Fast forward digital: A new kind of university

The student is the centre of our universe, our only true asset, our raison d’être. Not research. Not the government. Not societal impact. The digital world has shown the devastating impact if we get this wrong. We can only succeed if we mobilise our students and alumni and reach out to all learners. We must reverse the dependency. Why not give students the money as Educoins in our educational blockchain? Let them decide. Make them co-creators in our research. In his valedictory address, Professor Peter Vervest explores the disruptive effects of digitalisation on business and extrapolates what this will mean for university education and research. He argues in favour of digitally enabled, personalised learning paths and support for students combined with modularisation of the learning portfolio and challenge-based engagement of students in the research agenda. Education and research are two sides of the same coin. In the digital world, universities can succeed if they digitally reach out to students and alumni to engage in ongoing research and learning. This requires deep investments in digital technologies and a profound transformation of the university system and metrics.