Swinburne brings people and technology together to build a better world

Swinburne University of Technology has launched a new 2025 Strategic Plan that sets a bold path for the university to build on its legacy as a leader in technology, innovation and industry engagement. 

Following extensive engagement with the university community and ideas contributed by staff and students, Swinburne Horizon 2025 sets out how Swinburne will achieve its refreshed vision of bringing people and technology together to build a better world. 

Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pascale Quester said this new strategy embodies Swinburne’s commitment to be the prototype of a new and different university for the 21^st century. 

“Swinburne is a young university with a long history. As a dual-sector university, born of a technical college, we are proud of Swinburne’s technology DNA. With this new strategy we are building Swinburne as university that is truly of technology, of innovation and of entrepreneurship.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Pascale Quester said Swinburne will contribute to society’s increasing need for transformative technology and the people to leverage it.

2025 moon shots

Underpinning the strategy are four ambitious ‘moon shots’ that will enable Swinburne to focus and invest in areas that will make a real difference in the world.  

“Putting a man on the moon captured the imagination of the world. It represented the ultimate human ambition and garnered the focus and energy of all who worked on that project,” Professor Quester said.

“To realise our vision, we commit to taking big strides and aspire for moon shots rather than incremental steps. Our moon shots will embolden and energise our staff, students and partners.”

Moon shot 1: Every Swinburne learner gets a work experience

Every undergraduate student will receive work integrated learning and real industry experience during their degree from 2021, including paid placements, internships or industry-linked projects.

Moon shot 2: Every Swinburne graduate gets a job

Swinburne’s goal is for every Swinburne tertiary and vocational graduate to be a job taker or a job creator in a future world of work defined by technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. Swinburne will continue to support graduates to obtain a job immediately and in the medium term through career support and life-long learning.

Moon shot 3: Every Swinburne partner gets a tech solution

When partners come to Swinburne with a problem, they will receive a technology solution. Swinburne will concentrate its efforts in flagship areas where the university is a world leader and has potential to be the industry partner of choice including Space and Aerospace Technology, sustainable solutions to create an Innovative Planet and Medical Technology.

Moon shot 4: Swinburne is the prototype of global best practice

Swinburne will step up to the global stage, in research, education delivery and student recruitment. Swinburne will be the prototype of a new model of university that is fit for purpose in a digital future, looking forward and not backwards in the way it operates and evolves. Focused on the future, Swinburne will be resolute in imagining a different and better way to operate within an ever-changing environment.

Preparing for a digital, tech-rich future

Professor Quester said Swinburne will play a distinct role in contributing to society’s increasing need for transformative technology and the people to leverage it.

“The critical needs of industries, many yet to be created, is behind Swinburne’s purpose to create tomorrow’s technology and the human capital and talent required for a digital, tech-rich future.

“For us, technology is not an end in and of itself. Instead, it is technology’s capacity to enable social, environmental, economic and cultural good that is intrinsically valuable,” she said.