Ten questions from Higher Learning about
new-generation institutions.
Are new-generation universities a type of institution or an idea?
The new-generation university concept defines an alternative type of higher-education institution. It describes a new way of integrating traditional institutions where academic and vocational, as well as career-focused education, used to be separated.
The integration is intended to provide solutions to competency requirements in the knowledge society. It offers qualifications from certificate to doctors’ degree level in areas aimed at integrating the knowledge and skills required in a rapidly changing economy. This approach affects the programme, research and community engagement orientation of institutions.
How did the concept of the new-generation universities develop? Where does it come from?
The need for the new type of institution developed as a result of the dissatisfaction of industry with the traditional qualifications of students. It became clear that new types of qualifications, which integrated theory and application, were required.
Canada and Australia have made the most significant progress in developing the new-generation concept.
Can any institution become a new-generation university?
Certainly, given that this is a new kind of entity based on the various functions that were traditionally fulfilled by different kinds of institutions. In other words, it allows all institutional types to engage with the idea; to reflect on what they are doing and what they can learn from one another to improve higher education’s relevance for the benefit of society at large.
How?
By challenging the relevance and value of what exists in the higher education sector as a whole and in the individual institutions constituting it. The question remains: are institutions’ programmes relevant to the creation of new knowledge and innovation while at the same time addressing issues such as poverty alleviation, job creation, small business development, entrepreneurship and new technology options?
Also, how ready are the graduates from existing institutions for the work environment? The changing nature of work, which requires graduates to adapt to different career paths over time, and to make immediate contributions once they start working, should be guiding criteria in considering the delivery of higher-education institutions.
What are the advantages of being a new-generation university?
Institutions are viewed with great suspicion, especially the contributions of science and technology. These are often perceived as hightech clinical laboratory spaces which drain resources without providing much benefit to society. Governments and the private sector, in the context of fewer resources, need to prioritise expenditure. Against this background, the test is if institutions are able to deliver desirable and necessary products and solutions to society.
Of course, blue-sky research should continue as the basis for innovation towards development. But the focus has to be upon real issues. Considering the characteristics of typical new-generation universities, it will enhance the relevance and sustainability of institutions.
Do we have any new-generation universities in South Africa or institutions aspiring to become new-generation institutions?
There is a general awareness that the ivory-tower era of higher education is over. Universities are positioning themselves in the new context. Therefore all South African universities are aspirant in this regard. The evidence to support this includes new awareness in terms of curricula and qualifications, between research and curriculum, and greater sensitivity in determining research agendas in line with social issues.
At the same time the establishment of small-business development units, the strengthening of technology transfer and innovation centres, the establishment and strengthening of science and technology parks and the existence of a range of community engagement projects confirms a new trend in the approach of higher-education institutions.
Which ones?
Universities of technology in general are in the process of creating their identity and role in South African society. There seems to be a general trend towards integrating newgeneration characteristics into this identity.
In the rest of the world? Where should we be looking?
We should look towards Canada and Australia. But the African context, with its widespread social and economic difficulties, presents unique challenges. Scholarship has to engage with this reality. While we may draw on the experience of richer countries, our context is different. For example, Massachusetts Institute of Technology may yield billionaires who produce new DVD games, whereas our central concern is to address how household food security can be improved through improved smal l -scale farming technologies.
In practical terms how will a newgeneration university do things differently? How will we know we are dealing with a new-generation institution?
Our focus has to be an appreciation of the global context firmly rooted in the institution’s local and regional environment. A new-generation university would include the following characteristics within its teaching and research approach:
- A new approach to what knowledge in the knowledge society entails and the type of learning required to acquire it;
- New research agendas focusing on the broader base of generating new knowledge and developing appropriate solutions;
- Community engagement;
- New staff orientation based on understanding learning;
- New relations with industry and society to share capacity and collaborate in research and development; and
- Actively contributing to the development of society.
Is the term not just a fancy word to describe what institutions should be doing?
It definitely describes a new approach. The risk is that we may underestimate the complexity of the challenges implied by being a university in a new way. The question is this: are higher-education institutions ready to play the role?
Professor Alwyn Louw is deputy vice-chancellor academic and research at Vaal University of Technology. The university recently hosted a conference on new-generation universities