1 2 The Future of Universities Thoughtbook North American Edition 40 perspectives on how engaged and entrepreneurial universities will drive growth and shape our knowledge-driven future until 2040 EDITORS Arno Meerman, Balzhan Orazbayeva, Todd Davey, Cameron McCoy, Carolin Plewa, Victoria Galán Muros, Mason Ailstock, Courtney Brown PARTNERS ASSOCIATED PARTNERS The editors would like to acknowledge the support provided by Network of Academic Corporate Relations Officers (NACRO), The Career Leadership Collective, Office of Economic Engagement | Lehigh University, Institut Mines-Télécom Business School DISCLAIMER Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the author(s) and should not be considered as the official opinions or statements of the Lumina Foundation, UIIN, Siemens, as well as associated partners and supporters. These organisations cannot be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein. © University Industry Innovation Network, 2019 ISBN 9789491901430 Images © University Industry Innovation Network, 2019, Design © Mariya El, 2019 Printed in Amsterdam ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or 3 transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author/publisher. THE FUTURE OF UNIVERSITIES THOUGHTBOOK 40 perspectives on how engaged and entrepreneurial universities will drive growth and shape our knowledge-driven future until 2040 4 Predicting the future is an often challenge the current thinking about frustratingly futile activity, hence the many facets of a university by effective ways of anticipating future selecting authors who: events are few and far between. Well intended future predictions often be- • are already challenging and come amusing quotes in presenta- shaping the physical and intellec- tions many years later. An example tual advancements of universities, is of the advice from the president of • are current or future the Michigan Savings Bank given to ‘game-changers’ and Henry Ford's lawyer Horace Rack- ‘thought-leaders’, ham not to invest in the Ford Motor • already have an influential posi- Co: “The horse is here to stay, but tion with respect to universities in the automobile is only a novelty – a North America and globally, fad.” • together can provide a com- prehensive 360-degree view of Nevertheless, the exercise of universities from the vantage point estimating or predicting the future of different stakeholder groups. triggers (1) simultaneous consider- ation of the events of the past, (2) In doing so, a range of ‘possible estimation of the present situation, futures’ emerge, from more conserv- the most important forces affecting ative estimations predicting ‘business it and factors for success, as well as as usual’ for universities, to situations (3) brainstorming and analyzing the whereby universities are super- likely future development possibilities. seded by technology and/ or new These aspects are the key elements market-facing competitors. These of strategy development. Yes, the ‘imagined futures’ then provide a future may be impossible to predict, refined lens from which to view the but by working together to envisage continued evolution of university and a course for a desirable ‘tomorrow’, industry strategies and inform our it is possible to embrace uncertainty, collective actions. remain adaptable and innovative, ulti- mately turn the prospects of tomor- When reading the contributions, row into opportunities for today. a general consensus around the opportunities and threats facing Given this highly complex activi- universities emerge. Like our experts’ ty and the probability of error, the contributions, you will undoubtedly approach taken in this Thoughtbook drift from optimism to trepidation with was to invite experts from across respect to the future of the university, North America to offer a diversity of and back again. If this is the case, perspectives, casting an expansive then we have achieved our primary 5 PREFACE and diverse vision. We wanted to ambition with the Thoughtbook! … (institution) is that they see the world to deconstruct your thinking about through the model of their existing the university of the future, and then (approach) and cannot see new offer insights into how you can piece unique value contribution that the a realistic future view back together. disruption is playing all across society Why now? even though that may be obvious to Considering this, The Future of everyone else”¹… So the question Universities Thoughtbook (FUT_) Facing enormous challenges, there becomes: How will it all look in 2040 becomes a manifesto for the de- is an immediate need to better align and will universities be willing to velopment of the Future-Oriented universities with business innova- evolve today to meet the demands of University. A vision for the university tion supply chains, talent demands tomorrow? by 2040 (University 4.0, 5.0, and of employers as well as regional possibly 6.0) whereby academics needs more generally. Moreover, the Vision and students work in real time sym- creation of knowledge-driven, ‘smart’ biotic partnerships with industry, gov- developments within our societies The Future of Universities Thought- ernment and societal stakeholders to requires informed and engaged book | North American Edition brings simultaneously create and implement leadership. together 36 perspectives from invited new knowledge and solutions that professionals and four from the ed- address global issues. Despite this, we often experience a itors to create a vision for the future distinct lack of inspiration and inno- of universities and how they could Those universities that drive inten- vation in the higher education sector. potentially impact the world and their tional change within their institutions Too often, the most forward think- communities over the next 21 years. will have a head start in the global ing discussions about the future of Prominent international thought competition for talent, influence, and higher education involve incremental and practice leaders from business, innovation. adaptations of the existing models, higher education, science and policy which are far from revolutionary or agencies, and governments explore transformative. Universities need to the topic of university engagement not only embrace change, but they through an inspiring collection of must be the catalyst for it. Without commentary, reflections, ideas and such bold commitments, universi- discoveries explaining how universi- ties risk their own futures and, most ties and their partners will shape our importantly, the wellbeing of our knowledge-driven future. communities. But how? And for what future? 1 https://isoj.org/clark-gilbert-talks- about-innovation-journalism-and-future- of-journalism-at-14th-annual-isoj-confer- As co-author of Dual Transforma- ence/ retrieved October 9, 2019 tion: How to Reposition Today's Business While Creating the Future, Clark Gilbert once offered “part of the problem for the incumbent 6 A THOUGHT-STARTER: gap over the average OECD country, THE LIKELY EFFECT OF there is cause for concern given the robust economic and societal returns MEGATRENDS ON THE of higher education4. DEVELOPMENT OF THE 5 UNIVERSITY TOWARD Attainment , however, is only one of the many factors that will influence 2040 the future development of higher education institutions. As an intro- Original Article by Todd Davey, duction to the topic of universities Max Riedel, Balzhan Orazbayeva of the future, we looked at existing and Arno Meerman models through the lens of global megatrends. The consultancy firm Adapted for the North American McKinsey6 identified four global meg- Edition by Cameron McCoy and atrends, ‘global shifts reshaping the Mason Ailstock world’, which will impact society over the years to come: According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Devel- • Emerging markets and urban- opment (OECD), the need for higher ization education globally as well as within • Trade, people, finance, and industrialized countries will continue data: Greater global connections to increase¹. For North America² • Accelerating technological over the period from 2000-2017, change such demand was evident in the • Responding to the challenges overall percentage of population 25 of an aging world to 64 years old who had attained any postsecondary degrees. Canada led As a thought starter, we look at the all OECD Nations over that period, impact of these megatrends, and having increased attainment to 57% subsequently, at what it might mean (+17%), the United States followed for universities leading up to 2040. with fourth best attainment with 46% (+10), and Mexico moved to The ‘Emerging markets and the 17% (+2)³. For the US in particular, urbanization megatrend’ will lead an increase of 10% postsecondary to an unprecedented consumer attainment is laudable, given the driven market and emerging-market significant population difference cities will deliver half of the global among OECD Nations. Yet, with just GDP growth7. With the economic 26% of the US population holding a scales shifting towards urbanized Bachelor’s degree, and a mere 3% areas in North America, where might 7 PREFACE this leave universities as anchor a lesser