The Future of University or Universities of the Future: A Paradox for Uncertain Times

Abstract

Purpose: Using narratives from leading international academics and commentators, we chart four, possible, ‘universities of the future’ models, and discuss how current university management issues can enable, or hinder them. Methodology: Deploying a Gioia-methodology analysis of 'University of the Future' narratives, we derive 12 categories of institutional properties and, ultimately, four distinct models. Findings: We identify how current, classic and polytechnic institutions can adapt their operations and service delivery in order to transition into future-ready business models. Originality: We interpret the opinions and predictions from world-leading experts in the higher education field in order to present the first, to our knowledge, typology of aspirational university models.