In addition to the nine strategic priorities, we have identified four strategic themes: sustainability, AI, entrepreneurship, and internationalisation. These themes do not stand alone; they cut across multiple priorities and have an impact on our education, research, engagement, and organisation.
They are therefore embedded in the strategic priorities and considered in the choices we make. This enables us to consider these themes in an integrated way and ensure that they have a clear and recognisable place in the implementation of our strategy.
By 2030, EUR will lead by example, with a focus on inclusive prosperity and resilience, while recognising the interconnectedness and interaction between different societal challenges. By drawing on different perspectives and approaches across all our disciplines, our research will contribute to the transition towards a sustainable, just and healthy society. This will also provide the foundation for educating the next generation of professionals and citizens across society, business, and government. Our education will equip students with the knowledge, competences, and mindset to address societal challenges. As these challenges are global and complex, we will foster collaboration across faculties and with societal partners, based on an open, inclusive and learning-oriented approach. In addition, EUR will be a nature- and climate-positive organisation, continuously measuring our progress and reporting transparently on our sustainability goals and results.
By 2030, AI will contribute safely and demonstrably to innovation in our education, impact in our research and an agile organisation. Across the university, AI will be used both naturally and critically: it will support learning, assessment, research and professional services, enhance quality and reduce workload where possible. At the same time, we will provide clear direction on what responsible use means: we will consider ethics, privacy and transparency and operate within clear frameworks. In this way, students will leave EUR with relevant knowledge of AI, data, and privacy, while staff and researchers will work effectively within these frameworks. EUR will also be a visible and active player in experimentation and public debate on the responsible use of AI.
By 2030, EUR will be a leading entrepreneurial university, where academic knowledge is systematically translated into sustainable economic and societal value. Entrepreneurial activities such as contract research, valorisation and the development of new business models, together with the support required for these activities, will be embedded in our education, research and societal engagement. This will strengthen the entrepreneurial capacity of our academics, deepen collaboration with organisations in Rotterdam and beyond, and enable us to develop diverse income streams that support the university’s long-term mission. In this way, we will contribute to broad prosperity for current and future generations.
By 2030, EUR will have strong and constructive collaborations in education and research, supported by a strong and strategic portfolio of international partnerships, alliances and networks. This will deliver three key benefits: greater success and excellence in research, greater societal impact through stronger partnerships, and a stronger focus on responsible research and internationalisation. Internationalisation will also be embedded in our educational programmes, with international and intercultural competencies becoming a natural part of the development of students and teaching staff. We will also support constructive and future-oriented collaboration across borders.