Some titans seem invincible in every industry, towering over competitors with their established market share and dominance. Yet, history has repeatedly shown us that these titans are often blind to the impending disruption that ultimately leads to their downfall. Think of Kodak, Blockbuster, and, more recently, traditional newspapers. Higher education, with its centuries-old institutions and revered traditions, might fall next.
The Theory of Disruption
The concept of disruptive innovation, introduced by Harvard Business School's Clayton Christensen, explains how small, seemingly insignificant competitors can topple industry giants. Initially offering products or services that are inferior in certain aspects, these new entrants improve over time, eventually meeting and surpassing the needs of the mainstream market. This theory, drawn from Christensen’s study of the disk drive industry, highlights a crucial vulnerability in dominant firms: their inability to recognise and respond to disruptive innovations.
Universities: The Last Bastion?
Universities have been the gatekeepers of knowledge for centuries, offering an essentially unchanged education model. They have operated under the assumption that their market position is unassailable. However, as we've seen in other industries, this assumption is dangerous. The current higher education model is under threat from multiple fronts:
1. Technological Advancements: The rise of online learning platforms like Coursera, Udacity, and Khan Academy offers high-quality education accessible anywhere. These platforms continuously improve and expand their reach, potentially rendering traditional campus-based education obsolete.
2. Alternative Credentials: Companies like Google and IBM now offer certification programs, which are often shorter, more affordable, and directly aligned with industry needs. The acceptance of these credentials is growing, threatening universities' monopoly on qualifications.
3. Business Model Innovation: New education models, such as those offered by Minerva Schools, focus on global immersion and real-world experience rather than traditional classroom settings. These models challenge the very foundation of how education is delivered and valued.
The Inertia of Tradition
Universities are notoriously slow to change. Bureaucratic inertia makes many institutions cling to outdated models and resist innovation. This resistance is about preserving the status quo and reflects a deep-seated institutional culture. Professors and administrators often see themselves as the gatekeepers of knowledge and resist any model that undermines their authority or reduces the need for their expertise.
The Financial Dilemma
Another significant barrier to change is financial. Traditional universities rely heavily on tuition fees and government funding, both of which are under threat. As alternative education models become more popular, traditional universities may find their financial models unsustainable. Moreover, many institutions have invested heavily in physical infrastructure, which becomes a financial burden if student preferences shift towards online learning.
The Student as a Consumer
The notion of students as consumers, demanding value for their investment, is gaining traction. This shift in perspective forces universities to reconsider their value propositions. If a student can acquire the necessary skills and credentials online at a fraction of the cost, the justification for expensive, on-campus education diminishes. Universities must adapt by enhancing the student experience, offering personalised and flexible learning options, and ensuring their credentials remain valuable in the job market.
The Road Ahead
The future of higher education is not a question of if it will change but how and when. Universities must ask themselves some hard questions:
• Are they willing to cannibalise their existing models to innovate?
• Can they adapt quickly enough to remain relevant?
• Will they prioritise student needs over institutional traditions?
The path forward is fraught with challenges but also opportunities. Universities can survive and thrive in this new landscape by embracing technological advancements, fostering a culture of innovation, and rethinking their business models. However, those who cling to tradition and resist change may find themselves relegated to history, much like the industries before them that failed to adapt.
Conclusion
The disruption of higher education is imminent. With its centuries-old structures and methods, the traditional university model is being challenged by new, innovative players. To stay relevant, universities must embrace change, innovate, and put the needs of their students at the centre of their strategies. Those that fail to do so risk becoming the next victims of disruptive innovation. Will they rise to the challenge or join the ranks of other fallen giants?
All true plus other factorslike the rise of supertafes and the elimination of the class barrier against apprenticeships. Mass education was a bold but half hearted and underfunded experiment throughout its long decline.