Focal Area Digital Transformation

Socially, digitalization is changing work, education and communication, while challenges such as data protection and information overload remain. The University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria is involved in this area in order to support students with practice-oriented training and companies with specialist knowledge in the digital transformation.

The digital transformation has unleashed a revolutionary force over the last decade, not least due to developments in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), and is continuously changing the way companies operate and how people interact with each other. It affects virtually all industries and has a profound impact on the economy and society. For companies, digital transformation means not only introducing new technologies, but also realigning their business models, processes and structures. Increased efficiency, the ability to innovate, improved decision-making quality and the development of new markets are just some of the benefits made possible by digital technologies. At the same time, this transformation requires a high degree of adaptability and continuous training and development of future and current employees.

The digital transformation also has far-reaching consequences at a social level. It is changing the way people work, learn and communicate. Digital skills have become an indispensable prerequisite for participation in the modern labor market. Access to information and knowledge has improved dramatically thanks to the internet and digital platforms. At the same time, challenges also arise, for example in relation to data protection, digital security, information overload and managing digital change in economic, social and cultural contexts.

Against this backdrop, the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria is strongly committed to digital transformation and has established a field of strength that deals with this topic in all its facets. Our aim is to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the digital world and to provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in this dynamic environment. In our Bachelor's and Master's programs, we place particular emphasis on practice-oriented and evidence-based education that builds on current research findings. We are also a competent partner for companies in all matters relating to digitalization and digital transformation.

The key areas of digital transformation that we focus on in our teaching and research are:

Data-driven corporate management Data-driven corporate management is a key component of the digital transformation. Big data and artificial intelligence (AI) play a crucial role in this. Companies use advanced analysis tools to make more informed decisions and optimize business processes. This includes automated planning and forecasting, the development of new management dashboards and cockpits as well as enterprise analytics and mobile reporting. We offer comprehensive training opportunities in this area, covering both theoretical and practical aspects.

Digital process design in companies Digital technologies are revolutionizing process design in companies. From process mining and robotic process automation (RPA) to chatbots and process visualization - the possibilities are endless. Companies are relying on digital twins, augmented, mixed and virtual reality to simulate and improve processes. Marketing and business intelligence solutions are also playing an increasingly important role. Our degree courses offer in-depth insights into these technologies and their application in practice.

Digital products and services In the area of digital products and services, the focus is on topics such as digital marketing and data-driven sales processes. Innovative customer relationship management (CRM) and digital sales strategies are crucial in order to remain competitive. Our university of applied sciences imparts knowledge about the development and implementation of such innovative approaches in order to meet the requirements of the modern market.

Digital business models The development and transformation of digital business models are key components of the digital transformation. This includes the simulation and prototyping of business models, the investigation of various typologies and revenue models as well as support for start-ups. Organizational transformation as a result of business model innovation also plays an important role. Our programs prepare students to develop and successfully implement innovative business models.

Digital value networks Digital value networks include technologies such as blockchain, smart contracts and web mining. These technologies enable improved visualization and optimization of supply chains and promote the use of open data. Our university of applied sciences offers comprehensive training opportunities that deal with these technologies and investigate their application in various industries.

People in the digital world of work The effects of digitalization on people in the world of work are manifold. Topics such as digital competence, new work, technology acceptance, digital stress, ergonomics and usability play a central role. Change management, agility, virtual collaboration and workplace design are also important aspects. Our degree programmes deal intensively with these topics and prepare students to understand and manage the psychological, social and cultural effects of digitalization.

Education and research at the university of applied sciences

Our university of applied sciences offers practice-oriented and evidence-based training opportunities in these and other areas. We combine digital skills with our domain knowledge to create a unique offering. Our Bachelor's and Master's programs are designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of digital transformation and prepare them for a successful career in this dynamic environment. We place great emphasis on combining theory and practice to ensure that our graduates have the skills and knowledge that are in demand in the modern working world.

Our research focuses on current topics in digital transformation and contributes to the further development of this field. By working closely with companies and other research institutions, we ensure that our degree programs are always up to date and reflect the needs of the industry.

With this comprehensive approach, our university of applied sciences is ideally positioned to prepare students and organizations for the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation and to make a valuable contribution to the economy and society.