How can universities and cities work together to shape societal transformation? This was the focus of the TransformationsFORUM Hochschulstadt held on May 5, 2026, in Halle (Saale). At the invitation of the Stifterverband, representatives from universities, local governments, and scientific organizations came together to develop new ideas for collaboration between academia and urban society.
The Just Transition Center (JTC) was also featured in the main program and, together with the HALIS Institute for Structural Change and Sustainability, organized the workshop Just Transition Center – Spaces for Dialogue on Sustainable Urban Transformation.
Susanne Hübner and Stephanie Jahn from the Transfer Team presented the JTC, focusing on its innovative transfer infrastructure. The presentation centered on the transfer incubator and its unique roles and formats. Special attention was given to the Revierscouts , which serve as a key interface between academia, local governments, and other regional stakeholders.
Next, JTC researchers Jenny Steinhorst, Ralf Halama, and Jan Winkler presented their main areas of research and their current projects in collaboration with local governments. Using concrete examples, they demonstrated how joint transformation processes can be initiated and how collaborations between academia and practice can be established.
The ensuing discussion focused on the opportunities and challenges of collaboration between universities, local governments, and regional stakeholders. The participants broke into small groups and discussed specific approaches for forging even closer ties between academia and regions undergoing structural change.
We would like to thank Felix Schiedlowski (HALIS) for designing and facilitating the workshop.
