At the beginning of 2026, Radboud University presented its new strategy for 2026–2031, entitled Connected for Impact, centred around five strategic ambitions: maintaining its status as a comprehensive university, excelling in specific high-impact themes, strengthening its role in the region, fostering a connected community, and developing into an agile organisation.
Following the presentation of the strategy, various responses and concerns have been raised about the direction set by the Executive Board. These include a recently published article on Voxweb by Paula Fikkert, in which she states that she is stepping down from her position as Dean of the Faculty of Arts, partly because she does not support the course the Executive Board intends to pursue. According to her, certain strategic choices are at odds with the university’s core values and risk creating a governance culture that is overly focused on a business-oriented approach.
The faculty will present its own strategy for 2027–2032 in the near future. This strategy is still very much under development, but in light of budget cuts, AI developments, and other concerns -such as the critical views on the university’s overall direction expressed by Paula Fikkert, which remain high on our radar- the RC will continue to monitor developments closely in the coming period.
An updated version of the FSW Strategy 2027–2032 will be presented at the Faculty Joint Assembly (FGV) on 2 July. As a member of staff within FSW, you are warmly invited to attend the public part of the meeting. The public session will take place from 15:30 to 16:30 in room MM 01.620.
Do you have an issue or suggestion you would like to discuss with the OC? Please feel free to email us at OC [at] socsci.ru.nl.