For the seventh edition of UB Impulse, on 12 October 2015, the School of International Relations and Public Administration welcomed Prof Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Johann Loehn in cooperation with the Integrated Mineral Resource Initiative of the `Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit’ (GIZ) to the National University of Mongolia (NUM). In 1983, Prof Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Johann Loehn began to build up a network of transfer centers based on a model he developed which is called “Loehn Method-L”. It came with the concept of transfer entrepreneurship, a cornerstone that created the Steinbeis Foundation as it is today – a global knowledge and technology transfer corporation. Professor Loehn remains committed to his life’s work as an Honorary Trustee of the Steinbeis Foundation and as President of the Steinbeis University Berlin (SHB).
The event started with inaugural remarks by Professor Bayarmagnai G, Vice President Of Academic Affair, the National University of Mongolia (NUM) and Dr.Dr.h.c. Stefan Hanselmann, Director of GIZ IMRI, both stressed the importance of innovation in universities, businesses and public institutions as well as the importance of UB Impulse as a platform that hosts and fosters the public debate on important issues for Mongolia.
The subsequent talk given by Professor Loehn further elaborated the importance of technology and knowledge transfers in the modern world as technological advancement is rapidly penetrating into our lives in many different way. He also pointed out that innovation is crucial to the continuing success of any organization.
Further, he raised the questions of how to adapt these rapid technological changes, what strategies public and private entities to develop in order to survive, which strategy model to choose in the specific country situation, and how to increase the value of workforce. Moreover, the Professor stressed the important role of universities as they are the building bridges of business and research development as universities are the important source for competitive capacity building and innovation.
The talk was followed by an open discussion, hosted by Dr. Undraa A, whom gave room for interesting questions, especially on the future of universities and global transfer of technology and knowledge. The audience, consisted of faculty members and students of the NUM and other universities, representatives from public organizations and private entities, members of international organizations and NGOs, and journalists, entered into the question and answer session. The participants of this event asked various questions on how to implement technology and knowledge transfer in Mongolia, how to initiate the cooperation between the universities and businesses, and what role should the government play in innovation development, and what model of innovation is suitable for Mongolia. The closing remarks addressed by Prof. Dr. Battulga S., Director of the School of International Relations and Public Administration, and Dr. Dr.h.c. Stefan Hanselmann. In summary, the School of International Relations and Public Administration is very grateful to have Professor Johann Loehn as a speaker and more than happy to host another inspiring edition of UB Impulse. This event proves that UB Impulse has established itself as one of the mouthpieces of the public debate on relevant issues for Mongolia and will further accompany the country on its way into the future.