Digital business models are transforming the global economy. Coburg University is placing greater emphasis on educating its students in this field and has brought Prof. Dr. Marianne Hock-Döpgen from Lower Franconia to Kronach to head the forward-looking bachelor’s program in Digital Business Models and Technologies at the Lucas Cranach Campus (LCC). 

A doctor of economics, she boasts an impressive resume: She established the “Alte Schlosserei” Digital Startup Center (DGZ) in Aschaffenburg and most recently led it to 100 percent capacity utilization. Numerous successful startups have emerged from the DGZ and achieved great success in recognized startup competitions. Prof. Dr. Hock-Döpgen earned her doctorate at the University of Marburg with a dissertation on business model innovation. Her research is internationally recognized, has received multiple awards, and has been published in leading academic journals. With more than ten years of teaching experience at universities, she combines academic excellence with practical teaching and has also worked in internationally active companies herself. 

Hans Rebhan, Chairman of the Lucas Cranach Campus Foundation, is certain: “With her innovative spirit and expertise, Prof. Dr. Hock-Döpgen will further advance the positive development of the international degree program ‘Digital Business Models and Technologies’ in Kronach. We are grateful and delighted to have her on board for this endeavor.”

Prof. Dr. Christian Zagel, Director of the Coburg University of Applied Sciences campus at the LCC and Program Director of ZukunftsDesign, says: “Prof. Dr. Hock-Döpgen’s commitment aligns perfectly with our mission of providing excellent, practice-oriented education. We are delighted to have her on our team and to work together on the further development of the campus.”

Prof. Dr. Marianne Hock-Döpgen adds: “Inspiring students to engage with business model innovation and entrepreneurship is a cause close to my heart. My goal is to use my work to further highlight the relevance of the program and thereby bring the Lucas Cranach Campus and Kronach more into the academic spotlight as a place to study.”

The international bachelor’s program in Digital Business Models and Technologies combines digital technologies with management and finance skills. Students work on real-world projects, delve into topics such as AI, data science, and FinTech, and gain valuable experience through an integrated internship. Courses taught in English, German language classes, and a clearly structured curriculum provide optimal preparation for an international, digitally driven professional world.