FHD is expanding its academic partnership with the National University of Kaohsiung

How can a city partnership develop into a concrete scientific cooperation?

Dresden University of Applied Sciences (FHD), the City of Dresden, and National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) demonstrate how political contacts can lead to joint projects in teaching, research, innovation, and skilled workforce development within just a few months.

The starting point was the visit of a high-ranking delegation from the Kaohsiung City Government to Dresden in September 2025. At that time, Dresden University of Applied Sciences was already part of the official programme. At the beginning of 2026, the first direct discussions between FHD and National University of Kaohsiung followed. Six months later, both universities signed their cooperation agreement. The first in-person working meeting to implement the partnership has now taken place in Dresden.

The cooperation focuses on joint activities in study programmes, teaching, research, and knowledge transfer. Planned initiatives include student mobility programmes, summer schools, courses, international short-term programmes, visiting professorships, and the exchange of teaching staff.

A special element of the cooperation is the planned International Chair Dresden–Kaohsiung. This permanent guest teaching format will integrate international perspectives into the teaching activities of both universities on a long-term basis.

New perspectives for students, lecturers, and companies

The academic cooperation is significantly shaped by Prof. Dr. Antonio Roldán-Ponce, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration at Dresden University of Applied Sciences. Together with partners in Taiwan, he initiated the cooperation with National University of Kaohsiung and has continuously developed it further.

The aim is to establish a long-term partnership that combines academic exchange, international teaching, and practical business experience while opening up new perspectives for students, lecturers, and companies.

The Faculty of Business Administration contributes its close links to the innovation ecosystem of Silicon Saxony. This creates new connections between academia, industry, and European and Asian markets.

Cooperation with the City of Dresden strengthens the science and innovation hub

An important partner in the academic cooperation is the City of Dresden, represented by Maria Magdalena Kandler from the Science Office. Together, the partners aim to further strengthen the links between university activities and the regional innovation system.

The focus is on cooperation with companies, international networks, and public institutions. The goal is to strengthen knowledge and technology transfer, promote innovation, and sustainably support the international development of skilled professionals.

The cooperation demonstrates how universities and municipalities can leverage international networks for regional development. At the same time, FHD is implementing key recommendations of the German Science and Humanities Council regarding the role of private universities – particularly with regard to securing skilled labour, internationalisation, and knowledge and technology transfer.

Voices on the Dresden–Kaohsiung academic partnership

Dr. habil. Heike Zimmermann-Timm, Rector of Dresden University of Applied Sciences, explains:

“With National University of Kaohsiung, we are gaining a partner university that ideally complements our international profile both academically and institutionally. As a private university, we are able to establish international collaborations quickly and consistently translate them into concrete study programmes, research projects, and exchanges between students and teaching staff. Together with the City of Dresden, we are creating new perspectives for skilled workforce development, knowledge and technology transfer, as well as the international visibility of Dresden as a centre of science and business.”

Prof. Dr. Antonio Roldán-Ponce adds:

“Our goal is to create a vibrant partnership between Europe and Taiwan. We want to enable students to gain international experience, strengthen networks between lecturers and researchers, and develop new ideas together with companies. With the International Chair Dresden–Kaohsiung, we are creating a long-term platform for academic exchange and international teaching.”

Dr. Hsing-Ju Lin, Dean of the Office of International Affairs at National University of Kaohsiung, also emphasises:

“The personal meeting in Dresden gives our cooperation a clear direction. We see excellent opportunities for joint teaching formats and exchange programmes and will build a long-term academic bridge between Kaohsiung and Dresden.”

First teaching and exchange formats planned for winter semester 2026/27

The first joint teaching and exchange formats are scheduled to begin in the winter semester 2026/27. In the long term, Dresden University of Applied Sciences, National University of Kaohsiung, and the City of Dresden aim to develop further educational, research, and transfer initiatives.

The cooperation therefore makes an important contribution to strengthening the international profile of Dresden University of Applied Sciences. At the same time, it reinforces Dresden’s position as a centre for science, innovation, and business while sustainably expanding the relationship between Dresden and Kaohsiung.