Universities of the future

Universities must actively look to the future to identify threats and opportunities. This closely relates to a key element of universities' existing role within society, whereby they both identify and influence a wide range of changes happening in the world around us. Over the past decade, many have experienced profound institutional- and system-level reforms, and they continue to change as challenges evolve and new opportunities arise. Questions surrounding the future of our planet, societies and economies drive these changes.

As the university sector takes ownership of this debate, EUA has developed its own vision about what Europe's universities should look like in 2030.

Renewal and transformation are present at various levels, be it institutional, societal or political. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated certain aspects of these developments.

At the European level, political interest in universities has increased in recent years and EUA has been a major player in the debate. In 2017-2018, the European Universities Initiative (EUI) put universities and higher education high on the European agenda. Specifically, the EUI has focused on the development of transnational university alliances as a cornerstone of a future European Education Area. More recently, a much broader debate on the future of universities has emerged. In this context, EUA is actively looking towards the institutional transformation needed to advance towards shared goals, such as innovative learning and teaching, Open Science and Open Access.

As a next step, EUA is engaging in the debate about “Universities and the future of Europe”. In its work to shape this future, the Association will explore what kind of European framework and means of cooperation universities need to best fulfil their missions in an ever-changing world.

Keywords

Positions

  • View more 22 Sep 2021

    Pathways to the future

    This publication focuses on geopolitical changes, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, as well as the course of democracy, and how they may impact Europe’s universities. It outlines possible scenarios for future developments, as well as pathways for universities to pursue common goals.

  • View more 04 Feb 2021

    Universities without walls – A vision for 2030

    This seminal document is the result of extensive consultations and deliberations with EUA members and partners over a six-month period in 2020. It sets out a vision of resilient and effective universities, serving Europe’s societies towards a better future.

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Resources

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Expert voices

Projects

  • Universities and the future of Europe (UniFE)

    Europe has a unique multilateral and multilevel framework for cooperation in higher education and...

  • iRECS

    Improving Research Ethics Expertise and Competencies to Ensure Reliability and Trust in Science The research ethics process is facing increasing challenges posed by new technologies and social...

  • Europe’s Universities 2030

    EUA’s vision for the future EUA has developed its vision for Europe’s universities in 2030. After intensive consultations with...

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