Moonshots
AFIT’s Strategic Vision for the Future
Our Massive Transformative Purpose (MTP):
We are a collaborative community of innovators leading the radical renewal of higher education..
Our Mindset:
We believe that:
- A supportive CEO Network is vital for empowering the courageous leadership needed to navigate and shape the future of higher education.
- Innovation and transformation are indispensable for maintaining relevance and responsiveness in a changing society.
- Building communities of practice and fostering shared learning experiences propel growth and transformation.
- Learning from organizations outside of higher education can challenge mindsets, broaden perspectives, and spark big ideas.
- Creating a safe space for inquiry, exploration, and experimentation is essential for nurturing innovation.
- Embracing failure and learning from our attempts is just as important as learning from our successes.
Our Promise:
The Alliance for Innovation and Transformation (AFIT) promises to provide an inspirational and transformative experience for all members, guiding them to explore pathways for innovation. This experience is characterized by:
- An engaging atmosphere that stokes curiosity, fosters creativity, challenges mindsets, and champions change.
- Accessible and inclusive programming that promotes innovation and yields actionable solutions and strategies that drive organizational transformation.
- Year-round collaboration that connects colleagues from different member organizations, thereby enhancing impact and fostering broader engagement.
Supporting this promise, AFIT commits to:
- Leadership and decision-making processes that mirror inclusive trajectories of change and growth.
- A continuous learning journey shaped by members’ diverse needs and interests.
- A meticulously curated calendar filled with timely, relevant CEO-centric, campus representative, and asynchronous events and programs.
- A proactive communication strategy paired with a robust infrastructure that empowers members to pursue innovative initiatives, monitor progress, and share best practices.
Moonshots and Innovation Goals:
Transform AFIT member organizations into technology-driven powerhouses.
This moonshot aims to empower AFIT member organizations to thrive in an increasingly digital and competitive world by integrating cutting-edge technology, data-driven decision-making, and innovative practices that enhance operational efficiency, competitiveness, and stakeholder engagement.
Innovation Goal 1:
AFIT will curate optional "heads-in, hands-on" immersive learning experiences, empowering members and their teams to explore and master emerging technologies so they can champion technological adoption within higher education.
Innovation Goal 2:
We will pilot an optional Technology Advisory Community of Practice*, dedicated to integrating cutting-edge digital tools and strategies to enrich learning experiences and streamline operations, keeping our member organizations at the forefront of the digital revolution.
Propel AFIT member organizations toward financial prosperity.
In an era of economic uncertainty, this moonshot aims to help AFIT member organizations build resilient financial models that support long-term growth and stability through strategic financial practices, optimized resource management, and innovative revenue streams.
Innovation Goal 1:
AFIT will pilot an optional Financial Resilience Community of Practice* to pioneer innovative funding models, enhance cost management, and boost operational efficiency. This collaborative effort aims to equip institutions to navigate economic fluctuations by drawing on the financial strategies of the world's leading organizations.
Cultivate AFIT member organizations as incubators of human potential.
This moonshot aims to help AFIT member organizations become environments that not only adapt to change but also lead in shaping the future workforce and society, by empowering individuals to reach their full potential through innovative education, leadership development, and a strong commitment to inclusivity.
Innovation Goal 1:
AFIT will pilot an optional Talent Development Community of Practice* to address the evolving talent needs of higher education. This group will focus on innovative strategies for attracting and retaining a diverse workforce, incorporating proven recruitment and retention tactics from various industries.
Innovation Goal 2:
AFIT will explore the potential development of a collaborative research initiative to advance transformative projects focused on the future of leaders in higher education.
*A Community of Practice empowers AFIT members to learn from one another and further leverage AFIT’s network of world-class learning partners as they pursue innovative initiatives that will transform their organizations and shape the future of higher education.
AFIT's Strategic Vision for the Future was developed through a collaborative effort involving our Executive Committee, member CEOs, Reps, community members, and staff, with expert guidance from our strategic planning partners at: 