The Envisioning Report for Empowering Universities. 10th edition, 2026

This annual publication by the European Association of Distance Teaching Universities (EADTU) explores emerging developments in digital teaching and learning across Europe, offering insights and practical approaches to support universities in responding to technological, societal, and pedagogical change.

Marking its 10th edition, the Envisioning Report 2026 reflects on a decade of digital transformation in higher education while looking ahead to new opportunities and challenges. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in educational practices, universities are moving beyond technological experimentation towards more strategic, responsible and pedagogically grounded approaches. At the same time, the growing demand for lifelong learning, flexible learning pathways and inclusive education is reshaping how institutions design, deliver and support learning.

The report brings together independently authored articles by experts from European and international higher education institutions, drawing on research, institutional experiences and practical examples. The individual authors are acknowledged as contributors to the publication, with authorship of each article attributed in the report's table of contents.

The report is structured around five core themes:

• Navigating Transformation in Open Higher Education explores how universities are responding to institutional change, from strategic planning and digital transformation to AI governance, institutional capacity and internationalisation.

• Flexible Pathways for Changing Learners and Labour Markets examines evolving learner needs, student support, adaptive learning, lifelong learning and micro-credentials, alongside the skills required in an AI-transformed labour market.

• Pedagogical Agency and Learning Design focuses on human-centred approaches to AI-supported education, highlighting how educators can use emerging technologies to foster critical thinking, learner agency and meaningful learning experiences.

• Authentic, Collaborative and Inquiry-Based Learning presents innovative approaches to hands-on and collaborative education, including remote and virtual laboratories, AI-supported mathematics learning, digital facilitation and field-based learning.

• Inclusive, Safe and Sustainable Education addresses the importance of accessibility, diversity, student wellbeing and environmental responsibility in creating equitable and sustainable higher education environments.

Together, these contributions offer valuable perspectives for educators, researchers and university leaders navigating the future of higher education. Building on ten years of shared knowledge and innovation, the report continues to emphasise openness, flexibility, inclusion and learner-centred design as essential foundations for meaningful educational transformation.