1 The future of universities thoughtbook Universities during times of crisis 45 perspectives on how engaged and entrepreneurial universities will drive growth and shape our knowledge-driven future EDITORS Balzhan Orazbayeva, Arno Meerman, Victoria Galan Muros, Todd Davey, Carolin Plewa INITIATIVE BY SPONSORED BY DISCLAIMER Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the author(s) and should not be considered as the official opinions or statements of UIIN and the Lumina Foundation. These organisations cannot be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein. © University Industry Innovation Network, 2020 ISBN: 9789491901508 Images © University Industry Innovation Network, 2020, Design © Mariya El, 2020 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 materi- al is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or 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. 2 THE FUTURE OF UNIVERSITIES THOUGHTBOOK Universities during times of crisis 45 perspectives on how engaged and entrepreneurial universities will drive growth and shape our knowl- edge-driven future 3 With the COVID-19 crisis, we have of strategy development. Yes, the entered drastic times that require in- future may be impossible to predict, novative and radical solutions. While but by working together to envisage taking up this challenge, higher edu- a course for a desirable ‘tomorrow’, cation institutions and their partners it is possible to embrace adaptability across the globe have been breaking and innovativeness and ultimately barriers and adjusting themselves turn uncertainty into opportunity. and their operations to a new and uncertain reality. This may very well Given this highly complex activity be the ultimate transformation and and the high likelihood of error, the disruption of the higher education approach taken in this Thought- sector and their regional innovation book was to gather perspectives ecosystems. But what does this of leaders and champions at the mean for universities going forward? forefront on how universities can shape the world during times of Predicting the future is an im- crisis. We really wanted to challenge possible and futile exercise, hence the thinking about the university by effective ways of anticipating future selecting authors who: events are few and far between. Well intended future predictions • are already challenging and often become amusing quotes in shaping the development of uni- presentations many years later. Such versities, as the advice from a president of • are present 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 • potentially already have a Co: “The horse is here to stay, but prominent position of power with the automobile is only a novelty – a respect to universities globally, fad.” • together can provide a 360-degree view of universities Nevertheless, the exercise of from the vantage of different estimating or predicting the future 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 ‘hoping to (3) brainstorming and analysing the go back to normal’, to situations likely future development possibilities. whereby universities are superseded These aspects are the key elements by technology and/or new PREFACE 4 market-facing competitors. These hard within their institutions will get Whilst this crisis is providing ‘possible futures’ then provide a a head start on the rest by embrac- countless new challenges, it is also basis for the better establishment ing crises, uncertainty and a more a unique opportunity to observe, of university and industry strategies, innovative evolution whilst, if some of learn and get inspiration from the which enable more efficient invest- the contributions are precise, having actions taken by universities. Con- ment of resources and more produc- a better chance of surviving. sidering its often-untapped potential tive outcomes, ultimately leading to to impact the economy and society, much more meaningful impact on Why now? this is a critical opportunity to rethink society. and reimagine the future role of The world is in the middle of one the university during times of When reading the contributions, of the most serious global crises in crisis. a general consensus around the living history, which is presenting opportunities and threats facing extraordinarily complex problems universities emerge. With respect and demanding unprecedented Vision to the future of the university, like responses. Beyond the health crisis, our experts’ contributions, you will the COVID-19 pandemic is causing The Future of Universities undoubtedly lurch from optimism to unique economic and social chal- Thoughtbook (FUT_) | Universities doom and back again. If this is the lenges. during Times of Crisis comple- case, then we have achieved our ments the inaugural international major ambition with the Thought- As a result, the crisis has spurred Future of Universities Thoughtbook book! … to take your thinking about universities, industry and societal as well as the Australian and North the university of the future to pieces, stakeholders across the globe into American editions. and then offer insights into how you closer working relationships at un- can piece a realistic future view back precedented levels. More than any Building on the 45 perspectives of together. time in recent history, universities international thought and practice are offering solutions, guidance, leaders, this edition creates a vision Considering this, the Future of stability and reassurance to soci- for the future of higher education Universities Thoughtbook (FUT_) | ety. institutions and how they will impact Universities during Times of Crisis their communities during times of becomes a manifesto for the de- Some of these actions include crisis. velopment of the Future-Oriented conducting research across multiple University. A vision for the university domains to better understand the of the future whereby academics and pandemic and its effects, collaborat- students work in real-time symbiotic ing with the private sector to rapidly partnerships with industry, govern- translate research into value, offering ment and societal stakeholders to practical advice to policy makers and simultaneously create and implement society, offering free online education new knowledge and solutions to modules to the recently unemployed, address business and social issues. etc. Those universities that drive change 5 THE FUTURE Talent Engine ROLES OF Todd Davey UNIVERSITIES Situated in a rapidly changing, con- nected planet, and facing wide-rang- “A University is a place … whither ing and complex challenges, the students come from every quarter for every kind of knowledge; … a place for the jobs of the future are expected to be communication and circulation of thought, highly mobile, flexible and insecure. by means of personal intercourse. … It is the place to which a thousand schools Whilst digital, technology, innovation make contributions; in which the intellect and transversal skills are expected to may safely range and speculate. It is a be necessary for future work. Moreo- place where inquiry is pushed forward, … discoveries verified and perfected, and … ver, the ability to employ yourself and error exposed, by the collision of mind with work in ever-changing constellations mind, and knowledge with knowledge. … of teams rather than for one employ- Mutual education, in a large sense of the word, is one of the great and incessant er are increasingly expected to be occupations of human society. … One the work-life for millions globally. generation forms another.” A description by John Henry New- Let’s IMAGINE… man in 'The Idea of a University' in … a university whose role is to 1852, as to what universities are here validate learning as well as skills and for. competency development rather than deliver content. But what are the future roles of … a learning programme delivered the universities? What should without timetables, lectures (or lec- universities be accountable for turers), cramming or exams… your to remain relevant in tomorrow’s students sure can! society? … sophisticated course design and technological evolution that makes ‘mass education’ the exception rath- er than the rule. … keystone and capstone pro- jects providing the challenge-based and practical learning around which everything else is built. … an expanded set of learning modes making self-learning, peer learning, guided learning, applied learning and blended learning be- come the modus operandi, which IMAGINE 6 places self- and shared responsibility all, discovery is part of their identity; Life Partner at its heart. part of their DNA. But where lies the … a facilitator experienced in future role of universities in regard to Victoria Galan-Muros bridging academic and practice as discovery? programme lead, supported by ma- The university as a life-partner is