Thesis Topics

Democracy in fictitious film plots
A systematic media observation shall document how democracy is represented in fictitious stories, in particular in plots of cinema movies. The hypothesis is that democratic decision structures hardly dominate, whereas authoritarian thinking and the presence of authoritarian regimes or leadership can often be observed, partly without explicit critical reflection.
Supervisor: Ponocny

The role of universities in governance
To what extent, and how, do universities participate as actors in local and regional governance in a particular country (or region)? This could be done for the country as a whole, providing an overview of the historical role of universities in providing leadership and problem-solving expertise, and how and why this role has changed over time. Or else it could be a single or comparative case study of a particular university within the context of its city and region. Issues of importance would include the motives for universities to become involved, the kinds of issues or problems where universities become involved, the type(s) of governance structures in which universities become involved as actors and the relationship of universities with other actors/stakeholders within the structure; and the outcomes of university participation in governance: what difference does it make?
Supervisor: Goldstein

Successes of cluster-based economic development strategies
How successful have cluster-based economic development strategies been in your country (or in a particular city or region)? Cluster strategies, according to Porter and others, are supposed to lead to greater beneficial outcomes, including national/regional competitiveness, economic growth, and levels of economic well-being. Has this been the case? If not, what are the reasons?
Supervisor: Goldstein

Multi-level governance structures in cross-border regions
What kinds of governance structures are most effective for maximizing cross-border cooperation? This is a question which is top on the list of the European Union, but is also of high relevance for the candidate countries. Within this focus the question of different types of interaction patterns and coordination mechanisms should be addressed. What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of such mechanisms? And what are the benefits of the formation of networks and partnerships among different cross-border organizations?
Supervisor: Sedlacek

Governance for Sustainable Development at the international level
The question should focus on international environmental cooperation and the need for international environmental agreements and how free-riding in international environmental cooperation could be prevented.
Supervisor: Sedlacek

Governance for Sustainable Development at the regional level
The question should address the role of different stakeholders in fostering sustainable development. The analysis should focus on regional economic development strategies and how a sustainable pathway could be implemented.
Supervisor: Sedlacek

Creating Knowledge Regions by Increasing the Incidence of University Spinoffs
University spinoffs (USOs) are new businesses created from new technology developed from university research activities. The creation of USOs is one of the most important ways universities have attempted to stimulate innovation and economic development. Yet there are many barriers and obstacles that impede the creation of USOs. These vary from university to university, but also among regions because of different regional economic conditions. They also vary among nations because of different laws, regulations and policies that may encourage or discourage USOs.
This suggested thesis topic would examine the policies at the local, regional or national levels that could affect the incidence of USOs through conducting one or more case studies, where the cases could be (i) the university; (ii) the region; (iii) individual USOs. It would be anticipated that primary data collection would be required.
Supervisor: Goldstein