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ICHEM Conference: Competition, Collaboration and the Global Good

In June 2023, this two-day event brought together world-class scholars, university leaders, students and DBA alumni.

Delegates networking in the new School of Management Building
Delegates networking in new School of Management Building

The International Centre for Higher Education Management (ICHEM) seeks to explore how innovation in HE can act as a force for global wellbeing. It is also home to our unique DBA in Higher Education Management.

Focusing on 'The Future of Higher Education: Competition, Collaboration and the Global Good', this inaugral ICHEM conference brought together, scholars, leaders, managers and students from 25 countries.

Discussing contemporary issues around the globe, the two days were filled with inspiring ideas, and thought leadership on what HE can achieve.

View a selection of photographs from the conference

See highlights from the ICHEM conference

Watch our video to hear from attendees.

Across a number of sessions, 50 papers showcased research and innovative practices around key issues in contemporary higher education, including:

  • Organisation, leadership and management
  • Internationalisation and globalisation
  • Education and students
  • Academic life and career
  • Higher education policy
  • Accountability and accreditation

Altogether, these highlighted the lasting dynamics of change in universities within a turbulent environment.

Following the conference, speakers attendees shared their thoughts in the following posts on the School’s Business & Society blog:

Our speakers

  • Arnoud De Meyer (Singapore Management University) uncovered the ways in which Singapore leapfrogged its higher education and science systems into world class.
  • Rajani Naidoo (University of Bath) discussed the implications of the rise of AI for the future role and responsibilities of universities.
  • Simon Marginson (University of Oxford) unfolded the changing dynamics of global science and its consequences for competition and collaboration around the globe.
  • Jose Restrepo (EAI University, Colombia) shared his leadership insights on rethinking higher education to transform our futures.
  • Aslam Fataar, Therese Fish, Najwa Norodien-Fataar and Leslie van Rooi (University of Stellenbosch, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa) shared their insights and experiences from the global South on the transformation of university practices for the public good.
  • Joanne Curry (Simon Fraser University, Canada), Michael Hannon (Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Ireland), Nigel Healey, (Limerick, Ireland), Emma Hunt (Falmouth University, UK), Sheila LeBlanc (University of Calgary, Canada) and Roxanne Stockwell, (Independent HE, UK), all of them DBA alumni, shared their experiences and insights in higher education leadership careers in two interactive parallel sessions.

Conference organisers

Meet the team

More about ICHEM