Universities Are Home to Revolutionary Thinking

The third set of articles from The Future of Universities Thoughtbook | Universities During Times of Crisis introduces Professor (DBA, FRSA) at Cambridge Worldwide Associates, Alan Barrell, Chief Executive of Universities Australia, Catriona Jackson and President of the American University of Central Asia, Andrew Kuchins. 

In his article ‘RE-IMAGINING Universities’, Alan Barrell describes universities as ideally positioned to lead imaginative change, hoping that the crisis did not only cause disruption, but stimulated thoughts on what universities should really be there for in tomorrow’s world. Barrell re-imagines universities central to an intellectually connected world that is characterised by people who imagine what could be, focusing on ‘WHY NOT’ rather than ‘yes but’. 

In her article ‘Don’t Dream; It’s Real’, Catriona Jackson reminds us of the importance of university in the past and present, as we sometimes forget that they are home to the big ideas, breakthroughs, and revolutionary thinking. She highlights that even though universities will be changed by the pandemic, their fundamental objectives will not, and they will remain active players of the future. 

In his article ‘COVID and the Globalization of Higher Education’, Andrew Kuchins foresees that whilst some universities may not survive the financial implications of the pandemic, many institutions will unite their forces in this globalized world to embrace collaborative teaching and learning. It will however be the most innovative and creative institutions that are most likely to make the transition and thrive in the future. 

The Future of Universities Thoughtbook | Universities During Times of Crisis is a compilation of 45 perspectives of international thought and practice leaders.

The Thoughtbook has gathered the perspectives of leaders and champions at the forefront on how universities can shape the world during times of crisis, presenting a range of possible futures. This edition creates a vision for the future of higher education institutions and how they will impact their communities during times of crisis, complementing the inaugural international Future of Universities Thoughtbook and the Australian and North American editions. The contributions are divided into six thematic sections – Imagine a University…, Crisis as a Driving Force, Disrupting Teaching and Learning, Collision of Technology and Humanity, Socially Engaged University and Entrepreneurship and University-Industry Interaction. Together, the articles provide a 360-degree view of universities from the perspective of different stakeholder groups. 

For more information and to order or download your copy of The Future of Universities Thoughtbook | Universities During Times of Crisis visit our website www.future-universities.com