Objectives of the Competence Center for Black Sea Region Studies

The Competence Center for Black Sea Region Studies unites the expertise from different departments and study programmes at the University of Applied Sciences BFI Vienna (UAS BFI Vienna). Within UAS BFI Vienna, our aim is to generate fist-hand research results and to transfer our business related expertise into the teaching programmes.

At the same time, we establish a bridge between UAS BFI Vienna and academia, businesses and media in Austria, Germany, Europe and worldwide. We bring together expertise on cultural, historical, (geo-)political, economic, and business aspects concerning the wider Black Sea Region. The geographic focus also includes Russia, the South Caucasus and Central Asia, as well as the growing influence of China in this region. The academic coordinator of this network is Hannes Meissner.

Political Risks for International Companies

Our main expertise lies on „Political Risk“. International operations are per se associated with additional risks for companies. A new environment different from the well-known home-market combined with a political and institutional framework the organization is less acquainted with, makes international business more complex, and riskier. Political risk is a concept that covers those risk factors for international companies that root in the political and institutional environment of a country but have immediate consequences on the company’s performance.

Teaching

Through our networking activities, research projects, conferences, and publications we generate new insights our students directly benefit from, since we offer the elective module Black Sea Region. Hence, the graduates of the University of Applied Sciences BFI Vienna benefit from an academic specialisation which is unique in Austria.

Events

The Competence Center for Black Sea Region Studies offers a public event series, the “Business Talk Black Sea Region Series” as well as regular symposia on latest developments in the region.

Advisory board “Black Sea Region”

The advisory board „Black Sea Region“, consisting of external experts, supports the networking activities of the Competence Center for Black Sea Region Studies and promotes information exchange with other institutions.

Definition of the Black Sea Region

The Competence Center for Black Sea Region Studies closer focus lies on Ukraine, Moldova, Russia, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. However, our expertise also covers the post-Soviet Central Asian republics of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tadjikistan.