An international conference, teaching at Master’s and doctoral level, and academic exchange: Professor Dr Jens Heiling from DHBW Villingen-Schwenningen spent an eventful period at the University of Udine in northern Italy from late September to early October 2026. As part of an Erasmus+ teaching mobility programme, he represented DHBW at a high-profile international event and contributed his expertise to the Italian host university’s teaching programme.
International PULSAR Workshop as a Highlight
A particular highlight of the visit was his participation in the 13th International PULSAR Workshop, which took place at the University of Udine from 29 September to 1 October 2026. PULSAR is a World Bank programme that supports the development of public sector accounting and financial reporting, particularly in Europe and Central Asia. Under the title “Digital & AI-Driven Solutions for Financial and Sustainability Reporting”, international experts from academia, ministries, international organisations and professional practice discussed the future of public financial management.
Professor Heiling took part as a speaker in the high-profile opening panel, immediately following the keynote address. Together with experts from the World Bank and Georgia’s Ministry of Finance, he discussed the importance of digital transformation for public sector accounting. His presentation focused in particular on the role of integrated financial management information systems in preparing consolidated government financial statements, as well as the new professional and digital skills that employees in public sector accounting will need in the future.
His involvement extended beyond his presentation: he was also a member of the workshop’s International Scientific Committee. Discussions with experts from international standard-setting bodies, ministries of finance, the World Bank, academia and consulting provided valuable opportunities to explore current developments in international accounting standards and identify potential areas for collaborative research.
Teaching at Master’s and Doctoral Level
The teaching programme began on Saturday, 26 September, with a session in the Master’s programme “Dirigere e governare le istituzioni pubbliche” (Managing and Governing Public Institutions). Entitled “Financial and Sustainability Reporting in the Public Sector: External Accountability and Internal Steering”, the session explored how public sector organisations can systematically integrate sustainability objectives into their management and decision-making processes. Using a practical case study from the German water sector, participants developed approaches to a Sustainability Balanced Scorecard. The interactive exchange linked current academic concepts with the practical challenges of public management.
At the end of his visit, on 1 October, Professor Heiling delivered an English-language seminar as part of the joint doctoral programme “Accounting and Management” offered by the universities of Verona and Udine. The internationally oriented programme, coordinated by the University of Verona, places particular emphasis on current research questions and academic methods in accounting and management. In his seminar, “IPSAS and IFRS in a Comparative Perspective: Frameworks, Standards, and Evidence”, Professor Heiling examined the similarities and differences between international accounting standards for businesses and those applicable to the public sector. He also discussed current developments in public sector accounting in Europe with doctoral researchers and explored the research questions arising from these developments.
Italian Hospitality and New Perspectives
Alongside the demanding academic programme, the University of Udine also made a lasting positive impression. The dedicated support provided by Italian colleagues, the welcoming atmosphere and the many opportunities for international exchange made the visit a particularly rewarding experience.
The city itself provided an ideal setting, too. With its historic old town, inviting squares, Italian coffee and food culture, and location in the northeastern Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Udine combines academic life, culture and the Italian way of life in a distinctive way.
“What impressed me most was the great hospitality and the open, collegial atmosphere at the University of Udine,” Professor Heiling reflects. “The visit once again demonstrated how enriching international exchange can be for teaching and research. Personal encounters with academics and experts from different countries, in particular, open up new perspectives and foster valuable connections that ultimately benefit our students at DHBW as well.”
The visit to Udine highlights the importance of international university partnerships for DHBW Villingen-Schwenningen. The professional contacts established and the intensive exchange with the Italian host university provide numerous opportunities for further collaboration in teaching and research.
