Hochschule
München
University of
Applied Sciences

CARRI – Center for Applied Research in Responsible Innovation

Vision:

An innovative society that uses its resources responsibly

Mission:

We enable our doctoral students and partners to drive society forward, step by step, through applied, evidence-based research.

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Professors

Doctoral candidates

Your path to a doctorate

Why CARRI?

Carola Hofmann is writing her PhD thesis on the topic: Marketing strategies in the out-of-home catering sector

“Thanks to its in-depth specialist knowledge and innovative approaches, CARRI opens up valuable opportunities for my professional development. At the same time, it provides the ideal platform for me to contribute actively to the sustainable development of society and to the promotion of socio-ecological Transformation.”

Carola Hofmann’s CARRI page

Oliver Pfefferkorn is writing his doctoral thesis on the topic: Resilient corporate structures in sustainability and compliance risk management

“I’ve been looking for a good way to balance my career with my doctorate for quite some time now. I’ve looked into various programmes, including some international ones, but none of them have convinced me as much as the CARRI model.”

Oliver Pfefferkorn’s CARRI page

Ronald Wittenzellner is writing his doctoral thesis on the topic: ‘The significance of the BRICS countries in international trade – an empirical analysis’

“Because I find the perfect combination of outstanding support, professional integrity and excellent problem-solving skills here. Furthermore, HM’s excellent reputation and network represent a valuable opportunity for my future career.”

Ronald Wittenzellner’s CARRI page

Tobias Mohr is writing his PhD thesis on the topic: ‘The economic implications of adaptive UX interfaces in the automotive sector’

“The link between economic research and practice-oriented innovation enables me to explore the economic aspects of adaptive UX systems in depth. Combined with my technical background, this allows me to analyse complex issues relating to technology, user experience and business models comprehensively.”

Tobias Mohr’s CARRI page

Tobias Wetzel is writing his doctoral thesis on the topic: ‘Enhancing the innovation potential by improving the matching process between established aviation companies and start-ups’.

“Building on my master's degree in Aerospace Engineering and my business-focused MBA, the practical yet academically rigorous approach at CARRI, complemented by the interdisciplinary research environment, provides the ideal conditions for me to work on my application-oriented PhD thesis in a focused manner.”

Tobias Wetzel’s CARRI page

An interview with the CARRI management team

What does CARRI stand for?

“As scientists, we want to take responsibility for our society. Complex challenges such as climate change and technological, economic and social transformation call for solutions. This requires scientific support through practically-oriented, application-oriented research that identifies innovative approaches and holistic, evidence-based solutions, and helps to put them into practice. That is what CARRI stands for!” Prof. Dr. Christian Holzner

Who is involved in CARRI?

“CARRI currently involves Professors from the HM and the THN. We are an interdisciplinary team of economists and business IT specialists with expertise in a wide range of business and economic fields, as well as in tourism and entrepreneurship.” Prof. Dr. Christian Holzner

What research is being carried out at CARRI, and how?

“The thematic areas and fields of application are dynamically adapted to ongoing international technological, economic and social change. To ensure our research remains internationally relevant, we combine – where necessary – qualitative and quantitative methods, applied econometrics and model simulations, big data management, computer science and AI/ML, as well as entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer skills.” Prof. Dr. Andreas Humpe

Who should do a doctorate at CARRI?

“If you’d like to develop your skills at the intersection of science, business and policy advice, explore solutions for a sustainable and equitable future, and help put these into practice in society, then you’ve come to the right place! Amongst students at Universities of Applied Sciences, there are many highly talented individuals who haven’t yet considered doing a doctorate. We want to attract them to CARRI too!” Prof. Dr. Malte Sandner

What does CARRI offer its doctoral candidates?

“Excellent, personalised support! The ratio of doctoral candidates to professors at CARRI is very close, which facilitates personalised interaction and support. However, we also want our doctoral candidates to develop not only new knowledge but also the leadership and management skills they need to successfully apply scientific findings in society.” Prof. Dr. Andreas Humpe

How can CARRI doctoral candidates fund their studies?

“Unfortunately, there are very few research assistant posts funded from the core budget at Universities of Applied Sciences. As a result, many posts are funded through third-party-funded projects. Our applied research approach is, above all, an opportunity for external staff, who then usually continue to work part-time for their existing companies, organisations or public authorities.” Prof. Dr. Malte Sandner

What does CARRI have to offer society and, in particular, the economy?

“If the partner companies grant doctoral candidates the time, resources, access to data and the freedom to experiment, so that they can test the market viability of innovative ideas through evidence-based research, then these candidates will later on in their careers take on roles of responsibility within the companies and make decisions using scientific methods – which will strengthen the companies’ competitiveness.” Prof. Dr. Christian Holzner

Veranstaltungen

13 Nov 2026
10:00 - 16:00

CARRI Research Colloquium in Nuremberg, followed by a get-together

Doctoral candidates at the Doctoral Research Center for Applied Research for Responsible Innovation (CARRI) present their current research findings.

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9 Apr 2027
10:00 - 16:00

CARRI Research Colloquium in Munich, followed by a get-together

Doctoral candidates at the Doctoral Research Center for Applied Research for Responsible Innovation (CARRI) present their current research findings.

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Office / Contact

Dr. Christiane Hamacher Room: Q 2.05

T +49 89 1265-4363