Economies are changing - independent from their status, i.e. industrialized, threshold or developing. Technological advancement, e.g. in information or telecommunication, and environmental concerns make people rethink present and future activities. Many challenges can only be tackled internationally or interdisciplinary. The articles of WHZ conferences with DAAD-Alumni and partners from 20 nations take various problems and approaches to solutions into focus. The editors hope some of the ideas to give further thought to similar problems in other regions or areas of science or economy.

H.-Ch. Brauweiler, Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. mult., Prof. of Accounting & Audit, WHZ Zwickau University. Research focus: University management, blended learning, regional development, risk management.

V. Kurchenkov, Prof. Dr., Prof. of Public Administration & Management, VSU Volgograd. Research focus: Forecasting & planning, innovation management, municipal administration, economic policy.

S. Abilov, Head of Intern. Dep., KAFU Ust Kamenogorsk. Research focus: University management, interdisciplinary & intercultural communication.

B. Zirkler, Prof. Dr., Dr. h.c., Prof. of Accounting/Controlling, WHZ. Research focus: International accounting & controlling, effects of digitization and sustainability on controlling.