Universities Futures Lab - Podcast series
European University Association
The European University Association’s latest podcast series, introduces you to the world of futures thinking and foresight and how to use it for university strategy development.Hosted by Thomas E. Jørgensen and Anna-Lena Claeys-Kulik from EUA’s Policy Coordination and Foresight Team, the ‘Universities Futures Lab’ comes to you in five episodes. Get insights from experienced foresight practitioners from universities across Europe and learn to work with the future to prepare for tomorrow in the here and now. To listen to the episodes, follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and RSS. Like, share and let us know what you think!
Episodes
Mentioned books
4 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 19min
Mind and body
Renato Soldenhoff, a Futures and strategic design practitioner at Zurich University of the Arts, explores the transformative role of futures thinking in education. He discusses how the pandemic accelerated digital transformation, making previously imagined scenarios a reality. Renato highlights the importance of arts-based methods for engaging senses, encouraging collaboration, and moving beyond comfort zones. He offers practical takeaways on co-creating futures and using improvisation as a powerful tool for change.
9 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 24min
Tech beyond the hype
Gül Akcaova, Lead Futurist at SURF in the Netherlands, dives into the future of technology in higher education. She discusses the fine line between tech hype and genuine innovation, emphasizing responsible experimentation with AI and its impact on education. Gül highlights the promise and risks of brain-computer interfaces, balancing personalization with privacy concerns. With a focus on quantum communications, she also advocates for equitable access amidst rapid tech changes, shedding light on how universities can shape their own tech futures.
6 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 23min
Oracles and evidence
Toni Ahlqvist, a professor and research director at the University of Turku, shares his expertise in futures studies. He argues that universities must embrace futures thinking to enhance societal resilience and knowledge provision. Toni explains Delphi studies as a powerful tool for gathering expert opinions and achieving consensus. He also outlines practical strategies for integrating foresight into university planning, highlighting the importance of understanding context and employing diverse methods. His insights are invaluable for anyone looking to shape their institution's future.
4 snips
Nov 28, 2024 • 22min
Grey rhinos
Gert-Jan Scheurwater, Director of Strategic Foresight at TU Delft, shares insights from his three-decade journey in academia. He explains how foresight can shape practical decision-making and why universities resemble coral reefs in their vulnerability. Gert-Jan contrasts grey rhinos—foreseeable risks like cybersecurity—with unpredictable black swans. He discusses the importance of building internal support for foresight initiatives and teases future tools for enhancing university foresight capabilities.
11 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 23min
Tough love
Chris Luebkeman, Head of the Strategic Foresight Hub at ETH Zurich, shares his insights on the critical role of futures thinking in universities. He emphasizes the need for 'tough love' when planning for the future, advocating for difficult questions to drive meaningful strategies. Chris explains the connection between foresight and storytelling, urging institutions to create a shared vocabulary for authentic future discussions. He highlights practical steps for integrating foresight into university frameworks, ensuring relevance in a rapidly changing world.
