Leadership Takes Center Stage at the Upper Austrian University of Applied Sciences Public Management Impulses 2026

How can leadership succeed in times of budget constraints and rapid legal and technological change? This is a challenge currently facing leaders across the public sector and among providers of public-interest services. Organizations and institutions in fields such as education, energy, public transportation, social services, and healthcare are continually evaluated based on their contribution to society as a whole. As a result, they carry a dual responsibility.

The 18th Public Management Impulses event at the Upper Austrian University of Applied Sciences, Linz Campus, will therefore focus on the topic of leadership on November 3, examining issues such as artificial intelligence, generational management, and the recruitment of new talent from Generation Z and Generation Alpha.

The Public Management Impulses event, held in a hybrid format, is aimed at current and aspiring leaders as well as employees from politics, public administration, public enterprises, associations, interest groups, healthcare and social service organizations, the nonprofit sector, and anyone interested in the topic.

Participants will gain insights into practical experiences and innovative approaches that have proven successful in real-world settings. The event will showcase modern leadership solutions that provide guidance, foster confidence, and strengthen both employee motivation and organizational performance.

Fresh Perspectives on Leadership
“This year, we are offering fresh perspectives on leadership,” says FH-Prof. Dr. Franziska Cecon, organizer of the event and Head of the Social, Public and Nonprofit Management (SPN) degree program in Linz. “We will explore practical approaches to addressing current challenges while also ensuring that leaders themselves remain healthy, resilient, and effective in their roles.”

“The mix of speakers from Austria and Germany is particularly exciting this year,” says FH-Prof. Dr. Franziska Cecon. “Our keynote speakers and contributors include alumni, current students, faculty members, and practice partners of the SPN degree program.”

For example, Prof. Dr. Silvia Keller from the University of Applied Labour Studies of the Federal Employment Agency in Mannheim will share her expertise on “Workplace Inclusion.” Other contributors include Dr. Marlon Possard of SFU Vienna/Berlin, an expert in the ethics of artificial intelligence, and Dr. Georg Mattiassich, Medical Director of UKH Linz, who will address the topic of “Hospitals in Times of Change.”

More information about the program

18th Public Management Impulses

November 3, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Participation is possible on site at the Upper Austrian University of Applied Sciences, Linz Campus, or online in a hybrid format.

For further information and the full program, please visit:

Upper Austrian University of Applied Sciences | 18th Public Management Impulses: Focus on Leadership