About the Future of Education Consortium
Partnerships Driving the Future of Education
About Us
The Future of Education Consortium is a dynamic community of forward-thinking educators, technologists, and visionaries dedicated to shaping the future of education.
Pivotal Moment
The Challenges Facing Education Today
While the advancements in global education technology make the potential of EdTech solutions undeniable, numerous hurdles and risks must be considered in a sector evolving as rapidly as the education sector.
Teachers Struggling with Rapidly Evolving Tools
Educators often find it challenging to keep pace with the constant advancement of EdTech tools, which can hinder effective classroom integration.
Students Outpacing Educators in Technology
Students are frequently more adept at using technology than their teachers, creating a gap in classroom dynamics and learning strategies.
Lack of Communication Between Companies and Governments
The disconnect between EdTech companies and government entities slows down the adoption and regulation of new technologies in education.
Government Apprehension Toward EdTech
Some governments are hesitant to embrace educational technology due to concerns about cost, security, and the efficacy of digital learning solutions.
Inconsistent Implementation of EdTech Globally
While some regions fully integrate EdTech, others lag behind, creating unequal access to modern learning tools.
Disconnect Between Education and Future Job Requirements
There is often a mismatch between current educational practices and the skills students need for future careers, particularly in areas like innovation and digital literacy.
Need for Critical Thinking and Innovation Skills
Today’s learners require more than just knowledge—they need critical thinking and innovative problem-solving skills to succeed in the fast-changing global landscape.
Global Edtech market growth
Why Education Matters… Now
The global education technology market size was valued at USD 298.5 billion in 2023, and it is expected to experience an annual growth rate of 17.4% from 2024 to 2030. By 2030, the market is estimated to reach USD 911.9 billion.
The global education market is projected to reach at least $10 trillion by 2030 driven by population growth in developing markets and unprecedented re-skilling and up-skilling by technology in developed economies.
Source:https://www.psmarketresearch.com/
Education Technology Market Size
A Cross-Sector Partnership for Change
Our Vision
At the Future of Education Consortium we want to create tangible impact on learners’ lives and pioneer transformative learning experiences that enhance access, engagement, and success through technology for students everywhere.
Our Mission
Our mission is to develop a dynamic community of forward-thinking educators, technologists, policymakers, and visionaries dedicated to shaping the future of education: A curated platform for education policymakers and the EdTech industry, educators, and practitioners to collaborate, expand their network, to address the evolving challenges in the education sector.
By connecting people across industries and borders, we use the power of networking, and collaboration to make real change happen.
We don’t just talk about real change; we take action and make it happen.
How the consortium works
Our Operational Framework
The Future of Education Consortium operates through a structured approach that emphasises collaboration, networking, and practical initiatives.
Membership Model
The consortium welcomes a diverse range of members, including educators, technologists, policymakers, and industry leaders. Members pay an annual subscription fee, which grants them access to events, resources, and networking and internationalisation opportunities.
Regular Events
The consortium holds 4-5 face-to-face meetings annually, including the prestigious Cambridge Innovation Summit. These gatherings provide members with the opportunity to share insights, discuss challenges, and collaborate on projects that address pressing educational issues.
Collaborative Projects
Members collaborate on specific projects and initiatives aimed at addressing real-world problems in education. These projects often focus on leveraging technology, promoting best practices, and influencing educational policy.
Global Networking
The consortium not only provides a global network of participants, but also boasts a diverse and extensive network of friends, potential experts, and speakers, affiliated with the Future of Education Consortium.
Access to Expertise
Led by European Diplomats and supported by the Centre for Business Innovation (CfBI), the consortium connects members with experts from various fields and diverse sectors. This access to key individuals , knowledge and resources enhances the consortium’s ability to tackle complex challenges.
Focus on Impact
The consortium prioritises initiatives that align with global standards, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that its efforts contribute to advancing quality education on a global scale.
Collaborative Advantage & Cambridge-Based Methodologies
We believe that collaboration is key to driving innovation. Our collaborative model ensures that every member has the opportunity to contribute, learn, and implement innovative strategies within their organisation.
Cambridge-based methodologies are driven by the Cambridge technology cluster. The primary approach involves bringing together diverse actors from various industries in one room to create world-class innovative solutions.
Uniting Experts to Transform Education
Benefits of Joining the Consortium
By joining the Consortium, you gain access to an extensive network in education, diplomacy and EdTech, including contacts at the University of Cambridge, and throughout the UK and Europe. This allows you to engage with professionals, build lasting partnerships, and leverage resources for advancing education through technology.
Research & Insights
Exclusive Access to Cutting-Edge Research & Insights
Receive curated reports, market analysis, and thought leadership on the most pressing trends in education technology, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve.
Collaborative Projects & Initiatives
Collaborative Projects with Industry Leaders
Work hand-in-hand with top global organisations, universities, and EdTech pioneers. From pilot programs to collaborative research, your contributions will shape tomorrow’s education landscape.
Government Access
Access to Government Collaboration
Through our partnership with European Diplomats, Consortium members gain unparalleled access to government settings across Europe. This complementary service opens doors to key discussions and partnerships, ensuring that our members are well-positioned to influence policy and collaborate with government entities.
Networking & Community
World-Class Networking Opportunities
Build valuable connections with like-minded professionals, industry leaders, and experts. Share ideas, challenges, and solutions in a trusted, forward-thinking community.
Events & Professional Development
Thematic Events and Workshops
Participate in events on innovative topics, such as blended learning, gamification, AI in the classroom, equitable access, and data privacy.
Professional Development & Mentorship
Access personal growth opportunities through mentorship programs, leadership workshops, and strategic discussions, learning from top industry experts.
Who are the members of the Future of Education Consortium?
The Future of Education Consortium unites public and private sector organisations from the UK and across Europe, all dedicated to transforming education through cutting-edge technologies. Our ideal members are forward-thinking organisations or individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of education, committed to driving innovation, and eager to make a lasting impact on the world.
Innovators in Education
Our members are passionate about advancing education by embracing cutting-edge technologies and driving meaningful change within the learning landscape.
Collaborative Leaders
They believe in the power of collaboration between public and private sectors to create impactful, sustainable solutions that benefit educators, learners, and institutions alike.
Drivers of Growth
As forward-thinking individuals and organisations, our members lead innovation and growth within their fields, continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible in education.
Engaged and Connected
They actively participate in discussions, share knowledge, and collaborate on real-world initiatives, all while building global connections with leaders in education and technology.
Members
Our Current and Past Members
South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Edufication
RM Education
The World Heritage Group
Rand Europe
Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology
Obelus Learning and Consultancy
Malta National Skills Councill, Ministry of Education
Berlin Research Institute for the Economics of Education and Social Affairs
Individual members and further applicants from Estonia, Germany, Malta, Finland, Poland, The Netherlands, Austria as well.
We welcome
Public and Private Sector Leaders
Companies, government agencies, and NGOs looking to innovate, influence education policy, and collaborate on impactful projects.
Educational Institutions
Universities, schools, and research institutes aiming to stay ahead of trends and bring cutting-edge knowledge to their communities.
EdTech Innovators
Organizations pushing the boundaries of technology in education, eager to collaborate on emerging trends and implement solutions.
Policymakers and Regulators
Individuals seeking to understand and shape the future of education policy, benefiting from the collective expertise and international network of the consortium.
Cross-Sector Enthusiasts
Professionals from sectors outside traditional education, who have a vested interest in how learning and innovation intersect with their industries.
The Cornerstone of the consortium Membership
The Consortium In-Person Meetings
The Future of Education Consortium meetings are vital for building relationships, sharing insights, and driving meaningful change in the education sector.
Our consortium gathers every few months to address key issues and challenges raised by our members, coordinate structured, member-led discussions, and facilitate processes to find effective solutions.
Each event is unique, hosted by a different member organisation.
Members benefit from:
- Site visits and introductions to leading organisations.
- Thematic Events: blended learning and student-centered approaches, gamification in education, artificial intelligence and its role in personalized learning, cybersecurity, and data privacy in education.
- Cross-sector collaboration.
- Exclusive access to educational projects.
- Knowledge management and technology intelligence frameworks to stay ahead in their fields.
- Keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities.
The Future of Education Consortium facilitates members to learn from experts, gain direct value from initiatives and collaborations, and engage in important conversations about current educational challenges.
Upcoming In-person meeting
Edtech Beyond Borders: Expanding Innovation Internationally
How educational technology can be effectively scaled across countries, regions, and industries.
This event will explore both the opportunities and challenges of global EdTech expansion, including the need to adapt to varied education systems, navigate regulatory frameworks, and ensure equitable access to technology. By bringing together leaders from education, diverse industries, and policy, the event aims to support collaboration and share practical strategies for positioning education at the forefront of innovation.
Edtech Beyond Borders: Expanding Innovation Internationally
Tallinn December 5, 2024
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Previous Membership Meetings
The Future of Education Consortium was successfully launched on 27 September 2023, marking the start of its inaugural consortium meeting.
Charting the Future of Education
Hosted by Newnham College
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Date: September 27 2023
Meeting's Highlights
The Future of Education Consortium’s first meeting brought together key stakeholders to discuss how to shape the future of learning. A central theme was creating future-proof curricula that can adapt to technological advancements and evolving student demographics. The meeting opened with a networking session, followed by breakout discussions. A highlight of the event was the interactive keynote by Franziska Drauz (Future Digital Education), Dieter Dohmen (FiBS), and Jonathan Viner (10Digits), which focused on digital learning. Another significant moment was the panel discussion on the role of AI in education.
Future of Education
Hosted by South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences
Location: Mikkeli, Finland
Date: January 25 2024
Meeting's Highlights
Estonia’s Ambassador-at-large for Education, Kaili Terras, sparked engaging debates on the integration of AI and EdTech, highlighting its transformative potential in learning while also raising concerns about its overuse in classrooms. In a working session led by Malta’s National Skills Council, participants identified the core values for the Consortium. This meeting laid the groundwork for 2024.
The Power of Collaboration
Hosted by RM Education Headquarters
Location: Abingdon, United Kingdom
Date: April 10 2024
Meeting's Highlights
The event featured a session on funding opportunities, followed by a Speed Dating Exercise for potential collaborations. A panel discussion explored the integration of technology in curriculum design, while virtual reality trials were showcased in classroom settings. The day concluded with a networking session that facilitated further connections and discussions.
Future-Ready Education
Hosted by Impact Hub and Fröbel Group, former Ministry of Education of former East Germany
Location: Berlin, Germany
Date: July 04 2024
Meeting's Highlights
The event included a visit to Kiron Open Higher Education, where participants engaged in a workshop focused on problem-solving approaches to educational challenges. This was complemented by a presentation on corporate success and social responsibility, led by Prof. Ingo Rollwagen, who offered insights into the implications of the evolving job landscape for learning. Attendees also participated in a mindfulness session and a presentation on the future of work. In the afternoon, participants were hosted by the Fröbel Group that once housed the Ministry of Education of former East Germany. Working groups addressed topics such as international commercialisation in EdTech, user-centered innovation technology, and education technology in early childhood education. The day concluded with a visit to CODE University to explore project-based learning and mentorship, followed by a networking dinner.
AI and Human-Centered Learning
Hosted by Anglia Ruskin University
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Date: September 10 2024
Meeting's Highlights
The day began with a presentation by Professor Chris Land, who addressed the evolving role of education in the context of AI and the future of work. Alistair Starling outlined the Consortium’s vision, followed by a panel featuring experts discussing the transformative impact of AI in education. Annette Levesque presented her book, E-Learning Gold, emphasizing strategies for leaders in virtual education. Professor Daniel Berger highlighted human skills beyond the reach of AI. The day included a walking tour of Anglia Ruskin’s campus and concluded with a Gala Dinner at Westminster College, Cambridge University.
Member-led Organisation
How to join the Future of Education Consortium
The Future of Education Consortium opens the door to exclusive opportunities, world-class insights, and collaboration with leading innovators in education.
Full Annual Membership
Become a Consortium Member
The yearly membership fee to the Future of education consortium is £8,000.
The Membership fee includes:
- Access to 5 in-person meetings per year, including an invitation to the prestigious Cambridge Innovation Summit (with complimentary access).
- Up to 3 delegates of your organisation’s key team members are allowed to participate.
- Participation in thematic events, networking opportunities, and thought-provoking discussions with experts across the Education and EdTech sectors.
- Written outcomes of working sessions.
- Desk research on subjects of interest to the Consortium.
- Logistics support for meetings and alerts (additional 1-2-1s are available).
- Expert insight by Dr Peter Hewkin and Alistair Starling.
CfBIs standard Terms and Conditions apply.
(prices UK VAT excluded)
** We offer tiered membership packages for institutions and companies to access events, reports, and decision-making influence, including a “delegate wins delegate scheme” offering a discounted rate.
Please book a call for more information.
Join as an Observer
One Day Delegate
For the organisations not ready to commit to full membership just yet, we exceptionally offer the possibility to attend the upcoming Consortium meeting in Tallinn, Estonia as an Observer.
This option is available once for a One Day Delegate Pass allowing you to experience our discussions and meet our members before signing up as a full rights member.
Access to a global network
International Relations Powered
The Future of Education Consortium is powered by European Diplomats, who specialises in internationalisation and exporting through commercial diplomacy.
European Diplomats provide strategic guidance to private sector, non-profit and governmental organisations, helping you internationalise whilst effectively navigating the complex landscape of B2B, B2G, G2B and B2B2G relations, to achieve your mission objectives.
Members of the Future of Education Consortium gain access to an extensive network at the University of Cambridge, as well as across the UK and throughout Europe, providing you with a platform to engage with like-minded cross-sector professionals and build lasting partnerships for internationalization of commercial objectives.
Alistair Starling – Founder of European Diplomats
Cambridge-Based Methodologies
Centre for Business Innovation (CfBI)
The Centre for Business Innovation Limited (CfBI), based in Cambridge, UK, is a pioneering service organisation dedicated to creating and facilitating communities that foster collaboration among members.
With over 15 years of experience, the CfBI led by Dr. Peter Hewkin, helps participants work towards common goals in a trusting environment, embodying the principles of Open Innovation.
The CfBI offers 8 Collaborative Consortia that bring together leading companies, research institutes, and government agencies from Europe and the USA.
The CfBI, carefully manages consortium memberships to maximise value and mitigate conflicts of interest. Our members appreciate our informed and inspirational approach, with many participating for over seven years.
This draws primarily on the ‘Collaborative Advantage’ formula which was created by the CfBI team at the Centre for Exploitation of Science and Technology in the 1990s.
