Vienna (OTS / ÖVP-PK) – The Interdisciplinary Technical University for Digitization and Digital Transformation (TU DuDT) is undoubtedly breaking new ground. The university will have a strong focus on the areas of digitization and digital transformation. In this way, challenges such as the shortage of skilled workers are to be combated and Austria’s ability to innovate is to be retained. Technological sovereignty will be a decisive factor as to whether prosperity in Austria and the European Union can be maintained in the long term. The TU DuDT acts as a complementary part to the existing universities and is characterized above all by its holistic and interdisciplinary approach. In this respect, it represents an enrichment for the local university system. There should be cooperation with companies and Upper Austrian industry, but also in the field of art, for example with Ars Electronica. “Digitization as an interdisciplinary subject represents a particular challenge for our higher education system. Through the interdisciplinary approach of the Technical University, we want to cover the full range of digitization at university level as well,” says Abg. Therese Niss, ÖVP spokeswoman for research, innovation and digitization.
“Being innovative also means breaking new ground. The existing higher education system has proven itself, but this does not mean that positive development impulses cannot be derived from a technical university for digitization and digital transformation. You have to see this as a kind of test laboratory or sandbox,” says Niss. Especially in the area of university organization, this university will differ greatly from the existing universities. “A lean organizational structure ensures innovative strength,” adds Niss. “The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) has shown that a new scientific institution with the necessary freedom and framework conditions can represent an enrichment for the existing system. Excellent work has been done there in the field of research for years. The TU DuDT should also have a special focus on excellence in the field of research and be an international figurehead.”
Niss finds little to gain from the argument that students are being taken away from other universities. “Due to the international focus of the university, the working language is English, the offer is aimed at both domestic and foreign students,” says Niss. She also adds: “There has always been competition between the universities. Competition is a key factor in staying innovative and improving your offering accordingly. Of course, this also applies to higher education.”
In addition, especially those people should be enthusiastic regarding a technical degree who have not yet dared to do such a thing. A study by the IHS shows that young women and AHS graduates in particular have great potential. “We have to use the potential, especially among young women, to get as many people as possible interested in studying technology,” explains Niss.
Financially, too, the TU DuDT will not be a burden on the other universities. A total of 18.4 million euros will be invested in preparatory and construction work by the end of 2023 and processed via the JKU in accordance with the criteria of the University Act. A total of 30 million euros were even earmarked in the university budget. A further 20 million euros are available for 2024 and 25 million euros for 2025, which are also budgeted in the federal financial framework. “The Technical University for Digitization and Digital Transformation receives sufficient financial support, and the funds for 2024 and 2025 are even provided in addition to the university budget. So the existing universities don’t have to worry regarding having less budget available,” says Niss.
The digitization spokeswoman is also convinced of the choice of location. “As a strong industrial location, Upper Austria is particularly tech-savvy and offers the ideal framework for a new TU. The TU DuDT at the Linz location will also be closely embedded in the existing university structure of JKU and FH Hagenberg and expand the already strong focus on technology in the area of digitization and digital transformation”.
Digitization as a future factor is particularly elementary for the domestic business location. “It is only logical that a strong business location like Upper Austria also needs a strong university,” emphasizes Niss. “The local economy benefits from all aspects of a university. On the one hand the teaching, through which the necessary specialists are trained and on the other hand through research and the transfer of knowledge from the university to the company.”
“Our prosperity can only be ensured if business location and science location are thought of together,” says Niss with conviction.
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