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Learn moreWhy the Educational Assembly Line is Outdated
Modern mass education emerged in the industrial era and has undergone minimal changes since then, despite the transition to the digital age and the emergence of new tasks and challenges. In a rapidly changing world, industries no longer need universal professionals who are produced on an assembly line. Society expects radical reforms in the educational system, but standards are updated more slowly than reality requires. When will we see significant changes in education that can respond to modern challenges?
At the end of 2020, the international organization Global Education Futures presented the study "Educational Ecosystems: Emerging Practices for the Future of Education." The authors of the study emphasize that ecosystems, which are an association of various organizations and like-minded people, should become catalysts for the global transformation of education. These ecosystems form an educational system capable of effectively responding to new challenges. These challenges include changes in the labor market, rapid technological development, and the need to adapt educational programs to modern requirements and the needs of society.
The traditional "industrial" education system successfully fulfilled its functions, but in the conditions of the modern era, its advantages turned into disadvantages. A new educational system requires a new environment for its development. According to the study "Educational Ecosystems: Emerging Practice for the Future of Education," such an environment should be ecosystems capable of adapting to rapidly changing requirements and providing more flexible and individualized learning.
What are ecosystems in education anyway?
The term "ecosystem" has a variety of meanings that extend beyond its original context. In 2018, McKinsey experts predicted that business ecosystems would have a significant impact on the development of the global economy. PwC's Digital Operations research highlights that companies that apply an ecosystem approach across customer, operational, technological, and HR dimensions are becoming digital leaders. This approach enables organizations to not only improve their internal processes but also create valuable customer propositions, thereby enhancing their competitiveness. It is important to understand that successful implementation of an ecosystem approach requires comprehensive analysis and strategic planning. In business, an ecosystem is defined as a set of interconnected companies, products, and services that create a unified environment for interaction with customers and partners. An ecosystem fosters synergy between participants, enabling process optimization, improved service quality, and increased competitiveness. A key aspect of an ecosystem is the integration of technologies and data exchange, which facilitates rapid response to changing market conditions and consumer needs. Creating an effective ecosystem requires a strategic approach and active collaboration between all participants, which ultimately leads to sustainable growth and business development.
In the education sector, there are multi-brand centers offering a variety of services, ranging from preschool education to professional retraining for adults. Furthermore, there is a growth in partnerships among independent market participants. Universities are actively developing joint educational programs with employers, which contributes to improving the quality of specialist training. To attract applicants, educational institutions are also establishing partnerships with schools, which allows for the creation of more effective pathways for further education.
Researchers at Global Education Futures predict that one of two types of ecosystems will become a catalyst for change in the education sector. Which specific type of ecosystem will be able to activate the renewal and transformation of education remains a subject of discussion and analysis.
The second type includes various alliances and partnerships that are organized based on specific principles. Pavel Luksha, one of the study's authors and founder of Global Education Futures, as well as an expert at the Center for Education Transformation at the Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO, shares his opinion on this issue.
Currently, the term "ecosystem" has lost its original clarity. When Sberbank announces the creation of an ecosystem, it is actually talking about the formation of a diversified holding company. An ecosystem implies the presence of independent participants united around innovative solutions. It is important to note that the formation of an ecosystem cannot be forced: this process occurs based on mutual interests. The main distinction of an ecosystem is its horizontal governance model, where each player has equal rights and opportunities for cooperation.
The study emphasizes that educational ecosystems represent a new and not fully defined phenomenon. These systems unite various components of the educational process, including educational institutions, technologies, students, and communities, creating an integrated environment for learning and development. It is important to note that educational ecosystems are formed as a result of the interaction of various participants, which allows them to adapt to the rapidly changing demands of the modern world. The study emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding and analysis of these ecosystems to optimize educational processes and increase their effectiveness. The ecosystem approach to education is in its infancy, and the terminology associated with this concept is only beginning to emerge. This is happening thanks to the practical experience of organizations that are actively involved in the creation and implementation of ecosystems in the educational process. The development of this approach is an important step towards creating more sustainable and integrated educational environments, which in turn can significantly improve the quality of learning and interaction between participants in the educational process. The key aspect is not the word "ecosystem" itself, but a set of characteristics that any association must possess to successfully promote innovation. These characteristics include: the presence of interconnections between participants, support from public and private organizations, access to funding, infrastructure for testing and implementing new ideas, as well as active collaboration between different sectors. Creating an effective ecosystem requires a comprehensive approach that promotes the exchange of knowledge and resources, which in turn leads to the accelerated development of innovative solutions and technologies.
The term "ecosystem" is often used these days, but its meaning can be distorted. When Sberbank announces the creation of an ecosystem, it is actually talking about the formation of a diversified holding company. An ecosystem implies participants who act independently and collaborate based on innovative ideas. Such a process cannot be imposed from above; it arises from mutual interests. A key feature of an ecosystem is a horizontal, distributed management model, which allows each participant to contribute and develop within the framework of a common project.
The ecosystem approach to education is in its infancy, and terminology in this field is just beginning to emerge. This is due to the practices of organizations that create such educational ecosystems. It is important to note that the ecosystem approach involves the integration of various educational elements and participants, which promotes more effective learning and development. Over time, this approach will continue to evolve, opening new horizons for educational practices and improving their quality.
We have entered an era of significant complexity, where the importance of distributed governance is becoming especially obvious. In a context of multiple decision-making points, the generation of information, ideas, and positions, the diversity and independence of participants lead to more effective joint solutions than those proposed by a single person. Pavel Luksha emphasizes that it is precisely through this diversity that we can achieve better results in complex situations. Distributed governance opens new horizons for the integration of different approaches and opinions, making it an indispensable tool in the modern world.
We are in an era of high complexity, where the importance of distributed governance is becoming increasingly obvious. With multiple decision-making points, information generation, ideas, and opinions, the diversity and independence of participants enable more effective solutions. According to Pavel Lukša, it is in such conditions that joint solutions outperform those offered by individual players. This underscores the importance of a collective approach in the modern world, where interaction and collaboration are becoming key factors for success. Educational ecosystems are not simply a response to existing educational challenges, but an effective tool for facilitating the engagement of various sectors in collective learning. They facilitate the integration of knowledge and resources, creating a more dynamic and adaptive educational environment. As a result, educational ecosystems play a key role in shaping innovative approaches to learning and development, enabling interaction between students, teachers, and representatives of various sectors. Learning is delivered through a personalized learning trajectory, which includes both individual lessons and collaborative learning groups. This approach allows us to tailor the learning process to the unique needs of each student, ensuring deeper learning and the development of essential skills.
Great, but when will these wonderful ecosystems appear?
Ecosystems focused on sustainable development are beginning to actively develop around the world, including Russia. At the moment, they are generally limited in scale, but this is only the beginning of their formation. The development of such ecosystems facilitates the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies and practices, which is an important step towards preserving the environment and improving the quality of life. In the future, the scale of ecosystems is expected to increase, and they will occupy a significant place in the economy and social life.
The authors of the Global Education Futures study identify three key factors that determine the formation, viability, and sustainability of educational ecosystems. These factors play a decisive role in the development of educational systems, facilitating their adaptation to modern challenges. Understanding these aspects allows us to improve the quality of education and create more effective learning conditions, which is a pressing task for educational institutions and policymakers.
The viability of the entire system directly depends on the ability of participants to achieve synergy. In this case, the final result will be greater than the simple sum of the individual efforts of each party. Synergy promotes more effective interaction, which, in turn, leads to better results and increased overall productivity.
Educational ecosystems are formed in environments where new protocols have already been implemented, and people are able to adapt to changing living and working conditions. Such ecosystems are characterized by a distributed system, flexibility, and cooperation. Creating educational ecosystems around centralized structures like "military units" is difficult. However, within existing communities, such as the IT community, this becomes a natural process. Educational ecosystems do not arise by chance; they are part of a broader ecosystem shift that implies a transition to ecosystem-based governance in the social and economic spheres. It's important to understand that the successful development of educational ecosystems requires interaction and support between participants, which facilitates the creation of innovative solutions and improves the quality of education.
To achieve significant results, certain conditions must be met. A striking example of a worthy goal of a true ecosystem is well-being at the level of a district, city, region, industry, and even all of humanity. A healthy ecosystem promotes sustainable development and an improved quality of life.
Sounds like a utopia? Pavel Luksha admits that this approach does not correspond to traditional business thinking. However, in his opinion, researchers do not put forward new ideas, but only generalize practical experience. The creators of projects working according to the ecosystem model actually strive to achieve goals at three levels: personal, local, and global. These three levels are integrated, and their successful interaction can lead to significant changes in business strategies and the social sphere.
Entrepreneurs, like many others, create businesses or social projects to meet the needs of a particular territory or sector. However, their approach differs from the traditional one: instead of a simple cycle of "product creation - profit - further development," they strive for more sustainable revenue models. Such entrepreneurs focus on long-term results and social responsibility, which allows them not only to achieve financial goals but also to contribute to the development of their region and society as a whole. Pavel Luksha argues that the process of ecosystem formation can be compared to the transition from a linear to a circular economy. In a linear model, resources are used and then discarded, which is unsustainable and leads to resource depletion. In contrast, a circular economy aims to constantly restore and renew resources, which maintains balance in the ecosystem and ensures sustainable development. This approach promotes not only economic efficiency but also environmental responsibility, a key aspect in the modern world. Ecosystem projects constantly update their partner base, which facilitates a continuous process of mutual enrichment. Modern marketing trends, such as the flywheel model instead of the traditional sales funnel, emphasize building lasting relationships with consumers. Instead of a one-time customer journey through the funnel, the focus shifts to building long-term relationships. Ecosystem relationships are mutually beneficial: you grow alongside your users, who become valuable tools for increasing your sales. This approach not only builds trust but also promotes sustainable business growth.
The Global Education Futures study does not yet cover the business models of education ecosystems, which represents an important and broad topic for further study. Analyzing business models in the context of education ecosystems can help identify key factors that contribute to their successful operation and sustainable development. This research has the potential to significantly influence the development of effective strategies in the education sector.
The importance of ecosystem sustainability lies in the equal distribution of both financial and creative resources. Leaders play a key role in community development, but dependence on a single creator or sponsor can lead to imbalance. If the main organizer leaves the project, this can cause the collapse of the entire system. For successful functioning, it is necessary to develop collective responsibility and involve all participants in the decision-making process. Only in this way can the long-term stability and prosperity of the ecosystem be ensured.
Educational ecosystems are formed in conditions where new interaction protocols have already been implemented, and people are able to adapt to new living and working conditions. Key aspects of such ecosystems are distribution, flexibility, and cooperation. Creating ecosystems around rigid structures, such as military units, is a complex task. However, in cases where a community already exists, for example, among information technology specialists, this is a natural process. Educational ecosystems do not arise in isolation; they are part of a broader ecosystem shift—a transition to a new way of managing the social and economic spheres. Thus, the successful development of educational ecosystems depends on the presence of active communities and the implementation of innovative approaches to learning and interaction. Ecosystem projects are constantly updating their partner networks, which promotes mutual enrichment for all participants. Modern marketing trends, such as the flywheel model instead of the traditional sales funnel, emphasize building long-term relationships with consumers. Instead of a single customer pass through the funnel, the emphasis is on forming sustainable connections. Ecosystem relationships are mutually beneficial: you develop together with users, and they become active participants in your sales process. This approach not only strengthens customer loyalty but also significantly improves business results. Where there are already examples of ecosystems The Global Education Futures study presents approximately 40 examples of successfully functioning ecosystems. The study's authors highlight teams that focus their efforts on solving local and global problems, such as social equality, technological development, improving the urban and cultural environment, and promoting a regenerative economy. These examples demonstrate how an ecosystem approach can contribute to sustainable development and positive societal change.
The American LRNG project in Chicago significantly simplifies access to training for people of all ages, helping them build careers. Training is provided through an online platform and mobile app, where users can find a variety of online courses. Courses are provided by local and national employers, higher education institutions, and library networks. Students can independently form groups on the platform. Many courses are offered free of charge, while others are available for a nominal fee, making training accessible to everyone.
The Colombian OpEPA project aims to achieve environmental goals. It brings together public and private schools, as well as scientific institutions, to conduct off-site classes dedicated to the study of nature. The project promotes environmental awareness among students and fosters sustainable attitudes toward the environment. Program participants have the opportunity not only to study ecosystems but also to actively participate in their protection and restoration.
The study cites examples from Russia, but most of them are unlikely to be familiar to the general public. Pavel Luksha explains the reasons for this.
We researched international trends, focusing on the ecosystem approach in education, particularly in informal learning. While Russia boasts numerous successful initiatives in this area, they remain largely unnoticed. In my report, I sought to present compelling examples that could attract the attention of international colleagues while promoting Russian innovative education internationally. Unfortunately, our significant projects are little known even within Russia. For example, I am a member of the supervisory board of the Ecoclass project—one of the largest online platforms for environmental education in the world. This platform is used by 50,000 teachers, an impressive figure. Unfortunately, however, this information is not receiving the attention it deserves.
The study presents Russian initiatives, notably a project to develop a regional educational ecosystem in Yakutia. Construction of the "Park of Future Generations" is planned there within the next two years. This government initiative challenges the core principle of ecosystems—distributed and non-hierarchical governance. Pavel Luksha notes that government teams can act as ecosystem catalysts if they form a community of independent participants. This approach can contribute to the creation of a more flexible and effective educational environment, where interaction and collaboration between diverse participants fosters innovation and development.
Yakutia stands out for its strong team, led by Aisen Nikolaev. These individuals occupy key positions and possess an entrepreneurial mindset. Yakutia became the first in the country to implement this innovative approach: 20 teams from across the region were brought together to develop educational programs in the creative economy. This project can be compared to a startup accelerator, but its primary goal is to create a community of people sharing a common vision of the future. Participants seek solutions for shaping sustainable student development trajectories through their programs. This initiative aims to create an ecosystem in which colleges, schools, and supplementary education institutions actively participate.
Other examples of initiatives in the field of supplementary and alternative education include the St. Petersburg-based civic education project for adults, "Trava." This project is based on the principles of horizontal community, focusing on local problems and studying the characteristics of the city. At the same time, activists connect their activities with global educational trends, allowing them to expand their horizons and adapt local initiatives to the global context.
The startup ecosystems "AkademPark" and "Lenpoligrafmash" represent unique initiatives that differ from traditional educational ecosystems. Their primary goal is to develop innovative projects, which allows them to attract a wide range of stakeholders, including scientific institutions such as institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences and local entrepreneurs. These ecosystems offer new formats of interaction that facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources, which in turn creates a favorable environment for startups and stimulates innovative development.
We analyzed international trends, focusing on the ecosystem approach in informal education. There are many examples of this approach in Russia, although they do not always receive due attention. In my report, I sought to present interesting cases for my international colleagues and promote Russian innovative education internationally. Unfortunately, our successful projects are little known even within the country. For example, I am a member of the supervisory board of the Ecoclass project, one of the largest online platforms for ecology education in the world. Currently, 50,000 teachers use the platform, which testifies to its importance and popularity. However, information about such successes remains largely unknown.
The example of Yakutia is interesting due to the creation of a strong team led by Aisen Nikolaev. These specialists occupy key positions and possess an entrepreneurial mindset. They were the first in the country to implement an approach that brings together 20 teams from across Yakutia to develop educational programs in the creative economy. It resembles a startup accelerator, but in reality, it creates a community of people united by a common goal: developing solutions for the long-term development of students through their initiatives. This creates a foundation for ecosystem collaboration, including teams from colleges, schools, and supplementary education institutions. This approach promotes the development of sustainable educational pathways and the development of the region's creative potential.
Are Ecosystems Around Universities Possible?
Individual elements of the ecosystem approach are observed in Russian education. Some universities are developing personalized educational trajectories for students, based on collaboration with potential employers and other participants in the educational process. However, according to Pavel Luksha, there are no more than ten universities in Russia that are truly ready to implement ecosystem thinking and practice. To successfully create ecosystem partnership models, universities need two key components: a flexible structure that allows them to adapt to market demands, and active engagement with various stakeholders, including businesses and government agencies. This collaboration can significantly improve the quality of education and its relevance to modern requirements, creating more competitive specialists.
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It is important to realize that to successfully launch an ecosystem, it is necessary to have a certain value. This value can manifest itself in a unique location or specialized knowledge. Leading universities possess these characteristics, making them attractive for ecosystem formation. However, many institutions remain in a state of inertia. They were formed as industry or regional hubs but fail to update their understanding of their role and importance. They continue to operate according to an outdated model, recognizing that they have nothing new to offer. This creates a fear of entering new platforms where external participants must interact and negotiate. This creates a concern that they might leave and leave the institution without support. Therefore, along with value, a second component is important: competence. An ecosystem organizer must be prepared to lead the process of its development and ensure the interaction of all participants. Creating an ecosystem is a powerful tool, especially when you are ready for change and forward movement. This allows you to harness the energy generated by human cooperation. Pavel Luksha emphasizes that in the future, the number of universities prepared to create ecosystems will increase. The development of such ecosystems fosters innovation and improves the educational process, making them an important aspect of the modern educational landscape. Regional ecosystems are formed through the implementation of the "third mission" of universities, which is their active participation in social, territorial, and regional development. To successfully implement this mission, the university must integrate diverse participants on its platform, including local communities, businesses, and government agencies. This interaction contributes to the creation of sustainable ecosystems that foster innovation and regional development. Better believes that informal education offers greater potential for ecosystem development than traditional universities. Communities based on IT platforms, which focus on professional training, particularly in high technology, play an important role. Also significant are innovative projects aimed at developing urban and regional economies, where education becomes a catalyst for progress. These areas attract enthusiasts with a new type of thinking who support the idea of collaboration for the achievement of a common goal. These are the kinds of professionals who can initiate and drive innovation.
Professionals in this field refuse to follow outdated rules. They can be called bold experimenters, but over time, it becomes clear that they are at the forefront of innovation. We are witnessing the emergence of a new paradigm that will challenge conventional approaches and open up new horizons.
Their characteristic features will undeniably emerge beyond traditional educational ecosystems. Even universities that are not yet ready to become platforms for independent collaboration between various participants cannot ignore the pressing challenges of our time. Education must adapt to new requirements and seek ways to integrate innovative approaches to ensure high-quality learning and development.
Educational programs often do not meet the demands of the modern labor market. Therefore, higher education institutions are actively forming partnerships with business representatives and employers, whom they look to for guidance in the preparation of future specialists. When large and influential companies participate in such alliances, they are built on a foundation of mutual respect and cooperation, which allows for the interests of both parties to be taken into account. This interaction contributes to improving the quality of education and increasing the competitiveness of graduates in the labor market.
Outdated teaching methods cannot compete with online formats. Creating new educational programs from scratch requires significant time and effort. In this context, strategic partnerships with online platforms where all processes are already established become a reasonable solution. Such collaborations benefit students, providing them with access to educational programs that more effectively meet modern requirements and market challenges.
It is unknown whether each of these systems will become a full-fledged ecosystem in the future. However, this does not diminish the significance of the ecosystem philosophy in education and the benefits it offers. The ecosystem approach promotes the integration of various educational resources and technologies, which can improve the quality of education and make it more accessible.
To successfully launch an ecosystem, it is necessary to recognize your value in this process. Value can manifest itself in the form of a unique location or the specialized knowledge possessed by leading universities. However, many educational institutions continue to exist by inertia, without reassessing their role and significance. They previously became hubs in their industries or regions, but now they can't answer the question of their relevance. This leads them to remain within the framework of an outdated model, feeling they have nothing new to offer. Fear of entering new platforms and interacting with external participants is becoming palpable: there is a concern that these participants may decide to leave the ecosystem. In this context, the second aspect—competence—is important. It is necessary to be able to organize an ecosystem and support its development to ensure the successful interaction of all participants. Professionals in this field reject outdated rules and approaches. They can be called bold experimenters, but over time, it becomes clear that they are at the forefront of change. We are witnessing the emergence of a new paradigm that has the potential to challenge conventional ideas and customs. This process requires openness to innovative ideas and a willingness to change, which is the key to success in the modern world.
