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UNIVERSITIES: INCREASINGLY GLOBAL PLAYERS |
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Universities have become institutions of a global world, in addition to assuming their traditional local and national roles. The answers to global challenges (energy, water and food security, urbanization, climate change, etc.) are increasingly dependent on technological innovation and the sound scientific advice brokered to decision-makers. The findings contributed by research institutes and universities to the reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Consensus for Action statement illustrate the decisive role these institutions are playing in world affairs. Research universities also attract innovative industries. The Googles and Tatas of this world only thrive in proximity to great research institutions and it is this winning combination that fosters the emergence of dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems such as Silicon Valley in the USA and Bangalore in India which are at the root of innovation and prosperity. Universities themselves have become global players. Increasingly, they are competing with one another to attract funds, professors and talented students. The reputation of a university is made at the global level. This trend will accelerate with the digital revolution, which is giving world-class universities an even greater global presence through their online courses. (Fonte: P. Aebische, President, Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland, Unesco science report: towards 2030, pg. 27, 2016 - http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0023/002354/235406e.pdf)
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