IEEE Membership’s Post

Panellists of the ATTRACT EU session at a recent Science|Business conference emphasized the need for new training models to address Europe's tech talent shortage. With only 1.6% of the EU labour force comprising researchers, urgent action is required. The panel discussed holistic education approaches, including practical experience and soft skills alongside STEM. Some solutions discussed include lifelong learning, industry-academia collaboration, and promoting entrepreneurial education. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dgd46FBh

The function and future of higher education is up for debate like never before. One conversation I am increasingly passionate about is how universities promote principles like open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement. Across the political spectrum, we see growing attempts to shame, ostracize, censor, and regulate expressions that question or challenge commonly held views. This diminishes trust, inhibits learning, and prevents the pursuit of knowledge and innovation. If there was ever a time to understand how to build and sustain ideals of open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement in higher education, it is now. Excited to join folks from across the globe at the annual meeting of the Heterodox Academy in Chicago to learn from Jonathan Haidt, Hakeem Oluseyi, and others about how we can shape the future of higher education that benefits free and open societies. #HxA2024

#Microcredentials have become a policy priority of the European Union, as well as in many national contexts, alongside a substantial increase in the numbers of higher education institutions providing such courses. New developments in higher education usually come with high hopes and big concerns. Therefore, an upcoming webinar as part of the Erasmus+ #MicroNetEU project will bring a sense of reality to often rather polarised scenarios by sharing institutions’ experiences of exploring micro-credentials and examples of national and European approaches. During this webinar, institutions from different European countries will present their projects and share some of their successes and challenges. The discussions will also take into consideration the community of learners and external partners and analysis of the role and impact of system and European level policies and frameworks for the successful use of micro-credentials. 📅 5 June 2024, 10.30 CEST Registration is available at: https://bit.ly/3Kqmebj MicroNet Consortium Members: Irish Universities Association, MicroCreds, the European University Association (EUA), Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), UNIC (European University of Cities in Post-Industrial Transition) and ECIU. #EUfunded #ErasmusPlus #qualifications #highereducation #highered

Neither does the pact explicitly acknowledge the critical role of universities in contributing to breakthroughs in science, technology and innovation or their vital work in social sciences, which is critical to changing human behaviour and solving local and global challenges. The important role of international partnerships in higher education and research to address inequality and support capacity building is largely missing...

Like a United Nations of research on Work-integrated learning (WIL). That was the feeling when University West hosted the prestigious WACE International Research Symposium 2024. More than 100 researchers in WIL from all over the globe gathered to talk about Work-integrated learning as a catalyst for creating the sustainable knowledge society. Read the news story here: https://lnkd.in/d25fxxR4 #research #workintegratedlearning

Fostering Innovation in Academic Institutions Last week, I had the privilege of discussing the pivotal role of universities in fostering innovation with the newly elected rector and vice-rector of a prestigious Tunisian university. Traditionally, universities have focused primarily on delivering academic degrees, often overlooking their potential societal impact. However, this traditional model is inadequate for addressing the complex challenges of today and the future. The quadruple helix model, which involves collaboration between academia, industry, government, and civil society, is crucial for enabling universities to make a lasting impact on society. Our research team has proposed five pillars: Challenge, Education, Reseach, Innovation, and Deployment (CERID). You can read more about CERID from here: https://lnkd.in/dTgY7PwQ Here’s how universities can drive innovation: 1. **Cultivating a Culture of Curiosity**: Universities nurture critical thinking and curiosity, empowering students and faculty to explore new ideas, challenge conventional wisdom, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. 2. **Bridging Academia and Industry**: Through partnerships, internships, and collaborative research, universities serve as a bridge between academic knowledge and real-world applications, ensuring that innovative ideas have a tangible impact on society. 3. **Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators**: By offering interdisciplinary programs, access to cutting-edge technology, and entrepreneurial support, universities equip students to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. 4. **Driving Societal Progress**: Research conducted at universities often tackles the most pressing challenges of our time—from climate change to healthcare—delivering innovative solutions that improve lives and drive societal progress. 5. **Building a Global Innovation Ecosystem**: Universities foster global connections, enabling the exchange of ideas and collaboration across borders, which is essential for addressing complex global challenges.

Academia-Industry Cooperation is the symbiotic relationship between academic institutions (academia) and the industrial sector (industry) through collaborative efforts and partnerships between the two. The shared knowledge and expertise accessed through such cooperation can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge acquired in academic settings and the practical applications of industries. Together, academic institutions and industries can co-create solutions to overcome pressing challenges by fostering partnerships and embracing best practices. https://lnkd.in/dUg-ZUjH

Swiss education, research and innovation policy addresses cross-cutting themes. Doing so creates major opportunities across all areas. One such theme is cooperation at national and international level. Here is a brief overview of the relevant activities. Read the article:

The latest UUK report, Opportunity, Growth, and Partnership: A Blueprint for Change, presents a bold and comprehensive roadmap for how #UK universities can spearhead economic growth, foster social mobility, and address critical global challenges. By leveraging their research capabilities, fostering international collaborations, and attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), universities are positioned to play a pivotal role in regional development, especially beyond London and the South East. The report’s emphasis on creating innovation clusters, promoting science and technology hubs, and working closely with government and local partners offers a clear strategy to enhance the UK’s global competitiveness. It also highlights the power of universities as drivers of growth, not only through education but by acting as catalysts for local and international investment. Congratulations to Universities UK, the UK sector and all involved in producing this vital blueprint. It sets the stage for the UK’s higher education sector to lead the charge toward long-term, sustainable economic prosperity. Wishing this success and looking forward to the impact in action. Universities UK International #highereducation #UK #sustainability

🏛 In the rapidly changing higher education landscape, collaboration is becoming essential for institutions to thrive. 🤝 With rising costs and declining enrolment, partnerships can offer both financial stability and enhanced value for students. Whether seeking survival or growth opportunities, colleges and universities must strategically collaborate to share resources, expand offerings, and streamline operations. This new era encourages deeper alliances that can redefine the future of education through cooperation and innovation. 💡 To explore these strategies in-depth, check out the full article in the comments.