The newly published Future Directions and Possibilities for the University report from the University of Turku provides a rare and comprehensive overview of the factors affecting the future of universities and possible development paths. The report is part of the University's ongoing strategic foresight initiative launched in 2022 by the Strategic Planning Unit, in collaboration with the Finland Futures Research Centre.
The report offers an in-depth analysis of the key trends, drivers, and developments shaping the future of universities. The report provides valuable information for all universities facing the challenge of reviewing and planning their activities in an era marked by rapid technological change, environmental concerns, political instability, and shifting societal expectations.
The findings of the report emphasise the importance of strategic foresight in helping universities navigate an increasingly complex and competitive global landscape. The findings from the report are intended to inform universities’ decision-making processes, resource allocation, institutional planning, and other measures that will ultimately reinforce their commitment to excellence in teaching and research.
“Strategic choices by universities are becoming increasingly important as our operational environment continues to change. Foresight helps us to make strategic decisions that will enable us to shape the future we want to build. Our foresight project on the factors influencing the future of universities is unique, even internationally, as the future of universities has not yet been explored to any great extent. We hope that the results of the project can be used not only by the University of Turku, but also by the wider Finnish and international higher education community,” explains Päivi Mattila-Wiro, Director of Strategic Affairs and leader of the Strategic Foresight and Futures Thinking Initiative.
Future Directions and Possibilities for the University report is the result of an extensive research process that included two main stages: a thorough literature review and a Delphi study. The literature review covered over 200 scientific articles and reports, providing a comprehensive understanding of global trends influencing universities. In addition, the Delphi study gathered insights from members of the university community, representing diverse units and roles. The research was conducted by the experts of the Finland Futures Research Centre of the University of Turku.
The four main themes of the report focus on key areas shaping the future of universities. These are The University as a Central Institution of Knowledge Production in Society, The University as an Organization Based on Autonomous Disciplines, The University as a Functional Organization: Research, Teaching, and Support Services, The Spatiality of the University in the Future: Material and Immaterial Structures.
”University is a central institution for the renewal of societal competence base and in the production of new research-based knowledge. The foresight report is founded on extensive scientific literature review and a future-scoping expert survey. Report scrutinises the position of university in relation to continuous societal and global changes. Report also scans for potential radical developments that could affect the universities in the future. In an era of planetary and societal crises it is crucial that university evaluates its future options from the perspective of possible future changes,” observes Professor Toni Ahlqvist from the Finland Futures Research Centre at the University of Turku.
The findings of the report and the importance of strategic foresight will be discussed at a public event on Wednesday, 23 October. The event is organised in Finnish.
