At the University Design Institute, we believe that universities are at their best when they are powerful engines of social transformation and economic impact. Institutions are major employers for their communities, as well as the largest knowledge center for a particular region. They serve as vital community hubs for education and training, as well as acting as community conveners and cultural preservers, and often providing access to healthcare and other essential resources.
All of these are critical touchpoints to the prosperity and vitality of their communities, but it’s in the “how” a university approaches these challenges that turn them into powerful engines. Universities located in island states and nations play an outsized responsibility because of the way they are anchored in these roles, and typically are the only institution and convening center of its kind in the region.
There is immense opportunity for island universities to positively generate impact in the social, economic, and cultural health of their communities. This starts with relevant educational offerings such as innovation and entrepreneurship, and community programs. It requires the institution and its leadership (including faculty and staff) to serve as trusted partners to develop solutions that harness local contexts and prioritize collaboration within island regions and with partners around the globe.
The future of island states and nations hinges on their ability to harness local resources and innovate in ways that promote sustainable development, economic diversification, and the health of its people. Universities, as centers of knowledge and research, play a pivotal role in this transformation.
