Liberate yourself from all constraints of place

Regardless of our place of birth, cultural or economic background, gender, or physical ability, we can engage in the activity of our choice in any location by blending the real and virtual worlds. We utilize multi-agent virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality to attend a workshop on a beach in Honolulu while physically in Tokyo, enjoy the sights, scents, and sounds of the Kenyan savannas while in our living room in Helsinki, or experience childbirth in a tranquil setting by recreating our environment with our favorite memories.

Until now: Physical constraints restrict our preferred location

In the future: Ability to combine freely our desired location and activity

Technological and societal challenges

Technology is rapidly making virtual, augmented, and mixed worlds the new reality, and while this presents exciting opportunities, it also raises concerns. We must carefully examine what kind of world we want to live in, including the reasons and barriers that stop us from choosing certain paths. We must also prepare and respond appropriately to the risks that arise when boundaries between the real and the virtual fade.

Expected role of universities

Rooted firmly in the physical world, universities will not only acquire knowledge, but also provide a locus of learning, exploration, and innovation in the company of real people. While maintaining this role, universities will prepare for the evaporation of barriers by offering students—who will be freer to choose what they study—the option of an activity and project-based education that is more student-centric than ever before.

Future scenario

Liberate yourself from all constraints of place

A scenario in PDF

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