Transfer Manager Rudolf Merz (left) and Prof. Dr. Frank Allmendinger represented HFU at the Heubergforum.
New ideas for transformation, knowledge transfer and continuing education
At the end of June, Furtwangen University presented itself as a strong partner to regional industry at the 4th Heubergforum held at the Schlossberghalle in Wehingen. Around 160 representatives from business, local government, politics and regional networks gathered there to discuss artificial intelligence, leadership, digital business models, internal security and industrial transformation — topics crucial to the future viability of an industrially driven region. Representing Furtwangen University were Prof. Dr. Frank Allmendinger, project manager of the HFU subproject within the AuToS SW-BW transformation network, HFU transfer manager Rudolf Merz, and Victoria-Katharina Martinelli.
The Heuberg region is one of Baden-Württemberg’s most industrially productive regions, yet it is simultaneously facing profound changes driven by digitalisation, new technologies, shifting supply chains, the need for skilled workers and sustainability. The forum, organised by the Heuberg Business Association, provides an important platform for jointly addressing these challenges, highlighting business needs, and initiating new collaborations.
The forum’s presentations highlighted just how closely technological, economic and social issues are intertwined. Experts from industry, consulting firms, and government agencies demonstrated how artificial intelligence can be used responsibly, the role that leadership and mental health play in sustaining performance, how digital platforms are transforming industrial procurement processes, and why a reliable regulatory framework is essential for security and investment. A highlight was the presentation by Martina Merz, former CEO of thyssenkrupp AG. She spoke about strategic leadership, competitiveness, and shaping industrial change processes — with the clear message that transformation requires clear goals, robust decisions and the active involvement of employees.
Furtwangen University used the Heubergforum to deepen its ties with companies and network partners, address business challenges and present its support services. Prof. Dr. Frank Allmendinger represented the HFU subproject in the AuToS SW-BW transformation network — Automotive Transformation Strategy for Southwest Baden-Württemberg. Coordinated by the Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) and funded by the federal government, the network specifically supports small and medium-sized enterprises in the automotive and supplier industries with technological transformation, networking, skills development and the exploration of new business areas.
Victoria-Katharina Martinelli provided an update on the project’s latest developments and presented continuing education programmes developed in collaboration with the HFU Academy, which address the industry’s specific skill needs and translate scientific and technological knowledge into practical formats. Rudolf Merz presented the university-wide technology transfer activities and the Innovation and Research Center (IFC) located on the Tuttlingen campus. As an interface between industry and the university, the IFC addresses issues raised by companies, provides relevant skills and supports joint research, technology transfer and innovation projects. AuToS SW-BW, the HFU Academy, and the IFC thus form complementary building blocks of a technology transfer chain that spans from business challenges through research and networking to concrete professional development.
The Heubergforum made it clear that technological transformation and workforce development cannot be viewed in isolation from one another. New technologies only deliver their full potential once employees can understand them, evaluate them and integrate them into business processes. Continuing education in the sciences therefore strengthens not only individual skills but also companies’ capacity for innovation and adaptability. Furtwangen University sees itself as an active partner to the region bringing together applied research, knowledge transfer structures and tailored continuing education programmes, while also incorporating business needs into its research and teaching.