Since 2011, the University of Passau has undergone a fundamental structural transformation. The initiative with the greatest structural significance to date has been the interdisciplinary Technik Plus development programme, which was launched in 2011 and has since been made permanent. The programme has always enjoyed the strong support of all sides – from decision-makers in politics, business and society. As part of the programme, new Chairs have been established at all four faculties. These so-called Technik Plus Chairs are situated at the intersections of traditional academic disciplines and conduct research and teaching under the University's focal theme of Society, Digitalisation and (Internet) Cultures.
The Technik Plus initiative comprises numerous measures of great strategic and structural value to the University, which have already been used to great effect:
+ Interdisciplinary networking: The University has established eleven new chairs and professorships across all faculties, which in turn has led to the creation of new degree programmes and modules which enrich and deepen the study options in Passau.
+ Internationality: The University of Passau has redoubled its internationalisation efforts and continues to strengthen its profile as an internationally attractive academic institution with highly visible contributions to research and teaching. This goes hand in hand with the creation of support units and networks that cater to international guests and members of the University. This is to ensure that they feel at home at our University and have at their disposal a comprehensive range of support services during their time here.
+ Knowledge transfer: The Transfer Centre, which was established under the Technik Plus initiative, further advances the transfer of academic and scientific research findings to business, commerce and society; among other things, this takes the form of joint projects with external partners, as well as contract research and expert opinions. Furthermore, the Transfer Centre provides business start-up support to entrepreneurial members of the University and coordinates the University's further education offerings.
+ STEM subjects: Technological advance also results in changing labour-market requirements for young people. Competencies in the so-called STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – are in ever greater demand. One of the objectives of Technik Plus is to boost interest in these at an early age, as early as primary school and all the way up to young adults in secondary and tertiary education. To that end, it offers regular activities in the afternoons and during school holidays, as well as programmes for entire school classes and individual offerings for youngsters.
Technik Plus, moreover, generates increased cooperation of the University of Passau with other higher education institutions in Bavaria, including the Deggendorf Institute of Technology, which whom a cooperation agreement was concluded in July 2011. Through the INDIGO network and the TRIO project, the University of Passau is in strong exchange with the other Bavarian universities and higher education institutions.
