University council discussed the new strategic plan and offered guidance for improvement

The council members appreciated the broad-based engagement of university members by the strategic planning committee and the decision to concentrate on a limited number of strategic choices. At the same time, they highlighted the need to address the geopolitical context, academic succession and the development of artificial intelligence in the strategic plan in more depth. The council emphasised that the strategic plan must more clearly reflect the impact of the changed geopolitical situation on the university. The university has a significant role in ensuring national security and crisis preparedness, and providing knowledge-intensive solutions.

According to the council, demographic change, international competition for research talent, and young people’s expectations of the working and learning environment are challenging for higher education institutions, and the university must respond to these changes. The council underlined that the university’s most significant societal impact is through the alumni who shape the knowledge-based economy and society. Therefore, the strategic plan should more clearly represent the valuation of studying to highlight the university’s contribution to the development of Estonian society.

The council believes technology should be a key theme in the strategic plan because of its impact on research, teaching and administration. In this context, the council considers it essential to deal with artificial intelligence applications in all fields of research and education.

The council gave its approval to move forward with the draft strategic plan, which includes selecting the indicators and preparing a three-year action plan. The strategic planning committee will refine the working version of the strategic plan based on the council’s proposals and will present it to the senate at the end of March.