Our cooperation partner, a financial services provider operating throughout Styria, intended to develop a networked digital ecosystem that would generate sustainable added value for customers in the region through strong network effects. As part of this cooperation project, the Department of Marketing & Sales at CAMPUS 02 was tasked with developing recommendations on the requirements that should be met in order to establish a digital regional ecosystem in the B2C sector. In addition, the target group was clearly defined and delineated and initial ideas for the design of such an ecosystem were developed.

After intensive research and development in the field of FB, we are now able to provide you with efficient, practice-orientated and scientific support in your business change process as a university of applied sciences. Our support is centred on the knowledge and experience of dozens of entrepreneurial families. With the development of suitable tools and methods for FB, as well as the realisation of dozens of studies and/or research projects, an overall model has been developed that will be used intensively in workshops with Styrian FB over the next two years.

This project for a family-run world market leader in the field of special textiles, awnings, tarpaulins and membrane constructions is about a worldwide customer survey on the acceptance and criteria of a planned web portal that is intended to support the international sales activities of this Styrian company.

SMEs face limitations due to the small domestic market, scarce resources and the desire for higher incomes for employees. In the future, they will be forced to tap into foreign markets, for which they lack the necessary expertise because

1. the international market differs from the domestic market and
2. the internationalisation process for SMEs is different from that of large companies.

The COMMON CHALLENGE is to establish new digital solutions that are tailored to the needs of SMEs.

The primary research objective of this study, which was conducted on behalf of the Julius Raab Foundation, was to analyse why family-run global and European market leaders from Austria are so innovative.

Another key objective of the study was to identify the influencing factors that enable, promote or prevent innovation.

The main objective is to increase the number of internationally orientated SMEs in the cross-border sector. Go2 Benelux & Scandinavia stands for a common approach to support the internationalisation of SMEs through joint cross-border initiatives and the development of common smart services. The aim of the project is to facilitate internationalisation, smart specialisation and cross-border learning and competence development by developing transnational links between SME networks, clusters and other specialised research and innovation hubs for the benefit of their members.

In response to the question of how family businesses can responsibly shape their future, CAMPUS 02 has developed an overall model with which this special type of company can be optimally prepared, accompanied and supported for a digital transformation. This model takes into account all components of a (far-reaching) change, leaves the responsible decision-makers at the centre of the digital transformation project and uses the tools developed specifically for family businesses for sustainable business development.

In the 20 years of its existence, the Graz-based company has developed into a provider in the field of mobile energy supply that is recognised beyond Austria's borders. During this time, AccuPower has succeeded in building up an excellent reputation among numerous customers as a competent and reliable partner in the field of battery and charging technology.

The aim of this project was, on the one hand, to find out what image current and former customers have of AccuPower, what spontaneous and unsupported associations they have with the brand and what strengths and weaknesses they have perceived so far.

The changed economic conditions in Austria and the low level of interest rates are having an increasing impact on the investment behaviour of companies. Business with alternative investment opportunities was already flourishing before the global economic and financial crisis, but since the economic situation in Austria has stabilised again, alternative investments such as private equity and mergers & acquisitions (M&A) are once again on the rise.

In such transactions, family businesses (FU) in particular often consult their "trusted advisor". As already known from other studies, these are primarily tax advisors/auditors, commercial lawyers and notaries.

The aim of this qualitative study was therefore to analyse the investment and participation behaviour of private equity firms with an annual turnover of more than €5 million in both the private equity and mergers & acquisitions sectors. However, the investment behaviour of wealthy private individuals (in particular family entrepreneurs) was also to be surveyed with regard to private equity investments and mergers & acquisitions.

Holzcluster Steiermark GmbH is one of the strongest clusters in Europe with around 140 member companies in the forestry and timber industry and downstream sectors (including the paper and pulp industry). With a focus on timber construction, it develops and implements projects along the timber value chain.

This study for Holzcluster Steiermark GmbH focussed on the following research questions, among others:

• What image does the Styrian timber and forestry industry have among potential future employees compared to other sectors?
• What image do students from vocational schools with a wood-related focus (agricultural and forestry schools, technical and commercial schools) have of forestry, the timber industry and the paper industry?
• What image do students from schools not related to wood (AHS, HAK, HLW) have of these industries?
• What image do pupils from schools that do not have anything to do with wood (AHS, HAK, HLW) have of these sectors?

The aim of the project was to record the Austrian corporate landscape with regard to selected data and information in a "database". A particular focus was placed on companies that operate in the non-financial sector and have a total interest-bearing debt ratio of between € 1-500 million. Meaningful key figures were derived on the basis of this Austria-wide analysis.

Studies on medium-sized global market leaders ("hidden champions") clearly show that their above-average investment in research and development (R&D) is the basis for their international market success.

The aim of the qualitative study, which was carried out on behalf of the Austrian Association of the Machinery and Metal Goods Industry (FMMI) and the Industry Division of the Styrian Chamber of Commerce, was therefore primarily to determine how Austria's hidden champions proceed in the areas of R&D and innovation management, in terms of organisation, personnel and structure.