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Focus on AI and Future Skills: HNU in Conversation with SPHEREA

20.05.2026, University News:

What skills will professionals need in the future—and how can universities and companies work together to foster them? HNU President Prof. Dr. Julia Kormann and Ivanka Burger, Head of Project Development, Transfer, and Collaborations, addressed this question in a conversation with Martin Kugelmann, Managing Director of SPHEREA GmbH. 

The focus was on how universities and businesses can address and jointly shape the profound technological and societal changes taking place. Prof. Dr. Julia Kormann presented the key guiding principles of her presidency under the motto “Needs-Based Innovations for the Region.” Discussions centered in particular on issues related to digital transformation and the demands placed on skilled workers in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven workplace.

There was a particular focus on the topic of future-oriented skills. Participants discussed how technological developments and the global political landscape are affecting businesses and universities, and what skills students will need to possess in the future. The further development of practical teaching and transfer formats also played an important role in the discussions. “We need to better bridge the gap between Germany’s excellent research and teaching and its highly innovative small and medium-sized enterprises so that we can tackle these challenges together,” said Martin Kugelmann.

In addition, the participants discussed ways to strengthen the existing strategic partnership in the future and further expand joint projects. The goal remains to strengthen the transfer of knowledge between the university and the business community and to provide students with valuable practical insights at an early stage.

About the Collaboration with SPHEREA

SPHEREA GmbH has been a strategic partner of HNU since 2023. The company supports the university through guest lectures and has been an active member of the Sustainability Innovation Circle since 2026.

Contact
Ivanka Burger 

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Discussed AI and future-oriented skills (from left): Prof. Dr. Julia Kormann, Martin Kugelmann, and Ivanka Burger