Review of the 2025 BayWISS Annual Colloquium on 17 October at Kempten University of Applied Sciences
Kempten, 23 October 2025 – Shaping the future sustainably: BayWISS Annual Colloquium in Kempten. Ways of sustainable value creation and social change
"Pathways to Sustainable Growth – Die Zukunft der Wertschöpfungsprozesse" – Kempten University of Applied Sciences hosted the BayWISS Annual Colloquium for the first time this year. Researchers, students and representatives from business, politics and society discussed ways of how economic development, ecological responsibility and social participation can be brought in line with each other.
"That the BayWISS Annual Colloquium is taking place in Kempten this year is a strong sign of appreciation for our scientific work," said University President Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Hauke. "The event has shown how visibly and well-connected we as a university operate in the Bavarian research landscape and the contribution we make to social change."
Impulses for a sustainable future:
At the start of the event, renowned economist Prof. em. Dr. Renate Schubert (ETH Zurich) held an acclaimed keynote speech on "Nachhaltigkeit und Wirtschaftswachstum – unvereinbar oder aufeinander angewiesen?" (Sustainability and economic growth – incompatible or dependent on each other?).
She illuminated the interrelations between economic dynamics, ecological responsibility and social justice and set out clearly that sustainability is a comprehensive concept, which far exceeds environmental issues.
"The compatibility of economic growth and sustainability will not come by itself, but it is possible," Renate Schubert said. With her clear analysis and classification of latest research examples, also with regard to the recently awarded Nobel Prize, she set the professional tone of the colloquium.
Strong participation from Kempten University of Applied Sciences
As the hosting university, Kempten also strongly contributed on an expert level. Professors Dr. Matthias Finkenrath and Dr. Frieder Heieck presented contributions on energy efficiency, circular economy in production and innovation-driven sustainability.
"The colloquium has impressively demonstrated that our research can provide answers to future-related key issues," said Prof. Dr. Regina Schreiber, Vice President for Research and Transfer. "Especially the connection of scientific expertise and practical implementation is one of our greatest strengths – and is essential for sustainable value creation."
Awards for former Kempten students:
The awarding of the BayWISS Prizes 2025 was a special pleasure: Alexander Bartsch, former Bachelor graduate of Kempten University of Applied Sciences, was honoured for his outstanding doctorate on the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea. Alexander Bartsch developed an innovative implant, which is fixed in the lower jaw and offers new treatment options for patients around the world.
Cooperation as key to progress:
The focus of the day's discussions was the realization that sustainable growth can only be successful when innovation, political conditions and social responsibility come together. Participants agreed: numerous promising approaches exist, but short-term ways of thinking, lack of capital as well as unequal global structures have remained central obstacles on the path to a truly sustainable economy.
"The best ideas are formed when one gets into contact and starts networking", was the conclusion of many participants. The colloquium provided the right setting for this and turned Kempten University of Applied Sciences into the centre of scientific dialogue in Bavaria for one day.
© Hochschule Kempten
