Siegen Pop-Up University: “German Mittelstand” and the Siegen approach in research, teaching and transfer

“German Mittelstand” is often referred to as the backbone of the German economy. While the term “SME” is more frequently used outside German-speaking communities, the two terms do not describe the same phenomenon. In this workshop, we will clarify what is meant by “German Mittelstand” (in contrast to “SME”), how it has developed and which characteristics make it so outstanding. We will then use the three university pillars of research, teaching and transfer to demonstrate how we in the School of Economic Disciplines have taken up this topic. With examples of research topics (like “drivers of innovation output” or “digital transformation”), teaching content and teaching formats (like specific master study programs or project seminars) and transfer examples (regional co-operations with typical “Mittelstand” firms), we will show how University of Siegen has built up its own profile on this topic.

This Siegen Pop-Up University event will take place in Hardesty Hall, room 3155, and is free and open to the TU community.