Prof Dr Gerald Schmola is the new Vice President for Research, Development and Entrepreneurship at Hof University of Applied Sciences. In an interview with campuls-digital, he explains what he wants to focus on in his new role, how he wants to strengthen knowledge transfer and what role entrepreneurship should play in everyday university life in the future.
new Vice President of Hof University of Applied Sciences at the beginning of December 2025 ; Image: Hof University of Applied Sciences ;
What would you like to focus on in your new role as Vice President for Research, Development and Entrepreneurship at Hof University of Applied Sciences?
“My central concern is to further raise the profile of Hof University of Applied Sciences as a research and transfer university. I see the expansion of strategic research fields with high social and economic relevance, the strengthening of interdisciplinary collaboration and the targeted recruitment and promotion of young academics as particular priorities. Reliable and transparent framework conditions and efficient processes are also important to me.”
How do you want to strengthen the transfer of research results into business practice and spin-offs from the university?
“There is often a gap between research findings and marketable solutions. Many innovative ideas do not find their way into practice despite their economic and social potential. There are many reasons for this: bureaucracy, uncertainty and a lack of support often play a role. Successful knowledge transfer occurs where structural support, suitable incentives, strong partnerships and a transfer-friendly culture come together. The interplay of these four factors forms the foundation for sustainably promoting transfer and spin-offs.”
What importance do you attach to the topic of entrepreneurship for students and researchers, and how should it be anchored even more firmly in everyday university life in future?
“Entrepreneurship is a central key competence. It’s not just about setting up companies, but also about entrepreneurial thinking, the ability to innovate and the willingness to take on responsibility. Students and researchers should be encouraged to develop their own ideas, take risks and pursue new solutions. This includes anchoring entrepreneurship more firmly in the curricula, expanding interdisciplinary teaching formats and creating low-threshold programmes in which ideas can be tried out and developed further – without fear of failure.”
Hof University of Applied Sciences is strong in application-oriented research. Where do you see the greatest opportunities to further develop this profile – also in the face of national and international competition?
“I see the greatest opportunities in building a clear profile while remaining open to new topics. Hof University of Applied Sciences has successfully positioned itself in future-oriented fields such as information systems, materials science, biopolymers, water, energy and the sustainable use of resources. We want to consistently develop these established focal points and at the same time leave room for new fields of research. Both nationally and internationally, we are particularly convincing thanks to our high level of implementation expertise, close cooperation with partners in practice and our interdisciplinary structures. The targeted expansion of international research collaborations will play an important role in this.”
What role do collaborations with regional companies, start-ups and public institutions play in your strategy?
“Cooperations are the backbone of a university of applied sciences. Close collaboration with regional companies, start-ups and public institutions not only enables practically relevant research, but also innovations with direct added value for the region. My aim is to further intensify these partnerships, develop new cooperation formats and position Hof University of Applied Sciences as a central innovation partner in the region and beyond.”
What challenges does the new position entail and how will you measure the success of your work in the coming years?
“I see a key challenge in strategically utilising limited resources wisely and at the same time bringing together different interests and perspectives. For me, success is not only measured by quantitative indicators such as third-party funding or publications, but also by qualitative aspects: transparent and functioning structures, lively networking within and outside the university and a culture in which research, transfer and entrepreneurship are a natural part of the university.”
What message would you like to pass on to young researchers and students interested in founding a company at the start of your term of office?
“Be curious, courageous and persistent. Research and start-ups thrive on the willingness to break new ground – even if it sometimes seems unusual. Use the resources and networks of our university, engage in interdisciplinary dialogue and don’t be afraid to see mistakes as learning opportunities. Your courage, commitment and creativity are crucial for us to be able to develop innovative solutions to the challenges of our time together.”
Thank you very much for the interview and all the best for your new role!
