The Department of Business concentrates on a variety of specialist economic subjects, with a strong emphasis on applications.

Close ties with the economy: innovative solutions for businesses

In terms of both interdisciplinary teaching and research, the Department of Business focuses on contemporary management theories, the development of efficient and innovative solutions and their implementation in business practice, the analysis of value creation, and research into corporate social responsibility.

An interdisciplinary research network, and collaboration with corporate and academic partners as well as tertiary education facilities – with a strong international focus – expands the university’s research portfolio and promotes the development and ongoing expansion of our research-related capabilities in the various research fields and topics.

Our department consists of the following institutes:

• Institute Business and Innovation
• Institute Entrepreneurship
• Institute Global Impact and Transformation
• Institute Health Management
• Institute International Business and Economics
• Institute Marketing and Wine Business
• Institute Sustainability and Circular Economy
• Institute Tourism

Research focus areas in the Department of Business

Innovation management and consumer studies

In this research focus, we explore how innovation is successfully achieved. We focus on the use of intangible assets and intellectual property, open/collaborative innovation processes and the role of norms and standards. We regularly analyse not only the purely company-specific perspective, but also complete innovation systems, including the role of government players and subsidies.

Another focus is the study of consumer behaviour and their perceptions and decision-making processes in innovative, complex, virtual and physical settings.

Contact person: Alfred Radauer

Tourism marketing and technology

In this research field we analyse trends and developments in various tourism sectors. We also evaluate the use of new technologies (e.g., augmented and virtual reality) to optimise internal and external business processes in tourism companies and organisations. We support tourism companies and organisations in sustainable tourism development and experience design in destinations and cultural attractions with a focus on authenticity and mindfulness.

Furthermore, we evaluate the effective use of (online) marketing channels to promote tourism destinations, organisations and hotels.

Contact person: Christian Maurer

Health management and policy

Within the framework of this research focus, we deal with health systems and health management. Our focus is on questions around organisational architecture, including work-related problems of health professionals as well as process designs, products and services.

Our approach: Human-centred research. This leads to a high degree of empathy for those affected in the context of the respective issue.

Contact person: Manfred Pferzinger

Regional economics and agrobusiness

In this research field, we develop strategies and measures for the economic development of regions with a special focus on the value chain from regional production to the end consumer. We also deal with status quo analyses and the development of strategies for regional organisations, agricultural enterprises, and food and beverage retailers.

The focus is on consumer behaviour, further training measures (lifelong learning), sustainability, social change and “coopetition”.

Contact person: Christian Maurer

Sustainability management and circular economy

In the research field of sustainability management and circular economy, we focus on supporting the transformation of com-panies and society with regard to sustainable development. Building on the three pillars of ecology, economy and social issues, we pay particular attention to the areas of strategy, management and leadership, as well as evaluating the benefits of responsible use of resources along the value chain in terms of circular economy.

Together with our research network and including our students, we advise and connect companies and communities in analysis, conception and planning, accompany them in implementation and help them evaluate development strategies and concrete projects. We support them in Citizen Science projects and thus aim to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Contact person: Christopher Schwand