Research, Innovation, Transfer

The DAAD Centre for International Academic Cooperation (KIWi) provides targeted support to members of German universities in identifying and addressing the opportunities and challenges involved associated with international research, innovation and knowledge transfer cooperations.

Weighing the pros and cons of international research cooperations, gaining access innovation networks, and effectively disseminating scientific findings both in other countries and beyond the academic sphere require extensive expertise.

What questions should be raised during the initiation and implementation phases in these areas of action, and where can useful information be found? What are the most compelling and action-oriented examples of best practices currently available, and what opportunities exist for funding and networking?

Topics we address include, among others:

Comparative analysis of higher education and research systems worldwide
International start-up and incubator structures
Internationalisation of doctoral and continuing education programmes or
Funding frameworks that support these activities

Additionally, we address issues like the following examples:

How is Japan currently structuring its research policy and what opportunities does this present for German higher education institutions?
How can access to innovation networks in the United States be initiated?
What are the current priorities of entrepreneurship educators at higher education institutions in the MENA region?

Within the scope of the thematic area of Research, Innovation and Transfer, we consolidate knowledge on these issues, highlight dynamics and regional differences, and thereby facilitate the consideration of the interests of your partner institutions in the respective countries.

Focus: Universities of Applied Sciences

The international recognition of the German academic model of Universities of Applied Sciences (Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften – HAW) is steadily increasing, accompanied by growing, interest in fostering enhanced cooperation.

Given the comparatively lower degree of internalization among HAW institutions, the German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat – WR) recommended in 2018 that the German Federal Government establish a dedicated program to specifically support the internationalisation of this type of university. This proposal was subsequently embraced by the Federal Government and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

Since 2019, the HAW.International programme has been in Place.

Within this framework, KIWi provides region- and topic-specific information and tailored advisory services.

KIWi Advisory Services for HAW

To provide comprehensive support tailored specifically to HAW as an independent target group, KIWi offers expertise across a range of topics, including:

Support in implementing internationalisation strategies for various global regions
Identification of suitable cooperation partners in target countries
Incorporation of the unique features of the German HAW approach in cooperations (internships, practice-oriented learning, and close partnerships with industry and civil society)
Providing initial guidance on suitable funding opportunities
Managing cross-cultural cooperation in specific regions (e.g., negotiation strategies, legal frameworks, contract development and risk management)

Further Support for HAW: The "HAW.International" programme

The "HAW. International" programme enables the strategic anchoring and sustainable implementation of the internationalisation processes across all levels of higher education and among all target groups. This initiative allows universities to better prepare their students for a globalised job market and, in cooperation with industry partners, to equip them as skilled professionals for the German economy and beyond.

The programme, in its initial phase 2019-2024, offered four different modules that can be utilized individually or in a complementary manner:

Module A: Projects for initiation and preparation purposes
Module B: Model and cooperation projects aimed at establishing and expanding international university partnerships
Module C: Individual scholarships for study and internship stays, thesis projects, and participating in international conferences and trade fairs
Module D: Advisory services, training and dialogue facilitated by KIWi and the special HAW programme of the DAAD International Academy (iDA).

The programme will continue from 2025 to2029 with slight adjustments to the module structure.

Lern more about the programme here

Exchange and individual consultation

To ensure the diverse expertise of universities is effectively leveraged and to foster mutual learning and benefit among internationalization professionals, KIWi emphasizes peer-to-peer knowledge exchange.

Through region-specific dialogue events (KIWi Connect), you can network with other higher education institutions, share best practices, and systematically exchange cooperation experiences.

In addition, KIWi offers tailored individual consultations to support the effective management of your cooperation with international partners.

We are available for consultations via email and telephone. You can reach our dedicated hotline at 0228-882-9882 (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm).

Please contact us with your needs and inquiries.

Access the contact form