We are now approaching the end of yet another semester and entering the summer period. It is a good time to slow down a little, perhaps even pause for a moment and reflect on both individual and collective achievements.
Karlstad University has existed in its current form for a quarter of a century, but its roots go back much further. The direction we are heading is partly the result of strategic decisions that have been made and partly an organic development that has taken place along the way. The knowledge, plans, ambitions, efforts, successes and failures of many individuals come together in a shared journey of development and growth.
The university’s current strategy extends to 2030. When it was written, the end goal was still rather far off. Now, 2030 is just around the corner. This means that the time has come to set a new course, or at least recalibrate the current one. A new strategic initiative will begin after the summer break.
The university’s executive management and board want to think more long-term than before. We want the organisation to set a course towards 2040, looking 15 years ahead. We aim to develop a strategy that supports forward movement rather than just managing what we have now.
High quality, efficiency, improved gender equality, sustainable development and a good work environment are fundamental goals that are always embedded in our work. However, the goals that drive forward movement have to be more specific to support the necessary activities and priorities.
The government is currently prioritising internationalisation, excellence and innovation. These priorities align well with the goals that have shaped our direction in recent years. We are also living in a time characterised by rapid technological advancement, major demographic changes and a global political situation that is unpredictable, to say the least. All of this affects the conditions for research, education and collaboration, making them important factors to take into account.
Our hope is that all of us take a moment to reflect on what we want, what we dream of and where we are headed. We have come a long way in these first 25 years, and we are incredibly proud of that. Now, we want to build the future together.
Wishing all of you a great summer!
Anki, Jerker, Margareta and Patrik
