Representing the president of FGV, Carlos Ivan Simonsen Leal, Professor Tales Andreassi, Deputy Director of FGV EAESP, participated in the 2024 edition of the international conference "Reinventing Higher Education", held at the University of Miami, USA. This event, a partnership between IE University and the IE Foundation, has been running since 2010, and stands out as a stage for dialogue on the future directions of higher education.

Bringing together more than 100 experts from a variety of nationalities, the conference addressed emerging trends and current challenges in higher education, and featured contributions from prominent figures such as Laura Kohn-Wood, dean of the University of Miami, and Eric Mazur, professor at Harvard University, who highlighted the need to adapt to changing demographics and integrate new technologies.

Focusing on pedagogical innovations, the event also emphasized the importance of the multidisciplinary and technological approach in education.

The 14th edition of the conference generated several significant results, which include:

• Formulation of Innovative Strategies: the debates and panels provided valuable insights for the formulation of innovative strategies in higher education, especially with regard to the integration of technology and active teaching methodologies.

• Expansion of Collaborative Networks: the event facilitated the expansion of collaborative networks between higher education institutions, fostering strategic partnerships to carry out joint research and development projects.

• Dissemination of Exemplary Practices: exemplary practices and success stories in the implementation of pedagogical and technological innovations were shared, serving as inspiring models for institutions around the globe.

• Commitment to Social Change: the commitment of universities to act as agents of social change was reiterated, emphasizing the need to address issues of equity, diversity and inclusion.

During the conference "Reinventing Higher Education", Professor Tales Andreassi identified four essential pillars for innovation in higher education, which point to significant transformations in the pedagogical approach:

1. Student Engagement Through Collaborative Projects

The transition from lectures to collaborative projects is emphasized as a vital move. This approach fosters active student engagement by placing them at the center of the learning process and encouraging collaboration and critical thinking. The role of the teacher evolves into that of a facilitator, guiding and supporting students in their educational journey.

2. Valuing Multidisciplinary Teaching

The conference underscored the importance of interdisciplinarity, which breaks down traditional knowledge silos. By integrating different disciplines, project-based learning fosters a broader and deeper understanding of subjects, preparing students to solve complex problems in an increasingly interconnected world.

3. Implementation of Innovative Technologies

The adoption of emerging technologies by some courses at the University of Miami, such as augmented reality glasses in Nursing and History courses, exemplifies the potential of technological innovation to enrich the educational experience. Such tools allow students to explore virtual environments and situations, enriching practical and theoretical learning with immersive experiences.

4. Integration of Artificial Intelligence in the Educational Process

The emphasis on artificial intelligence reflects its growing importance as a pedagogical tool. The ability to formulate meaningful questions and tailor learning to individual student needs demonstrates the potential of AI to personalize education, making it more effective and accessible.

These findings, brought to light by Professor Andreassi, are a call to action for educators, administrators, and policymakers to rethink and reshape higher education. The road ahead requires a holistic approach that integrates these pedagogical and technological innovations, with the aim of creating a learning environment that is truly adaptive, inclusive, and prepared for the challenges of the future.