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Internationalisation Strategy of the University of Innsbruck based on the Development Plan 2022-2027

Building transnational bridges to the future

 

 

Founded in 1669, the University of Innsbruck has an international focus and strong local roots. It is located at a traditional north-south crossroads connecting Europe. Its university tradition is characterised by a cosmopolitan attitude and international exchange. In this respect, all university members contribute to the good reputation of the University of Innsbruck in the world and are representatives of the welcoming culture inherent to the entire institution.  

Successful internationalisation of a university can only be achieved if the institution aspires to excellent research and teaching, which is globally competitive in terms of ideas and resources. The internationalisation efforts must be of high quality and relevant, both in the academic as well as in the social dimension. In addition, thinking and acting internationally must become a principle embedded at all levels and in all structural elements of the university. Internationalisation promotes visibility, perception and attractiveness, but also demands openness, diversity and curiosity from the institution itself and from all its members.  

For the University of Innsbruck and all its members, internationalisation does not constitute a certain state, but rather a conscious process aiming at the comprehensive integration of an international, intercultural or global dimension in all areas of activity of the university – in teaching, research, administration as well as social responsibility ('Third Mission').

In order to refine its internationalisation efforts, the University of Innsbruck sets the following main goals within the framework of its internationalisation strategy: 

• Attracting international students for graduate and postgraduate studies
• Developing a comprehensive servicing and welcoming culture
• Promoting international teaching and learning experiences
  
• Promoting international research projects, of networking and mobility as well as cooperating with excellent researchers from all over the world
• Enhancing the international profile of the University of Innsbruck
  

The University of Innsbruck already has a high degree of internationalisation. About 40% of its students and staff come from abroad. Over 70% of the publications in the Web of Science are jointly published with international co-authors. An extensive network of international partner institutions provides a wide range of opportunities for student and teaching staff mobility all over the world. In addition, the University of Innsbruck is a member in transregional and international networks such as AURORA, Euregio, ASEA-UniNet, Africa-UniNet and has centres for area studies and scientific networks.

Building on these foundations and in order to achieve the goals set out above, internationalisation shall be expanded and promoted at all levels in the areas of teaching, research and administration. This will happen in synergy with the strategies for sustainability, diversity and digitalisation.

Goals & Actions