Innovation and Impact: Shaping Our Value through Trend Analysis

Overview & Synopsis

Several years ago, members of the Futures and Markets (FAM) Commission of the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) realized that the commission was uniquely positioned to put a face on the future of continuing higher education. The commission took on an ambitious research agenda in fall 2010 to identify emerging or future trends that have an impact on continuing professional education; to ask questions regarding the implications of such trends for the association at large; and to develop a range of informed responses to such trends. The commissioners began a conversation about trends that could catalyze the realignment of continuing education. They agreed that the best way to convey the significance of the identified areas and the overarching categories was to develop case studies and conduct an institutional survey relating back to the research agenda. Finally, they needed to share the studies and survey results with the broader membership and solicit feedback from their regional communities of practice (COP's), Executive Committee, and sister commissions. This article describes the efforts and findings of the Futures and Markets Commission, and provides resources for higher education leaders. (Contains 1 figure.)