Completed R&D Projects

The main objective of this project is to increase the number of internationally oriented SMEs in the cross-border sector. Go2 Benelux & Scandinavia stands for a joint approach to support SME internationalisation through joint cross-border initiatives and development of joint smart services. The project aims to facilitate internationalisation, smart specialisation, cross-border learning and competence development by developing transnational links between SME networks, clusters and other specialised research and innovation hubs for the benefit of their members.

This project for a family-run world market leader in the field of special textiles, awnings, tarpaulins and membrane constructions is about a worldwide customer survey on the acceptance and criteria of a planned web portal that is to support the international sales activities of this Styrian company.

In response to the question of how family businesses can responsibly shape their future, CAMPUS 02 University of Applied Sciences has developed an overall model with which this particular type of business can be optimally prepared for, accompanied and supported in a period of digital transformation. This model takes into account all components of a (far-reaching) change, leaves the responsible decision-makers at the centre of the digital transformation project and uses the tools developed specifically for family businesses for sustainable business development.

The primary research objective of this study, which was commissioned by the Julius Raab Foundation, was to investigate why family-run global and European market leaders from Austria are so innovative.

Another central object of the study was to capture the influencing factors that enable, promote or prevent innovation.

In the 20 years of its existence, the Graz-based company has developed into a respected provider in the field of mobile energy supply even beyond the borders of Austria. During this time, AccuPower has succeeded in establishing an excellent reputation as competent and reliable partner in the field of battery and charging technology among numerous customers.

The aim of this project was, on the one hand, to assess what image current and former customers have of AccuPower, what spontaneous and unaided associations they have with the brand and what strengths and weaknesses they have perceived to date.

The changes in economic conditions in Austria and low interest levels are having an increasing effect on the investment behaviour of companies. Before the World Financial Crisis, business with alternative investments was flourishing and since Austria’s economy has recovered from the crisis, alternative investments such as private equity and mergers & acquisitions (M&A) have increased.

Regarding these transactions, especially family businesses (FBs) often address their trusted consultants. These are, according to other studies, mainly tax consultants/auditors, financial lawyers and notaries.

The aim of this qualitative study was to analyse the investment and participation behaviour of FBs with an annual turnover of more than € 5 million both in the area of private equity and mergers & acquisitions. The study also aimed to investigate the investment behaviour of wealthy private persons (especially from family businesses) regarding private equity investments and M&A.

With around 140 member companies in forestry and the wood industry as well as in related sectors (such as the paper and pulp industry), Holzcluster Steiermark GmbH is one of the strongest clusters in Europe. With a focus on wood construction, the company conducts projects along the entire value-creation chain of wood.

The study for Holzcluster Steiermark GmbH focussed on research questions, such as:

• According to prospective employees, what image does the Styrian forest and wood industry project compared to other sectors?
• What image does the forest, wood and paper industry project according to pupils from vocational schools with a focus on wood (agricultural and forestry schools, technical and business schools)?
• How do pupils from schools without a link to the wood industry (secondary academic schools, secondary technical and vocational schools and colleges such as HAK or HLW) see these sectors?
• How attractive are apprenticeships in the forest and wood industry for pupils of polytechnics?

The aim of the project was to set up a “data base” containing selected data and information from the Austrian industry. The project concentrated on businesses that were active in the non-financial sector at that time and had loan capital share of € 1-500 million. On the basis of this Austrian-wide analysis, significant indicators were derived.

During the development of analytical tools, appropriate evaluation of the companies concerning sector, region and size (min. 3 sizes) as well as benchmarking of the BB portfolio was considered.