INITIATIVES
University and Research
Leadership Forum
What will the universities of the tomorrow look like?
The University & Research Leadership Forum (URLF) is a global, collaborative platform that brings together thought leaders to shape the future of higher education and empower universities to act as engines of economic growth in innovation economies.
Engage with the URLF and help shape the conversation.
In today's complex world, universities play a central role in:
Driving regional growth through jobs, investment, and innovation clusters
Nurturing entrepreneurship by empowering students, researchers, and communities
_edited.png)
Translating knowledge into impact that addresses societal challenges
URLF's Journey
2016
Placing universities at the heart of innovation
-
Launched in London, UK with leaders from 20 countries.
2017
Shaping the research agenda
-
Two task forces established to explore universities’ role in driving innovation and transformative technologies.
2018
Groundbreaking insights
-
​Task forces deliver two major reports: Leveraging Extreme Innovation and Optimizing Innovation Alliances.
2019
Expanding global dialogue
-
Workshops in Brazil, Russia, Qatar, the U.S., and Kazakhstan share task force findings.
-
Introduction of the University 4.0 concept: a tech-enabled, impact-oriented institution.
2020
Accelerated transformation
-
Covid-19 pandemic forces universities into rapid digital and structural transformation.
2021
Shaping the universities of the future
-
Three discussion papers, developed with university members, explore the future of higher education and the role of emerging technologies.
2022
A new vision
-
Launch of Shift: Universities in Transformation — an in-depth exploration of how Covid-19 reshaped higher education worldwide.
2024
Universities as socioeconomic engines
-
Two papers, one on place-making innovation and another on the need to reform university ranking systems to better measure impact - continue the discussion on the future of higher education and its role in socioeconomic development.
-
Study trips start in November 2024 with a visit to Aston University and the Birmingham Innovation Precinct (BIP).The BIP Case Study is launched.
-
We continue our study trips in Lisbon (July 2025), including Universidade Católica Portuguesa, the Unicorn Factory and more.
-
Additional trips are planned for 2026 to San Diego, Australia and New Zealand.
Get Involved
Empower
Growth
To be included in advancing place-based innovation and enhancing universities' economic influence and impact, fill out the form below. A leader from the GFCC will assist you in setting up a call or send a formal invitation letter.