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Our work

Co-designing new models for higher education

The University Design Institute partners with leaders, institutions and systems to reimagine, redesign and rebuild higher education. Partners lead their own transformation. UDI helps them navigate complexity, align diverse perspectives and build the capacity to turn ideas into lasting change.

We bring design expertise, research capabilities, deep experience in higher education and a global network of experts to co-design strategies and solutions grounded in local context and built to endure.

How change takes shape in three phases

Each phase meets partners where they are and strengthens their ability to move change forward.

Reimagine: Discovering new possibilities

Bring institutional stakeholders and global experts together to imagine what the institution or system could become, and the difference it could make in the communities it serves. The process clarifies purpose, surfaces priorities and builds alignment around a shared vision for success.

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Redesign: Designing the way forward

Translate vision into action through structured, inclusive design processes. Build on institutional strengths, resources and local knowledge; engage key stakeholders; and test emerging ideas with relevant local and global expertise to create a practical path forward.

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Rebuild: Building for lasting change

Move plans into implementation and support change across an institution or system. Strengthen leadership, organizational practices and internal capacity so partners can advance, scale and adapt their own ideas and models over time.

The scale at which we work

Leaders + Changemakers · University presidents · Provosts · Deans · Senior university leaders · Government leaders · Ministry officials · Education innovators · Philanthropic leaders · Policy leaders · Institutions + Organizations · Universities · Colleges · State universities · Research universities · Government agencies · Ministries of education · Foundations · Higher education associations · International organizations · Systems + Networks · University systems · State higher education systems · National education systems · University networks · Cross-institutional partnerships · Public-private partnerships · Countries + Regions · Governments · National ministries · Regional education networks · Economic development organizations · International coalitions

__Our work__