The needs of academic collaboration between industries and universities in the field of energy management

Short Abstract: Business and academic collaboration across industries supports the university\u27s aim to link theory and practice and lead to joint projects, exchange of experience and treatment of scientific/practical issues. This presentation will show how academic collaboration between industries and universities support the practical relevance regarding the energy management program at Hochschule Darmstadt. Full Abstract: What benefits are to be gained from academic collaboration in industries and how can practical relevance be integrated in the curriculum? This presentation gives an overview of how Hochschule Darmstadt links theory and practice. A focus will be on the practical semester offered at the Bachelor of Energy Management. Energy Management provides Business administration plus engineering and law. It is a highly interdisciplinary and comprehensive study for those who plan a career in energy supply companies, grid companies or electro-intensive companies. Students who attend the Energy Management (B.Sc.) program have to undertake a practical semester. In practical semesters, which are integrated within study courses, students work in companies, administrations, etc. and are mentored by a professor and an experienced practitioner. The students profit from this experience, as they are able to apply the knowledge obtained through lectures and critically evaluate their task and experiences. 2/3 of the enrolled students write their thesis in cooperation with a Company. This allows the cooperation between the polytechnic and companies, which often results in a research study. The Practice Semester permits students to better their chances to obtain a position in the working force, as they can already prove practial experience in the area