Alpine Finance PhD Network

December 2025 until December 2028 Erasmus

Project Description

ALPFIN-PHD aims to enhance PhD training, foster international collaboration, and expand research networks in finance.
The project provides structured academic engagement, high-level mentorship, and networking opportunities for PhD
students, particularly from smaller universities. By integrating PhD workshops into the Alpine Finance Summit, it strengthens
institutional ties, promotes co-authorship, and advances knowledge about the impact of climate change and European
culture
ALPFIN-PHD will organize three PhD workshops within the (self-financed) Alpine Finance Summit, providing PhD students
with research presentations, feedback from senior scholars, and networking opportunities. The project also supports the
participation in outdoor and cultural activities to foster informal academic connections. Additionally, a Capstone Event (if
externally funded) will track long-term collaboration. Regular online meetings and annual partner meetings ensure effective
coordination.
ALPFIN-PHD will create a sustainable PhD research network, improving academic collaboration, mentorship, and
publication success for early-career researchers. Expected outcomes include three PhD workshops, increased coauthorships,
expanded institutional ties, and stronger integration of PhDs from smaller universities. The project fosters longterm
research partnerships and enhances international visibility in finance research.
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Project Participants

Assoz. Prof. Dr. Sebastian Stöckl

- Principal Investigator

Associate Professor - Financial Economics Academic Director - Liechtenstein Undergraduate and Graduate School Official Representative AACSB - University of Liechtenstein

Principal Investigator

AI-RISE: Artificial Intelligence Education for a Resilient and Inclusive Europe

October 2025 until September 2028 Erasmus

Project Description

Our objective is to develop an AI education framework that focuses on resilience and inclusion in Europe. Through
innovative design-oriented approaches and business model development, we aim to equip learners with the skills to
navigate AI-driven transformations while promoting social cohesion. The project will create, test, and refine practical
teaching modules that bridge the gap between AI education and real-world implementation, hence strengthening Europe's
capacity for inclusive innovation.
Implementation centers on three key phases: 1) Development of the AI education framework through literature analysis,
stakeholder consultations, and framework reviews; 2) Creation and evaluation of an initial proof-of-concept teaching module
using design thinking and business modeling approaches (e.g., Kickbox method); 3) Scaled implementation of an enhanced
interdisciplinary module, followed by framework refinement based on comprehensive evaluation results.
AI-RISE will deliver: 1) A validated AI education framework with comprehensive implementation guidelines; 2) A tested
teaching module including materials; 3) Student-created AI-based minimum viable products and business models
addressing regional challenges; 4) Assessment tools and evaluation metrics; 5) A practical toolkit enabling educational
institutions to create customized modules. All results will be published as open education resources to ensure sustainable
implementation across Europe.

Project Participants

Prof. Dr. Johannes Schneider

- Principal Investigator

Professor - Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

Principal Investigator

AI-based Dynamic Return and Sustainability Factor Timing for Enhanced Equity Funds

May 2024 until April 2027 Innosuisse

Project Description

This project proposes a novel approach to factor investing, tailored to LLB Asset Management AG's long-only equity investment universe. The innovation focuses on dynamically timing a wide range of return factors, including traditional elements like size, value or momentum, and sustainability factors such as the green-minus-brown factor based on carbon footprints of companies.

Leveraging cutting-edge machine learning and AI technologies, we aim to develop a precise factor timing framework. The project is divided into three work packages. The first focuses on developing an advanced factor-timing strategy, employing state-of-the-art analytical tools for long-only equity factors. The second package addresses sustainability aspects, applying traditional factor timing concepts on sustainability-related factors to optimize market-timing signals while simultaneously keeping the portfolio above certain standards. The third package aims to calibrate and dynamically adjust factor weightings in a multi-factor long-only sustainable investment approach, optimizing portfolio characteristics.

Our team, comprising experts from LLB Asset Management AG and the University of Liechtenstein, brings together a blend of practical and academic expertise in factor investing, machine learning, and ESG investing. The project aspires to enhance LLB’s long-only equity fund performance while achieving a positive impact on the society and environment by purposefully channeling funds to sustainable investment opportunities. Findings shall also be shared through academic journals and conferences gaining peer-feedback and underscoring the project's innovative contribution in shaping sophisticated investment strategies responsive to market dynamics and sustainability considerations.

Project Participants

Assoz. Prof. Dr. Sebastian Stöckl

- Principal Investigator

Associate Professor - Financial Economics Academic Director - Liechtenstein Undergraduate and Graduate School Official Representative AACSB - University of Liechtenstein

Principal Investigator

Circular Building Systems: Segmented Construction Approaches à la Philibert de L'Orme Using the Example of the Caserne Rochambeau

since September 2023 PhD-Thesis

Project Description

The segmented construction method developed by Philibert de L'Orme in the 16th century can be interpreted as an early example of circular building principles. By employing modular, disassemblable construction units, de L'Orme enabled not only efficient material usage but also the reusability of individual components - a concept gaining renewed relevance in today's sustainability discussions. The Caserne Rochambeau serves as a concrete example of the evolution and application of such principles in the 20th century. The timber constructions used here - partly prefabricated and partly assembled on-site - demonstrate how historical strategies for resource conservation and reusability can be integrated into modern engineering practices. This study examines the extent to which de L'Orme's segmented construction logic is reflected in the structural and design aspects of the Caserne Rochambeau, and what potential this holds for contemporary circular building approaches. Furthermore, the research investigates existing 'à petit bois' roof structures, drawing comparative conclusions about the development of timber construction methods.

Participating Institutions

Built Heritage and Upcycling / Project Lead

Project Participants

Anna Lohs MSc Arch

- PhD-Student

Research Assistant / PhD Student - Built Heritage and Upcycling

PhD-Student

Prof. Dr. Daniel Stockhammer

- Supervisor

Professor - Built Heritage and Upcycling

Supervisor

Prof. Dr. Stefan Holzer

- Co-Supervisor

Co-Supervisor

Walz 4.0 – Handwerk und Hochschule gemeinsam für die Zukunft des Bauwesens

April 2025 until March 2028 Interreg-Project

Project Description

Die Bauwirtschaft in der Alpenrhein-Bodensee-Hochrhein-Region steht vor wachsenden Herausforderungen: akuter Fachkräftemangel, Ressourcenknappheit und steigende Anforderungen sowie wachsende Notwendigkeit nachhaltige und innovative Bauansätze zu entwickeln. Gleichzeitig bedrohen der Verlust traditionellen Handwerkswissens und die unzureichende Integration neuer Technologien die Zukunftsfähigkeit der Branche. Die Bewahrung und Integration von Handwerkswissen in moderne Bauprozesse stellt die zukünftige Kernherausforderung dar. Besonders die Transformation hin zu einer Kreislaufwirtschaft und die Wiederverwendung von Baumaterialien erfordern innovative Ansätze, die Handwerkswissen mit modernen Technologien und nachhaltigen Praktiken vereinen. Ziel der Walz 4.0 ist, traditionelles Handwerkswissen und -techniken mit moderner Hochschullehre und -forschung interregional mittels offener und verteilter Lernmethoden innovativ, zukunftsfähig, menschenzentriert und wertschätzend zu verbinden. Walz 4.0 zielt darauf ab, das Handwerk zu stärken, neue Technologien einzuführen, Forschungsthemen praxisrelevant zu formulieren, um so den Bausektor nachhaltiger zu gestalten und zu transformieren. Langfristig entsteht eine resiliente, klimafreundliche und nachhaltige Baukultur, die über die Region hinaus Vorbildcharakter hat.

Participating Institutions

Craft and Structure / Partner

Fachhochschule Vorarlberg / Partner

Wirtschaftskammer Vorarlberg / Partner

vai Vorarlberger Architektur Institut / Partner HTWG Konstanz / Project Lead

OST - Ostschweizer Fachhochschule / Partner

Denkmal Stiftung Thurgau / Partner Handwerkskammer Konstanz / Partner ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften / Partner OTH Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg / Partner

Project Participants

Dipl.-Ing. Dr. sc. Wolfgang Schwarzmann

- Principal Investigator

Postdoc - Craft and Structure

Principal Investigator

Designing Diversity: Enhancing Social Integration Through Architectural and Spatial Design

since September 2024 Preproposal PhD-Thesis

Project Description

Cities, as epicenters of rapid urbanization, have become melting pots of cultures due to the influx of migrants and refugees. While this diversification brings vibrancy, it also poses significant social integration challenges. As cities increasingly become the focal point for the migrant influx, there is a critical need for innovative architectural and spatial planning solutions. These solutions must be designed to foster interactions between migrants and local residents, thereby facilitating a smoother integration process.
However, despite the potential for urban planning to bridge cultural divides, many cities continue to reinforce spatial inequalities. Migrant populations often find themselves in marginalized neighbourhoods, segregated by zoning policies, limited infrastructure, and socio-economic barriers. This spatial exclusion further hinders social integration, perpetuating inequality and limiting migrants' access to opportunities.
Research in this area aims to explore how architectural and urban design can contribute to cultural harmony and social integration in modern urban environments. By addressing the spatial organization of cities, urban planning can be a powerful tool to mitigate social exclusion and foster inclusive, resilient communities. Case studies on the socio-spatial integration of migrants highlight the dual role urban policies can play, either reinforcing divisions or promoting inclusivity. Through this lens, innovative planning frameworks can emerge, ensuring that cities accommodate and empower their diverse populations.

Participating Institutions

Urbanism, Architecture and Society / Doctoral instiution

Project Participants

Viktoria Matryuk MSc Arch

- PhD-Student

PhD-Student

Prof. Dr. Lindsay Blair Howe

- Supervisor

Supervisor

Custody of securities and crypto assets

FFF-Funding Project

March 2025 until December 2025 (Completed)

The custody and management of assets plays a crucial role for investors and service providers: on the one hand, assets on the financial market (especially securities) are held almost exclusively via ... More

Lost in Translation: How Predictability Turns Into Performance

FFF-Funding Project

January 2025 until May 2025 (Completed)

Modern Portfolio Theory outlines a two-step wealth allocation process, yet accurately predicting asset returns and utilizing those predictions effectively remains a challenge. This difficulty stems ... More

Urbanization in Comparison: Housing, Mobility, and Everyday Life in the Alpenrheintal and the GCR

November 2024 until December 2025 (completed) FFF-Funding Project

Project Description

Urban infrastructure, from housing to energy and water provision and transport systems, underpins livelihoods in contemporary cities and regions. These relationships can encompass enormous territories, extending urbanization into new dimensions and altering the material, political, and social dimensions of space. This project brings together global dimensions of this research into extended urbanization with ongoing empirical research into urbanization processes in the Alpenrheintal (Alpine Rhein Valley) of Central Europe and the Gauteng City-Region of South Africa. It draws on this previous research conducted at the University of Liechtenstein in concert with methods from the social sciences to examine the way urbanization
“stretches” between established urban centralities and geographical peripheries, attempting to determine the form and impact of ongoing urban transformations in two case study areas. Within this, we
will specifically work with comparative methods from urban and political science to focus on the production of housing, transport systems, and people experience of everyday life in selected areas within the cases. Juxtaposing these regions also contributes to cuttingedge theory in urban studies, and brings together
scholars from many regions around the world to reflect upon the problems of contemporary urbanization. The project results in a co-authored edited volume book publication, along with popular media
dissemination tactics for a broad audience, to bring the local concerns of Liechtenstein and Switzerland into conversation with global dialogues.

Relevance to Liechtenstein

We expect that our comparative and multi-scalar approach will provide important insights into the range of impacts of urbanisation on Liechtenstein. We also expect to learn how urban development policies affect people's everyday lives, for example, spatial patterns of commuting and work-housing relationships. We believe that this will have not only theoretical but also very practical implications, which we will try to formulate in the form of policy recommendations for Liechtenstein as part of the highly urbanised Alpine Rhine Valley.
The project also directly touches on the thematic focus areas of the University of Liechtenstein, in particular sustainability, responsibility and society. In particular, mobility will be analysed as a central aspect of sustainability. The transformation of the built environment and housing practices is linked to the university's focus on sustainability. Responsibility for this environment and these practices is also of great importance, as is the social relevance of our findings for individuals and for governance strategies in the context of urban development.

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Scientific, Economic and Societal Impact

The project is innovative because it aims to make a comparison between two highly urbanised areas that are not often brought into conversation with each other in order to evaluate theories and concepts through empirical research in each of the two areas. In this way, we aim to understand the broader interface between urban development and society: What forces are at work on the periphery, where are there moments of transformation or change, and what implications could this potentially have for urbanisation at different scales, from neighbourhoods to regions.

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