Our contemporary societies are undergoing profound processes of change that encompass virtually every aspect of the systems, work environments, and lived experiences of individuals and social groups. The research focus“Transformation Processes in Economy and Society”at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences examines these complex processes of change—in terms of subject matter, society, and time—and the opportunities they present for shaping the future.

The research focuses on transformation processes stemming from the university’s regional location; however, in light of the growing global interconnectedness of all developments, it also extends far beyond this scope. The overview below highlights the most important areas and focal points of the research.

The research focus is characterized by its application-oriented approach and strong collaborative relationships with practice partners in the region (government agencies, businesses, and political and civil society organizations). This includes a wide range of consulting and expert advisory services.

This explicitly interdisciplinary focus is, on the one hand, integrated with the university’s “Energy and Environment” area of expertise and, on the other hand, cooperates closely with the in-house institutes of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences “TRAWOS” (Institute for Transformation, Housing, and Social Spatial Development) “GAT” (Institute for Health, Ageing, Technology).

The FSP TWG represents an interfaculty structure within the University of Zittau/Görlitz that aims to initiate, consolidate, and network research projects and research perspectives.

Any faculty or staff member of the university who is interested in the topics of this research focus and is actively engaged in relevant research processes may become a member of the FSP.

Demographic Transformation

• Health in Schools and in Old Age
• Assistive Technologies for Older Adults (VATI Project)

Post-Socialist Europe

• Social Transformation and Post-Transformation Processes
• Perspectives on the Financial System and Banking Sector in Eastern Europe
• Cross-Border Dialogue on Cultural and Sociopolitical Developments

Transformative Social and Cultural Ecology

• Socio-ecological Transformation Processes
• Energy and the Environment
• Environmental Education and Landscape Planning
• Development of Tourism Destination Concepts
• (Cultural) Self-Transformation

Socialization, Education, and Social Integration

• Inclusive Education in Schools (ZINT Project)
• Inclusion in Childcare Facilities – Professional Development for Early Childhood Educators
• Development of new (multimedia) continuing education programs
• Gender Equality Policy

Regional development beyond metropolitan areas

• Management of regional transformation and development processes
• Resilience in Saxony’s medium-sized cities
• Housing Market Research and Real Estate Dialogue
• Historic Preservation and Building Research
• Strategy Development in the Görlitz District

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).