Glocalising universities: a shifting horizon

“Glocalisation” within the context of universities refers to the combination of global perspectives and trends with local or regional contexts within the field of higher education. It focuses on how universities can adapt and integrate global perspectives while maintaining local relevance. Finding a balance between operating within a globalised world through international research collaborations, student mobilities and forming joint programmes while maintaining the responsibility of serving local communities by addressing regional needs through relevant study programmes and research projects remains a challenge. 

European universities now face unique challenges as they navigate the complexities of glocalisation. These challenges often come from the ability to maintain international standards in education while still tailoring the curricula to address regional economic, social and cultural needs. Language barriers also pose a realistic challenge, as while English programmes are often taught in European universities, most study programmes are in the locally spoken language. There can also be tensions between providing globally competitive skills and knowledge while addressing local challenges. Glocalisation also refers to addressing social inequalities, including access to education for marginalised groups and promoting diversity and inclusion. 

The emphasis in recent years on global university rankings has incentivised universities to prioritise global visibility sometimes over local relevance, which could lead to the homogenisation of higher education and a disregard for local needs.

EURECA-PRO – a European Universities initiative (European Commission), addresses many of these issues in its pursuit of addressing critical societal and environmental challenges related to responsible consumption and production by offering an innovative and diverse range of additional educational opportunities designed to enhance skills, foster innovation and promote lifelong learning.

These include short courses, workshops, summer schools, professional development programmes and online learning modules tailored to equip students, staff and society with expertise in Responsible Consumption and Production, European Values, Intercultural Communication and Sustainability-driven Innovation.

Within the EURECA–PRO grant agreement is the organisation of a biennial EURECA-PRO Teaching Forum to exchange best practices and products of teaching innovation. At the forum, the EURECA-PRO Teaching Excellence Awards (TEAs) will be granted to those higher education academic staff whose teaching innovation programmes and practices have an exceptional impact on learning and the student experience in general.

In this context, UHasselt, in partnership with EURECA-PRO, would like to explore the glocalisation of universities for the upcoming Education and Research Days.