For three years, members of the University of the Future project worked on shaping the education of tomorrow. Funded by the 2021 Dutch Higher Education Award, the project brought together a wide range of stakeholders through co-creation sessions and workshops – from students, teachers, and researchers to policymakers and industry representatives. “It’s not about our idea of the ideal future, but about bringing all perspectives together to sketch the education concept of the future,” explains Marcello Sala, one of the project leaders.

Out of the box

Together with the other project leaders, Dominique Fürst and Ana Valencia, Sala approached the project with an open mind. The trio encouraged participants to think truly out of the box. “We always asked: if anything is possible, and you aren’t bound by the current university structure or regulations, what would your ideal university look like?” Based on the input collected, they developed this vision further.

The tangible result – a concrete scenario of a possible future university – was handed over Monday afternoon during a festive closing event to Rector Magnificus Silvia Lenaerts. But according to the project members, it’s far from a conclusion. “It marks more of a beginning,” they say.

Actor of change

In the Blauwe zaal of the Auditorium, Isabelle Reymen (see main photo), Scientific Director of TU/e innovation Space, opens the event and immediately emphasizes the importance of systemic change. Universities must take their role as actors of change seriously. “The major societal challenges require not only technological, but also social and systemic transformations,” she says. “That requires careful consideration of what we do and how we do it.”

Reymen stresses that the goal of the project is to sketch a detailed picture of a possible future, not a definitive scenario. “Working on the education concept of the future is an ongoing process that must continuously evolve together with all stakeholders,” she explains.

Co-creation

Next, Bror Giesenbauer from the University of Bremen takes the stage. He focuses on the systemic transformation of higher education institutions and outlines current challenges: the climate crisis, budget cuts, internationalization, and societal polarization. Yet he remains optimistic. Universities have endured much in the past, from wars to totalitarian regimes. “But,” he emphasizes, “radical change is necessary.”

Giesenbauer walks the audience through the history of the university. University 1.0 focused on knowledge transfer by authorities; University 2.0 emphasized research and academic excellence. The current University 3.0 focuses on stakeholder collaboration and societal issues, but according to Giesenbauer, that is not enough. “We face wicked problems – complex challenges that require a different approach,” he says. The next step is University 4.0, where co-creation and transdisciplinary collaboration are central. He cites real-world labs and open science as examples. “It’s not just about sharing knowledge, but about designing solutions together and making a real impact.”

Three layers

After parallel sessions, where participants brainstormed topics such as the design of collaboration hubs, it was time to present the future scenario. Chantal Brans, Program Manager at innovation Space and overall project leader, explains that in the university of the future, traditional roles are redefined. “We no longer talk about students, but about learners,” she says. “Everyone is a learner, blurring the line between student and teacher. It’s about learning with and from each other.”

The future scenario consists of three layers. The innermost layer focuses on personalized learning paths. Tomorrow’s education is self-directed: learners design their own curriculum based on their needs and goals. “Within certain limits, of course,” Brans adds with a smile.

The second layer is community learning – the university itself. As learners determine their own routes and outcomes, the university’s role shifts primarily to that of facilitator. “It should provide structure, purpose, and a sense of belonging,” Brans explains.

The outer layer consists of thematic collaboration hubs: the broader ecosystem where university and society meet. Brans emphasizes the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration and working on real societal challenges in realistic environments through so-called immersive experiences.

Scenario

“With this scenario, we want to take the first step and invite everyone to participate in renewing education,” says Brans. “We don’t need to wait for the Executive Board; we can initiate change ourselves. Everyone can contribute.” She then hands over the scenario – in booklet form – to Rector Silvia Lenaerts. “I see it as an invitation to discussion and further collaboration on the university of the future,” she adds.

Lenaerts expresses her enthusiasm: “I am very pleased with this project because it aligns with what we want to be as a university: the university of the future. You can count on our support. It’s important that we do what we say.”

Learning community

After a panel discussion on practical obstacles, Ines Lopez Arteaga, Dean of the Bachelor College, closes the event. She emphasizes the importance of open thinking and letting go of rigid preconceptions to allow a new education concept to emerge. “In the future, we might not even need traditional degree programs. It’s about creating a learning community,” she says.