The country needs new mediators - "Skills and areas of application for transformation pilots in regional development and change management"
This was the title of the 11th round table on 14.06.2012, which was dedicated to the Master's degree course "Integrative Regional and Transformation Management - Transformation Pilot" planned at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.
Around 40 participants discussed the course of action for the degree program with the speakers Ms. Böhm, Dr. Eisenberg and Dr. Scurrell as well as the project team.
One of the topics discussed was the self-image of transformation pilots: How do they behave in the mixed situation of different interests and demands? These include those of the employer or client, regional groups and, last but not least, their own goals and premises. In order to withstand this tension and still move processes forward, a certain inner stability is required. Collegial networking, even beyond the direct working context (alumni, etc.), helps and protects against lone wolves.
It was discussed that the current crisis-like phenomena require a "major turnaround", as outlined, for example, in the report by the German Advisory Council on Global Change (WBGU). This also affects our understanding of the economy: what do we mean, and do we also have in mind the many creative, locally anchored, value-creating initiatives that already exist?
The fundamental question is therefore where the transformation should go - this is a learning process for society as a whole, and therefore "we still have to learn what we need to know" (B. Scurrell). This experimental, open attitude should also characterize the course and be reflected in the project work. Nevertheless, an overview knowledge of various disciplines is important in order to be able to assess processes, devise strategies, avoid pitfalls, bring stakeholders on board and network as a transformation pilot.
In addition to this focus on content, information was provided on subsequent marketing (terms and designations) so that supply (degree program) and demand (potentially interested parties) can also find each other.
It was agreed to continue the exchange - the planned degree program is geared towards practical needs on the one hand and aims to enable students to contribute to qualitative social change on the other. The study documents will be further elaborated in the coming weeks.