Prof. Dr Katja Gutsche (2nd from the left) takes up post of part-time member of Executive Board at Furtwangen University on 1 September. She succeeds Prof. Martin Aichele (2nd from the right), who is retiring. President Dr Alexandra Bormann and Head of Administration Andreas Friedrich congratulate her on her successful election by the Senate.
Prof. Dr. Katja Gutsche new "Chief Innovation & Relationship Officer" at Furtwangen University
Professor Dr Katja Gutsche is to become a new part-time member of the Executive Board at Furtwangen University with effect from 1 September. Her term of office will last three and a half years. As ‘Chief Innovation & Relationship Officer’, she will be responsible for innovation, marketing and university relations. In this interview, she explains the key areas she intends to focus on.
Professor Gutsche, you will be taking up the post of Chief Innovation & Relationship Officer on 1 September. What appeals to you about this new role?
This new role brings together many areas that have long been close to my heart. I have been Professor of Service Technologies at Furtwangen University since 2016 and fundamentally view the university as a service provider for students. I now wish to incorporate this philosophy even more strongly into the university’s strategic development – particularly in the areas of innovation, the student journey, marketing and collaboration with our partners. In this regard, working together with the regional business community is very important for me.
What do you mean by innovation at a university?
For me, innovation means far more than just new products. It is just as much about process innovation and about consistently developing degree programmes and procedures from the perspective of students and the business community. As an industrial engineer, I think in terms of systems and always ask myself: What creates added value for our students? Where can we simplify processes? Where can we inject new momentum? The aim is to establish service modules throughout the entire student life cycle, thereby further enhancing the university’s appeal.
What role does the student journey play in this?
Students today experience many different touchpoints within the university. My aim is to coordinate these more effectively and simplify the processes. The student experience should run like a common thread through the entire course of study. To achieve this, we must consciously design the various touchpoints and consistently take international students into account.
How important is marketing in this context?
For me, marketing is not just about external visibility. The university must be a place that people enjoy experiencing. The HFU is rich in expertise, has a network of many interesting companies, is situated amidst beautiful natural surroundings and, thanks to its tranquil atmosphere, offers plenty of opportunities to build and nurture relationships. These are ideal conditions for positive experiences. Satisfied students go on to become loyal alumni and credibly promote our university to the outside world.
What role do companies and external partners play?
For me, relationships with companies are a central part of my new role. Through our industry partners, we receive important impetus for innovation. At the same time, we want to further build bridges between the university and the business world. This includes, for example, a more robust career service that brings students and companies even closer together and further enhances the employability of our graduates. But companies also stand to benefit from closer links with the university. I want to make both tried-and-tested and new formats for interaction between companies and students more accessible, so that they are also attractive and affordable for SMEs and start-ups. When it comes to our industry partners, we need to work together more closely rather than just alongside one another.
You have been involved with the Germany Scholarship for several years. Does this experience help?
Absolutely. Through the Germany Scholarship I have already established many contacts with companies. I would like to draw on this experience to develop further networking initiatives and integrate companies even more closely into university life – for example, in teaching or through joint projects.
How important is the university to the region?
Furtwangen University is a key institution for the regional economy. Our mission is to train qualified specialists whilst also opening up international prospects. Our students should be able to gain experience in an international environment whilst still developing a strong connection to the region.
What will be your initial priorities during your term of office?
To begin with, I will be coordinating closely with my colleagues on the Executive Board. The areas of innovation and relationship management naturally have many points of overlap with teaching, research and knowledge transfer. My focus will be particularly on the student life cycle. Among other things, I would like to optimise student-related processes and develop new, more effective points of contact for businesses and regional institutions. Establishing a university-wide alumni programme is a key element in this regard.
What is your long-term vision for Furtwangen University?
I envisage a university that inspires students, fosters innovation and is recognised as a strong partner for business and society. The aim is to attract both national and international students to the university who make a conscious choice to study at HFU. A decision in favour of a sense of community, up-to-date and engaging teaching, and a lifelong network. In this way, we will strengthen Furtwangen University as an attractive employer and an important driving force for the region, and to some extent beyond.