Luxemburg, currently holds the office of the association’s president. As part of its main activities, EUA influences EU policies on higher education, coordinates common standards, and organizes conferences, workshops and seminars.In order to receive full membership of the European University Association, universities are required to meet a number of criteria: alongside financial sustainability, also the institutions’ focus on academic research is assessed; universities need to provide degree programs at two of the three Bologna cycles. In the case of MCI these are bachelor and master degree programs. Another requirement for being granted full membership is the provision of doctoral programs or the participation in national or international research programs. The doctoral programs offered at MCI are based on cooperation agreements with the University of Innsbruck and the Innsbruck Medical University. Higher education institutions applying for full membership of the EUA additionally need to hand in a letter of recommendation from the President of the National Rectors' Conference.Andreas Altmann, Rector of MCI, expresses his delight at the new membership: “Being accepted as a full member of the European University Association, MCI is now at the same level as the best higher education institutions of Europe. We intend to use the opportunities which are created through this membership for the benefit of our students.”Susanne Lichtmannegger, Head of the International Relations Office at MCI, adds: “With the involvement of more than 200 partner universities and over 5.000 international students in the past 15 years, the internationalization of MCI is already a story of success. The membership of EUA promotes the continuation of this story and is encouragement to bring the world to Innsbruck while sending our Innsbruck students out into the world.”{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1070}Presscontact{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

Following the American tradition of college football, the new cooperation links sports and education. The SWARCO Raiders  Tirol will become the MCI college team, and MCI will be the Raiders’ home college.What may be common practice at United States colleges and universities is now finding its way into the European system. The Innsbruck-based American football club SWARCO Raiders Tirol and Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) have joined forces to launch a unique cooperation.“Let’s win together” is MCI’s and the SWARCO Raiders Tirol’s new joint slogan. The Entrepreneurial School® has teamed up with the multiple-time Eurobowl winner in American football and four-time Austrian champion to create a successful partnership. Just like in other countries, education and sports will now go hand in hand in Innsbruck. In line with the American model of college football, synergies shall be used by tightly linking highly professional amateur sports to education at the highest level. The partnership is based on fairness, performance, success, team spirit and international exchange.Elisabeth Swarovski, president of the SWARCO Raiders Tirol, on the partnership: “Education and Sports are two fundamental pillars of our society . As the president of the SWARCO Raiders Tirol I fully embrace the fact that the Entrepreneurial School® is closely cooperating with a leading American Football team in Europe to provide successful athletes with a basis for a quality education and international career opportunities.”  MCI Rector Andreas Altmann underlines: “ The SWARCO Raiders are one of the most successful European teams in American football. They have won numerous Austrian and international league, cup and super cup titles including the European Champions League. Based on MCI’s and SWARCO Raiders Tirol’s joint slogan ‘Let’s win together’, this cooperation creates enormous benefits for both sides.”SWARCO Raiders Tirol Club Manager Peter Schwazer states: “Our objective is to link education and sports in line with the American model of college football. This cooperation is a large step for our club as well as for European sports in general.”With the SWARCO Raiders Tirol as the MCI college team and MCI as the Raiders’ home college, the partnership bears an enormous potential. There are already several SWARCO Raiders Tirol players studying at the Entrepreneurial School®: Wide Receiver Christian Willi (Management, Communication & IT), Wide Receiver Clemens Erlsbacher (Business & Management), Wide Receiver Julian Ebner (Mechatronics) and Defensive Lineman Benedikt Hagleitner (Business & Management).MCI students, alumni and employees can benefit from the partnership as well. They will be able to attend all SWARCO Raiders home games free of charge and receive discounts for friends and family. Tickets can be purchased via the SWARCO Raiders Tirol online shop by entering a student number or an ID number, printing out the ticket and showing it at the stadium.The new cooperation between MCI and SWARCO Raiders Tirol has also brought new exciting co-branded products to the MCI shop, such as stylish performance shirts for active adventures and cool college hoodies for frosty matches.Further information:www.mci.edu/raiderswww.raiders.at{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1068}Alle Bilder sind auf Anfrage auch in Druckauflösung erhältlich.Presscontact:{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

Professor Maria Rabl acts as interim Head of Studies for Business & Management and Business & Management for Professionals while Professor Bernd Kirschner manages the master degree program in International Business & Management and increasingly focuses on his researchManagement Center Innsbruck (MCI) has now appointed Maria Rabl to manage the part-time bachelor program in Business & Management for Professionals and the bachelor program in Business & Management, which is entirely based on English.Professor Maria Rabl, who has been a lecturer and researcher at MCI since 2011, will occupy the office of Head of Studies for the following two years. She temporarily replaces Professor Bernd Kirschner, who continues to act as Head of Department for Business & Management and manages the master program in International Business & Management. During the following two years he moreover intends to increasingly turn his attention to research tasks.Rabl thus assumes responsibility for two well-established degree programs with currently 363 students. The full-time bachelor program in Business & Management for Professionals has replaced the diploma course in Business & Management which was revised as part of the Bologna process. The program has been a sensation ever since its original version was launched as the then first part-time study program of Austria in 1996. Its success story grounds on continuous quality assurance, innovation, and advancement. Also the master degree program in International Business & Management and the full-time program in Business & Management, which is entirely held in English, were created within the scope of the Bologna process. The former was introduced in 2009; the latter only two years later.The programs are organized in modules and perfectly adapted to individual personal or professional needs as well as educational objectives. They unite theory and practice within an integrative approach and communicate significant international experience. The Department for Business & Management has so far produced 1.216 graduates and regularly achieves top grades in surveys and rankings.Dr. Maria Rabl, Head of Studies for Business & Management and Business & Management for Professionals: “I am delighted at my appointment as Head of Study and look forward to continuing the successful development of the degree programs in Business & Management within a challenging environment.”Prof. Bernd Kirschner, Head of Studies for International Business & Management: “With Maria Rabl we have appointed a committed and qualified colleague who combines strong teaching skills and a profound knowledge of the processes at MCI with profound management skills. It will be a pleasure to cooperate with her!”Dr. Andreas Altmann, MCI Rector: “I am certain that Maria Rabl will actively continue the successful implementation of the study programs in cooperation with Bernd Kirschner. Both colleagues are known for their competence, commitment, professionalism, and passion.”For further information visit:Business & Management, full-time bachelor degree program (in English)Business & Management for Professionals, part-time bachelor degree program International Business & Management, master degree program (in English){phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1067}Presscontact:{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

The Entrepreneurial School® and Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce launch joint initiative to support family businesses: Certificate course in Family Business available from March 18, 2016Family businesses form the backbone of economy. They stand out due to unique success factors such as an exceptional commitment, solidarity, loyalty, long-term orientation, and a strong attachment to the respective business location.With the establishment of the Center for Family Enterprise, the Entrepreneurial School® and Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce have increasingly promoted the innovation, strategy, internationalization, leadership, and growth of family businesses. MCI thus provides vital support for family-owned companies which constitute a mainstay of Tyrolean economy.In addition, MCI offers valuable impetus for this economically significant sector by introducing a new certificate program in Family Business. Looking into the transfer of business ownership, MCI puts focus on a crucial process which, according to recent studies, is often neglected. The high-quality program for higher education addresses this key process, communicates necessary foundations for a successful business succession planning, and presents concrete alternatives for action. The certificate program will be launched on March 18, 2016.Further information:Certificate course in Family BusinessCounselling:Dr. Olena Rigger, +43 512 2070 - 2104, olena.rigger@mci.edu{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1002}Presscontact:{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

Paolo Pininfarina, manager of the world-famous Italian design company Pininfarina, and other distinguished lecturers from all over the world exchange expertiseThe South Tyrolean Economic Forum has taken place annually for 12 years now. It has long become one of the most important venues for the gathering of entrepreneurs, executives, and decision makers of the Tyrol–South Tyrol–Trentino Euroregion. 400 guests, most of which have regularly attended the event for years, use the South Tyrolean Economic Forum as a platform for new ideas, contacts, and dialogue. This year’s participants can look forward to a high-class program revolving around innovation, entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial spirit, and start-ups. The program is opened by Paolo Pininfarina, since 2008 manager of the famous and internationally active car design firm Pininfarina. Over the course of its 86-year old history, the Italian company has produced several hundred Ferrari and numerous other car models as well as buildings and prize-winning articles of daily use. Elmar Mair, member of Südstern, provides interesting insights into the future of automobiles. Mair acts as information scientist for the global enterprise Atieva in Silicon Valley, California. With a specialization in robotics and mechatronics, he currently takes responsibility for their project on automated guided vehicles. The Austrian engineer and entrepreneur Hermann Hauser, now living in Great Britain, was actively involved in a number of business formations in Cambridge, the British Silicon Valley, during the 1970s. In 1997 he founded Amadeus Capital in order to support start-ups with venture capital funds. Richard Piock, head of the administrative board at the South Tyrolean company Durst Phototechnik, is particularly known for his entrepreneurial wisdom and ability to innovation. Between 1986 and 2013 he considerably influenced the development of Durst to become an internationally successful enterprise. Christina Scholochow quit her career as a successful project developer in Silicon Valley, California, to found Mohemian together with husband Florian Scholochow in their hometown Innsbruck. Today she is responsible for the execution of exciting international projects with a focus on mobile applications. The South Tyrolean Economic Forum is organized by Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) in collaboration with the Unternehmerverband Südtirol (UVS), the Südtiroler Wirtschaftszeitung, the Südstern network for South Tyroleans abroad, the Südtiroler Sparkasse, the charity of the Südtiroler Sparkasse, and the publishing company Business Bestseller as well as other institutions.Detailed information and registration:www.wirtschaftsforum.itEarly bird discount available until February 12, 2016!Contact:Bettina Stichauner+43 512 2070 1710, bettina.stichauner@mci.edu+39 0471 053 958, office@wirtschaftsforum.itSouth Tyrolean Economic Forum 2015 in pictures:{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1063}Presscontact:{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

New campus of Entrepreneurial School® taking shapeAndreas Altmann, Rector of MCI, is delighted to hear that the Federal State of Tyrol and the City of Innsbruck have just reached an agreement on how to proceed in the matter of a new campus for MCI. The agreement marks the beginning of an architectural competition for one of the most important and successful future projects in Innsbruck and Tyrol.“MCI’s 20-year long history provides an exemplary story of success: From a modest office with discarded furniture the Entrepreneurial School® has evolved into a thriving business which manages an annual budget of 31 million euros and pays local taxes in the amount of more than 300.000 euros per year. 7.000 internationally successful graduates, 3.000 motivated students, 1.000 committed tutors as well as numerous awards and top positions in surveys and rankings confirm the validity of MCI’s concept, the potential of the team, and the efficiency of the applied methods of teaching. The realization of a new MCI campus in the heart of the Tyrolean capital creates new opportunities for solution-oriented research, high-quality teaching, continuous innovation, international encounters, and close collaborations with the business world. Due respect is to be shown to Tyrolean governor Günther Platter and Mayor of Innsbruck Christine Oppitz-Plörer, as well as all other figures who were actively involved in making this vital decision, particularly in view of the current financial challenges and scarce funding”, as Rector of the Entrepreneurial School® concludes.Further information:Press release of the Federal State of Tyrol Press release of the Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce {phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1062}Presscontact{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

Management Center Innsbruck launches certificate course in Brand-Oriented Leadership on March 11, 2016 Changed market conditions again and again present entrepreneurs with new challenges. Consumers often change habits and quickly get used to high standards of quality as well as low prices, fast deliveries, and fascinating shopping experiences. In order to be able to successfully compete, also in the long run, companies have to be open for change.Against this backdrop, the Entrepreneurial School® establishes Brand-Oriented Leadership as a high-quality certificate course to communicate practical methods as well as well-founded and immediately applicable knowledge on how to manage a sustainable and successful business. The compact program tackles interdisciplinary issues of management control and addresses vital aspects of strategy, business model, brand, leadership, change and culture. The certificate course will be officially introduced on March 11, 2016.Further information:Certificate course in Brand-Oriented Leadership Counselling:Victoria Lettenbichler, +43 512 2070 2102, victoria.lettenbichler@mci.edu{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1002}Presscontact:{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

MCI now offers joint degree program with the University of Bologna, the University of Oslo, and the Erasmus University Rotterdam – Exemplary European project co-financed by European Union – Joint academic degree – First degree program of this kind in EuropeAfter a pilot phase of three years, the joint master program in Health Economics & Management has now officially been introduced at the Erasmus University Rotterdam, the University of Oslo, the University of Bologna, and the Management Center Innsbruck. Completion of the EU-supported program leads to a joint degree, which is a certificate signed and recognized by all of the four participating universities. Through its international conception the program meets with the highest standards and thus offers an excellent qualification, which enables graduates to take on diverse tasks within the field of healthcare in Europe.The European Union praised the innovative concept already at the beginning of the pilot phase three years ago, and consequently decided to support its implementation with 330.000 euros. The EU evaluation report particularly emphasizes the high academic standard of the program: “The consortium joins together four universities which integrate high academic standards and an excellent record of managing and implementing international projects.”Students of Health Economics & Management greatly benefit from the synergies arising from the union of the four top European universities: With a close connection to practice, the joint degree program offers excellent supervision through internationally leading teams of lecturers and researchers, as well as the opportunity to gain specialization in one of the six areas listed below: Management of Healthcare Institutions Economic Evaluation in Healthcare Health Economics (Research Track) Decision Making in Healthcare Global Health Healthcare Finance & Management In order to celebrate the introduction of the innovative degree program, numerous executives of the World Health Organization, the European Centers for Disease Control in Stockholm, the globally active pharmaceutical companies GlaxoSmithKline and Roche, the European initiative EIT Health, the Main Association of Austrian Social Security Institutions, and the AOK Bayern, statutory health insurance fund of Bavaria, Germany, gathered in Innsbruck. The ceremony culminated in the MCI workshop on “The Future of Healthcare Services in Europe and Associated Consequences for Management Training”.Prof. Antoinette de Bont & Prof. Hans Severens, Erasmus University Rotterdam“The institute of Health Policy & Management (iBMG) at Erasmus University Rotterdam has been a leading force in the field of health economics and health care management in the Netherlands and is ranked amongst the top health economics research groups in Europe. As social and health challenges are increasingly ignoring national borders, international experience, cooperation, education and training will be a key to handle the future population health and health care systems. To meet these new demands we have initiated the consortium of ‘The European Master in Health Economics & Management’.”Prof. Daniele Fabbri, University of Bologna“EU-HEM is one of the top priorities at the University of Bologna. The program will strengthen the international position of all consortium partners and establish a new European standard in the higher education of health leaders. By virtue of academic cooperation and collaboration with potential employers EU-HEM will make excellent and innovative education affordable to talented students worldwide in a key field for the European Social Model.”Prof. Oddvar Kaarbøe, University of Oslo“The Department of Health Management and Health Economics at the University of Oslo provides several flagship programs for Norwegian health managers and policy makers. But the future health leaders will provide answers on global and cross national questions. With EU-HEM we prepare the floor for internationally trained decision makers in health management, health economics, global health, public health evaluation and health systems financing.”Prof. Siegfried Walch, Management Center Innsbruck“The European Master in Health Economics and Management (Eu-HEM) shows perfectly how internationalization of higher education works. This program is not only of strategic relevance for the participating universities, it is most of all a platform that provides international experience for future decision makers who will solve social and health issues at a global scale in international networks. This program therefore combines technical knowledge in health economics and management with the soft skills that are a key-prerequisite for any international cooperation.”Dr. Christine Baur, Tyrolean Minister of Social Affairs“If we seek to find solutions to the complex, and particularly social, challenges of our time, we depend on innovative and creative approaches. We are fortunate to have the knowledge we require to employ our distinct talents, perspectives, and skills for the creation of a society in which different needs are mutually recognized. A multidisciplinary degree program such as Eu-HEM not only facilitates cooperation beyond national boundaries, but also promotes understanding between different professional groups who are equally responsible for the establishment of a European social system.”Univ.-Prof. Dr. Bernhard Tilg, Tyrolean Minister of Science“With the support of the Tyrolean Parliament, MCI offers high-class conditions for studying and opportunities for personal development to young adults. I am delighted to see how the European Union supports the exemplary project of a European joint study program, which was to a large extent co-developed by MCI.”Dr. Josef Probst, Executive Director of the Main Association of Austrian Social Security Institutions“The Main Association of Austrian Social Security Institutions welcomes the implementation of the European Master in Health Economics and Management at Management Center Innsbruck. Based on a network of renowned universities, the program assists the internationalization of research. The interdisciplinary structure of the program moreover guarantees a profound and modern form of education and provides a strong signal for the educational approach in times of the Austrian health reform.”{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1064}Presscontact{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

Ministry of Science, Research and Economy awards Honory Prize to MCI mechatronics engineer: Acknowledgement for work on the optimization of hybrid fiber-reinforced plasticFor his master thesis on the “Analysis and Optimization of New Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Plastic”, the graduate of the MCI master degree course in Mechatronics Johannes Mandler was recently awarded the Honory Prize of the Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy. The excellent project deals with the weight optimization of fiber-reinforced plastic which, over the past years, has increasingly been used in lightweight construction. Particularly the production of vehicles and sports equipment has led to a growing demand for lightweight material. Mandler has therefore looked into the analysis and optimization of the mechanical features of fiber-reinforced plastic in order to determine which materials are optimally suited for which types of load. His findings have already been applied in several projects of the Thöni Group, which was responsible for the funding of the project.The state award is offered annually to recognize the best graduates of Austrian universities, who stand out due to extraordinary performance during their studies as well as exceptional master theses.Head of Study Andreas Mehrle is delighted at the successful development of the Mechatronics program at MCI: “The award-winning thesis project demonstrates the broadness and fascination of the application area of mechatronics. It is moreover proof of the high standards met by the study program and its graduates. I wish to congratulate Johannes Mandler on his exceptional achievement.”MCI Rector Andreas Altmann emphasizes: “As Entrepreneurial School® we stress the importance of practical orientation and the immediate applicability of research. The award shows that, already upon their graduation, our students are equipped with the skills required in practice.”{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1040}Presscontact{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

Coveted Marshall Plan Scholarship enables MCI mechatronics students to study at elite universities in the USThe master’s students at the Mechatronics Department of the Entrepreneurial School® achieve great successes at prestigious US-American universities. In previous years the popular scholarships of the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation have already allowed several mechatronics students of MCI to study at, for instance, the University of New York, Columbia University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and the Carnegie Mellon University. This year the foundation once again awards research fellowships to two MCI mechatronics students to conduct their technical research projects at top-ranking universities in the USA:Jonathan Hechtbauer, who has already received the possibility to carry out research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, now sets out to investigate the swarming behavior in robots at the University of California, San Diego. Also his fellow student Stefan Messner has chosen California as his destination, where he plans to conduct research at the famous University of California, Berkeley. The institution is regularly ranked among the top 5 universities world-wide and has acquired an impeccable reputation particularly for its work in technology and the natural sciences. Messner will collaborate with a team of scientists to develop an autonomous underwater vehicle.Both students are financially supported by the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation, which promotes the exchange between Austrian and American universities in both directions. An American student of the renowned Appalachian State University thus also receives the opportunity to visit MCI for a semester this same year. His professor Sid Clements will accompany him to spend a sabbatical term at MCI.Head of the Mechatronics Department at MCI, Dr. Andreas Mehrle, is convinced that “this form of cooperation constitutes a unique opportunity for our students to establish a network and work with experienced scholars. MCI as an institution benefits from such joint research projects as well. I am particularly pleased to see that Management Center Innsbruck also attracts lecturers and students from the US.”{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1060}Presscontact{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

MCI develops geometry of a compact air cleaner for rail cars to substantially enhance filter performance and simultaneously reduce operating costsWithin the scope of an already eight-year-long research cooperation between Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) and the globally active filtration experts of MANN+HUMMEL another project has now successfully been completed after only 12 months. The aim of the joint project was to develop an air filtration system with lowest possible operating costs for the broad use in commercial vehicles and passenger cars.Using highly modern laboratory equipment, and drawing on the expertise of the research group for “Fluids and Mechanics”, our researchers have now been able to develop a most efficient cyclone separator with a minimum pressure drop. The advanced system achieves a pre-separation efficiency of up to 94 percent with the pressure drop remaining below 3,5 millibar. The air filtration system, which was first presented at InnoTrans, International Trade Fair for Transport Technology, 2014, has been in great demand ever since and is now produced for rail cars and several other areas of application. The optimized design of the pre-separator extends the service life of conventional filtration systems by more than ten times. As a result, also maintenance costs and fuel consumption are considerably reduced.Dr. Volker Greif, Industrial Filtration Manager at MANN+HUMMEL, is satisfied with the results of the latest joint research project: “Our long-term cooperation with MCI once again led to the successful conclusion of an innovative project. Within an incredibly short period of time, an entirely new cyclone separator was developed and perfectly adapted to the desired area of application. Only through relentless dedication our research team was able to achieve the ambitious aim to increase the pre-separation efficiency of this centrifugal separator, while at the same time reducing pressure drop and use of energy.” Ralf Bauder, Advanced Engineering Manager at MANN+HUMMEL, adds: “Alongside expert knowledge, also the dynamism of the responsible team and the efficient strategy developed by MCI formed the basis for such excellent results.”In this context Professor Michael Kraxner, Head of the Department for Research & the Transfer of Technology at MCI, outlines MCI’s area of focus: “As Entrepreneurial School®, we are familiar with the application of basic scientific research to industrial-scale production. Not only our students, but also people from the world of industry show great interest in our applied research projects. We thus create added value, not only in the education of motivated students on the university level, but also for our industry partners by launching innovative products with a competitive edge.”MANN+HUMMEL is one of the world’s leading experts for filtration solutions and acts as development partner and equipment supplier for the automotive and mechanical engineering industries. In 2014 16.000 employees in more than 60 locations generated a total sales revenue of over 2,8 billion euros. The company’s products include air filtration systems, intake manifold systems, liquid filtration systems, cabin air filters, and technical plastic parts for the automotive industry as well as filter elements for motor vehicle maintenance. The product range for use in mechanical engineering, process engineering, and industrial-scale projects comprises industrial filters, membrane filters for water filtration, and filtration systems.As Entrepreneurial School® with currently 3.000 students, MCI enables motivated young people to outstanding performances and offers scientific solution expertise to its partners within a strong international network with practical and solution-oriented research and development.For further information see:press briefing by MANN+HUMMELwww.mann-hummel.com{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1056}Presscontact{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}