In this episode, we examine how universities can move beyond reacting to disruption and become institutions that actively shape the future with Heba Chehade, Head of Foresight Research at Dubai Future Foundation.

We unpack how universities can use foresight to rethink their value proposition, strengthen partnerships, and design more resilient approaches to learning, research, policy, and public value. From AI and funding pressures to lifelong learning, modular education, and future-focused collaboration, the conversation explores how universities can become more intentional engines of progress in a rapidly changing world.

In this episode, we explore how academic innovation can be recognised, rewarded and embedded in university career structures with Kirsty Collinge, Head of Research Strategy at the University of Edinburgh.

We unpack how the University of Edinburgh is rethinking academic career structures to recognise and reward innovation more explicitly. From developing an innovation career pathway across recruitment, promotion and learning development to creating a shared language for innovation across disciplines, the conversation examines how universities can move beyond rhetorical support for entrepreneurship toward a more embedded, equitable and institution-wide model for academic innovation.

In this episode, we explore what it takes to make external engagement more strategic, coordinated and impactful with Professor Dan Johnson, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Enterprise at Macquarie University.

We unpack how Macquarie’s history, location within the Macquarie Park Innovation District and strong industry-facing culture have shaped its approach to partnerships. From building “sticky” relationships with multiple connection points to aligning research, innovation, commercialisation, entrepreneurship and enterprise under one portfolio, the conversation examines how universities can move beyond fragmented engagement activity toward a more joined-up, partner-friendly model.

In this episode, we explore what it takes to rethink technology transfer for real-world impact with Anthony Francis, Associate Vice President of Innovation, Commercialisation, and Entrepreneurship at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

We unpack why traditional, IP-first approaches continue to limit the flow of innovation from universities into society, how institutions can move beyond linear, patent-driven models, and what it means to build a true commercialisation pipeline. From reframing the “valley of death” to working backwards from market demand, the conversation examines how universities can shift from fragmented processes to more intentional, market-aligned systems that unlock the full value of research.

In this episode, we explore what it takes to build a corporate engagement function that truly works across the whole university with Mark Nolan, Associate Vice President of Corporate Engagement at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

We unpack why fragmented structures and siloed interactions with industry often lead to missed opportunities, how universities can move beyond disconnected touch points, and what it means to create a coordinated, institution-wide approach to corporate partnerships. From rethinking relationship ownership to designing processes that expand engagement across multiple channels, we examine how institutions can shift from transactional interactions to more strategic, resilient collaborations.

In this episode, we spoke with Cameron McCoy, founder of the Adaptive Group, about why many transformation efforts in higher education fall short and what it really takes to create lasting change.

We unpacked the idea of adaptive evolution: Moving beyond quick fixes to address root causes, rethink core systems, and build institutions that are truly change-ready, learner-centred, and capable of evolving in a rapidly shifting world.

In this episode, we dive into the future of doctoral education with Hélène de Burgh-Woodman, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research Training at the University of Western Australia.

Drawing on her work on entrepreneurial doctorates and her contribution to our latest Future of Universities Thoughbook, we explore why the traditional PhD model is under pressure, how universities can better prepare researchers for complex, real-world challenges, and what it takes to expand doctoral pathways without compromising rigor or the core principle of original knowledge.

For this episode, we spoke with Sebastiaan Berendsen, Director of Value Creation and Impact at Wageningen University & Research, about how universities can move beyond traditional measures like patents and spinouts to focus on real societal outcomes.

Drawing on his contribution to the Future of Universities Thoughtbook | Entrepreneurial Edition, we explored what it takes to build mission-driven partnerships, how co-creation with stakeholders shapes research and innovation, and why long-term, trust-based collaboration is key to creating impact that truly moves the needle in society.

In this episode, we speak with Andrew Petter, former President and Vice-Chancellor of Simon Fraser University, about the challenges universities face today and why staying innovative and engaged with society is critical for their future.

Drawing on his contribution to the Future of Universities Thoughtbook | Entrepreneurial Edition, Andrew reflects on why universities risk isolating themselves when they retreat to traditional models, and how engagement, entrepreneurship, and community partnerships can strengthen both their societal impact and their core academic mission.

For this episode, we spoke with Richard Lamb, Programme Manager for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at Innovate UK, about one of the UK’s longest-running innovation instruments. For 50 years, KTP has embedded university expertise directly into businesses to solve strategic challenges and build lasting capability.

We unpacked what makes the model distinctive, the pivotal role of the associate bridging academia and industry, and what other countries can learn from the UK’s experience in structured, impact-driven collaboration.