31 January 2025

Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences and the Automotive Network Transformation Thuringia (ANeTT) have now officially agreed on a long-term collaboration. This cooperation is intended to strengthen regional innovation and further promote the exchange between science and industry.

The signing of the cooperation agreement at the university was attended by representatives of both institutions, including university president Prof Dr Jörg Wagner and Herbert Stütz, Head of Invest, Thuringia International and Cluster Management at the State Development Corporation of Thuringia (LEG), who represented ANeTT.

Also present were Prof Dr Steffen Dörhöfer, project manager of the Transferwerk at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences (together with Prof Dr Jörg Wagner and Prof Dr Elmar Hinz), Lukas Schiffner, project manager of ANeTT, and Michael Schemann, coordinating node manager at ANeTT at the Erfurt Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). Thomas Füldner from the Transferwerk at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, who initiated the cooperation in his role as transfer scout, was also present.

Strengthening research and teaching

The cooperation focuses on promoting scientific projects, further developing innovative teaching programmes and networking research and practice in the fields of change management, renewable energies, hydrogen technologies, recycling technology and battery recycling.

"This cooperation is a real benefit for our students, especially in the engineering courses, business administration and the Master's degree course in Innovation and Change Management," emphasised University President Prof. Dr Jörg Wagner. Herbert Stütz emphasised the long-standing partnership between the university and LEG: "Our aim is to further strengthen existing structures and bring them together in a meaningful way."

The university and ANeTT have already worked together successfully in the past in the "change management and innovation" area of expertise. Prof. Dr Steffen Dörhöfer emphasised that the cooperation had already been consolidated in recent years through a continuous transfer of knowledge on the topics of corporate transformation, resilient team development and skills management.

Lukas Schiffner, project manager at ANeTT, emphasised the importance of the university as a valuable partner: "Our collaboration is outstanding. With this agreement, we are intensifying our dialogue, particularly in the areas of renewable energies, hydrogen and the circular economy." Michael Schemann also emphasised: "This cooperation represents a paradigm shift. We are bringing together expertise, creating hubs and strengthening the exchange of knowledge between science and industry."

Goals of the cooperation

• The joint processing of research and development projects
• The implementation of practical teaching and training programmes
• Supporting students through internships, final theses and networking events
• Knowledge transfer between university, business and research
• Utilisation and expansion of existing networks

About ANeTT

The Automotive Network Transformation Thuringia (ANeTT) is an association of LEG Thuringia, the Erfurt Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Thuringian Mobility Innovation Centre. ANeTT supports companies through innovative training programmes, research collaborations and the networking of relevant players in the field of the mobility transition. A central component is the so-called QTI nodes (qualification, transfer, innovation), which serve as regional contact points for companies and training providers. These nodes offer practical support - from further training programmes and exchanges between science and industry to the development of new research collaborations.

The role of the Transferwerk at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences

The Transferwerk at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences plays a key role in the initiation and implementation of collaborations such as the one between HSN and ANeTT. As a central interface between science and practice, it supports the initiation and monitoring of projects that promote the transfer of knowledge between the university, companies and society. The Transferwerk offers companies access to scientific expertise, promotes the development of joint research projects and contributes to the transfer of innovative technologies into practice.

The collaboration with ANeTT is an example of how Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences is strategically expanding its research and transfer activities in order to provide students with practical insights into current transformation and innovation processes and at the same time contribute to the economic development of the region.