Vision and Target Areas

Sustainability is defined as the ability to meet the present needs of individuals and society without jeopardizing or compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainability and sustainable development are closely related concepts, with sustainable development focusing on moving forward. The 2030 Agenda is a global action plan for sustainable development that can be used as a tool in an organization’s sustainability work.

Work environment refers to the physical, organizational, and social conditions in the workplace that affect the health and well-being of employees.

A sustainable working life means that the conditions enable the individual to be able, to have the strength, and to be motivated to work a full working life. This includes a healthy, safe, and supportive work environment with meaningful and fulfilling work.

Education is the systematic process by which higher education institutions provide teaching that develops and offers opportunities for learning. Learning refers to an in-depth and sustained understanding of subjects, methods, and processes, as well as the ability to integrate new information with existing ideas, concepts, and knowledge.

Education is built on a scientific foundation and aims to equip students with the ability to analyze and evaluate information from different perspectives. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills and life experiences, education and training should promote the preparation of students for different professions or the further development of professions that they already practise.

Research is the methodical and systematic process of generating new knowledge to understand, explain, and solve complex issues in different disciplines and societal contexts. Research can occur in close interaction with education to ensure high quality and relevance.

Academic freedom is a fundamental principle, which means that research areas may be freely chosen, research methods may be freely developed, and research results may be freely published. At the same time, available resources must be used efficiently to maintain high quality. Strong research environments and a culture of openness, critical thinking, and societal benefit create knowledge that contributes to academic development and its practical application, while safeguarding the credibility of science and good research practice.

Internationalization in higher education and research means integrating an international, intercultural, or global perspective into the planning and implementation of education and research activities. This includes supporting student and staff mobility, promoting international partnerships and collaborations responsibly, as well as incorporating global perspectives into curricula and research agendas. In addition, internationalization means attracting international students and researchers to Swedish education institutions, thereby creating a diverse and inclusive academic environment. Internationalization is important for strengthening the quality of education and research, in preparing students for a globalized society and for helping solve global challenges through cooperation.

Collaboration, both internally and externally, is a prerequisite for solving complex problems that no single actor can tackle alone. Collaboration with industry, the public sector, and other organizations creates meaningful links between academia and society, which in turn strengthens regional, national, and international development.

Collaboration has a major impact on the quality of education and research. It is also critical for generating new knowledge and facing the major societal challenges of today and tomorrow, such as climate change, skills supply, future crises and global sustainable development. A people-centred approach ensures that partnerships are not just about results, but also about empowering individuals and creating shared values. Collaboration is more than a process – it is a way to build a better future together.