DHBW Center for Advanced Studies (DHBW CAS) Company Profile

Background

The DHBW Center for Advanced Studies (DHBW CAS), established in 2014, is a central institution of the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW). Located on the Bildungscampus in Heilbronn, Germany, DHBW CAS specializes in postgraduate study programs and continuing education opportunities. Its mission is to provide career-integrated master's programs and scientific continuing education in the fields of Business, Engineering, Social Work, and Health, thereby fostering lifelong learning and professional development.

Key Strategic Focus

DHBW CAS focuses on delivering dual master's programs that integrate academic learning with practical experience. The institution offers 27 master's programs across various disciplines, emphasizing flexibility and customization to meet individual and employer needs. The programs are designed to be pursued alongside professional employment, allowing students to apply acquired knowledge directly in their workplaces.

Financials and Funding

Since its inception, DHBW CAS has received substantial support from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, which provided initial funding and facilities on the Bildungscampus. In July 2020, the foundation extended its financial support for an additional five years, underscoring its commitment to advancing dual master's programs and continuing education.

Pipeline Development

DHBW CAS continually develops and offers a range of master's programs and certifications tailored to evolving industry demands. The institution collaborates with approximately 1,590 partner companies to ensure that its programs remain relevant and effectively bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application.

Technological Platform and Innovation

A notable initiative is the CITAI Smart-Living Lab, launched in June 2024. This AI-driven simulation laboratory focuses on researching citizen trust in AI innovations within smart city environments. The lab enables real-time control of smart living functions based on analyzed personality traits, providing valuable insights into human-AI interactions.

Leadership Team

Prof. Dr. Boris Alexander Kühnle: Appointed as Director of DHBW CAS in October 2022. Prior to this role, he served as Dean of the Business Department at DHBW CAS since 2020. His background includes extensive experience in academia and industry, notably as a professor at the Hochschule der Medien in Stuttgart and as a Verlagsleiter at Zeitverlag Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG.

Leadership Changes

In October 2022, Prof. Dr. Boris Alexander Kühnle succeeded Prof. Dr.-Ing. Joachim Frech as Director of DHBW CAS. Prof. Frech had served as Director since 2016 and was instrumental in establishing the institution's leading position in scientific continuing education.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The demand for career-integrated master's programs and continuing education is growing, driven by the need for lifelong learning and professional development in a rapidly evolving job market. Institutions offering flexible, practice-oriented programs are well-positioned to meet this demand.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

FOM University of Applied Sciences: Offers part-time study programs tailored for working professionals, focusing on business and management disciplines.

SRH Fernhochschule – The Mobile University: Provides distance learning programs with a flexible structure, catering to professionals seeking to balance work and study.

Steinbeis School of International Business and Entrepreneurship (SIBE): Specializes in leadership and management programs with a strong emphasis on practical application.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

DHBW CAS collaborates with approximately 1,590 partner companies, ensuring that its programs are aligned with industry needs. The institution also partners with the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, which provides financial support and facilities, and engages in research collaborations, such as the CITAI project with the Zentrum für Empirische Forschung (ZEF) of DHBW Stuttgart.

Operational Insights

DHBW CAS's dual study model, which integrates academic learning with practical experience, distinguishes it from competitors. The institution's strong partnerships with industry and its focus on flexibility and customization provide a competitive advantage in the continuing education market.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

DHBW CAS aims to expand its program offerings to address emerging industry trends and technological advancements. The institution plans to enhance its research initiatives, particularly in areas like AI and smart city solutions, to remain at the forefront of innovation in education and professional development.