Interdisciplinary Studies in the Context of XTech (XTECH)

Context

The research program “Interdisciplinary Studies in the Context of XTech (XTECH)” comprises a doctoral program focusing on the application of digital technologies across various application domains such as FinTech, GreenTech, and HealthTech. It addresses relevant technologies from computer science and engineering to solve problems in specific domains and application environments (X = Sustainability, Finance, Health, etc.), including Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing, and the Internet of Things, among others.

Such technologies are particularly well suited for exploration within an Industrial PhD Program. Companies need innovations, solutions, and experts who understand complex digital solutions and can develop innovative and more resilient systems. The scope of the program includes investigating novel applications across various key sectors. The program promotes interdisciplinary research, combines theoretical foundations with application-oriented projects, and facilitates cooperation with industry and public institutions. Its aim is to strengthen scientific excellence and make contributions that sustainably enhance technological impact, security, and societal relevance.

The program fosters a deep understanding of relevant research and innovation fields and applies advanced research methods (e.g., Design Science Research), enabling graduates to shape technological innovation within companies. This call for applications addresses the objectives, structure, content, research approaches, and career prospects of this unique PhD program. 12 PhD positions are available for the April 2027 intake.

Program Objectives and Structure

The doctoral program “Interdisciplinary Studies in the Context of XTech (XTECH)” is conducted in cooperation with the renowned University of Wolverhampton and generally lasts three years, depending on individual progress throughout the program, particularly with regard to publications. Admission requirements include an excellent Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as Business, Sustainability Management, Finance, Computer Science, or Business Information Systems, significant professional experience, a well-developed research proposal, and a compelling personal profile.

The program pursues the following core objectives:

• Knowledge Development: Students acquire an in-depth understanding of relevant topics in application domains, relevant technology clusters, and Design Science Research.
• Interdisciplinary Research Skills: Students develop the ability to produce relevant research findings and publish them in appropriate journals and conferences.
• Methodological Expertise: Students acquire sound expertise in essential research methods within a globally competitive environment.
• Impact: Through the program’s outcomes, students generate measurable impact for companies and society, for example through publications, prototypes, startups, or patents.

Curriculum

The curriculum integrates PhD seminars and colloquia designed to foster competitive, cutting-edge research in the specified application areas and provide comprehensive academic development. Core content includes:

• Quantitative Methods for Research and Management: Statistical and mathematical techniques for business analysis and decision-making.
• Qualitative Methods: Exploratory interviews, expert interviews, and focus groups as a foundation for concept-oriented research approaches.
• Scientific Impact: Publications in leading outlets, patents, startups, projects involving student groups, empirical research, research ethics, and the use of GenAI.
• General Research Methodology: Research paradigms, literature and document analysis, structuring academic publications, and presenting and publishing research findings at globally relevant conferences.

Research Opportunities

The PhD program offers a broad range of potential research topics aligned with the requirements of potential candidates and partner companies. Potential research areas are derived from specific challenges encountered in business practice as well as from the academic knowledge base. The outcomes of the PhD projects are intended to be relevant to both the academic community and business practice.

Research Methods

Doctoral researchers apply a variety of research methods combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to address complex interdisciplinary questions. These methods include:

• Design Science Research: Development of relevant artifacts and prototypes for application in business practice.
• Case Studies: In-depth analysis of specific organizations or projects to generate insights and identify best practices.
• Surveys and Interviews: Collection of data from stakeholders to understand trends and perspectives.
• Mathematical Modeling: Development of models to simulate business processes and predict outcomes.
• Experimental Design: Conducting experiments to test hypotheses and evaluate interventions.
• Data Analytics: Using large datasets to uncover patterns and support decision-making.

International Collaboration

The PhD program is a pioneering initiative emphasizing global collaboration and cross-cultural academic exchange. The program is structured around a unique partnership model and is implemented in cooperation with the University of Wolverhampton (UoW). Its international structure is designed to provide students with diverse perspectives, access to world-class research facilities, and opportunities to collaborate with leading experts.

Academia and Practice

The Industrial PhD Program is an innovative approach to advanced education that enables PhD candidates to work simultaneously on business applications and academic research. This dual approach is intended to bridge the gap between academia and industry and promote practical applications through scientific research while supporting the professional development of doctoral researchers.

Industrial PhD programs are becoming increasingly popular because they provide significant benefits to both doctoral researchers and supporting companies while also generating valuable insights and advances for the academic community.

Dissertation and Defense

The centerpiece of the PhD program is the dissertation, a substantial research project that contributes new knowledge to the relevant field of research. The dissertation process includes:

• Preparation of a Research Proposal: Submission and defense of a research proposal describing the planned research project.
• Implementation and Publication of Subprojects: Conducting research projects, analyzing the results, and preparing at least three individual publications for journals and conferences.
• Defense: Presentation of the dissertation before an examination committee and defense of the methodology, findings, and conclusions.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the PhD program have a broad range of career opportunities in both academia and industry. Academic career options include teaching as a Privatdozent/in (private lecturer), postdoctoral positions, and appointments to professorships.

From an industry perspective, the PhD program qualifies graduates for leadership positions and provides substantial opportunities to expand their professional networks. It therefore offers a comprehensive and demanding pathway for individuals interested in bridging the gap between technology and business and creating real-world impact through research.

With a strong curriculum, diverse research opportunities, and promising career prospects, the program equips PhD candidates with the knowledge and skills required to make important contributions to business and research. As digital transformation continues, demand for qualified experts capable of operating at this intersection will continue to grow, making the program an excellent investment in one’s professional future.

Status of Doctoral Researchers

Doctoral researchers are enrolled as PhD Research Students at the University of Wolverhampton and conduct their doctoral research within the framework of the institutional cooperation with the Knowledge Foundation @ Reutlingen University.

The University of Wolverhampton is the degree-awarding university and is responsible for the doctoral examination process and the awarding of the PhD. Research projects are jointly supervised by academics from both partner institutions and are carried out at the Reutlingen location. There, doctoral researchers are provided with access to the necessary research infrastructure as well as local academic supervision.

The program thus combines formal registration and the awarding of the doctorate by the University of Wolverhampton with the implementation and supervision of doctoral research within the research environment in Reutlingen. In addition, doctoral researchers may be employed during their research activities by a relevant corporate partner of the Industrial PhD Program. Such a corporate partner may also contribute to financing the participation fees. For particularly talented candidates and subject to limited availability, the Knowledge Foundation offers scholarships covering participation fees, free accommodation, and living expenses.

Call for Applications

The Call for Applications for the program starting in April 2027 is open until March 31, 2027. Expressions of interest in the program may be submitted informally by email to Prof. Dr. Alexander Rossmann. Following the expression of interest, further information regarding the application procedure and the documents to be submitted will be provided.

Information on the Application Process

The application process for doctoral candidates in the “Interdisciplinary Studies in the Context of XTech (XTECH)” research program consists of the following steps:

• Submission of an expression of interest by interested candidates.
• Information from the Knowledge Foundation regarding the required application materials.
• Submission of application materials by interested candidates.
• Notification of admission to the application process and issuance of a conditional offer.
• Acceptance of the conditional offer by interested candidates.
• Initial interviews, feedback, and development of a research proposal.
• Evaluation of the research proposal and request to submit application documents to the university administration.
• Submission of application documents by interested candidates.
• Selection of the supervisory team; second interview with the supervisory team.
• Issuance of the final offer by the university; finalization of the application documents.
• Admission to the doctoral program.
• Optional: Application for visas, housing, and financial support.