The FernUniversität in Hagen and Universitat Oberta de Catalunya Strengthen Their Strategic Partnership

During a two-day working visit to the UOC in Barcelona, the President and Head of Administration of the FernUni, Prof. Dr. Stefan Stürmer and Mr. Michael Strotkemper, met with the President of the UOC, Prof. Dr. Àngels Fitó, Executive Director Jordi Marin Puigpelat, and a number of representatives from the fields of academia, university management, and internationalization at the Catalan distance-learning university.

The discussions focused on digital teaching, research, organizational development, sustainability and the future of lifelong learning. The basis for the visit was the close partnership between the two universities as co-members of the European higher education alliance OpenEU.

The UOC is one of Europe’s leading distance-learning universities and is also considered a leading light in digital learning in higher education. As Germany’s only state-run distance-learning university, the FernUniversität in Hagen also plays a leading role in the development and implementation of digital teaching and learning programs. With this in mind, both universities see great potential in combining their respective experience and expertise.

“The challenges posed by digital transformation in higher education are much the same as those faced by many European countries. It is therefore particularly valuable for us to have this chance to collaborate closely with and learn from such a distinguished partner university as the UOC,“ stressed Professor Stürmer. “Both institutions can draw on many years of experience in academic distance learning and are investing significant energy in development of digital degree programs.“

During the visit, the two universities presented their respective strategic priorities and discussed approaches regarding the ongoing development of digital teaching models, the use of artificial intelligence in academic studies and teaching, innovation-driven operational development, and also possibilities for deeper research collaboration. In addition, the agenda included issues relating to doctoral funding, technology management, and student support in digital learning.

During a visit to the UOC’s innovation and research facilities, the guests were shown concrete examples of the digital future of higher education. The president and head of administration learned about projects related to virtual and immersive learning environments, digital health technologies, and psychological research. It soon became clear that the UOC and the FernUniversität share similar priorities in these strategically important areas. The discussions opened up a wide range of possibilities for closer cooperation in research and knowledge transfer.

One key focus of the visit was on innovative learning opportunities in the area of lifelong learning. The delegations also discussed the many possibilities of microcredentials – compact, flexible learning units that can be combined in various ways, teach specific skills and lead to the award of a certificate. These qualifications, positioned below the level of traditional bachelor’s and master’s degrees, are becoming increasingly important throughout Europe. They make it possible to precisely tailor academic learning towards the needs of various target groups and open up new possibilities for universities to react to the changing demands of society and the labor market. The FernUniversität is currently in the process of introducing its own microcredential programs.

The OpenEU, the transeuropean university alliance in which both universities collaborate as partners, is playing an important role in this. During talks with the OpenEU coordinator and UOC Commissioner for International Affairs, Pastora Martínez Samper, as well as the General Secretary of the Alliance, Àlex Hinojo, the participants discussed current challenges, perspectives and development opportunities. The discussion focused in particular on the question of how the OpenEU can be used as a platform for innovation in European higher education and how it can be sustained beyond the current funding period.

Michael Strotkemper underlines the added value of the partnership: “This visit has shown us that the FernUniversität and UOC share many common goals. This direct dialogue on successful models for teaching, administration and digitalization helps us to develop and enhance our own processes and gain new perspectives for the future of the FernUniversität.”

With this working visit, both universities are clearly signaling their support of closer European cooperation in digital higher education. The momentum gained will now be used to strengthen existing partnerships and launch new joint projects.