Students Introduce Themselves to the Network Partners

The bachelor’s program in Digital Public Management and Consulting (DPMC) launched at Hochschule Offenburg in the 2026–27 winter semester with approximately 30 students. It combines the three forward-looking fields of the public sector, digital transformation, and management. To ensure the program goes beyond theory, students work on real-world problems in projects with industry partners right from the start. The program kicked off with a networking event in the auditorium of Gengenbach Monastery, to which existing network partners and other interested parties were invited.

The group was deliberately diverse. In addition to the students and representatives from the University, the gathering included industry partners from public administration—primarily at the municipal level—as well as from other public institutions, private companies, and IT consulting firms.

Rector Prof. Dr. Stephan Trahasch, Dean of Studies Prof. Dr. Jonas Weigert, and Markus Ritzel, Director of the Public Sector at Nagarro ES GmbH—which funds an endowed professorship for the program—welcomed the visiting guests. After brief introductory remarks, Jonas Weigert led the group into a four-round speed-dating session. For this, the students had prepared four display boards outlining their expectations for the program, their goals, and initial project ideas. At each display board, a group of students gave a presentation; the participants rotated from station to station, asking questions and sharing their practical perspectives. Lively discussions quickly developed. The ideas centered on tangible projects, such as a platform for greater civic engagement or an app for trash collection.

Afterward, the event transitioned into an open exchange around the display boards and at the bar tables. Even after the official program ended, the conversation continued. Participants took the opportunity to further network and specialize in their initial project ideas.

The networking meeting marks the start of an ongoing series. The University, students, and industry partners plan to meet regularly in the future to coordinate projects for the practical modules and support the development of the degree program. The network is intended to function in both directions. The professional sector will contribute its questions and challenges to the program, and the University will feed back insights from research and teaching to the professional sector. In this way, the program aims to create a lasting network connecting business, public agencies, and the University in the public sector. Additional network partners are therefore welcome. Those interested can contact the Dean of Studies, Prof. Dr. Jonas Weigert, via email at jonas.weigert@hs-offenburg.de.