Applied research and development as well as knowledge and technology transfer are part of the legislative mandate of the University of Liechtenstein. They relate closely to and complement instruction. In each case, the most up-to-date standard of knowledge and problem-solving expertise are taught through projects directly related to practice. At the University, 20,000 hours are invested annually in completing projects and assignments originated with enterprises.

The private sector also requires the research and development capacity of the University. Particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in particular having no R&D resources at their own disposal show a need for the services in the applied research and development areas. These services are performed by the institutes and associated research institutes.

Four institutes located at the University of Liechtenstein are active in the area of knowledge and technology transfer:

Architecture and Spatial Planning
Entrepreneurship
Financial Services
Business Information Systems

Both associated research institutes

Liechtenstein Economic Research Centre (KOFL)
SME Centre (KMU Zentrum)

research issues relating specifically to Liechtenstein.