The Open Regional Campus (ORCA) of OTH Regensburg and the district of Kelheim has reached another important milestone: the campus's new transfer manager, Dr. Moritz Bauer, was officially introduced during a meeting with District Administrator Martin Neumeyer. In addition to the district administrator, the event was attended by Prof. Dr. Oliver Steffens, Vice President for Research and International Affairs at OTH Regensburg, Dr. Marcus Graf, Managing Director of the Centre for Research and Transfer (ZFT) at OTH Regensburg, and Sandra Schneider, Economic Affairs Officer for the district of Kelheim.
The Open Regional Campus sees itself as an open, topic-independent network platform for promoting knowledge and technology transfer between science, industry and society in the region. With its establishment, OTH Regensburg and the district of Kelheim initiated a model that gives companies from all sectors direct access to scientific expertise, innovative research approaches and practical cooperation.
Targeted networking between science and industry
‘With the Open Regional Campus, we are creating a platform that brings science and regional companies together in partnership, thereby promoting sustainable innovation,’ emphasised District Administrator Martin Neumeyer in his welcoming address. The campus not only offers companies access to research expertise, but also support for projects, from initiation and implementation to obtaining funding.
Prof. Dr Oliver Steffens underlined the importance of transfer as an integral part of the university's strategy: ‘Especially in times of profound technological and social change, direct exchange between science and practice is crucial for new solutions – both for companies and for the region as a whole. Companies also provide important impetus for new research topics.’
New impetus through transfer management
The role of the new transfer manager is to further expand the Open Regional Campus in close cooperation with regional stakeholders, strengthen networks and increase the visibility and impact of transfer activities. This includes, in particular, initiating joint research and development projects, supporting collaborations and networking with funding institutions and partners from industry, science and administration. Dr. Moritz Bauer emphasised: ‘I am very pleased to be actively shaping the bridge between science and industry in our region. The Open Regional Campus offers a unique platform for implementing innovative ideas together with companies, partners from society and researchers from OTH Regensburg. My goal is to intensify cooperation and initiate concrete projects that give new impetus to both the regional economy and research.’
‘The Open Regional Campus offers companies in the Kelheim district the opportunity to strengthen their innovative power in a targeted manner and to develop practical solutions together with the university,’ added Sandra Schneider, economic advisor for the Kelheim district. The offerings range from concrete research collaborations and direct commissions to student projects, continuing education formats and networking events.
Positive results
The Open Regional Campus is an important component of the regional innovation landscape and is supported by start-up funding from the Free State of Bavaria. Since the first kick-off event in May 2024, numerous initiatives and formats have already been implemented to promote dialogue between researchers and companies.
To date, the Open Regional Campus has already conducted 39 company visits, implemented six direct commissions, initiated three research projects and processed 15 company enquiries. In addition, 16 referrals to OTH research institutions have been made and a total of five events have been successfully held – a clear sign of the growing network between science and industry in the region.
