Kufstein UAS strengthens cooperation in Croatia

How can interdisciplinarity be sustainably embedded in teaching, research, and university administration? And which international initiatives promote cooperation, innovation, and knowledge transfer? These questions were at the heart of International Week 2026, which, under the theme Interdisciplinarity by Design: Building the Future University, addressed key issues regarding the future of higher education development.

In this context, Bert Neumeister was in Zagreb to teach at Algebra Bernays University. The invitation to teach in the master's degree program in Digital Marketing led to an intensive professional exchange that extended far beyond the seminar and opened up new perspectives. This resulted in concrete plans for deeper collaboration—particularly in co-teaching and a joint research project.

With approximately 3,000 students enrolled in 16 degree programs, Bernays University is the largest private higher education institution in Croatia and serves as a key exchange partner for FH Kufstein Tirol in its bachelor's degree program in Marketing and Communication Management.

FROM THE COURSE TO INTERNATIONAL NETWORKING

A central component of Bert Neumeister’s visit was his role as a guest lecturer in the Integrated Marketing Communications course. During this time, he taught topics related to advertising strategy and message design, engaging directly with students and faculty. It was precisely this dialogue that provided insights into the current challenges of international marketing practice and, at the same time, offered valuable ideas for the further development of existing teaching and exchange formats. In addition, the International Week program offered a wide range of opportunities for professional exchange—from EU funding programs for interdisciplinary initiatives and best practices from existing university projects to the question of what structural conditions are necessary to sustain interdisciplinary collaboration in the long term.

Building on this, international networking was also expanded in a targeted manner: beyond contacts at Algebra Bernays University, connections were established with colleagues from Finland, Poland, Bulgaria, and France. These international networks form an important foundation for further developing collaborations in the future—not only bilaterally but increasingly within a European context. Accordingly, concrete next steps were already defined during the visit: plans include expanding staff exchange programs, launching initial co-teaching initiatives, and preparing a joint European research project on the topic of nostalgia in digital advertising.

STAFF MOBILITY: ZAGREB AS A SOURCE OF CREATIVE INSPIRATION

The city of Zagreb itself also left its mark on the week and provided a special setting for the visit. Compact, lively, and surprisingly green, it offered not only the perfect venue for in-depth discussions but also cultural experiences: One highlight was the Zagreb Festival of Lights, which transformed key locations in the Upper and Lower Towns into an impressive open-air gallery. Furthermore, traces of Nikola Tesla remain visible in the region to this day—including at the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum, where a full-scale model of the first lunar rover, Lunokhod 1, is on display.

Those interested in exchange opportunities or international collaborations can contact the International Relations Office at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol, which provides advice on partner universities, application procedures, and funding opportunities.

Links:

• Digital Marketing | pt
• Marketing & Communication Management | ft
• Staff Mobility | Website

Editor’s note: Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or OeAD-GmbH. Neither the European Union nor OeAD-GmbH can be held responsible for them.