Higher education in Colombia and in the world is experiencing an era of transformations that threaten the DNA of universities and impose important challenges on them. The demographic transition, characterized by a decline in birth rates and an aging population, has reduced the number of young people in institutions. Furthermore, driven by the technological revolution and the change in life expectancy, young people consider it unnecessary to study for long periods of time.
The new generations want to acquire knowledge quickly, a more personalized education, which allows them to transition between education and the labor market, and vice versa. In a context where the world is moving towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution and AI, there is greater concern about entrepreneurship and innovation. Their dream is not to have a car, a house and a family, or to settle in one place almost for life. They long to lead their own companies and break the chains that prevent them from moving freely around the world.
To respond to these challenges and maintain leadership in the production of knowledge, institutions require audacity, creativity and innovation to create a balance between the philosophical integrality of the university and the changes they have to make in accordance with the realities and expectations of the university. youth. “Universities cannot become a Jurassic Park, places of enormous interest, but increasingly irrelevant to the world,” explained José Manuel Restrepo, rector of the EIA University, which for several years has been preparing for this moment.
Close to its 50th anniversary, which will be completed in 2028, the EIA launched a plan to offer flexible programs focused on technological innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship. From day one, the EIA provides technological-based tools so that students can build businesses while studying. “We have to provide personalized, flexible education tailored to each of the young people so that they can discover their life project,” Restrepo said.
Despite all these changes, young people need university, because, as Restrepo explained, “The world of work, the scientific world and the world of innovation are going to require trained people with critical thinking.”that they act ethically and ask themselves the questions they are and that they are empathetic, elements in which universities still maintain leadership,” concluded Restrepo.
