The discussion also focused on a key question for the future: How can TH OWL contribute to the sustainable industrial development of the steel industry? Professor Krahl presented the university's diverse research and transfer activities – from innovative hydrogen technologies to digital production solutions.
Dr. Koch identified topics that are of great interest to both the university and companies, such as the production of green hydrogen and the SmartFactoryOWL at the Innovation Campus Lemgo.
At the same time, he was impressed by the dynamic development of the university in recent years: "The impression I took away as a former Lemgo resident is that of a university that has evolved in recent years from a pure 'Learning Site' to a place of teaching, exchange, and development."
Dr. Koch continued: "I was impressed, for example, by the proximity of East Westphalian industry to the campus and the number of highly interesting projects – I was not aware, for example, that racing cars are even built at the TH. But also the highly innovative buildings, whose design with quiet places for learning, other places for exchange, and so on, is very tailored to the needs of the students, left me with the impression that this is truly a university that has arrived in the 21st century."
Another encouraging sign: Dr. Koch has joined University Advancement of TH OWL, thereby strengthening the connection between the university and industry.
In addition, he is also involved in teaching: as a lecturer in the Bachelor's program in Digital Management Solutions at the BildungsCampus Herford, Dr. Koch brings his industrial experience to the education of the next generation – with great passion and practical relevance. And this is how it came about: "Professor Krahl and I spoke to each other at a celebration marking 40 years since we took our high school graduation exams, which led to me getting in touch with the DiMS degree program in Herford and giving a lecture there on negotiation skills. After that, I was asked if I would be interested in teaching on this degree program, which I then began doing with my employer's permission starting in the 2022/23 winter semester."
Since then, Dr. Koch has been teaching the "Organizational Development and Change Management" module at DiMS together with Daniela Vogel. His part is organizational development.
"With more than 20 years of practical experience, I try to stay very close to practical examples in my teaching and thus illustrate the theory. The degree program is a good example of innovative learning. It offers the opportunity to combine the degree program and professional engagement in a way that is maximally beneficial for both sides (company and students) on one day per week of in-person attendance. The students and the degree program management team are highly committed. Here, practice is skillfully combined with theory," reports Dr. Ralf Koch.
TH OWL is delighted about this combination of regional roots, industrial expertise, and academic commitment—and looks forward to future collaborations for a sustainable and innovative industry.