The University has recently kicked off an important conversation about our future strategy, something we are calling Strategy 2025.
As we approach the 200th anniversary of our foundation, I strongly believe the Heriot-Watt community needs to look confidently toward the future. From our origins in 1821 we have been an educational pioneer, and it is this spirit, and on our firm foundations, that we need to build on.
I am keen we hear from everyone interested in our continued success and our development as a distinctive, global University. I particularly want colleagues, students and alumni to have a strong voice in our strategy and the plan that will deliver it. The development of a new vision and aspirations presents an opportunity for us all to reflect, to think creatively about the future, and to craft a shared view of what we aim to achieve together.
The first phase involves a ‘looking-out’ into our environment to help us better understand our opportunities and threats and to stimulate Our Global Conversation. I want to hear from individuals and groups who want to propose suggestions and ideas for our future, ideas which we will be able to explore further as we evolve our thinking and the new strategy. It is also an opportunity for you to give us your feedback on ideas as they evolve.
Our Global Conversation will help us provide and explore ideas for our future strategy and an opportunity to create a shared view of that future. I encourage you to get involved and get talking.
Join the conversation
In preparation for developing our next strategy I have been asking people in all our locations “what should Heriot-Watt be known as number one in the world for in the future”? The answers have been many and varied. So far, I have over 30 ideas and the six below represent just some which seem to have gained some traction in my discussions. I would like you to consider and prioritise these early examples, feedback your thoughts and most critically add your own ideas for our future.
Professor Richard A. Williams
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
In the future Heriot-Watt University will be a world-leader in:
- Work-based learning. With students completing graduate apprenticeships, professional development and executive programmes exceeding those on traditional programmes.
- Delivering dynamic online programmes in science, engineering and social science. Incorporating educational design features like gamification.
- Developing global corporate partnerships with employers who share the same commitment to the geographies in which we have campuses.
- The well-being of our colleagues and students. Addressing mental health and related issues head-on and developing colleagues, learners and researchers who will flourish and be wholly resilient in their lives.
- International policy development building on the opportunity provided by Panmure House.
- The delivery of a transnational premium Liberal Arts degree, in all the countries where we operate.
Submit your ideas in the poll displayed to the right on a desktop or below on a mobile device.