The university in the Anthropocene

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to reconsider the role of universities in the context of the grand challenges of the Anthropocene era, namely, climate change, biodiversity loss, ecosystems collapse, growing inequalities, welfare deficiencies and social unrest. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses the “idealized design” methodology, which suggests imagining what the ideal solution would be and then working backward to where the authors are today. In line with this methodology, the paper redefines the idea of the university in the context of the Anthropocene and analyzes the shortcomings of today’s universities. Then, it proposes a solution framework for transforming universities to become planet-positive institutions and discusses the internal and external barriers of this transformation. Findings This study advances a view of the university as an autonomous learning community and redefines its functions as follows: to generate an universal orientation across disciplines and cultures, to assist the whole person development of its members, to create a new holistic understanding of planetary challenges, including transdisciplinary codesigned, stakeholder engaged and solutions-oriented research, to bring forth responsible practitioners, to enhance the problem-solving capabilities of society and to catalyze progressive changes in human–Earth systems. Originality/value The paper presents examples of transformative university initiatives from the USA, Europe and India. It discusses the required changes in university actions, research and policy to cope with the new reality of the Anthropocene era.