Next-Gen Academia: The Fourth-Generation University Model
June 25, 2024
—Universities have long conducted research that contributes to life-changing discoveries. In recent years, institutional missions have expanded to also embrace use-inspired and translational research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Experts call this new model the fourth-generation university, an integrated model comprising learning, research, and innovation that includes a central role in the community’s innovation ecosystem. In this new model, cross-sector research partnerships aim to bring societal and economic impact to the region.
Fourth generation universities
The theory behind fourth-generation universities asserts that higher education has evolved from institutions wholly dedicated to learning to integrating a research focus and then adding an emphasis on knowledge transfer; interestingly, more universities have added this term into job titles in recognition of its growing importance. Now, universities have expanded their approaches to focus on innovation, commercialization, and organizational missions.
A recent report from Elsevier and the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU Eindhoven) explores the differences. Eindhoven University of Technology is a young university, founded in 1956 by industry, local government and academia which may explain its interest in the fourth-generation university concepts. These schools are more deeply involved with outside stakeholders, including companies, governments, and other organizations. The Elsevier report posits that the focus of universities on geographical impact has narrowed from global to regional. The typical organization of institutes with focused research centers has shifted to embrace multi-disciplinary innovation spaces. Interactions outside of academia have expanded from partnerships with industry to integration in global and local ecosystems. While third-generation universities may participate in integrated innovation ecosystems, fourth-generation universities are drivers in these efforts, shaping the direction and vision and championing societal impact and regional development.
Talent is another key factor in defining the fourth-generation university. These institutions are gateways for training and retention, attracting great minds to the region and keeping them there to cultivate and grow the ecosystem for years to come.
Analysis from Elsevier
Elsevier’s report, Towards the 4th Generation University: a collaboration between Elsevier and TU Eindhoven, explores the characteristics of a fourth-generation university and offers an analysis of TU Eindhoven against four dimensions for assessment: talent, research, governance, and valorization, which is the process of creating social and economic value through knowledge transfer. Within talent, the main indicator was the rate of alumni retention in a particular region. The number of graduates and international students is another gauge of the university’s appeal. Within the framework for research analysis, Elsevier examined research projects with industry, looking at individual sponsored research as well as projects for initiatives like Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, as well as alignment with key enabling technologies and dual U-I researcher appointments. The valorization dimension of analysis focused on patent co-ownership with industry, knowledge utilization by industry, and spinouts and alumni-founded companies. Regarding governance, Elsevier examined the university’s role in the ecosystem, including its leadership position, partnerships, knowledge infrastructure, and more.
Elsevier’s report positions TU Eindhoven as a clear example of a fourth-generation university, excelling in joint research with industry, dual U-I appointments, and alignment with key enabling technologies. More broadly, the analysis provides a framework for future examinations of other universities—either for formal or self-assessment. The framework and example can help university leaders develop a better understanding of their institution’s contributions to local innovation ecosystems and areas for improvement.
Why it matters
With increasing emphasis on strengthening regional innovation ecosystems, we can anticipate that academic institutions will evolve to meet their community’s needs. Elsevier’s report provides a framework to assess the current status of institutions that seek to become fourth-generation universities and take a leading role as a regional beacon of knowledge, discovery, and progress. Institutions can leverage the four dimensions to benchmark their activities, better understand their own strengths, and identify areas for development so they can position themselves as drivers of regional innovation.
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