Kufstein Management Forum with Top Speakers and a Drone Award

Under the theme “Europe in a Globalized World: Working Together to Reach the Forefront of Innovation,” the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol hosted the 19th Management Forum Kufstein on April 14, 2026. Leading figures from the worlds of politics, business, and academia shaped an evening focused on Europe’s current geopolitical, economic, and technological challenges. A special highlight of the program was the launch of a new international award to promote young talent in drone research.

The Management Forum was held in cooperation with the Franco-German University and brought together leading experts who shared their perspectives on the future of Europe. Following welcoming remarks by Prof. (FH) PD Dr. Mario Döller, Rector of the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol, and Prof. Dr. Philippe Gréciano, President of the Franco-German University, Mag. Brigitte Ederer, former State Secretary and experienced top executive, opened the evening with a keynote address on the topic “Europe in the Global Arena: Understanding History, Shaping the Future.”

Following this, renowned experts participated in a panel discussion on Europe’s role in an increasingly complex world. The panelists included Florence Ertel, M.A. (University of Passau), Frédéric Joureau (Embassy of the French Republic in Austria), Dr. Benedikt Linder (Director of the DFH degree program in Franco-German Law at LMU Munich), Reinhold M. Karner (entrepreneur and management advisor), and Prof. Dr. Stefan W. Pickl (COMTESSA Research Group at the University of the Federal Armed Forces). The discussion focused on topics such as geopolitical agency, digital sovereignty, innovative capacity, and the role of education and the economy.

INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW INTERNATIONAL DRONE AWARD

A particular highlight of the evening was the announcement of a new international award in the field of drone research. The University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol launched this award in collaboration with the Franco-German Higher Education Institution (DFH) and the COMTESSA research group at the University of the German Armed Forces in Munich. The initiative aims to promote the outstanding achievements of young researchers and highlight innovative contributions to European drone research.

The award is open to students and graduates with an international profile who have conducted innovative research in the field of drone technology as part of their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral studies. Winners are selected by an international jury based on their application materials. The award is endowed with 1,500 euros and is sponsored by the COMTESSA research group. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in Paris in 2027 under the patronage of the Franco-German higher education institution or university.

ABOUT THE Franco-German University 

The THE Franco-German University  is an international organization that initiates, evaluates, and promotes Franco-German degree programs and initiatives. It supports academic cooperation among more than 200 higher education institutions or universities in Germany, France, and other European countries.
 

ABOUT THE COMTESSA RESEARCH GROUP

The COMTESSA research group at the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich is engaged in research on complex systems and security-related technologies.

Links: 

• Managementforum Kufstein | Event Series