Closing Colloquium: A Journey of Excellence from EIIC to STRATCOMM at HSMW Germany

22 July 2026, 10 pm

Closing Colloquium: A Journey of Excellence from EIIC to STRATCOMM—A Lasting Legacy of Internationalization at Hochschule Mittweida, Germany

Mittweida, Germany | 30 June 2026

The Closing Colloquium of the DAAD Visiting Professorship under the flagship programme "Internationalization of German Universities" marked the successful conclusion of an extraordinary academic journey that began with the Economic Issues in International Context (EIIC) project on 1 October 2024 and culminated with the completion of Strategic Communication for International Business and Sustainable Educational Development (STRATCOMM) on 30 June 2026.

 Held at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering & Economics, Hochschule Mittweida – University of Applied Sciences, Germany, the event celebrated 21 months of academic excellence, international collaboration, innovative teaching, interdisciplinary research, and sustainable institutional development. Beyond the conclusion of two successful DAAD-funded projects, the colloquium reflected on a transformative journey that strengthened the international profile of Hochschule Mittweida while creating lasting academic bridges among Germany, Poland, India, Romania, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, the Netherlands, and several other partner countries.

• From Vision to Achievement

The journey commenced on 1 October 2024 with the launch of the Economic Issues in International Context (EIIC) project under the DAAD programme Internationalization of German Universities. The initiative was designed to strengthen the global dimension of higher education through research-based teaching, evidence-based learning, and international academic cooperation.

Building upon the remarkable achievements of EIIC, the second phase of the Visiting Professorship—Strategic Communication for International Business and Sustainable Educational Development (STRATCOMM)—extended and broadened the project's objectives. 

STRATCOMM focused on strategic communication, sustainable educational development, intercultural competence, and international business education while reinforcing Hochschule Mittweida's commitment to internationalization and academic excellence.

 Together, EIIC and STRATCOMM demonstrated how international collaboration can transform higher education by integrating innovative teaching, interdisciplinary research, global partnerships, and sustainable educational practices into everyday academic life.

•  Realizing a Shared Vision

The Closing Colloquium represented the realization of a vision first articulated during the inauguration of EIIC in October 2024, when Prof. Dr. Pradeep Kumar, DAAD Visiting Professor and President of the Indo-European Education Foundation (IEEF), delivered his keynote lecture entitled: "Educational Development is the Only Way to Accelerate Social and Economic Development: Poland, India and Germany Perspective."

In his inaugural address, Prof. Kumar emphasized that educational development is the most powerful driver of sustainable economic growth, social transformation, and international understanding. He advocated for universities to move beyond conventional teaching by embracing research-based education, evidence-driven policymaking, intercultural dialogue, and cross-border collaboration.

Twenty-one months later, the Closing Colloquium demonstrated how those ideas had evolved into measurable academic achievements and sustainable institutional outcomes.

About EIIC Storytelling video: https://youtu.be/magTqR-DhQc?si=hcxgZCfOizwGkEBL&t=3 

• Advancing Internationalization Through Education

Throughout the implementation of EIIC and STRATCOMM, numerous academic activities contributed to Hochschule Mittweida's internationalization strategy.

The projects successfully delivered:

• Innovative international teaching modules.
• Research-based and evidence-driven learning methodologies.
• International guest lectures and interdisciplinary seminars.
• Academic mobility and staff exchange programmes.
• Expansion of institutional partnerships across Europe and Asia.
• Strengthening of intercultural competencies.
• Collaborative research projects and academic publications.
• Sustainable educational development initiatives.
• Stronger cooperation between academia, industry, and international organizations.

Students benefited from an interdisciplinary curriculum covering International Business Cases – Strategies and Execution, Global Economic Issues, Sustainable Economic Development, Intercultural Business Communication, Intercultural Competences, Business English, International Entrepreneurship, Corporate Social Responsibility, International Management, and Evidence-Based Decision Making. These courses connected theoretical foundations with practical applications, preparing students for leadership roles in international organizations and multinational enterprises.

• Building Global Academic Partnerships

One of the most enduring achievements of the DAAD Visiting Professorship has been the establishment of sustainable international academic networks.

During the project period, Hochschule Mittweida significantly expanded its cooperation with universities and institutions in Poland, India, Romania, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, the Netherlands, and several other countries through institutional agreements, Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs), staff and student mobility, collaborative research, guest lectures, and international educational initiatives.

The projects also strengthened cooperation with the Indo-European Education Foundation (IEEF), further reinforcing its role as a bridge connecting European and Indian higher education institutions through education, innovation, research, and international engagement.

•  Celebrating Twenty-One Months of Achievement

The Closing Colloquium was professionally coordinated by Ms. Valeria Winkler, Project Coordinator, who welcomed participants and guided the audience through a programme celebrating the successful completion of both DAAD-funded initiatives.

The event commenced with an inspiring welcome address by HE Prof. Dr. rer. oec. Volker Tolkmitt, Rector of Hochschule Mittweida – University of Applied Sciences. In his remarks, the Rector praised the outstanding achievements of the DAAD Visiting Professorship and acknowledged Prof. Dr. Pradeep Kumar's significant contributions to teaching, research, curriculum development, international networking, and institutional cooperation. He emphasized that Prof. Kumar's work had substantially strengthened Hochschule Mittweida's international profile and established sustainable partnerships that will continue to support the university's global engagement for years to come.

Following the Rector's address, Prof. Dr. Pradeep Kumar presented a comprehensive overview of the achievements of EIIC and STRATCOMM over the past twenty-one months. His presentation highlighted major milestones in curriculum innovation, research excellence, international cooperation, academic mobility, institutional networking, educational innovation, and scholarly publications. He also presented a strategic roadmap for the future, encouraging Hochschule Mittweida to continue expanding international partnerships, interdisciplinary research, evidence-based teaching, and sustainable educational development.

The colloquium provided valuable insights into the numerous international collaborations, research activities, educational innovations, and sustainability initiatives realized throughout the implementation of both projects. Participants reflected on how the DAAD Visiting Professorship had enhanced intercultural competencies, enriched student learning experiences, strengthened research-based teaching, and fostered cooperation among universities, industry partners, policymakers, and international organizations.

Academic Publications as a Lasting Legacy

One of the highlights of the Closing Colloquium was the official presentation of two newly published academic reference books produced during the DAAD Visiting Professorship:

1. International Business, Trade, and Economics: Concepts and Cases
2. From Evidence to Impact: Sustainable Growth in International Business and Economics

These research-based publications represent major scholarly outcomes of the collaborative projects Economic Issues in International Context (EIIC) and Strategic Communication for International Business and Sustainable Educational Development (STRATCOMM), generously supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

The books explore contemporary issues in international business, global trade, economics, strategic communication, sustainable development, and educational innovation through empirical and evidence-based research conducted across multiple countries and regions. Combining strong theoretical foundations with practical case studies and data-driven analyses, the publications serve as valuable resources for students, researchers, educators, policymakers, and industry professionals while demonstrating advanced independent research and academic excellence.

• Looking Towards the Future

The formal programme concluded with closing remarks by HE Prof. Dr. rer. oec. Serge Velesco, Educational Dean and Head of Cooperation Degree Programmes at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, who also served as Project Supervisor. Reflecting on the remarkable achievements of the Visiting Professorship, Prof. Velesco emphasized that EIIC and STRATCOMM have established a solid strategic roadmap for the continued internationalization of Hochschule Mittweida. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the international partnerships, interdisciplinary research collaborations, and educational innovations developed throughout the project period and expressed his sincere appreciation to Prof. Dr. Pradeep Kumar for his exceptional commitment and lasting contribution to the university.

The Closing Colloquium concluded with an official farewell reception and networking session attended by university leadership, faculty members, researchers, administrative staff, students, and international guests. The informal gathering provided an opportunity to celebrate the successful completion of the DAAD Visiting Professorship, exchange experiences, and reflect on nearly two years of productive collaboration. Warm conversations, shared memories, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude highlighted not only the successful completion of two flagship projects but also the enduring friendships and professional relationships established during Prof. Kumar's tenure at Hochschule Mittweida.

•  A Lasting Legacy of Internationalization

Although the DAAD Visiting Professorship officially concluded on 30 June 2026, its impact will continue through ongoing international research collaborations, joint academic publications, student and staff mobility programmes, future Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs), and new educational initiatives inspired by the achievements of Economic Issues in International Context (EIIC) and Strategic Communication for International Business and Sustainable Educational Development (STRATCOMM).

The journey from EIIC (1 October 2024) to STRATCOMM (30 June 2026) represents far more than the successful completion of two DAAD-funded projects. It symbolizes a shared commitment to academic excellence, international cooperation, research-driven education, and the sustainable internationalization of higher education. The success of this journey was made possible through the collective efforts, dedication, and unwavering support of numerous colleagues and partners across Hochschule Mittweida.

Prof. Dr. Pradeep Kumar expresses his sincere gratitude to the International Office of Hochschule Mittweida for its outstanding support throughout the implementation of both projects. In particular, he acknowledges Dipl.-Lehrerin Saskia Langhammer, Head of the International Office, whose continuous guidance, encouragement, and commitment to internationalization were instrumental in the success of the Visiting Professorship. Special appreciation is also extended to Tim Friedrich, Coordinator for Staff Mobilities and Erasmus+, as well as Advisor for Student Mobility Abroad (Outgoings), for his invaluable support in facilitating international academic cooperation and mobility activities. He also extends his appreciation to Dr. Cornelius Hagenmeier, Head of Internationalization, for his strategic leadership and continued commitment to strengthening the internationalization of Hochschule Mittweida and fostering global academic partnerships.

Prof. Kumar further expresses his gratitude to Ulrike Worbs-Reichenbach, Coordinator for Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) and EUN-DAAD, for her dedication in strengthening international educational cooperation and supporting numerous mobility initiatives. Appreciation is also extended to Claudio Orlacchio and the entire team of the International Office, whose professionalism, commitment, and collaborative spirit greatly contributed to the successful implementation of EIIC and STRATCOMM.

Special thanks are due to the Faculty Administration of the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, whose administrative and organizational support ensured the smooth execution of teaching, research, conferences, international events, and mobility programmes. Prof. Kumar also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of the university's academic and non-academic staff members, whose collective efforts created an inspiring and welcoming academic environment.

Prof. Kumar expresses his heartfelt gratitude to HE Prof. Dr. rer. oec. Johannes N. Stelling, Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, for his continuous support, encouragement, wise advice, and leadership throughout the entire Visiting Professorship. His vision for internationalization and unwavering confidence in the project's objectives played a significant role in achieving its success.

A special note of appreciation is extended to Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Thoralf Gebel, whose friendship, collegiality, academic guidance, and continuous support were invaluable in strengthening international cooperation and developing new academic partnerships. His encouragement and collaborative spirit significantly contributed to the success of numerous educational and research initiatives undertaken during the project period.

The Visiting Professorship also fostered meaningful interdisciplinary collaboration across Hochschule Mittweida. Prof. Kumar gratefully acknowledges the friendship and cooperation of colleagues from the Faculty of Media, including Kristin Ziegner-Llewellin, Prof. Dr. Christof Amrhein, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Buser, MBA, and Prof. Dr. Markus Drowatzky, together with colleagues from other faculties whose openness to collaboration further enriched the international academic environment of the university.

His sincere appreciation is extended to the Rectorate, faculty members, researchers, administrative personnel, technical staff, and all teaching and non-teaching colleagues across Hochschule Mittweida whose professionalism, friendship, and willingness to collaborate transformed the Visiting Professorship into a truly collective achievement.

Finally, Prof. Kumar offers his deepest gratitude to all local and international students. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, intercultural openness, and active participation in lectures, seminars, workshops, research projects, and international activities made the experience exceptionally rewarding. Their engagement reaffirmed the importance of international education in preparing future leaders capable of addressing global challenges through knowledge, cooperation, and innovation.

The partnerships established, knowledge created, educational innovations introduced, and friendships formed throughout these twenty-one months have laid a strong foundation for the continued internationalization of Hochschule Mittweida. The achievements of EIIC and STRATCOMM will continue to inspire future generations of scholars, educators, researchers, and students while contributing to the university's long-term international strategy.

Indeed, this remarkable journey stands as a lasting legacy of internationalization—one that demonstrates how education, collaboration, mutual respect, and global engagement can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries to create meaningful, sustainable, and enduring impact for universities, communities, and society as a whole.