CODE & CULTURAL STRUGGLE: TWO NEW TITLES, TWO HOT TOPICS
- 27.07.2025
- General
A moment of celebration at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol (from left to right): Rector Prof. (FH) PD Dr. Mario Döller, Prof. (FH) PD Dr. Agnes Bidmon, Hon.-Prof. (FH) Dr. Richard Mayr, and CEO Managing Director Prof. (FH) Dr. Thomas Madritsch.
Two different perspectives, one common goal: In their inaugural lectures, Hon. Prof. (FH) Dr. Richard Mayr and Prof. (FH) PD Dr. Agnes Bidmon presented innovative approaches to artificial intelligence (AI) in business processes and social cohesion through cultural participation.
On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, two special personalities were in the academic spotlight at the FH Kufstein Tirol: Hon. Prof. (FH) Dr. Richard Mayr, external lecturer in the ERP Systems & Business Process Management degree program, was awarded the title of Honorary Professor (FH). Afterwards, Prof. (FH) PD Dr. Agnes Bidmon, Professor (FH) of Cultural Management & Cultural Studies, was officially appointed Professor (FH) during her inaugural lecture. In their presentations, both speakers provided exciting insights into their fields of specialization and offered different but equally relevant impulses for social and technological change.
WHEN PROCESSES START TO THINK
In his inaugural lecture, When processes learn: Artificial intelligence as an evolutionary leap in business processes, Hon. Prof. (FH) Dr. Richard Mayr took a look at the future of business procedures and presented current developments in the field of AI and process automation. It became clear that business processes are no longer rigid—they learn, adapt, and become more intelligent.
“Many people today associate AI with tools such as ChatGPT or Copilot. But the potential is much greater – for example, when AI processes optimize themselves independently,” said Mayr. The doctor of business informatics and experienced software developer illustrated this with specific real-world applications.
ABOUT THE Person– DR. RICHARD MAYR
Born in Bavaria, he completed degree programs in technical computer science and business informatics at what was then the Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences. He began his professional career by setting up his own IT company, later taking on international management responsibility as Chairmen of the Board and CEO Managing Director. He has been working in software development and process automation for over 20 years, currently as head of the Agito product division at Agenda Informationssysteme GmbH & Co. KG. In addition to his work as a university lecturer, Mayr is also active as a consultant for industry, banks, and educational institutions.
A plea for new spaces for encounters
In her inaugural lecture entitled #alltogethernow! Social Cohesion through Cultural Participation?, Prof. (FH) PD Dr. Agnes Bidmon examined how cultural institutions can act as connecting places in polarized times. Using current concepts of cultural participation, she showed how participation and co-determination can be strengthened—not only as an ideal, but as a practical contribution to the promotion of democracy.
It is a rocky road, but culture can create places where a diverse urban society can meet on equal terms,“ Bidmon explained in an interview. This requires more than just good ideas: ”Change can only succeed if existing structures are questioned and new ways of thinking are anchored in everyday life."
ABOUT THE Person – PROF. (FH) PD DR. AGNES BIDMON
Agnes Bidmon is originally from Nuremberg and studied German language and literature, English language and literature, and ethics of text cultures at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg. She earned her doctorate and habilitated in literary and cultural studies and taught at the universities of Erlangen and Augsburg for over twelve years. Her research focuses on the intersection of culture, literature, media, and society, with a particular emphasis on narrative theory, ethics, non-knowledge management, and cultural participation.
APPRECIATION AND VISION
FH Rector Prof. (FH) PD Dr. Mario Döller opened the event with words of recognition: “Both Mr. Hon.-Prof. (FH) Mayr and Prof. (FH) Bidmon represent the combination of academic depth and social relevance. Their contributions enrich our higher education institution not only professionally, but also on a human level.”
The formal presentation of certificates and a joint reception with sparkling wine provided an opportunity for discussion, exchange, and networking—perfectly in keeping with the spirit of both lecture topics.