Impulse for Higher Education Strategy 2040: IT:U positions the “Fourth Generation University” as a future model
What does the university of the 21st century look like? With its position paper on Higher Education Strategy 2040, the Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U) brings the internationally discussed concept of the “Fourth Generation University” (4GU) into focus. The paper outlines how universities can integrate research, teaching, and transfer to move innovation into practice faster and actively shape societal change.
Innovation ecosystems and societal mission at the heart of modern universities
With its interdisciplinary study programs, project-based learning, and close cooperation with industry, the public sector, and civil society, IT:U is aligning itself with the 4GU approach. This model positions universities as missiondriven actors that connect science, business, policy, and society in innovation ecosystems and codevelop solutions with external partners.
“We see our position paper as an impulse for the further development of Austria’s higher education system in the context of Higher Education Strategy 2040 and international competition.”
Daniel Cracau, Director Outreach & Start-ups at IT:U
Maarten Steinbuch, Distinguished University Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology and leading voice in the Fourth Generation University community, underscores the momentum:
“The 4GU is not a vision anymore, it is becoming a reality across the world. It is exciting to see the commitment of such a young university like IT:U in Linz to put societal transformation and ecosystem orientation first.”
Maarten Steinbuch, Distinguished University Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology
Growing international debate, increasing traction in Austria
Internationally, the 4GU concept is already being discussed within a network of universities. Interest in Austria is rising as well: TU Wien is part of the international Fourth Generation University community; TU Graz Rector Horst Bischof recently emphasized the need to think of universities more strongly as regional innovation ecosystems.
What defines a Fourth Generation University?
The 4GU approach observes a historical shift: from universities as teaching institutions (first generation), to research institutions (second), to innovation‑driven organizations (third), and now to mission‑oriented universities (fourth). Core characteristics include:
- Transdisciplinary collaboration across domains
- Project‑based, real‑world learning
- Co‑creation with external partners
- Ecosystem‑based innovation instead of one‑way knowledge transfer
How IT:U puts 4GU into practice
IT:U’s model translates 4GU principles into concrete action:
- Interdisciplinary programs that integrate technology, society, and entrepreneurship
- Studio‑ and project‑based teaching anchored in real industry and public sector challenges
- Long‑term partnerships with companies, start-ups, city and regional authorities, and civil society organizations
- Mission‑driven initiatives that address pressing societal needs, from digital transformation to sustainability and health
- Transfer mechanisms that accelerate the journey from research to impact