Everything Old Is New Again: Building the University of the Future on an Ancient Foundation
New Thinking for a New World - a Tallberg Foundation Podcast
02/09/23
•33m
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At times of rapid societal change, like those we are now living through, the academy can be a radical platform for experimentation and new thinking or a bastion of conservatism — or a combination of both. Whether during the profound social and political disruptions of the 20th century or the accelerating technological disruptions of the early 21st century, universities are uniquely positioned to help societies evolve in ways that benefit all citizens, not just the elite who sit in their classrooms.
But there are huge challenges. How does a modern university navigate the space between its classrooms and labs and the rest of society? How do university leaders prepare students not just to cope with a world that is visibly changing before their eyes, but to lead in a world which is changing at an exponential pace? Indeed, what do you teach today that won't be irrelevant tomorrow? And, can a great university leverage its history to produce better students, leaders and citizens?
The University of Pavia was established by Emperor Charles IV in 1361, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. Francesco Svelto, a distinguished electrical engineer, is now the university's rector. He has the remarkable opportunity and challenges to build a university of the future on a centuries-old foundation. He recently shared his vision for Pavia and, more broadly, education at a time of transformation.
What do you think?
Previous Episode
Mongolia: Between the Hammer and the Anvil
February 2, 2023
•24m
Russia's invasion of Ukraine changed how global politics works. Instead of peace, prosperity and globalization, the scenario became war, recession and “near shore.” Suddenly, the world was separated into a conflict between the US and Europe on one hand and Russia and China on the other, enforced by sanctions and bullying. Everybody else was supposed to choose one side or the other.
What about Mongolia? It is a democracy in a region where that is unusual, almost unique. But it is geographically sandwiched between China and Russia, making it almost impossible to avoid their embrace, especially if they can’t be played off against each other.
What to do?
Dr. Undraa Agvaanluvsan who holds a doctorate in physics, is a former member of Mongolia’s Parliament. She recently explained her country’s challenges in coping with a changing global order.
What do you think?
Next Episode
Worth Repeating: Can a Broken Democracy Fix Itself?
February 16, 2023
•37m
After the tragedy of the Pinochet years, Chile had evolved into one of the most successful countries in the Americas in economic terms, but perhaps more importantly, in terms of the health of its democracy. Right and left-wing parties and presidents alternated power, the judicial system worked, corruption was low, Chilean political leaders were respected at home and abroad. All of that came to a screeching halt in 2019 when protests escalated into widespread violence.
Chile was suddenly at, what in almost any other country, would have been a revolutionary moment. However, instead of a civil war, the Chileans launched an inclusive political process to write a new constitution. They wanted a fundamental rethink of political rights, obligations, institutions and processes. Fast forward to September of this year, and the new constitution that was three years in the making was overwhelmingly rejected in a national referendum.
What happened and what happens next? What lessons can others learn from Chile's efforts to reimagine its democracy?
Isabel Aninat, Dean of the Law School of the Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, in Chile has been a keen observer of the constitution-writing process and, more generally, of Chilean politics. She is fundamentally optimistic that Chilean democracy is headed in a good direction.
What do you think?
This episode was originally published on October 27, 2022
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