A university ecosystem framework is a way of conceptualizing the interconnected relationships between various stakeholders within and outside a university. It takes into account the complex network of interactions between students, faculty, administrators, alumni, government, industry, and the wider community.
The following are key elements of a university ecosystem framework:
- Core Functions: The core functions of a university include teaching, research, and community engagement. These functions are interrelated and have a significant impact on the university’s ecosystem.
- Stakeholders: The stakeholders of a university ecosystem include students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, government, industry, and the wider community. Each of these stakeholders has a unique role to play in the university ecosystem.
- Interactions: The interactions between stakeholders are critical to the success of a university ecosystem. These interactions can be formal or informal and can occur at different levels (individual, departmental, institutional, regional, and global).
- Resources: The resources available to a university ecosystem include financial, physical, and human resources. These resources are necessary to support the core functions of the university and to facilitate interactions between stakeholders.
- Culture: The culture of a university ecosystem is shaped by the values, beliefs, and norms of the stakeholders. This culture can influence the behaviour of stakeholders and the overall success of the university ecosystem.
- External Environment: The external environment of a university ecosystem includes the political, economic, social, and technological factors that impact the university. These factors can influence the resources available to the university and the behaviour of stakeholders.
A university ecosystem framework provides a holistic view of the complex network of interactions between stakeholders within and outside a university. It can be used to identify opportunities for collaboration, to assess the impact of external factors on the university, and develop strategies for improving the university’s performance.
