The Faculty of Management Sciences held their annual Herman Mashaba Public Lecture delivered by Prof. Dr Andreas Altmann, Rector: MCI The Entrepreneurial School.

Prof. Dr. Andreas Altmann has been the Rector of MCI The Entrepreneurial School in Innsbruck, Austria since 2012. He is also an Honorary Professor at the University of Innsbruck since 2013. He is also an Austrian economist and founder of MCI Management Center Innsbruck Internationale Hochschule GmbH. He has been a visiting professor in different universities over the years and has a professional history in economics and management, and is a well-known figure in the international education, research, and management world.

In her opening remarks, Professor Pamela Dube, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal expressed the university’s unwavering commitment to equip CUT graduates with fundamental entrepreneurial skills. She emphasised the university’s dedication to provide the students with opportunities not only to acquire the basic skills but also to continually enhance their entrepreneurial knowledge and capabilities.

In his lecture, Prof. Dr. Andreas addressed the theme "Let's Talk Innovation", where he shed light on the innovative endeavours undertaken by the Management Center Innsbruck (MCI). He further elaborated on how the center strives to meet and even surpass the expectations set by universities. He shared his expertise and provided valuable insights on Innovation.

His presentation focused on the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship within academic institutions and provided historical context. Prof. Dr. Andreas said that the traditional role of universities revolved around the accumulation of knowledge and the consolidation of existing information. However, this approach has evolved over time. It has transitioned from being solely concerned with gathering knowledge to emphasising the importance of distributing this knowledge beyond academic circles. He also mentioned that the shift towards publication and sharing knowledge with a wider audience has played a pivotal role in this transformation.

“The central role of universities has now expanded to include knowledge production. This encompasses not only fundamental research but also applied research, which has gained much significance. Moreover, universities are not limited to research alone; they are actively involved in the development of tangible products. This shift has led to a greater emphasis on innovation, taking what has been produced and generated within academic institutions and transferring it to various domains. Such transfers can manifest as new technologies, research findings, or innovative solutions.”

He added that the overarching goal of entrepreneurial universities goes beyond knowledge collection, distribution, and creation. “It extends to creating concrete impacts in the economy and society. This impact is multifaceted, encompassing the education and training of individuals to become successful entrepreneurs. Furthermore, it extends to cultivating successful citizens who can actively engage in politics, and democracy, and contribute to the formation of a vibrant and engaged society.”

In conclusion, he stated that it is important to note that the traditional function of knowledge collection remains relevant within an expanded framework. “This evolution signifies the progressive role that universities play in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal development. Entrepreneurship in academia is an important aspect of modern universities, which have evolved from simply collecting and distributing knowledge to generating new knowledge and creating tangible outcomes that benefit society.”