A decade ago, the world was not prepared for the widespread impact of the global financial recession. Gradually, the operating focus of higher education sectors in many high-income countries around the world shifted, causing budget-cuts to become a recurring and dominant theme. Yet, at the same time, the expanding middle-class in emerging countries was keen to gain international experience - thus fueling student mobility. Now we are on the cusp of another major transformation. The acceleration of external megatrends - including technological and societal changes - are expected to push higher e
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A decade ago, the world was not prepared for the widespread impact of the global financial recession. Gradually, the operating focus of higher education sectors in many high-income countries around the world shifted, causing budget-cuts to become a recurring and dominant theme. Yet, at the same time, the expanding middle-class in emerging countries was keen to gain international experience - thus fueling student mobility. Now we are on the cusp of another major transformation. The acceleration of external megatrends - including technological and societal changes - are expected to push higher education institutions (especially in high-income countries) towards offering more relevant, affordable, and flexible academic programmes. As a result, universities have an opportunity to overcome enrolment challenges by maximising the potential of engaging new populations through including adult learners (lifelong and online learning) and international students (recruitment and transnational education).
In this report, we address the following broad questions: What are the megatrends shaping the world? How are these megatrends transforming the future of global higher education? What are the implications for international student mobility and global engagement strategies? We articulate our vision for the future of global higher education by synthesising various external reports and data with the perspectives of higher education leaders from around the world. We propose conceptual frameworks for institutional archetypes of success and for their global engagement strategies leading up to 2030.
This report is designed for higher education professionals in high-income countries, many of whom are facing enrolment growth challenges. We recognise the diversity within the higher education landscape across and within countries, and, hence, do not claim to offer predictive and prescriptive findings. The purpose and approach of this report is to encourage higher education institutions to reflect, assess, and discover alternative pathways for the future leading up to 2030.
Edited excerpt from publication.
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