Seminar: Working the Future of Education through Policymaking

Prof. Marcelo Parreira do Amaral (University of Münster), Dr Nina Haltia (Centre for Research on Lifelong Learning and Education CELE), Prof. Päivi Siivonen (Centre for Research on Lifelong Learning and Education CELE), Dr Suvi Jokila (Centre for Research on Lifelong Learning and Education CELE), Prof. Tero Järvinen (Centre for Research on Lifelong Learning and Education CELE), Prof. Ulpukka Isopahkala-Bouret (Centre for Research on Lifelong Learning and Education CELE)

keskiviikkona 16.9.2026 14.15.00 → 16.15.00 Europe/Helsinki

Pub 5 (Publicum)

Education in the 21st century is undergoing a profound transformation. This seminar explores this shift through the lens of how policymaking is working to shape the future of education and questions as to the impact and implication of this for the (higher) education sector. The keynote presentation unpacks futuring as a central element in current policymaking – promoted among others by international organizations – that makes use of strategic narratives and "fictional expectations" to prioritize idealized (digital) futures over present-day realities. The presentation discusses the evolution of governing and exposes the aggressive commodification and harvesting of learning as an economic asset. Using Finland as a critical case study, the talk reveals how even celebrated public models are branded and exported for global profit, thus jeopardizing the very public nature of education as commons. After the keynote, a panel discussion focuses on the current vision for higher education and research 2040 (Finnish/Swedish only ) from diverse perspectives and questioning its impact for students, researchers and institutions.

Programme:

14:15 Welcome and introduction
Prof. Tero Järvinen, Centre for Research on Lifelong Learning and Education, CELE 

14:25 Keynote: Constructing the future future of education: Governing through visions of (higher) education
Visiting Prof. Marcelo Parreira do Amaral, University of Münster

15:10 Keynote Q&A

15:15 Panel discussion: Finnish HE – Perspectives on the New Vision
University Research Fellow Nina Haltia, Prof. Ulpukka Isopahkala-Bouret, Adjunct Prof. Suvi Jokila from CELE & Prof. Marcelo Parreira do Amaral
Chair: Päivi Siivonen

16:15 Closing