Unveiling “Hokkaido University Global Vision 2040”

Hokkaido University has formulated the International Strategy Toward the Year 2040 “Hokkaido University Global Vision 2040” to set a new direction for the internationalization of the University.

When assuming office, President Kiyohiro Houkin presented his plan of “aiming to be an unparalleled university” toward the fourth period of mid-term goals and mid-term plan. The plan addresses the need of an international strategy from a long-term perspective in education, research, and social collaboration. Under his strong leadership, the plan took shape through opinion exchanges with experts of each department, administrative council, and stakeholders.

The new strategy lays out a direction that the University ought to take towards the year 2040. It was formulated following the results of internationalization of the University through the “Hokkaido Universal Campus Initiative” (HUCI) — the University’s reform plan at the core of “Future Strategy for the 150th Anniversary of Hokkaido University.”

The international strategy begins with three aspirations of Hokkaido University for the year 2040. To achieve the goals, specific initiatives have been planned and the strategy is divided into four pillars: “Vitalizing brain circulation,” “Students & faculty with cultural industry,” “Pursuit of sustainability,” and “Evolving management.”

The University has also redefined its internationalization approach for the post-HUCI era and emphasized two directions. The first is a shift from “Quantitative expansion” to “Emphasis on quality” in education and research. The second is an expansion of online education and international exchange initiatives, which have been dramatically expanded around the world in the wake of the Coronavirus spread.

As with HUCI, this international strategy is comprehensive in its content — including education, research, and social collaboration — and is expected to serve as a guideline by the University members and be utilized over the long term for the development of Hokkaido University in its contribution to the resolution of global issues.

The International Strategy of Hokkaido University toward the Year 2040  “Hokkaido University Global Vision 2040” is available for viewing here.