"More freedom in degree programs"
KTH's schools have each developed their own reform agendas. At the ITM School, the primary focus is on financial stability, but Head of School Pär Jönsson envisions a freer education system with strong connections to the professional world.
How does a reform agenda differ from the traditional operational plans schools usually create?
“An operational plan at KTH has been more detail-oriented, while the reform agenda is a long-term plan aligned with the four goals set by the rector's management team,” says Pär Jönsson.
What changes will the school implement to align with KTH's overall goals and vision?
“Each school faces unique conditions and needs. At ITM, we lack agency’s capital, meaning we lack money in the bank. Therefore, our main priority is gaining financial control before making future investments. This involves increasing our educational volume, securing more external funding, promoting mutual processes across all ITM departments, reducing our reliance on consultants, and optimizing the use of our premises.”
What are the long-term priorities on the reform agenda that align with KTH's goals?
“We are already working on future educational offerings that align with KTH's goals. Our aim is to allow students to develop their individual interests and talents, avoiding early specialization and offering more freedom of choice in master's programs. We also plan to offer master's programs in areas where we have strong research environments, thereby enhancing KTH's offer, benefit from the RAE results and integrating the latest research into our education. Essentially, we want to build on our strengths and guide education from behind.”
What are the main objectives in terms of practical skills and facilities?
“One of our objectives is to develop students' practical professional skills and provide open experimental environments. Practical elements are highly valued and crucial for understanding professional life. To remain competitive, we need excellent lab facilities, but labs are costly. Therefore, at ITM and across KTH, we must collaborate on the labs we maintain.”
How will you develop the educational methods?
“We are exploring how to implement new educational methods, particularly those involving AI.”
It seems like ITM is focusing heavily on the educational goals?
“Absolutely. 'The KTH factory's' main products are engineers, technology teachers, and doctoral students,” concludes Jönsson.
Text: Anna Gullers