The 4th Generation University Community
Working together to achieve societal and economic impact in regional innovation ecosystems
Our mission
In an era where collaboration and connection are essential for driving innovation and addressing the grand challenges of our time, universities around the globe are stepping up to strengthen their ties within their innovation ecosystems, fostering trustworthy partnerships that deliver meaningful impact in their communities.
The 4th Generation University global community envisions universities as orchestrators of regional innovation ecosystems, achieving societal and economic impact through partnerships with industry, government, and civil society.
To navigate this transformational journey, there is a growing need for sharing expertise and developing insightful indicators to celebrate the diverse contributions of universities to society. By uniting their efforts via the 4th Generation University community, universities can enhance their strategies and unlock the full potential of education, innovation, and partnership, driving transformative impact on lives and societies.
Who are we?
The 4th Generation University community is an initiative founded by a group of universities and Elsevier, based on the concept developed by researchers of TU Eindhoven. We look forward to welcoming many universities from around the world to join the community.
The 4th Generation University community is an initiative founded by a group of twelve universities and Elsevier, based on the concept developed by researchers of TU Eindhoven.
- Aalto University, Finland
- Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany
- Newcastle University, United Kingdom
- Purdue University, United States
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, China
- University College Dublin, Ireland
- University of Auckland, New Zealand
- University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom
- Western Sydney University, Australia
- Vienna University of Technology, Austria
The 4th Generation concept is resonating with many universities worldwide who aim to strengthen ties with innovation ecosystems and forge impactful partnerships. Universities are joining the community to help them on this journey by sharing expertise and developing insightful indicators. The community already has 50+ university members from 30+ countries, with more joining each week.
We are very excited to learn from other universities as they advance in their regional innovation ecosystems
Robert-Jan Smits
President, Eindhoven University of Technology
Benefits of joining the community
We invite all universities for whom the 4th Generation University concept resonates to join the community. The services available to the community will continue to grow over the coming months, including:
- Sharing best practice from world-class 4th Generation Universities on strategy development, execution and indicators
- Demonstrating success through indicators, data and benchmarks
- Understanding impact and finding opportunities to improve impact
- Building your network with similar universities globally
- Shaping together the evolution of 4th Generation University community
Together, we can achieve regional societal and economic impact.
Join the 4th Generation University community now
Webinar recording:
Rethinking Technology Transfer in the Era of 4th Generation Universities
You can watch the recording of an engaging conversation with Dr. Barbara Schmuker, Head of Strategic Initiatives, Partnerships and Projects at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, and Prof. Dr. Janne Laine, Vice President of Innovation Ecosystem Services at Aalto University. Together, they delved into how Technology Transfer is being redefined in the era of 4th Generation Universities (4GUs).
Also missed our first webinar on the origins and ambitions of the 4th Generation University? Watch the webinar recording
Coming soon: Public impact profiles
Showcasing the impact of 4th Generation Universities is critical to identifying opportunities, demonstrating value and making the case for funding and investment.
The community plans to offer public impact profiles for established 4th Generation Universities, supporting them to tell the story of their contribution across education, research and economic and societal impact.
Applications for profiles will be available in summer 2025.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this transformative journey for universities.
Strathclyde’s distinctive research and innovation ecosystem has been built over the last 20 years based on a long-standing tradition of collaboration with industry partners and government. We need indicators to recognize this different kind of university.
Tim Bedford
Associate Principal Research and Innovation, University of Strathclyde