Vision and strategy 2030

Karlstad University 2030

Research and education are of a high academic standard and hold great significance for society. A good, inclusive work environment strengthens the university. The university is characterised by its openness to the local community as well as the close connection between research and teaching.

Operations are based on accountability, participation and commitment. Our work and study environments are characterised by accessibility and flexibility. Management, support services and core operations are interdependent and strengthen one another.

International perspectives and collaboration are promoted throughout the organisation. We attract qualified staff and students from across the world and the university has an international and national profile based on its quality and world-leading research and teaching.

Teaching

Together with our students we offer a well-functioning study environment. Students are given the opportunity to succeed, irrespective of their chosen study format. Our teaching is excellent and is supported by relevant tools.

Karlstad University has a relevant course and programme offering that is of a very high standard. Vocational programmes are characterised by a cooperation with employers. Knowledge is promoted in society through lifelong learning, including excellent commissioned courses, and Bildung.

Our graduates are attractive on the labour market. Our courses and programmes equip students with a basic critical approach, which aids them in meeting future challenges both as individuals and as citizens.

Research

We conduct excellent research that contributes new knowledge. Our research profiles are clear and well known.

Basic research occupies a central position and there is a strong tradition of working in multidisciplinary and applied research centres. Teachers are also active researchers and thus provide new perspectives in our courses and programmes. Our extensive doctoral programmes are well integrated into the university’s research environments.

Strategic goals, 2023–2025

A number of strategic goals are particularly important over the next five years to reinforce our academic mandate and further prioritise excellent teaching and research. Guided by these goals, developments will realise Karlstad University’s vision for 2030. Each goal is supported and defined by success factors that further promote quality, safeguard continued success and facilitate dynamic change in keeping with social challenges.

• We offer well-reputed, excellent academic environments, in which research and teaching are closely connected.
  This goal emphasises the importance of creating the conditions for excellent teaching and research and the crucial relation between these.
   
• We have improved our attractiveness to current and future students and offer attractive work conditions.
  The university has well-developed strategies for student recruitment and for its course and programme offering as well as an environment that adds to its attractiveness. Our work environment and skills supply are central conditions in realising our vision.
   
• Our teaching and research are characterised by close cooperation with the community.
  We value cooperation with the community in Värmland, Swedish society and the rest of the world that enhances the quality of our operations. Not all activities have direct practical application in society, but cooperation is a strategy for promoting quality.
   
• We demonstrate a larger degree of internationalisation in our operations.
  A higher education institution’s academic mandate includes being an international actor. Meetings and partnerships enhance the quality of teaching and research.
   
• We systematically promote sustainable social, economic and environmental development. The knowledge of students and staff contribute to a sustainable society. We make an impact in dealing with large sustainability challenges and identifying future research and education needs.
   
• Our doctoral programmes increase in scope and improve in quality.
  Our doctoral programmes increase in scope to supply skills and enhance the quality of our research. This contribute to linking research and teaching, which is essential in further developing our academic environments.