A new paradigm for global university evaluation has emerged, emphasizing the actual impact of research, international collaboration, and social value, moving beyond mere publication counts and quantitative metrics. Amid the transformative AI revolution, leaders from top global university ranking organizations and domestic higher education experts convened to explore solutions for enhancing the global competitiveness and reputation of South Korean universities.
Sookmyung Women's University announced that it hosted the 17th University Ranking Forum of Korea (URFK) on September 17 at the Han Sang-eun Lounge in the Centennial Memorial Hall in Yongsan, Seoul. Organized by the Korean University Ranking Forum and hosted by Sookmyung Women's University, the event was supported by Busan University of Foreign Studies, Clarivate, and Elsevier, attracting over 130 participants, including university presidents, planning directors, evaluation practitioners, and scholars from Korea and abroad.
Founded in 2014, the Korean University Ranking Forum is a prominent expert group that assesses the objectivity and rationality of global university evaluations and develops response strategies for domestic universities amid a rapidly changing higher education landscape.
This year's forum was themed 'Better Universities, Better Futures.' As global university evaluations shift from a focus on publication counts to a broader consideration of research quality, societal impact, industry-academia collaboration, reputation, and community contributions, the forum addressed the need for substantial improvements and innovative strategies within domestic universities.
Representatives from the three leading global university ranking organizations (THE, QS, Shanghai Ranking), as well as officials from Elsevier and Springer Nature, gathered for the event.
The morning session began with a welcome address from Sookmyung Women's University President Moon Si-yeon, followed by a presentation by Planning Director Park Kyung-tae on 'Proud Sookmyung, Beyond 120 – SMWU’s 120 Year-Long Endeavor,' outlining the university's vision as it approaches its 120th anniversary. This was followed by congratulatory remarks from Ajou University President Choi Gi-joo and a keynote speech by former Seoul National University President Oh Se-jung.
International scholars also delivered engaging presentations. Anders Karlsson, Vice President of Elsevier, discussed how universities' contributions to their communities create a virtuous cycle leading to global competitiveness. Phil Baty, Vice President of THE, and Leigh Kamolins, Vice President of QS, highlighted the latest trends and changes in university evaluations in the AI era, capturing the audience's attention.
In the afternoon, practical sessions focused on 'Global Competence and Research Evaluation' and 'Ranking Indicators and University Innovation.' Participants explored effective ways to promote South Korean universities' outstanding research achievements, the use of research data analysis tools, and the evolving methodologies of university evaluations.
The final session featured Busan University of Foreign Studies' Director of University Performance Analysis, Koo Kyung-mo, who presented strategies for enhancing the global competitiveness of specialized universities focused on humanities and languages, proposing ways to ensure diversity.
Park Kyung-tae, Planning Director of Sookmyung Women's University, stated, 'Global university evaluations are evolving to comprehensively assess various achievements of universities, including research outcomes, international reputation, research impact, and social value.' He expressed hope that the forum would serve as a catalyst for practical innovations and strategies to enhance global competitiveness among universities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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