The University is one of the greatest inventions of the second millennium (Rhodes, 1998). Europe can be particularly proud of this, given that the University is first and foremost a European institution which — while keeping its essential characteristics — has since spread worldwide (Rüegg, 1992). Universities have shown themselves …
A business model for the 21st century european university
“The world is moving in the American direction. More universities in more countries are charging students tuition fees,” says The Economist (2015). Of course, there is more to the American university model than merely tuition. Many of us have benefitted from the opportunities of great American research universities. Some of …
University leadership and governance
In a world faced with profound challenges and opportunities, and drivenby rapid disruptive change, universities can play important transformativeroles. This paper argues that to be able to do so successfully a key requirement is for universities to have a high degree of autonomy, tied to adequate and diversified funding, competition …
Converging paths- public and private research universities
The American research university has been celebrated as “the greatest system of knowledge production and higher learning that the world has ever known” (Cole, 2009). As measured by any number of factors — international rankings, Nobel Laureates, publications in peer review journals, or impact on industrial innovation —
Glion Colloquium – A Retrospective
Two Declarations, nine books, 180 chapters, 2,400 pages published overa 15-year span from 1999 to 2014 — by any standards the outputs ofthe regular meetings of the Glion Colloquium, held in Glion itself with the exception of one held in California, have provided a major stimulus to new thinking about …
The social and political responsibilities of research universities
This paper attempts to come up with possible answers to the question:“What do universities consider to be their most important prioritiesand responsibilities in 1) addressing the challenges facing their institutions; and 2) expectations arising from their societies at the local, regional or global level?” Specifically, I wish to address some …
The search for Quality at Chinese Universities
along with China’s booming economy, the past three decades have seen tremendous progress in higher education in China. In 1982, only 1% of 18- to 22-year-olds had the opportunity to participate in higher education. The proportion in 2012 is now more than 26%, and China is likely to reach a …
A Research University for both Academic Excellence and Responsibility for a sustainable future – does the Swedish model work?
Sweden has for a long time been spared from armed conflicts and major disruptive social problems. During the past decades, we have gone from a homogeneous state to an increasingly diverse and diverged country. In an international comparison, Sweden looks in many ways like a very attractive country to live …
The Strategic Repositioning of Research Universities to fulfil their Global Promise
The relevance of universities has become a theme of public debate, reflecting the anxiety and excitement surrounding changing forces in the larger context of globalization, as well as widespread concern with regard to basic economic and societal well-being. Despite a whirlwind of change and transformation, universities have been stable, resilient …
The Impact of Technology on Discovery and Learning
Today, our world has entered a period of rapid and profound economic, social and political transformation driven by knowledge and innovation. Educated people, the knowledge they produce and the innovation and entrepreneurial skills they possess have become the keys to economic prosperity, public health, national security and social well-being. It …
Challenges in Establishing a Top Research University
The historical development of research universities and their roles in society has been articulated in many articles and documents. Since their inception, distinguished research universities have generated leaders in virtually every field and created scientific and technological advances that have affected the welfare and well-being of humanity. Top research universities …
The Asian Tiger University Effect
A common wisdom is that we are now entering the Asian Century, having travelled the American century in the 1900s and the British century in the 1800s. This reflects the array of impressive economic indicators emerging in the East. As the Australia in the Asian Century white paper (Australian Government, …
Can the French System support competitive Research Universities
during this symposium, we have addressed the question of the imbalance between educational need and educational capacity. Of course, this question has been asked in France. What are the answers? Are they adequate? Are they specific to the French situation or can they be used in a wider range of …
Higher Education Model for Large Developing Economies
Education is the key to socio-economic development and character building. Higher education plays an important role in knowledge and wealth creation. Historically, one can find a good correlation between the spread and quality of higher education and the economic development of a nation. Scientific, social and economic developments in developed …
Strategy in the Face of Uncertainty and Unpredictability
One of the most vexing problems we face today in moving toward a more sustainable society is the problem of uncertainty and imperfect predictability of complex physical and biological phenomena. Such states of knowledge cause havoc when scientific and technological knowledge,
International STEM Education for Global Sustainability
On a daily basis, people around the world face challenges that result from us all, together on our small planet, approaching the carrying capacity of our environment. The sustainability of humanity is determined by our ability to keep in balance the three pillars of society — our environment, and our …
A University Culture of Sustainability_Principle, Practice and Economic Driver
Sustainability — as we use the term in our classrooms, capitals and marketplaces — has evolved and taken on an almost mythical quality. The word is ripe with meaning, yet not well defined, and actions in the name of sustainability are similarly wide-ranging and varied.
Action is what counts. Sustainability at ETH Zurich and EPFL
Tackling the challenges of sustainable development requires critical thinking, innovative technologies and an open dialogue between science, industry, and society. As Swiss-based universities that are consistently high in the leading international university rankings, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) and the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) …
Sustaining World Class Universities: Who Pays and How
Higher education is now unarguably a global activity. In a digitally connected world, where capital and labour flow increasingly freely without hindrance from national boundaries, universities are no less subject to the forces of globalization than any other part of service sector economy. Universities from all over the world
Regional Engagement and Sustainability: University of Aveiro in Portugal
In the framework of the demographic evolution foreseen up to 2050, major issues related to sustainability include: food, natural resources (water in particular) and energy. These “grand societal challenges” affect all aspects of our lives and are not contained within geographical borders or specific scientific disciplines.