The CDI-HSG pursues the following goals:

The ongoing development of inclusion research: With contributions in the fields of Business Administration, Economics and Applied Disability, the center establishes the field as a permanent research focus at the University of St.Gallen.

The transfer of research insights to both university teaching and business practice in order to increase the employment rate of people with disabilities in the long term


The establishment of national and international networks with researchers, universities and companies in the field of inclusion and diversity

Icons created by (from top to bottom) Kiranshastry and Freepik from www.flaticon.com

The lacking inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace yiels negative consequences for the affected individuals, companies and the entire economy.

The number of people with disabilities has increased significantly in all industrialized countries in recent decades. 14 percent of the working age population have a disability (OECD, Transforming Disability into Ability, 2003). However, only 40 percent of people with disabilities are in employment (OECD, Sickness, Disability and Work, 2009). Due to the demographic change, the number of potential employees will also decline in the upcoming years.

Nevertheless, qualified employees with disabilities are still seriously underrepresented in companies. The exclusion from the labor market poses a considerable challenge for social services. The funding of social security systems also places a burden on our economy and society. The lack of inclusion creates a climate of dissatisfaction among people with disabilities, gradually reducing their performance and potential capabilities.

Given this situation, the CDI-HSG is concerned with the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace, the society and the economy.

Bildnachweis: sajola /photocase.de