News item | 13-02-2023 | 9:00 am
How will you learn as a student in 2040? How is knowledge then developed? What is expected of MBO schools, colleges, universities and science in the future? What do society and the labor market need then? The Outlook for the Future of Secondary Vocational Education, Higher Education and Science will answer these questions. In this way it is possible to assess what needs to change. Everyone is invited to think along. Before the summer, Minister Dijkgraaf (OCW) will send the results of the Future Outlook to the House of Representatives.
Minister Dijkgraaf: “Secondary education and science in the Netherlands are well on the map. Nevertheless, we must thoroughly examine whether they are still in line with the future needs of society. It is time for us to think critically about education and science together. What’s going well? And what should we change? By answering these questions, we are prepared for change and can face the future with confidence.”
Boundaries are blurring, jobs are changing
Last year, Minister Dijkgraaf announced the Future Outlook to arrive at a future-proof system for MBO, higher education and science. A system that meets the demand of students, the labor market and society in 2040.
In order to make timely fundamental choices, it is necessary to think carefully about the impact of trends on this system now. Trends such as internationalization, migration and ageing, the climate transition and a student population with an increasingly diverse background. And technological changes such as artificial intelligence and digitization also have an impact.
The Future Outlook specifically focuses on, among other things, the structure of the MBO and higher education system (with a distinction between theoretical and practice-oriented education) and the way in which contributions can be made to social challenges. Issues related to the transfer of knowledge, lifelong development, funding and legislation are also discussed. It also discusses how we can maintain our leading international knowledge position while at the same time ensuring that higher education and research are firmly rooted in the region.
Everyone can think along
The Outlook outlines various perspectives for the further development of the system. A great deal of attention will also be paid to the cohesion between senior secondary vocational education, higher education and research. Minister Dijkgraaf does not think of secondary education as a hierarchical ‘ladder’, but sees MBO, HBO and WO side by side as a fan.
He invites everyone to contribute: “Anyone with ideas, interest and a warm heart for further education and science can contribute ideas. I want to call on people to use their expertise and creativity and also to think outside the box. An open conversation like this creates room for solutions. Together we shape a sustainable and future-proof system. That is essential for the Netherlands as a knowledge country.”
There are four major gatherings throughout the country in March. Interested parties can register at: futureofeducationandscience.nl. Additional information can also be found there. A final report is written on the basis of the ideas and insights. The House of Representatives will receive that report before the summer. Minister Dijkgraaf will then respond to this this autumn.