Hochschule Wismar: A university as a location factor in times of structural change

The Hochschule Wismar, University of Applied Sciences, Technology, Business and Design, is a sought-after research partner, in particular for small and medium-sized innovative companies from the region. In 2013, more than 50 joint projects were supported by state, federal and EU funds, while the volume of third-­party funding amounted to more than five million euros. To increase the professionalism and com­­pet­­itiveness in its established core competencies, research activ­­i­­ties have been organised in Wismar and at the War­­ne­­münde site in the form of cross-­dis­­ci­­pline institutes and univer­sity-­asso­­ciated research insti­­tutes. Topics relevant to future-­related issues are dealt with, which are intended to contribute to companies’ in­­crease in inno­­vative strength and competitiveness. At the same time, applied re­­search provides an ideal environment for training future scientists – hence professionals in technology, economics and design, who are urgently needed in the future by com­panies and society. The region is part of the Hamburg metropolitan region, which is home to important clusters dealing with mobility, health, energy and information technology. Networking with glob­­ally active partners provides a wide range of oppor­­tunities for new spin-off com­­­panies and corporate outsourcings. The Hochschule Wismar is an important partner and the driving force in a devel­­oping region.