Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien

WU Global Mindset Initiative

With the WU Global Mindset Initiative, WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business) is pursuing a holistic approach to embedding internationalisation in its study programmes.

International experience on WU Campus and beyond

Objectives

The WU Global Mindset Initiative contributes to several objectives that can be structured at both individual and institutional levels. At the individual level, the WU Global Mindset Initiative aims to equip ALL (!) students with a multidimensional set of international and intercultural skills ("Global Mindset") through a coordinated set of measures (see "Implemented Activities") as part of their studies. In the first phase of the Global Mindset Initiative, the students of the largest bachelor's programme (Economics and Social Sciences, approx. 3,000 newcomers per year) represent the main target group. At the institutional level, the Global Mindset Initiative contributes to the goal of positioning the university in the global competition through internationally oriented students and programmes, thereby gaining a competitive advantage. Both levels of objectives are based on the understanding that internationality is not an end in itself, but positively influences the strategic goals of the university through: - Empowering students to take on responsible roles ("responsible leaders" or "future bearers") in an international context. - Promoting WU as an institution in its continuous development and pursuit of excellence. The Global Mindset Initiative is thus an essential component of the WU strategy and is outlined in central strategic documents: "Internationality is a fundamental principle in the design of the degree programmes at WU [...]. This international orientation is supported by WU's Global Mindset Initiative." (WU Development Plan, p. 13) "WU is convinced that a 'global mindset' is a key qualification for future leaders and individuals in business and legal professions; it is essential at a university – even for those who cannot go abroad." (WU Strategy Compass, p. 11)

Background

The starting point of the Global Mindset Initiative was the internal strategic decision to embed internationality as a continuous and visible principle in WU's study programmes. External factors, such as international accreditations (like EQUIS) and WU's close ties with international networks, including the European University ENGAGE.EU, had a supportive influence on the implementation. This is particularly relevant as internationalisation is a key pillar of the EQUIS accreditation and participation in alliances requires study programmes, which allow for international collaboration and mobility. The reform of the Bachelor's programme in Business, Economics and Social Sciences (BAWISO23) – the largest Bachelor's programme in Austria by student numbers – was therefore taken as an opportunity to radically rethink the aspect of internationality, involving the governing bodies (Rectorate, Senate) as well as stakeholders from faculty and service units, and to implement this in a newly designed curriculum. The term "Global Mindset" was chosen as the central concept and anchor point for the various measures. All internationalisation measures within the curriculum contribute to the development of this Global Mindset. The mentioned discussion process and the definition of the general framework was followed by an in depth conceptualization and operationalization cycle, carried out by a project group comprising various service units, centrally coordinated by the Programme Management and Teaching/Learning Support as well as the International Office. Additional service units involved were Study Information, Study Regulations & Credit Transfer, and Examinations Office, and from faculty side academic programme directors and the Dean for International Affairs.

(Implemented) Activities

1) Development of a shared understanding of Global Mindset at WU This is reflected in the qualification profile of the curriculum (§1) and defines Global Mindset as a multidimensional set of competencies and skills: collaboration in intercultural teams; discourse and negotiation skills in international contexts; multilingualism; ability to reflect on own perspectives; respectful engagement with diversity; knowledge of the interconnectedness of global social and economic systems and the corresponding problem-solving competence. 2) Establishment of academic requirements for a Global Mindset A Global Mindset can be achieved through: - Completing courses at partner universities (short- and long-term mobility), accompanied by an intercultural training to reflect on the mobility period and the personal development. - Completing specifically designated courses at WU ("Global Mindset Flag"). These are new or newly designed educational offerings at WU. These requirements must be fulfilled by students as part of their studies, are awarded ECTS credits, and are prerequisites for completing the Bachelor's programme. 3) Mobility windows and new application procedure To specifically promote international academic mobility as a means of attaining a Global Mindset, mobility windows have been introduced in the curriculum, allowing for flexible recognition of academic achievements up to 30 ECTS credits. A newly designed application procedure for international mobility programs provides students with more choices and optimises the allocation of available exchange places. 4) Visibility of the Global Mindset through communication measures (website, student advisory services) The activities mentioned above are accompanied by communication measures that support students from the beginning of their studies through information and advisory services (see the provided web links).

Results

The concrete results and success of the WU Global Mindset Initiative can be impressively represented quantitatively along the two pathways to attaining a Global Mindset. Mobility: in the academic year 2024/25, the number of Bachelor students selected for mobility (exchange semester) has increased from 580 (academic year 2023/24) to 940 students. This represents an increase of over 60%. The mobility rate of WU Bachelor students is thus approaching a value of nearly 50% as the proportion of students who participate in a mobility programme (long- or short-term mobility) as part of their studies. Global Mindset course offerings at WU: in the academic year 2024/25, approximately 200 courses were offered that carry a Global Mindset Flag and support students in acquiring international competencies and skills. This includes both newly developed courses and those that have been redesigned in line with the Global Mindset. The development and redesign are supported by the Teaching and Learning Development unit. The quantitative figures suggest that the Global Mindset Initiative has a significant impact on students and promotes the development of international and intercultural skills and competencies as intended. This also indicates a potential long-term effect in line with the strategic objectives of WU outlined above. At the same time, it should be noted that the longer-term effects can only be determined based on data through graduate surveys and proper monitoring through longitudinal studies.

Lessons learned

The challenges and lessons learned can be outlined in the following aspects: Flexibility as an asset and necessity: during the implementation of the Global Mindset Initiative, the need to act flexibly became evident. To achieve the goal of a comprehensive range of courses, the awarding of a Global Mindset Flag was done more generously than originally intended. This was also intended to acknowledge that many different course formats can contribute to the goal of promoting a Global Mindset. At the same time, this approach allows for broader involvement of educators in the discourse. Resources: Both the conceptualisation and implementation have required and continue to require significant resources. It can certainly be noted that the effort was initially underestimated. This is also related to the fact that even after the conceptualisation phase, ongoing coordination and feedback discussions, as well as continuous awareness-raising on the topic, are of essential importance. Despite the time intensity, this aspect is particularly important in the implementation and is a crucial factor for success. The Journey is the Destination: The implementation of such a large undertaking should be viewed as an ongoing process, in which loops for monitoring, feedback, as well as adaptations and further development must also be planned during the implementation phase. While this may seem obvious for larger projects, it must be particularly emphasised in the context of this initiative. The initiative is based on the understanding that it is not a rigid concept, but rather that continuous learning and development are essential.

WU Global Mindset Flag

Internationalisation Award 2025

2. place in category „Internationalisation of the Curriculum“ – Internationalisierung von Studium und Lehre

Further links