As a transformative force behind new radical ideas and when it comes to both artistic and scientific discovery, creativity is a pivotal driving force. Creativity can reveal, visualize and create new contexts. Given the growing complexity of contemporary challenges as well as social and digital transformation, the ability to come up with new ideas and explore new paths is more important than ever before. The idea is is to address issues as a whole and take a more multidimensional approach; applying the tools and approaches from just one particular field and subject area is not enough.

We need science and art, but more importantly, we need their mutual inspiration and synergies. Creating our future requires urgently embracing a transdisciplinary approach along with inclusive research that goes beyond subject-specific constraints and one that progressively focuses on social advancements. In the spirit of future-oriented “responsible technology”, these pursuits play a key role in research and development.

Based on these objectives, the Johannes Kepler University and the University of Applied Arts Vienna launched the Alliance for Creative Innovation in 2019. Based on this unique partnership, the inter-university Art x Science School for Transformation was established in 2023.