"FHV is a driver for innovation and the development of skilled workers"

With currently around 1,760 students and over 20 study programmes, the FHV is a key driving force for the development of the region. The comprehensive construction measures create optimal conditions for education, research and innovation and sustainably strengthen Vorarlberg's competitiveness.

Governor Wallner emphasized the central role of the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences for the entire state: "The Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences is a training ground for the specialists of tomorrow and an important driver of innovation. Vorarlberg benefits significantly from the well-trained young people who come to our companies from the FHV. With the expansion and renovation, we are sending a strong signal for the future of our state and are clearly committed to promoting education, research and the development of skilled workers."

Provincial Councillor Schöbi-Fink emphasized the importance of the investment for the educational location: "With the expansion of the FHV, we are creating space for new ideas, exchange and encounters. I am particularly pleased that art on the building was also realized in the course of the renovation - a visible sign of the close connection between science, creativity and social development. Education is the key to Vorarlberg's future, and the FHV is an indispensable partner in this."

FHV Managing Director Fitz-Rankl was delighted with the successful implementation of the project and the new opportunities for the university: "The additional space will open up additional opportunities for research, teaching and administration in the future. The rooms are not only used for knowledge transfer, but also for exchange, networking and joint learning. The FHV is and will remain a lively meeting place. A place that brings people together, generates ideas and opens up new perspectives. We would like to thank the state of Vorarlberg for making the realization of a modern, future-oriented campus possible and for allowing us to celebrate this milestone today.

"The expansion of the campus and the renovation of the listed ensemble on the Dornbirner Ache were realized during ongoing operations in close coordination with all those involved. The new, open and flexible spaces promote interaction between students, lecturers and researchers and offer a high quality of stay. With the redesigned Building C, the cafeteria and barrier-free access, the campus will become the central hub of university life.

Demand for the right to award doctorates for Universities of Applied Sciences 

During the opening ceremony, Governor Wallner reiterated his joint call with Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner (Niederösterreich) for a right to award doctorates for research-strong universities of applied sciences in Austria. "Our universities of applied sciences are in no way inferior to universities in terms of research performance. A right to award doctorates would strengthen equal opportunities in the higher education system and ensure that talent stays where it is needed - in our regions," emphasized Wallner, adding that doctorates are currently only possible at universities, which puts Universities of Applied Sciences at a structural disadvantage. 

An independent right to award doctorates would not only strengthen the attractiveness and competitiveness of universities of applied sciences, but would also open up new career paths for researchers and further develop Austria as a science location overall. A concrete proposal for an independent doctoral programme for the Vorarlberg Universities of Applied Sciences and St. Pölten has already been submitted. It is now time to "get down to business quickly", Wallner demanded.

"With an independent doctoral program at the FHV, the best minds will stay in the country and build their careers here. This is an investment in the future of the region, prevents brain drain and drives innovation into Business and Management. This keeps Vorarlberg internationally competitive. With the right to award doctorates, we are creating a fair, strong and modern university system that benefits everyone," emphasized FHV Managing Director Fitz-Rankl.