Education in Industry 4.

0: Innovation and Transition

Dr. Christine N. Ferrer

Tarlac Agricultural University, Philippines

Realizing that the rapid changes we see with digital technologies have outmoded traditional
approaches to qualifications and pedagogy, we have to see the University as ‘agent of change,’ in
this stage of 4th Industrial Revolution, which is complex, dialectical, and an exciting opportunity
to design the future of higher education.

Looking at the context of Education 4.0,’ undeniably, ‘internationalization’ and “quality

assurance’ have set the global landscape of higher education. The two concepts become a
common point of reference for establishing academic standards and sustaining the relevance of
institutions. It has become a worldwide effort among universities to prioritize ‘internationalizing
in assuring quality’ as they battle for international academic reputation and visibility, as
evidenced by the growing number of universities who are clamoring to be included in world
rankings.

Universities have to create pathways of meaningful and functional partnerships and consider
networking and collaboration as one strong resolve to develop institutional scaffolding and
mutual cooperation with local and international partners, thereby integrating international,
intercultural, or global dimensions into the purpose, functions or delivery of services to the
public.

Universities are expected to be the key drivers of development – and must serve as information
hubs of talent, skills, and information. They must endure phases of challenges and financial
investments to keep pace with global changes and reaffirm that their academic programs are
updated and industry-based to ensure that next-generation talent meets the needs of the
workplace of the future.

As Dawn Freshwater, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Western Australia shoves his idea -
“Universities will remain vital places for the development of global citizens; a university thinks
internationally, is based in the local economy, but works for the purpose of national and regional
development.” Organizations with highly developed blueprints and functional staff ecosystem
become most adaptable to changes in the global economy, and in turn, transform into global
pacesetters.

As global institutions, we shall promote a knowledge culture and adherence to global best
practices that we share among ourselves, like what we are doing now, to strengthen our
institutional capacities and realize that ‘we can do more, in working together.’

Managing the university today and at the same time preparing the university of the future is
indeed challenging and exciting. We need a massive investment of resources to establish state-of-
the-art facilities and optimal support for academic development and research. We need better
information systems and tools to support management tasks and collaborate with stakeholders.

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Given industrial frameworks that make change extremely arduous in the higher education sector,
we shall take initiatives to embrace these new trends. It may be crucial, but it is worth investing
when the results will be more advantageous towards public value and national development.
Universities, then, must thrive to have a competitive advantage, productivity, and sustainability
guided by institutional autonomy, academic freedom, and sound institutional governance.

Finally, Industry 4.0 as an era offers remarkable challenges in the hierarchies of our universities.
The universities that can adjust to change will be able to transform perceptions of their prestige
and relevance, and we may see the emergence of new models for what it means to be an
excellent university in the modern era.

Most HEIs’ vision revolve on gaining an international reputation. Towards that goal, educational
institutions must collaborate together in building ‘universities’ that warrant access to quality and
relevant education for all – for the young and lifelong learners. Hence, it is essential that our
educational system be redefined, to include a curriculum in a learning environment that is
relevant to Education 4.0 – a university that allows the entire community across various cultures,
going beyond borders, for lifelong learning and gain the necessary skills and competencies of the
21st century in order to survive and contribute to a progressive society that must thrive and
prosper across diverse industrial revolutions.