A few words about HHL….

HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management’s history and tradition is a story of pioneering success that goes back to the 19th century. The foundation of the Handelshochschule Leipzig in 1898 marks the birthplace of management education and is the first business administration faculty in German-speaking countries. 

We educate entrepreneurial, responsible and effective business leaders through outstanding teaching, research and practice. We are driven by excellence in teaching and research to benefit our students, stakeholders and society. Our academic quality is underscored by our global outlook and a lifelong premier service and support network. Our teaching activities aim at providing students with state of the art knowledge. To do so, we combine theoretical perspectives with critical thinking and real-life case studies. Ultimately, our courses shall prepare students to effectively deal with the challenges arising from firms’ business oprtations in a globalized economy.

Question 1

Tell us something about yourself and your role in the organization.

Prof. Dr. Tobias Dauth

Prof. Dr. Tobias Dauth is a full professor for International Management. He also serves as the Academic Director for the Executive Education department at HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management. 

He is a member of the German Academic Association for Business Research (VHB), the European International Business Academy (EIBA) and the Academy of International Business (AIB). Moreover, he serves as reviewer for several international academic journals. 

His work has peen published in several peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of World Business, International Business Review or the European Management Journal.

Among other European institutions from Austria, Greece, Italy and Slovakia, HHL is carrying out the program activities. At HHL, Prof. Dauth leads the EU Eco-Tandem program.The Tandem project is based on cooperation and knowledge/tech transfer between SMEs and start-ups by solving challenges together according to a tandem approach and methodology. 

Felix Schumann

Felix Schumann serves as an Associate Program Manager for the Executive Education Department at HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management. Mr. Schumann serves as the HHL Project Manager for the EU Eco-Tandem program.

Question 2 

a)In which ways is your organisation committed to sustainability?

HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management is committed to contributing to a socially and environmentally sustainable economy and society. HHL expresses its conviction that academic institutions should systematically integrate corporate responsibility and sustainability issues into their curricula, research, teaching methods and their institutional strategy. Therefore, we aim to deeply embed environmental, social and governance (ESG) topics in our #HHLspirit and all our core activities including research, teaching, and on-campus activities. 

In particular, students are involved in sustainability projects on campus and we have integrated further sustainability topics into the HHL curriculum and our study programs. Our students develop an understanding of policies, technologies, and financial models that support sustainable development. In today's global economy, it is important to learn how to develop sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impacts and increase benefits to society and ecosystems.

b)Which are your personal motivations to join the team of EU ECO-TANDEM?

As the tourism industry continues to expand and evolve, it produces significant impacts on natural resources, consumption patterns, pollution and social systems. In order to manage and mitigate such negative impacts of tourism there is a need for sustainable/responsible planning and management throughout the tourism industry. Economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainable development must account for the interests of all stakeholders including the local communities, tourists, private organisations and public bodies. Regardless of who we are, where we live, and what we do, we all have a moral obligation to each other, our future generations, and other species to sustain the planet. 

Therefore HHL is contirubting to the EU Eco-Tandem program, which is co-funded by the European Union, to boost sustainable tourism development through transnational cooperation and knowledge transfer. The project is about finding ways and encouraging traditional tourism SMEs and (and non-tourism) innovative startups and innovators for a mutual benefit corporation (TANDEM-concept). The scope is to scout innovative solutions for helping traditional SMEs to adopt a more eco-sustainable approach in the tourism industry.

Question 3 

Why do you think sustainability represents a big potential for the tourism industry?

The tourism industry is facing new challenges (over tourism, COVID-19) that will shape the way we address sustainability in the upcoming years. The UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.” Tourism SMEs need to embrace the opportunity that the challenge of sustainability offers, as a possible driver of innovation and growth. A sustainable approach essentially involves recognising that tourism can provide many benefits. However, it also creates burdens, which if not recognised and managed, place destinations and their future at risk. Sustainable tourism practices are therefore about planning, developing and managing tourism in a way that ensures that

• Negative impacts are managed and minimised, and the net benefits tourism
  can create for places and people are enhanced;
• Natural resources are conserved, and biodiversity protected;
• Cultural traditions and heritage are respected, celebrated and preserved;
• Local economies and livelihoods are strengthened;
• The wellbeing and quality of life of communities are enhanced and they are involved in tourism decision-making

Question 4 

Why should a tourism SME join the EU ECO-TANDEM programme?

• Participate in a recognized European research program and benefit from its visibility in highlighting your contribution to tackling issues in environment, society and economy
• Improve your global business network and work in a collaborative environment with people from different European countries
• Keep yourself informed about the state of the art, recent developments and the latest trends towards more sustainability in tourism
• Gain recognition for you contribution, as participants experience and engage in an important scholarly and social activity

Question 5

Describe the EU ECO-TANDEM programme in three words.

International, sustainable, innovative

Question 6

A last question! Which is your favourite type of sustainable vacation?

• Housing: Use of eco-friendly hotels or accommodations
• Transportation: Use of sustainable mobility
• Activity: Go hiking in the mountains 

Thank you so much HHL for answering the questions, giving us a deeper understanding of the EU ECO-TANDEM partners.