Methodology for Developing a Strategy for Implementing Digital Technologies

6. Characteristics of vision and its formulation

A vision represents an inspirational picture of the organization’s future state, answering the questions “Where do we want to be?” and “What transformations do we want to achieve?” A strong vision is inspiring, ambitious, yet realistic. The structure of a vision includes a time frame aligned with the strategic planning cycle.

Good practices for structuring a vision:

clear definition of the time horizon;
focus on societal impact;
inclusion of technologies;
emotive and motivating language.

The table below outlines examples of vision statements from four Croatian and four international higher education institutions.

Table: Examples of vision statement formulations

Higher Education Institution	Vision	Source
Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek	“Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek as a strong research, internationally oriented institution for the creation, sharing, and application of knowledge.”	[11]
Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing (FER), University of Zagreb	“FER’s vision is to be a recognizable European higher education and research institution in electrical engineering, computing, and information & communication technology, shaping the futures of Croatia and Europe by educating excellent technological talents and responsible leaders .”	[12]
Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences (ERF), University of Zagreb	“The vision of the Faculty is to become an internationally recognized higher education institution for excellence in teaching and research, with a strong professional impact on its wider environment.”	[13]
Faculty of Economics, University of Osijek	“The vision of the Faculty of Economics in Osijek is to be an institution recognized for excellence, innovation, and creativity in education and research in economics and business, and for its contribution to the community at the regional, national, and international levels.”	[14]
Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), USA	“To provide distinctive and relevant education in an environment of scientific, technological, and professional knowledge creation and innovation.” — (Used by IIT as both mission and forward-looking framing, often functioning as a concise vision statement.)	[15]
University College London (UCL), United Kingdom	“Our distinctive approach to research, education, and innovation will further inspire our community of staff, students, and partners to transform how the world is understood, how knowledge is created and shared, and the way that global problems are solved.”	[16]
University of Sheffield, United Kingdom	“Our vision and 2020–27 strategic plan: We will deliver life-enhancing research, innovation, and education that not only transforms the lives of our graduates, but shapes the world we live in.”	[17]
The Ohio State University, USA	“Ohio State University is the model 21st-century public, land-grant, research, urban, community-engaged institution.”	[18]