The future of university as if sustainability mattered: A co-creation experience through Theory U journey

2nd Intrepid Training School – Barcelona, 9-13 April 2018

“The difficulties we have in meeting today’s global challenges, such as implementing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) worldwide, are not caused by a knowledge gap. We have all the knowledge we need. The problem is a knowing-doing gap: a disconnect between our collective consciousness and our collective actions. These gaps and divides are amplified by the silo structure of our key institutions and the mindset of the decision makers that operate inside them. “ Otto Shammer

Intrepid 2nd Training School programme centred on the question of how universities can be a positive force for transformation and change towards a more sustainable future.

The programme invited participants to explore the specific challenges of Inter and transdisciplinary knowledge and co-creation, and reflect on the skills and dispositions required by researchers and practitioners in order to cross boundaries, sectors and paradigms.

This experience of this exploration was the starting point for a process of envisioning of a civic learning institution capable of enabling education, research and learning in permanent support of sustainable development.

METHODOLOGY

The co-creation activities combined dialogues on case studies, brought by participants, focusing on one or more SDG, and include group activities aimed at crystallising and prototyping the future of university. Approaches such as Theory U, Three Horizon and Design Thinking methods were used for group facilitation.

Participants explored:

core concepts and practices of Theory U
methods and tools to sense and seize future opportunities
the deeper journey of their personal and professional life, to be a more effective leader and change-maker in their own environment
practices to expand their attention

Through interactive presentations, reflective exercises, peer coaching, and embodiment practices, participants learnt and applied the capacities of deep leadership that help change-makers transcend old behaviour patterns, realise new possibilities, and facilitate innovation and transformation.

Barcelona 2nd Training School counted with the participation of 32 people coming from Portugal, Italy, Austria, Germany, UK, Netherlands, France, Romania, Croatia, UK, Montenegro, Slovenia, Egypt, Colombia, Guatemala and Spain. It took place at Barcelona Tech- Campus Diagonal- Besòs

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