Polytechnic Summit

Shaping the Future of Polytechnic Education Throughout the World.
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Annual Polytechnic Summit

In 2017, six universities—Coventry University (UK), Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (Germany), Technological University Dublin (Ireland), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland), Purdue University (U.S.) and University of Wisconsin – Stout (U.S.)—came together to develop relationships and strategic collaborative opportunities through successful development and delivery of university-level degree programs, applied research, professional development programs, and community outreach activities. Among the scope of these activities is an annual conference—the Polytechnic Summit.

The annual Polytechnic Summit brings polytechnic academic professionals and community leaders together to focus on innovation in curriculum and applied research, to build opportunities for collaboration and partnership on research and student learning, and to share best practices specific to active, applied learning. The Summit assembles leaders who shape the future of polytechnic education.

Past Summit Themes and Topics

  • Developing Cross-Institutional Research Partnerships Focusing On The UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Industry and Higher Education Collaborations: Keys to Fostering Qualified Talent
  • General Education at Polytechnic Institutions
  • Developing an Institutional Change Plan Towards Gender Equity
  • Harnessing Digital Technology for Humanitarian Aid and International Development
  • Design and Fabrication of Functional Parts with a Desktop 3D Printer
2022 Polytechnic Summit | Hochschule Darmstadt

Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences | June 28-30, 2022 (Hybrid)

Keynote Presentations
  • "Future Perspectives of Teaching and Learning at Universities of Applied Sciences,” Ulrike Tippe, TH Wildau
  • "Bridging the Research-Practice Gap: A Practitioner's Views on University Education," Klaus-Michael Ahrend, HEAG Holding AG Investment Management
  • "Designing an Open Polytechnic University," Michael Lacourse, Utah Tech University

View the 2022 Polytechnic Summit Archive

Read the 2022 Summit Session Papers

2019 Polytechnic Summit | University of Wisconsin-Stout

University of Wisconsin-Stout | June 4-5, 2019

Keynote Presenters
  • Keynote Panel: "Global Partners European Alliance," Barbara Howell, Coventry University; Bernd Steffensen, Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences; Mark Deegan, Technology University-Dublin; Uwe W. Schulz, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts; Robert F. Cox, Purdue University; and Charles Bomar, University of Wisconsin-Stout
  • Additional Keynote Presenters
    • Bob Meyer, University of Wisconsin-Stout
    • Craig Yolitz, University of Wisconsin-Stout
    • Denise M. Anderson, University of Wisconsin-Stout
    • Steve Hellen, Catholic Relief Services

View the 2019 Polytechnic Summit Archive

2018 Polytechnic Summit | Purdue University

Purdue University | June 1-6, 2018

Keynote Presentations
  • "Becoming a Successful Change Master: 5 Subtle Shifts Toward the New Missing Basics of Effective Practitioners," Dave Goldberg, ThreeJoy Associates, Inc.
  • "Global Trends and the Future of Higher Education," Jaime Saavedra
  • "STEM Education: What We Know Works & Why It's Not Widely Done," Phillip D. Long, University of Texas at Austin
  • "The 21st Century Polytechnic University," Gary Bertoline, Purdue University
  • "The Evolution of a Polytechnic University," Patrick Guilfoile & Glendali Rodriguez, University of Wisconsin-Stout
  • "Transforming Higher Education in Engineering and Technology," Carlos Heeren

View the 2018 Polytechnic Summit Archive

2017 Polytechnic Summit | Purdue University

Purdue University | June 6-7, 2017

Keynote Presentations
  • "21st Century Polytechnics," Gary Bertoline, Purdue University
  • "Leveraging Engineering Education Innovation to Redefine Undergraduate Education," Vincent P. Manno, Olin College of Engineering
  • "Traversing Boundaries to Transform Virginia Tech into a 'VT-Shaped University'," Tim Sands, Virginia Tech
  • "A Novel Approach to Engineering Education," Carlos Heeran, Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia

View the 2017 Polytechnic Summit Archive

Thank you to our past Summit Sponsors:

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