A Study of Stakeholder Perspectives on Established Characteristics and Areas for Development in a Cooperative State University in Germany

Abstract

Cooperative state universities have become an integral part of the German higher education system. Ongoing social, technological, and labour market changes, however, require continuous development of structures, curricula, and institutional conditions. This study evaluates (a) the relevance of established characteristics and (b) potential areas for development using a multilateral perspective. An online survey was distributed to all stakeholders of the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University, yielding responses from 2,401 students, 184 professors, 1,504 external lecturers, and 1,118 dual partners. Results indicate that most established characteristics were considered relevant, with the highest approval for alternating theory-practice phases and the lowest for intensive study programmes. Regarding areas of development, stakeholders identified potential for adapting the programme design to developments in artificial intelligence, strengthening the theorypractice linkage, ensuring non-discriminatory access, or fostering life skills. Compared to other groups, professors expressed the lowest approval rates for these development areas. Overall, the findings suggest that the current system requires fine-tuning of existing elements rather than a fundamental structural transformation.