Reflections on the Symposium
Attending the Academia Europaea and Wenner-Gren Foundations HERCulES Symposium ‘Institutional Perspectives on Universities: The Role of Leadership, Administration, Stakeholders, and Risks’ in Stockholm from 21 to 23 May 2025 was an honour and privilege. This high-level conference gathered renowned scholars, university leaders, and policymakers, fostering rigorous discussions on the evolving role of universities.
Prof Cai was invited to present his research on Navigating Risks in University Research: Integrating the Triple Helix and Institutional Logics Perspectives, contributing to the dialogue on institutional risks, research sustainability, and strategic collaborations. The symposium focused on four key themes: leadership, administration, stakeholders, and risks, offering a comprehensive examination of the challenges and opportunities facing higher education today.
Organised by an esteemed programme committee, the symposium was led by Professor Jürgen Enders, Professor Helena Buescu, Professor Lars Engwall, Professor Milena Žic Fuchs, and Professor Marijk van der Wende. Their leadership ensured a well-structured and intellectually stimulating programme, bringing together a diverse range of perspectives on university governance and institutional challenges.
The discussions were enriched by the contributions of distinguished scholars, including Professor Francisco Ramirez from Stanford University, Professor Pedro N. Teixeira from the University of Porto and former Secretary of State for Higher Education in Portugal, and Professor Anders Söderholm, President of the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden. Their expertise provided invaluable insights into university governance, autonomy, and leadership, shaping discussions on how institutions can navigate the evolving educational landscape.
Other leading academics presented thought-provoking perspectives on institutional risks, stakeholder relationships, and the transformation of university administration, ensuring a high-calibre intellectual exchange throughout the symposium.
The symposium provided an opportunity to reflect on issues highly relevant to higher education in Hong Kong, particularly in faculty workload, governance shifts, and stakeholder engagement. The insights gained reinforced the importance of proactive policies in sustaining academic excellence amid external pressures. His engagement in discussions on research risks strengthened the understanding of strategies required to safeguard academic freedom, funding stability, and institutional relevance.
Beyond intellectual exchange, the symposium fostered meaningful collaborations, strengthening networks with global academic leaders. As universities navigate future challenges, embracing strategic leadership, adaptive administration, and stakeholder engagement will be crucial for success.
