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Over the summer, the European University Association (EUA) published the 9th edition of its long-established Trends report. This latest, Trends 2024 publication showcases how European higher education institutions (HEIs) experienced change over the past five years. Since the previous edition back in 2018, many higher education reforms, but also wider societal, political, economic and technological transformations have significantly re-shaped the context in which HEIs operate, of increased complexity and unpredictability. In addition to the retrospective and stock-tacking analysis, the report also addresses HEIs’ prospects for the next five years.
The report is based on survey responses from 489 HEIs in 46 European higher education systems. It provides an introductory, contextual analysis, on the evolution of European, national and institutional strategies and reforms in times of change. Building on this background, the report explores, via five related chapters: the institutions’ perspectives and strategies with regard to their multiple missions; changes in the student body and the education offer, learning and teaching enhancement; the rise of non-degree education; and developments in mobility and internationalisation.
In the specific area of mobility and internationalisation, the authors speak of a reconceptualisation of internationalisation, in the context of new formats and means for internationalisation, as well as changing demands and conditions notably influenced by targeted European and system-level policies, and broader trends (such as geopolitics, greening, technological development, and economic and social changes).
Specifically, they highlight that:
With regards to the future, three key areas are pointed to as worthy of specific attention:
The full report can be downloaded from the EUA website.