The Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) was founded as the first cooperative, practice-integrating university in Germany in 2009. It applies the successful dual principle of the former Berufsakademie, which was developed more than 40 years ago and is characterised by its close connection of theoretical studies and practical experience in companies and social institutions.
The Berufsakademie, developed in 1974 from the so-called ‘Stuttgart model’, was initiated by the companies Daimler Benz, Bosch and SEL. This initiative was intended to offer an alternative to conventional studies, including excellent chances for promotion and good incomes, to the increasing number of graduates from academic high schools (Gymnasium). Furthermore, it was necessary to counteract the looming deficit of junior employees with a practice-related education.