It is important to test the resilience of our strategic plan against the uncertainty of the future.
To accomplish this, we built on the scenario planning exercise carried out in the more than 20 community engagement sessions facilitated by the steering committee.
These engagements identified the most impactful and uncertain drivers of change for the Faculty. The two most impactful and uncertain drivers in each session were used as axes to create a two-dimensional future space (see Diagram 1).
Diagram 1
Most impactful and uncertain drivers of change affecting the Faculty
The size of the circle represents the number of times the drivers were identified as a future space axis and neighboring bubbles represent the accompanying axis.
Participants then explored and described four potential futures at the extremes of each driver, and developed strategies to ensure success in each world.
To test our strategic plan, we developed four potential futures (see Diagram 2) using axes based on insights gained through our engagements. Many engagements explored the potential regulatory, legal and policy oversight around key drivers like social equity and climate change as they are strongly influenced by government regulation. Therefore, we chose regulation and deregulation as an axis.
Potential future worlds
We also selected a local and global focus to capture the questions raised around whether society would continue to build on the current trends of globalization or whether it would turn inward and focus on regional problems and issues.
We described these four futures in relation to our priorities (Future of work, Thriving cities and communities, etc.) and explored how our Faculty will need to position itself for success. This process provided a broad and comprehensive review of our strategic plan in a framework that ensures resilience in the face of an uncertain future.
Diagram 2
“Potential future worlds”
UBC Global: Regulation with global focus
- government and industry partnerships prioritize training and education
- international collaboration by governments and non-profits is common
- large carbon tax
- high rate of technology advancement
- automation
- artificial intelligence and machine learning are pervasive
- increasingly democratized information
- government-controlled domestic tuition
- large international student population
- programming is driven by combination of student, government and industry demands
- large companies integrate with international governing bodies
- enormous monopolies
- global manufacturing to feed a singular global supply chain
- artificial intelligence and machine learning are integrated in the workplace but deeply regulated to protect human rights
- international immigration of only the most highly qualified people
- many regulatory hurdles balanced by global access to funding and markets for entrepreneurs
- leadership for social equity advocacy to support vulnerable populations on a global scale
- multi-disciplinary teams require strong collaboration skills, cultural fluency, Indigenous perspectives and ethical training
- diverse global population represented in workplaces, education, teams and leadership
- strong emphasis on developing a shared “human” identity
- problem solving and critical thinking are essential
- priority is placed on solutions that enhance quality of life for the greatest number of people (digital health tech, universal design, mental health and wellness)
- health care is accessible for the greater population
- rapid transformation of economy from resources towards technology and services
- government based on need grants access to solutions
- equitable societies and broad access to services
- highly taxed but money is used for global equity initiatives
- global super cities emerge
- smaller and more intense agricultural land reserves feed the world
- increased global collaboration on future city technologies
- coordinated and collaborative global assistance to developing countries to support climate action
- worldwide environmental policies established and mandated by international governing bodies (e.g. global carbon cap and trade)
- sustainable technology economy
- Invest in strong industry and government partnerships to effect community change through innovation and policy.
- Integrate more understanding of law, policy and regulations so our students know how to navigate and influence change where necessary.
- Expand current programming to emphasize digital technology and data-driven solutions, with emphasis on creative thinking, team leadership and digital collaboration.
- Develop professionals with strong technical skills and knowledge leadership, and a deep understanding of global collaboration, cultural safety and fluency, Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing, ethical training, social equity advocacy, policy and sustainability.
- Lead demonstration of high-impact global technologies and policies which promote access and equity.
- Ensure students and faculty recognize the social and ethical implications of technology in society.
- Demonstrate viable solutions for equitable access to health and health services, technology, and education to ensure no one is left behind on a global scale.
“The Faculty’s responsibility, regardless of the trajectory of world, is to continue to lead in a positive direction, to promote the best practices and ideals to ensure positive change in the world.”
Faculty member, School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture
U4BC: Regulation with local focus
- provincially funded training and education
- large social safety net and government support
- public health care
- equalized social and structural determinants of health
- localized government projects to equalize economic development
- universities largely government funded
- provincial government drives programming based on local needs
- equity in access
- no domestic tuition
- few international students
- research is limited to areas dictated by government
- difficult to attract/retain world-class faculty
- local needs create ‘pockets’ within industries
- demarcated professions
- regulated wages across industries
- stifled ability for economic growth
- little incentive for startups and innovation
- artificial intelligence and machine learning are highly regulated to protect jobs and human rights
- leadership for social equity advocacy to support vulnerable populations with a local, community focus
- multi-disciplinary teams require strong collaboration skills, cultural fluency, Indigenous perspectives and ethical training
- diverse representation in workplaces, education, teams and leadership
- strong emphasis on community engagement and culture-building; problem solving and critical thinking are essential
- government-led innovation
- priority is placed on solutions which enhance quality of life for those in each community (digital health tech, universal design, mental health and wellness).
- regional collaboration to meet the needs of community
- equitable access to health services
- highly taxed but money stays locally
- large social and subsidized housing
- sustainability measures unique to each region are mandated by local governments
- local climate action and numerous incentives for individual behaviour change
- Find creative solutions to BC’s immediate problems though collaboration of our Faculty’s unique interdisciplinary professions.
- Invest in long-term, local industry and community partnerships to support the growth in key areas such as biomedical engineering, clean energy, design, and health innovation, as identified and prioritized by unique community needs and government.
- Demonstrate viable solutions for equitable access to health and health services, technology and education to ensure no one is left behind in our communities.
- Leverage online and digital teaching to reduce our costs, without sacrificing the essential opportunities for students to engage with and learn from communities.
- Integrate more understanding of law, policy and regulations so our students know how to navigate and influence change where necessary.
“All our disciplines are equally important in being leaders in all worlds — interconnectivity is very critical, and the interplay between health, community and technology is important in addressing the biggest climate change challenges.”
Staff member, UBC Applied Science
UBC Inc.: Deregulation with a global focus
- limited government funding
- increasing global citizenship
- increasing urbanism
- free movement of people and goods
- environmental action
- environment left vulnerable
- increased inequity in social and structural determinants of health
- increased rate of technology advancement
- largely private entities
- little government funding
- high competition among universities
- industry-sponsored training and research is critical
- tuition market-driven
- country club model for in-person learning
- wealthy international student population
- extensive online delivery for broader audience
- specialized programs
- business expansion and development
- deep integration of technology in the workplace
- increased global e-collaboration
- large globally fluid corporations
- growing gig economy
- large start-up opportunities
- highly competitive
- specialized work opportunities for employees with niche skills
- responsibility and leadership for social equity advocacy to support vulnerable populations on a global scale
- multi-disciplinary teams require strong collaboration skills, cultural fluency, Indigenous perspectives and ethical training
- diverse global population represented in workplaces, education, teams and leadership
- strong emphasis on developing a shared “human” identity; problem solving and critical thinking are essential
- disruptive tech and solutions are developed around the world
- profitable solutions that have the widest spread of application are favoured
- ideas and intellectual property move freely
- hyper-urbanism
- communities are more international and more diverse
- large inequities among citizens
- private health care
- rural populations underserved (less opportunity for profit)
- social and corporate demands drive environmental policy (not governments)
- global ‘Space Race’ to develop profitable climate change technology
- Demonstrate ourselves as an open and global university with high student mobility and access.
- Develop professionals with strong technical skills and knowledge leadership, and a deep understanding of global collaboration, cultural safety and fluency, Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing, ethical training, social equity advocacy, policy and sustainability.
- Ensure faculty and students are key contributors to the open innovation ecosystem and work collaboratively with industry, government and community.
- Support the translation of research and technology to new scalable ventures.
- Work to close the gaps in society as leaders in developing solutions for equitable access to key needs such as housing, health care and clean water.
- Position ourselves as a leader in developing globally accessible energy solutions and healthy future cities.
- Position ourselves as vectors of influence in relation to housing, health and sustainability.
“In a world which is becoming increasing virtual, it is important to define the value of, preserve, and promote human-human interactions through our educational delivery and mentoring.”
Student, School of Nursing
UBC First: Deregulation with a local focus
- little government funding for research and education
- increased local workforce
- decreased rate of technology advancement
- only local grassroots environmental/climate change initiatives
- consumer driven marketplace
- climate change impacts are high
- social inequity is high
- largely privately funded
- reduced government research funding
- industry-sponsored training for their specialized needs
- tuition is high to reflect actual costs
- wealthy domestic student population
- domestic students have greater challenges accessing higher education
- tech and health-related entrepreneurship and business education are in high demand
- research is funded by industry wants and needs
- high paying tech and design-sector jobs
- strength across diverse industries
- entrepreneurship endeavours are focused on local challenges
- increased gig economy
- investment in local manufacturing
- automation fills gaps in workforce
- technology is deeply integrated
- low data privacy regulations/protections
- bottom line at the expense of person-centred care
- responsibility and leadership for social equity advocacy to support vulnerable populations with a local, community focus
- multi-disciplinary teams require strong collaboration skills, cultural fluency, Indigenous perspectives and ethical training
- diverse representation in workplaces, education, teams and leadership
- strong emphasis on community engagement and culture-building
- problem solving and critical thinking are essential
- focus on solutions that have regional impact or are profitable in small and local markets
- consumer-based solutions
- increased drive towards lowest cost
- high quality of life in cities and communities
- investment in local infrastructure and community development projects
- private health care that is high cost and inequitable
- little environmental regulation
- limited coordinated efforts
- action is individually-driven with a proliferation of community projects that support sustainability
- Focus on attracting the best and brightest domestic and regional students.
- Invest in long-term, local industry and community partnerships to support the growth in key areas such as biomedical engineering, clean energy, design, and health innovation, as identified and prioritized by unique community needs.
- Develop a comprehensive reskilling and upskilling offerings in collaboration with industry partners.
- Empower Applied Science staff, faculty and students to transfer innovation and influence from the university to government, industry and community.
- Establish our Faculty as an important mechanism for soft diplomacy towards effective global collaboration.
- Continue to develop high-quality, interdisciplinary professionals focused on addressing the pressing challenges in our communities.
- Respond to society’s need for self-sufficiency by investing in graduates from programs focused on manufacturing, clean technology, environmental engineering, nursing, community and regional planning, and architecture.
“Our Faculty’s role as advocates and leading by example becomes even more significant when we are in a world where there are notable inequities and societal challenges which impact everyone.”
Faculty member, UBC Engineering