Digital Innovation covers the fundamentals of digital innovation and the development and implementation of novel and original solutions in which the innovation process, its outcomes, or the ensuing organisational and social transformation is embodied in or enabled by digital technologies. Digital Innovation is one of the core topics of the degree programme, so the course also provides a basis on which students can choose their electives. The course covers six primary topics:

• Fundamental properties of digital technologies and digital innovation
• Organising for digital innovation
• Digital platforms and ecosystems
• Digital innovation and capital creation
• Digital business models
• Digital entrepreneurship

• The module involves interactive lectures with exercises to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical design and analysis skills.
• Case studies are used to discuss the course contents. Contemporary scientific publications from Information Systems and Management are discussed in class.

After successful completion of the course, students will

Professional competence
• understand the basics of the fundamentals of digital innovation and the development and implementation
of novel and original solutions that are relevant to the field of information systems
• understand the main concepts, theories, and methods related to digital innovation

Methodological competence
• be able to apply the understanding and the methods into their projects or illustrative cases
• be able to analyse the role of digital technologies in existing business models
• be able to develop business models that consider options created through digital technologies

Social competence
• be able to collaborate and work in teams
• support each other during the learning process

Personal competence
• critically reflect on technological outcomes

• Students are provided with the lecture slides and supplementary material (e.g., selected journal articles)

Written exam (90min)

Global Perspectives on Information Technology and Digital Entrepreneurship offers a comprehensive exploration of the global landscape of information technology and digital entrepreneurship. It examines how regional ecosystems, regulatory environments, and strategic and political decisions influence where and how digital innovation emerges. Through historical analysis, current case studies, expert guest speakers, and applied frameworks, students will develop a global mindset necessary to navigate and build digital ventures across borders.

Focusing on major hubs in Europe, the USA, the Middle East, and Asia, as well as emerging ecosystems (e.g., Liechten-stein, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Nairobi, Tallinn), the course provides insight into the interplay between talent availability, investment flows, infrastructure, education, and policy. The course is designed to guide students toward understanding the factors that make specific regions thrive and help them reflect on their own potential paths in digital entrepreneur-ship.

• Lectures providing theoretical foundations
• Case-based and interactive discussions
• Guest talks from international industry leaders
• Simulations and applied group work
• Structured readings and student presentations with peer feedback

After successful completion of the course, students will

Professional competence

• Articulate a personal roadmap or startup concept informed by global considerations

Methodological competence

• Analyze and compare digital entrepreneurship environments across regions
• Evaluate regulatory, tax, and talent-related factors that influence digital business decisions

Personal competence

• Engage critically with expert insights from practitioners leading global IT and digital innovation initiatives
• Apply strategic thinking to identify opportunities and assess ecosystem fit for digital ventures

Technological competence

• Understand the historical and institutional roots of global tech ecosystems

• Students are provided with the lecture slides and supplementary material (e.g., selected journal articles).

Written exam

The Master's Thesis is carried out by the student as part of an Advanced Studio and is supervised by the unit. The thesis contains a developed hypothesis that is verified (or falsified) as part of the design project. In addition to the actual design project, the Master's thesis includes the design and production of the thesis book. This consists of
three parts: the documentation of the design project, a theoretical report and a technical report. The formal aspects of the thesis and the thesis book are described in the Master's thesis regulations.

Mentored project work in the design studio.

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to

Relevant reading will be made available at the beginning of the course. A list of recommended literature will be announced in the course and updated on an ongoing basis.

Successful completion of 3 Advanced Studios in the Master´s degree programme.

Minimum 75% compulsory attendance, continuous assessment, midterm and final reviews.
The final grade is calculated according to the weighting of the following components: design project (60%), final presentation (10%) and thesis book (30%: 10% theoretical report, 10% technical report and 10% project documentation).

This specialization is provided through Coursera and is offered by the University of California, Irvine.

Project management has been proven to be the most effective method of delivering products within cost, schedule, and resource constraints. This intensive and hands-on series of courses gives you the skills to ensure your projects are completed on time and on budget while giving the user the product they expect. You will gain a strong working knowledge of the basics of project management and be able to immediately use that knowledge to effectively manage work projects. At the end of the series you will be able to identify and manage the product scope, build a work breakdown structure, create a project plan, create the project budget, define and allocate resources, manage the project development, identify and manage risks, and understand the project procurement process.

Instructor: Margaret Meloni, MBA, PMP (University of California, Irvine)

Project Management Principles and Practices

This specialization is a precursor to the Applied Project Management Certificate also offered by the University of California, Irvine and originally consists of four courses, three of which are relevant for this FU.

This FU consists of 3 courses:
Course 1: Initiating and Planning Projects
Course 2: Budgeting and Scheduling Projects
Course 3: Managing Project Risks and Changes

The course starts on 10th of February 2025.
The course must be completed by 23rd of May 2025.

All parts of this course are free of charge.

Online courses

• Define a project’s scope and write a project plan
• Build a work breakdown schedule
• Create a project budget
• Identify and manage risks

see the course descriptions

Attenance min. 80% mandatory

Grading

The research proposal is a research plan. The contents of the research proposal are governed by the curricula of the doctoral degree programmes. If a cumulative dissertation is intended, it is necessary to mention the publication journals and the number of publications planned. The formal aspects of the research proposal must comply with the "Guidelines for Writing Academic Papers at the University of Liechtenstein".

In the colloquium on the research proposal, the doctoral student shall present his/her dissertation project and provide reasons for his/her chosen approach.

The grade for the research proposal will be determined by taking the average of the grades given by the supervisor and the co-supervisor.

This seminar presents cutting-edge discussions in urban theory that shed light into globally and locally connected processes of urbanisation. In the face of increasing global challenges, it is incumbent upon designers to engage with climate change, uneven development, migration, economic crises and social conflicts. Cities and regions are key sites in which these challenges are staked, resulting in an uneven landscape of resources and opportunities.
The course therefore analyses state-of-the-art theoretical texts from fields such as urban studies and geography, in order to provide insight into the urbanisation processes that underlie contemporary urban life.

Lectures, oral presentations, textual analysis, written assignments

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to

Relevant reading will be made available at the beginning of the course. A list of recommended literature will be announced in the course and updated on an ongoing basis.

Minimum 75% compulsory attendance and continuous assessment.
The final grade is calculated according to the weighting of the following components: final submission (80%) and oral presentation (20%).

Modul 6 vermittelt die Grundlagen des Versicherungsrechts, vom Versicherungsaufsichtsrecht (Solvency) über das Recht der Versicherungsvermittlung (IDD; PRIIP-Verordnung) bis zum liechtensteinischen, schweizerischen und österreichischen Versicherungsvertragsrecht (VersVG; VVG).
Im zivilrechtlichen Teil des Moduls werden die Grundlagen für Versicherungsverträge beleuchtet (VersVG; ABGB). Dabei erfolgt auch ein Blick über die Grenze auf die Rezeptionsgrundlagen in Österreich und der Schweiz. Ange-sichts der eminenten Bedeutung des Cross border-Geschäfts in Liechtenstein stehen auch grenzüberschreitende Versicherungsdienstleistungen und die Vorgaben des Internationalen Versicherungsvertragsrecht (IVersVG) sowie des europäischen Versicherungsrechts im Mittelpunkt.
Im aufsichtsrechtlichen Teil des Moduls wird die Regulierung von Versicherungsunternehmen erörtert, wobei auch sonstige Vorsorgeeinrichtungen (insbesondere Pensionskassen) einbezogen werden. Im Zentrum des Versiche-rungsaufsichtsrechts stehen die Pflichten nach der Solvency II-Richtlinie bzw. dem liechtensteinischen Versiche-rungsaufsichtsgesetz (VersAG). Dabei wird auch die grenzüberschreitende Erbringung von Dienstleistungen im EWR aus aufsichtsrechtlicher Sicht behandelt. Teil des Moduls ist auch das Gesetz über die betriebliche Personal-vorsorge (BPVG). Zudem erfolgt eine detaillierte Auseinandersetzung mit der Versicherungsvermittlung nach der Versicherungsvertriebsrichtlinie bzw. IDD (Insurance Distribution Directive). Ein Fokus liegt schliesslich auf der Produktregulierung nach der PRIIP-Verordnung (Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products).

Interaktive Vorlesung, eingehende Diskussion unter Einbeziehung der Studierenden, ggf. einzelne Gruppenausar-beitungen.

Die Studierenden haben fundierte Kenntnisse im Privatversicherungsrecht und können Versicherungsunterneh-men in rechtlichen Fragestellungen beraten. Die Studierenden sind mit der Zulassung sowie Beaufsichtigung von Versicherungsunternehmen, insbesondere nach der Solvency II und dem VersAG, vertraut und erlangen vertiefte Kenntnisse über die betriebliche Personalvorsorge. Sie kennen die Rechtsgrundlagen des Versicherungsvertriebs und können Rechtsfragen im Zusammenhang mit der Versicherungsvermittlung eigenständig zu lösen. Insbeson-dere kennen sie die zentralen Inhalte der IDD sowie der Produktregulierung nach der PRIIPs-VO.

Die Literatur wird im Rahmen der Lehrveranstaltung und in den Modulplänen bekannt gegeben.

Schriftliche Prüfung à 90 Min.

Alternativ können die Studierenden bei 2 der 3 Wahlmodule ein frei wählbares Modul der anderen Executive Masterstudiengänge («Executive Master of Laws in International Taxation», «Executive Master of Laws im Gesell-schafts-, Stiftungs- und Trustrecht» oder «Executive Master of Laws im Wirtschaftsstrafrecht») belegen.

This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Built Heritage & Upcycling Unit:
Modern architecture came to Liechtenstein in 1924: on a bicycle in the form of the young German architect Ernst Sommerlad. Sommerlad reinterpreted international modernism for the Alpine region and created dozens of residential buildings in the Principality as well as in Appenzell, St. Gallen, Graubünden and Vorarlberg. On the occasion of a scientific symposium at the University of Liechtenstein in fall 2025, we are taking a close scientific look at Sommerlad' s broad and exciting oeuvre in cooperation with the state and the OST (Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences). Be part of it!

Self-defined design or research studies, developed individually or in groups agreed upon with research units and under the guidance of mentors. The size of the module is determined by the respective unit.

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to

Relevant reading will be made available at the beginning of the course. A list of recommended literature will be announced in the course and updated on an ongoing basis.

Minimum 75% compulsory attendance, regular meetings with instructors, continuous assessment, portfolio and final review.
The final grade is calculated according to the weighting of the following components: final submission (80%) and oral presentation (20%).

Individual appointments will be set with the tutor.

Group projects are also possible, as well as group work with individual submissions.

Modul 7 besteht aus einer gemeinsamen, mindestens sechstägigen Studienreise. Das Programm der Studienreise ist individuell auf die thematische Ausrichtung des Studiengangs abgestimmt und umfasst Besuche und Work-shops. Im Rahmen der Studienreise werden zum Beispiel Aufsichtsbehörden, internationale Organisationen, Bot-schaften, Universitäten oder Rechtsanwaltskanzleien besucht. Neben dem fachlichen Programm findet dabei in der Regel auch ein persönlicher Austausch mit den Referenten und Referentinnen statt.
Die Studienreise bietet die Möglichkeit, sich mit den Inhalten des Studiengangs auseinanderzusetzen und gleich-zeitig einen internationalen Blick auf die behandelten Themen zu gewinnen. Zudem bietet die Studienreise auch die Möglichkeit, sich mit anderen Studierenden zu vernetzen.

Interaktive Vorlesungen mit Fallbeispielen, Workshops, Vorträge sowie selbstständige Erarbeitung einer Präsen-tation und anschliessender Diskussion.

Die Studienreise bietet den Studierenden einen Einblick in den Arbeitsalltag verschiedener Finanzmarktakteure. Dadurch wird die theoretische Wissensvermittlung der anderen Module durch einen praktischen Aspekt abgerun-det. Die Erstellung eines Vortrags mit anschliessender Präsentation und Diskussion ermöglicht den Studierenden, ihr Wissen weiter zu vertiefen und ihre Präsentationsfähigkeiten zu verbessern.

Die Literatur wird im Rahmen der Studienreise und in den Modulplänen bekannt gegeben.

Teilnahme an der Studienreise sowie Erstellung einer Präsentation mit Vortrag und Diskussion im Rahmen der Studienreise

Alternativ können die Studierenden bei 2 der 3 Wahlmodule ein frei wählbares Modul der anderen Executive Masterstudiengänge («Executive Master of Laws in International Taxation», «Executive Master of Laws im Ge-sellschafts-, Stiftungs- und Trustrecht» oder «Executive Master of Laws im Wirtschaftsstrafrecht») belegen.

In the viva voce examination the doctoral student proves that he/she meets the requirements on the dissertation by publically defending his/her dissertation.

The Chairperson of the Board of Examiners, the supervisor and the co-supervisor(s) shall determine a grade for the viva voce examination.