FernUniversität Hagen is the only state-run distance learning university in Germany and has about 70,000 students. This is hardly comparable to the number of students at FFHS, which is just under 3,000. Yet the two institutions have much in common. For example, in terms of future questions: how can artificial intelligence be used meaningfully in the educational environment? What experience do the two universities have in the field of e-assessment?

The two universities intend to collaborate in different areas to bring together common topics, expertise and experience. Michael Zurwerra, rector of FFHS: "The FernUniversität in Hagen has great experience in researching digital forms of learning. At the same time, the FFHS also runs a center of expertise for the development of teaching with the inclusion of AI and a UNESCO chair for research in this field. Cooperation allows us to better understand the problems of the future and learn from each other."

The Vice Chancellor of FernUniversität Hagen, Prof. Dr. Stefan Stürmer, also confirms this: "Digital transformation presents universities with major challenges that can best be solved through cooperation in research, teaching, administration and development. FernUniversität is therefore pleased to have the FFHS as a versatile partner in the SUPSI university network."

The declaration of intent was signed at the FFHS strategic conference in Zermatt, in the presence of SUPSI Director General Franco Gervasoni.