Wittenborg Research Centre Sets Strategic Agenda for 2026–2027

21.10.2025

Driving Collaboration, Innovation and Global Engagement

The Wittenborg Research Centre (RC) charted its strategic priorities for the 2026–2027 year on 7 October, in a session chaired by Aydan Holtrigter, Research Centre Manager.

The meeting spotlighted key developments, including the Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) Forum, AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) follow-up, and the newly launched Research Plan 2026–2031.

Rauf Abdul, Head of the School of Business, shared insights from the recent CoVE Forum in Kolding, highlighting opportunities for collaboration and a strong focus on applied research. Abdul reported that Wittenborg currently has four CoVE proposals under review, with results expected in December. In the TourXpeRience project, five new VR headsets have been introduced to enrich classroom activities, supported by Carlos Roos, Assistant Professor of Applied Sciences, and Emma Muchoki, Lecturer and Education Support.

Abdul also provided an update on Wittenborg's AACSB journey, noting that with the visit of an AACSB Peer Review Team (PRT), composed of experienced business and accounting education leaders, an evaluation of the school's quality systems takes place and provision of expert advice for continuous improvement.

Abdul reminded colleagues of ongoing Assurance of Learning (AoL) obligations and the importance of maintaining Scholarly Academic status through publications that carry Wittenborg affiliation.

Ad Kil, Professor of Applied Sciences, presented the Conceptual Foundation and Suggested Research Activities 2026–2031. Kil outlined how the plan organises the RC’s research around three interdisciplinary “chairs,” linking ten research themes with Wittenborg’s academic disciplines: International HRM & Future of Work in a Digital World, International Entrepreneurship & Innovation in Global Networks, and Future of Organisations, Governance & Societal Impact. Next steps include establishing a steering committee, conducting internal consultations, and defining measurable KPIs to guide implementation.

Holtrigter concluded by highlighting upcoming events, including Erasmus Days and the Globalisation Forum (3 to 6 November), both designed to showcase Wittenborg’s international engagement.

Looking ahead to 2026–2027, the Research Centre is reaffirming its commitment to applied research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global engagement through projects, publications and partnerships.