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The English-language special issue of Beiträge zur Hochschulforschung examines the future prospects of higher education institutions in the context of sustainability, inclusion and global transformation processes. Produced in collaboration with guest editors Prof Eva Cendon (FernUniversität in Hagen), Prof Mpine Makoe (University of South Africa – UNISA) and Irina Haury (FernUniversität in Hagen), the issue is based on the UN's 2030 Agenda with its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UNESCO initiative ‘Futures of Education’.

An introductory overview article opens up a global perspective on higher education development, highlights inclusion and sustainability, and discusses alternative, non-Eurocentric approaches. Other articles deal with open science as a tool for knowledge justice and SDG-oriented research, the commitment to sustainability at European universities, starting a degree programme in distance learning, and the connection between discrimination, social integration and mental health.

Practical contributions from South Africa and Mauritius broaden the view on decolonial approaches and national strategies for the future. The issue is complemented by a viewpoint on sustainable human resource management, two book reviews, and insights into the strategic management of distance learning universities by Prof Puleng LenkaBula (University of South Africa) and Prof Ada Pellert (former Rector of FernUniversität in Hagen, current Rector of the University of Klagenfurt).