Depok, May 14, 2024 – Higher education plays a crucial role in preparing future generations to face global challenges and opportunities. In response to the complexities of the modern world, ambitious steps are needed to transform university governance and drive innovation in higher education systems worldwide, particularly in Indonesia.

This statement was delivered by Professor Mark Considine, a Professor of Public Policy at the University of Melbourne and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne from 2018 to 2020, during the opening remarks of the Symposium on University Governance: How to Make an Entrepreneurial University. The symposium took place in the Auditorium of Building M at the Faculty of Administrative Sciences (FIA), Universitas Indonesia (UI), on Tuesday morning.

Professor Considine emphasized the importance of preparing a “Job-Ready Graduate Package” at universities, describing it as a critical milestone in the journey toward transforming university governance. Focusing on the theme “University Governance Transformation & Innovation,” this package outlines a series of measures that embrace the need for innovation in the digital age.

“Through funding restructuring, resources are strategically allocated to support disciplines with high job growth, such as engineering, science, and information technology. This aims to ensure that graduates possess skills that are relevant and in demand by the industry,” said Professor Mark.

He further elaborated on the significance of granting universities greater autonomy and flexibility. According to him, university autonomy means giving institutions more authority to manage their own funds, including the ability to design educational and research programs that align with both local and global needs. This flexibility allows universities to respond swiftly to market changes and societal demands.

“By forming strategic partnerships with international institutions, universities can foster cross-border collaboration in research, teaching, and academic exchange. This not only enriches students’ learning experiences but also promotes the global exchange of knowledge, which is essential for innovation,” he added.

In his presentation, Professor Mark also highlighted the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a vital tool in modern universities. “The integration of AI into teaching and research opens new opportunities to enhance the efficiency and quality of education. From automated assessments to data analysis, AI technology enables universities to provide a more adaptive and personalized learning experience for students,” he explained.

Professor Mark emphasized that the “Job-Ready Graduate Package” is not only a step toward improving the quality of higher education but also a vision to create a dynamic and innovative educational ecosystem. Through collaboration between the government, universities, and other stakeholders, he expressed hope that university graduates would become future leaders capable of transforming higher education in the digital era.

The event, attended by approximately 100 participants, also featured remarks from FIA UI faculty member Professor Dr. Eko Prasojo, Mag.rer.publ. He highlighted the longstanding collaboration between FIA UI and the University of Melbourne, including the Double Degree Program in Public Policy and Management, which has been running for four years.

“Today, we discuss the importance of university governance and how to build an entrepreneurial university. We must effectively manage planning, digital transformation, and human resources to compete with other institutions. Additionally, we must pay attention to financial resources, such as endowment funds and tuition fees. With international collaboration and standards, we can position universities as global innovation hubs,” said Professor Eko.