Erasmusgebouw en EOS 2025
Erasmusgebouw en EOS 2025

Strategy development: concrete next steps towards the summer

The development of the new 2025-2031 strategy is in full swing. During the board meeting on 8 April, five strategic ambitions were presented and discussed with colleagues from across Radboud University. We have now entered the next phase, in which these ambitions will be further elaborated in working groups. This will bring the new/revised strategy closer step by step.

Working groups work on the ambitions  

In order to further shape the ambitions, working groups have been set up that will work together intensively in the coming months. Each working group consists of a leader, a secretary and several experts. These roles are filled by colleagues from across the university: from members of the Executive Board and (vice) deans to members of representative bodies, policy officers and subject matter experts. This ensures broad representation of the university community.  

The results of the working groups will be presented on 3 July during an extra board day, where the draft strategy will be discussed.  

From ambition to action  

Each working group is working towards a concrete set of solutions for each ambition, including a prioritisation of these solutions. The initial forms of implementation will be examined: what initiatives are needed to realise ambitions, what preconditions are important and what choices need to be made? In addition, for each ambition, we will specify what constitutes success, so that it is clear how we can monitor and adjust progress. A concise overview of the five ambitions, the process followed and what will be included in the strategy can be found here (pdf in Dutch) 

Ambition 0: examining our identity  

In addition to the five substantive ambitions, a sixth ambition has been added: redefining Radboud University's identity. The mission, vision and core values guide the strategy and form the foundation for the ambitions. The various elements will be carefully reviewed to ensure that they remain relevant to the world of today and tomorrow.  

Strategy and cutbacks: two tracks at once  

The financial challenges facing the university are also being taken into account in the development of the ambitions. The strategy helps to make choices and offer direction and perspective that are future-proof. At the same time, consideration is being given to how we can make our organisation agile and resilient, so that we can continue to fulfil our social role in the future. This is included in the fifth ambition, which is being led by Saskia Lavrijssen on behalf of the Board of Deans and the faculties. ‘We want to make informed choices to make the organisation more resilient and agile in realising our ambitions in the field of trans-, inter- and disciplinary high-quality education and research with impact. We also want to achieve clear results in developing RU policy in the areas of talent development, diverse career paths, recognition and appreciation, and leadership development.’ 

What's next?  

In the upcoming months towards the summer, we will keep you informed of the progress via news items. All information about the strategy process, including previous updates, an overview of the planning and elements that will be included in the strategy, can be found on the Strategy 2025-2031 project page 

strategie2025-2031 [at] ru.nl (Do you have any questions or ideas? Please share them with the project team by email. )