Heriot-Watt launches ambitious 10-year strategy: “Driven by Purpose, Measured by Impact”

Heriot-Watt University has today (21 October) launched Strategy 2035, a 10-year vision that strengthens its reputation as a unique global university.

For more than 200 years, Heriot-Watt University has transformed lives through access to education and research that addresses real-world challenges.

Strategy 2035 builds on Heriot-Watt’s distinctiveness, establishing the University as a global force for innovation, opportunity and societal progress: education that is personalised and flexible; research that tackles complex challenges; an entrepreneurial environment where ideas take root and grow; and an integrated community of learners across its campuses in Scotland, Dubai and Malaysia and online.

Strategy 2035 comes at a time of refreshed leadership and renewed determination to ensure education and research meet the needs of a changing world.

Bruce Pritchard, Chair of Court at Heriot-Watt University, said: “Strategy 2035 has been shaped by extensive engagement with our colleagues, governors, students, alumni and partners, and reflects a shared ambition for Heriot-Watt’s future. It provides a clear framework to guide our decisions and investments over the next decade, ensuring we remain responsive to the needs of society while staying true to the values and strengths that have defined our University for more than 200 years.”

A strong foundation

The Strategy builds on Heriot-Watt’s strengths in science, engineering, business and design. It reinforces the University’s commitment to widening participation, lifelong learning and education that responds to the needs of students, employers, industry and society.

Professor Nola Hewitt-Dundas, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, added: “Heriot-Watt is a remarkable university, with a clear purpose: education and research measured by their positive impact on society. The next decade will define our distinctiveness: education available irrespective of age or geography, research shaped by collaboration with industry, a pipeline of high-growth businesses, and an innovative culture where our staff, students and partners thrive.”

Driving impact through education and research

A central ambition of Strategy 2035 is to broaden access to flexible, high-quality education that equips learners with the skills and confidence to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Through its Online Campus, Heriot-Watt will significantly expand flexible learning opportunities. This builds on decades of distance learning expertise and supports learners throughout their lives and careers.

The Strategy also reinforces the University’s commitment to research that addresses major global challenges. By connecting discovery with application, the University will focus on creating impact in areas including climate and sustainability, health and future technologies.

A global university with Scottish roots

Founded in Edinburgh in 1821, Heriot-Watt has grown into an international university with campuses in Scotland, Dubai and Malaysia. It will build on this network and grow its partnerships around the world. These partnerships will play a central role in extending the reach and impact of the University’s education, research and innovation, while supporting economic and social development.

Looking ahead

The launch of Strategy 2035 marks the start of the next chapter for Heriot-Watt. Working together, colleagues, students, alumni and partners will help turn this vision into reality, creating positive impact in our communities and around the world.

Explore our Strategy 2035 web pages.