#USA #New York #Elsevier #TU/e #TLFT

A Blueprint for Change

In a remarkable achievement for both Elsevier and the Technical University of Eindhoven (TU/e), the popular duo has been awarded the TLFT 2025 Thought Leadership Industry Catalyst Award. This accolade celebrates their innovative contributions to redefining how universities communicate their societal value through the groundbreaking 4th Generation University framework. The award ceremony took place at the renowned TLFT event in New York City, marking a significant moment for both organizations.

Redefining University Impact

The 4th Generation University campaign stands out as a timely and bold approach to addressing a pressing concern within higher education: the challenge of demonstrating real-world impact. As academic leaders globally have highlighted, the inability to effectively showcase societal contributions poses an existential risk. Elsevier and TU/e seized this critical moment, launching a campaign that not only addressed these challenges but also provided a robust, data-driven solution.

A New Benchmark for Evaluation

The campaign introduced novel tools and a unique evaluative language, laying out a comprehensive framework centered on four key pillars: Talent, Research, Valorization, and Governance. This structured approach allows universities to articulate their societal contributions in ways that resonate with policymakers, communities, and stakeholders alike. The framework serves as a narrative that connects the dots between academic endeavors and societal benefits, thereby fostering greater understanding and investment in higher education.

Creating a Movement

The campaign quickly gained traction following its launch in April 2024, with 12 universities collectively signing on as founding partners. This momentum culminated in the establishment of 4thgenuniversity.com, a growing global community of institutions united under this new paradigm. Within months, the initiative was showcased in over 10 global events, and it has spurred interest from more than 50 additional institutions seeking to join this transformative effort.

Impact Highlights

Among the noteworthy outcomes are:

• - Alumni Engagement: At TU/e, nearly half (46.7%) of the alumni choose to remain within 75 kilometers of the university, demonstrating a local talent flow that promotes long-term socioeconomic impact.
• - Policy Alignment: The framework aligns seamlessly with national and regional innovation priorities, leveraging data sources like patent data and LinkedIn alumni analysis to enhance policy relevance.
• - Global Reach: The campaign has been featured in high-level discussions and meetings across diverse sectors, illustrating its sector-wide momentum and importance.

Conclusion

The TLFT Awards celebrate organizations and individuals who utilize innovative thinking to inspire and ignite transformative change. The Industry Catalyst Award is a testament to the impactful endeavors led by Elsevier and TU/e, showcasing their commitment to advancing higher education and establishing a new standard for measuring institutional value in society.

In the words of Brittany Williams, VP of Editorial Content Creation at iResearch Services, "What made their campaign stand out was its boldness and timing. It’s not just about thought leadership; it's a blueprint for institutional transformation that addresses the deep needs in higher education." Elsevier remains a global leader in information analytics, dedicated to supporting partners in making evidence-based decisions that benefit communities worldwide.