Research focus

Transformation processes in the economy and society

Understanding and shaping change: Our society is changing profoundly, from demographic upheaval to the new world of work. We analyze these processes from an interdisciplinary perspective and develop strategies for resilient regions, inclusive education and social coexistence beyond the metropolises.

Research focus on transformation processes in business and society

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Our research spectrum combines sociological, economic and ecological issues. We deal with structural change in rural areas(regional development) and its historical causes(post-socialism). At the same time, we investigate how demographic change affects our coexistence and which new concepts in education and cultural ecology are viable for the future.

  • Guiding orientation and overview

    Our contemporary societies are undergoing profound processes of change that encompass practically all dimensions of the systemic, working and living environments of individuals and social groups. The research focus "Transformation Processes in Economy and Society" at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences deals with these factually, socially and temporally complex processes of change and their opportunities for shaping them.

    The research focuses on transformation processes resulting from the regional location of the university, but in view of the growing global networking of all developments, it also goes far beyond this. The overview below shows the most important areas and focal points of research.

    The research focus is characterized by its application orientation and strong cooperative relationships with practice partners in the region (administrations, companies, political and civil society organizations). This includes broad consulting and expert activities.

    The expressly interdisciplinary focus at the university is interlinked with the "Energy and Environment" field of competence and cooperates closely with the institutes of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences "TRAWOS" (Institute for Transformation, Housing and Social Spatial Development) and "GAT" (Institute for Health, Ageing, Technology).

    The FSP TWG is an interfaculty structure within the HS Zittau/Görlitz, which aims to initiate, bundle and network research projects and research perspectives.

    Any employee of the university who is interested in the topics of the focus and is also active in corresponding research processes can become a member of the FSP.

  • Current research topics (selection)

    Demographic transformation

    • Health at school and in old age
    • Assistance technologies for older people (VATI project)

     

    Post-socialist Europe

    • Social transformation and post-transformation processes
    • Prospects for the financial system and banking sector in Eastern Europe
    • Cross-border dialog on cultural and socio-political developments

     

    Transformative social and cultural ecology

    • Socio-ecological transformation processes
    • Energy and environment
    • Environmental education and landscape planning
    • Development of tourist destination concepts
    • (Cultural) self-transformation

     

    Socialization, education and socialization

    • Inclusive education in schools (ZINT project)
    • Inclusion in daycare facilities - professionalization of educational specialists
    • Development of new (multimedia) further education courses
    • Gender equality policy

     

    Regional development beyond the metropolitan areas

    • Management of regional transformation and development processes
    • Resilience in medium-sized cities in Saxony
    • Housing market research and real estate dialog
    • Monument preservation and building research
    • Strategy development in the district of Görlitz
  • Membership and organization

    Members of the research focus are members of the HSZG who have at least a first academic degree (usually: BA), who express their interest in the topics, networks and events of the FSP and who are themselves involved in corresponding research processes.

    If you are interested in the work of the FSP and would like to be informed about its work or become a member, please contact the spokesperson(m.hosang(at)hszg.de).

Our research topics

Access to all project data

Search for specific topics, keywords or institutes. Our Research Information System (FIS) offers you free access to all ongoing and completed research, development and transfer projects.

The brains behind the research

This research focus acts as an interfaculty platform for pooling expertise at the university and initiating new projects. We work closely with the institutes TRAWOS (Transformation, Housing and Social Spatial Development) and GAT (Health, Ageing, Technology). The following overview shows the members who actively shape this interdisciplinary collaboration.

Your contact in the research focus area

Photo: Dr. phil. habil. Maik Hosang
Forschungsschwerpunktsprecher
Prof. Dr. phil. habil. Maik Hosang
Maik Hosang
Faculty of Managerial and Cultural Studies
02826 Görlitz
Furtstrasse 3
Building G IV, Room 2.13
2nd upper floor
+49 3581 374-4246