On May 20th, the MGB PAC cohort visited the Upper Austria Chamber of Commerce (Wirtschaftskammer Oberösterreich) as part of the Institutional Perspectives of the European Union course taught by Marcella Krawinkler.
The group was warmly welcomed by Theresa Stingeder from the Export Center OÖ and Mag. Heike Lang from the Department of Social and Legal Policy, who provided an in-depth overview of the chamber’s structure and functions. Their presentations also offered valuable insights into Austria’s trade relations with Canada and Peru, giving students a global perspective on the Chamber’s international outreach efforts.
The program then continued with contributions from the Chamber of Labour (Arbeiterkammer Oberösterreich – AK). Dr.Martin Seidl, Team Leader in the Finance Department, and Johannes Heiml from the Consumer Protection Department gave an engaging presentation on the AK’s broad scope of responsibilities (i.a. legal assistance and financial advice), as well as its mission to protect employee rights and ensure social justice.
The visit concluded with a tour of the Chamber’s inno.space experience, where students explored the latest applications of AI technologies and virtual reality. They learned how VR goggles can be implemented in real-world scenarios such as driving simulations, fashion shows, and construction work, illustrating how digital innovation is shaping future work and learning environments.
Altogether, the excursion offered PAC students a detailed and practical overview of Austria’s unique chamber system and the collaboration between employer and employee representatives, while complementing and enriching the theoretical knowledge gained throughout the course.
Written by student assistant Chiara Paprotny