The “FUTURE OF UNIVERSITIES – UNIVERSITIES OF THE FUTURE” event, organized by Istanbul Aydın University (IAU) and the Turkish Leadership Improvement Program (TULIP), with support from AKEV and EURAS, took place in the halls of the IAU T Block Social Sciences Campus and brought together stakeholder groups from the higher education sector.
The event, hosted by Istanbul Aydın University (IAU) as a key part of the project of the same name run by TULIP, began with focus group discussions held at separate tables with representatives from higher education administrators, accreditation bodies, the business world, NGOs and the public sector, academics, students, alumni, and administrative staff.
This part of the event gathered the views, thoughts, and predictions of stakeholders regarding fundamental questions about the present and future of universities. Different perspectives on the subject were exchanged.
Participants, hosted for lunch by the IAU Board of Trustees, gathered in the afternoon for a public evaluation and discussion panel. In this session, where group representatives summarized the views and thoughts of the stakeholders within their groups, participants in the hall also contributed to the event by sharing their views on the subject.
With its multifaceted and rich stakeholder network developed over the years, modern campus buildings, and experience in hosting academic studies, IAU successfully completed this important part of TULIP’s pioneering project.
Universities, institutions, and organizations located in Istanbul participated in this event. Alongside established state universities such as Istanbul University, Marmara University, Istanbul Technical University, Yıldız Technical University, and Galatasaray University, younger universities like Ibn Haldun University, and private universities such as Istinye University, Koç University, Istanbul Bilgi University, Gedik University, Yeditepe University, Kültür University, Arel University, and Altınbaş University were also represented.
Business representatives from TOBB, ISO, ASKON, YASAD, KAGİDER, the Service Exporters Association, the İkitelli Organized Industrial Zone Regional Directorate, and İSTKA also took part. Representatives from accreditation bodies MÜDEK, FEDEK, İLEDAK, HEPDAK, İAA, and MEDEK also attended. The civil society focus group included YÖÇAD, TEGV, ÇYDD, USGEM, AKEV, and representatives from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Participatory Processes and Youth Policies unit. Academics, students, and alumni from different universities and disciplines shared their views and opinions as key stakeholders in the field of higher education.
Participants emphasized their excitement and happiness at attending the event, stating that they had once again realized the great need for such exchanges of views and opinions in the field of higher education.
Following the event, which compiled stakeholder opinions in Istanbul, where higher education institutions, the business world, and civil society organizations are predominantly located, a preliminary report is being prepared. This report will be presented to the top decision-making institutions and organizations in the field of higher education, and support will be requested for organizing a second event with representatives from across the country.
Universities provide important services by offering tertiary education and training, conducting research, and carrying out community contribution projects. However, they largely operate using outdated methods, struggle to meet the expectations and needs of the rapidly transforming business world, and fail to keep pace with the transformation of various sectors.
We hope that the “The Future of Universities – Universities of the Future” event and the TULIP project will contribute to the widespread adoption of projects that will build the future of higher education in our country.
