On October 1, 2025, the QuiS Service Center invites you to an exciting theme day.
With the title "Collaboration in Focus: Networks and Methods for University Development," the event is aimed at QuiS (sub-)project coordinators/project participants, HessenHub sub-project coordinators/project participants, as well as other employees of the 14 Hessian universities who would like to learn more about successful network management.
Program highlights
- External presentations will share experiences on networks, success factors, and challenges of alliances beyond Hesse, followed by panel discussions.
- Opportunity for exchange via Hesse-wide, cross-university networks, including QuiS, HessenHub and projects such as SaG, HessenTechnikum and fuels.
- Workshops on collaboration and innovation methods that provide methodological and content-related inspiration for participants.
Look forward to a varied program and the opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues from all Hessian universities.
Program in detail
| Time | Program item | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 – 9:30 | Arrival, networking & exchange | |
| 9:30 – 9:45 | greeting | Prof. Dr. Stephanie Hanrath (THM) Dr. Kerstin Schulmeyer-Ahl (HMWK) Prof. Dr. Claudia Schmeink (Moderation) |
| 9:45 – 10:15 | Opening impulse | Growth Mindset – Key to successful networks in times of transformation Rene Müller |
| 10:15 – 10:45 | Keynote | Success factors for networked innovation centers at universities Stifterverband |
| 10:45 – 11:15 | Speech | Networks: Perspectives from the joint project NetKoop Prof. Dr. Pohlenz (HoF, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg) |
| 11:15 – 11:30 | Coffee break | |
| 11:30 – 12:15 | Panel discussion / plenary discussion | |
| 12:15 – 13:00 | Lunch break | |
| 13:00 – 13:45 | Lessons Learned | What was? What remains? What's to come? QuiS networks, HessenHub, and collaborative projects report on their experiences (across universities and within universities) |
| 13:45 – 14:30 | Coffee break with networking live! | Exchange in theme islands: AI & Digitalization, Flexible Studying, Internationalization, Teacher Training, Study Orientation & Entry |
| 14:30 – 16:00 | Tools for Tomorrow | Collaboration/Innovation Methods Introductory lecture (15 min) + 4 parallel workshops (60 min) |
| 16:00 – 16:20 | Final impulse | Summary of the day – Sand painting Iryna Chaplin, World Champion of Sand Painting |
| 16:20 – 16:30 | Outlook, thanks and farewell |
The foyer will remain open for further discussion until 6:00 PM after the end of the program.
Workshop 1: Design Thinking
A user-centered innovation method that solves complex problems in iterative steps. Ideal in a higher education context for identifying student and stakeholder needs and developing tailored services. The result: prototypes that can be quickly tested and improved.
Workshop 2: Scrum
Agile project management method with clear roles, short sprints, and a transparent backlog. Suitable for cross-university networks, it enables structured, prioritized, and adaptable implementation of work packages. It promotes regular communication and rapid response to changes.
Workshop 3: Blue Ocean Strategy
A strategic approach that taps into new, previously untapped areas of demand.
It can be used in higher education to develop innovative offerings that clearly differentiate themselves from existing formats—e.g., in student recruitment or continuing education. The core tool: the ERRC plan (Eliminate, Reduce, Raise, Create).
Workshop 4: Effectuation
A logic of action for uncertain frameworks that
starts with existing resources. Perfect for universities and networks that
want to advance collaborations and projects with tight budgets. It uses principles such as "Bird in Hand" (what's there?) and "Crazy Quilt" (building partnerships).
Participation is free. Please note: Workshop spaces are limited.
Do you have any questions or need further information? Please feel free to contact us!
We look forward to an exciting event and your participation!
The QuiS theme day will take place in Building A21 on the THM Gießen campus.
Directions and campus map
Contact:
Christina Neumann , QuiS Service Center