As a representative of the Hochschulallianz Ruhr (HAR), the Rector of Fachhochschule Dortmund, Prof. Dr. Tamara Appel, took part in a delegation trip to Osaka with colleagues from the three universities. The business and scientific exchange was organized by the City of Dortmund, the International Relations Team and NRW.Global Business. In addition to the HAR representatives, participants also included the Dortmund Economic Development Agency and Borussia Dortmund.
The focus was on the seminar "Achieving the Circular Economy in NRW/Germany", which was jointly organized by NRW.Global Business, the foreign trade promotion agency of the state of NRW, and the City of Dortmund. As Germany's leading economic and innovation center and home to the largest Japanese business community in Europe, NRW wants to break new ground in line with the European Clean Industrial Deal - with closed value chains, more efficient use of resources and strong networks between business, science and local authorities.
Relevance of the alliance
Prof. Appel emphasized the relevance of the alliance, consisting of Bochum University of Applied Sciences, Westphalian University of Applied Sciences and Arts and Dortmund University of Applied Sciences, in this area during a panel discussion: "As an alliance with a broad portfolio, we are also a strong partner for companies, institutions and municipalities looking for innovation partnerships in the transformation to a circular economy - regionally, internationally and across industries."
HAR colleagues Prof. Dr. Peter Hense and Prof. Dr. Semih Severengiz from Bochum University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Katja Becker from Westfälische Hochschule and Prof. Dr. Lioudmila Voropai and Prof. Andreas Pawlitzki from Fachhochschule Dortmund contributed their expertise to the exchange with around 130 Japanese entrepreneurs.
Visit to the Expo
The program also included a visit to several pavilions at Expo 2025 on the topic of the circular economy. An invitation from the German Federal Government on German Nation Day also increased the visibility of HAR among high-ranking political representatives such as Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär.
"Especially in these times, building and maintaining international relations is so important," emphasizes the Rector. "We are committed to a stronger transfer of expertise between science and Business Studies - across national borders."