Meetings - University of the Future Network

This page contains reports and other documents produced by the network during summits and events.

Watch now all the sessions of the UFN-UNESCO 2022 Conference

UFN-UNESCO 2022 Conference "Reimagining the Futures of Higher Education Towards 2050", South Africa

In preparation for the UNESCO 3rd World Higher Education Conference (WHEC2022) taking place from 18-20 May 2022 in Barcelona, Spain, UFN-UNESCO 2022 Conference hosted by UNISA "Reimagining the Futures of Higher Education Towards 2050" was inspired by the WHEC Theme on the Futures of Higher Education, which engages participants in visionary conceptions intended to reimagine future learning communities, this two half-day virtual UFN-UNESCO conference (24-25 February 2022) provided a platform for sharing envisioned scenarios of higher education of the future with relevant higher education stakeholders, to address past and current injustices inherent in higher education ecosystems.

Throughout the two days, conference participants explored and reimagined the futures of Higher Education by engaging with futures research methodologies and policies required for Higher Education transformations over the next decades. The resulting conclusions will be presented at the 3rd World Higher Education Conference (WHEC2022)

For now you can watch again all the presentations and discussions of the Conference, including the Keynote Adresses and Panel Discussions, also the constructive discussions after each talk.

Day 1 - Higher Education Futures Research Methodologies

Session 1 - UFN-UNESCO 2022 Conference - Reimagining the Futures of Higher Education Towards 2050

In the first session of "Reimagining the Futures of Higher Education Towards 2030" we deep in the "Higher Education Research Methodologies". After the Opening Session with Opening Remarks of Josep M. Duart and Sobhi Tawil, we go through the Plenary Session where Keri Facer presented us her Keynote Address. Later on, in the Panel Discussion on "Studies on the Futures of Higher Education" we heard the different perspectives from the panelists: Eva Cendon, Dorothée Schulte, Emma Sabzalieva and Mpine Makoe.

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L6Dsh_Y9rg

Session 2 - UFN-UNESCO 2022 Conference - Reimagining the Futures of Higher Education Towards 2050

In the second session of "Reimagining the Futures of Higher Education Towards 2030" we deep in the "Higher Education Research Methodologies". Following the First Session and the Breakaway Sessions we end Day 1 with a Panel Discussion on the Futures Research Methodologies in Higher Education listening to the points of view of different experts, such as Ronald Barnett, Ulf-Daniel Ehlers and Melinda Bandalaria.

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LjyEdYTW5c

Day 2 - Policy Engagement on the Futures of Higher Education

Session 1 - UFN-UNESCO 2022 Conference - Reimagining the Futures of Higher Education Towards 2050

The first session of Day 2 of "Reimagining the Futures of Higher Education Towards 2030" we deep in the "Policy Engagement on the Futures of Higher Education". We start the session with an Introduction from Keith Holmes and a Keynote Address called "The Futures oh Higher Education" by Asha Kanwar. Followed by a second Keynote talk by Dzulkifli Abdul Razak. The final Panel Discussion of the Conference is based on the "Regional Perspectives on the Futures of Higher Education" including panelists from different regions: Carolyn Medel-Anonuevo (Africa), Ziad Said (Arab States), Jessica Retis (Europe and North America), Carmela Chavez Irigoyen (Latin America and the Caribbean) and Ethel Agnes Pascua-Valenzuela (Asia).

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ8tmRHFsQ8

Conference Outcomes - UFN-UNESCO 2022 - Reimagining the Futures of Higher Education Towards 2050

For the final Session of the UFN-UNESCO 2022 Conference "Reimagining the Futures of Higher Education Towards 2050" we have the opportunity to hear the conclusions and way forward of Thenjiwe Meyiwa, Martha Burkle and José Luis Guzman Martell with Narend Baijnath facilitating the conversation.

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X24lZVJTP7s

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN: UFN-UNESCO Online Conference “Reimagining the Futures of Higher Education towards 2050”, South Africa, 24-25 February 2022

UFN-UNESCO Conference Reimagining the Futures of Sustainable Higher Education Towards 2050, South Africa

In preparation for the upcoming third UNESCO World Higher Education Conference, the University of the Future Network (UFN), in partnership with UNESCO is organizing a conference hosted by the University of South Africa (UNISA) with the aim of bringing together global higher education stakeholders to rethink and reimagine the higher education of the future. The focus of the conference is on the Futures of Higher Education, which is one of the 10 themes that will contribute to WHEC 2022 theme on “Reinventing Higher Education for a Sustainable Future”. Hence, the proposed UFN conference theme will be on “Reimagining the Futures of Higher Education Towards 2050″. The aim is to stimulate discussions as we reimagine the futures of higher education. The UFN two-day virtual conference will take place on 24-25 February 2022.

During these two days education experts, such as Keri Facer, Ronald Barnett, Asha Kanwar, Duzulkifli Razak and many more, will debate about the futures of Higher Education concerning its methodologies and policies. The resulting conclusions of the meeting will be presented at The 3rd World Higher Education Conference (WHEC2022) in Barcelona from 18 to 20 May 2022.

Registration

Registration is now open for the upcoming UFN Conference in partnership with UNESCO titled “Reimagining the Futures of Higher Education Towards 2050” will be hosted virtually (online) by the University of South Africa on the 24th and 25th of February 2022, both days starting at 15:00 (SAST). Now it’s your turn to reimagine how Higher Education would look like in 2050!

In order to registrate for the Conference click in the button below:

REGISTRATION

ONLINE Meeting #5 in Buenos Aires, 3-4 November 2020

University of Buenos Aires, Argentina

The University of the Future Network with the collaboration of the Centre of Innovation in Pedagogy and Technology (CITEP) of the Secretarý of Academic Affairs of the University of Buenos Aires organised the V Annual Meeting: Transformations in Higher Education: challenges, actions and projections, which was held virtually during October 29th – November 4th, 2020.

About the meeting

The webinars and panels were held virtually on the 3rd and 4th of November 2020. Four live sessions broadcasted via YOUTUBE, recorded and posted in a timely manner. Below are the links to rewatch the sessions.

Attendance list

UFN members:

- Martha Burkle, University of Alberta
- Adão Carvalho, Universidade de Évora
- Eva Cendon, Fernuniversitët in Hagen
- Josep Duart, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya
- Sarah Guri-Rosenblit, Open University of Israel
- Carina Lion, Universidad de Buenos Aires
- Mpine Makoe, University of South Africa
- Andrea Mangiatordi, University of Milano Bicocca
- Dorothee Schulte, Fernuniversitët in Hagen
- Alec Gershberg, University of Pennsylvania
- Alan Tait, Open University UK
- Airina Volungeviciene, Vitautas Magnus University

Why CITEP, University of Buenos Aires?

The Centre of Innovation in Pedagogy and Technology of the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) research and experimentation center on pedagogy and new technologies. Founded in 2008, it has the aim to create and develop debate spaces for the University teachers, in order to address the challenges concerning the inclusion of new technologies in higher education.

Media

You can re-watch the event in Spanish:

You can re-watch the event in English:

Organization: Centre of Innovation in Pedagogy and Technology of the Secretarý of Academic Affairs. University of Buenos Aires citep.rec.uba.ar

Meeting #4 in Milan, 10-12 November 2019

University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy

The fourth annual meeting of the University of the Future Network will take place in Milan, Italy, at the University of Milano-Bicocca. The main topic that will be explored during the meeting will be the relationship between university/universities and the enterprise world.

About the meeting

The meeting will start on the 10th of November with a network event, followed by one full day (11th of November) of presentations, discussions and meetings with local scholars and researchers. On the 12th of November a public event titled “Learning partnerships for innovation: fostering university & enterprise dialogue” will provide space for discussion about four main topics:

the digital university and its relationship with enterprise
access and inclusion in the transition to the workplace
partnerships and networking between universities and companies
executive and industrial PhDs

Who is attending?

UFN members:

Helen Avery, Lund University
Martha Burkle, University of Alberta
Adão Carvalho, Universidade de Évora
Eva Cendon, Fernuniversitët in Hagen
Josep Duart, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya
Sarah Guri-Rosenblit, Open University of Israel
Carina Lion, Universidad de Buenos Aires
Mpine Makoe, University of South Africa
Andrea Mangiatordi, University of Milano Bicocca
Dorothee Schulte, Fernuniversitët in Hagen

Why Milano Bicocca?

The University of Milano-Bicocca is located in a district of the city of Milan where many national and international companies have placed their headquarters and offices. The high variety of subjects and careers available in its 14 Departments make it an interesting starting point for the development of participated reflection about the future of academic institutions.

UNESCO – Futures of Education Report: Reimagining our futures together

Meeting #2 in Hagen, 11-13 July 2017

FernUniversität, Hagen

The Digitalization phenomenon that has affected our daily lives has multiple challenges and opportunities for universities to shape their future in the digital age. The second meeting of the “University of the Future Network” at FernUniversität in Hagen from July 11 to July 13, 2017 tried to frame central aspects of this discussion. Under the headline “The Digitalization of the University of the Future".

About the meeting

The network members discussed how the digitalization phenomenon has affected the university and what are the main issues that we should look out for to comprehend the changes and novelties concerning the University of the Future. These were the main topics of the meeting:

- Teaching and Learning in the Digital Age: Challenges and Opportunities
- Redefining Knowledge in the Digital Age: Internet and Social Media
- Towards a Policy of Access: Digitalization for All
- Open Educational Resources as Learning Materials in the New University
- University Business Models and Value Propositions in the Digital Age
- Virtual networks for the Digital University: Research and Partnerships

UFN members:

- - Helen Avery, Lund University
  - Martha Burkle, University of Alberta
  - Adão Carvalho, Universidade de Évora
  - Eva Cendon, Fernuniversitët in Hagen
  - Josep Duart, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya
  - Sarah Guri-Rosenblit, Open University of Israel
  - Carina Lion, Universidad de Buenos Aires
  - Mpine Makoe, University of South Africa
  - Andrea Mangiatordi, University of Milano Bicocca
  - Dorothee Schulte, Fernuniversitët in Hagen

Why FernUniversität ?

The FernUniversität in Hagen is a public university in Germany. Founded in 1974, it is the biggest university in the country with more than 80.000 students. Host the honor of being the one and only online public university of Germany. FernUniversität has five faculties specialized in the following areas of study: Cultural and Social Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science, Business Administration and Economics, Law and Psychology.

Media

#1: Teaching and Learning in the Digital Age: Challenges and Opportunities

“With digitalization we do not lose the teachers. But: we need to think of which roles, which functions academic teachers have, and which career paths as teachers they can follow within the university.” (Prof. Eva Cendon, FernUniversität in Hagen, Germany)

#Video 
Eva Cendon

#Paper 
Narend Baijnath & Eva Cendon

#2: Redefining Knowledge in the Digital Age: Internet and Social Media

“Through the internet we learn from others in new and more tacit ways, formally and informally. In this new landscape, all learning is blended. The boundaries are being more liquified.” (Cristobal Cobo PhD, Ceibal Foundation, Uruguay)

#Video 
Martha Burkle & Cristobal Cobo

#Presentation 
Martha Burkle & Cristobal Cobo

#3: Towards a Policy of Access: Digitalization for All

“There is access to technology and there is access to pedagogy that we want to achieve. Unless we understand the teaching and learning aspect of technology we won´t be able to be successful about it.” (Prof. Mpine Makoe, University of South Africa)

#Video 
Mpine Makoe

#Paper 
Mpine Makoe & Alan Tait

#4: Open Educational Resources as Learning Materials in the New University

“We have a re-usibility paradox with OER. We have to adapt it. And the amount of adaption depends on how specific this resource is.” (Andrea Mangiatordi PhD, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Italy)

#Video 
Andrea Mangiatordi

#Paper 
Andrea Mangiatordi & Michael Power

#5: University Business Models and Value Propositions in the Digital Age

“Try to put yourselves in the future, 15 to 20 years in the future, giving you some archetypes of students and thinking of what kind of value proposition they need in order to have their needs served by university" (Alex Gershberg PhD, University of Pennsylvania)

#Video
Alex Gershberg 

#Paper 
Uta Wehn, Alec Gershberg & José Tulio Gálvez Contreras

#6: Virtual networks for the Digital University: Research and Partnerships

“We have to create a stronger alignment between universities, the employment and the corporate world. Because we prepare people for professions, that will change or disappear and for new professions that will appear. How do we forecast that and how do we relate to that in our curricula?” (Prof. Sarah Guri-Rosenblit, The Open University of Israel)

#Video 
Sarah Guri-Rosenblit

#Paper 
Sarah Guri-Rosenblit & Josep Duart

Last updated: September 28, 2018.

Meeting #3 in Philadelphia, 11-12 October 2018

The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

This ‘University of the Future Network’ meeting took place at the Perry World House on Penn’s campus in Philadelphia, PA, USA from Thursday, October 11 to 12, 2018. In “Beyond the Walls: The University of the Future” we seek to examine the meaning of the university in an era when virtual and online education is transforming the brick-and-mortar campus. Stakeholders from across the University of Pennsylvania engaged in dialogue with global thought-leaders in higher education, teaching and learning innovation, digital media, social networks, and the role of the university in society and industry.

About the meeting

What is the future of the university? What is the university of the future? How have globalization, radical transformation of information technologies, digital media, and increasing demand for 21^st-century skills and competencies combined to trigger an urgency for higher education institutions of all kinds to transform the ways they create and deliver content and respond to social and economic expectations? The summit agenda included roundtables on four themes:

The Global University (extending the university’s global reach in an increasingly complex world where connectivity is both an opportunity and a challenge for the university as we know it)
The Digital University (digital innovation in teaching and learning and the impact on the role of the university and the broader knowledge industries)
The Equitable University (the potential for the university to impact inequality through the students it reaches)
The Lifelong University (the role of the university in a world where accelerated knowledge creation requires a lifelong commitment to, and investment in, education and learning)

Attendance list

Josep Duart, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya
Wallace Boston, American Public University System
Martha Burkle, Yukon College
Cristobal Cobo, Oxford Internet Institute
Peter Decherney, University of Pennsylvania
Mairead Dunne, University of Sussex
Ezekiel J. Emanuel, University of Pennsylvania
Steven J. Fluharty, School of Arts and Sciences
Alec Gershberg, The New School
Manuel González-Canche, University of Pennsylvania
Pam Grossman,
Mauro Guillen, University of Pennsylvania
Sarah Guri-Rosenblit, Open University of Israel
John L. Jackson. Jr., Richard Perry University
Vijay Kumar, Nemirovky Family Dean
Nora Lewis, University of Pennsylvania
Andrea Mangiatordi, Universita degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca
Michael Power, University of Laval
Wendell Pritchett, University of Pennsylvania
Alan Ruby, University of Pennsylvania
Nikhil Sinha, Coursera
Rebecca Stein,
Alan Tait, The Open University
Candace Thille, Standford University
Airina Volungeviciene, Vytautas Magnus University
Leonard Wantcheckton, Princeton University
Uta Wehn, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education

Why University of Pennsylvania?

The University of Pennsylvania is America's first university, it dates back to 1740. Penn is also one of the world’s most powerful research and teaching institutions, with a research budget of nearly 1 billion and more than 5.000 active faculty members. The expression of its powerful research system is represented in the 178 research centers and institutes of the university.

Meeting #1 in Barcelona, 20-22 April 2016

Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona

As part of the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) Research Week 2016, UOC organized a global summit held in Barcelona on 20-21 April 2016 entitled “The Universities of the Future: Educational and Organizational Challenges”. The main aims of the global summit were to create a global network of researchers interested in the future of universities and debate and discuss the most important challenges facing universities from educational and organizational perspectives.

About the meeting

Activities of the summit included a variety of events to achieve its aims and goals. These included the main research workshops, a round table on the future of universities and a doctoral student research seminar. Further details of these summit activities can be seen in Appendix A. The focus of these events was the creation of “university of the future” models for integrative, boundary-crossing and collaborative institutions within the wider context of:

Current dual-mode university models and the evolution of university business models
Fostering truly trans-disciplinary teaching, learning, and knowledge creation
The role of information technology in the university of the future models
The role of a liberal arts education in the universities of the future
Management opportunities and challenges: new registration procedures for students, library access, interaction with instructors, etc.
The problem of access to programs and courses by geographically remote and nontraditional students
Access to higher education for students with disabilities
The workplace as an extension of the classroom: radical changes financial and organizational operation
Creating alliances with industry and non-profit organizations: future university entrepreneurship models